bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Leg Cycling Offsets Reduced Muscle Oxygenation in Hypoxic Environments
Authors: Draper Shane , Singer Tyler , Dulaney Cody , McDaniel John
Published: July 2022

The intensity of large muscle mass exercise declines at altitude due to reduced oxygen delivery to active muscles. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the greater limb blood flow during single-leg cycling prevents the reduction in tissue oxygenation observed during traditional double-leg cycling in hypoxic conditions. Ten healthy individuals performed bouts of double and single-leg cycling (4, four-minute stages at 50–80% of their peak oxygen consumption) in hypoxic (15% inspired O2) and normoxic conditions. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, femoral blood flow, lactate, oxygenated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin, and tissue saturation index in the vastus lateralis were recorded during cycling tests. Femoral blood flow (2846 ± 912 mL/min) and oxygenated hemoglobin (−2.98 ± 3.56 au) during single-leg cycling in hypoxia were greater than double-leg cycling in hypoxia (2429 ± 835 mL/min and −6.78 ± 3.22 au respectively, p ≤ 0.01). In addition, tissue saturation index was also reduced in the double-leg hypoxic condition (60.2 ± 3.1%) compared to double-leg normoxic (66.0 ± 2.4%, p = 0.008) and single-leg hypoxic (63.3 ± 3.2, p < 0.001) conditions. These data indicate that while at altitude, use of reduced muscle mass exercise can help offset the reduction in tissue oxygenation observed during larger muscle mass activities allowing athletes to exercise at greater limb/muscle specific intensities.
Distribution, Assessment, and Source of Heavy Metals in Sediments of the Qinjiang River, China
Authors: Zhang Shuncun , Chen Bo , Du Junru , Wang Tao , Shi Haixin , Wang Feng
Published: July 2022

Heavy metals are toxic, persistent, and non-degradable. After sedimentation and adsorption, they accumulate in water sediments. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of heavy metal pollution of Qinjiang River sediments and its effects on the ecological environment and apportioning sources. The mean total concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Pb are 3.14, 2.33, 1.39, 5.79, and 1.33 times higher than the background values, respectively. Co, Ni, and Cd concentrations are lower than the background values. Fe, Co, Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb are all primarily in the residual state, while Mn and Zn are primarily in the acid-soluble and oxidizable states, respectively. Igeo, RI, SQGs, and RAC together indicate that the pollution status and ecological risk of heavy metals in Qinjiang River sediments are generally moderate; among them, Fe, Co, Ni, Cd, Cr, and Pb are not harmful to the ecological environment of the Qinjiang River. Cu is not readily released because of its higher residual composition, suggesting that Cu is less harmful to the ecological environment. Mn and Zn, as the primary pollution factors of the Qinjiang River, are harmful to the ecological environment. This heavy metal pollution in surface sediments of the Qinjiang River primarily comes from manganese and zinc ore mining. Manganese carbonate and its weathered secondary manganese oxide are frequently associated with a significant amount of residual copper and Cd, as a higher pH is suitable for the deposition and enrichment of these heavy metals. Lead–zinc ore and its weathering products form organic compounds with residual Fe, Co, Cr, and Ni, and their content is related to salinity. The risk assessment results of heavy metals in sediments provide an important theoretical basis for the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in Qinjiang River.
Latanoprostene Bunod 0.024% in the Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lo Tzu-Chen , Chen Yu-Yen , Hung Man-Chen , Chou Pesus
Published: July 2022

Latanoprostene bunod (LBN) 0.024%, a newly approved glaucoma eye drop, is metabolized into latanoprost acid and a nitric oxide (NO)-donating moiety, thus increasing the outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral and trabecular routes, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of LBN among patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). The effectiveness of LBN was also compared with timolol maleate 0.5% and latanoprost 0.005%. We searched PubMed and Embase between 1 January 2010, and 31 March 2022 and adopted only peer-reviewed clinical studies in our meta-analysis. A total of nine studies (2389 patients with OAG or OHT) assessing the IOP-reduction effect of LBN were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) of IOP between post-treatment time points (2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months) and baseline were calculated. The pooled analysis according to each time point revealed a significant IOP drop after LBN treatment (all p values for SMD < 0.05). In addition, LBN revealed a significantly stronger efficacy in decreasing IOP than timolol maleate 0.5% and latanoprost 0.005% during the follow-up period of three months. No serious side effects of LBN 0.024% were reported. Our study concluded that LBN could achieve good performance for IOP reduction in patients with OAG and OHT. The safety was favorable with no severe side effects.
Fetal Bowel Abnormalities Suspected by Ultrasonography in Microvillus Inclusion Disease: Prevalence and Clinical Significance
Authors: Sun Yue , Leng Changsen , van Ijzendoorn Sven C. D.
Published: July 2022

