bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brucella Spondylitis: Current Knowledge and Recent Advances
Authors: Spernovasilis Nikolaos , Karantanas Apostolos , Markaki Ioulia , Konsoula Afroditi , Ntontis Zisis , Koutserimpas Christos , Alpantaki Kalliopi
Published: January 2024

The most prevalent zoonotic disease is brucellosis, which poses a significant threat for worldwide public health. Particularly in endemic areas, spinal involvement is a major source of morbidity and mortality and can complicate the course of the disease. The diagnosis of Brucella spondylitis is challenging and should be suspected in the appropriate epidemiological and clinical context, in correlation with microbiological and radiological findings. Treatment depends largely on the affected parts of the body. Available treatment options include antibiotic administration for an adequate period of time and, when appropriate, surgical intervention. In this article, we examined the most recent data on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and management of spinal brucellosis in adults.
Optic Nerve Head Curvature Flattening Is Associated with Central Visual Field Scotoma
Authors: Park Keunheung , Kim Jinmi , Lee Jiwoong
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to develop a new index, the average curvature ratio (ACR), to represent the optic nerve head (ONH) tilting and investigate its clinical relevance. Myopic eyes were included and divided into two subgroups: flat ONH (ACR < 1.0) and convex ONH (ACR ≥ 1.0). The occurrences of central and peripheral visual field (VF) defects were compared between the two groups. A total of 375 myopic eyes were recruited, and 231 and 144 eyes were included in the flat and convex ONH groups, respectively. Central scotoma occurred more frequently in the flat ONH group. According to the Patella–Anderson criteria, the number of eyes with central scotoma was 103 (44.6%) in the flat and 44 (30.6%) in the convex ONH groups (p = 0.009). According to Kook’s criteria, the number of eyes with central scotoma was 122 (52.8%) in the flat and 50 (34.7%) in the convex ONH groups (p < 0.001). Peripheral scotoma was not significantly different between the groups. In the correlation analysis, the ACR was positively correlated with spherical equivalence, but not with axial length or central corneal thickness. The ACR reflects the degree of the ONH tilt and is a good index for estimating central VF damage in myopic eyes.
Animal Models in Regulatory Breakpoint Determination: Review of New Drug Applications of Approved Antibiotics from 2014–2022
Authors: Selig Daniel , Caridha Diana , Evans Martin , Kress Adrian , Lanteri Charlotte , Ressner Roseanne , DeLuca Jesse
Published: January 2024

We sought to better understand the utility and role of animal models of infection for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antibiotics for the indications of community-, hospital-acquired-, and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (CABP, HABP, VABP), complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI), and acute bacterial skin and structural infections (ABSSSIs). We reviewed relevant documents from new drug applications (NDA) of FDA-approved antibiotics from 2014–2019 for the above indications. Murine neutropenic thigh infection models supported the choice of a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) target in 11/12 NDAs reviewed. PKPD targets associated with at least a 1-log bacterial decrease were commonly considered ideal (10/12 NDAs) to support breakpoints. Plasma PK, as opposed to organ specific PK, was generally considered most reliable for PKPD correlation. Breakpoint determination was multi-disciplinary, accounting at minimum for epidemiologic cutoffs, non-clinical PKPD, clinical exposure-response and clinical efficacy. Non-clinical PKPD targets in combination with probability of target attainment (PTA) analyses generated breakpoints that were consistent with epidemiologic cutoffs and clinically derived breakpoints. In 6/12 NDAs, there was limited data to support clinically derived breakpoints, and hence the non-clinical PKPD targets in combination with PTA analyses played a heightened role in the final breakpoint determination. Sponsor and FDA breakpoint decisions were in general agreement. Disagreement may have arisen from differences in the definition of the optimal PKPD index or the ability to extrapolate protein binding from animals to humans. Overall, murine neutropenic thigh infection models supported the reviewed NDAs by providing evidence of pre-clinical efficacy and PKPD target determination, and played, in combination with PTA analysis, a significant role in breakpoint determination for labeling purposes.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Veneziani Isabella , Marra Angela , Formica Caterina , Grimaldi Alessandro , Marino Silvia , Quartarone Angelo , Maresca Giuseppa
Published: January 2024

In the context of advancing healthcare, the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders, particularly Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), pose significant challenges. This review explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in neuropsychological assessment for the early detection and personalized treatment of MCI and AD. The review includes 37 articles that demonstrate that AI could be an useful instrument for optimizing diagnostic procedures, predicting cognitive decline, and outperforming traditional tests. Three main categories of applications are identified: (1) combining neuropsychological assessment with clinical data, (2) optimizing existing test batteries using ML techniques, and (3) employing virtual reality and games to overcome the limitations of traditional tests. Despite advancements, the review highlights a gap in developing tools that simplify the clinician’s workflow and underscores the need for explainable AI in healthcare decision making. Future studies should bridge the gap between technical performance measures and practical clinical utility to yield accurate results and facilitate clinicians’ roles. The successful integration of AI/ML in predicting dementia onset could reduce global healthcare costs and benefit aging societies.
Spatial Analysis Model for the Evaluation of the Territorial Adequacy of the Urban Process in Coastal Areas
Authors: Galacho-Jiménez Federico B. , Reyes-Corredera Sergio
Published: January 2024

