bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viability of Collagen Matrix Grafts Associated with Nanohydroxyapatite and Elastin in Bone Repair in the Experimental Condition of Ovariectomy
Authors: de Moraes Renato , Plepis Ana Maria de Guzzi , Martins Virgínia da Conceição Amaro , Garcia Claudio Fernandes , Galdeano Ewerton Alexandre , Maia Fernanda Latorre Melgaço , Machado Eduardo Gomes , Munhoz Marcelo de Azevedo e Souza , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Fernandes Victor Augusto Ramos , Beraldo Rodrigo Alves , Buchaim Rogerio Leone , da Cunha Marcelo Rodrigues
Published: October 2023

Bone lesions have the capacity for regeneration under normal conditions of the bone metabolism process. However, due to the increasing incidence of major traumas and diseases that cause bone-mineral deficiency, such as osteoporosis, scaffolds are needed that can assist in the bone regeneration process. Currently, natural polymeric scaffolds and bioactive nanoparticles stand out. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the osteoregenerative potential in tibiae of healthy and ovariectomized rats using mineralized collagen and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) scaffolds associated with elastin. The in-vivo experimental study was performed with 60 20-week-old Wistar rats, distributed into non-ovariectomized (NO) and ovariectomized (O) groups, as follows: Controls (G1-NO-C and G4-O-C); Collagen with nHA scaffold (G2-NO-MSH and G5-O-MSH); and Collagen with nHA and elastin scaffold (G3-NO-MSHC and G6-O-MSHC). The animals were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery and the samples were analyzed by macroscopy, radiology, and histomorphometry. ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed with a 95% CI and a significance index of p < 0.05. In the histological analyses, it was possible to observe new bone formed with an organized and compact morphology that was rich in osteocytes and with maturity characteristics. This is compatible with osteoconductivity in both matrices (MSH and MSHC) in rats with normal conditions of bone metabolism and with gonadal deficiency. Furthermore, they demonstrated superior osteogenic potential when compared to control groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of new bone formation between the scaffolds. Ovariectomy did not exacerbate the immune response but negatively influenced the bone-defect repair process.
CT Imaging Assessment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Resectability after Neoadjuvant Therapy: Current Status and Perspective on the Use of Radiomics
Authors: Khasawneh Hala , Ferreira Dalla Pria Hanna Rafaela , Miranda Joao , Nevin Rachel , Chhabra Shalini , Hamdan Dina , Chakraborty Jayasree , Biachi de Castria Tiago , Horvat Natally
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common pancreatic cancer and is associated with poor prognosis, a high mortality rate, and a substantial number of healthy life years lost. Surgical resection is the primary treatment option for patients with resectable disease; however, only 10–20% of all patients with PDAC are eligible for resection at the time of diagnosis. In this context, neoadjuvant therapy has the potential to increase the number of patients who are eligible for resection, thereby improving the overall survival rate. For patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy, computed tomography (CT) remains the primary imaging tool for assessing treatment response. Nevertheless, the interpretation of imaging findings in this context remains challenging, given the similarity between viable tumor and treatment-related changes following neoadjuvant therapy. In this review, following an overview of the various treatment options for PDAC according to its resectability status, we will describe the key challenges regarding CT-based evaluation of PDAC treatment response following neoadjuvant therapy, as well as summarize the literature on CT-based evaluation of PDAC treatment response, including the use of radiomics. Finally, we will outline key recommendations for the management of PDAC after neoadjuvant therapy, taking into consideration CT-based findings.
Patient Position in Operative Endoscopy
Authors: Polese Lino , Giugliano Emilia , Valmasoni Michele
Published: October 2023

It is well known by surgeons that patient positioning is fundamental to exposing the organs when performing an operation via laparoscopy, as gravity can help move the organs and facilitate the exposure of the surgical site. But is it also important for endoscopic procedures? This paper examines various types of endoscopic operations and addresses the issue of the patient’s position. The patient’s position can be changed not only by rotating the patient along the head–toe axis but also by tilting the surgical bed, as is undertaken during laparoscopic surgical procedures. In particular, it is useful to take into account the effect of gravity on lesion exposure, tumour traction during dissection, crushing by body weight, risk of sample drop, risk of damage to adjacent organs, and anatomical exposure for procedures with radiological support. The endoscopist should always keep in mind the patient’s anatomy and the position of the endoscope during operative procedures, not limited to considering only intraluminal vision.
Return to Play after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Focus on the Pediatric Population with Potential Heart Involvement
Authors: Paglialonga Letizia , Aurelio Camilla , Principi Nicola , Esposito Susanna
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has entailed consequences on any type of physical activities, mainly due to the social restriction measures applied to reduce the spreading of SARS-CoV-2. When public health policies progressively reduced limitations and resuming a normal life was possible, the return to previous physical activity and sports was not only requested by people who had deeply suffered from limitations, but was also recommended by experts as a means of reducing the physical and psychological consequences induced by the pandemic. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the available evidence on the return to play in children after SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting an algorithm for clinical practice and highlighting priorities for future studies. Criteria to identify subjects requiring laboratory and radiological tests before returning to physical activity are severity of COVID-19 and existence of underlying disease. Children of any age with asymptomatic infection or mild disease severity, i.e., the great majority of children with previous COVID-19, do not need a cardiologic test before resumption of previous physical activity. Only a visit or a telephonic contact with the primary care pediatricians should be established. On the contrary, children with moderate COVID-19 should not exercise until they are cleared by a physician and evaluated for resting electrocardiogram, exercise testing, and echocardiogram. Finally, in those with severe COVID-19, return to play should be delayed for several months, should be gradual and should be performed only after a cardiologist’s clearance. Further studies are needed to assess the risks of returning to sports activity in pediatric age, including careful age-adjusted risk stratification, in order to improve the cost–benefit ratio of specific screenings.
Technically Challenging Percutaneous Interventions of Chronic Total Occlusions Are Associated with Enhanced Platelet Activation
Authors: Illési Ádám , Fejes Zsolt , Pócsi Marianna , Debreceni Ildikó Beke , Hodosi Katalin , Nagy Jr. Béla , Kappelmayer János , Kőszegi Zsolt , Csanádi Zoltán , Szük Tibor
Published: October 2023

