bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Fauna of a Zoological Park in an Urban Setting: Analysis of Culex pipiens s.l. and Their Biotypes
Authors: Madeira Sara , Bernardino Rui , Osório Hugo Costa , Boinas Fernando
Published: January 2024

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) are important emerging diseases that affect humans and animals. Zoological parks can work as early warning systems for the occurrence of MBDs. In this study, we characterized the mosquito fauna captured inside Lisbon Zoo from May 2018 to November 2019. An average of 2.4 mosquitos per trap/night were captured. Five mosquito species potentially causing MBDs, including Culex pipiens biotypes, were found in the zoo. The sympatric occurrence of Culex pipiens biotypes represents a risk factor for the epizootic transmission of West Nile virus and Usutu virus. The mosquito occurrence followed the expected seasonality, with the maximum densities during summer months. However, mosquito activity was detected in winter months in low numbers. The minimum temperature and the relative humidity (RH) on the day of capture showed a positive effect on Culex pipiens abundance. Contrary, the RH the week before capture and the average precipitation the week of capture had a negative effect. No invasive species were identified, nor have flaviviruses been detected in the mosquitoes. The implementation of biosecurity measures regarding the hygiene of the premises and the strict control of all the animals entering the zoo can justify the low prevalence of mosquitoes and the absence of flavivirus-infected mosquitoes.
Navigating Now and Next: Recent Advances and Future Horizons in Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Mian Abrar H. , Tollefson Matthew K. , Shah Paras , Sharma Vidit , Mian Ahmed , Thompson R. Houston , Boorjian Stephen A. , Frank Igor , Khanna Abhinav
Published: January 2024

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become the leading approach for radical prostatectomy driven by innovations aimed at improving functional and oncological outcomes. The initial advancement in this field was transperitoneal multiport robotics, which has since undergone numerous technical modifications. These enhancements include the development of extraperitoneal, transperineal, and transvesical approaches to radical prostatectomy, greatly facilitated by the advent of the Single Port (SP) robot. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of these evolving techniques and their impact on RARP. Additionally, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in digitizing robotic prostatectomy. AI advancements, particularly in automated surgical video analysis using computer vision technology, are unprecedented in their scope. These developments hold the potential to revolutionize surgeon feedback and assessment and transform surgical documentation, and they could lay the groundwork for real-time AI decision support during surgical procedures in the future. Furthermore, we discuss future robotic platforms and their potential to further enhance the field of RARP. Overall, the field of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer has been an incubator of innovation over the last two decades. This review focuses on some recent developments in robotic prostatectomy, provides an overview of the next frontier in AI innovation during prostate cancer surgery, and highlights novel robotic platforms that may play an increasing role in prostate cancer surgery in the future.
Inflammation as a New Therapeutic Target among Older Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Maidana Daniela , Arroyo-Álvarez Andrea , Arenas-Loriente Andrea , Barreres-Martín Guillermo , Muñoz-Alfonso Carles , Bompart Berroteran Daznia , Esteve Claramunt Francisca , Blanco del Burgo Regina , Cepas-Guillén Pedro , Garcia-Blas Sergio , Bonanad Clara
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular (CV) diseases remain a global health challenge, with ischemic heart disease (IHD) being the primary cause of both morbidity and mortality. Despite optimal pharmacological therapy, older patients with IHD exhibit an increased susceptibility to recurrent ischemic events, significantly impacting their prognosis. Inflammation is intricately linked with the aging process and plays a pivotal role in the evolution of atherosclerosis. Emerging anti-inflammatory therapies have shown promise in reducing ischemic events among high-risk populations. This review aims to explore the potential of targeted anti-inflammatory interventions in improving clinical outcomes and the quality of life for older patients with IHD.
Safety and Effectiveness of Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab in Elderly Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Real-Life Multicentric Cohort Study
Authors: Holvoet Tom , Truyens Marie , De Galan Cara , Peeters Harald , Gismero Francisco Mesonero , Elorza Ainara , Torres Paola , Vandermeulen Liv , Jauregui-Amezaga Aranzazu , Ferreiro-Iglesias Rocio , Zabana Yamile , Reverter Laia Peries , Geldof Jeroen , Lobatón Triana
Published: January 2024