Coastal spaces are shaped by human activity. Approaching their urban spaces allows us to analyse the concepts of structure, growth, and management. Highlighting the problems associated with these concepts can lead to intensive scientific analysis and provide solid research methods. This paper focuses on the study of how the process of territorial occupation takes place and the urban forms it generates on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. It is based on the consideration that the process of territorial occupation is deficient in its territorial adequacy. To analyse this, a methodology is proposed that addresses processes of analysis at different scales: dynamics of changes in land use, the study of the morphologies of urban development with spatial analysis tools, and the adaptation of urban processes to the characteristics of the spaces that support them with multi-criteria evaluation techniques and GIS (Geographical Information Systems). The results are specified in five degrees of suitability of the occupation of the territory. Two conclusions can be observed: first, urban planning gives rise to forms of occupation that follow a similar pattern in the twenty areas studied, and second, the suitability of the urban process is not governed by planning based on precepts of suitability and environmental logic but by a weakness of the adapted planning methods.
Complex Methodology for Spatial Documentation of Geomorphological Changes and Geohazards in the Alpine Environment
Authors: Kovanič Ľudovít , Peťovský Patrik , Topitzer Branislav , Blišťan Peter
Published: January 2024

The alpine environment with a high degree of nature protection is characterized by complete non-intervention. The processes and phenomena occurring in it are exclusively of a natural origin. Related geohazards are threatening the safety of people’s movement. They arise as a result of a combination of meteorological, hydrological, and geological–morphological factors permanently operating in the country. Therefore, the prevention of fatal events is limited to monitoring and predicting changes in selected objects where we expect change. Changes in the shape and dimension, or the object’s deformation, can be documented using geodetic and photogrammetric measurements. Our research focuses on monitoring a rock talus cone in High Tatras, Slovakia, at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level (ASL), created mainly due to erosion and seasonal torrential rains. To monitor changes in selected objects, we used mass non-contact methods of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), UAS photogrammetry based on the principle of structure-from-motion–multi-view stereo (SfM–MVS), and airborne laser scanning (ALS). From the selective measurement methods, spatial measurement by a total station (TS) and height measurement based on the principle of precise leveling were used in the monitoring deformation network on a stand-alone boulder. The research results so far analyze and evaluate the possibilities, limits, effectiveness, and accuracy of the measurement and data processing methods used. As a result, we propose a complex methodology for monitoring similar phenomena in alpine environments.
Formulation of Mentha piperita-Based Nanobiopesticides and Assessment of the Pesticidal and Antimicrobial Potential
Authors: Jahan Nazish , Hussain Nida , Touqeer Syeeda Iram , Khalil-Ur-Rahman Khalil-Ur-Rahman , Shamshad Huma , Abbas Naseem
Published: January 2024

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has detrimental impacts on humans, non-target organisms, and the environment. Insect pest management strategies are shifting toward biopesticides, which can provide a feasible and environmentally friendly green solution to the pest problem. The key objective of the present research work was the preparation of Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides with enhanced stability, solubility, and pesticidal potential. Nanobiopesticides based on the Mentha piperita extract were prepared using the antisolvent precipitation method. The central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize different process parameters, e.g., the amounts of the stabilizer and plant extract. The nanosuspension of Mentha piperita prepared with the stabilizer SLS showed a particle size of 259 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.61. The formulated biopesticides in the form of nanosuspensions showed good antibacterial activities as compared to the Mentha piperita extract against two phytopathogenic bacterial strains, Clavibacter michiganensis and Pseudomonas syringae. The M. piperita nanosuspension had higher antifungal efficacy against A. niger and F. oxysporum than the Mentha piperita extract. The M. piperita extract and its nanosuspensions were tested for pesticidal activity against the stored-grain insects Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae. Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides demonstrated significantly high (p  <  0.05) average mortality of 84.4% and 77.7% against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae, respectively. Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides showed enhanced pesticidal potential and could be used as a good alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides.
Induction of Arterial Inflammation by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Lung Cancer Patients as Measured by 2-[18F]FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Depends on Pre-Existing Vascular Inflammation
Authors: Calabretta Raffaella , Beer Lucian , Prosch Helmut , Kifjak Daria , Zisser Lucia , Binder Patrick , Grünert Stefan , Langsteger Werner , Li Xiang , Hacker Marcus
Published: January 2024