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a frequently performed treatment option for recanalization in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). As CTO-PCIs are often complicated and challenging for interventionalists, the stressful and damaging nature of the procedure can be remarkable, thus platelets can be easily activated. Our aim was to investigate the effect of CTO-PCI on platelet activation and the expression of selected circulating microRNAs (miR) of platelet and endothelium origin after CTO-PCI. In this study, 50 subjects after CTO-PCI were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained before PCI, at 2 days and 3–6 months after the procedure to measure the degree of platelet activation and the level of plasma miR-223, miR-181b, and miR-126. Patients were divided based on the characteristics of the intervention. Patients with higher Japanese CTO scores and longer duration of PCI showed significantly elevated platelet P-selectin positivity (p = 0.004 and p = 0.013, respectively) 2 days after the procedure compared to pre-PCI and increased concentration of soluble P-selectin 3–6 months after the intervention (higher Japanese CTO score: p = 0.028 and longer duration of PCI: p = 0.023) compared to baseline values. Shorter total stent length caused a significantly lower miR-181b expression at 3–6 months after the intervention (p = 0.031), while no difference was observed in miR-223 and miR-126. One stent thrombosis occurred during the follow-up period. Although these technically challenging CTO-PCIs may cause enhanced platelet activation right after the intervention and long-term endothelial cell dysfunction, these interventions are not associated with more adverse clinical events.
Criteria and Non-Criteria Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Cancer in Patients with Involuntary Weight Loss
Authors: Caraiola Simona , Voicu Laura , Baicus Anda , Baicus Cristian
Published: October 2023

Cancer patients have higher prevalences of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs), occasionally associated with thrombotic events. A cross-sectional study regarding the presence of criteria (IgG/IgM anti-cardiolipin-aCL, anti-β2 glycoprotein I-aβ2GPI) and non-criteria (IgG/IgM anti-phosphatidylserine-aPS, anti-phosphatidylethanolamine-aPE, anti-prothrombin-aPT) aPLs in 146 patients with involuntary weight loss was performed. None of the patients had thrombotic events during the study. Out of the 36 cancer patients, 33 had non-hematologic malignancies. In the cancer subgroup, 60% of the patients had at least one positive aPL, with significantly more patients being positive for aβ2GPI IgG compared with the non-cancer subgroup—p = 0.03, OR = 2.23 (1.02–4.88). When evaluating the titres, aCL IgG/IgM, aβ2GPI IgG, aPE IgG, and aPS IgG had significantly higher values in cancer patients, the best cancer predictor being aβ2GPI IgG—AUC 0.642 (0.542–0.742). Gastrointestinal cancer patients were studied separately, and aCL IgM positivity was significantly higher—p = 0.008, OR = 6.69 (1.35–33.02). Both the titres of aCL IgM (p = 0.006) and aPS IgM (p = 0.03) were higher in the gastrointestinal cancer subgroup, with aCL IgM being the best predictor for gastrointestinal cancer development—AUC 0.808 (0.685–0.932). Despite criteria and non-criteria aPLs being frequent in cancer, their connection with thrombosis in these patients is probably dependent on other important risk factors and needs further research.
Ensemble Deep Learning for Wear Particle Image Analysis
Authors: Shah Ronit , Sridharan Naveen Venkatesh , Mahanta Tapan K. , Muniyappa Amarnath , Vaithiyanathan Sugumaran , Ramteke Sangharatna M. , Marian Max
Published: October 2023

