bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Universal Bleeding Risk Score in Native and Allograft Kidney Biopsies: A French Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kaczmarek Mathieu , Halimi Jean-Michel , de Fréminville Jean-Baptiste , Gatault Philippe , Gueguen Juliette , Goin Nicolas , Longuet Hélène , Barbet Christelle , Bisson Arnaud , Sautenet Bénédicte , Herbert Julien , Buchler Matthias , Fauchier Laurent
Published: May 2023

Background: The risk of bleeding after percutaneous biopsy in kidney transplant recipients is usually low but may vary. A pre-procedure bleeding risk score in this population is lacking. Methods: We assessed the major bleeding rate (transfusion, angiographic intervention, nephrectomy, hemorrhage/hematoma) at 8 days in 28,034 kidney transplant recipients with a kidney biopsy during the 2010–2019 period in France and compared them to 55,026 patients with a native kidney biopsy as controls. Results: The rate of major bleeding was low (angiographic intervention: 0.2%, hemorrhage/hematoma: 0.4%, nephrectomy: 0.02%, blood transfusion: 4.0%). A new bleeding risk score was developed (anemia = 1, female gender = 1, heart failure = 1, acute kidney failure = 2 points). The rate of bleeding varied: 1.6%, 2.9%, 3.7%, 6.0%, 8.0%, and 9.2% for scores 0 to 5, respectively, in kidney transplant recipients. The ROC AUC was 0.649 (0.634–0.664) in kidney transplant recipients and 0.755 (0.746–0.763) in patients who had a native kidney biopsy (rate of bleeding: from 1.2% for score = 0 to 19.2% for score = 5). Conclusions: The risk of major bleeding is low in most patients but indeed variable. A new universal risk score can be helpful to guide the decision concerning kidney biopsy and the choice of inpatient vs. outpatient procedure both in native and allograft kidney recipients.
Comparative Effect of Two Types of Physical Exercise for the Improvement of Exercise Capacity, Diastolic Function, Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness in Participants with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (ExIC-FEp Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cavero-Redondo Iván , Saz-Lara Alicia , Martínez-García Irene , Bizzozero-Peroni Bruno , Díaz-Goñi Valentina , Díez-Fernández Ana , Moreno-Herráiz Nerea , Pascual-Morena Carlos
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for approximately 50% of all patients with HF. In the absence of pharmacological treatments that have been successful in reducing mortality or morbidity in this pathology, physical exercise is recognized as an important adjunct in the treatment of HF. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of combined training and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on exercise capacity, diastolic function, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness in participants with HFpEF. (2) Methods: The ExIC-FEp study will be a single-blind, 3-arm, randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted at the Health and Social Research Center of the University of Castilla-La Mancha. Participants with HFpEF will be randomly assigned (1:1:1) to the combined exercise, HIIT or control group to evaluate the efficacy of physical exercise programs on exercise capacity, diastolic function, endothelial function, and arterial stiffness. All participants will be examined at baseline, at three months and at six months. (3) Results: The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. (4) Conclusions: This RCT will represent a significant advance in the available scientific evidence on the efficacy of physical exercise in the treatment of HFpEF.
Oocyte Cryopreservation for Medical and Planned Indications: A Practical Guide and Overview
Authors: Han Eric , Seifer David B.
Published: May 2023

Oocyte cryopreservation (OC) is the process in which ovarian follicles are stimulated, the follicular fluid is retrieved, and mature oocytes are isolated and vitrified. Since the first successful pregnancy utilizing previously cryopreserved oocytes in 1986, OC has become increasingly utilized as an option for future biologic children in patients facing gonadotoxic therapies, such as for the treatment of cancer. Planned OC, also termed elective OC, is growing in popularity as a means to circumvent age-related fertility decline. In this narrative review, we describe both medically indicated and planned OC, focusing on the physiology of ovarian follicular loss, OC technique and risks, timing of when OC should be performed, associated financial considerations, and outcomes.
Reporting of Drug-Induced Myopathies Associated with the Combination of Statins and Daptomycin: A Disproportionality Analysis Using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Wei Chunyan , Yin Wanhong , He Zhiyao , Wu Bin
Published: May 2023

Background: Myopathy is one of the most common adverse reactions of daptomycin and statins. We aimed to evaluate the muscular toxicity of the combination therapy of daptomycin and statins in a large pharmacovigilance database. Methods: This was a retrospective disproportionality analysis based on real-world data. All cases reported between the first quarter of 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2022 where daptomycin and statins were reported were gathered from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Disproportionality analyses were conducted by estimating the proportional reporting ratios (PRRs), reporting odds ratio (ROR), and information component (IC). Results: A total of 971,861 eligible cases were collected from the FAERS database. Data analysis showed that rosuvastatin (ROR: 124.39, 95% CI: 87.35–178.47), atorvastatin (ROR: 68.53, 95% CI: 51.93–90.43), and simvastatin (ROR: 94.83, 95% CI: 71.12–126.46) combined with daptomycin increased the reporting frequency of myopathy. Moreover, myopathy was reported more frequently with the 3-drug combination (ROR: 598.01, 95% CI: 231.81–1542.71). For rhabdomyolysis, the frequency of reports also increased when daptomycin was combined with rosuvastatin (ROR: 156.34, 95% CI: 96.21–254.05), simvastatin (ROR: 72.65, 95% CI: 47.36–111.44), and atorvastatin (ROR: 66.31, 95% CI: 44.06–99.81). Conclusions: The combination of daptomycin and statins increased the association of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, especially with rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Histological Findings for Socket Preservation Techniques Using Different Grafting Materials: A Systematic Review
Authors: Madi Marwa , Almindil Ibrahim , Alrassasi Maria , Alramadan Doha , Zakaria Osama , Alagl Adel S
Published: May 2023