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are one of the most effective therapies in oncology, albeit associated with various immune-related adverse events also affecting the cardiovascular system. Methods: We aimed to investigate the effect of ICI on arterial 2-[18F]FDG uptake by using 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT imaging pre/post treatment in 47 patients with lung cancer. Maximum 2-[18F]FDG standardized uptake values (SUVmax) and target-to-background ratios (TBRs) were calculated along six arterial segments. We classified the arterial PET lesions by pre-existing active inflammation (cut-off: TBRpre ≥ 1.6). 2-[18F]FDG metabolic activity pre/post treatment was also quantified in bone marrow, spleen, and liver. Circulating blood biomarkers were additionally collected at baseline and after immunotherapy. Results: ICI treatment resulted in significantly increased arterial inflammatory activity, detected by increased TBRs, in all arterial PET lesions analyzed. In particular, a significant elevation of arterial 2-[18F]FDG uptake was only recorded in PET lesions without pre-existing inflammation, in calcified as well as in non-calcified lesions. Furthermore, a significant increase in arterial 2-[18F]FDG metabolic activity after immunotherapy was solely observed in patients not previously treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy as well as in those without CV risk factors. No significant changes were recorded in either 2-[18F]FDG uptake of bone marrow, spleen and liver after treatment, or the blood biomarkers. Conclusions: ICI induces vascular inflammation in lung cancer patients lacking pre-existing arterial inflammation.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): A Mini-Review of Lipid Profile, Blood Glucose, and Ovarian Histological Improvements
Authors: Wahid Syawany , Ramli Muhammad Danial Che , Fazleen Nur Ezza , Naim Rosli Muhammad , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy
Published: January 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women that is characterized by fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries and various symptoms, including high androgen levels, endometrial irregularities, and cysts. Although the main cause of PCOS remains unknown, it has been linked to genetic, endocrine, and metabolic factors, and there are several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. Natural products such as medicinal plants and fruits are being explored as potential treatments for PCOS because of their bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects related to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. Some of these compounds improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and enhance glucose metabolism, thereby benefiting patients with PCOS. This mini-review examined the effects of natural products on PCOS, including their effects on ovarian histological changes, blood glucose, sex hormones, and lipid profiles, based on animal and human studies. This study suggests that the use of natural products as complementary medicines can be a promising resource for the development of effective therapeutics for PCOS; however, further research is needed to fully understand their benefits.
Steel Automotive Wheel Rims—Data Fusion for the Precise Identification of the Technical Condition and Indication of the Approaching End of Service Life
Authors: Borecki Michal , Rychlik Arkadiusz , Zan Li , Korwin-Pawlowski Michael L.
Published: January 2024

Steel automotive wheel rims are subject to wear and tear, down to the end of their service life. Manufacturers use standard destructive tests to determine the probable lifetime of the car wheel rim. With this approach, to predict the remaining use time, it is necessary to know the initial parameters of the wheel rim, actual mileage, and its use characteristics, which is difficult information to obtain in the real world. Moreover, this work shows that a vehicle’s technical condition can affect the rim’s remaining service time. This work describes a new method of precise binary identification of the technical condition of steel car wheel rims using the dispersion of damping factors which result from experimental modal analysis. This work also proposes a new method of indicating the approaching end of wheel rim service life with limited parameters: run-out, average of damping factors, and dispersion of damping factors. The proposed procedure requires two sequential examinations of the rim in standard periods related to the average annual mileage of the vehicle. On this basis, it is possible to indicate the approaching end of the life of the steel rims about 10,000 km in advance.
The Effect of Mineral Wool Fiber Additive on Several Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivity in Geopolymer Binder
Authors: Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk Beata , Smyczek Dominik
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the effect of additives of waste mineral wool fibers on geopolymer binder. This is an important study in terms of the possibility of recycling mineral wool waste. The paper describes an effective method for pulverizing the wool and the methodology for forming geopolymer samples, labeled G1 for glass-wool-based geopolymer and G2 for stone-wool-based geopolymer. The compressive and flexural strengths and thermal conductivity coefficient of the geopolymer with the addition of mineral fibers were determined. The key element of the article is to verify whether the addition of mineral wool fibers positively affects the properties of the geopolymer. The results obtained prove that the addition of fibers significantly improves the flexural strength. For the G1 formulation, the ratio of compressive strength to flexural strength is 18.7%. However, for G2 samples, an even better ratio of compressive strength to flexural strength values of 26.3% was obtained. The average thermal conductivity coefficient obtained was 1.053 W/(m·K) for the G1 series samples and 0.953 W/(m·K) for the G2 series samples. The conclusions obtained show a correlation between the porosity and compressive strength and thermal conductivity coefficient. The higher the porosity, the better the thermal insulation of the material and the weaker the compressive strength.
Thermal Deformation Behavior and Microstructural Evolution of Multicomponent Mg-Li-Zn-Al-Y Alloys under Hot Compression
Authors: Yang Kun , Bai Weiwu , Li Bin , Chen Hao , Li Guo , Wei Guobing , Liu Junwei
Published: January 2024