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is a rare, inherited, congenital, diarrheal disorder that is invariably fatal if left untreated. Within days after birth, MVID presents as a life-threatening emergency characterized by severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and weight loss. Diagnosis is cumbersome and can take a long time. Whether MVID could be diagnosed before birth is not known. Anecdotal reports of MVID-associated fetal bowel abnormalities suspected by ultrasonography (that is, dilated bowel loops and polyhydramnios) have been published. These are believed to be rare, but their prevalence in MVID has not been investigated. Here, we have performed a comprehensive retrospective study of 117 published MVID cases spanning three decades. We find that fetal bowel abnormalities in MVID occurred in up to 60% of cases of MVID for which prenatal ultrasonography or pregnancy details were reported. Suspected fetal bowel abnormalities appeared in the third trimester of pregnancy and correlated with postnatal, early-onset diarrhea and case-fatality risk during infancy. Fetal bowel dilation correlated with MYO5B loss-of-function variants. In conclusion, MVID has already started during fetal life in a significant number of cases. Genetic testing for MVID-causing gene variants in cases where fetal bowel abnormalities are suspected by ultrasonography may allow for the prenatal diagnosis of MVID in a significant percentage of cases, enabling optimal preparation for neonatal intensive care.
Retinal Microvascular Signs in Pre- and Early-Stage Diabetic Retinopathy Detected Using Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Xu Fabao , Li Zhiwen , Gao Yang , Yang Xueying , Huang Ziyuan , Li Zhiwei , Zhang Rui , Wang Shaopeng , Guo Xinghong , Hou Xinguo , Ning Xiaolin , Li Jianqiao
Published: July 2022

Purpose Using a wide-field, high-resolution swept-source optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA), this study investigated microvascular abnormalities in patients with pre- and early-stage diabetic retinopathy. Methods 38 eyes of 20 people with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and 39 eyes of 21 people with DR were enrolled in this observational and cross-sectional cohort study, and a refractive error-matched group consisting of 42 eyes of 21 non-diabetic subjects of similar age were set as the control. Each participant underwent a wide-field swept-source OCTA. On OCTA scans (1.2 cm × 1.2 cm), the mean central macular thickness (CMT), the vessel density of the inner retina, superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were independently measured in the whole area (1.2 cm diameter) via concentric rings with varying radii (0–0.3, 0.3–0.6, 0.6–0.9, and 0.9–1.2 cm). Results Patients whose eyes had pre-and early-stage DR showed significantly decreased vessel density in the inner retina, SCP, DCP and CMT (early-stage DR) compared with the control. In addition, compared with the average values upon wide-field OCTA, the decreases were even more pronounced for concentric rings with a radius of 0.9–1.2 cm in terms of the inner retina, SCP, DCP and CMT. Conclusions Widefield OCTA allows for a more thorough assessment of retinal changes in patients with pre- and early-stage DR.; retinal microvascular abnormalities were observed in both groups. In addition, the decreases in retinal vessel density were more significant in the peripheral concentric ring with a radius of 0.9–1.2 cm. The application of novel and wide-field OCTA could potentially help to detect earlier diabetic microvascular abnormalities.
Serum and Adipose Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 in Cardiovascular Surgery Patients: Influence of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Authors: Shibasaki Ikuko , Nakajima Toshiaki , Fukuda Taira , Hasegawa Takaaki , Ogawa Hironaga , Tsuchiya Go , Takei Yusuke , Tezuka Masahiro , Kato Takashi , Kanazawa Yuta , Kano Yasuyuki , Kuwata Toshiyuki , Ouchi Motoshi , Toyoda Shigeru , Aso Yoshimasa , Fukuda Hirotsugu
Published: July 2022

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a novel adipokine and may be involved in the association between adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome. We investigated DPP-4 and adiponectin levels in the serum, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), and their relationship with preoperative factors, as well as comparing the DPP-4 levels in SAT and EAT with and without DPP-4 inhibitors. This study included 40 patients (25 men, age 67.5 ± 13.8 years). The serum adipokine, DPP-4, and adiponectin levels in SAT and EAT were measured using ELISA and Western blotting. The DPP-4 and adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the SAT than in the EAT. The serum DPP-4 and DPP-4 activity levels had no correlation with the DPP-4 levels in the SAT and EAT, but the DPP-4 levels in the SAT and EAT had a positive correlation. The DPP-4 levels in the SAT were positively correlated with atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, DPP-4-inhibitor use, and fasting blood glucose. The DPP-4 levels in the EAT showed a negative correlation with eGFR and a positive correlation with atrial fibrillation. The DPP-4 activity in the serum had a lower tendency in the group taking DPP-4 inhibitors than in the group not taking them. DPP-4 inhibitors may suppress angiogenesis and adipose-tissue hypertrophy.
Episiotomy for Medical Indications during Vaginal Birth—Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors Determining the Performance of This Procedure
Authors: Bączek Grażyna , Rychlewicz Sylwia , Sys Dorota , Rzońca Patryk , Teliga-Czajkowska Justyna
Published: July 2022