Background: Data on ustekinumab and vedolizumab in the elderly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) population are limited. The aim of the current study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of both in an elderly real-life population. Methods: A multicentric retrospective study was performed on IBD patients who started vedolizumab or ustekinumab between 2010 and 2020. Clinical and endoscopic remission rates and (serious) adverse events (AE) were assessed. Results: A total of 911 IBD patients were included, with 171 (19%) aged above 60 (111 VDZ, 60 UST). Elderly patients treated with vedolizumab or ustekinumab had an increased risk for non-IBD hospitalization (10.5% vs. 5.7%, p = 0.021) and malignancy (2.3% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.045) compared to the younger population. Corticosteroid-free clinical (50% vs. 44%; p = 0.201) and endoscopic remission rates (47.9% vs. 31%, p = 0.07) at 1 year were similar. Comparing vedolizumab to ustekinumab in the elderly population, corticosteroid-free (47.9% vs. 31%, p = 0.061) and endoscopic remission rates (66.7% vs. 64.4%, p = 0.981) were similar. Vedolizumab- and ustekinumab-treated patients had comparable infection rates (13.5% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.504), IBD flare-ups (4.5% vs. 5%, p = 1.000), the occurrence of new EIMs (13.5% vs. 10%, p = 0.504), a risk of intestinal surgery (5.4% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.742), malignancy (1.8% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.613), hospitalization (9.9% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.721), and mortality (0.9% vs. 1.7%, p = 1.000). AE risk was associated only with corticosteroid use. Conclusions: Ustekinumab and vedolizumab show comparable effectiveness and safety in the elderly IBD population. Elderly IBD patients have an increased risk for non-IBD hospitalizations and malignancy compared to the younger IBD population, with corticosteroid use as the main risk factor.
Outcomes in the Treatment of Subretinal Macular Hemorrhage Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Confalonieri Filippo , Ferraro Vanessa , Barone Gianmaria , Di Maria Alessandra , Petrovski Beáta Éva , Vallejo Garcia Josè Luis , Randazzo Alessandro , Vinciguerra Paolo , Lumi Xhevat , Petrovski Goran
Published: January 2024

Background: Subretinal macular hemorrhage (SRMH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a relatively rare condition in ophthalmology characterized by blood collection between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Without prompt treatment, visual prognosis is poor. A plethora of treatment approaches have been tried over the past years ranging from intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy to direct subretinal surgery, with no conclusive superiority of one over the other. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the outcomes and treatment modalities of SRMH from inception to 14 June 2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). The level of evidence was assessed for all included articles according to the quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: A total of 2745 articles were initially extracted, out of which 1654 articles were obtained after duplicates were removed and their abstracts screened. A total of 155 articles were included for full-text review. Finally, 81 articles remained that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Even though there are solid results supporting a variety of treatments for SRMH, the best treatment modality has still not been conclusively demonstrated and further research is needed.
Effects of Low-Velocity-Impact on Facesheet-Core Debonding of Natural-Core Composite Sandwich Structures—A Review of Experimental Research
Authors: Ong Michael , Silva Arlindo
Published: January 2024

Sandwich composites are often used as primary load-bearing structures in various industries like aviation, wind, and marine due to their high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, but they are vulnerable to damage from Low-velocity-impact (LVI) events like dropped tools, hail, and birdstrikes. This often manifests in the form of Facesheet-Core-Debonding (FCD) and is often termed Barely-Visible-Impact-Damage (BVID), which is difficult to detect and can considerably reduce mechanical properties. In general, a balsa core sandwich is especially vulnerable to FCD under LVI as it has poorer adhesion than synthetic core materials. A cork core sandwich does show promise in absorbing LVI with low permanent indentation depth. This paper also reviews surface treatment/modification as a means of improving the adhesion of composite core and fiber materials: key concepts involved, a comparison of surface free energies of various materials, and research literature on surface modification of cork, glass, and carbon fibers. Since both balsa and cork have a relatively low surface free energy compared to other materials, this paper concludes that it may be possible to use surface modification techniques to boost adhesion and thus FCD on balsa or cork sandwich composites under LVI, which has not been covered by existing research literature.
The Datafication of Newsrooms: A Study on Data Journalism Practices in a British Newspaper
Authors: Kalender Ahmet Buğra
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the function of data journalism in a UK newsroom using Bourdieu’s field theory. The collection of study data was conducted through in-depth interviews, utilising a qualitative research methodology. The data obtained revealed that data journalism, a sub-field of journalism, continues to develop in an interdisciplinary structure and creates a new type of habitus (data habitus) within the field of journalism. This study also shows that the data journalism team in the newspaper has moved from being niche to being established as one of the most active and effective main sections of the newsroom, and that data-driven journalism has the potential to influence other teams. Lastly, this study suggested that the newsroom is undergoing a process of datafication by indicating the newspaper’s intention to develop data skills beyond the data journalism team.
When Vessels and Sarcomas Combine: A Review of the Inferior Vena Cava Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Gama João Martins , Almeida Rui , Oliveira Rui Caetano , Casanova José
Published: January 2024

Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are malignant neoplasms of soft muscle differentiation that can be classified into five distinct groups according to site-related origin: intra-abdominal, subcutaneous or deep soft tissue of the limbs, cutaneous, external genitalia, and vascular. This distinction reflects different biological behaviors as well as molecular changes, thus reflecting different prognoses and therapeutic options. Vascular LMSs are the least frequent, arising from the walls of the blood vessels, most commonly from the inferior vena cava. Due to its deep location, symptoms are non-specific, and the disease presents at an advanced stage, sometimes with metastases. Surgery is the treatment of choice, associated with chemo- and radiotherapy. Due to its rarity, most departments have minimal experience handling this disease. This article reviews the current knowledge on vascular leiomyosarcomas, particularly the inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma.
Understanding the Mode of Action of a Micro-Immunotherapy Formulation: Pre-Clinical Evidence from the Study of 2LEBV® Active Ingredients
Authors: Jacques Camille , Marchand Flora , Chatelais Mathias , Brulefert Adrien , Floris Ilaria
Published: January 2024

Background: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is often kept silent and asymptomatic; however, its reactivation induces a chronic and/or recurrent infection that is associated with numerous diseases, including cancer and inflammation-related disorders. As no specific treatment is currently available, the immune factors-based micro-immunotherapy (MI) medicine 2LEBV® could be considered a valuable therapeutic option to sustain the immune system in EBV reactivation. Methods: The present work aimed to investigate, for the first time, the effect of 2LEBV® in several in vitro models of uninfected immune-related cells. Results: 2LEBV® displayed phagocytosis-enhancing capabilities in granulocytes. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), it increased the intra- and extra-cellular expression of interleukin (IL)-2. Moreover, it modulated the secretion of other cytokines, increasing IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels or lowering other cytokines levels such as IL-9. Finally, 2LEBV® reduced the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-II in endothelial cells and macrophages. Conclusions: Although these data are still preliminary and the chosen models do not consider the underlying EBV-reactivation mechanisms, they still provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of 2LEBV®, both at functional and molecular levels. Furthermore, they open perspectives regarding the potential targets of 2LEBV® in its employment as a therapeutic intervention for EBV-associated diseases.
Gamma-Ray-Induced Amino Acid Formation during Aqueous Alteration in Small Bodies: The Effects of Compositions of Starting Solutions
Authors: Ishikawa Akari , Kebukawa Yoko , Kobayashi Kensei , Yoda Isao
Published: January 2024

Organic compounds, such as amino acids, are essential for the origin of life, and they may have been delivered to the prebiotic Earth from extra-terrestrial sources, such as carbonaceous chondrites. In the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites, the radioactive decays of short-lived radionuclides, such as 26Al, cause the melting of ice, and aqueous alteration occurs in the early stages of solar system formation. Many experimental studies have shown that complex organic matter, including amino acids and high-molecular-weight organic compounds, is produced by such hydrothermal processes. On the other hand, radiation, particularly gamma rays from radionuclides, can contribute to the formation of amino acids from simple molecules such as formaldehyde and ammonia. In this study, we investigated the details of gamma-ray-induced amino acid formation, focusing on the effects of different starting materials on aqueous solutions of formaldehyde, ammonia, methanol, and glycolaldehyde with various compositions, as well as hexamethylenetetramine. Alanine and glycine were the most abundantly formed amino acids after acid hydrolysis of gamma-ray-irradiated products. Amino acid formation increased with increasing gamma-ray irradiation doses. Lower amounts of ammonia relative to formaldehyde produced more amino acids. Glycolaldehyde significantly increased amino acid yields. Our results indicated that glycolaldehyde formation from formaldehyde enhanced by gamma rays is key for the subsequent production of amino acids.
Hydrochemistry and Irrigation Quality of High-Altitude Lakes: A Case Study of the Ramaroshan Lake Complex, Nepal Himalayas
Authors: Thapa Bina , Khanal Laxman , Pant Ramesh Raj , Bhatta Chet Raj , Subedi Prekshya , Upadhyaya Laxmi Prasad , Sunar Chandra Bahadur , Poudel Janaki , Pandey Naresh , Kyes Pensri , Singh Ankit Kumar , Bishwakarma Kiran , Kyes Randall C.
Published: January 2024

The Ramaroshan Lake Complex (RLC) in Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal, is a Himalayan lake cluster that holds significant ecological, economic, religious, and esthetic importance. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of the hydrochemical properties of water within the RLC and assess its suitability for irrigation purposes. A total of 38 water samples were collected from seven different lakes of the complex. The physicochemical parameters and major ions were then analyzed. The water samples from the RLC were alkaline, and based on total hardness, they ranged from soft to moderately hard categories. The presence of major ions included the following: Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Fe3+ > NH4+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > PO43−. The alkaline earth metals (Ca2+ and Mg2+) dominated the alkali metals (Na+ and K+) and weak acids (HCO3−) dominated the strong acids (Cl− and SO42−). The dominant hydrochemical facies of the lake water was a Ca-HCO3 type indicating a calcium carbonate type of lithology. Carbonate rock weathering was the most dominant process in influencing the hydrochemistry of the water. A high ratio of (Ca2++ Mg2+)/Tz+ and a lower ratio of (Na+ + K+)/Tz+ revealed the dominance of Ca2+ and Mg2+ resulting from carbonate weathering, with little contribution from silicate weathering. Different irrigation indices revealed the suitability of the RLC water for irrigation. The insights derived from this study are pivotal in safeguarding water quality and bolstering sustainability efforts. The study also furnishes foundational data crucial to an array of stakeholders including researchers and policymakers and significantly contributes to advancing water management strategies and fostering ecosystem conservation in the Himalayan freshwater lakes, particularly in the face of the overarching challenge posed by global climate change.
Challenges for Field-Effect-Transistor-Based Graphene Biosensors
Authors: Ono Takao , Okuda Satoshi , Ushiba Shota , Kanai Yasushi , Matsumoto Kazuhiko
Published: January 2024