High-temperature compression tests on Mg-11.5Li-2.5Zn-0.35Al-0.3Y (in wt.%) were carried out on a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator. Flow stress and microstructural evolution were analyzed at different temperatures (T = 473 K, 523 K, 573 K, and 623 K) and strain rates (ε˙ = 1 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 0.01 s−1, and 0.001 s−1). On this basis, the constitutive model of the alloy was established using the Arrhenius-type constitutive model, and the thermal processing map of the alloy was drawn based on the DMM (dynamic material modeling) theory. The experimental results show that the flow stress of the Mg-11.5Li-2.5Zn-0.35Al-0.3Y alloy decreases with an increase in temperature and a decrease in strain rate. The grain size increases uniformly with the increase in temperature, while a sudden increase occurs with the decrease in strain rate. The predicted value of the model is compared with the experimental value to verify the correctness of the model, and the correlation coefficient, R = 0.9690, was calculated, which further proves the applicability of the model to the Mg-11.5Li-2.5Zn-0.35Al-0.3Y alloy. This alloy can be safely plastic-deformed 473 K~623 K and 0.001 s−1~1 s−1.
Control the Coefficient of a Differential Equation as an Inverse Problem in Time
Authors: Ternovski Vladimir , Ilyutko Victor
Published: January 2024

There are many problems based on solving nonautonomous differential equations of the form x¨(t)+ω2(t)x(t)=0, where x(t) represents the coordinate of a material point and ω is the angular frequency. The inverse problem involves finding the bounded coefficient ω. Continuity of the function ω(t) is not required. The trajectory x(t) is also unknown, but the initial and final values of the phase variables are given. The variation principle of the minimum time for the entire dynamic process allows for the determination of the optimal solution. Thus, the inverse problem is an optimal control problem. No simplifying assumptions were made.
Assessing the Relationship between Indexed Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness, Oxidative Stress in Adipocytes, and Coronary Artery Disease Complexity in Open-Heart Surgery Patients
Authors: Braescu Laurentiu , Sturza Adrian , Aburel Oana Maria , Sosdean Raluca , Muntean Danina , Luca Constantin Tudor , Brie Daniel Miron , Feier Horea , Crisan Simina , Mornos Cristian
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: This cross-sectional study conducted at the Timișoara Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Romania, and the Centre for Translational Research and Systems Medicine from “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, Romania, investigated the relationship between indexed epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATTi) and oxidative stress in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) adipocytes in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD) among open-heart surgery patients. The objective was to elucidate the contribution of EATTi as an additional marker for complexity prediction in patients with CAD, potentially influencing clinical decision-making in surgical settings. Materials and Methods: The study included 25 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with a mean age of 65.16 years and a body mass index of 27.61 kg/m2. Oxidative stress in EAT was assessed using the ferrous iron xylenol orange oxidation spectrophotometric assay. The patients were divided into three groups: those with valvular heart disease without CAD, patients with CAD without diabetes mellitus (DM), and patients with both CAD and DM. The CAD complexity was evaluated using the SYNTAX score. Results: The EATTi showed statistically significant elevations in the patients with both CAD and DM (mean 5.27 ± 0.67 mm/m2) compared to the CAD without DM group (mean 3.78 ± 1.05 mm/m2, p = 0.024) and the valvular disease without CAD group (mean 2.67 ± 0.83 mm/m2, p = 0.001). Patients with SYNTAX scores over 32 had significantly higher EATTi (5.27 ± 0.66 mm/m2) compared to those with lower scores. An EATTi greater than 4.15 mm/m2 predicted more complex CAD (SYNTAX score >22) with 80% sensitivity and 86% specificity. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility for the EATTi measurement were excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient 0.911, inter-class correlation coefficient 0.895). Conclusions: EATTi is significantly associated with CAD complexity in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. It serves as a reliable indicator of more intricate CAD forms, as reflected by higher SYNTAX scores. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of EATTi in pre-operative assessment, suggesting its potential utility as a prognostic marker in cardiac surgical patients.
The Role of Family Factors in the Development of Dental Anxiety in Children
Authors: Petrović Dorotea , Cicvarić Odri , Šimunović-Erpušina Marija , Ivančić Jokić Nataša , Bakarčić Danko , Bučević Sojčić Petra , Jurić Hrvoje
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: In the literature, the influence of parents who suffer from dental anxiety and a previous unpleasant experience at the dentist are cited as the two most common causes of dental anxiety in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the development of dental anxiety in children aged 9 to 12 years. Materials and Methods: A total of 131 children and their accompanying parents/guardians participated in the cross-sectional study. The children were divided into an experimental group, which visited a specialised office for paediatric and preventive dentistry for the examination, and a control group, which visited a primary care dental office. During the visit, the children completed questionnaires on dental anxiety (CFSS-DS). Parents completed a socioeconomic questionnaire and a dental anxiety questionnaire for adults (CDAS). Results: The results showed a statistically significant positive predictor: parental dental anxiety as measured by the CDAS. In addition, the t-test showed that children who visited a specialised dental office did not show a statistically significant increase in dental anxiety compared to children who visited a primary care dental office. Conclusions: With this study, we confirm the influence of parental dental anxiety on the development of dental anxiety in children. The socioeconomic status of the family and the type of dental office do not play a statistically significant role in the development of dental anxiety in children.
Oxygen Uptake of Ti6Al4V during Direct Metal Deposition Process
Authors: Keller Dominik , Monney Axel , Wirth Florian , Wegener Konrad
Published: January 2024