This technical note focuses on the application of deep learning techniques in the area of lubrication technology and tribology. This paper introduces a novel approach by employing deep learning methodologies to extract features from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, which depict wear particles obtained through the extraction and filtration of lubricating oil from a 4-stroke petrol internal combustion engine following varied travel distances. Specifically, this work postulates that the amalgamation of ensemble deep learning, involving the combination of multiple deep learning models, leads to greater accuracy compared to individually trained techniques. To substantiate this hypothesis, a fusion of deep learning methods is implemented, featuring deep convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures including Xception, Inception V3, and MobileNet V2. Through individualized training of each model, accuracies reached 85.93% for MobileNet V2 and 93.75% for Inception V3 and Xception. The major finding of this study is the hybrid ensemble deep learning model, which displayed a superior accuracy of 98.75%. This outcome not only surpasses the performance of the singularly trained models, but also substantiates the viability of the proposed hypothesis. This technical note highlights the effectiveness of utilizing ensemble deep learning methods for extracting wear particle features from SEM images. The demonstrated achievements of the hybrid model strongly support its adoption to improve predictive analytics and gain insights into intricate wear mechanisms across various engineering applications.
Numerical and Physical Modeling of Liquid Steel Asymmetric Behavior during Non-Isothermal Conditions in a Two-Strand Slab Tundish—“Butterfly Effect”
Authors: Cwudziński Adam , Pieprzyca Jacek , Merder Tomasz
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the results of studies on the occurrence of transient disturbances in the hydrodynamic system of a tundish feeding area and their effect on the casting process. In addition, the effect of changes in the level of superheating of the molten steel fed to the tundish on the evolution of the hydrodynamic system was analyzed. The studies were conducted with the use of a physical model of the tundish and a numerical model, representing the industrial conditions of the process of the continuous casting of steel. When a tundish is fed through a modified ladle shroud that slows down the momentum of the stream, this creates favorable conditions for the emergence of asymmetrical flow within the working tundish volume. The higher the degree of molten steel reheating in the ladle furnace, the stronger the evolution of the hydrodynamic structures in the tundish during the casting process.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Biocomposites Based on Polylactide and Tall Wheatgrass
Authors: Gozdecki Cezary , Moraczewski Krzysztof , Kociszewski Marek
Published: October 2023

Biocomposites based on polylactic acid (PLA), tall wheatgrass (TWG), and hemp (H) were made by injection molding. The article discusses the impact of the agrofiller content on the composite properties, including thermal (DSC, DMA, and TG) and mechanical characteristics (tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength). Generally, the introduction of a plant filler into the polylactide matrix reduced the thermal resistance of the resulting composites. Plant fillers influenced primarily the cold crystallization process, probably due to their nucleating properties. The addition of fillers to the PLA matrix resulted in an increased storage modulus across all tested temperatures compared to pure PLA. In the case of a composite with 50% of plant fillers, it was almost 118%. The mechanical properties of the tested composites depended significantly on the amount of plant filler used. It was observed that adding 50% of plant filler to PLA led to a twofold increase in tensile modulus and a decrease in tensile strength and impact strength by an average of 23 and 70%, respectively. It was determined that composites incorporating tall wheatgrass (TWG) particles exhibited a slightly elevated tensile modulus while showcasing a marginally reduced strength and impact resistance in comparison to composites containing hemp (H) components.
Recovery of Non-Ferrous Metal from Metallurgical Residues
Authors: Chen Guo
Published: October 2023

Non-ferrous metals and alloys are essential resources for the development of modern industries [...]
The Polyketides with Antimicrobial Activities from a Mangrove Endophytic Fungus Trichoderma lentiforme ML-P8-2
Authors: Yin Yihao , Tan Qi , Wu Jianying , Chen Tao , Yang Wencong , She Zhigang , Wang Bo
Published: October 2023

Five new polyketides, including two chromones (1–2), two phenyl derivatives (4–5), and a tandyukusin derivative (6), along with five known polyketides (3 and 7–10) were isolated from mangrove endophytic fungus Trichoderma lentiforme ML-P8-2. The planar structures of compounds were elucidated via detailed 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS analysis. ECD spectra, optical rotation values calculation, and alkali hydrolysis were applied in the determination of the absolute configuration of the new compounds. In bioassays, 6 and 9 exhibited promising antifungal activities against Penicillium italicum, with an MIC value of 6.25 μM for both compounds. Moreover, 3 displayed moderate AChE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 20.6 ± 0.3 μM.
Secondary Metabolites from the Coral-Derived Fungus Aspergillus austwickii SCSIO41227 with Pancreatic Lipase and Neuraminidase Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Chen Ying , He Yanchun , Pang Xiaoyan , Zhou Xuefeng , Liu Yonghong , Yang Bin
Published: October 2023