Owing to its outstanding physical properties, graphene has attracted attention as a promising biosensor material. Field-effect-transistor (FET)-based biosensors are particularly promising because of their high sensitivity that is achieved through the high carrier mobility of graphene. However, graphene-FET biosensors have not yet reached widespread practical applications owing to several problems. In this review, the authors focus on graphene-FET biosensors and discuss their advantages, the challenges to their development, and the solutions to the challenges. The problem of Debye screening, in which the surface charges of the detection target are shielded and undetectable, can be solved by using small-molecule receptors and their deformations and by using enzyme reaction products. To address the complexity of sample components and the detection mechanisms of graphene-FET biosensors, the authors outline measures against nonspecific adsorption and the remaining problems related to the detection mechanism itself. The authors also introduce a solution with which the molecular species that can reach the sensor surfaces are limited. Finally, the authors present multifaceted approaches to the sensor surfaces that provide much information to corroborate the results of electrical measurements. The measures and solutions introduced bring us closer to the practical realization of stable biosensors utilizing the superior characteristics of graphene.
On the Effect of Exposure Time on Al-Si10-Mg Powder Processed by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Leo Paola , Renna Gilda , Soni Neetesh , De Pascalis Fabio , Primo Teresa , Del Prete Antonio
Published: January 2024

In this study, the effect of increasing exposure time on the microstructures, porosity, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of selective laser melted sample Al-Si10-Mg powder was investigated. The samples were processed at the same power (375 W) and scan speed (2000 mm/s), but with increasing exposure time. Exposure time equal to 40, 50 and 60 µs was applied. The features of the analyzed samples show that with increasing exposure time, greater efficiency of the heat input was obtained, with a larger size of the melt pool and Si particles and lower porosity. Specifically, at the highest exposure time the melt pool showed an increase of 19% in width and 48% in depth, while the volume percentage of the voids decreased by 50% with respect to the lowest exposure time. Moreover, with the coarser microstructure being associated with a lower level of voids, the average hardness is similar for the analyzed samples. Corrosion resistance was evaluated, being one of the most important properties that may affect the service performance of Al-Si10-Mg alloy in the aerospace, marine and automotive industries. The potentiodynamic curves of the samples show that the voids occurrence is more significant with respect to the scale of the microstructure on corrosion behavior, with the sample processed at the highest exposure time being the more resistant to corrosion. The experimental techniques used in the present study were Optical Microscope (OM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), hardness and X-Ray Computed Tomography.
Rapid Alloy Development Using Calphad Simulation and Powder Blends in Direct Energy Deposition
Authors: Bold Marie-Noemi , Raffeis Iris , Adjei-Kyeremeh Frank , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas
Published: January 2024

The ongoing commercialization of additive manufacturing (AM) has necessitated the need to tailor alloy chemistry as well as exploit AM process particularities such as freedom of design, print geometry and high cooling rates to meet functional application requirements. Alloys such as hot-work tool steels, including H11, are well suited for machining and tooling applications. In this work, the authors investigated and compared high-speed direct energy deposition with laser beam source (HS DED-LB/M) processability of a reference H11 alloy and its modified form (H11m). The modification of the alloy was intended to minimize the amount of retained austenite (RA) in as-built microstructure and reduce post-heat treatment steps. The investigative approach included Calphad simulation, rapid alloy blending (modified powder) and process parameter optimization to produce dense parts for microstructure characterization and mechanical properties testing. The results show that while H11 achieved a high relative density > 99.85%, H11m still had cracks parallel to the building direction. The amount of RA was equally reduced from 4.08% in H11 to 1.23% in the H11m. H11 had a comparatively superior average microhardness (591 HV0.5) to H11m (561.5 HV0.5), which can be attributed to the more carbide presence. The martensitic strengthening effect between H11 and H11m can be described as similar.
Intelligent Navigation of a Magnetic Microrobot with Model-Free Deep Reinforcement Learning in a Real-World Environment
Authors: Salehi Amar , Hosseinpour Soleiman , Tabatabaei Nasrollah , Soltani Firouz Mahmoud , Yu Tingting
Published: January 2024