The efficient fabrication of titanium components using laser direct metal deposition (DMD) is gaining significant importance in the aerospace and medical sectors. The DMD process must be appropriately designed to address the issue of oxidation, as titanium exhibits a high affinity for oxygen. The carrier gas flow and shield gas flow, which have been considered secondary factors so far, are shown to exert a substantial influence on the gas dynamics of the DMD process. By varying these parameters, it is possible to identify the influence of the gas volume flows on the oxidation behavior exhibited during the DMD process. To quantify the oxygen uptake in titanium structures during buildup, hot carrier gas extraction is employed. Experiments are conducted using both a three-jet and a coaxial nozzle to assess the influence of nozzle geometry. Additionally, the experiments are conducted within a shielding gas chamber to demonstrate the benefits of such a chamber in mitigating oxidation. Finally, the study reveals that by appropriately combining the parameters of carrier gas volume flow, shield gas volume, and travel speed, it is possible to fabricate titanium components, which fulfill the requirements regarding oxygen content of aerospace and medical applications even without the utilization of a shielding gas chamber.
Association of Christian Orthodox Fasting with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Serum Biochemical Indices: A Cross-Sectional Study on Patients with Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Rodopaios Nikolaos E. , Poulios Efthymios , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Alexatou Olga , Koulouri Alexandra-Aikaterini , Kafatos Anthony G. , Papaliagkas Vasileios , Psara Evmorfia , Giannakoula Anastasia , Tsourouflis Gerasimos , Antasouras Georgios , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: January 2024

Christian Orthodox fasting, a type of time-restricted diet, which presents some similarities to the Mediterranean Diet, also including certain similarities with periodic vegetarianism or other time-restricted diets (e.g., intermittent diet and Ramadan fasting), may cumulatively be related to the same or even better beneficial healthy effects as these well-recognized dietary patterns. The present study aimed to explore the potential beneficial impact of Christian Orthodox fasting in patients with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus type 2, excessive obesity, hypothyroidism and osteoporosis. This was a cross-sectional study, including 135 patients with metabolic disorders (67 fasters and 68 non-fasters). The enrolled fasters had adapted Christian Orthodox fasting recommendations for at least twelve consecutive years or even from childhood. Relevant questionnaires were used to record sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle data of the study population through face-to-face interviews between the enrolled individuals and qualified personnel during a non-fasting period. Christian Orthodox fasting patients showed a significantly and independently lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, which is highly associated with cardiometabolic disease risks, as well as a significantly and independently lower incidence of hypertension, including separately lower systolic and diastolic pressure, than non-fasting patients. Fasters also had a significantly and independently increased prevalence of an advanced educational level and no smoking history, as well as a lower incidence of sedentary behavior, and a trend of a correlation with reduced c-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, compared to non-fasters. Fasters also exhibited higher serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, as well as lower glucose levels, than non-fasters. This is one of the few cross-sectional studies demonstrating that Christian Orthodox fasting may promote metabolic health by improving several aspects of metabolic disorders, being associated with specific sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors. Further studies conducted on larger sample sizes from different countries and different ethnicities that include Christian Orthodox fasters are recommended to evaluate the impact of long-term religious fasting effects on human health, either as a preventative factor reducing the risk of chronic diseases and especially cardiometabolic disorders or as a nutritional intervention to ameliorate symptom severity.
Droplet Motion Driven by Liquid Dielectrophoresis in the Low-Frequency Range
Authors: Günther-Müller Sarah , Azizy Raschid , Strehle Steffen
Published: January 2024