The coral-derived fungus Aspergillus austwickii SCSIO41227 from Beibu Gulf yielded four previously uncharacterized compounds, namely asperpentenones B–E (1–4), along with twelve known compounds (5–16). Their structures were elucidated using HRESIMS and NMR (1H and 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC), among which the stereo-structure of compounds 1–3 was determined by calculated ECD. Furthermore, compounds 1–16 were evaluated in terms of their enzyme (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), pancreatic lipase (PL), and neuraminidase (NA)) inhibitory activities. These bioassay results revealed that compounds 2 and 14 exerted noticeable NA inhibitory effects, with IC50 values of 31.28 and 73.64 μM, respectively. In addition, compound 3 exhibited a weak inhibitory effect against PL. Furthermore, these compounds showed the potential of inhibiting enzymes in silico docking analysis to demonstrate the interactions between compounds and proteins.
Advances in Noninvasive Biomarkers for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Gîlcă-Blanariu Georgiana-Emmanuela , Budur Daniela Simona , Mitrică Dana Elena , Gologan Elena , Timofte Oana , Bălan Gheorghe Gh , Olteanu Vasile Andrei , Ștefănescu Gabriela
Published: October 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently represents one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. Early diagnosis and disease staging is crucial, since it is mainly asymptomatic, but can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or cirrhosis or even lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Over time, efforts have been put into developing noninvasive diagnostic and staging methods in order to replace the use of a liver biopsy. The noninvasive methods used include imaging techniques that measure liver stiffness and biological markers, with a focus on serum biomarkers. Due to the impressive complexity of the NAFLD’s pathophysiology, biomarkers are able to assay different processes involved, such as apoptosis, fibrogenesis, and inflammation, or even address the genetic background and “omics” technologies. This article reviews not only the currently validated noninvasive methods to investigate NAFLD but also the promising results regarding recently discovered biomarkers, including biomarker panels and the combination of the currently validated evaluation methods and serum markers.
How to More Effectively Obtain Ginsenoside Rg5: Understanding Pathways of Conversion
Authors: Cheng Leqin , Luo Wei , Ye Anqi , Zhang Yuewei , Li Ling , Xie Haijiao
Published: October 2023

Ginsenoside Rg5, a relatively uncommon secondary ginsenoside, exhibits notable pharmacological activity and is commonly hypothesized to originate from the dehydration of Rg3. In this work, we compared different conversion pathways using Rb1, R-Rg3 and S-Rg3 as the raw material under simple acid catalysis. Interestingly, the results indicate that the conversion follows this reaction activity order Rb1 > S-Rg3 > R-Rg3, which is contrary to the common understanding of Rg5 obtained from Rg3 by dehydration. Our experimental results have been fully confirmed by theoretical calculations and a NOESY analysis. The DFT analysis reveals that the free energies of S-Rg3 and R-Rg3 in generating carbocation are 7.56 mol/L and 7.57 mol/L, respectively, which are significantly higher than the free energy of 1.81 mol/L when Rb1 generates the same carbocation. This finding aligns with experimental evidence suggesting that Rb1 is more prone to generating Rg5 than Rg3. The findings from the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis suggest that the fatty chains (C22–C27) in R-Rg3 and S-Rg3 adopt a Gauche conformation and an anti conformation with C16–C17 and C13–C17, respectively, due to the relatively weak repulsive van der Waals force. Therefore, the configuration of R-Rg3 is more conducive to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds between 20C–OH and 12C–OH, whereas S-Rg3 lacks this capability. Consequently, this also explains the fact that S-Rg3 is more prone to dehydration to generate Rg5 than R-Rg3. Additionally, our research reveals that the synthetic route of Rg5 derived from protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenosides (including Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc and Rd) exhibits notable advantages in terms of efficacy, purity and yield when compared to the pathway originating from Rg3. Moreover, this study presents a highly effective and practical approach for the extensive synthesis of Rg5, thereby facilitating the exploration of its pharmacological properties and potential application in drug discovery.
A Simple Entry to the 5,8-Disubstituted Indolizidine Skeleton via Hetero Diels-Alder Reaction
Authors: Rodríguez-Caro Juan Francisco , Afonso María M. , Palenzuela José Antonio
Published: October 2023

The 5,8-disubstituted indolizidines are the largest family of indolizidines isolated from the skin of amphibians. These compounds exhibit interesting biological activities such as noncompetitive blockers of nicotinic receptors. In this paper, we present a short, simple, and general synthesis of these alkaloids based on the hetero Diels–Alder reaction between suitable monoactivated dienes and Δ1-pyrroline as the dienophile. The selectivity of the process is explained based on computational studies. Concise synthesis of the indolizidine alkaloid 181B from a hetero Diels–Alder reaction was accomplished in four steps.
Origin and Formation Mechanism of Carbon Shell-Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles for Powerful Fuel Cell Durability
Authors: Choi Hyeonwoo , Choi Yoonseong , Min Jiho , Ko Keonwoo , Kim Yunjin , Chougule Sourabh S. , Khikmatulla Davletbaev , Jung Namgee
Published: October 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) face technical issues of performance degradation due to catalyst dissolution and agglomeration in real-world operations. To address these challenges, intensive research has been recently conducted to introduce additional structural units on the catalyst surface. Among various concepts for surface modification, carbon shell encapsulation is known to be a promising strategy since the carbon shell can act as a protective layer for metal nanoparticles. As an interesting approach to form carbon shells on catalyst surfaces, the precursor ligand-induced formation is preferred due to its facile synthesis and tunable control over the carbon shell porosity. However, the origin of the carbon source and the carbon shell formation mechanism have not been studied in depth yet. Herein, this study aims to investigate carbon sources through the use of different precursors and the introduction of new methodologies related to the ligand exchange phenomenon. Subsequently, we provide new insights into the carbon shell formation mechanism using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the thermal stability and electrochemical durability of carbon shells are thoroughly investigated through in situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM) and accelerated durability tests.
Nutrition Screening in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Evaluation of an Electronic Medical Record-Based Tool
Authors: Hilbrands Julia , Feuling Mary Beth , Szabo Aniko , Teng Bi Q. , Fabus Nicole , Froh Melissa , Heisler Rebecca , Lampone Olivia , Smith Amber , Mikhailov Theresa A. , Goday Praveen S.
Published: October 2023

