bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Nanocellulose Whisker/Polyacrylamide/Xanthan Gum Double Network Conductive Hydrogels
Authors: Du Zhiwei , Wang Yalei , Li Xiurong
Published: April 2023

Hydrogels’ poor mechanical and recovery characteristics inhibited their application as a plastic deformable three-dimensional cross-linked network polymer with electrical properties for intelligent sensing and human motion detection. Cellulose has also been added to the hydrogel to enhance its mechanical properties. The hydrogel has been enhanced this way, and the double-network hydrogel has superior recovery and mechanical capabilities. This study used the traditional free radical polymerization method to prepare double-mesh hydrogels, with polyacrylamide as the backbone network, xanthan gum double-helix structure, and Al3+ complex structure as the second cross-linked network, and endowing the hydrogels with good mechanical recovery and mechanical properties. Adding cellulose nanowafers (CNWs) improved the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogel could detect body movements and various postures in the same environment. Moreover, the hydrogel has excellent recovery, mechanical properties, and tensile strain; the maximum fracture stress is 0.14 MPa, and the maximum strain is 707.1%. In addition, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of xanthan gum and Xanthan gum—Al3+ were analyzed, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and LCR bridge were used to analyze the properties of hydrogels. Notably, hydrogel-based wearable sensors have been successfully constructed to detect human movement. Its mechanical properties, sensitivity, and wide range of properties make hydrogel a great potential for various applications in wearable sensors.
Preemptive Priority Markovian Queue Subject to Server Breakdown with Imperfect Coverage and Working Vacation Interruption
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hsin , Hsu He-Yao , Ke Jau-Chuan , Chang Fu-Min
Published: April 2023

This work considers a preemptive priority queueing system with vacation, where the single server may break down with imperfect coverage. Various combinations of server vacation priority queueing models have been studied by many scholars. A common assumption in these models is that the server will only resume its normal service rate after the vacation is over. However, such speculation is more limited in real-world situations. Hence, in this study, the vacation will be interrupted if a customer waits for service in the system at the moment of completion of service during vacation. The stationary probability distribution is derived by using the probability generating function approach. We also develop varieties of performance measures and provide a simple numerical example to illustrate these measures. Optimization analysis is finally carried out, including cost optimization and tri-object optimization.
M6O4(OH)4 of M = Sn, Pb: Single Crystal Growth and Crystal Structure Determinations Far Away from Routine
Authors: Reuter Hans , Schröder Dirk , Peckskamp Kristina
Published: April 2023

Single crystals of Sn6O4(OH)4 have been grown over a period of more than a decade in hermetically sealed flasks of various triorganotin(IV)-trihydrides in toluene/N,N-dimethylformamide and those of Pb6O4(OH)4 on a petri dish within some days from the reaction of Pb(ClO4)2 with Sr(OH)2·8H2O. High-resolution X-ray diffraction data of the tetragonally crystallizing compounds have been collected conventionally at 100 K. Crystal structure determinations have been performed in space groups P4/mnc and P4¯21c with different structure models because of a pretended specific systematic extinction condition. Its violation was routinely overseen because of the very low intensities of the respective reflections, an effect reinforced by crystal size. The non-existence of this systematic extinction was experimentally confirmed by studying the datasets in more detail, including the simulation of layer photographs. The importance of additional information obtained from dataset analysis tools and structure validation programs to assess the different structure models is demonstrated. Structures of both molecules are analyzed with respect to the molecules as a whole as well as to their constructive building units: two crystallographic different prototypes of {MO4} coordination polyhedra with a bent seesaw conformation, one μ3-OH- and one μ3-O- group, each trigonal-pyramidally coordinated.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering Study of Phonon Dispersion Relation in Higher Manganese Silicides
Authors: Belanger Randy , Clancy James Patrick , Jain Sheetal , Yamani Zahra , Tseng Yu-Chih , Kim Young-June
Published: April 2023

We report inelastic neutron scattering (INS) measurements of the phonon dispersion relation in higher manganese silicides (HMSs). A large ingot of HMS is synthesized using a slow cooling method, which is found to have Mn15Si26 as the primary phase. The sample is composed of highly oriented crystallites as confirmed by a neutron pole-figure study and thermal conductivity data. Our INS results are mostly consistent with earlier experimental and theoretical phonon studies in HMS, including the presence of a low-lying twisting mode. However, some discrepancies are also observed. Most notably, a 5 meV gap at the zone center and the softer dispersion relation of the low-lying twisting mode. We discuss the potential origins of these observations and their implications for the thermal properties of HMS.
Diagnostic Potential of Two Novel Biomarkers for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Xu Ting , Shi Yijun , Zheng Guanghui , Zhang Guojun
Published: April 2023