Electrohydrodynamic wetting manipulation plays a major role in modern microfluidic technologies such as lab-on-a-chip applications and digital microfluidics. Liquid dielectrophoresis (LDEP) is a common driving mechanism, which induces hydrodynamic motion in liquids by the application of nonhomogeneous electrical fields. Among strategies to analyze droplet movement, systematic research on the influence of different frequencies under AC voltage is missing. In this paper, we therefore present a first study covering the motion characteristics of LDEP-driven droplets of the dielectric liquids ethylene glycol and glycerol carbonate in the driving voltage frequency range from 50 Hz to 1600 Hz. A correlation between the switching speed of LDEP-actuated droplets in a planar electrode configuration and the frequency of the applied voltage is shown. Hereby, motion times of different-sized droplets could be reduced by up to a factor of 5.3. A possible excitation of the droplets within their range of eigenfrequencies is investigated using numerical calculations. The featured fluidic device is designed using larger-sized electrodes rather than typical finger or strip electrodes, which are commonly employed in LDEP devices. The influence of the electrode shape is considered simulatively by studying the electric field gradients.
Studying Flotation of Gold Microdispersions with Carrier Minerals and Pulp Aeration with a Steam–Air Mixture
Authors: Evdokimov Sergei Ivanovich , Golikov Nikolay S. , Pryalukhin Alexey F. , Kondratiev Viktor V. , Mishedchenko Anatolii , Kuzina Alexandra Vl. , Bryukhanova Natalia Nikolaevna , Karlina Antonina I.
Published: January 2024

This work is aimed at obtaining new knowledge in the field of interactions of polydisperse hydrophobic surfaces in order to increase the extraction of mineral microdispersions via flotation. The effect of high velocity and the probability of aggregating fine particles with large ones are used to increase the extraction of finely dispersed gold in this work. Large particles act as carrier minerals, which are intentionally introduced into a pulp. The novelty of this work lies in the fact that a rougher concentrate is used as the carrier mineral. For this purpose, it is isolated from three parallel pulp streams by mixing the rougher concentrate, isolated from the first stream of raw materials, with an initial feed of the second stream; accordingly, the rougher concentrate of the second stream is mixed with the initial feed of the third stream, and the finished rougher concentrate is obtained. In this mode of extracting the rougher concentrate, the content of the extracted metal increases from stream to stream, which contributes to the growth in its content in the end product. Moreover, in order to supplement forces involved in the separation of minerals with surface forces of structural origin in the third flotation stream, the pulp is aerated for a short time (about 15%–25% of the total) with air bubbles filled with a heat carrier, i.e., hot water vapor. Within this accepted flotation method, the influence that the surface currents occurring in the wetting film have on its thinning and breakthrough kinetics is proposed to be in the form of a correction to a length of a liquid slip in the hydrophobic gap. The value of the correction is expressed as a fraction of the limiting thickness of the wetting film, determined by the condition of its thickness invariability when the streams are equal in an interphase gap: outflowing (due to an action of the downforce) and inflowing (Marangoni flows and a thermo-osmotic stream). Gold flotation experiments are performed on samples of gold-bearing ore obtained from two deposits with conditions that simulate a continuous process. Technological advantages of this developed scheme and a flotation mode of gold microdispersions are shown in comparison with the basic technology. The purpose of this work is to conduct comparative tests on the basic and developed technologies using samples of gold-bearing ore obtained from the Natalka and Olimpiada deposits. Through the use of the developed technology, an increase in gold extraction of 7.99% and in concentrate quality (from 5.09 to 100.3 g/t) is achieved when the yield of the concentrate decreases from 1.86 to 1.30%, which reduces the costs associated with its expensive metallurgical processing.
Mine Closure Surveillance and Feasibility of UAV–AI–MR Technology: A Review Study
Authors: Samaei Masoud , Stothard Phillip , Shirani Faradonbeh Roohollah , Topal Erkan , Jang Hyongdoo
Published: January 2024

In recent years, mine site closure and rehabilitation have emerged as significant global challenges. The escalating number of abandoned mines, exemplified by over 60,000 in Australia in 2017, underscores the urgency. Growing public concerns and governmental focus on environmental issues are now jeopardising sustainable mining practices. This paper assesses the role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in mine closure, exploring sensor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and mixed reality (MR) applications. Prior research validates UAV efficacy in mining, introducing various deployable sensors. Some studies delve into AI’s use for UAV data analysis, but a comprehensive review integrating AI algorithms with MR methods for mine rehabilitation is lacking. The paper discusses data acquisition methods, repeatability, and barriers toward fully autonomous monitoring systems for mine closure projects. While UAVs prove adaptable with various sensors, constraints such as battery life and payload capacity impact effectiveness. Although UAVs hold potential for AI testing in mine closure studies, these applications have been overlooked. AI algorithms are pivotal for creating autonomous systems, reducing operator intervention. Moreover, MR’s significance in mine closure is evident, emphasising its application in the mining industry. Ultimately, a hybrid UAV–AI–MR technology is not only viable but essential for achieving successful mine closure and sustainable mining practices in the future.
All-Nitrogen Energetic Material Cubic Gauche Polynitrogen: Plasma Synthesis and Thermal Performance
Authors: Qu Chenxi , Li Jiale , Ding Kewei , Guo Songsong , Jia Yating
Published: January 2024