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that the percentage of perineal incisions should not exceed 10%, indicating that this is a good goal to achieve, despite the fact that it is still a frequently used medical intervention in Poland. The risk factors for perineal incision that have been analyzed so far in the literature allow, among others, to limit the frequency of performing this procedure. Are they still valid? Have there been new risk factors that we should take into account? We have conducted this study to find the risk factors for performing perineal incision that would reduce the frequency of this procedure. The aim of the study was to check whether the risk factors that were analyzed in the literature are still valid, to find new risk factors for perineal incisions and to compare them among Polish women. This was a single-center retrospective case-control study. The electronic patient records of Saint Sophia’s Hospital in Warsaw, Poland, a tertiary hospital was used to create an anonymous retrospective database of all deliveries from 2015 to 2020. The study included the analysis of two groups, the study group of patients who had had an episiotomy, and the control group-patients without an episiotomy in cases where an episiotomy was indicated. A logistic regression model was developed to assess the risk factors for perineal laceration. Independent risk factors for episiotomy in labor include oxytocin use in the second stage of labor (OR (Odds Ratio) = 6.00; 95% CI (Confidence Interval): 4.76–7.58), the supply of oxytocin in the first and the second stage of labor (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 2.90–3.49), oxytocin use in the first stage of labor (OR = 2.72; 95% CI: 2.52–3.51), state after cesarean section (OR = 2.97; 95% CI: 2.52–3.51), epidural anesthesia use (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.62–1.93), male gender (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02–1.19), and prolonged second stage of labor (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.01). A protective factor against the use of an episiotomy was delivery in the Birth Centre (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.37–0.51) and mulitpara (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.27–0.35). To reduce the frequency of an episiotomy, it is necessary consider the risk factors of performing this procedure in everyday practice, e.g., limiting the use of oxytocin or promoting alternative places of delivery.
Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia Type 1D: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Dabaj Ivana , Hassani Adnan , Burglen Lydie , Qebibo Leila , Guerrot Anne-Marie , Marret Stéphane , Tebani Abdellah , Bekri Soumeya
Published: July 2022

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disorder with multiple subtypes leading to severe neurodevelopmental disabilities. PCH type 1 D is linked to alterations in the EXOSC9 gene. EXOSC9 is a component of the RNA exosome, an evolutionarily conserved ribonuclease complex essential for RNA degradation and processing. The clinical phenotype is characterized by cerebellar and pontine hypoplasia associated with motor neuronopathy. To date, nine patients have been reported in the literature with PCH1D. We report the case of an infant with PCH type 1D due to two variants in the EXOCS9 gene (NM_001034194.1: c.41T>C-p.Leu14Pro) and a novel variant (c.643C>T-p.Arg212*). This report thoroughly reviews the literature PCH1D and highlights the crucial role of the exosome in cellular homeostasis.
Gastric Cancer Screening in Japan: A Narrative Review
Authors: Yashima Kazuo , Shabana Michiko , Kurumi Hiroki , Kawaguchi Koichiro , Isomoto Hajime
Published: July 2022

Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer incidence in Japan, although gastric cancer mortality has decreased over the past few decades. This decrease is attributed to a decline in the prevalence of H. pylori infection. Radiographic examination has long been performed as the only method of gastric screening with evidence of reduction in mortality in the past. The revised 2014 Japanese Guidelines for Gastric Cancer Screening approved gastric endoscopy for use in population-based screening, together with radiography. While endoscopic gastric cancer screening has begun, there are some problems associated with its implementation, including endoscopic capacity, equal access, and cost-effectiveness. As H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis are well-known risk factors for gastric cancer, a different screening method might be considered, depending on its association with the individual’s background and gastric cancer risk. In this review, we summarize the current status and problems of gastric cancer screening in Japan. We also introduce and discuss the results of gastric cancer screening using H. pylori infection status in Hoki-cho, Tottori prefecture. Further, we review risk stratification as a system for improving gastric cancer screening in the future.
The Effect of Low Glycemic Index Mediterranean Diet and Combined Exercise Program on Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Joint Modeling Approach
Authors: Curci Ritanna , Bianco Antonella , Franco Isabella , Campanella Angelo , Mirizzi Antonella , Bonfiglio Caterina , Sorino Paolo , Fucilli Fabio , Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Giampaolo Nicola , Pesole Pasqua Letizia , Osella Alberto Ruben
Published: July 2022

