bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Urologic Oncology Surgery: Implications for Moving Forward
Authors: Guerrieri Rossella , Rovati Lucrezia , Dell’Oglio Paolo , Galfano Antonio , Ragazzoni Luca , Aseni Paolo
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the destruction of routine hospital services globally, leading to an increase in the backlog of elective surgery cases. The aim of the study was to retrospectively investigate the pandemic’s impact on the urologic oncology surgical activity of a high-volume center located in Milan, Italy. The number and type of procedures performed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic was evaluated using 2019 data as control. Waiting times for each surgical procedure were compared, on a bimonthly basis, between the two different years. Overall, a 26.7% reduction in the number of urologic oncology surgeries between 2019 and 2020 was observed (2019: 720, 2020: 528). Both the main indication for surgery and the type of procedure performed significantly differed between 2019 and 2020 (all p < 0.0001), with a decrease in the number of radical prostatectomies and an increase in the number of radical cystectomies and radical nephrectomies/nephroureterectomies performed in 2020. Waiting time decreased by 20% between 2019 and 2020, with the most significant reduction seen after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (July–October 2020), in particular for partial nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy, possibly due to the underdiagnosis of cases. In conclusion, in accordance with recommendations by international urological societies on prioritization strategies for oncological procedures, a higher proportion of surgeries for high-risk tumors was performed in 2020 at our center at the expense of procedures for lower risk diseases; however, future implications for patients’ prognosis still need to be determined.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in the Critically Ill Patient: From Garage Technology to Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Samoni Sara , Husain-Syed Faeq , Villa Gianluca , Ronco Claudio
Published: December 2021

The history of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is marked by technological advances linked to improvements in the knowledge of the mechanisms and kinetics of extracorporeal removal of solutes, and the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) and other critical illnesses. In the present article, we review the main steps in the history of CRRT, from the discovery of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration to its evolution into the current treatments and its early use in the treatment of AKI, to the novel sequential extracorporeal therapy. Beyond the technological advances, we describe the development of new medical specialties and a shared nomenclature to support clinicians and researchers in the broad and still evolving field of CRRT.
Male vs. Female Differences in Responding to Oxygen–Ozone Autohemotherapy (O2-O3-AHT) in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Authors: Chirumbolo Salvatore , Valdenassi Luigi , Franzini Marianno , Pandolfi Sergio , Ricevuti Giovanni , Tirelli Umberto
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a syndrome that has fatigue as its major symptom. Evidence suggests that ozone is able to relieve ME/CFS-related fatigue in affected patients. (2) Objective: To evaluate whether differences exist between males and females in ozone therapy outputs in ME/CFS. (3) Methods: In total, 200 patients previously diagnosed with ME/CFS (mean age 33 ± 13 SD years) underwent treatment with oxygen–ozone autohemotherapy (O2-O3-AHT). Fatigue was investigated via an FSS 7-scoring questionnaire before and following 1 month after treatment. (4) Results: The Mann-Whitney test (MW test) assessed the significance of this difference (H = 13.8041, p = 0.0002), and female patients showed better outcomes than males. This difference was particularly striking in the youngest age cohort (14–29 years), and a KW test resulted in H = 7.1609, p = 0.007 for the Δ = 28.3% (males = 3.8, females = 5.3). (5) Conclusions: When treated with O2-O3-AHT, females respond better than males.
Short-Time Changes of Intraocular Pressure and Biomechanics of the Anterior Segment of the Eye during Water Drinking Test in Patients with XEN GelStent
Authors: Przeździecka-Dołyk Joanna , Wałek Ewa , Jóźwik Agnieszka , Helemejko Iwona , Asejczyk-Widlicka Magdalena , Misiuk-Hojło Marta
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Little is known about short-term changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, such as post-XEN GelStent implantation. Although the importance of corneal biomechanics in glaucoma diagnostics has been reported, little work has been conducted on postoperative description of changes when the structure of the anterior segment is altered. The aim of presented study was to evaluate the changes in the biomechanical parameters of the anterior segment of the post-XEN GelStent implantation eyes. Patients and Methods: This investigator-initiated, open-label, prospective, single-center study recruited patients. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after XEN GelStent implantation versus matched POAG controls (considered as control group/CG) treated pharmacologically were screened. Water loading was conducted using 10 mL of water per kilogram of body weight for ≤5 min. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), corneal hysteresis (CH), and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were performed before water loading and after every 15 min up to 1 h. Results: The water drinking test (WDT) was positive in 3.7% (1 out of 27) of patients in the post-XEN group compared with 22.7% (5 out of 22) of patients in the control group (CG; p < 0.05). Mean fluctuations in GAT during the WDT were higher in the CG group (3.6 ± 2.5 mmHg vs. 2.9 ± 1.3 mmHg, p < 0.001). CRF and CH changed significantly only in the post-XEN group. The mean peak of CH and CRF occurred at 15 and 30 min of the test in the post-XEN group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: WDT is important to assess the ability of compensation mechanisms to reduce fluctuations in IOP after water upload. The relationship between biomechanics of the anterior segment and glaucoma may have substantial impact on surgical outcome evaluation.
Heart Team for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: A Patient-Tailored Approach
Authors: Branzoli Stefano , Guarracini Fabrizio , Marini Massimiliano , D’Onghia Giovanni , Penzo Daniele , Piffer Silvio , Peterlana Dimitri , Graffigna Angelo , Gulizia Michele Massimo , Gelsomino Sandro , La Meir Mark
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an accepted therapeutic option for stroke prevention; however, the ideal technique and device have not yet been identified. In this study we evaluate the potential role of a heart team approach for patients contraindicated for oral anticoagulants and indicated for left atrial appendage closure, to minimize risk and optimize benefit in a patient-centered decision-making process. Methods: Forty patients were evaluated by the heart team for appendage occlusion. Variables considered were CHA2DS2VASc, HASBLED, documented blood transfusions, comorbidities, event forcing anticoagulant interruption, past medical history, anatomy of the left atrial appendage, and patient quality of life. Twenty patients had their appendage occluded percutaneously (65% male, mean age 72.3 ± 7.5, mean CHA2DS2VASc 4.2 ± 1.5, mean HASBLED 3.5 ± 1.1). The other twenty underwent thoracoscopic occlusion (65% male, mean age of 74.9 ± 8, mean CHA2DS2VASc 6.0 ± 1.5, HASBLED mean 5.4 ± 1.4). Percutaneous patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy for the first three months and aspirin thereafter, whereas the others received no anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy from the day of surgery. Follow up included TEE, CT scan, and periodical clinical evaluation. Results: Mean duration of procedures and hospital stay were comparable. All patients had complete exclusion of the appendage; at a mean follow up of 33.1 ± 14.1 months, no neurological or hemorrhagic events were reported. Conclusions: A heart team approach may improve the decision-making process for stroke and hemorrhage prevention, where LAAO is a therapeutic option. Percutaneous and thoracoscopic appendage occlusion seem to be comparably safe and effective. An epicardial LAAO could be advisable in patients for whom the risk of bleeding is estimated as being too high for post-procedural antiplatelet therapy.
Preparation of ZrO2/Graphene Oxide/TiO2 Composite Photocatalyst and Its Studies on Decomposition of Organic Matter
Authors: Nien Yu-Hsun , Chen Jhih-Fong , Fang Cai-Yin , Liu Ming-Sheng
Published: December 2021