Numerous theoretical calculations have demonstrated that polynitrogen with an extending polymeric network is an ultrahigh-energy all-nitrogen material. Typical samples, such as cubic gauche polynitrogen (cg-N), have been synthesized, but the thermal performance of polynitrogen has not been unambiguously determined. Herein, macroscopic samples of polynitrogen were synthesized utilizing a coated substrate, and their thermal decomposition behavior was investigated. Polynitrogen with carbon nanotubes was produced using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method and characterized using infrared, Raman, X-ray diffraction X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that the structure of the deposited polynitrogen was consistent with that of cg-N and the amount of deposition product obtained with coated substrates increased significantly. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various heating rates and TG-DSC-FTIR-MS analyses were performed. The thermal decomposition temperature of cg-N was determined to be 429 °C. The apparent activation energy (Ea) of cg-N calculated by the Kissinger and Ozawa equations was 84.7 kJ/mol and 91.9 kJ/mol, respectively, with a pre-exponential constant (lnAk) of 12.8 min−1. In this study, cg-N was demonstrated to be an all-nitrogen material with good thermal stability and application potential to high-energy-density materials.
Magnetic Fluids: The Interaction between the Microstructure, Macroscopic Properties, and Dynamics under Different Combinations of External Influences
Authors: Ryapolov Petr , Vasilyeva Anastasia , Kalyuzhnaya Dariya , Churaev Alexander , Sokolov Evgeniy , Shel’deshova Elena
Published: January 2024

Magnetic fluids were historically the first active nano-dispersion material. Despite over half a century of research, interest in these nano-objects continues to grow every year. This is due to the impressive development of nanotechnology, the synthesis of nanoscale structures, and surface-active systems. The unique combination of fluidity and magnetic response allows magnetic fluids to be used in engineering devices and biomedical applications. In this review, experimental results and fundamental theoretical approaches are systematized to predict the micro- and macroscopic behavior of magnetic fluid systems under different external influences. The article serves as working material for both experienced scientists in the field of magnetic fluids and novice specialists who are just beginning to investigate this topic.
Properties Optimization of Polypropylene/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Drawn Fibers
Authors: Leontiadis Konstantinos , Theodoratou Katerina , Tsioptsias Costas , Tsivintzelis Ioannis
Published: January 2024

In this study, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of composite polypropylene (PP) drawn fibers with two different organically modified montmorillonites were experimentally investigated and optimized using a response surface methodology. Specifically, the Box-Behnken Design of Experiments method was used in order to investigate the effect of the filler content, the compatibilizer content, and the drawing temperature on the tensile strength and the onset decomposition temperature of the PP composite drawn fibers. The materials were characterized by tensile tests, thermogravimetry, and X-ray diffraction. Two types of composites were investigated with the only difference being the type of filler, namely, Cloisite® 10A or Cloisite® 15A. In both cases, statistically significant models were obtained regarding the effect of design variables on tensile strength, while poor significance was observed for the onset decomposition temperature. Nanocomposite fibers with tensile strength up to 540 MPa were obtained. Among the design variables, the drawing temperature exhibited the most notable effect on tensile strength, while the effect of both clays was not significant.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Impact on Patients’ Perceived Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ortolá-Alonso Pablo , Santacatalina-Roig Enric , Chover-Sierra Elena , Merelles-Tormo Antoni , Ballestar-Tarín María Luisa , Martínez-Sabater Antonio
Published: January 2024

Objective: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the quality of life of adult patients with onco-hematological disease treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation up to two years post-transplantation. Method: A quantitative, observational, longitudinal, and analytical study was conducted with 121 participants diagnosed with onco-hematological cancer who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between October 2017 and September 2019, with a 2-year post-transplantation follow-up, of whom only 39 completed the study. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT) questionnaire and its subscales, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-BMT) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Trial Outcome Index (FACT-TOI), developed by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) and validated for Spain, were used to assess quality of life. Result: The average age for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 54 years, with a majority of male participants. The evaluation of quality of life showed a decrease at the time of hospital discharge, followed by a progressive improvement up to one year after the transplantation. There was a significant difference in the quality of life questionnaire scores between both sexes during all stages of the research, with higher scores in male participants. The length of hospital stay significantly affected patients’ physical and functional well-being, and marital status was related to differences in the perception of quality of life. Conclusions: Despite the initial decrease in quality of life for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, levels of quality of life similar to baseline are regained one year after the transplantation. Sociodemographic variables are related to how these patients perceive their quality of life. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed for more precise results.
Epidemiological Investigation of Tick-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Domestic Animals from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area, China
Authors: Ma Yihong , Jian Yingna , Wang Geping , Zafar Iqra , Li Xiuping , Wang Guanghua , Hu Yong , Yokoyama Naoaki , Ma Liqing , Xuan Xuenan
Published: January 2024