Microrobotics has opened new horizons for various applications, especially in medicine. However, it also witnessed challenges in achieving maximum optimal performance. One key challenge is the intelligent, autonomous, and precise navigation control of microrobots in fluid environments. The intelligence and autonomy in microrobot control, without the need for prior knowledge of the entire system, can offer significant opportunities in scenarios where their models are unavailable. In this study, two control systems based on model-free deep reinforcement learning were implemented to control the movement of a disk-shaped magnetic microrobot in a real-world environment. The training and results of an off-policy SAC algorithm and an on-policy TRPO algorithm revealed that the microrobot successfully learned the optimal path to reach random target positions. During training, the TRPO exhibited a higher sample efficiency and greater stability. The TRPO and SAC showed 100% and 97.5% success rates in reaching the targets in the evaluation phase, respectively. These findings offer basic insights into achieving intelligent and autonomous navigation control for microrobots to advance their capabilities for various applications.
First Occurrence of Coffee Leaf Rust Caused by Hemileia vastatrix on Coffee in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhudaib Khalid , Ismail Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: January 2024

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is a major disease of Arabica coffee caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix. Jazan region in Saudi Arabia has long been one of the last coffee-producing regions in the world free of this disease. In August 2023, CLR was initially observed in coffee plantations located in Fyfa district one of the main coffee-producing mountains of Jazan region. The source of the infection is unknown, however CLR could have entered Jazan from the nearest coffee-producing locations that haven the pathogen. During a scheduled survey in August 2023, symptoms were observed including yellowish-orange lesions that frequently combined to form chlorotic lesions and exhibited the powdery appearance of yellow uredospores on the abaxial surface of leaves. The uredospores and teliospores were microscopically examined and their morphology matched the previously published description for H. vastatrix. The identity of H. vastatrix specimens was further confirmed based on PCR amplification and sequencing of ITS, sharing a 99–100% identity with previously published sequences, as belonging to H. vastatrix. The pathogenicity of H. vastatrix specimens was investigated on Coffee arabica plants under growth chamber conditions, and all were pathogenic relative to control, with 100% of disease incidence, therefore fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Based on our findings, this is the first documentation of H. vastatrix causing CLR in Saudi Arabia.
Moderate Signal Enhancement in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry by Focusing Electrospray Plume with a Dielectric Layer around the Mass Spectrometer’s Orifice
Authors: Chua Zi Qing , Prabhu Gurpur Rakesh D. , Wang Yi-Wun , Raju Chamarthi Maheswar , Buchowiecki Krzysztof , Ochirov Ochir , Elpa Decibel P. , Urban Pawel L.
Published: January 2024

Electrospray ionization (ESI) is among the commonly used atmospheric pressure ionization techniques in mass spectrometry (MS). One of the drawbacks of ESI is the formation of divergent plumes composed of polydisperse microdroplets, which lead to low transmission efficiency. Here, we propose a new method to potentially improve the transmission efficiency of ESI, which does not require additional electrical components and complex interface modification. A dielectric plate—made of ceramic—was used in place of a regular metallic sampling cone. Due to the charge accumulation on the dielectric surface, the dielectric layer around the MS orifice distorts the electric field, focusing the charged electrospray cloud towards the MS inlet. The concept was first verified using charge measurement on the dielectric material surface and computational simulation; then, online experiments were carried out to demonstrate the potential of this method in MS applications. In the online experiment, signal enhancements were observed for dielectric plates with different geometries, distances of the electrospray needle axis from the MS inlet, and various compounds. For example, in the case of acetaminophen (15 μM), the signal enhancement was up to 1.82 times (plate B) using the default distance of the electrospray needle axis from the MS inlet (d = 1.5 mm) and 12.18 times (plate C) using a longer distance (d = 7 mm).
Polymer Composites in 3D/4D Printing: Materials, Advances, and Prospects
Authors: Mahmood Ayyaz , Perveen Fouzia , Chen Shenggui , Akram Tayyaba , Irfan Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has revolutionized the manufacturing landscape by enabling the intricate layer-by-layer construction of three-dimensional objects. In contrast to traditional methods relying on molds and tools, AM provides the flexibility to fabricate diverse components directly from digital models without the need for physical alterations to machinery. Four-dimensional printing is a revolutionary extension of 3D printing that introduces the dimension of time, enabling dynamic transformations in printed structures over predetermined periods. This comprehensive review focuses on polymeric materials in 3D printing, exploring their versatile processing capabilities, environmental adaptability, and applications across thermoplastics, thermosetting materials, elastomers, polymer composites, shape memory polymers (SMPs), including liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), and self-healing polymers for 4D printing. This review also examines recent advancements in microvascular and encapsulation self-healing mechanisms, explores the potential of supramolecular polymers, and highlights the latest progress in hybrid printing using polymer–metal and polymer–ceramic composites. Finally, this paper offers insights into potential challenges faced in the additive manufacturing of polymer composites and suggests avenues for future research in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
Interactions between Damaged Hair Keratin and Juglone as a Possible Restoring Agent: A Vibrational and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study
Authors: Di Foggia Michele , Taddei Paola , Boga Carla , Nocentini Benedetta , Micheletti Gabriele
Published: January 2024