Water polluted by organic dyes is a serious environmental problem. In response to this, the aim of this research is to degrade dye wastewater using a modified photocatalyst. Since sunlight only has less than 5% UV energy, for a general photocatalyst, using sunlight for excitation to decompose organic pollutants is not an effective way. Therefore, we manufactured the modified photocatalyst by zirconium dioxide, graphene oxide, and titanium dioxide. This was to better improve the photo-degradation efficiency for the degradation of organic pollutants. The modified photocatalyst was analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrated that the modified photocatalyst can be activated by the absorption of visible light. Additionally, the band gap of the modified photocatalyst would decrease. The photodegradation percentage of the modified photocatalyst under visible light (Philips TL-D 8W/865 fluorescent tube) for 4 h reached up to 49.92%. At the third test after ultrasonic washing for the cyclic test, the photodegradation percentage of the modified photocatalyst could still maintain at 47.71%. This indicates that the modified photocatalyst has good stability and reusability, and so this can be reused in this regard.
Modeling Stiffness Degradation of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers Based on Crack Densities Observed in Off-Axis Plies
Authors: Drvoderic Matthias , Pletz Martin , Schuecker Clara
Published: December 2021

A model that predicts the stiffness degradation in multidirectional reinforced laminates due to off-axis matrix cracks is proposed and evaluated using data from fatigue experiments. Off-axis cracks are detected in images from the fatigue tests with automated crack detection to compute the crack density of the off-axis cracks which is used as the damage parameter for the degradation model. The purpose of this study is to test the effect of off-axis cracks on laminate stiffness for different laminate configurations. The hypothesis is that off-axis cracks have the same effect on the stiffness of a ply regardless of the acting stress components as long as the transverse stress is positive. This hypothesis proves to be wrong. The model is able to predict the stiffness degradation well for laminates with a ply orientation similar to the one used for calibration but deviates for plies with different in-plane shear stress. This behavior can be explained by the theory that off-axis cracks develop by two different micro damage modes depending on the level of in-plane shear stress. It is found that besides influencing the initiation and growth of off-axis cracks, the stiffness degradation is also mode dependent.
Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (500–730 Kda) Injections in Tendinopathies—A Narrative Review
Authors: Frizziero Antonio , Vittadini Filippo , Bigliardi Davide , Costantino Cosimo
Published: December 2021