Background: Excessive caloric intake and reduced energy expenditure are associated with the onset of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The aim of this study was to probe the benefits of a low glycemic index Mediterranean diet (LGIMD) and a combined exercise program (CEP) on MAFLD by monitoring the clinical process through anthropometric measurement, body mass index (BMI), and specific biomarkers, such as the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Methods: The study was conducted at the National Institute of Gastroenterology, ‘S. de Bellis’, Italy. Subjects were invited to join the study for 12 months. Results: 54 participants were enrolled. Joint modeling of longitudinal and time-to-event data was applied. Overall, a statistically significant direct effect of LGIMD/CEP adherence on ln (BMI), a statistically significant direct effect of LGIMD/CEP adherence on time-to-event and a strong statistically significant direct effect of log (BMI) on time-to-event were observed. In addition, a statistically significant direct effect of LGIMD/CEP adherence on ln(HOMA-IR), a statistically significant direct effect of LGIMD/CEP adherence on time-to-event and a statistically significant direct effect of ln(HOMA-IR) on time-to-event were observed. Conclusions: LGIMD/CEP significantly improved MAFLD status; in addition, longitudinal BMI and HOMA-IR were good predictors of the disappearance of diagnostic criteria for MAFLD.
Changes in the Care Activity in Addiction Centers with Dual Pathology Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mancheño-Velasco Cinta , Dacosta-Sánchez Daniel , Blanc-Molina Andrea , Narvaez-Camargo Marta , Lozano-Rojas Óscar Martín
Published: July 2022

Background: Health care provision during the COVID-19 pandemic and confinement has led to significant changes in the activity of addiction centers. These changes in healthcare activity may have had a greater impact on patients with dual pathology. The aim of this study is to compare the treatment indicators of patients with dual pathology in addiction centers during the pre-confinement, confinement, and post-confinement periods. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted for the period between 1 February 2019 and 30 June 2021. A total of 2785 patients treated in specialized addiction services were divided into three periods according to their time of admission: pre-confinement, confinement, and post-confinement. Results: During the pre-pandemic period, the addiction centers attended to an average of 121.3 (SD = 23.58) patients, decreasing to 53 patients during confinement (SD = 19.47), and 80.69 during the post-confinement period (SD = 15.33). The number of appointments scheduled monthly for each patient decreased during the confinement period, although this number increased after confinement. There was a reduction in the number of toxicological tests carried out both during and after confinement (except for alcohol). Conclusions: The results show a reduction in the number of patients seen and the care activity delivered to dual diagnosis patients. These results, which were caused by the COVID-preventive measures, may affect the progress and recovery of dual patients. A greater investment is needed to bring the care activity up to the standards of the years prior to confinement.
Autoimmune Disease Classification Based on PubMed Text Mining
Authors: Samuels Hadas , Malov Malki , Saha Detroja Trishna , Ben Zaken Karin , Bloch Naamah , Gal-Tanamy Meital , Avni Orly , Polis Baruh , Samson Abraham O.
Published: July 2022

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are often co-associated, and about 25% of patients with one AID tend to develop other comorbid AIDs. Here, we employ the power of datamining to predict the comorbidity of AIDs based on their normalized co-citation in PubMed. First, we validate our technique in a test dataset using earlier-reported comorbidities of seven knowns AIDs. Notably, the prediction correlates well with comorbidity (R = 0.91) and validates our methodology. Then, we predict the association of 100 AIDs and classify them using principal component analysis. Our results are helpful in classifying AIDs into one of the following systems: (1) gastrointestinal, (2) neuronal, (3) eye, (4) cutaneous, (5) musculoskeletal, (6) kidneys and lungs, (7) cardiovascular, (8) hematopoietic, (9) endocrine, and (10) multiple. Our classification agrees with experimentally based taxonomy and ranks AID according to affected systems and gender. Some AIDs are unclassified and do not associate well with other AIDs. Interestingly, Alzheimer’s disease correlates well with other AIDs such as multiple sclerosis. Finally, our results generate a network classification of autoimmune diseases based on PubMed text mining and help map this medical universe. Our results are expected to assist healthcare workers in diagnosing comorbidity in patients with an autoimmune disease, and to help researchers in identifying common genetic, environmental, and autoimmune mechanisms.
Cardiac Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes
Authors: Rubiś Paweł P.
Published: July 2022

Although the epidemiology—as well as the morbidity and mortality—of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is a subject of constant change, nevertheless, CVDs are still the primary (or secondary at best after neoplasms) cause of deaths in developed countries [...]
Olfaction Recovery following Dupilumab Is Independent of Nasal Polyp Reduction in CRSwNP
Authors: Cantone Elena , De Corso Eugenio , Ricciardiello Filippo , Di Nola Claudio , Grimaldi Giusi , Allocca Viviana , Motta Gaetano
Published: July 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic type 2 inflammatory disease characterized by olfactory impairment (OI) as one of the most troublesome symptoms. Currently, biologics represent a new option in the treatment of uncontrolled type 2 CRSwNP. This is a retrospective real-life observational study involving adult patients affected by severe uncontrolled CRSwNP. At baseline, and 3 and 6 months after Dupilumab add on to intranasal steroids (INS), patients underwent the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), nasal endoscopy, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scale for OI, and Sniffin Sticks-16 items identification test (SS-I). We observed improvement in all clinical outcomes with a significant correlation between VAS-SS-I/SNOT22, whereas we did not find a correlation between Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) and SS-I or VAS. Interestingly, patients reported a higher degree of improvement of OI on the VAS than on the SS-I. These data demonstrate that the patients were not aware about the degree of their OI and the perception of general improvement in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may have influenced the VAS score. Moreover, we observed a lack of correlation between NPS and SS-I or VAS, suggesting that OI did not depend on the polyps’ volume and may be due mainly to the resolution of inflammation. So, the physiopathological mechanisms underlying OI in CRSwNP and its recovery after Dupilumab might be unrelated to the volume of the polyps and might depend mainly on the anti-inflammatory effects. Future studies including biomarkers may be useful to clarify this aspect.
A Decision Support Framework for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Treatment: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Using Two Modeling Approaches
Authors: Leonenko Vasiliy N. , Kaliberda Yulia E. , Muravyova Yulia V. , Artyukh Vasiliy A.
Published: July 2022