Background: Currently, no tests can definitively diagnose and distinguish neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) from multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Initially, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomics were employed to uncover the novel biomarkers that differentiate NMOSD from MS into cohorts of 10 MS and 10 NMOSD patients. Subsequently, screening biomarkers were validated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and CSF and serum samples from 20 MS patients, 20 NMOSD patients, 20 non-inflammatory neurological controls, and 20 healthy controls. Results: In study cohort, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) and lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein 2 (LAMP2) were screened. In validation cohort, serum and CSF IGFBP7 not only exhibited higher levels in MS and NMOSD patients than controls, but also had greatest area under the curve (AUC, above or equal to 0.8) in MS and NMOSD diagnoses. Serum IGFBP7 (0.945) and CSF IGFBP7 (0.890) also had the greatest AUCs for predicting MS progression, while serum LAMP2 had a moderate curve (0.720). Conclusions: IGFBP7 was superior in diagnosing MS and NMOSD, and IGFBP7 and serum LAMP2 performed exceptionally well in predicting the MS progression. These results offered reasons for further investigations into the functions of IGFBP7 and LAMP2 in MS and NMOSD.
The Influence of Different SARS-CoV-2 Strains on Changes in Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Ventilatory Efficiency and Oxygen Pulse of Elite Athletes
Authors: Stojmenovic Dragutin , Stojmenovic Tamara , Andjelkovic Marija , Trunic Nenad , Dikic Nenad , Kilibarda Natasa , Nikolic Ivan , Nedeljkovic Ivana , Ostojic Marina , Purkovic Milos , Radovanovic Jovana
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different SARS-CoV-2 strains on the functional capacity of athletes. Methods: In total, 220 athletes underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) after coronavirus infection and before returning to sports activities. Eighty-eight athletes were infected by the Wuhan virus, and 66 were infected during the Delta and Omicron strain periods of the pandemic. Results: The CPET results showed significantly decreased maximal oxygen consumption, ventilatory efficiency, and oxygen pulse in athletes who were infected with Wuhan and Delta strains compared to athletes who suffered from Omicron virus infection. An early transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolic pathways for energy production was observed in the Wuhan and Delta groups but not in athletes who were infected with the Omicron strain. There were no differences in the obtained results when Wuhan and Delta virus variants were compared. Conclusion: These results suggest that the Wuhan and Delta virus strains had a significantly greater negative impact on the functional abilities of athletes compared to the Omicron virus variant, especially in terms of aerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory function.
Deep Learning Network with Spatial Attention Module for Detecting Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy in Newborns Based on Multimodal MRI
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhuang Yi , Xia Shunren , Jiang Haoxiang
Published: April 2023

Background: Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) is a significant cause of neonatal mortality and disability. Early detection and treatment of ABE can prevent the further development of ABE and its long-term complications. Due to the limited classification ability of single-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), this study aimed to validate the classification performance of a new deep learning model based on multimodal MRI images. Additionally, the study evaluated the effect of a spatial attention module (SAM) on improving the model’s diagnostic performance in distinguishing ABE. Methods: This study enrolled a total of 97 neonates diagnosed with ABE and 80 neonates diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia (HB, non-ABE). Each patient underwent three types of multimodal imaging, which included T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. A multimodal MRI classification model based on the ResNet18 network with spatial attention modules was built to distinguish ABE from non-ABE. All combinations of the three types of images were used as inputs to test the model’s classification performance, and we also analyzed the prediction performance of models with SAMs through comparative experiments. Results: The results indicated that the diagnostic performance of the multimodal image combination was better than any single-modal image, and the combination of T1WI and T2WI achieved the best classification performance (accuracy = 0.808 ± 0.069, area under the curve = 0.808 ± 0.057). The ADC images performed the worst among the three modalities’ images. Adding spatial attention modules significantly improved the model’s classification performance. Conclusion: Our experiment showed that a multimodal image classification network with spatial attention modules significantly improved the accuracy of ABE classification.
Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Conceptual Understanding and Confidence in Geometrical Optics: A Focus on Gender and Prior Course Achievement
Authors: Kaltakci-Gurel Derya
Published: April 2023