Tendinopathies are common causes of pain and disability in general population and athletes. Conservative treatment is largely preferred, and eccentric exercise or other modalities of therapeutic exercises are recommended. However, this approach requests several weeks of consecutive treatment and could be discouraging. In the last years, injections of different formulations were evaluated to accelerate functional recovery in combination with usual therapy. Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations were proposed, in particular LMW-HA (500–730 kDa) for its unique molecular characteristics in favored extracellular matrix homeostasis and tenocyte viability. The purpose of our review is to evaluate the state-of-the-art about the role of 500–730 kDa in tendinopathies considering both preclinical and clinical findings and encourage further research on this emerging topic.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Imaging Findings in Pleural Empyema: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zettinig Desiree , D’Antonoli Tugba Akinci , Wilder-Smith Adrian , Bremerich Jens , Roth Jan A. , Sexauer Raphael
Published: December 2021

Computed tomography (CT) diagnosis of empyema is challenging because current literature features multiple overlapping pleural findings. We aimed to identify informative findings for structured reporting. The screening according to inclusion criteria (P: Pleural empyema, I: CT C: culture/gram-stain/pathology/pus, O: Diagnostic accuracy measures), data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of studies published between 01-1980 and 10-2021 on Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science (WOS) were performed independently by two reviewers. CT findings with pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) with 95% confidence intervals, not including 1, were considered as informative. Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy for CT findings were calculated by using a bivariate random-effects model and heterogeneity sources were evaluated. Ten studies with a total of 252 patients with and 846 without empyema were included. From 119 overlapping descriptors, five informative CT findings were identified: Pleural enhancement, thickening, loculation, fat thickening, and fat stranding with an AUC of 0.80 (hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic, HSROC). Potential sources of heterogeneity were different thresholds, empyema prevalence, and study year.
Loading Criteria and Deposit Layer Characteristics as Causes of Sediment Settlement in an Estuary
Authors: Patriadi Andi , Soemitro Ria Asih Aryani , Warnana Dwa Desa , Wardoyo Wasis , Mukunoki Toshifumi , Tsujimoto Gozo , Maulana Mahendra Andiek , Satrya Trihanyndio Rendy
Published: December 2021

Sediment compaction due to the extraction of groundwater and self-weight consolidation, and monitoring land settlement of the river delta using geodetic measurement has been executed in several studies, while sediment settlement in the estuary is hypothesized due to dynamic loads. The present study aimed to observe clues for the occurrence of sediment settlement due to loading variation and deposit layer characteristics in the estuary. This research was based on four loading data for examination, i.e., hydraulic head pressure, sediment transport rate, sediment deposition, and water density. Two years of previous research simulations, including the rainy and dry seasons, were recalculated to gain the load pressure and were considered to assess the maximum load prediction. This review found evidence that dynamic loads predominated in maximum pressure changes in boreholes (BH2) and (BH3), and were due to river discharge and tidal occurrence, respectively. The dynamic load of sediment in BH2 contributed more than in BH3, where it was almost nonexistent. Observing the sediment layer characteristics, both settled for almost a month and two weeks, respectively, showed sediment settlement of more or less than 2 and 8 mm. Despite insignificant loading changes, these findings can further our understanding of loading criteria and settlement in different geometric locations.
Correction: Kim, H.; Park, S. Coupled Level-Set and Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) Solver for Air Lubrication Method of a Flat Plate. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2021, 9, 231
Authors: Kim Huichan , Park Sunho
Published: December 2021

The authors would like to make a correction to their published paper [...]
Convolution Neural Network for the Prediction of Cochlodinium polykrikoides Bloom in the South Sea of Korea
Authors: Choi Youngjin , Park Youngmin , Lim Weol-Ae , Min Seung-Hwan , Lee Joon-Soo
Published: December 2021

In this study, the occurrence of Cochlodinium polykrikoides bloom was predicted based on spatial information. The South Sea of Korea (SSK), where C. polykrikoides bloom occurs every year, was divided into three concentrated areas. For each domain, the optimal model configuration was determined by designing a verification experiment with 1–3 convolutional neural network (CNN) layers and 50–300 training times. Finally, we predicted the occurrence of C. polykrikoides bloom based on 3 CNN layers and 300 training times that showed the best results. The experimental results for the three areas showed that the average pixel accuracy was 96.22%, mean accuracy was 91.55%, mean IU was 81.5%, and frequency weighted IU was 84.57%, all of which showed above 80% prediction accuracy, indicating the achievement of appropriate performance. Our results show that the occurrence of C. polykrikoides bloom can be derived from atmosphere and ocean forecast information.
Comprehensive Assessment of the Virulence Factors sub 3, sub 6 and mcpA in the Zoonotic Dermatophyte Trichophyton benhamiae Using FISH and qPCR
Authors: Baumbach Christina-Marie , Rückner Antje , Partusch Lena , Engel Eric , Schrödl Wieland , Michler Jule Kristin
Published: December 2021

