bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability and Freshness Control of pH-Sensitive Intelligent Label in Cool Chain Transportation of Vegetables
Authors: Feng Tianlin , Chen Huizhi , Zhang Min
Published: September 2023

Freshness is one of the main factors affecting consumers’ purchase of food. The freshness indicator labels of packaged fresh green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and greengrocery (Brassica chinensis L.) were constructed, and pH-sensitive indicator labels based on the dye of anthocyanin and the mixing dye of methyl red and bromothymol blue were prepared in this study. At the same time, the color, chlorophyll content and vitamin C content of vegetables were measured in order to explore the applicability of indicator labels in the cool chain transportation of vegetables. Compared with the nature dye, the chemical dye-type indicator labels are more sensitive to pH changes. The results showed that the mixed indicator intelligent label had the best indication effect, and the MB 2 (mixing 1 g/L methyl red and bromothymol blue solutions at a ratio of 3:2 with a concentration of 70 mL/L in indicator film solution) indicator label could effectively indicate the freshness changes in vegetables during storage. Meanwhile, the color changes of the MB 2-type indicator label were correlated with the colors change of the sample, changes in nutrients, and changes in CO2 content inside the packaging. In addition, freshness detection models for green bell pepper and greengrocery by using color information of MB 2 intelligent labels were established. Hence, this pH-sensitive label can be applied as a promising intelligent packaging for non-destructively monitoring the freshness of respiratory and non-respiratory climacteric vegetables.
An Ethical Analysis Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Oral Healthcare in Patients with Mental Disorders
Authors: Isailă Oana-Maria , Drima Eduard , Hostiuc Sorin
Published: September 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictive measures were imposed that significantly impacted the healthcare system in general, and the dental healthcare system in particular. The literature cites a possible association between mental and oral health, as psychiatric patients have decreased awareness of their oral health and, therefore, poor dental status. Moreover, several studies have found a positive association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and oral health conditions, as well as between SARS-CoV-2 infection and mental health status. This context generated multiple ethical dilemmas in the case of persons with mental health disorders who require dental treatment because they are more vulnerable in this respect. This article aims to analyze the ethical issues in dental care for patients with mental disorders concerning the COVID-19 restrictive measures. The ethical aspects involved here are the basic principles of bioethics and the related elements of accessibility, equity, consent, and confidentiality.
Plant Responses to Global Climate Change and Urbanization: Implications for Sustainable Urban Landscapes
Authors: Kisvarga Szilvia , Horotán Katalin , Wani Muneeb Ahmad , Orlóci László
Published: September 2023

Global warming has led to irregular precipitation patterns and various abiotic and biotic stresses, resulting in unforeseen consequences for wildlife. Plant species are particularly vulnerable to these global climate changes, struggling to adapt to the increasing stressors. Urban environments exacerbate these challenges, further hindering plant survival and growth. The declining number of climate- and urban-tolerant plant species is a direct consequence of escalating stresses. However, resistance breeding approaches coupled with environmentally friendly technologies like biostimulants offer hope by expanding the pool of adaptable species. Urban vegetation plays a vital role in mitigating the urban heat island effect, supporting mental well-being among residents, and preserving biodiversity. In this study, we comprehensively review recent research findings on these topics with a focus on publications from the past 5 years. Emphasizing stress-tolerant ornamental urban plants including trees and herbaceous species becomes crucial for establishing sustainable living practices. By incorporating resilient plant varieties into urban landscapes, we can enhance ecological balance while improving the overall quality of urban environments for both human inhabitants and wildlife populations.
The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Origin of Fibrosis and Interlink with Vasculopathy and Autoimmunity
Authors: Ko Junsuk , Noviani Maria , Chellamuthu Vasuki Ranjani , Albani Salvatore , Low Andrea Hsiu Ling
Published: September 2023

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased mortality and poor morbidity, impairing the quality of life in patients. Whilst we know that SSc affects multiple organs via vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Microvascular injury and vasculopathy are the initial pathological features of the disease. Clinically, the vasculopathy in SSc is manifested as Raynaud’s phenomenon (reversible vasospasm in reaction to the cold or emotional stress) and digital ulcers due to ischemic injury. There are several reports that medications for vasculopathy, such as bosentan and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators, improve not only vasculopathy but also dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vasculopathy is important in SSc. Although vasculopathy is an important initial step of the pathogenesis for SSc, it is still unclear how vasculopathy is related to inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the clinical evidence for vasculopathy, the major cellular players for the pathogenesis, including pericytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and myofibroblasts, and their signaling pathway to elucidate the relationship among vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis in SSc.
The Mechanisms and Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zhang Renlong , Qu Junle
Published: September 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients around the world, causing significant pain and disability. Furthermore, the drugs used to treat these conditions frequently have side effects that add to the patient’s burden. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a promising treatment approach in recent years. PBM effectively reduces inflammation by utilizing near-infrared light emitted by lasers or LEDs. In contrast to photothermal effects, PBM causes a photobiological response in cells, which regulates their functional response to light and reduces inflammation. PBM’s anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects in arthritis treatment have been reported in numerous studies, including animal experiments and clinical trials. PBM’s effectiveness in arthritis treatment has been extensively researched in arthritis-specific cells. Despite the positive results of PBM treatment, questions about specific parameters such as wavelength, dose, power density, irradiation time, and treatment site remain. The goal of this comprehensive review is to systematically summarize the mechanisms of PBM in arthritis treatment, the development of animal arthritis models, and the anti-inflammatory and joint function recovery effects seen in these models. The review also goes over the evaluation methods used in clinical trials. Overall, this review provides valuable insights for researchers investigating PBM treatment for arthritis, providing important references for parameters, model techniques, and evaluation methods in future studies.
A Lipid Nanoparticle-Based Method for the Generation of Liver-Specific Knockout Mice
Authors: Morita Sumiyo , Horii Takuro , Kimura Mika , Kobayashi Ryosuke , Tanaka Hiroki , Akita Hidetaka , Hatada Izuho
Published: September 2023