Objective: Socket preservation techniques have been used to maintain the ridge dimension following tooth extraction. The materials used influence the quality and quantity of newly formed bone. Therefore, the aim of this article was to systematically review the literature reporting both histological and radiographic outcomes of socket preservation techniques after tooth extraction in human subjects. Material and method: A systematic electronic search was performed in the electronic databases. English language clinical studies that were published between 2017 and 2022 and included both histological and radiographic findings for the test and control groups. Our primary search produced 848 articles, and of these, 215 were duplicate studies. A total of 72 articles were then eligible for full-text reading. Results: The review included eight studies that met its inclusion criteria. Three outcomes were compared in the included studies. The percentage of newly formed bone ranged from 21.34 ± 9.14% to more than 50% of new bone formation. The materials that showed more than 50% of newly formed bone formation were demineralized dentin graft, platelet-rich fibrin, freeze-dried bone allograft, corticocancellous porcine, and autogenous bone. Four Studies did not report the percentage of the residual graft materials, while those who reported showed a variable range of a minimum 1.5% to more than 25%. One study did not report the changes in horizontal width at the follow-up period, while other studies ranged from 0.6 mm to 10 mm. Conclusion: Socket preservation represents an efficient technique to preserve the ridge contour with satisfactory newly formed bone in the augmented site and maintaining the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ridge.
Predicting Hospital Ward Admission from the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review
Authors: Larburu Nekane , Azkue Laiene , Kerexeta Jon
Published: May 2023

Background: The emergency department (ED) is often overburdened, due to the high influx of patients and limited availability of attending physicians. This situation highlights the need for improvement in the management of, and assistance provided in the ED. A key point for this purpose is the identification of patients with the highest risk, which can be achieved using machine learning predictive models. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of predictive models used to detect ward admissions from the ED. The main targets of this review are the best predictive algorithms, their predictive capacity, the studies’ quality, and the predictor variables. Methods: This review is based on PRISMA methodology. The information has been searched in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Quality assessment has been performed using the QUIPS tool. Results: Through the advanced search, a total of 367 articles were found, of which 14 were of interest that met the inclusion criteria. Logistic regression is the most used predictive model, achieving AUC values between 0.75–0.92. The two most used variables are the age and ED triage category. Conclusions: artificial intelligence models can contribute to improving the quality of care in the ED and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Perceptions and Usability of PREVENTION: A Breast Cancer Risk Assessment e-Platform
Authors: Attieh Samar , Monarque Marika , Durand Andrew , Ahmed Saima , Knoppers Bartha M. , Simard Jacques , Loiselle Carmen G.
Published: May 2023

Background: The PREVENTION e-platform was developed to provide accessible and evidence-based health information tailored to different Breast Cancer (BC) risk levels. The demonstration study objectives were to (1) assess the usability and perceived impact of PREVENTION on women with assigned hypothetical BC risk levels (i.e., near population, intermediate or high) and (2) explore perceptions and recommendations for e-platform improvement. Methods: Thirty women with no history of cancer were recruited through social media, commercial centers, health clinics, and community settings in Montreal, Qc, Canada. Participants accessed e-platform content tailored to their assigned hypothetical BC risk level, and then completed study e-questionnaires including the user Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS), an e-platform quality scale (i.e., in terms of engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information). A subsample (n = 18) was randomly selected for an individual follow-up semi-structured interview. Results: The e-platform overall quality was high, with mean M = 4.01 (out of 5) and SD = 0.50. A total of 87% (n = 26) agreed or strongly agreed that PREVENTION increased their knowledge and awareness of BC risk, and 80% would recommend it to others while reporting likelihood of following lifestyle recommendations to decrease their BC risk. Follow up interviews indicated that participants perceived the e-platform as a trusted source of BC information and a promising means to connect with peers. They also reported that while the e-platform was easy to navigate, improvements were needed for connectivity, visuals, and the organization of scientific resources. Conclusion: Preliminary findings support PREVENTION as a promising means to provide personalized BC information and support. Efforts are underway to further refine the platform, assess its impact in larger samples and gather feedback from BC specialists.
Forecasting Individual Patients’ Best Time for Surgery in Colon-Rectal Cancer by Tumor Regression during and after Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Martorana Emanuele , Castorina Paolo , Ferini Gianluca , Forte Stefano , Mare Marzia
Published: May 2023