Hospitalized, critically ill children are at increased risk of developing malnutrition. While several pediatric nutrition screening tools exist, none have been validated in the pediatric intensive care units (PICU). The Children’s Wisconsin Nutrition Screening Tool (CWNST) is a unique nutrition screening tool that includes the Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST) and predictive elements from the electronic medical record and was found to be more sensitive than the PNST in acute care units. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of the tool in detecting possible malnutrition in critically ill children. The data analysis, including the results of the current nutrition screening, diagnosis, and nutrition status was performed on all patients admitted to PICUs at Children’s Wisconsin in 2019. All 250 patients with ≥1 nutrition assessment by a dietitian were included. The screening elements that were predictive of malnutrition included parenteral nutrition, positive PNST, and BMI-for-age/weight-for-length z-score. The current screen had a sensitivity of 0.985, specificity of 0.06, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.249, and negative predictive value of 0.929 compared to the PNST alone which had a sensitivity of 0.1, specificity of 0.981, PPV of 0.658, and NPV of 0.749. However, of the 250 included patients, 97.2% (243) had a positive nutrition screen. The CWNST can be easily applied through EMRs and predicts the nutrition risk in PICU patients but needs further improvement to improve specificity.
Inflicting Significant Losses in Slaughtered Animals: Exposing the Hidden Effects of Parasitic Infections
Authors: Rizwan Hafiz Muhammad , Zohaib Hafiz Muhammad , Sajid Muhammad Sohail , Abbas Haider , Younus Muhammad , Farid Muhammad Umar , Iftakhar Tahira , Muzaffar Hizqeel Ahmed , Hassan Syed Soban , Kamran Muhammad , Raza Muhammad Hussnain , Bajwa Muhammad Haziq
Published: October 2023

We started a campaign in the heart of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, to expose the hidden threats of parasitic illnesses in ruminants and the severe financial consequences associated with them. Our in-depth investigations focused on the prevalence, impact, and astounding financial losses brought on by organ contamination in slaughtered animals. Of the 384 slaughtered ruminants examined for gastrointestinal parasites, a prevalence of 44.79% was recorded. It is interesting to note that we found no conclusive association between parasitic infection and the various ruminant species under study (p > 0.05). However, goats (52.0%) had the highest numerical prevalence of parasitic infection, followed by cattle (46.1%), buffalo (46.0%), and sheep (34.7%) in that order. A significant finding (p < 0.05) showed that the majority of animals had light parasitism (46.5%), as opposed to those with moderate (30.2%) or severe loads (23.2%). Our research revealed substantial (p < 0.05) relationships between ruminant age, sex, and parasitic infection prevalence. In comparison to females (56.4%) and adults (48.1%), males (36.1%) and young (36.9%) ruminants showed considerably decreased infection rates (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we discovered a non-significant (p > 0.05) association between the months and the prevalence of parasitic infection. As a result of the condemnation of contaminated organs such as the rumen, lungs, and liver, an estimated financial loss of PKR 133,731,400 (USD = 466,939.2) was incurred. The yearly economic losses caused by liver condemnation were much greater than those caused by rumen and lung condemnation (p < 0.05). Our research not only reported a significantly higher abundance but also economic threats of the parasitic diseases among the slaughtered animals in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Our findings highlighted the critical need for preventive and therapeutic interventions for parasitic infections in animals, in order to mitigate the economic losses through strengthened animal health.
Application of Response Surface Methodology to Improve the Tableting Properties of Poorly Compactable and High-Drug-Loading Canagliflozin Using Nano-Sized Colloidal Silica
Authors: Alrobaian Majed , Alalaiwe Ahmed , Almalki Ziyad S. , Fayed Mohamed H.
Published: October 2023