Knockout mice are useful tools that can provide information about the normal function of genes, including their biochemical, developmental, and physiological roles. One problem associated with the generation of knockout mice is that the loss of some genes of interest produces a lethal phenotype. Therefore, the use of conditioned knockout mice, in which genes are disrupted in specific organs, is essential for the elucidation of disease pathogenesis and the verification of drug targets. In general, conditional knockout mice are produced using the Cre/loxP system; however, the production of the large numbers of Cre/flox knockout and control mice required for analysis requires substantial time and effort. Here, we describe the generation of liver-specific conditional knockout mice via the introduction of lipid nanoparticles encapsulating Cre mRNA into the liver of floxed mice. This technique does not require the production of offspring by mating floxed mice and is therefore more convenient than the conventional method. The results presented here demonstrate that the LNP-based method enables liver-specific gene knockout in a short period of time.
Photocatalytic and Cathode Active Abilities of Ni-Substituted α-FeOOH Nanoparticles
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed , Shiraishi Mikan , Homonnay Zoltán , Krehula Stjepko , Marciuš Marijan , Bafti Arijeta , Pavić Luka , Kubuki Shiro
Published: September 2023

The present study investigates the relationship between the local structure, photocatalytic ability, and cathode performances in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using Ni-substituted goethite nanoparticles (NixFe1−xOOH NPs) with a range of ‘x’ values from 0 to 0.5. The structural characterization was performed applying various techniques, including X-ray diffractometry (XRD); thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES/EXAFS), both measured at room temperature (RT); 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy recorded at RT and low temperatures (LT) from 20 K to 300 K; Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement (BET), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). In addition, the electrical properties of NixFe1−xOOH NPs were evaluated by solid-state impedance spectroscopy (SS-IS). XRD showed the presence of goethite as the only crystalline phase in prepared samples with x ≤ 0.20, and goethite and α-Ni(OH)2 in the samples with x > 0.20. The sample with x = 0.10 (Ni10) showed the highest photo-Fenton ability with a first-order rate constant value (k) of 15.8 × 10−3 min−1. The 57Fe Mössbauer spectrum of Ni0, measured at RT, displayed a sextet corresponding to goethite, with an isomer shift (δ) of 0.36 mm s−1 and a hyperfine magnetic distribution (Bhf) of 32.95 T. Moreover, the DC conductivity decreased from 5.52 × 10−10 to 5.30 × 10−12 (Ω cm)–1 with ‘x’ increasing from 0.10 to 0.50. Ni20 showed the highest initial discharge capacity of 223 mAh g−1, attributed to its largest specific surface area of 174.0 m2 g−1. In conclusion, NixFe1−xOOH NPs can be effectively utilized as visible-light-activated catalysts and active cathode materials in secondary batteries.
Uridine as a Regulator of Functional and Ultrastructural Changes in the Brain of Rats in a Model of 6-OHDA-Induced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Uspalenko Nina I. , Mosentsov Alexei A. , Khmil Natalia V. , Pavlik Lyubov L. , Belosludtseva Natalia V. , Khunderyakova Natalia V. , Shigaeva Maria I. , Medvedeva Vasilisa P. , Malkov Anton E. , Kitchigina Valentina F. , Mironova Galina D.
Published: September 2023