The standard treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before surgery. For those patients experiencing a complete clinical response after the treatment, a watch-and-wait strategy with close monitoring may be practicable. In this respect, the identification of biomarkers of the response to therapy is extremely important. Many mathematical models have been developed or used to describe tumor growth, such as Gompertz’s Law and the Logistic Law. Here we show that the parameters of those macroscopic growth laws, obtained by fitting the tumor evolution during and immediately after therapy, are a useful tool for evaluating the best time for surgery in this type of cancer. A limited number of experimental observations of the tumor volume regression, during and after the neoadjuvant doses, permits a reliable evaluation of a specific patient response (partial or complete recovery) for a later time, and one can evaluate a modification of the scheduled treatment, following a watch-and-wait approach or an early or late surgery. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy effects can be quantitatively described by applying Gompertz’s Law and the Logistic Law to estimate tumor growth by monitoring patients at regular intervals. We show a quantitative difference in macroscopic parameters between partial and complete response patients, reliable for estimating the treatment effects and best time for surgery.
Understanding How the Unique Context of the Minnesota Zoo Shapes Our Local Conservation Initiatives
Authors: Mallinger Mary , Markle Tricia , Minerich Ben , Nordmeyer Cale , Runquist Erik , Stapleton Seth
Published: May 2023

The field of wildlife conservation is comprised of a variety of players with different contexts and approaches. Zoos and aquariums, historically largely focused on public entertainment, are shifting more towards conservation-minded missions and can play a unique role in wildlife conservation by leveraging their distinct assets. The Minnesota Zoo is an AZA-accredited institution and an agency of the State of Minnesota that has been conducting wildlife conservation for over 40 years. Here, we review our current portfolio of local field projects, including initiatives targeting pollinators, native mussels, turtles, and bison, using several considerations to structure and better understand how our unique context has shaped our work. Our designation as a state agency has impacted our initiatives by necessitating a focus on local efforts and has facilitated many partnerships with other government agencies. Indeed, partnerships have been vital to our success and have shaped our programs significantly since their inception. All of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives are built on a bedrock of sound science, and we continue to contribute to the field through research, utilizing the expertise of department staff. In addition, the various funding streams that support our programs have dramatically shaped our work and have created some siloing of staff within the department. However, grant funding can serve as a buffer against the impacts of economic uncertainty, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, our programs have expanded and our objectives have pivoted over the years in response to changing needs and opportunities; such flexibility—and increased flexibility for our staff—is imperative to the future success of these efforts. The Minnesota Zoo’s narrative is unique and helps us understand how we can continue to most effectively carry out local conservation efforts. As we work to protect habitats and save species from extinction, it is important to utilize the distinct assets that each organization can contribute in order to have the greatest collective impact.
Factors Determining Concurrent Reclamation and Abandonment of Cultivated Land on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Sang Yiming , Xin Liangjie
Published: May 2023

The Tibetan Plateau has important functions, such as water and soil conservation, wind and sand control, carbon fixation, and biodiversity protection. Agricultural development on the Tibetan Plateau not only maintains local food security but is also related to the important ecological functions in China and Asia. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of reclaimed and abandoned cultivated land in the Yarlung Zangbo–Lhasa–Nyangqu River (YLN) region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 2000 to 2020 using high-resolution remote sensing data. Additionally, this study explored the factors influencing spatial distribution patterns using a landscape pattern index and correlation analysis. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, cultivated land reclamation and abandonment coexisted in the YLN region. The total areas of reclaimed and abandoned cultivated land were 558.57 and 196.85 km2, and their growth and abandonment rates were 25.47 and 8.29%, respectively. (2) Apparent regional differences existed in the distribution of reclaimed and abandoned lands. The reclaimed land was concentrated in the northeast and southwest of YLN, whereas abandoned land was scattered, with relatively higher fragmentation than in the former. (3) Climate and location affected the spatial distribution of both land types, with precipitation, aspect, and SOM having less influence and temperature, elevation, slope, traffic conditions, and farming radius having relatively prominent influence. (4) Socioeconomic factors were the main factors driving changes in cultivated land area in the region, wherein grain output and the number of livestock positively impacted reclamation and abandonment, relatively more significantly for reclamation. This study helps to understand the land use changes and their impacts in the YLN region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is of great significance for formulating appropriate sustainable development strategies and land management policies, and ensuring the sustainable development of local ecological environment and cultivated land resources utilization.
Book Review: Mertens, E. Resilient City Landscape Architecture for Climate Change; Birkhäuser: Basel, Switzerland, 2022; ISBN: 978-3035622348
Authors: Amani-Beni Majid , Khalilnezhad Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2023

Today, a majority of the global populace resides in urban areas and requires healthy surroundings to prosper and fulfill their potential [...]
Precision Farming: Barriers of Variable Rate Technology Adoption in Italy
Authors: Masi Margherita , Di Pasquale Jorgelina , Vecchio Yari , Capitanio Fabian
Published: May 2023