Today, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the leading indications for revision surgery and the most ominous complication in artificial joint patients. The current state of the art for treating PJI requires the development of methods for planning the costs at different scales to facilitate the selection of the best treatment methods. In this paper, we perform a cost-effectiveness assessment for strategies related to the treatment of PJI using a composite decision support modeling framework. Within the framework, two models are implemented: a detailed discrete-event probabilistic model based on the decision tree approach and a dynamic Markov model with generalized states. The application of the framework is demonstrated on the dataset which was provided by the Russian Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after R.R. Vreden. The analyzed dataset contains 600 patient records divided into two groups (retrospective group, based on old records, and prospective group, based on real-time follow-up). The cost-effectiveness of treatment methods was compared based on associated costs and QALY units gained, with the mentioned two indicators calculated using two models independently from each other. As a result, two comparative rankings of cost-effectiveness of PJI treatment methods were presented based on the model output.
How Do Consumer Fairness Concerns Affect an E-Commerce Platform’s Choice of Selling Scheme?
Authors: Chen Lin , Nan Guofang , Liu Qiurui , Peng Jin , Ming Junren
Published: July 2022

Considering consumer fairness concerns, this paper investigates an e-commerce platform’s selling scheme choice when it adopts a wholesale selling scheme or an agency selling scheme to create a contract with a manufacturer. We find that the intensity of the fairness concerns and the platform fee are key factors affecting the platform’s optimal selling scheme choice. Specifically, when these two factors are relatively high or low, the wholesale selling scheme outperforms the agency selling scheme in terms of the e-commerce platform’s profit. Otherwise, the e-commerce platform should adopt the agency selling scheme. Moreover, when these two factors are sufficiently large or small, the wholesale selling scheme will yield a win-win result for the players of the e-commerce supply chain. Interestingly, we find that, considering fairness-minded consumers, a larger platform fee may be harmful to the platform. We also extend the baseline model to consider the consumer heterogeneity of fairness concerns, proportional platform fee, fairness concern about the manufacturer’s profit, and endogenous platform fee. We find that the main insights remain qualitatively unchanged under these model extensions.
A Blended Finance Framework for Heritage-Led Urban Regeneration
Authors: Burnham Bonnie
Published: July 2022

The inclusion of heritage conservation in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, target 11.4, stimulated a broad dialogue among heritage conservation practitioners intent on framing a meaningful role for heritage assets in historic built environments as contributors to sustainable development. Heritage-led regeneration positively impacts many aspects of society, community life, and the public realm, and can also play an important role in reaching zero-carbon environmental conservation goals by slowing the extraction of natural resources for construction, reducing the quantity of building materials sent to landfills, and using traditional technologies and knowledge to reduce operational energy use. Heritage regeneration can also be a strong contributor to economic growth, as restored and reused properties create wealth, serve as community social magnets, and attract prestige and visitors. However, there is little progress towards positioning heritage conservation as a focal point for multilateral public-private co-financing projects and partnerships. In 2021, the Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance (CHiFA) published research about successful models of urban heritage regeneration that engage public-private cooperation. CHiFA now presents a process, developed as part of a study commissioned by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), for advancing projects that maximize investment in heritage-led urban regeneration, matching financing strategies with local opportunities, legal frameworks, enabling tools, and the requirements of prospective investors. The result is a marketplace and ecosystem that support civic and community interests through long-term, multi-party collaboration using blended capital investment in heritage as a sustainable development strategy.
Dynamic and Heterogeneity of Urban Heat Island: A Theoretical Framework in the Context of Urban Ecology
Authors: Mokhtari Zahra , Barghjelveh Shahindokht , Sayahnia Romina , Qureshi Salman , Russo Alessio
Published: July 2022