Using a model of Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced by the bilateral injection of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into rat brain substantia nigra (SN), we showed uridine to exert a protective effect associated with activation of the mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium (mitoK-ATP) channel. Injection of 4 µg neurotoxin evoked a 70% decrease in the time the experimental animal spent on the rod in the RotaRod test, an increase in the amount of lipid peroxides in blood serum and cerebral-cortex mitochondria and the rate of reactive oxygen species formation, and a decrease in Ca2+ retention in mitochondria. Herewith, lymphocytes featured an increase in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, a cytosolic enzyme of glycolysis, without changes in succinate-dehydrogenase activity. Structural changes occurring in the SN and striatum manifested themselves in the destruction of mitochondria, degeneration of neurons and synapses, and stratification of myelin sheaths in them. Subcutaneous injections of 30 µg/kg uridine for 22 days restored the neurotoxin-induced changes in these parameters to levels close to the control. 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5 mg/kg), a specific mitoK-ATP channel inhibitor, eliminated the beneficial effect of uridine for almost all characteristics tested, indicating the involvement of the mitoK-ATP channel in the protective effect of uridine. The mechanism of the protective effect of uridine and its therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of PD are discussed.
Evaluation of Image Quality for High Heart Rates for Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography with Advancement in CT Technology: The CONVERGE Registry
Authors: Abdelkarim Ayman , Roy Sion K. , Kinninger April , Salek Azadeh , Baranski Olivia , Andreini Daniele , Pontone Gianluca , Conte Edoardo , O’Rourke Rachael , Hamilton-Craig Christian , Budoff Matthew J.
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aims to evaluate image quality in patients with heart rates above or equal to 70 beats per minute (bpm), performed on a 16 cm scanner (256-slice General Electric Revolution) in comparison to a CT scanner with only 4 cm of coverage (64 slice Volume CT). Background: Recent advancements in image acquisition, such as whole-heart coverage in a single rotation and post-processing methods in coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), include motion-correction algorithms, such as SnapShot Freeze (SSF), which improve temporal resolution and allow for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) with lower motion scores and better image qualities. Studies from the comprehensive evaluation of high temporal- and spatial-resolution cardiac CT using a wide coverage system (CONVERGE) registry (a multicenter registry at four centers) have shown the 16 cm CT scanner having a better image quality in comparison to the 4 cm scanner. However, these studies failed to include patients with undesirable or high heart rates due to well-documented poor image acquisition on prior generations of CCTA scanners. Methods: A prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study comparing image quality, quantitively and qualitatively, on scans performed on a 16 cm CCTA in comparison to a cohort of images captured on a 4 cm CCTA at four centers. Participants were recruited based on broad inclusion criteria, and each patient in the 16 cm CCTA arm of the study received a CCTA scan using a 256-slice, whole-heart, single-beat scanner. These patients were then matched by age, gender, and heart rate to patients who underwent CCTA scans on a 4 cm CT scanner. Image quality was graded based on the signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and on a Likert scale of 0–4: 0, very poor—4, excellent. Results: 104 patients were evaluated for this study. The mean heart rate was 75 ± 7 in the 4 cm scanner and 75 ± 7 in the 16 cm one (p = 0.426). The signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were higher in the 16 cm scanner (p = 0.0001). In addition, more scans were evaluated as having an excellent quality on the 16 cm scanner than on the 4 cm scanner (p < 0.0001) based on a 4-point Likert scale. Conclusions: The 16 cm scanner has a superior image quality for fast heart rates compared to the 4 cm scanner. This study shows that there is a significantly higher frequency of excellent and good studies showing better contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios with the 16 cm scanner compared to the 4 cm scanner.
Torticollis in Non-Syndromic Unicoronal Craniosynostosis Is Predominantly Ocular Related
Authors: Tan Emily T. C. , Rostamzad Parinaz , Esser Yasmin S. , Pleumeekers Mieke M. , Loudon Sjoukje E.
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis (UCS) often show torticollis which can result from either an ocular cause or contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. For clinicians, it is crucial to know the prevalence of ocular torticollis (OT) to ensure appropriate referral for treatment. Furthermore, associated ophthalmic features with OT in these patients are scarcely described. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OT in non-syndromic UCS patients and investigate its associated ophthalmic features. (2) Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study medical records of non-syndromic UCS patients treated between 1994–2022 in one tertiary care hospital in The Netherlands were retrospectively reviewed. Collected data included: diagnosis and type of torticollis, binocular single vision (BSV), strabismus, ocular motility, alphabetical patterns, refractive error, and amblyopia. Patients were classified as OT, based on their ophthalmic and/or orthoptic diagnosis. Prevalence was determined with the 95% CI using the Clopper–Pearson exact test. Associations between OT and the ophthalmic features were determined using Chi-square or Fishers’ exact test and its effect size was calculated using Cramer’s V. (3) Results: In total, 146 patients were included, of whom 57 had torticollis. An ocular cause for the torticollis was found in 54 patients. The prevalence of OT was 37% (n = 146; 95% CI [0.292–0.454]). Significant associations were found between OT and strabismus (p < 0.001), ocular motility abnormalities (p < 0.001), alphabetical patterns (p < 0.001), and amblyopia (p = 0.002). BSV (p = 0.277) and refractive error (p = 1.0) were not significantly associated with OT. However, in OT the BSV was relatively poor (42.1%) and more frequently absent (26.3%) compared to the non-torticollis group (7% poor and 16.3% absent). In both groups, excyclotorsion was predominantly present (62.3%). (4) Conclusions: In 95% of cases, torticollis in UCS patients is ocular-related. Overall, one in three patients with UCS have OT. This study emphasizes the importance of a timely referral of all patients with UCS with torticollis to an orthoptist and/or ophthalmologist, specialized in diagnosing and treatment of OT, before considering physiotherapy.
How Schroth Therapists Vary the Implementation of Schroth Worldwide for Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Marchese Rosemary , Ilhan Emre , Pacey Verity
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Schroth is a type of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) prescribed to adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Studies have investigated the effectiveness of Schroth but are yet to elucidate how Schroth is applied clinically and the factors that influence their prescription. (2) Methods: A mixed methods design was used comprising an anonymous survey and semi-structured interviews of Schroth therapists who treated AIS and who were publicly listed on the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School or the International Schroth 3-dimensional Scoliosis Therapy School websites. The survey included 64 questions covering demographics, session and treatment characteristics, and whether therapists included other treatment modalities in their clinical practice. A convenience sample of survey participants were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to further explore the factors that influenced their prescription of Schroth for AIS. Results from the survey were analyzed descriptively (n, %), whereas inductive thematic analysis was used for the interviews. (3) Results: of the 173 survey respondents (18% response rate), most were from Europe and North America (64.0%), female (78.6%), physiotherapists (96.0%), and worked in private settings (72.3%). Fifty-two per cent of participants used other types of PSSE as an adjunct to Schroth, the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) being the most frequently used (37.9%). Non-PSSE methods were used ‘at some point’ as an adjunct by 98.8% of participants, including massage and other soft tissue techniques (80.9%), Pilates (46.6%), and Yoga (31.5%). The Schroth techniques used by all survey respondents included breathing and pelvic corrections. Seven participants were interviewed, but data saturation was achieved after only four interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four, inter-related broad themes describing the factors that influenced Schroth prescription for AIS: (1) the adolescent as a whole, including physical, emotional and mental characteristics, and patient goals, (2) family, including parent relationship with the adolescent and the motivation of parents in regard to Schroth, (3) the systems within which the treatment was being offered, such as vicinity to the clinic and the presence of financial insurance support, and (4) therapist characteristics, such as their training and experience. (4) Conclusions: Schroth therapists worldwide use a variety of adjunctive methods to treat AIS. Therapists prescribing Schroth exercises to AIS consider the complex interplay of intra-, inter- and extra-personal factors in clinical practice. These considerations move beyond the three components of evidence-based practice of research, patient preferences, and clinical expertise, towards a systems-based reflection on exercise prescription.
Exploiting Laser-Induced Graphene Composites as Substrates for Copper-Mediated Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Scott Cameron , Gilpin Victoria , McCreadie Karl , Davis James
Published: September 2023