Designing a robust direct compression (DC) formulation for an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with poor flow and compaction properties at a high API load is challenging. This study tackled two challenges: the unfavorable flow characteristics and tableting problems associated with a high-drug-loading canagliflozin (CNG), facilitating high-speed DC tableting. This was accomplished through a single-step dry coating process using hydrophilic nano-sized colloidal silica. A 32 full-factorial experimental design was carried out to optimize the independent process variables, namely, the weight percent of silica nanoparticles (X1) and mixing time (X2). Flow, bulk density, and compaction properties of CNG–silica blends were investigated, and the optimized blend was subsequently compressed into tablets using the DC technique. A regression analysis exhibited a significant (p ≤ 0.05) influence of both X1 and X2 on the characteristics of CNG with a predominant effect of X1. Additionally, robust tablets were produced from the processed powders in comparison with those from the control batch. Furthermore, the produced tablets showed significantly lower tablet ejection forces than those from the control batch, highlighting the lubrication impact of the silica nanoparticles. Interestingly, these tablets displayed improved disintegration time and dissolution rates. In conclusion, a dry coating process using silica nanoparticles presents a chance to address the poor flow and tableting problems of CNG, while minimizing the need for excessive excipients, which is crucial for the effective development of a small-sized tablet and the achievement of a cost-effective manufacturing process.
Utility of a Novel Micro-Spraying Device for Intranasal Administration of Drug Solutions to Mice
Authors: Suzuki Naoto , Tanigawa Hiroaki , Nagatomo Taiki , Miyagishi Hiroko , Kanazawa Takanori , Suzuki Toyofumi , Kosuge Yasuhiro
Published: October 2023

Intranasal administration has attracted attention as a means of delivering drugs because it bypasses the blood–brain barrier. However, conventional intranasal administration of drug solutions to mice using the micropipette method (MP method) is complicated and time-consuming because it requires small doses to be administered under inhalation anesthesia. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel intranasal administration method using Micro FPS™, a novel micro-spraying device (the MSD method). The MSD method allowed more reliable administration of the solution to the nasal mucosa than the MP method did. The transfer of inulin, a model water-soluble macromolecule compound, to the olfactory bulb and brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and striatum) was similar with the two methods. It also allowed the drug to be administered in a shorter time. These results suggest that the MSD method is simpler and more rapid than the MP method for intranasal administration of drugs to mice and achieves comparable delivery of inulin to the olfactory bulb and brain. Therefore, the Micro FPS™ device is a potentially useful tool for intranasal drug administration to rodents and could facilitate the development of intranasal formulations, contributing to drug development for central nervous system diseases.
Electromagnetic Guided Wave in Goubau Line with Graphene Covering: TE Case
Authors: Tikhov Stanislav , Valovik Dmitry
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on the problem of monochromatic terahertz TE-polarized wave propagation in a special type of circle cylindrical waveguides, the so-called Goubau line. The outer shell of the waveguide is covered with graphene characterized by complex surface conductivity. This covering affects electromagnetic wave propagation due to the generation of a surface current in graphene. The nonlinear interaction of graphene with the electromagnetic field is taken into account via a nonlinear term involving in graphene conductivity. Starting from the rigorous formulation for Maxwell’s equations with appropriate boundary and transmission conditions, we derive the dispersion equation for propagation constants. We discuss this result and point out some methods of studying the dispersion equation analytically. At the same time, we suggest numerical experiments shedding light on how cubic nonlinearity affects electromagnetic wave propagation.
The Influence of Cadmium on Fountain Grass Performance Correlates Closely with Metabolite Profiles
Authors: Mi Zhaorong , Liu Pinlin , Du Lin , Han Tao , Wang Chao , Fan Xifeng , Liu Huichao , He Songlin , Wu Juying
Published: October 2023

The relationship between metabolite changes and biological endpoints in response to cadmium (Cd) stress remains unclear. Fountain grass has good Cd enrichment and tolerance abilities and is widely used in agriculture and landscaping. We analyzed the metabolic responses by detecting the metabolites through UPLC-MS and examined the relationships between metabolite changes and the characteristics of morphology and physiology to different Cd stress in fountain grass. Our results showed that under Cd stress, 102 differential metabolites in roots and 48 differential metabolites in leaves were detected, with 20 shared metabolites. Under Cd stress, most of the carbohydrates in leaves and roots decreased, which contributed to the lowered leaf/root length and fresh weight. In comparison, most of the differential amino acids and lipids decreased in the leaves but increased in the roots. Almost all the differential amino acids in the roots were negatively correlated with root length and root fresh weight, while they were positively correlated with malondialdehyde content. However, most of the differential amino acids in the leaves were positively correlated with leaf length and leaf fresh weight but negatively correlated with malondialdehyde content. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that Cd significantly affects seven and eight metabolic pathways in the leaves and roots, respectively, with only purine metabolism co-existing in the roots and leaves. Our study is the first statement on metabolic responses to Cd stress and the relationships between differential metabolites and biological endpoints in fountain grass. The coordination between various metabolic pathways in fountain grass enables plants to adapt to Cd stress. This study provides a comprehensive framework by explaining the metabolic plasticity and Cd tolerance mechanisms of plants.
Photocurable High-Energy Polymer-Based Materials for 3D Printing
Authors: Tkachev Dmitrii , Dubkova Yana , Zhukov Alexander , Verkhoshanskiy Yanis , Vorozhtsov Alexander , Zhukov Ilya
Published: October 2023