Research dealing with the adoption of various precision agriculture technologies has shown that guidance and recording tools are more widespread than reactive ones (such as variable rate technology), with much lower utilization rates in European case studies. This study aims to analyze the propensity to innovate variable rate technologies among young Italian farmers. A cluster analysis was carried out revealing four groups. The first two groups represent non-adopters who think technological innovation is very complex from a technical point of view, as well as not very accessible as capital-intensive technology. The third and fourth groups represent adopters. The third reports an early level of adoption, still considering the cost of access a major barrier to technology implementation. The fourth, on the other hand, shows a more intensive level and considers the lack of institutional support a major limitation. The cluster with the most intensive adoption is characterized by the youngest age group, the farms with the largest size, and a prevalence of female entrepreneurs. The need for management training in day-to-day business operations upon adoption is detected for all groups. This paper identified relevant drivers and barriers in characterizing the adopting farm of variable rate technologies. Results may offer insights to the policy maker to better calibrate support interventions.
Assessing Relativeness in the Provision of Urban Ecosystem Services: Better Comparison Methods for Improved Well-Being
Authors: Krsnik Goran , Reyes-Paecke Sonia , Reynolds Keith M. , Garcia-Gonzalo Jordi , González Olabarria José Ramón
Published: May 2023

In this study, we evaluated alternative methods for comparing the provision of ecosystem services among urban areas, stressing how the choice of comparison method affects the ability to compare the ecosystem service outcomes, in order to improve the management actions in urban green areas, reduce environmental inequality, and ensure satisfactory levels of human well-being. For the analysis, ten spatial indicators were quantified to assess the provision of urban ecosystem services in Barcelona, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Two comparison methods were applied in both cities to evaluate the differences in their provision scores. The analysis was performed using the Ecosystem Management Decision Support (EMDS) system, a spatially enabled decision support framework for environmental management. The results depicted changes in the values of the provision of ecosystem services depending on the methodological approach applied. When the data were analysed separately for each city, both cities registered a wide range of provision values across the city districts, varying from very low to very high values. However, when the analysis was based on the data for both cities, the provision scores in Santiago decreased, while they increased in Barcelona, showing relativeness and a discrepancy in their provisions, hindering an appropriate planning definition. Our results emphasise the importance of the choice of comparison approach in the analyses of urban ecosystem services and the need for further studies on these comparison methods.
Analysis of the China’s Interprovincial Innovation Connection Network Based on Modified Gravity Model
Authors: Zhu Kai , Gu Zhiling , Li Jingang
Published: May 2023

With the arrival of the era of innovative economy, innovation is of great significance for the development of China, and even the world. Based on statistical data and taking 2009, 2014, and 2019 as node years, this study uses the entropy weight method and a modified gravity model to study the pattern and evolution characteristics of China’s interprovincial innovation network. The results showed that: 1. The weights of innovation output, innovation input, and innovation environment were 0.253, 0.340, and 0.407, respectively. Currently, innovation output is the most representative of the interprovincial innovation connections, but the weight of innovation environment has been increasing year by year, and its importance is constantly highlighted. 2. The overall spatial structure of China’s interprovincial innovation network shows a “core periphery” feature, radiating from coastal provinces such as Jiangsu, Beijing, and Zhejiang to inland provinces, and exhibiting an overall pattern of “strong in the east and weak in the west”. 3. In terms of evolutionary characteristics, Guangdong and Jiangsu ranked in the top two in terms of outward innovation scale from 2009 to 2019. The combined total innovation connections of the top five provinces in 2009, 2014, and 2019 accounted for 70.79%, 64.29%, and 64.24%, respectively. Although the phenomenon of uneven innovation connections exists, it has slowed down. In addition, China’s interprovincial innovation network is gradually becoming enriched, with the most significant change being the number of innovation links, with a gravity level increasing from four in 2009 to twenty-six in 2019. The interprovincial innovation links continue to strengthen, but the focus has not changed significantly; it is still concentrated in the Bohai Rim region and the Yangtze River Delta region. 4. In terms of maximum gravitational lines, Guangdong Province had the highest number of maximum gravitational lines in 2009, 2014, and 2019, with a total of six. The maximum gravitational line change from 2009 to 2019 took place from 2014 to 2019, transitioning from “Jilin-Liaoning” to “Jilin-Heilongjiang”.
Association of Genetic and Allelic Variants of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Glutathione S-Transferase and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha with Ischemic Stroke Susceptibility and Progression in the Saudi Population
Authors: Jalal Mohammed M. , Mir Rashid , Hamadi Abdullah , Altayar Malik A. , Elfaki Imadeldin , Barnawi Jameel , Alkayyal Almohanad A. , Amr Mouminah , Hadeel Jabali , Moawadh Mamdoh S. , Alsaedi Basim S. O. , Alhelali Marwan H. , Yousif Aadil
Published: May 2023