This study investigated pre-service science teachers’ conceptual understanding and confidence in geometrical optics with respect to gender and their previous achievement in geometrical optics course. A total of 189 (60% female and 40% male) pre-service science teachers who had completed geometrical optics course in state universities in Turkey participated in this study. The conceptual test instrument consisted of 20 items taken from the first tier of the Four-Tier Geometrical Optics Test (FTGOT) developed by the researcher, followed by a self-reported measure of teachers’ confidence in the accuracy of their responses. The interest and experience scores were obtained through scales previously developed by the researcher, and these two variables were used as covariates in the analysis. The two-way between-groups ANCOVA tests were conducted to answer the research questions. The results showed that male pre-service teachers tend to have slightly higher conceptual understanding and confidence scores in geometrical optics than females with medium effect sizes while controlling for geometrical optics experience and interest scores. The findings were discussed, and implications for research in geometrical optics were provided.
Digital Twins in the Marine Industry
Authors: Lv Zhihan , Lv Haibin , Fridenfalk Mikael
Published: April 2023

The ocean holds abundant resources, but the utilization of those resources for the marine economy presents a complex and dynamic industrial situation. Exploring sustainable development in this industry is of practical value, as it involves the rational use of marine resources while protecting the environment. This study provides an innovative review of the current application status of Digital Twins Technology (DTT) in various sectors of the marine industry, including the ship-building industry (SBI), Offshore Oil and Gas Industry, marine fishery, and marine energy industry. The findings reveal that DTT offers robust support for full life cycle management (LCM) in SBI, including digital design, intelligent processing, operation, and error management. Furthermore, this work delves into the challenges and prospects of DTT application in the marine industry, aiming to provide reference and direction for intelligent systems in the industry and guide the rational development and utilization of marine resources in the future.
A Review and Comparative Study of Explainable Deep Learning Models Applied on Action Recognition in Real Time
Authors: Mahmoudi Sidi Ahmed , Amel Otmane , Stassin Sédrick , Liagre Margot , Benkedadra Mohamed , Mancas Matei
Published: April 2023

Video surveillance and image acquisition systems represent one of the most active research topics in computer vision and smart city domains. The growing concern for public and workers’ safety has led to a significant increase in the use of surveillance cameras that provide high-definition images and even depth maps when 3D cameras are available. Consequently, the need for automatic techniques for behavior analysis and action recognition is also increasing for several applications such as dangerous actions detection in railway stations or construction sites, event detection in crowd videos, behavior analysis, optimization in industrial sites, etc. In this context, several computer vision and deep learning solutions have been proposed recently where deep neural networks provided more accurate solutions, but they are not so efficient in terms of explainability and flexibility since they remain adapted for specific situations only. Moreover, the complexity of deep neural architectures requires the use of high computing resources to provide fast and real-time computations. In this paper, we propose a review and a comparative analysis of deep learning solutions in terms of precision, explainability, computation time, memory size, and flexibility. Experimental results are conducted within simulated and real-world dangerous actions in railway construction sites. Thanks to our comparative analysis and evaluation, we propose a personalized approach for dangerous action recognition depending on the type of collected data (image) and users’ requirements.
A Polar Moving Base Alignment Based on Backtracking Scheme
Authors: Cheng Jianhua , Liu Jiaxin , Wang Yu , Cai Jing
Published: April 2023

In the polar region, the gravity vector and Earth’s rotation vector tend to be in the same direction, leading to a slower convergence speed and longer alignment time of the moving base alignment. When the alignment time is short, the alignment cannot converge, resulting in low azimuth accuracy. To address this issue, we propose a polar moving base alignment method based on a backtracking scheme. Notably, this work first derives a polar coarse alignment method with the inertial frame based on the transverse Earth model. On this basis, we designed a polar coarse alignment method based on a backtracking scheme and optimized the data storage scheme. Then, a backward navigation algorithm based on the transverse inertial navigation mechanical arrangement scheme was derived, and a polar fine alignment method based on a backtracking scheme was designed. Semi-physical simulation experiments showed that the alignment algorithm based on a backtracking scheme could converge in the 180 s with high alignment accuracy, which is 70% faster than the current polar moving base alignment method.
Status and Development of Research on Orderly Charging and Discharging of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Lv Linjun
Published: April 2023