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau area (QTPA) features a unique environment that has witnessed the selective breeding of diverse breeds of domestic livestock exhibiting remarkable adaptability. Nevertheless, Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella spp., and Borrelia spp. represent tick-borne bacterial pathogens that pose a global threat and have substantial impacts on both human and animal health, as well as on the economy of animal husbandry within the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau area. In this study, a total of 428 samples were systematically collected from 20 distinct areas within the Qinghai Plateau. The samples included 62 ticks and 366 blood samples obtained from diverse animal species to detect the presence of Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella spp., and Borrelia spp. The prevalence of infection in this study was determined as follows: Anaplasma bovis accounted for 16.4% (70/428), A. capra for 4.7% (20/428), A. ovis for 5.8% (25/428), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato for 6.3% (27/428), Coxiella burnetii for 0.7% (3/428), and Rickettsia spp. for 0.5% (2/428). Notably, no cases of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum infections were observed in this study. The findings revealed an elevated presence of these pathogens in Tibetan sheep and goats, with no infections detected in yaks, Bactrian camels, donkeys, and horses. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation of tick-borne bacterial pathogens infecting goats, cattle, horses, and donkeys within the Qinghai Plateau of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau area. Consequently, our findings contribute valuable insights into the distribution and genetic diversity of Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella spp., and Borrelia spp. within China.
Obtaining Gene-Modified HLA-E-Expressing Feeder Cells for Stimulation of Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Alekseeva Nadezhda A. , Streltsova Maria A. , Vavilova Julia D. , Ustiuzhanina Maria O. , Palamarchuk Anastasia I. , Boyko Anna A. , Timofeev Nikita D. , Popodko Alexey I. , Kovalenko Elena I.
Published: January 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-specific adaptive NK cells are capable of recognizing viral peptides presented by HLA-E on infected cells via the NKG2C receptor. Using retroviral transduction, we have generated a K562-cell-based line expressing HLA-E in the presence of the HLA-E-stabilizing peptide, which has previously shown the capacity to enhance adaptive NK cell response. The obtained K562-21E cell line was employed to investigate proliferative responses of the CD57− NK cell subset of HCMV-seropositive and seronegative donors. Stimulation of CD57− NK cells with K562-21E/peptide resulted in an increased cell expansion during the 12-day culturing period, regardless of the serological HCMV status of the donor. The enhanced proliferation in response to the peptide was associated with a greater proportion of CD56brightHLA-DR+ NK cells. In later stages of cultivation, the greatest proliferative response to K562-21E/peptide was shown for a highly HCMV-seropositive donor. These expanded NK cells were characterized by the accumulation of CD57−KIR2DL2/3+NKG2C+NKG2A− cells, which are hypothesized to represent adaptive NK cell progenitors. The K562-21E feeder cells can be applied both for the accumulation of NK cells as therapeutic effectors, and for the study of NK cell maturation into the adaptive state after the HLA-E peptide presentation.
Micro- and Nanostructured Fibrous Composites via Electro-Fluid Dynamics: Design and Applications for Brain
Authors: Renkler Nergis Zeynep , Scialla Stefania , Russo Teresa , D’Amora Ugo , Cruz-Maya Iriczalli , De Santis Roberto , Guarino Vincenzo
Published: January 2024

The brain consists of an interconnected network of neurons tightly packed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) to form complex and heterogeneous composite tissue. According to recent biomimicry approaches that consider biological features as active components of biomaterials, designing a highly reproducible microenvironment for brain cells can represent a key tool for tissue repair and regeneration. Indeed, this is crucial to support cell growth, mitigate inflammation phenomena and provide adequate structural properties needed to support the damaged tissue, corroborating the activity of the vascular network and ultimately the functionality of neurons. In this context, electro-fluid dynamic techniques (EFDTs), i.e., electrospinning, electrospraying and related techniques, offer the opportunity to engineer a wide variety of composite substrates by integrating fibers, particles, and hydrogels at different scales—from several hundred microns down to tens of nanometers—for the generation of countless patterns of physical and biochemical cues suitable for influencing the in vitro response of coexistent brain cell populations mediated by the surrounding microenvironment. In this review, an overview of the different technological approaches—based on EFDTs—for engineering fibrous and/or particle-loaded composite substrates will be proposed. The second section of this review will primarily focus on describing current and future approaches to the use of composites for brain applications, ranging from therapeutic to diagnostic/theranostic use and from repair to regeneration, with the ultimate goal of providing insightful information to guide future research efforts toward the development of more efficient and reliable solutions.