Stroke is a key cerebrovascular disease and important cause of death and disability worldwide, including in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It has a large economic burden and serious socioeconomic impacts on patients, their families and the community. The incidence of ischemic stroke is probably increased by the interaction of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes with high blood pressure, diabetes and cigarette smoking. The roles of VWF, GSTs and TNF-alpha gene variations in the induction of stroke are still uncertain and require further examination. In the current study, we studied the associations of SNPs in the genes VWF, GSTs and TNF-alpha with stroke in the Saudi population. Genotyping was performed using the ARMS -PCR for TNF-alpha, AS-PCR for VWF and multiplex PCR for GSTs. The study included 210 study subjects: 100 stroke cases and 110 healthy controls. We obtained significant distributions of VWF rs61748511 T > C, TNF-alpha rs1800629 G > A and GST rs4025935 and rs71748309 genotypes between stroke cases and the healthy controls (p < 0.05). The results also indicated that the TNF-alpha A allele was associated with risk of stroke with odd ratio (OR) = 2.22 and risk ratio = RR 2.47, p < 0.05. Similarly, the VWF-TC genotype and C allele were strongly linked with stroke with OR = 8.12 and RR 4.7, p < 0.05. In addition, GSTT1 and GSTT1 null genotype was strongly associated with stroke predisposition with OR = 8.30 and RR = 2.25, p < 0.0001. We conclude that there is a possible strong association between the VWF-T  > C, TNF-alpha G > A, GSTT1 gene variants and ischemic stroke susceptibility in the Saudi population. However, future well-designed and large-scale case–control studies on protein–protein interactions and protein functional studies are required to verify these findings and examine the effects of these SNPs on these proteins.
Agar-Agar and Chitosan as Precursors in the Synthesis of Functional Film for Foods: A Review
Authors: Contessa Camila Ramão , Rosa Gabriela Silveira da , Moraes Caroline Costa , Burkert Janaina Fernandes de Medeiros
Published: May 2023

The food industry produces an exorbitant amount of solid waste of petrochemical origin as a result of the increase in the development of new products. Natural polymers are an alternative to this theme; however, their development with adequate properties is a challenge. The union of different polymers in the synthesis of packaging is usually carried out to improve these properties. The combination of agar-agar and chitosan biopolymers show particular advantages through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged groups, presenting a promising source of studies for the synthesis of green packaging. When combined with natural extracts with active properties, these polymers allow an increase in the microbiological stability of foods associated with lower chemical preservative content and greater environmental sustainability.
Numerical Aspects of a Continuum Sintering Model Formulated in the Standard Dissipative Framework
Authors: Stark Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Robust and computationally efficient numeric algorithms are required to simulate the sintering process of complex ceramic components by means of the finite element method. This work focuses on a thermodynamically consistent sintering model capturing the effects of both, viscosity and elasticity, within the standard dissipative framework. In particular, the temporal integration of the model by means of several implicit first and second order accurate one step time integration methods is discussed. It is shown in terms of numerical experiments on the material point level that the first order schemes exhibit poor performance when compared to second order schemes. Further numerical experiments indicate that the results translate directly to finite element simulations.
Sierpiński Fractals and the Dimension of Their Laplacian Spectrum
Authors: Pollicott Mark , Slipantschuk Julia
Published: May 2023