The development of a nanostructured copper–laser-induced graphene (LIG) composite that can catalyze the reduction of nitrate is described. The system was characterized using a range of surface analytical methods (SEM, Raman, DekTak profilometry). The electrochemical performance of the copper mesh in reducing nitrate was investigated, the nature of the catalytic response was elucidated, and the influence of potential interferences was critically appraised. The adaptation of the system as the basis of an electrochemical sensor for nitrate was assessed, which displayed a limit of detection of 4.7 μM nitrate. The analytical applicability in authentic media was evaluated through the analysis of two surface water samples and validated by standard spectroscopic (nitrate reductase–Griess methods). The LIG substrate offers a simple, scalable route towards the reduction of nitrate with a construction simplicity and sensitivity that is competitive with much more complex nanomaterials.
Current Trend and New Opportunities for Multifunctional Bio-Scaffold Fabrication via High-Pressure Foaming
Authors: Fanovich María Alejandra , Di Maio Ernesto , Salerno Aurelio
Published: September 2023

Biocompatible and biodegradable foams prepared using the high-pressure foaming technique have been widely investigated in recent decades as porous scaffolds for in vitro and in vivo tissue growth. In fact, the foaming process can operate at low temperatures to load bioactive molecules and cells within the pores of the scaffold, while the density and pore architecture, and, hence, properties of the scaffold, can be finely modulated by the proper selection of materials and processing conditions. Most importantly, the high-pressure foaming of polymers is an ideal choice to limit and/or avoid the use of cytotoxic and tissue-toxic compounds during scaffold preparation. The aim of this review is to provide the reader with the state of the art and current trend in the high-pressure foaming of biomedical polymers and composites towards the design and fabrication of multifunctional scaffolds for tissue engineering. This manuscript describes the application of the gas foaming process for bio-scaffold design and fabrication and highlights some of the most interesting results on: (1) the engineering of porous scaffolds featuring biomimetic porosity to guide cell behavior and to mimic the hierarchical architecture of complex tissues, such as bone; (2) the bioactivation of the scaffolds through the incorporation of inorganic fillers and drugs.
Pressing and Sintering of Titanium Aluminide Powder after Ball Milling in Silane-Doped Atmosphere
Authors: Behrens Bernd-Arno , Brunotte Kai , Peddinghaus Julius , Ursinus Jonathan , Döring Sebastian , Maus-Friedrichs Wolfgang , Gustus René , Szafarska Maik
Published: September 2023