Juglone, a quinonic compound present in walnut extracts, was proposed as a restoring agent for hair keratin treated with permanent or discoloration processes. The proposed mechanism of restoration by juglone involves the formation of a Michael adduct between the quinone and the thiol moieties of cysteine residues. To this purpose, the first part of the present paper involved the spectroscopic study of the product of the reaction between juglone and N-acetyl-L-cysteine as a model compound. IR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) monitored the chemical and morphological variations induced by applying juglone to hair keratin. In order to simulate the most common hair treatments (i.e., permanent and discoloration), juglone was applied to hair that had been previously treated with a reducing agent, i.e., methyl thioglycolate (MT) or with bleaching agents (based on hydrogen peroxide and persulfates) followed by sodium hydrogen sulfite. IR spectroscopy allowed us to monitor the formation of Michael adducts between juglone and cysteine residues: the Michael adducts’ content was related to the cysteine content of the samples. In fact, MT and sodium hydrogen sulfite favored the reduction of the disulfide bonds and increased the content of free cysteine residues, which can react with juglone. SEM analyses confirmed the trend observed by IR spectroscopy since hair samples treated with juglone adopted a more regular hair surface and more imbricated scales, thus supporting the possible use of juglone as a restoring agent for damaged hair keratins.
Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for Formaldehyde
Authors: Yang Yufei , Hao Yuanqiang , Huang Lijie , Luo Yuanjian , Chen Shu , Xu Maotian , Chen Wansong
Published: January 2024

Formaldehyde, a ubiquitous indoor air pollutant, plays a significant role in various biological processes, posing both environmental and health challenges. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements in electrochemical methods for detecting formaldehyde, a compound of growing concern due to its widespread use and potential health hazards. This review underscores the inherent advantages of electrochemical techniques, such as high sensitivity, selectivity, and capability for real-time analysis, making them highly effective for formaldehyde monitoring. We explore the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and diverse methodologies employed in electrochemical formaldehyde detection, highlighting the role of innovative sensing materials and electrodes. Special attention is given to recent developments in nanotechnology and sensor design, which significantly enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of these detection systems. Moreover, this review identifies current challenges and discusses future research directions. Our aim is to encourage ongoing research and innovation in this field, ultimately leading to the development of advanced, practical solutions for formaldehyde detection in various environmental and biological contexts.
Study on Design, Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Novel 6-Indazolyl-2-picolinic Acids
Authors: Liu Qing , Shi Rong-Chuan , Li Hui-Ting , Wei Wei , Yuan Xiao , Liu Shang-Zhong , Cao Yi-Ming
Published: January 2024

Thirty-eight new 4-amino-3,5-dicholo-6-(1H-indazolyl)-2-picolinic acids and 4-amino-3,5-dicholo-6-(2H-indazolyl)-2-picolinic acids were designed by scaffold hopping and synthesized to discover potential herbicidal molecules. All the new compounds were tested to determine their inhibitory activities against Arabidopsis thaliana and the root growth of five weeds. In general, the synthesized compounds exhibited excellent inhibition properties and showed good inhibitory effects on weed root growth. In particular, compound 5a showed significantly greater root inhibitory activity than picloram in Brassica napus and Abutilon theophrasti Medicus at the concentration of 10 µM. The majority of compounds exhibited a 100% post-emergence herbicidal effect at 250 g/ha against Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium album. We also found that 6-indazolyl-2-picolinic acids could induce the up-regulation of auxin genes ACS7 and NCED3, while auxin influx, efflux and auxin response factor were down-regulated, indicating that 6-indazolyl-2-picolinic acids promoted ethylene release and ABA production to cause plant death in a short period, which is different in mode from other picolinic acids.
Multilayer Bolometric Structures for Efficient Wideband Communication Signal Reception
Authors: Bogatskaya Anna V. , Klenov Nikolay V. , Popov Alexander M. , Schegolev Andrey E. , Titovets Pavel A. , Tereshonok Maxim V. , Yakovlev Dmitry S.
Published: January 2024