We establish rigorous estimates for the Hausdorff dimension of the spectra of Laplacians associated with Sierpiński lattices and infinite Sierpiński gaskets and other post-critically finite self-similar sets.
The Associations between Kidney Function and Sexual Dysfunction among Males and Females with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Katsimardou Alexandra , Patoulias Dimitrios , Zografou Ioanna , Tegou Zoi , Imprialos Konstantinos , Stavropoulos Konstantinos , Toumpourleka Maria , Karagiannis Asterios , Petidis Konstantinos , Doumas Michael
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), expressed either as albuminuria, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or both, and sexual dysfunction (SD), are common complications among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aims to assess whether an association exists between DKD and SD, erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in a T2DM population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed and conducted among T2DM patients. The presence of SD was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires for males and females, respectively, and patients were evaluated for DKD. Results: Overall, 80 patients, 50 males and 30 females, agreed to participate. Sexual dysfunction was present in 80% of the study population. Among the participants, 45% had DKD, 38.5% had albuminuria and/or proteinuria and 24.1% had an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR was associated with SD, ED and FSD. Moreover, SD and ED were proven as significant determinants for lower eGFR values in multiple linear regression analyses. DKD was associated with lower lubrication scores and eGFR was associated with lower desire, arousal, lubrication and total scores; however, the multivariate linear regression analyses showed no significant associations between them. Older age resulted in significantly lower arousal, lubrication, orgasm and total FSFI scores. Conclusions: SD is commonly encountered in older T2DM patients and DKD affects almost half of them. The eGFR has been significantly associated with SD, ED and FSD, while SD and ED were proven to be significant determinants for the eGFR levels.
Groin Hernia Repair during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Romanian Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Garofil Nicolae Dragos , Bratucu Mircea Nicolae , Zurzu Mihai , Paic Vlad , Tigora Anca , Prunoiu Virgiliu , Rogobete Alexandru , Balan Ana , Vladescu Cristian , Strambu Victor Dan Eugen , Radu Petru Adrian
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Groin hernia repair surgery (GHRS) is among the most common elective interventions. The aim of this three-year nationwide study on GHRS is to provide a thorough analysis of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Romanian Health System in regard to elective procedures. Materials and Methods: 46,795 groin hernia cases obtained between 2019 and 2021 from the DRG database using ICD-10 diagnostic codes. The data were collected from all 261 GHRS performing hospitals nationwide, including 227 public hospitals (PbH) and 34 private hospitals (PvH). The 42 variables taken into account were processed using Microsoft Excel 2021, applying Chi square, F-Test Two-Sample for variances, and Two Sample t-Test. The significance threshold considered was p < 0.001. Results: Of the grand total of cases, 96.2% were inguinal hernias, 86.8% were performed on men, 15.2% were laparoscopic procedures, and 6.88% were in PvH. Overall, due to the pandemic, the total number of GHRS decreased with 44.45% in 2020 and with 29.72% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic year 2019. April 2020 shows the steepest decrease in GHRS (91 procedures nationwide). In the private sector, there was an opposite trend with increases in the number of cases by 12.21% and a 70.22% in both pandemic years. The mean admission period (MAP) for all procedures was 5.5 days. There was a significant difference between PbH and PvH (5.75 vs. 2.8 days, p < 0.0001). During the pandemic, the MAP in PbH decreased (6.02 in 2019, 5.82 in 2020 and 5.3 in 2021), remaining stable for PvH (2.9 days in 2019, 2.85 days in 2020 and 2.74 days in 2021). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the overall number of GHRS performed in Romania in 2020 and 2021, compared to 2019. However, the private sector thrived with an actual increase in the number of cases. There was a significant lower MAP in the PvH compared to PbH throughout the three-year period.
Melanoma: BRAFi Rechallenge
Authors: Kosmidis Christoforos S. , Papadopoulou Konstantina , Mystakidou Chrysi Maria , Papadopoulou Evanthia , Mantalovas Stylianos , Varsamis Nikolaos , Koulouris Charilaos , Theodorou Vasiliki , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Sevva Christina , Miltiadous Petrina , Petanidis Savvas , Georgakoudi Eleni , Papadopoulou Eleni , Baka Sofia
Published: May 2023

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Half of melanoma cases are characterized by the mutation BRAF V600. The case presented concerns a 41-year-old patient with locally advanced melanoma, being positive in mutation BRAF V600. The patient underwent surgery and received additional targeted therapy as part of a clinical study. In subsequent disease progression, immunotherapy was used. When the disease progressed again while the patient was in a good performance status, targeted therapy was administered again, and a good response was noted, making the patient reach a statistically significant overall survival, exceeding four years. Targeted therapy has proven to be an important tool in the treatment of melanoma. The use of BRAFi targeted therapy does not exclude the option of readministration at subsequent disease progression (BRAFi rechallenge). Preclinical models suggest that the resistance mechanism of cancer cells to BRAFi therapy bends, as these cell clones lose their evolutionary advantage after stopping BRAFi. Cell clones sensitive to BRAFi may then outcompete, making the treatment effective again. Therapeutical dilemmas in the management of patients with locally advanced melanoma that progresses to metastatic cancer are discussed.
Self-Standing, Ultrasonic Spray-Deposited Membranes for Fuel Cells
Authors: Karaca Ali , Galkina Irina , Sohn Yoo Jung , Wippermann Klaus , Scheepers Fabian , Glüsen Andreas , Shviro Meital , Müller Martin , Carmo Marcelo , Stolten Detlef
Published: May 2023

The polymer electrolyte membrane and its contact with electrodes has a significant effect on the performance of fuel and electrolysis cells but the choice of commercially available membranes is limited. In this study, membranes for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) were made by ultrasonic spray deposition from commercial Nafion solution; the effect of the drying temperature and presence of high boiling solvents on the membrane properties was then analyzed. When choosing suitable conditions, membranes with similar conductivity, water uptake, and higher crystallinity than comparable commercial membranes can be obtained. These show similar or superior performance in DMFC operation compared to commercial Nafion 115. Furthermore, they exhibit low permeability for hydrogen, which makes them attractive for electrolysis or hydrogen fuel cells. The findings from our work will allow for the adjustment of membrane properties to the specific requirements of fuel cells or water electrolysis, as well as the inclusion of additional functional components for composite membranes.
Competition between Hydration Shell and Ordered Water Chain Induces Thickness-Dependent Desalination Performance in Carbon Nanotube Membrane
Authors: Liu Siyi , Wang Liya , Xia Jun , Wang Ruijie , Tang Chun , Wang Chengyuan
Published: May 2023