Due to the high specific surface area of titanium aluminide powders, significant and unavoidable surface oxidation takes place during processing. The resulting oxides disrupt the conventional powder metallurgical process route (pressing and sintering) by reducing the green strength and sintered properties. Oxide-free particle surfaces offer the potential to significantly increase particle bond strength and enable the processing of difficult-to-press material powders. In this work, the effect of milling titanium aluminide powder in a silane-doped atmosphere on the component properties after pressing and the subsequent sintering was investigated. Ball milling was used to break up the oxide layers and create bare metal surfaces on the particles. With the help of silane-doped inert gas, the oxygen partial pressure was greatly reduced during processing. It was investigated whether oxide-free surfaces could be produced and maintained by milling in silane-doped atmospheres. Furthermore, the resulting material properties after pressing and sintering were analysed using density measurements, hardness tests, EDX measurements, and micrographs. It was concluded that ball milling in a silane-doped atmosphere produces and maintains oxide-free particle surfaces. These oxide-free surfaces and smaller particle sizes improve the component properties after pressing and sintering.
Effect of Radiation Therapy on Composition of Lymphocyte Populations in Patients with Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Kobzeva Irina , Astrelina Tatiana , Suchkova Yuliya , Malivanova Tatyana , Usupzhanova Daria , Brunchukov Vitaliy , Rastorgueva Anna , Nikitina Victoria , Lubaeva Ekaterina , Sukhova Marina , Kirilchev Alexey , Butkova Tatyana , Izotov Alexander , Malsagova Kristina , Samoilov Alexander , Pustovoyt Vasiliy
Published: September 2023

Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is an important step in the treatment of primary breast cancer as it is one of the leading contributors to cancer incidence among women. Most patients with this disease acquire radiation-induced lymphopenia in the early post-radiation period; however, little is known about the effect of RT on the composition of lymphocyte populations in such patients. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of adjuvant remote RT—performed in the classical mode for patients with primary breast cancer—on the main components of cell-mediated immunity (major lymphocyte populations), including those in patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: Between 2020 and 2022, 96 patients with stage I–III breast cancer were included in this study. All patients in the final stage of complex treatment received RT via a 3D conformal technique (3DCRT). The clinical target volume of this RT included the breast or chest wall and locoregional lymphatics. Flow cytometry was used to assess the levels and phenotypes of circulating lymphocytes before and after RT (no more than 7 days before and after RT). The evaluation of the impact of polychemotherapy (PCT) was conducted to determine whether it was a risk factor for the onset of radio-induced lymphopenia (RIL) in the context of RT. Results: When assessing the immune status in the general group of patients (n = 96), before the start of adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), the average number of lymphocytes was 1.68 ± 0.064 × 109/L; after the course of adjuvant EBRT, it decreased to 1.01 ± 0.044 × 109/L (p < 0.001). When assessing the absolute indicators of cellular immunity in the general group of patients with BC after a course of adjuvant EBRT, significant dynamics were revealed by the changes in all cell populations of lymphocytes (paired t-test, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The adaptive immune system in breast cancer patients changed in the early post-radiation period. The absolute levels of B-, T- and natural killer cells significantly reduced after RT regardless of whether the patients previously underwent chemotherapy courses. RT for patients with primary breast cancer should be considered in clinical management because it significantly alters lymphocyte levels and should be considered when assessing antitumor immunity, as significant changes in T-cell immunity have been observed. In addition, the identified changes are critical if specific targeted therapy or immunotherapy is needed.
Clinical Efficacy Analysis of the Personalization of Prosthetic Abutments in Implant Supported Restorations in Comparison to Available Standard Titanium Abutments
Authors: Obădan Magdalena Eugenia , Mitruț Ioana , Ionescu Mihaela , Obădan Florian , Târtea Daniel Adrian , Popescu Marcel Adrian , Popescu Sanda Mihaela , Smarandache Andreea Maria , Manolea Horia Octavian
Published: September 2023

Personalized medicine has become an important direction to offer better solutions for health problems. In implantology, this trend was materialized through customizing dental abutments to each clinical situation. The demands for better esthetics and function of implant-supported restorations have imposed a more personalized variety of prosthetic abutments. This retrospective study compared clinical efficiency of personalized implant abutments with standard implant abutments in multiple implant restorations. Clinical data of patients who were admitted in a private clinic between 2011 and 2022 and received dental implant treatments were collected. All complications and undesired events from the patients’ medical record charts were statistically analyzed. The implants were loaded using either standard or customized abutments. For complete arch rehabilitations with the SKY Fast & Fixed protocol, standard titanium prosthetic abutments were used. Our results suggest that the abutments choice for patients has moved throughout the years more towards the use of customized abutments. The number of customized abutments (414) was higher compared with the number of standard abutments (293). In our database, the most used abutments for the anterior area implants were made of titanium and zirconia, whereas for the posterior area, the preferred abutments were mostly titanium. The standard abutments were used almost entirely for immediate loading and implantation in both anterior and posterior areas (Fast & Fixed protocol). Complications were encountered mainly in restorations with standard abutments (9.22%) compared to customized abutments (2.7%), with titanium abutments being the most reliable, having only 1.79% complications.
Targeting IL-4 and IL-13 Receptors on Eosinophils in CRSwNP Patients: The Clinical Efficacy of Dupilumab
Authors: Piazzetta Giovanna Lucia , Lobello Nadia , Chiarella Emanuela , Rizzuti Alberta , Pelaia Corrado , Pelaia Girolamo , Lombardo Nicola
Published: September 2023