As the scale of electric vehicles continues to expand, the charging load of electric vehicles into the network has become an issue that cannot be ignored. This paper introduces the concept and development of ordered charging based on the current background of ordered charging research. The application architecture of ordered charging is summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of centralized, distributed, and hierarchical control architectures are introduced. The current status of research on orderly charging is analyzed at four levels: steps and methods of load modeling for orderly charging, optimization objectives of orderly charging, optimization methods of orderly charging, and practical projects of orderly charging. The methods of load modeling for orderly charging are summarized, different optimization objectives of grid operation for orderly charging are introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of different optimization algorithms are compared and analyzed. Practical projects on orderly charging illustrate the great potential of orderly charging. This paper points out four problems of communication, data security, market mechanism, and the number of charging stations that orderly charging is currently facing and proposes feasible solutions. The development prospect of orderly charging being more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, intelligent, and safe is proposed.
Enhancing Smart-Contract Security through Machine Learning: A Survey of Approaches and Techniques
Authors: Jiang Fan , Chao Kailin , Xiao Jianmao , Liu Qinghua , Gu Keyang , Wu Junyi , Cao Yuanlong
Published: April 2023

As blockchain technology continues to advance, smart contracts, a core component, have increasingly garnered widespread attention. Nevertheless, security concerns associated with smart contracts have become more prominent. Although machine-learning techniques have demonstrated potential in the field of smart-contract security detection, there is still a lack of comprehensive review studies. To address this research gap, this paper innovatively presents a comprehensive investigation of smart-contract vulnerability detection based on machine learning. First, we elucidate common types of smart-contract vulnerabilities and the background of formalized vulnerability detection tools. Subsequently, we conduct an in-depth study and analysis of machine-learning techniques. Next, we collect, screen, and comparatively analyze existing machine-learning-based smart-contract vulnerability detection tools. Finally, we summarize the findings and offer feasible insights into this domain.
An Improved Byzantine Fault-Tolerant Algorithm Based on Reputation Model
Authors: He Feiyang , Feng Wenlong , Zhang Yu , Liu Jian
Published: April 2023

This study proposes an improved Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus RB-BFT based on the reputation model to address the problems of low reliability of primary nodes and high communication complexity in the practical Byzantine algorithm (PBFT). First, this algorithm establishes a dynamic reputation model of nodes to distinguish honest and malicious nodes in the system, lowering the likelihood of malicious nodes being chosen as primary nodes and increasing the dependability of primary nodes. Second, the algorithm introduces supervisory nodes for information supervision while reducing the centrality of the system. Finally, this algorithm improves the consistency protocol of the PBFT algorithm by optimizing the process of mutual communication between nodes in the preparation and commitment phases, which reduces the algorithm communication complexity from O(n2) to O(n). Theoretical and practical studies reveal that the RB-BFT algorithm enhances performance and reliability greatly.
Blockchain-Based Dispute Resolution: Insights and Challenges
Authors: Gabuthy Yannick
Published: April 2023

A smart contract can be defined as a computer program, stored on a blockchain, which allows a transaction or an agreement—defined ex-ante—to be self-executed when some conditions are met, and without the need for a central authority to enforce it. Even if this new technology is very promising, it may face a challenge: the codified nature of smart contracts creates new types of disputes that require new mechanisms of dispute resolution, which are precisely based on the blockchain. The aim of this article is to analyze one of these emerging mechanisms, namely Kleros, which is a blockchain-based dispute resolution platform implying crowdsourced jurors whose incentives to make fair decisions are based on game theory. The Kleros case provides also a basis for a broader discussion on the future of the decentralized justice market.
Nurses’ Assessments Versus Patients’ Self-Assessments of Postoperative Pain: Knowledge and Skills of Nurses for Effective Pain Management
Authors: Kadović Marija , Ćorluka Stipe , Dokuzović Stjepan
Published: April 2023