Skin infections by keratinophilic fungi are commonly referred to as dermatophytosis and represent a major health burden worldwide. Although patient numbers are on the rise, data on virulence factors, their function and kinetics are scarce. We employed an ex vivo infection model based on guinea pig skin explants (GPSE) for the zoonotic dermatophyte Trichophyton (T.) benhamiae to investigate kinetics of the virulence factors subtilisin (sub) 3, sub 6, metallocarboxypeptidase A (mcpA) and isocitrate lyase (isol) at gene level for ten days. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect and quantify the transcripts, respectively. Kingdom-spanning, species-specific and virulence factor-specific probes were successfully applied to isolated fungal elements showing inhomogeneous fluorescence signals along hyphae. Staining results for inoculated GPSE remained inconsistent despite thorough optimization. qPCR revealed a significant increase of sub 3- and mcpA-transcripts toward the end of culture, sub 6 and isol remained at a low level throughout the entire culture period. Sub 3 is tightly connected to the de novo formation of conidia during culture. Since sub 6 is considered an in vivo disease marker. However, the presented findings urgently call for further research on the role of certain virulence factors during infection and disease.
Social Response to the Vaccine against COVID-19: The Underrated Power of Influence
Authors: Mouliou Dimitra S. , Pantazopoulos Ioannis , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: December 2021

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need for preventive medicine and vaccinology to be paralleled to eliminate COVID-19 cases. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was disseminated through social media in the late November assessing the factors that may have influenced the final response to vaccination against COVID-19 in vaccinated and non-vaccinated Greek people. Results: Women, the younger generations, and university graduates were more likely to accept vaccination, whereas men, those with a basic education level, and the older generation showed a hesitance to the vaccine against COVID-19. About half of the vaccinated participants were influenced in their final decision mainly by being informed from the internet (50.4%), their work (51.7%), and social life (53,1%) while half of the non-vaccinated individuals were mostly influenced by keeping updated from the internet (55.5%) and by government policies (51.3%). COVID-19 risk (OR 2.511; CI 2.149–2.934; p = 0.000), frequent vaccinations for emerging pathogens (OR 14.022; CI 11.998-16.389), and social life (OR 2.828; CI 2.417–3.309; p = 0.000) had a significant impact on people’s positive response to vaccination against COVID-19. Conclusions: Monitoring and assessing the influence factors for the response to vaccination can be favourable strategies to further manage societal vaccination rates.
Another Look at Obesity Paradox in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Association Rule Mining
Authors: Kim Pum-Jun , Kim Chulho , Lee Sang-Hwa , Shon Jong-Hee , Kwon Youngsuk , Kim Jong-Ho , Kim Dong-Kyu , Yu Hyunjae , Ahn Hyo-Jeong , Jeon Jin-Pyeong , Kim Youngmi , Lee Jae-Jun
Published: December 2021

Though obesity is generally associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, previous reports have also reported that obesity has a beneficial effect on CVD outcomes. We aimed to verify the existing obesity paradox through binary logistic regression (BLR) and clarify the paradox via association rule mining (ARM). Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were assessed for their 3-month functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Predictors for poor outcome (mRS 3–6) were analyzed through BLR, and ARM was performed to find out which combination of risk factors was concurrently associated with good outcomes using maximal support, confidence, and lift values. Among 2580 patients with AIS, being obese (OR [odds ratio], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.99) had beneficial effects on the outcome at 3 months in BLR analysis. In addition, the ARM algorithm showed obese patients with good outcomes were also associated with an age less than 55 years and mild stroke severity. While BLR analysis showed a beneficial effect of obesity on stroke outcome, in ARM analysis, obese patients had a relatively good combination of risk factor profiles compared to normal BMI patients. These results may partially explain the obesity paradox phenomenon in AIS patients.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC): Are We Ready for a Pharmacogenetic Approach?
Authors: Palmirotta Raffaele
Published: December 2021

Anticoagulants play an important role in reducing complications and mortality associated with thromboembolic disorders, and anticoagulant therapy has been progressively enriched over the last few years with numerous new options [...]
Locating New Urbanism Developments in the U.S.: Which Cities Have New Urbanism and Why?
Authors: Gao Jie , Song Yan , Zhou Jiang , Wu Dingxin
Published: December 2021

This article aims to examine the characteristics of cities where New Urbanism (NU) developments are located as of 2019. We first develop a set of hypotheses to explore why some cities are welcoming NU developments more than other cities and how the cities differ in terms of general real estate development determinants, fiscal capacity and regulatory authority, advocacy group support, and cultural diversity. We then employ a Negative Binomial Regression to test the relationship between concentrations of NU developments and a variety of city characteristics by using a data set of 6923 urban cities. The results suggest that NU developments are advocated by cities with a higher level of environmental awareness, better fiscal and regulatory status, and better cultural diversity. The research results highlight the importance of continuously gaining support from environmental groups and the general public for effective expansion of New Urbanist developments within the U.S. These findings also indicate that for noteworthy changes in growth patterns to arise at a large scale across the U.S., there must be changes in values and preferences, and institutional capacity in updating land-use regulations that allow for sustainable growth.
Narrative-Based Nature of Heritage: Between Myth and Discourses: Case of Šiluva Place-Making in Progress
Authors: Rudokas Kastytis , Čižaitė-Rudokienė Silvija
Published: December 2021