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory disease linked to type 2 inflammation. Several biologics have demonstrated therapeutic potential for the treatment of this pathology in which IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 represent the major cytokines involved in the control of eosinophilic respiratory inflammation. 25% of CRSwNP patients relapse after the use of oral glucocorticoids or after surgery and often require several surgeries during their lifetime. In our study we enrolled 14 patients, 11 male and 3 female. The inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 18 years; confirmed diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis with severe nasal polyposis; disease severity with NPS Nasal Polyposis Endoscopic Score total score ≥ 5 and/or SNOT-22 ≥ 50; previous treatment failure due to lack of efficacy or discontinuation of systemic corticosteroid therapy and/or non-response or recurrence following surgery. The results presented in this study showed the ability of Dupilumab to improve all the parameters analysed. In particular, statistically significant data were obtained for NPS, SNOT-22, NRS, and IgE in patients exposed to Dupilumab treatment for 24 weeks, highlighting the ability of Dupilumab to produce clinical benefit in CRWwNP patients. In light of these data, the administration of dupilumab every two weeks represents a valid clinical strategy that ENT specialists can adopt for the treatment of adults with inadequately controlled CRSwNP.
Interdisciplinary Treatment of Malignant Chest Wall Tumors
Authors: Khamitov Koblandy , Dudek Wojciech , Arkudas Andreas , Haj Khalaf Mohamed , Parjiea Chirag , Higaze Mostafa , Horch Raymund E. , Sirbu Horia
Published: September 2023

Background: Chest wall resections for malignant chest wall tumors (MCWTs), particularly those with full-thickness chest wall involvement requiring reconstruction, present a therapeutic challenge for thoracic and plastic reconstructive surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with chest wall resection for primary and metastatic MCWTs, with a focus on perioperative outcomes and postoperative overall survival (OS). Methods: All patients who underwent surgical resection for primary and secondary MCWTs at our single institution between 2000 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 42 patients (25 male, median age 60 years) operated upon with curative (n = 37, 88.1%) or palliative (n = 5, 11.9%) intent were reviewed. Some 33 (78%) MCWTs were of secondary origin. Chest wall reconstruction was required in 40 (95%) cases. A total of 13 (31%) patients had postoperative complications and one (2.3%) died perioperatively. The 5-year postoperative overall survival rate was 51.9%. The postoperative 5-year survival rate of 42.6% in patients with secondary MCWTs was significantly lower compared to the figure of 87.5% in patients with primary MCWTs. Conclusions: In well-selected patients, chest wall resections for primary and secondary MCWTs are feasible and associated with good perioperative outcomes. For secondary MCWTs, surgery can also be performed with palliative intent.
Does Fiscal Consolidation Affect Non-Performing Loans? Global Evidence from Heavily Indebted Countries (HICs)
Authors: Rahman Habib Ur , Arian Adam , Sands John
Published: September 2023

This study explores fiscal consolidations’ impact on non-performing loans (NPLs) in highly indebted countries (HICs) following the global financial crisis (GFC) and subsequent sovereign debt crisis. A dynamic panel data estimator was applied to obtain the unbiased estimator due to NPLs’ time persistence. The findings reveal that fiscal consolidation measures increase NPLs since they limit the household and business loan-serving capacity. Extended analysis categorises fiscal consolidation episodes into (1) the fiscal consolidation weak form (FCWE) and (2) the fiscal consolidation strong form (FCSE). The extended analysis results reveal that the FCWE and FCSE improve NPLs by 1.55% and 31.10%, respectively. The weak-to-strong form transition of the fiscal consolidation analysis resulted in improving NPLs by 28.55 percentage points. NPL definition challenges, the potential influence of loan restructuring and regulatory restrictions, and implications for policymakers and financial institutions in managing NPLs in highly indebted economies were explored. Investigating the potentially different effects of both forms of fiscal consolidation (FCWE and FCSE) on NPLs in countries with different definitions of NPLs, including a comparison study between different definitions, was identified as an implication for future research. Finally, future studies should examine how restrictions on IFRS 9 may affect the FCWE and NPL as well as FCSE and NPL associations.
An Evaluation of the Tribological Characteristics of Diaphragm Plates for High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Compressor Applications
Authors: Lee Sung-Jun , Sohn Yoonchul , Segu Dawit Zenebe , Kim Chang-Lae
Published: September 2023