Postoperative pain is the most common form of acute pain. Nurses contribute to effective pain management with their knowledge and skills. The aims of this research were to examine differences between nurses’ assessments and patients’ self-assessments of postoperative pain, differences in the mentioned (self) assessments with respect to characteristics of both groups of respondents, and the correlation between the NRS and the VRS scale. The study included 103 nurses employed at a hospital and 103 patients treated in the surgical departments after the surgical procedures. Data were collected using the standardized Numerical rating scale (NRS) and Verbal rating score (VRS). The median of patients’ self-assessments of pain intensity on the NRS scale was 4, while the nursing assessment of patients’ pain was 3, with no significant difference (p = 0.083). No significant differences were found on the VRS scale between nurse assessments and patient self-assessments of current pain intensity. The pain was described as moderate by 35% of participants, including 35.9% nurses and 35% patients. Significant positive correlations were recorded between values on the VRS and NRS scales for nurses (Rho = 0.812; p < 0.001) and patients (Rho = 0.830; p < 0.001). The results of this study may have implications for the improvement of postoperative pain management protocols, with regular use of pain assessment scales and individualization of analgesic prescriptions.
Subtle Cutback Management and Exhaustion: Qualitative Job Insecurity as a Mediator in a Sample of Dutch and Belgian Employees
Authors: Akkermans Yvette , Stynen Dave
Published: April 2023

As an answer to crises such as COVID-19, organizations implemented more subtle forms of cutback measures such as wage moderation, loan sacrifice and recruitment freezes aimed at maintaining a financially healthy organization. In this study, the association between subtle cutback management and employee exhaustion was studied, and it was investigated whether this potential linkage can be explained by employee perceptions of increased qualitative job insecurity or the fear that valued features of the job will decrease in the near future. This research thereby extends prior research on the consequences of cutback management as well as regarding the antecedents of qualitative job insecurity. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on a sample of workers (N = 218) active in various organizations in the Netherlands and Belgium. Regression analysis was applied to test hypotheses. Mediation was investigated by means of Hayes PROCESS macro. The results of the study indicate that there is no direct relationship between subtle cutback measures deployed at the workplace and employee exhaustion. However, the analyses further reveal that subtle cutback management is positively related to the experience of qualitative job insecurity in workers and that enhanced qualitative job insecurity is positively related to employee exhaustion. Qualitative job insecurity fully mediates the relationship between subtle cutback management and employee exhaustion.
Special Issue “GPCR: Roles in Cell Development and Disease”
Authors: Lattanzi Roberta , Miele Rossella
Published: April 2023

We are pleased to present the following Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), entitled “GPCR: Roles in Cell Development and Disease” [...]
Rapid Maxillary Expansion Treatment in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Survey on Clinical Experience in the European Cleft Centers
Authors: Khdairi Nadiajda , Halilah Talal , Khandakji Mohannad , Bartzela Theodosia
Published: April 2023

Cleft lip and palate patients require complex interdisciplinary treatment, including maxillary expansion and secondary alveolar bone grafting. However, the evidence on these treatment procedures and outcomes is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to survey the subjective observations of European maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists on the maxillary expansion and bone grafting treatment protocols and the associated complications. An online questionnaire was sent to 131 centers. The questions assessed the participants’ demographic data, maxillary expansion and alveolar bone grafting protocols, and the associated complications. Descriptive statistics and a t-test were used to analyze the data. The response rate was 40.5%. The average age for maxillary expansion was 9–10 years. The secondary alveolar bone grafting was planned 5–10 months after the expansion. The most common complications were asymmetric expansion, relapse, and fistula formation. The protocols and materials used vary widely among centers. Anatomical alterations and developmental processes, like tooth eruption adjacent to the cleft, should be seriously considered for treatment planning. This survey showed that there is still a lack of consensus on these treatment procedures. Further clinical trials should focus on long-term outcome evaluation to identify treatment components for optimal alveolar bone substitution and transversal maxillary expansion treatment in patients with clefts.
Enteral Nutrition during Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancers: Prevalence and Prognostic Factors Based on HPV Status (A GETTEC Study)
Authors: Culié Dorian , Schiappa Renaud , Pace-Loscos Tanguy , Guelfucci Bruno , Vergez Sebastien , Garrel Renaud , Fakhry Nicolas , Dassonville Olivier , Poissonnet Gilles , Lallemant Benjamin , Sudaka Anne , Saada-Bouzid Esma , Benezery Karen , Temam Stephane , Gorphe Phillipe , Chamorey Emmanuel , Bozec Alexandre
Published: April 2023