The dynamic and heterogeneity of the urban heat island (UHI) is the result of the interactions between biotic, physical, social, and built components. Urban ecology as a transdisciplinary science can provide a context to understand the complex social–biophysical issues such as the thermal environment in cities. This study aimed at developing a theoretical framework to elucidate the interactions between the social–biophysical patterns and processes mediating UHI. To do it, we conducted a theoretical review to delineate UHI complexity using the concept of dynamic heterogeneity of pattern, process, and function in UHI phenomenon. Furthermore, a hypothetical heterogeneity spiral (i.e., driver-outcome spiral) related to the UHI was conceived as a model template. The adopted theoretical framework can provide a holistic vision of the UHI, contributing to a better understanding of UHI’s spatial variations in long-term studies. Through the developed framework, we can devise appropriate methodological approaches (i.e., statistic-based techniques) to develop prediction models of UHI’s spatial heterogeneity.
The Carbon Emission Intensity of Industrial Land in China: Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Driving Factors
Authors: Zeng Liangen , Li Chengming , Liang Zhongqi , Zhao Xuhai , Hu Haoyu , Wang Xiao , Yuan Dandan , Yu Zhao , Yang Tingzhang , Lu Jingming , Huang Qi , Qu Fuyao
Published: July 2022

CO2 emission reduction has become a consensus all around the world. This paper investigates the spatiotemporal characteristics of industrial land carbon emission intensity (ILCEI) in China by spatial autocorrelation analysis, and applies the spatial Durbin model to reveal the influence of driving factors on ILCEI. The results indicate the following: (1) national ILCEI first shows a downward and then an upward trend during the period and presents a low pattern in both Eastern and Northeastern regions and a high pattern in the Northwestern region. (2) From a global perspective, ILCEI shows significant spatial agglomeration characteristics; from a local perspective, ILCEI is dominated by H-H and L-L agglomeration types, showing that spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependence are apparent in ILCEI. (3) ILCEI is significantly negatively affected by both R & D personnel and foreign-trade dependence, while urban population density notably has positive impacts on ILCEI. This paper is a beneficial policy practice for harmonizing the contradiction between industrial land expansion and carbon discharge.
An Evaluation and Promotion Strategy of Green Land Use Benefits in China: A Case Study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region
Authors: Peng Wenying , Sun Yue , Li Yingchen , Yuchi Xiaojuan
Published: July 2022

Green development is the inevitable choice for global sustainable development, and China has chosen green development as its national strategy. Land use changes will affect a soil’s organic matter by changing the land’s productivity, soil quality and fertility. It is of great significance for ensuring soil fertility, improving the environment and promoting the carbon cycle that the concept of green development is implemented in the process of land use activity. Establishing an indicator system and evaluation method for a green land use benefit evaluation suitable for green development is helpful for strengthening the responsibility and consciousness of such land use, and to provide theoretical guidance and decision-making references for promoting such developments and evaluations. In this study, based on a connotation analysis of green land use, the entropy weight method and BP (Back Propagation) neural network model method were used to construct an evaluation index system for green land use benefits, including four criterion layers and eighteen evaluation indexes, and the entropy-BP neural network evaluation method was proposed to reveal the problems in green land use benefits in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. The results showed that the green land use benefit level in the region was low, while the spatial pattern was high in the north, low in the middle and high in the south. Langfang, Beijing and Handan were the lowest centers of green land ecological benefit, while Beijing and Tianjin were the lowest centers of green land economic benefit. The green governance benefit and green space benefit were in a relative spatial equilibrium. The cultivated land area, forestry products, sewage centralized treatment degree and built-up area ratio were the most important influences on the green ecological benefit, green economic benefit, green governance benefit and green space benefit, respectively. The entropy-BP neural network evaluation system and method have certain applications in the design of relevant assessment reward-and-punishment systems. Accelerating the optimization of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei territorial space’s development and utilization pattern, and constructing a green benefit sharing mechanism of land use, are important strategies to improve the benefits of green land use.
Exploring the Determinants of Residents’ Behavior towards Participating in the Sponge-Style Old Community Renewal of China: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Gu Tiantian , Hao Enyang , Ma Lan , Liu Xu , Wang Linxiu
Published: July 2022

In recent years, sponge-style old community renewal (SOCR) has attracted considerable attention as an essential component of urban renewal and sponge city construction in China. As a new method of community governance, the government has increasingly valued residents’ participation in the SOCR. However, as a new concept, the SOCR has not been studied from the perspective of management, and there are few explorations of residents’ participation in the research field. Thus, this study aimed to explore the determinants of residents’ behavior toward participating in the SOCR of China based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB), which will further promote residents’ engagement in the SOCR. Data from 1657 respondents were analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM) to verify the direct or indirect relationship between potential variables. The results show that residents’ participation cognition (RPC), attitude (RPA), and intention (RPI) all significantly affect residents’ participation behavior (RPB). The RPC can not only have an indirect impact on the RPB by influencing the RPA but also have an indirect impact on the RPB through the RPA and the RPI. This research not only expands the application boundary of the TPB but also enriches the knowledge system of residents’ participation and the SOCR. Several practical implications for promoting residents’ participation are obtained in the context of the SOCR projects.
Integrated Approaches to Ecosystem Services: Linking Culture, Circular Economy and Environment through the Re-Use of Open Spaces and Buildings in Europe
Authors: Ricci Liana
Published: July 2022