It is known that the dielectric layer (resonator) located behind the conducting plate of the bolometer system can significantly increase its sensitivity near the resonance frequencies. In this paper, the possibility of receiving broadband electromagnetic signals in a multilayer bolometric meta-material made of alternating conducting (e.g., silicon semiconductor) and dielectric layers is demonstrated both experimentally and numerically. It is shown that such a multilayer structure acts as a lattice of resonators and can significantly increase the width of the frequency band of efficient electromagnetic energy absorption. The parameters of the dielectric and semiconductor layers determine the frequency bands. Numerical modeling of the effect has been carried out under the conditions of our experiment. The numerical results show acceptable qualitative agreement with the experimental data. This study develops the previously proposed technique of resonant absorption of electromagnetic signals in bolometric structures.
Dynamic Clustering and Scaling Behavior of Active Particles under Confinement
Authors: Becton Matthew , Hou Jixin , Zhao Yiping , Wang Xianqiao
Published: January 2024

A systematic investigation of the dynamic clustering behavior of active particles under confinement, including the effects of both particle density and active driving force, is presented based on a hybrid coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. First, a series of scaling laws are derived with power relationships for the dynamic clustering time as a function of both particle density and active driving force. Notably, the average number of clusters N¯ assembled from active particles in the simulation system exhibits a scaling relationship with clustering time t described by N¯∝t−m. Simultaneously, the scaling behavior of the average cluster size S¯ is characterized by S¯∝tm. Our findings reveal the presence of up to four distinct dynamic regions concerning clustering over time, with transitions contingent upon the particle density within the system. Furthermore, as the active driving force increases, the aggregation behavior also accelerates, while an increase in density of active particles induces alterations in the dynamic procession of the system.
Innovative Nanomaterial Properties and Applications in Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, or Environment
Authors: Dippong Thomas
Published: January 2024

Developing innovative nanomaterials unlocks new opportunities in physics, chemistry, medicine, and environmental protection [...]
Enhancing the Stability of 4.6 V LiCoO2 Cathode Material via Gradient Doping
Authors: Wang Errui , Ye Xiangju , Zhang Bentian , Qu Bo , Guo Jiahao , Zheng Shengbiao
Published: January 2024

LiCoO2 (LCO) can deliver ultrahigh discharge capacities as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries when the charging voltage reaches 4.6 V. However, establishing a stable LCO cathode at a high cut-off voltage is a challenge in terms of bulk and surface structural transformation. O2 release, irreversible structural transformation, and interfacial side reactions cause LCO to experience severe capacity degradation and safety problems. To solve these issues, a strategy of gradient Ta doping is proposed to stabilize LCO against structural degradation. Additionally, Ta1-LCO that was tuned with 1.0 mol% Ta doping demonstrated outstanding cycling stability and rate performance. This effect was explained by the strong Ta-O bonds maintaining the lattice oxygen and the increased interlayer spacing enhancing Li+ conductivity. This work offers a practical method for high-energy Li-ion battery cathode material stabilization through the gradient doping of high-valence elements.
Simulation Study: Data-Driven Material Decomposition in Industrial X-ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Weiss Moritz , Brierley Nick , von Schmid Mirko , Meisen Tobias
Published: January 2024

Material-resolving computed tomography is a powerful and well-proven tool for various clinical applications. For industrial scan setups and materials, several problems, such as K-edge absence and beam hardening, prevent the direct transfer of these methods. This work applies dual-energy computed tomography methods for material decomposition to simulated phantoms composed of industry-relevant materials such as magnesium, aluminium and iron, as well as some commonly used alloys like Al–Si and Ti64. Challenges and limitations for multi-material decomposition are discussed in the context of X-ray absorption physics, which provides spectral information that can be ambiguous. A deep learning model, derived from a clinical use case and based on the popular U-Net, was utilised in this study. For various reasons outlined below, the training dataset was simulated, whereby phantom shapes and material properties were sampled arbitrarily. The detector signal is computed by a forward projector followed by Beer–Lambert law integration. Our trained model could predict two-material systems with different elements, achieving a relative error of approximately 1% through simulated data. For the discrimination of the element titanium and its alloy Ti64, which were also simulated, the relative error increased to 5% due to their similar X-ray absorption coefficients. To access authentic CT data, the model underwent testing using a 10c euro coin composed of an alloy known as Nordic gold. The model detected copper as the main constituent correctly, but the relative fraction, which should be 89%, was predicted to be ≈70%.
The Experience of Physical Recovery and Physical Rehabilitation Following Hospital Discharge for Intensive Care Survivors—A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Goddard Sian , Gunn Hilary , Kent Bridie , Dennett Rachel
Published: January 2024