Diaphragm plates, a key part of high-pressure hydrogen gas compressors, are easily cracked or broken due to repeated shape deformations caused by pressure, resulting in increasing difficulties in maintenance. This study aimed to improve the durability of diaphragm plates. This investigation focuses on the potential for friction and wear reduction through the application of surface polishing and Teflon coating on two diaphragm plate materials, namely stainless steel 301 and Inconel 718. To achieve this, various metal substrates with diverse surface morphologies were prepared and subjected to comprehensive assessments of their surface, mechanical, and tribological properties. Research findings revealed that the surface hardness and tensile strength of stainless steel 301 surpassed those of Inconel 718. Through friction and wear analysis, it was observed that Teflon-coated diaphragm plate material with a microstructure demonstrated superior friction performance. Furthermore, finite element analysis was employed to investigate the stress behavior of stainless steel 301 under different applied loads and conditions, offering valuable insights into the diaphragm’s performance. From the results of this study, the excellence of the Teflon coating applied to the surface of stainless steel 301—the material of the hydrogen compressor diaphragm plate—was confirmed.
Kinetics and Modeling of Counter-Current Leaching of Waste Random-Access Memory Chips in a Cu-NH3-SO4 System Utilizing Cu(II) as an Oxidizer
Authors: Lin Peijia , Werner Joshua , Ali Zulqarnain Ahmad , Bertucci Lucas , Groppo Jack
Published: September 2023

The leaching of Cu in ammoniacal solutions has proven an efficient method to recover Cu from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) that has used by many researchers over the last two decades. This study investigates the feasibility of a counter-current leaching circuit that would be coupled with an electrowinning (EW) cell. To accomplish this objective, the paper is divided into three parts. In Part 1, a leaching kinetic framework is developed from a set of experiments that were designed and conducted using end-of-life waste RAM chips as feed sources and Cu(II)-ammoniacal solution as the lixiviant. Various processing parameters, such as particle size, stirring rates, initial Cu(II) concentrations, and temperatures, were evaluated for their effects on the Cu recovery and the leaching rate. It was found that the particle size and initial Cu(II) concentration were the two most important factors in Cu leaching. Using a 1.2 mm particle size diameter and 40 g/L of initial Cu(II) concentration, a maximum Cu recovery of 96% was achieved. The Zhuravlev changing-concentration model was selected to develop the empirically fitted kinetic coefficients. In Part 2, kinetic data were adapted into a leaching function suitable for continuously stirred tank reactors. This was achieved via using the coefficients from the Zhuravlev model and adapting them to the Jander constant concentration model for use in the counter-current circuit model. Part 3 details the development of a counter-current circuit model based on the relevant kinetic model, and the circuit performance was modeled to provide a tool that would allow the exploration of maximum copper recovery whilst minimizing the Cu(II) reporting to electrowinning. A 4-stage counter-current circuit was modeled incorporating a feed of 35 g/L of Cu(II), achieving a 4.12 g/L Cu(II) output with 93% copper recovery.
Correction: Filonova, E.; Pikalova, E. Overview of Approaches to Increase the Electrochemical Activity of Conventional Perovskite Air Electrodes. Materials 2023, 16, 4967
Authors: Filonova Elena , Pikalova Elena
Published: September 2023

In the original publication [...]
Development of Lightweight Mortars Using Sustainable Low-Density Glass Aggregates from Secondary Raw Materials
Authors: Romero Maximina , Padilla Isabel , García Calvo José Luis , Carballosa Pedro , Pedrosa Filipe , López-Delgado Aurora
Published: September 2023

In this study, different lightweight expanded glass aggregates (LEGAs) were produced from glass cullet and various carbonated wastes, through a thermal impact process. The effects of LEGA microstructure and morphology on both the adherence to the cement paste and the mechanical properties of mortars after 28 days of curing were studied. The properties of lightweight mortars made of either LEGAs or expanded clay aggregates were compared. The results demonstrated the feasibility of using LEGAs to produce glass lightweight aggregate mortar, with flexural and compressive strength values ranging from 5.5 to 8.2 MPa and from 28.1 to 47.6 MPa, respectively. The differences in mechanical properties were explained according to the microstructures of the fracture surfaces. Thus, arlite-type ceramic aggregates presented surface porosities that allowed mortar intrusion and the formation of an interconnected interface; although the surfaces of the vitreous aggregates were free from porosity due to their vitreous nature, the mortars obtained from different wastes presented compressive and flexural strengths in the range of lightweight mortars.
Thermal and Humidity Performance Test of Rammed-Earth Dwellings in Northwest Sichuan during Summer and Winter
Authors: Jiang Maqi , Jiang Bin , Lu Renzi , Chun Liang , Xu Hailun , Yi Gaolin
Published: September 2023