Digital light processing (DLP) or stereolithography is the most promising method of additive manufacturing (3D printing) of products based on high-energy materials due to, first of all, the absence of a high-temperature impact on the material. This paper presents research results of an ultraviolet (UV)-cured urethane methacrylate polymer containing 70 wt.% of high-energy solid powder based on ammonium salts, which is intended for digital light processing. Polymerization of the initial slurry is studied herein. It is shown that the addition of coarse powder transparency for the UV radiation to resin increases its curing depth. The thickness of the layer, which can polymerize, varies from 600 µm to 2 mm when the light power density ranges from 20 to 400 mJ/cm2, respectively. In DLP-based 3D printing, the obtained material density is 92% of the full density, while the compressive strength is 29 ± 3 MPa, and the ultimate tensile strength is 13 ± 1.3 MPa. The thermogravimetric analysis shows the decrease in the thermal decomposition temperature of UV-cured resin with high-energy additives compared to the thermal decomposition temperatures of the initial components separately. Thermal decomposition is accompanied by intensive heat generation. The burning rate of obtained samples grows from 0.74 to 3.68 mm/s, respectively, at the pressure growth from 0.1 to 4 MPa. Based on the results, it can be concluded that DLP-based 3D printing with the proposed UV photocurable resin is rather promising for the fabrication of multicomponent high-energy systems and complex profile parts produced therefrom.
Evaluation and Improvement of Bio-Based Sustainable Resin Derived from Formic-Acid-Modified Epoxidized Soybean Oil for Packaging Applications
Authors: Sobhan Abdus , Saedi Shahab , Hoff Magdalene , Liang Yaohua , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan
Published: October 2023

Bio-based epoxy resin materials have obtained significant attention in the packaging industry due to concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of traditional petroleum-based plastics. The aim of this research is to improve bio-based resins’ properties by investigating varying formic acid contents in the presence of a green catalyst and characterizing their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties for further scaled-up bio-based resin production for industrial packaging applications. The crude soybean oil was epoxidized with formic acid as an oxidizing agent at varying equivalent weights of 10:1 to 10:10 of soybean oil: formic acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and choline chloride-oxalic acid as a bi-functional green catalyst. The effect of increasing the amount of formic acid used to epoxidize crude soybean oil was evaluated with infrared (IR) spectroscopy, rheological, and epoxy yield measurements. The results demonstrated that formic acid significantly influenced the epoxidation of soybean oil, leading to a higher conversion of carbon-carbon double bonds, with a selectivity of 98% when the ratio of soybean oil to formic acid was between 10:5 and 10:10. The bio-resin film was formulated using the improved epoxidized soybean oils—from ESO (10:2.5) to ESO (10:10)—and equal amounts of acrylic acid. The results showed that resin films led to an improvement in tensile strength (ca. 180 MPa) and thermal stability at 360 °C. Although further research is necessary, this study provides valuable insights for designing an effective epoxidation process for renewable sources and developing bio-resin materials for future packaging applications.
Two Approaches to Augustine’s Theory of the Trinitarian Image in Ming and Qing China
Authors: Zhou Weichi , Zhang Yingying
Published: October 2023

In some of the earliest Chinese works written by Catholic missionaries in the late Ming Dynasty, St. Augustine became associated with the mystery of the Trinity. When explaining the Trinity to Chinese believers, missionaries would often use an analogy of the mens (mind) and its activities in Augustine’s theory of Imago Dei, drawing parallels between “the One” and “the Three”. In the Ming and Qing periods, Augustine’s mental analogy gave rise to two approaches: the “Augustinian-Ignatian” and the “Augustinian-Thomistic”. The former, which was the mainstream interpretation, linked “Mind: memory-understanding-love” to “God: the Father-the Son-the Holy Spirit”, using “the word generated by memory” to represent “the Son begotten by the Father” and “love proceeded from memory and understanding” as an analogy to “the Holy Spirit proceeded from both the Father and the Son”. The latter, more of a minority interpretation, correlated “mind-understanding-love” to “the Father-the Son-the Holy Spirit”, using “word generated by mind” to represent “the Son generated by the Father”, and “love proceeded from mind and word” as an analogy to “the Holy Spirit proceeded from both the Father and the Son”. The former was mainly adhered to by the Jesuits and the Augustinians, while the latter was favored by the Dominicans. This article examines both approaches and critiques of Augustine’s theory of the Trinitarian image in Ming and Qing China.
Cooperative Grape Harvesting Using Heterogeneous Autonomous Robots
Authors: Lytridis Chris , Bazinas Christos , Kalathas Ioannis , Siavalas George , Tsakmakis Christos , Spirantis Theodoros , Badeka Eftichia , Pachidis Theodore , Kaburlasos Vassilis G.
Published: October 2023