Background: Over 120,000 people in the UK survive critical illness each year, with over 60% of these experiencing mobility issues and reduced health-related quality of life after discharge home. This qualitative systematic review aimed to explore critical care survivors’ perceptions, opinions, and experiences of physical recovery and physical rehabilitation following hospital discharge. Methods: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and was conducted between January 2020 and June 2022. The search was conducted using the following databases: Embase, CINAHL, Medline Ovid, Cochrane, and the Joanna Briggs Institute, and sources of grey literature were searched for eligible studies. Qualitative studies focused on physical rehabilitation or recovery, involving adult survivors of critical illness who had been discharged from hospital. Results: A total of 7 of 548 identified studies published in 2007–2019 were eligible for inclusion. The findings indicate that qualitative evidence around the experiences of physical recovery and rehabilitation interventions following discharge home after critical illness is limited. Three synthesised findings were identified: ‘Positivity, motivation and hope’; ‘Recovery is hard and patients need support’; and ‘Patients experience challenges in momentum of physical recovery’. Conclusions: Survivors struggle to access healthcare professionals and services following discharge home, which influences the momentum of physical recovery. Supervised exercise programmes had a positive impact on the perception of recovery and motivation. However, ‘simple’ structured exercise provision will not address the range of challenges experienced by ICU survivors. Whilst some factors influencing physical recovery are similar to other groups, there are unique issues experienced by those returning home after critical illness. Further research is needed to identify the support or interventions survivors feel would meet their needs and assist their physical recovery. This study was prospectively registered with Prospero on 3/2/2020 with registration number CRD42020165290.
Challenges Faced by University of Limpopo Learner Nurses during Psychiatry Clinical Exposure: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hlahla L. S. , Ngoatle C. , Kgatla M. N. , Mathapo-Thobakgale E. M.
Published: January 2024

Clinical exposure of learner nurses to psychiatric hospitals is a requirement by the South African Nursing Council. Clinical experience helps learner nurses build cognitive and affective skills, cultural acculturation, and professional identity. The clinical placement also aids nursing learner nurses in making decisions regarding future career paths. The goal of psychiatric nursing practice is to enhance mental and physical health and improve the patient’s quality of life and rehabilitation. A qualitative research approach was followed, and a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was used in this study to explore the challenges faced by University of Limpopo learner nurses during psychiatry clinical exposure. The population included learner nurses from level two to level four who registered for psychiatric nursing science practice. Convenience sampling was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and the data were analyzed using the Tesch open coding method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were adhered to, and ethical considerations were observed. The findings of this study indicated that learner nurses go through challenges and discomfort in the form of mental health care users, clinical environment matters, and the attitude of clinical staff in the hospital. Proper preparation of the learner nurses and clinical areas can assist in reducing the challenges that learner nurses go through.
Heat Inactivation of Nipah Virus for Downstream Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Does Not Interfere with Sample Quality
Authors: Hume Adam J. , Olejnik Judith , White Mitchell R. , Huang Jessie , Turcinovic Jacquelyn , Heiden Baylee , Bawa Pushpinder S. , Williams Christopher J. , Gorham Nickolas G. , Alekseyev Yuriy O. , Connor John H. , Kotton Darrell N. , Mühlberger Elke
Published: January 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies are instrumental to improving our understanding of virus–host interactions in cell culture infection studies and complex biological systems because they allow separating the transcriptional signatures of infected versus non-infected bystander cells. A drawback of using biosafety level (BSL) 4 pathogens is that protocols are typically developed without consideration of virus inactivation during the procedure. To ensure complete inactivation of virus-containing samples for downstream analyses, an adaptation of the workflow is needed. Focusing on a commercially available microfluidic partitioning scRNA-seq platform to prepare samples for scRNA-seq, we tested various chemical and physical components of the platform for their ability to inactivate Nipah virus (NiV), a BSL-4 pathogen that belongs to the group of nonsegmented negative-sense RNA viruses. The only step of the standard protocol that led to NiV inactivation was a 5 min incubation at 85 °C. To comply with the more stringent biosafety requirements for BSL-4-derived samples, we included an additional heat step after cDNA synthesis. This step alone was sufficient to inactivate NiV-containing samples, adding to the necessary inactivation redundancy. Importantly, the additional heat step did not affect sample quality or downstream scRNA-seq results.
Towards a New Generation of Hormone Therapies: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 1,2,3-Triazoles as Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer Therapeutics and Non-Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Rashdan Huda R. M. , Abdelrahman Mohamad T. , De Luca Anna Chiara , Mangini Maria
Published: January 2024

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) show promising features as drugs to treat estrogen-responsive breast cancer as they block aromatase activity, the key enzyme in estrogen synthesis. The current AIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for breast cancer treatment present severe adverse effects. For these reasons, it is important to develop of new AIs that are more specific and sensitive. In this paper, we report the synthesis and the characterization of new nonsteroidal aromatase AIs containing triazoles moieties for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer in post-menopausal women. A new series of 1,2,3-triazole based molecules were successfully synthetized and their chemical structures were determined from the spectral data (FT-IR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy) and micro-analytical data. Additionally, the physical properties of the newly synthesized derivatives were reported. The novel compounds were also tested for their anticancer activity in both breast cancer (MCF7 and T-47D) and normal breast (MCF 10A) cell lines, evaluating their effect on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The results revealed that the compounds exhibited promising and specific anti-cancer action.