Green and blue infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and cultural and built heritage play a key role in enhancing ecosystem services provision and shaping urban quality and communities’ wellbeing calling for an integrated approach to ecosystem services in urban policy and planning and decision-making. On the other side, under-used spaces and buildings have social, cultural, economic, as well as ecological functions and benefits, which are essential to sustainable urban development. The EU has been developing and implementing policies for an integrated approach to urban development and sustainable land use through the implementation of the Urban Agenda for the EU and fourteen associated Partnerships. Thus, it engaged a broad range of institutions and stakeholders across Europe in promoting local projects and sharing best practices on sustainable land use and nature-based solutions, the circular economy, and cultural heritage. This paper reviews the experiences of cities involved in the Partnerships of the Urban Agenda for the EU by illustrating how they related to different modes of ecosystem governance and associated challenges, discussing how three case studies integrate different dimensions of ecosystem services and regeneration in under-used areas and what type of knowledge as well as regulation and governance modes they have developed for supporting innovation in land use planning and management for urban ecosystem services. The results show that appropriate alternative regulations and policies are little explored and that cities adopt an integrated approach, combining cultural, environmental, economic, and social dimensions in their interventions, directly or indirectly enhancing the benefits of built and natural heritage and urban ecosystems in under-used areas. However, some issues, such as nature-based solutions and climate change, are still partially integrated into the projects while priority is given to the cultural, aesthetic, and economic dimensions.
Usefulness of the Blink Reflex in Diagnosing Isolated Infraorbital Neuropathy following Midface Augmentation with AlloPlastic Facial Implants: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Byoung Hoon , Yang Haseon , Yoo Myung Chul
Published: July 2022

For the preoperative evaluation of infraorbital nerve injury, most clinicians depend on the patient’s subjective symptoms or judgements, lacking a generalized and objective evaluation method. Due to the limitations in subjective evaluations for accurate diagnosis of infraorbital nerve injury, we used the blink reflex to objectively evaluate injury to the infraorbital nerve. A 49-year-old female, who had previously undergone midface augmentation with alloplastic implants, presented with sensory loss in the left upper lip, nose tip, and lower palatal area. Physical examination revealed sensation loss in the area innervated by the infraorbital nerve. Facial three-dimensional computed tomography did not identify compression of the infraorbital nerve. The blink reflex study of the infraorbital nerve was evaluated preoperatively. After the patient was diagnosed with injury along the infraorbital nerve pathway from alloplastic facial implants, she underwent facial implant removal with decompression surgery. The patient experienced a significant decrease in hypoesthesia, and her sensory function improved. The blink reflex study was an effective method to objectively diagnose infraorbital neuropathy. Therefore, clinical use of the blink reflex study as an electrophysiological diagnostic tool is recommended to investigate infraorbital nerve injuries.
The Retention Effect of Resin-Based Desensitizing Agents on Hypersensitivity—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tadano Manami , Nakamura Tomoaki , Hoshikawa Seira , Hino Ryoko , Maruya Yuriko , Yamada Aya , Fukumoto Satoshi , Saito Kan
Published: July 2022

Recently, the development of dental materials has increased the availability of various hyperesthesia desensitizers. However, there are no studies on the duration of retreatment in terms of adherence rates. Thus, the adhesion rates of resin-based desensitizers were investigated. We used a conventional desensitizer and a recently developed desensitizer containing calcium salt of 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitic acid (C-MET) and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen calcium phosphate (MDCP). These colored agents were applied to the surfaces of premolars and molars, and the area was measured from weekly oral photographs. Areas were statistically analyzed and mean values were calculated using 95% confidence intervals. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. These rates were significantly higher on the buccal side of the maxilla and lower on the lingual side of the maxilla. In addition, the desensitizer containing C-MET and MDCP displayed significantly higher adhesion rates. It is suggested that this will require monthly follow-ups and reevaluation because both agents cause less than 10% adherence and there is almost no sealing effect after 4 weeks. In addition, the significantly higher adhesion rate of the desensitizer containing C-MET and MDCP indicated that the novel monomer contributed to the improvement in the adhesion ability.
High-Temperature Passivation of the Surface of Candidate Materials for MSR by Adding Oxygen Ions to FLiNaK Salt
Authors: Karfidov Eduard A. , Zaikov Yuri P. , Nikitina Evgenia V. , Seliverstov Konstantin E. , Dub Alexey V.
Published: July 2022

The problem of tailoring the structural materials for MSR is solved by continuously overcoming the shortcomings of widely used materials and finding new ones. The materials commonly used in engineering may not be applicable for MSR due to their high corrosivity. Experiments were carried out to determine the corrosion rate of stainless steel 12Cr18Ni10Ti with different concentrations of oxide ions (by adding lithium oxide to the melt in the concentration range from 0 to 0.8 wt.%) in a FLiNaK melt. The formation of a protective oxygen-containing layer with a thickness of 1 micron has been realized. The corrosion rate decreases by an order of magnitude at the concentration of oxygen anions in the melt, in the range from 0.2 to 0.4% by weight, which may indicate high-temperature passivation of the material due to modification of the composition of the fluoride melt and reduction in its corrosion activity. In addition, the corrosion type of stainless steel in fluoride melts changes from the intercrystalline and pitting that is usually harmful to reactor material structure to total corrosion when lithium oxide is added. This is due to the “healing” of individual corrosion defects formed on the surface of the studied material by oxygen-containing compounds.
Using Reclaimed Cement Concrete in Pavement Base Mixes with Foamed Bitumen Produced in Cold Recycling Technology
Authors: Stępień Justyna , Maciejewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