Exploring new reverse osmosis (RO) membranes that break the permeability-selectivity trade-off rule is the ultimate goal in seawater desalination. Both nanoporous monolayer graphene (NPG) and carbon nanotube (CNT) channels have been proposed to be promising candidates for this purpose. From the perspective of membrane thickness, both NPG and CNT can be classified into the same category, as NPG is equivalent to the thinnest CNT. While NPG has the advantage of a high water flux rate and CNT is excellent at salt rejection performance, a transition is expected in practical devices when the channel thickness increases from NPG to infinite-sized CNTs. By employing molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we find that as the thickness of CNT increases, the water flux diminishes but the ion rejection rate increases. These transitions lead to optimal desalination performance around the cross-over size. Further molecular analysis reveals that this thickness effect originates from the formation of two hydration shells and their competition with the ordered water chain structure. With the increase in CNT thickness, the competition-dominated ion path through CNT is further narrowed. Once above this cross-over size, the highly confined ion path remains unchanged. Thus, the number of reduced water molecules also tends to stabilize, which explains the saturation of the salt rejection rate with the increasing CNT thickness. Our results offer insights into the molecular mechanisms of the thickness-dependent desalination performance in a one-dimensional nanochannel, which can provide useful guidance for the future design and optimization of new desalination membranes.
Simulating and Comparing CO2/CH4 Separation Performance of Membrane–Zeolite Contactors by Cascade Neural Networks
Authors: Abdollahi Seyyed Amirreza , Andarkhor AmirReza , Pourahmad Afham , Alibak Ali Hosin , Alobaid Falah , Aghel Babak
Published: May 2023

Separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from gaseous streams released into the atmosphere is becoming critical due to its greenhouse effect. Membrane technology is one of the promising technologies for CO2 capture. SAPO-34 filler was incorporated in polymeric media to synthesize mixed matrix membrane (MMM) and enhance the CO2 separation performance of this process. Despite relatively extensive experimental studies, there are limited studies that cover the modeling aspects of CO2 capture by MMMs. This research applies a special type of machine learning modeling scenario, namely, cascade neural networks (CNN), to simulate as well as compare the CO2/CH4 selectivity of a wide range of MMMs containing SAPO-34 zeolite. A combination of trial-and-error analysis and statistical accuracy monitoring has been applied to fine-tune the CNN topology. It was found that the CNN with a 4-11-1 topology has the highest accuracy for the modeling of the considered task. The designed CNN model is able to precisely predict the CO2/CH4 selectivity of seven different MMMs in a broad range of filler concentrations, pressures, and temperatures. The model predicts 118 actual measurements of CO2/CH4 selectivity with an outstanding accuracy (i.e., AARD = 2.92%, MSE = 1.55, R = 0.9964).
Improving Mechanical Property of Hyper-Eutectic Al-Si Alloys via Regulating the Microstructure by Rheo-Die-Casting
Authors: Hu Zhaohua , Huo Qile , Chen Yaxin , Liu Manping , Chen Xuefei
Published: May 2023

The microstructure plays a key role in the mechanical properties of hyper-eutectic Al-Si alloys. In this study, we investigate the microstructural evolution of rheo-die-casting (RDC) on the Al-15Si-4Cu-0.5Mg alloy using a mechanical rotational barrel system. Our findings demonstrate that higher rotational speed and pouring temperature reduce the size and roundness of primary Si particles in the semisolid slurry. Additionally, during RDC, the dendritic aluminum matrix and skeletal iron-containing inter metallics are sheared off, leading to a more uniform and dispersed Al2Cu phase. Ultimately, our rheo-diecasting results indicate the formation of a near globular aluminum matrix, fine primary Si particles, and a homogeneous Al2Cu phase, thus highlighting the efficacy of this processing method for improving the microstructure and properties of the Al-15Si-4Cu-0.5Mg alloy. We suggest that these results hold promise for enhancing the quality of aluminum-based alloys in various industrial applications.
Sensitivity of Gold Lixiviants for Metal Impurities in Leaching of RAM Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Birich Alexander , Gao Zixi , Vrucak Dzeneta , Friedrich Bernd
Published: May 2023

The importance of gold recovery from waste printed circuit boards is continuously increasing due to raising gold prices and demand as well as the need for innovative and flexible recycling methods for this complex waste stream. The state-of-the-art recycling process aims at the pyrometallurgical recovery of noble metals, mainly using a copper collector. Different technical limitations justify the application of a hydrometallurgical process alternative for recovering gold. The direct application of gold lixiviants on comminuted PCBs is hardly possible due to the high concentration of metal impurities. As a solution, most researchers propose hydrometallurgical separation of disturbing base metals prior to gold extraction. For this, different leaching systems with aggressive chemicals can be applied, often leaving residual base metal concentrations behind. Within this study, two different leaching parameter sets were investigated to separate base metals and determine the impact of residual base metals on subsequent gold recovery. The gold lixiviants that were applied for comparison were thiosulfate, thiourea, iodine-iodide, NBS, and cyanide. It was found that thiosulfate and thiourea are less sensitive than other lixiviants to metal impurities. When base metals are separated completely, gold recovery is strongly improved, and cyanide also achieves a good gold recovery.
Influence of Higher Stabilization Temperatures on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austenitic Stainless Steel 08Ch18N10T
Authors: Janda Tomáš , Jeníček Štěpán , Kučerová Ludmila , Leták Radek , Jandová Dagmar , Jirková Hana
Published: May 2023