The article focuses on the phenomenon of myth, which cannot be seen and may not even exist based on empirical evidence, although it can function as a long-lasting wave inceptor, as demonstrated in numerous cases in history. The singular presence of myth has no linear time, and the way to approach the concealed mythic meaning that is beyond tales, oral traditions or ritual practices is based on language and narrative. Narrative is how myth manifests itself in the temporal layers of discourse through collective decision-making processes within cultures and in places. The urban cultural heritage seems to be a promising source of understanding of what sort of narrative history has been telling. We emphasize that the closest possible approach to the permanence of myth lies in this subtle between-epoch or between-generational moment wherein the discourse alters. The hermeneutics of repetition within alteration processes is what could be called the narrative of cultural heritage in towns and cities. Development of the physical heritage properties has been touched by a variety of agents, and therefore it must have gathered a nearly unlimited amount of explicit and implicit knowledge. The research further demonstrates how the myth–narrative–discourse interaction affects our understanding of the authenticity of heritage objects, shifting towards a permanent pervading authenticity which could be intensive or extensive in the tangible realm. The case of Šiluva is discussed in order to explain how myth can be used practically in placemaking.
Geodiversity, Geoconservation, and Geotourism in Central America
Authors: Quesada-Román Adolfo , Torres-Bernhard Lidia , Ruiz-Álvarez Maynor A. , Rodríguez-Maradiaga Manuel , Velázquez-Espinoza Gema , Espinosa-Vega Catalina , Toral Jaime , Rodríguez-Bolaños Hugo
Published: December 2021

Central America is located in a dynamic region where tectonics and volcanism together with the tropical climate and its diverse vegetation have shaped the landscapes. Our main objective is to review the status of the geodiversity, geoconservation, and geotourism in Central America. We will identify the region’s geomorphic environments and geodiversity using classic regional geomorphology mapping techniques. Likewise, using touristic maps and webpages, we identify the most prominent geosites of different origin in Central America. Moreover, we will explore the national environmental policies, natural conservation systems, and tourism initiatives to promote their national geoheritage through geotourism. We found that volcanic, coastal, karstic, glacial, and fluvial geomorphic environments are the most common in the region. In addition, we identified 393 geosites of volcanic, coastal, karstic, glacial, fluvial, and archeological origin in Central America. The promotion of geoheritage, geodiversity, geoconservation, and thus the development of geoparks are excellent opportunities to promote sustainable development, sustainable lifestyles, appreciation of natural and cultural diversity, and the promotion of peace. These results may prove important to spread information about geoscience widely to decision makers on geotourism and conservation in each country and the stakeholders of the region. Geoheritage studies in tropical and developing countries such as those in Central America should be improved, and priority should be given to the geomorphological dynamics and strong anthropic pressures on their geo- and biodiversity to increase their income through geotourism, especially among the less favored communities and avoid affecting their already threatened natural resources.
Comparison of Anticancer Drug Toxicities: Paradigm Shift in Adverse Effect Profile
Authors: Basak Debasish , Arrighi Scott , Darwiche Yasenya , Deb Subrata
Published: December 2021

The inception of cancer treatment with chemotherapeutics began in the 1940s with nitrogen mustards that were initially employed as weapons in World War II. Since then, treatment options for different malignancies have evolved over the period of last seventy years. Until the late 1990s, all the chemotherapeutic agents were small molecule chemicals with a highly nonspecific and severe toxicity spectrum. With the landmark approval of rituximab in 1997, a new horizon has opened up for numerous therapeutic antibodies in solid and hematological cancers. Although this transition to large molecules improved the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, this has also coincided with the change in adverse effect patterns. Typically, the anticancer agents are fraught with multifarious adverse effects that negatively impact different organs of cancer patients, which ultimately aggravate their sufferings. In contrast to the small molecules, anticancer antibodies are more targeted toward cancer signaling pathways and exhibit fewer side effects than traditional small molecule chemotherapy treatments. Nevertheless, the interference with the immune system triggers serious inflammation- and infection-related adverse effects. The differences in drug disposition and interaction with human basal pathways contribute to this paradigm shift in adverse effect profile. It is critical that healthcare team members gain a thorough insight of the adverse effect differences between the agents discovered during the last twenty-five years and before. In this review, we summarized the general mechanisms and adverse effects of small and large molecule anticancer drugs that would further our understanding on the toxicity patterns of chemotherapeutic regimens.
Analysis of the Mixing of Filler and Base Materials in Arc-Welded Single-Bead Surface Welds Using an EDXS Method
Authors: Zorc Borut , Zorc Matija , Nagode Aleš
Published: December 2021