Nutritional support during radiotherapy is crucial to tolerating and completing oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment. The impact of HPV status on nutritional support is debated. The objective was to evaluate the rate of Reactive Feeding Tube (RFT) use and determine its prognostic factors during definitive radiotherapy for OPSCC. All OPSCC patients treated from 2009 to 2014 were included in this multicentric retrospective study. The impact of tumor p16 status on the risk of RFT was assessed through multivariate analyses. Among the 543 patients, 103 patients required an RFT (19.0%). The use of RFT differed between centers (5% to 32.4%). In multivariate analysis, only tongue base involvement and concurrent chemotherapy were significantly associated with RFT (OR = 2.18 and 3.7, respectively). Tongue base involvement and concomitant chemotherapy were prognostic factors for RFT. HPV status was not a prognostic factor for enteral nutrition during radiotherapy for OPSCC.
Humoral and Cellular Response and Associated Variables Nine Months following BNT162b2 Vaccination in Healthcare Workers
Authors: Syrimi Natalia , Sourri Flora , Giannakopoulou Maria-Christina , Karamanis Dimitrios , Pantousas Asterios , Georgota Persefoni , Rokka Eleni , Vladeni Zoe , Tsiantoula Euaggelia , Soukara Evangelia , Lavda Nikoletta , Gkaragkanis Dimitrios , Zisaki Aikaterini , Vakalidis Panagiotis , Goula Vasiliki , Loupou Evdokia , Palaiodimos Leonidas , Hatzigeorgiou Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

In this study, we aimed to illustrate the trajectory of humoral and cellular immunity nine months after primary vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine among 189 healthcare workers (HCWs). Additionally, we endeavored to identify correlations between immunity parameters and a number of common variables and comorbidities. A total of 189 healthcare workers (HCWs), vaccinated against COVID-19, were finally included in the study. All of the subjects had received two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine; had undergone antibody tests one, four and nine months post-vaccination; and had completed a medical questionnaire. Further samples taken at nine months were tested for cellular immunity. No participants had evidence of COVID-19 infection pre- or post-vaccination. An anti-S1 receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody assay was used to assess humoral response, and cellular immunity was estimated with an INF-γ release assay (IGRA). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA. We report a statistically significant antibody drop over time. Being above the age of 40 or a smoker reduces the rise of antibodies by 37% and 28%, respectively. More than half of the participants did not demonstrate T-cell activation at nine months. Female gender and antibody levels at four months predispose detection of cellular immunity at nine months post-immunization. This study furthers the qualitative, quantitative, and temporal understanding of the immune response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and the effect of correlated factors.
A 2-Year Audit on Antibiotic Resistance Patterns from a Urology Department in Greece
Authors: Manolitsis Ioannis , Feretzakis Georgios , Katsimperis Stamatios , Angelopoulos Panagiotis , Loupelis Evangelos , Skarmoutsou Nikoleta , Tzelves Lazaros , Skolarikos Andreas
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The high incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), often in nosocomial environments, is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant infections results in very high health and economic burdens for patients and healthcare systems, respectively. This study aims to determine and present the antibiotic resistance profiles of the most common pathogens in a urology department in Greece. Methods: During the period 2019–2020, we included 12,215 clinical samples of blood and urine specimens that tested positive for the following pathogens: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as these are the most commonly encountered microbes in a urology department. Results: The analysis revealed a 22.30% mean resistance rate of E. coli strains with a 76.42% resistance to ampicillin and a 54.76% resistance rate to ciprofloxacin in the two-year period. It also showed an approximately 19% resistance rate of P. mirabilis strains and a mean resistance rate of 46.205% of K. pneumoniae strains, with a decreasing trend during the four semesters (p-value < 0.001), which presented an 80% resistance rate to ampicillin/sulbactam and 73.33% to ciprofloxacin. The resistance to carbapenems was reported to be 39.82%. The analysis revealed a 24.17% mean resistance rate of P. aeruginosa with a declining rate over the two-year period (p-value < 0.001). The P. aeruginosa strains were 38% resistant to fluoroquinolones and presented varying resistance against carbapenems (31.58% against doripenem and 19.79% against meropenem). Regarding the Enteroccocal strains, a 46.91% mean resistance was noted for E. faecium with 100% resistance to ampicillin, and a 24.247% mean resistance rate for E. faecalis strains that were 41% resistant to ciprofloxacin. Both types showed 100% sensitivity to linezolid. Conclusions: The dissemination of antibiotic-resistant pathogens poses the need to implement surveillance programs and, consequently, to develop strategies to prevent the emergence of such pathogens in order to optimize patient outcomes.
Significant Differences and Experimental Designs Do Not Necessarily Imply Clinical Relevance: Effect Sizes and Causality Claims in Antidepressant Treatments
Authors: Sánchez-Iglesias Iván , Martín-Aguilar Celia
Published: April 2023