The development of agricultural robots is an increasingly popular research field aiming at addressing the widespread labor shortages in the farming industry and the ever-increasing food production demands. In many cases, multiple cooperating robots can be deployed in order to reduce task duration, perform an operation not possible with a single robot, or perform an operation more effectively. Building on previous results, this application paper deals with a cooperation strategy that allows two heterogeneous robots to cooperatively carry out grape harvesting, and its implementation is demonstrated. More specifically, the cooperative grape harvesting task involves two heterogeneous robots, where one robot (i.e., the expert) is assigned the grape harvesting task, whereas the second robot (i.e., the helper) is tasked with supporting the harvesting task by carrying the harvested grapes. The proposed cooperative harvesting methodology ensures safe and effective interactions between the robots. Field experiments have been conducted in order firstly to validate the effectiveness of the coordinated navigation algorithm and secondly to demonstrate the proposed cooperative harvesting method. The paper reports on the conclusions drawn from the field experiments, and recommendations for future enhancements are made. The potential of sophisticated as well as explainable decision-making based on logic for enhancing the cooperation of autonomous robots in agricultural applications is discussed in the context of mathematical lattice theory.
Image-Range Stitching and Semantic-Based Crack Detection Methods for Tunnel Inspection Vehicles
Authors: Tian Lin , Li Qingquan , He Li , Zhang Dejin
Published: October 2023

This study introduces two innovative methods in the research for use in vision-based tunnel inspection vehicles. First, the image-range stitching method is used to map the sequence images acquired by a camera onto a tunnel layout map. This method reduces the tunnel image-stitching problem to the appropriate parameters, thus solving the problem of mapping equations, ranging from camera pixels to the tunnel layout map. The parameters are obtained using a laser scanner. Secondly, traditional label-based deep learning solely perceives the consistency between pixels and semantically labeled samples, making it challenging to effectively address issues with uncertainty and multiplicity. Consequently, we introduce a method that employs a bidirectional heuristic search approach, utilizing randomly generated seed pixels as hints to locate targets that concurrently appear in both the image and the image semantic generation model. The results reveal the potential for cooperation between laser-scanning and camera-imaging technologies and point out a novel approach of crack detection that appears to be more focused on semantic understanding.
The Shared Sociological Imagination: A Reflexive Tale from the Boxe Popolare Field
Authors: Pedrini Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

This paper considers the personal commitment to ‘boxe popolare’ (people’s boxing), focusing on my scholar-practitioner status as a tool to contribute to the boxe popolare agenda by means of what I term ‘shared sociological imagination’. Through a reflexive tale on becoming a boxe popolare member, the article sheds light on the importance of overcoming the theory/practice divide. The first section of the paper draws on ‘habitus as topic and tool’—namely, the methodology I have adopted in a four-year ethnography of boxe popolare—and illustrates sociological imagination as a capacity that can be cultivated even in extremely carnal worlds by social agents who do not belong to academia. The second section broadens the reasoning, arguing that one characterising trait of being a scholar-practitioner in sport and physical culture may consist in working out agency both on an individual and a collective level. Echoing Burawoy’s perspective of ‘public sociology’, such an attempt can be seen as a potentially emancipatory strategy: it allows people with whom we research and practice to live with and through theory, embodying shared understandings in novel mundane activities.
Exploring the Relational in Relational Wellbeing
Authors: White Sarah C. , Jha Shreya
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the different ways that relationships and the relational figure in the integrative approach, relational wellbeing (RWB). These are (1) conceptualising persons as relational subjects; (2) relationships as the means through which people seek to address a wide variety of needs; (3) inter-relations between the experience of wellbeing and the underlying factors within persons and their contexts that either promote or undermine wellbeing; (4) relationships serving as conduits of power and the making of identities; and (5) inter-relations between the concepts and methods of research with representations of (persons and) wellbeing. The main thrust of the paper is theoretical, but it is anchored in long-standing research into wellbeing in the global South and practical experience in applying RWB in the global North. Empirically, it draws, in particular, on a case study from Zambia of a ‘meshwork’ of relations between birth and foster parents and children moving between households. This places the relational, rather than the individual, at the centre of analysis. It shows how different dimensions of wellbeing may coincide, but there may also be trade-offs between them. Relationships are bearers of power, and it is the interactions of structure and agency that ultimately limit or engender opportunities for sustained individual and collective wellbeing.
The Influence of the Increase in Energy Prices on the Profitability of Companies in the European Union
Authors: Herman Radu , Nistor Cornelia , Jula Nicolae Marius
Published: October 2023

This study evaluates the influence of rising energy prices on firm-level profitability. According to the policies of the European Union, the aim is to achieve an energy union that offers all community economic agents safer, cleaner, and more affordable energy. For this study, 1342 updated observations from 16 European countries for the year 2022 were used, studying the influence of increasing energy prices on the decrease in profit. The increase in energy prices influences the risk of firms experiencing negative profitability in 2022 compared to 2018, as measured by the increase in the number of firms that register a profit of less than or equal to zero. Company characteristics, such as size and age, which positively influence the level of profitability, are statistically significant. Furthermore, this study shows that the business sector in which the firm operates influences the level of profitability in a differentiated manner. Linear and logistic regression methods were employed for the methodology.