This article deals with an analysis of mixing and determines the admixing rate of a base S355 steel plate in single-bead surface welds by measuring the chemical composition using a plane-scan energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) on metallographic cross-sections. The results show that obtaining a larger number of EDXS measurements does not necessarily lead to obtaining a more accurate admixing rate. Due to the ever-present segregations that are generally near the base material, the disadvantage of this method is the subjective influence of the SEM operator on the estimated admixing rate. To obtain relevant results, a sufficiently wide area of well-mixed melt, including segregations, must be analyzed. This study showed that by using a sufficiently large number of appropriately selected sites with a sufficiently large surface area, it is possible to estimate the admixing rate from the chemical composition with an accuracy of ≥96% for the geometrically determined admixing rate D = 30%. From several equations, the best result showed an equation which is the arithmetic mean of the two different arithmetic means and in which the artificial influencing factor of the segregations of the base material is taken into account. With this equation, the same value of admixing rate, D = 30%, was obtained using the comparative geometric method.
Assessment of Destructive Impact of Different Factors on Concrete Structures Durability
Authors: Krentowski Janusz R.
Published: December 2021

The durability of concrete structure members is dependent on several factors that should be analyzed at each stage of the construction process. Omitting any of these factors might lead to the augmentation of harmful interactions and, as an effect, to safety hazards and the degradation of a structure or its parts. The article, based on several years of studies on exploited concrete structures, presents the effects of an incorrect analysis of selected factors resulting in the occurrence of faults significantly influencing the possibility of safe use of the objects. The described cases include, but are not limited to, the consequences of an improper assessment of building conditions after a biogas explosion in a fermentation chamber, the effect of a wood dust explosion, fire temperature and firefighting action on the prestressed girders, the stages of degradation of bearing structures supporting gas tanks exploited in an aggressive environment, and the consequences of omitting the temperature load in relation to the upper surface of a plate covering the fire pond. In each case, methods of restoration of the damaged elements were proposed, and their application to engineering practice was described. The practical aspects of the conducted research and implemented interventions were indicated.
Newly-Obtained Two Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Compounds Based on Potassium Peroxidomolybdate and Dicarboxypyridinic Acid: Structure Determination, Catalytic Properties, and Cytotoxic Effects of Eight Peroxidomolybdates in Colon and Hepatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Sławińska Adrianna , Tyszka-Czochara Małgorzata , Serda Paweł , Oszajca Marcin , Ruggiero-Mikołajczyk Małgorzata , Pamin Katarzyna , Karcz Robert , Łasocha Wiesław
Published: December 2021

Two new organic-inorganic hybrid compounds containing dicarboxylic pyridine acids have been obtained and characterized. Both compounds are potassium oxidodiperoxidomolybdates with 2,6-dicarboxylicpyridine acid or 3,5-dicarboxylicpyridine acid moieties, respectively. The chemical formula for the first one is C14H7K3Mo2N2O18 denoted as K26dcpa, the second C7H4K1Mo1N1O11.5—K35dcpa. Their crystal structures were determined using single crystal (K26dcpa) or XRPD—X-ray powder diffraction techniques (K35dcpa). The purity of the compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis. Their thermal stability was determined with the use of non-ambient XRPD. In addition, they were examined by IR spectroscopy methods and catalytic activity studies were performed for them. Catalytic tests in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction and biological activity have been performed for eight compounds: K26dcpa, K35dcpa, and six peroxidomolybdates previously obtained by our group. The anti-proliferative activity of peroxidomolybdenum compounds after 24 h of incubation was studied in vitro against three selected human tumor cell lines (SW620, LoVo, HEP G2) and normal human cells (fibroblasts). The data were expressed as IC50 values. The structure of the investigated oxodiperoxomolybdenum compounds was shown to have influence on the biological activity and catalytic properties. It has been shown that the newly-obtained compound, K35dcpa, is a very efficient catalyst in the Baeyer–Villiger reaction. The best biological activity results were obtained for Na-picO (previously obtained by us), which is a very effective anti-cancer agent towards SW 620 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells.
Preparation and Characterization of Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Crosslinked with UV Radiation-Influence of Monomer Composition on Adhesive Properties
Authors: Mozelewska Karolina , Czech Zbigniew , Bartkowiak Marcin , Nowak Małgorzata , Bednarczyk Paulina , Niezgoda Piotr , Kabatc Janina , Skotnicka Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

In this study, syntheses of acrylate copolymers were performed based on the monomers butyl acrylate (BA), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), and acrylic acid (AA) and the second-type unsaturated photoinitiator 4-acryloyloxybenzophenone (ABP). The structure of the obtained copolymers was confirmed via FT-IR spectroscopic analysis, and the viscosity and the content of non-volatile substances were determined. The adhesive films were then coated and cross-linked using ultraviolet radiation in the UV-C range at various doses (5–50 mJ/cm2). Due to the dependence of the self-adhesive properties of the adhesive layer on the basis weight, various basis weights of the layer in the range of 30–120 g/m2 were tested. Finally, the self-adhesive properties were assessed: tack, peel adhesion, shear strength (cohesion) at 20 °C and 70 °C, as well as the SAFT test and shrinkage. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the type of monomer used, the dose of ultraviolet radiation, and the basis weight on the self-adhesive and usable properties of the obtained self-adhesive tapes.
Stochastic Final Pit Limits: An Efficient Frontier Analysis under Geological Uncertainty in the Open-Pit Mining Industry
Authors: Jelvez Enrique , Morales Nelson , Ortiz Julian M.
Published: December 2021