Clinical trials are the backbone of medical scientific research. However, this experimental strategy has some drawbacks. We focused on two issues: (a) The internal validity ensured by clinical trial procedures does not necessarily allow for generalization of efficacy results to causal claims about effectiveness in the population. (b) Statistical significance does not imply clinical or practical significance; p-values should be supplemented with effect size (ES) estimators and an interpretation of the magnitude of the effects found. We conducted a systematic review (from 2000 to 2020) on Scopus, PubMed, and four ProQuest databases, including PsycINFO. We searched for experimental studies with significant effects of pharmacological treatments on depressive symptoms, measured with a specific scale for depression. We assessed the claims of effectiveness, and reporting and interpreting of effect sizes in a small, unbiased sample of clinical trials (n = 10). Only 30% of the studies acknowledged that efficacy does not necessarily translate to effectiveness. Only 20% reported ES indices, and only 40% interpreted the magnitude of their findings. We encourage reflection on the applicability of results derived from clinical trials about the efficacy of antidepressant treatments, which often influence daily clinical decision-making. Comparing experimental results of antidepressants with supplementary observational studies can provide clinicians with greater flexibility in prescribing medication based on patient characteristics. Furthermore, the ES of a treatment should be considered, as treatments with a small effect may be worthwhile in certain circumstances, while treatments with a large effect may be justified despite additional costs or complications. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to report and interpret ES and explicitly discuss the suitability of their sample for the clinical population to which the antidepressant treatment will be applied.
Effect of Sodium Hypochlorite 0.05% on MMP-9 Extracellular Release in Chronic Wounds
Authors: Maniscalco Rosanna , Mangano Giorgina , de Joannon Alessandra Capezzone , Vergassola Matteo , Zucchi Sara , Mannello Ferdinando , Ragni Lorella
Published: April 2023

Background: In chronic wounds, high concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can cause excessive proteolysis and slow wound healing. Consequently, restoring a proper MMP balance can help reduce the risk of a chronic wound. An antiseptic solution containing 0.05% sodium hypochlorite (Amukine Med 0.05%, Angelini S.p.A.; hereafter termed NaClO solution) is available on the market. The NaClO solution was proven effective and safe in managing infected skin wounds. To further characterize its activity, this study evaluated the in vitro activity of the NaClO solution on the monocyte release of MMPs. Methods: Human monocytic THP-1 (ATCC® TIB-202™) cell lines were differentiated into macrophages and treated with different concentrations of NaClO (from 0.05% to 5 × 10−7%). In addition, the THP-1 cell line was stimulated with wound fluid (WF) from patients with active venous leg ulcers in the inflammatory phase. The effect of NaClO (0.025–0.0062%) was also evaluated on healthy human peripheral blood serum samples. The effects of treatments on the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 were evaluated by gelatin zymography. The effects on MMPs release were evaluated through the Pro™ Human MMP 9-plex Assay. An exploratory scratch wound healing assay was also performed. Results: The NaClO solution reduced the gelatinolytic activity of MMP-9 and its activated form. The downregulation of MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity was also observed in peripheral blood serum. The MMPs profile showed a reduction in MMP-1 release (p < 0.05) and a slight reduction of the release of MMP-9 and MMP-12 after the treatment with LPS and the NaClO solution. A slight improvement in wound healing was observed after macrophage activation and treatment with the NaClO solution. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest a possible ability of the NaClO solution to modulate the proteolytic pathways in the wound microenvironment, further characterizing its activity and use in clinical practice during wound care.
CmPn/CmP Signaling Networks in the Maintenance of the Blood Vessel Barrier
Authors: Gnanasekaran Revathi , Aickareth Justin , Hawwar Majd , Sanchez Nickolas , Croft Jacob , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2023