Rammed-earth dwellings have a long history in the construction field. It is a natural material that is both green and environmentally friendly. In recent years, the advantages of rammed earth, such as environmental protection, low cost, and recyclability, have attracted considerable attention. In this study, the thermal and humidity physical properties of rammed–earth materials in the northwest Sichuan region, the variation laws of thermal physical parameters, such as the thermal conductivity of rammed–earth under different moisture content conditions, and isothermal moisture absorption and desorption curves were investigated. The results indicated that the thermal physical parameters of the rammed earth measured in the experiment increased with an increase in moisture content, and its moisture absorption performance was better than the moisture release performance in the range of 11.31–97.3% relative humidity. The experimental site, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, is a subtropical monsoon humid climate zone characterized by warm winters and hot summers with four distinct seasons. In this study, we investigated the hygrothermal coupling transfer of walls, as well as the indoor temperature and humidity changes in new rammed–earth buildings during summer and winter climates. During the test period, the maximum indoor temperature in summer was 35.08 °C, the minimum temperature was 33.76 °C, and the average daily temperature fluctuation was 3.62 °C. In winter, the maximum indoor temperature was 8.59 °C, the minimum temperature was 6.18 °C, and the average daily temperature fluctuation was 1.21 °C. An analysis was performed on the thermal insulation performance of rammed–earth buildings in an extremely high-temperature climate during summer, thermal insulation performance, the thermal–buffering capacity of walls in a low–temperature and high-humidity climate during winter, and thermal and humidity regulation of indoor environments provided by walls during summer and winter. The results showed that the rammed–earth buildings exhibited warmth in winter, coolness in summer, and a more stable and comfortable indoor environment.
Advances in Tunable Bandgaps of Piezoelectric Phononic Crystals
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Xu Xiaomei , Li Li
Published: September 2023

Bandgaps of traditional phononic crystals (PCs) are determined using structural geometric parameters and material properties, and they are difficult to tune in practical applications. Piezoelectric PCs with lead zirconium titanate piezoelectric ceramics (abbreviated to piezoelectric PCs) have multi-physics coupling effects and their bandgaps can be tuned through external circuits to expand the application range of the PCs. First, the typical structures of piezoelectric PCs are summarized and analyzed. According to the structure, common tunable piezoelectric PCs can be roughly divided into three categories: PCs that only contain piezoelectric materials (single piezoelectric PCs), PCs composed of embedded piezoelectric materials in elastic materials (composite piezoelectric PCs), and PCs that are composed of an elastic base structure and attached piezoelectric patches (patch-type piezoelectric PCs). Second, the tuning methods of bandgaps for piezoelectric PCs are summarized and analyzed. Then, the calculation methods of the bandgaps of piezoelectric PCs are reviewed and analyzed. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the research status of piezoelectric PCs, shortcomings of the existing research are discussed, and future development directions are proposed.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Joints from Coarse- and Ultrafine-Grained Al-Mg-Si Alloy Obtained via Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Lipińska Marta
Published: September 2023

In the present study, the welding of coarse- (CG) and ultrafine-grained (UFG) Al-Mg-Si alloy using friction stir welding (FSW) was attempted. The purpose of welding the UFG material was to check the possibility of applying FSW to materials with a thermally unstable microstructure, which is achieved by severe plastic deformation. This group of materials has significant potential due to the enhanced mechanical properties as a result of the elevated number of structural defects. The CG sample was also examined in order to assess whether there is an influence of the base material microstructure on the weld microstructure and properties. To refine the microstructure, incremental equal channel angular pressing was used. Plastic deformation resulted in grain refinement from 23 µm to 1.5 µm. It caused an increase in the microhardness from 105 HV0.1 to 125 HV0.1 and the tensile strength from 320 MPa to 394 MPa. Similar welds obtained using an FSW method exhibited good quality and grain size in a stir zone of 5 µm. For both welds, a decrease in the microhardness occurred in the stir zone. However, for the weld of UFG Al-Mg-Si, the microhardness distribution was homogeneous, while for the weld of the CG, it was inhomogeneous, which was caused by different characteristics of the second-phase precipitates. The tensile strength of the welds was lowered and equaled 269 MPa and 220 MPa for the CG and UFG welds, respectively.
Optimization of Sulfide Annealing Conditions for Ag8SnS6 Thin Films
Authors: Munekata Ryuki , Uchimura Tomohiro , Araki Hideaki , Kanai Ayaka , Tanaka Kunihiko , Okamoto Tomoichiro , Akaki Yoji
Published: September 2023

Ag8SnS6 (ATS) has been reported to have a band gap of 1.33 eV and is expected to be a suitable material for the light-absorbing layers of compound thin-film solar cells. However, studies on solar cells that use ATS are currently lacking. The objective of this study is to obtain high-quality ATS thin films for the realization of compound thin-film solar cells using vacuum deposition and sulfide annealing. First, glass/SnS/Ag stacked precursors are prepared by vacuum deposition. Subsequently, they are converted to the ATS phase via sulfide annealing, and various process conditions, namely, annealing time, annealing temperature, and number of steps, are studied. By setting the heat treatment temperature at 550 °C and the heat treatment time at 60 min, a high-quality ATS thin film could be obtained. Multi-step heat treatment also produces thin films with nearly no segregation or voids.
Sustainable Cementitious Materials for Civil and Transportation Engineering
Authors: Wang Junjie , Xie Jianhe , Liu Yongliang
Published: September 2023

The current Special Issue entitled “Sustainable Cementitious Materials for Civil and Transportation Engineering” aims to discuss current research on the preparation, characterization, and application of sustainable cementitious materials for civil and transportation engineering, with a special focus on the development of low-carbon construction materials [...]