In the context of planning the exploitation of an open-pit mine, the final pit limit problem consists of finding the volume to be extracted so that it maximizes the total profit of exploitation subject to overall slope angles to keep pit walls stable. To address this problem, the ore deposit is discretized as a block model, and efficient algorithms are used to find the optimal final pit. However, this methodology assumes a deterministic scenario, i.e., it does not consider that information, such as ore grades, is subject to several sources of uncertainty. This paper presents a model based on stochastic programming, seeking a balance between conflicting objectives: on the one hand, it maximizes the expected value of the open-pit mining business and simultaneously minimizes the risk of losses, measured as conditional value at risk, associated with the uncertainty in the estimation of the mineral content found in the deposit, which is characterized by a set of conditional simulations. This allows generating a set of optimal solutions in the expected return vs. risk space, forming the Pareto front or efficient frontier of final pit alternatives under geological uncertainty. In addition, some criteria are proposed that can be used by the decision maker of the mining company to choose which final pit best fits the return/risk trade off according to its objectives. This methodology was applied on a real case study, making a comparison with other proposals in the literature. The results show that our proposal better manages the relationship in controlling the risk of suffering economic losses without renouncing high expected profit.
A Bio-Inspired Method for Mathematical Optimization Inspired by Arachnida Salticidade
Authors: Peraza-Vázquez Hernán , Peña-Delgado Adrián , Ranjan Prakash , Barde Chetan , Choubey Arvind , Morales-Cepeda Ana Beatriz
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a new meta-heuristic called Jumping Spider Optimization Algorithm (JSOA), inspired by Arachnida Salticidae hunting habits. The proposed algorithm mimics the behavior of spiders in nature and mathematically models its hunting strategies: search, persecution, and jumping skills to get the prey. These strategies provide a fine balance between exploitation and exploration over the solution search space and solve global optimization problems. JSOA is tested with 20 well-known testbench mathematical problems taken from the literature. Further studies include the tuning of a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller, the Selective harmonic elimination problem, and a few real-world single objective bound-constrained numerical optimization problems taken from CEC 2020. Additionally, the JSOA’s performance is tested against several well-known bio-inspired algorithms taken from the literature. The statistical results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms recent literature algorithms and is capable to solve challenging real-world problems with unknown search space.
Graded Derived Equivalences
Authors: Zhang Bo-Ye , He Ji-Wei
Published: December 2021

We consider the equivalences of derived categories of graded rings over different groups. A Morita type equivalence is established between two graded algebras with different group gradings. The results obtained here give a better understanding of the equivalences of derived categories of graded rings.
Hybrid Approach in Acute and Chronic Aortic Disease
Authors: Murzi Michele , Farneti Pier Andrea , Rizza Antonio , Di Sibio Silvia , Palmieri Cataldo , Solinas Marco
Published: December 2021

The management of patients with aortic disease that involves the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending aorta represent a surgical challenge. Open surgical repair remains the gold standard for aortic arch pathologies. However, this operation requires a cardiopulmonary bypass and a period of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest, which carries a substantial rate of mortality and morbidity. For these reasons, hybrid arch repair that involves a combination of open surgery with endovascular aortic stent graft placement has been introduced as a therapeutic alternative for those patients deemed unfit for open surgical procedures. Hybrid repair requires varying degrees of invasiveness and can be performed as a single-stage procedure or as a two-stage procedure. The choice of the technique is multifactorial, depending on the characteristics of the diseased arch with regard to position of the stent graft proximal landing zone, patient fitness and comorbid status, as well as surgical expertise and hospital facilities. Among the evolving hybrid procedures is the so-called “frozen” or stented elephant trunk technique. Adapted from the classical elephant trunk technique, this approach facilitates the repair of a concomitant aortic arch and proximal descending aortic aneurysms in a single stage under circulatory arrest. This technique is increasingly being used to treat extensive thoracic aortic disease and has shown promising results.
Evaluation of Postoperative Pain Following Single-Visit Root Canal Treatment with Rotary and Reciprocal Ni–Ti File Systems in Children
Authors: Atesci Alp , Topaloglu-Ak Aslı , Turan Ece , Oncag Ozant , Kaval Mehmet
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pain is a common symptom of a flare-up after root canal treatments (RCTs). Insufficient instrumentation, extrusion of irrigation solutions and debris, and the existence of a periapical lesion are the factors affecting postoperative pain after root canal treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative pain and instrumentation time of the single-file reciprocating system and multiple-file Ni–Ti rotary system in children ages 9–12 years old. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted on 51 permanent mandibular molars with the diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups, and RCTs were completed with either the Reciproc Blue or Protaper NEXT file systems. Instrumentation time for each system was noted, and patients were given a pain scale that included a visual analog scale for 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment. Postoperative pain scores and instrumentation times were analyzed statistically with a chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain between the Reciproc Blue and Protaper NEXT systems at all time intervals. Instrumentation time was significantly shorter in the Reciproc Blue group in comparison with the Protaper NEXT group. Conclusions: Postoperative pain findings following RCT using single-file reciprocating systems were similar to the rotary system group. However, chair time in the reciprocating system group was significantly lower. This provided a comfortable and patient-friendly treatment approach for children, and could enhance their cooperation.
RhoA, Claudin 18, and c-MET in Gastric Cancer: Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognostic Significance in Curative Resected Patients
Authors: Pereira Marina Alessandra , Ramos Marcus Fernando Kodama Pertille , Dias Andre Roncon , Cardili Leonardo , Ribeiro Renan Ribeiro e , de Castria Tiago Biachi , Zilberstein Bruno , Nahas Sergio Carlos , Ribeiro Ulysses , de Mello Evandro Sobroza
Published: December 2021