Precipitation strengthening in titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steels can improve the hot yield strength, as requested, e.g., for nuclear industry applications. The resulting properties depend mainly on the parameters of the heat treatment and previous forming. The influence of the heat treatment parameters on the development of the microstructure and mechanical properties was determined for steel 08Ch18N10T (GOST). Solution annealing and stabilization with different temperatures and holds were performed on the steel, which was, in delivered condition, stabilized at 720 °C. Heat-treated samples were subjected to static tensile testing at room temperature and at 350 °C, microstructural analysis using light, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy focused on precipitates, and HV10 hardness testing. The strengthening mechanism and its dependence on the stabilization parameters are described. The results of the experiment show the influence of the state of the input material on the final effect of heat treatment—repeated heat treatment achieved lower-strength characteristics than the initial state, while almost all modes showed above-limit values for the mechanical properties. Stabilization temperatures of 720 to 800 °C were found to be optimal in terms of the achieved hot yield strength. At higher temperatures, slightly lower strengths were achieved, but at significantly shorter dwell times.
Changes in the Secretion of Melatonin and Selected Adipokines during the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease—Preliminary Studies
Authors: Milanowski Jan , Kozerawski Kamil , Falęcka Weronika , Dudek Dominik , Lisewska Beata , Lisewski Paweł , Nuszkiewicz Jarosław , Wesołowski Roland , Wojtasik Jakub , Mila-Kierzenkowska Celestyna , Szewczyk-Golec Karolina
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting elderly people. Considering the gap in the literature on melatonin and adipokine levels in PD patients at various stages of the disease, we conducted a study to investigate the levels of selected parameters in PD patients at the disease’s early (ES) and advanced (AS) stages. Melatonin, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin concentrations were measured in the blood serum of 20 PD patients without dyskinesia (ES), 24 PD patients with dyskinesia (AS), and 20 healthy volunteers as a control group (CG). The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Melatonin was significantly lower in ES (p < 0.05) and higher in AS patients (p < 0.05) compared to CG. The level of leptin was increased both in ES (p < 0.001) and AS (p < 0.001) versus CG, while resistin was increased only in patients with dyskinesia (p < 0.05). Higher melatonin (p < 0.001) and resistin (p < 0.05) and lower leptin (p < 0.05) levels were found in AS versus ES. The main findings of the study include the changes in inflammatory markers’ levels during PD and a surprising increase in melatonin level in dyskinesia patients. Further research is necessary, which will be aimed at modulating the secretion of melatonin and adipokines as a treatment target for PD.
Characteristic Function of the Tsallis q-Gaussian and Its Applications in Measurement and Metrology
Authors: Witkovský Viktor
Published: May 2023

The Tsallis q-Gaussian distribution is a powerful generalization of the standard Gaussian distribution and is commonly used in various fields, including non-extensive statistical mechanics, financial markets and image processing. It belongs to the q-distribution family, which is characterized by a non-additive entropy. Due to their versatility and practicality, q-Gaussians are a natural choice for modeling input quantities in measurement models. This paper presents the characteristic function of a linear combination of independent q-Gaussian random variables and proposes a numerical method for its inversion. The proposed technique makes it possible to determine the exact probability distribution of the output quantity in linear measurement models, with the input quantities modeled as independent q-Gaussian random variables. It provides an alternative computational procedure to the Monte Carlo method for uncertainty analysis through the propagation of distributions.
Integrated Graphene Heterostructures in Optical Sensing
Authors: Pham Phuong , Mai The-Hung , Do Huy-Binh , Ponnusamy Vinoth , Chuang Feng-Chuan
Published: May 2023

Graphene—an outstanding low-dimensional material—exhibited many physics behaviors that are unknown over the past two decades, e.g., exceptional matter–light interaction, large light absorption band, and high charge carrier mobility, which can be adjusted on arbitrary surfaces. The deposition approaches of graphene on silicon to form the heterostructure Schottky junctions was studied, unveiling new roadmaps to detect the light at wider-ranged absorption spectrums, e.g., far-infrared via excited photoemission. In addition, heterojunction-assisted optical sensing systems enable the active carriers’ lifetime and, thereby, accelerate the separation speed and transport, and then they pave new strategies to tune high-performance optoelectronics. In this mini-review, an overview is considered concerning recent advancements in graphene heterostructure devices and their optical sensing ability in multiple applications (ultrafast optical sensing system, plasmonic system, optical waveguide system, optical spectrometer, or optical synaptic system) is discussed, in which the prominent studies for the improvement of performance and stability, based on the integrated graphene heterostructures, have been reported and are also addressed again. Moreover, the pros and cons of graphene heterostructures are revealed along with the syntheses and nanofabrication sequences in optoelectronics. Thereby, this gives a variety of promising solutions beyond the ones presently used. Eventually, the development roadmap of futuristic modern optoelectronic systems is predicted.