The paper presents the results of exploratory research on the use of reclaimed cement concrete in cold-recycled mixes with foamed bitumen. Because reclaimed cement concrete, unlike natural aggregates, is expected to have a residue of the non-hydrated cement covering the aggregate grains, which may result in a secondary cementation process after its application in a road base, this avenue was explored by tracking the time evolution of the compressive strength of the final material. The tests were performed using two mixtures, i.e., a reference mixture and a mixture containing 25% reclaimed cement concrete. The mixtures containing reclaimed cement concrete were characterized by increased uniaxial compressive strengths after each curing period (3, 4, 7, 14 and 28 days)—by 11.5 kPa on average and e.g., 498 kPa vs. 506 kPa after 28 days. The obtained differences between the mixtures were not found to be statistically significant. The small effects of the incorporation of reclaimed cement concrete were attributed to the time passed typically between the demolition and new pavement construction and to the presence of a second binding material—bitumen.
Study on Impermeability of Foamed Concrete Containing Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Powder
Authors: Dong Yun , Ma Yuanshan , Zhu Jinbiao , Qiu Jianchun
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the effects of dry density, w/c ratio, and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) powder on the multi-scale properties and internal pore structure of foamed concrete were studied by using a single-factor controlled experiment. It was found that an increase in the dry density of foamed concrete could effectively reduce the porosity, leading to the improvement of compressive strength and impermeability and to the reduction of water absorption. The compressive strength, water absorption, and impermeability were mainly affected by the porosity when the w/c ratio changed. With the increase in porosity, the water absorption rate increased, and the compressive strength and impermeability decreased. The addition of MSWI powder caused no obvious change in the overall pore size distribution of the foamed concrete, and there was no significant change in the water absorption and impermeability of the structure. However, because the hydration activity of MSWI powder was lower than that of ordinary Portland cement, the compressive strength of foamed concrete decreased with the increase in MSWI powder.
Tribological Behavior of Reduced Graphene Oxide–Al2O3 Nanofluid: Interaction among Testing Force, Rotational Speed and Nanoparticle Concentration
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Sun Jianlin , Kong Linghui , He Jiaqi
Published: July 2022

The tribological properties of nanofluids are influenced by multiple factors, and the interrelationships among the factors are deserving of further attention. In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the tribological behavior of reduced graphene oxide–Al2O3 (rGO-Al2O3) nanofluid. The interaction effects of testing force, rotational speed and nanoparticle concentration on the friction coefficient (μ), wear rate (Wr) and surface roughness (Ra) of steel disks were investigated via the analysis of variance. It was confirmed that all the three input variables were significant for μ and Wr values, while testing force, nanoparticle concentration and its interaction with testing force and rotational speed were identified as significant parameters for Ra value. According to regression quadratic models, the optimized response values were 0.088, 2.35 × 10−7 mm3·N−1·m−1 and 0.832 μm for μ, Wr and Ra, which were in good agreement with the actual validation experiment values. The tribological results show that 0.20% was the optimum mass concentration which exhibited excellent lubrication performance. Compared to the base fluid, μ, Wr and Ra values had a reduction of approximately 45.6%, 90.3% and 56.0%. Tribochemical reactions occurred during the friction process, and a tribofilm with a thickness of approximately 20 nm was generated on the worn surface, consisting of nanoparticle fragments (rGO and Al2O3) and metal oxides (Fe2O3 and FeO) with self-lubrication properties.
The Influence of SiO2 + SiC + Al (H2PO4)3 Coating on Mechanical and Dielectric Properties for SiCf/MWCNTS/AlPO4 Composites
Authors: Zhu Yan , Wan Feng , Yan Jianhui , Xu Hongmei
Published: July 2022

SiC fiber-reinforced AlPO4 matrix (SiCf/MWCNTs/AlPO4) composites were fabricated using a hot laminating process with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the absorber. A coating prepared from SiO2 + SiC + Al (H2PO4)3 was applied to the surface of the SiCf/MWCNTs/AlPO4 composites prior to an anti-oxidation test at 1273 K in air for 40 h. The anti-oxidation effect was verified by a three-point bending test, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a dielectric property test. Anti-oxidation mechanism investigations revealed that the coating effectiveness could be attributed to three substances, i.e., SiO2, SiP2O7, and SiO2 + AlPO4 solid solution from the reactions of SiC + O2→SiO2 + CO, SiO2 + P2O5→SiP2O7 and SiO2 + AlPO4→solid solution, respectively.