Background: Recently, markers related to molecular classification were suggested as promising therapeutic targets for treatment and prediction of prognosis in gastric cancer (GC), including c-MET, RhoA, and Claudin-18 (CLDN18). This study aimed to investigate their expression in GC and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and survival. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy. c-MET, RhoA, and CLDN18 were analyzed through immunohistochemistry (IHC), and groups for analysis were determined according to the median values obtained for each marker. Results: Among the 349 GC evaluated, 180 (51.6%), 59 (16.9%), and 61 (17.5%) patients were completely negative for c-MET, RhoA, and CLDN18, respectively. Total gastrectomy, D1 lymphadenectomy, poorly differentiated histology, and greater inflammatory infiltrate were more frequent in the c-MET-negative group. Diffuse type, greater inflammatory infiltrate, and advanced pT and pTNM stage were associated with low-RhoA GC. The venous invasion was more frequent in the low-CLDN18 group. Furthermore, c-MET was positively correlated with RhoA and negatively with CLDN18. HER2 expression was associated with c-MET-positive and high-CLDN18 GC; and loss of E-cadherin expression in c-MET-negative and low-RhoA GC. c-MET-negative and Low-RhoA were significantly associated with worse disease-free survival. Conclusions: c-MET, RhoA, and CLD18 expression occurred frequently in GC. RhoA GC had distinct clinicopathological characteristics related to prognosis. c-MET and RhoA were associated with survival but were not independent predictors of prognosis.
Preparation and Characterization of Regenerated Cellulose Membrane Blended with ZrO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Xin , Tian Feng , Chen Guohong , Wang Fanan , Weng Rengui , Xi Beidou
Published: December 2021

It is of great significance to search for efficient, renewable, biodegradable and economical membrane materials. Herein, we developed an organic-inorganic hybrid regenerated cellulose membrane (ZrO2/BCM) with excellent hydrophilic and anti-fouling properties. The membrane was prepared by introducing ZrO2 particles into an N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide(NMMO)/bamboo cellulose(BC) solution system by the phase inversion method. The physi-chemical structure of the membranes were characterized based on thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The modified regenerated cellulose membrane has the excellent rejection of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti-fouling performance. The membrane flux of ZrO2/BCM is 321.49 (L/m2·h), and the rejection rate of BSA is 91.2%. Moreover, the membrane flux recovery rate after cleaning with deionized water was 90.6%. This new type of separation membrane prepared with green materials holds broad application potential in water purification and wastewater treatment.
Electrodialysis Can Lower the Environmental Impact of Hemodialysis
Authors: Abarkan Ahmed , Grimi Nabil , Métayer Hubert , Sqalli Houssaïni Tarik , Legallais Cécile
Published: December 2021

The hemodialysis technique, used worldwide for patients with chronic kidney disease, is considered as a treatment with a high economic and ecological impact, especially for water consumption. Getting ultrapure water for the preparation of the dialysate to clean patient’s blood from toxins leads to high volumes of salt-enriched water that directly goes to sewage. The aim of this work is to propose operating conditions for electrodialysis to allow the reuse of reverse osmosis (RO) rejects. We first performed a parametric study to evaluate the influence of different parameters, such as flow rates, initial concentration, and applied voltage on the demineralization rate (DR) and specific energy consumption (SPC) with a NaCl model solution. The optimal conditions for desalination (i.e., a potential of 12 V, and flow rate of 20 L·h−1) were then successfully applied to real samples collected from a dialysis center with total dissolved salts concentration of about 1.4 g/L (conductivity of 2.0 mS·cm−1). We demonstrated that the choice of adequate conductivity targets allowed meeting the physico-chemical requirements to obtain water re-usable for either rehabilitation swimming pool, manual or machine washing of instruments before sterilization or irrigation. Saving this water could contribute in the reduction of the environmental impact of hemodialysis.