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) arise when capillaries within the brain enlarge abnormally, causing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to break down. The BBB serves as a sophisticated interface that controls molecular interactions between the bloodstream and the central nervous system. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a complex structure made up of neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, microglia, and basement membranes, which work together to maintain blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Within the NVU, tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) between endothelial cells play a critical role in regulating the permeability of the BBB. Disruptions to these junctions can compromise the BBB, potentially leading to a hemorrhagic stroke. Understanding the molecular signaling cascades that regulate BBB permeability through EC junctions is, therefore, essential. New research has demonstrated that steroids, including estrogens (ESTs), glucocorticoids (GCs), and metabolites/derivatives of progesterone (PRGs), have multifaceted effects on blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability by regulating the expression of tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs). They also have anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels. PRGs, in particular, have been found to play a significant role in maintaining BBB integrity. PRGs act through a combination of its classic and non-classic PRG receptors (nPR/mPR), which are part of a signaling network known as the CCM signaling complex (CSC). This network couples both nPR and mPR in the CmPn/CmP pathway in endothelial cells (ECs).
The Heterogeneous Effects of Urban Form on CO2 Emissions: An Empirical Analysis of 255 Cities in China
Authors: Jia Chengye , Feng Shuang , Chu Hong , Huang Weige
Published: April 2023

Urban form is closely related to CO2 emissions and the accurate estimation of the impact of urban form on CO2 emissions plays an important role in tackling climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. In this paper, we quantitatively investigate the effects of urban form on CO2 emission and its efficiency from three perspectives: urban expansion, compactness, and complexity. By using panel quantile regression with fixed effects, we show that: (1) The estimation results about the relationship between urban form and CO2 emission and its efficiency are consistent with the literature. (2) The partial effects of urban form without controlling for socioeconomic factors are heterogeneous throughout the conditional distribution of CO2 emission and its efficiency. (3) Taking into consideration that the partial effects of urban form on CO2 emission and its efficiency might depend on the magnitude of socioeconomic factors, we include interaction terms into our model and find that the interaction effects between socioeconomic factors and urban form are heterogeneous across cities with different levels of CO2 emission and its efficiency. Our empirical findings shed light on the optimization of urban form in improving the CO2 emission efficiency, providing policy makers with effective ways of reducing CO2 emissions across cities with different levels of CO2 emissions.
Ageing People Living with HIV/AIDS, PLWHA; More Dental Challenges; the Romanian Dental Professional’s Point of View
Authors: Caministeanu Florentina , Manolescu Loredana Sabina Cornelia , Malița Mădălina Adriana , Perieanu Viorel Ștefan , Marcov Elena Cristina , Babiuc Iuliana , Ionescu Camelia , Pîrvu Cristina Florentina , Costea Radu Catalin , Voinescu Ioana , Burlibasa Liliana , Prasacu Irina , Burlibasa Mihai
Published: April 2023

Background: In Romania, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) were first acknowledged in 1989. Getting older with HIV/AIDS is now possible due to antiretroviral treatment, but it can bring dental problems due to HIV itself or to the reluctance of dental professionals to treat dental problems. Our study aims to assess the attitudes, knowledge, and practices of Romanian dental professionals regarding aging PLWHA. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional observational survey based on a self-administered questionnaire was conducted for Romanian dental professionals from October 2022 to January 2023. Results: The responders’ group profile was as follows: a mean age of 39.09 ± 0.36 years (limit: 19–75), a majority of 991 (90.01%) from urban dental offices, and 364 (33.06%) with more than twenty years’ experience. A total of 517 (46.95%) responders had an unprofessional attitude and declared that, if possible, they would avoid taking part in performing dental treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). There were 89 (8.08%) dental professionals that refused to work with PLWHA. Only 363 (32.97%) had worked with one previously. The dental professionals in rural areas refused PLWHA more frequently: 20% (N = 22) of rural dental professionals vs. 6.76% (N = 67) of urban dental professionals refused to work with PLWHA (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16-.56). The logistic regression applied for the 1101 responders revealed after stepwise selection that the most influential factor for their refusal to work with PLWHA in our study group was being previously exposed to HIV during dental practice (OR = 14.45; 95% CI: 8.55- 24.42; p = 0.000). Conclusions: Dental educators and health care planners should promote the knowledge of prophylaxis and positive attitudes towards the treatment of PLWHA. Successful resolution of these concerns is time consuming and expensive but necessary if dentists are to satisfy their professional obligations to HIV/AIDS patients.
Immune Cell Functionality during Decidualization and Potential Clinical Application
Authors: Stope Matthias B. , Mustea Alexander , Sänger Nicole , Einenkel Rebekka
Published: April 2023

Due to a vast influx in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leukocytes represent 40–50% of the decidua at the time of implantation. Their importance for the implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, and parturition are known yet not fully understood. Thus, in idiopathic infertility, decidual immune-related factors are speculated to be the cause. In this review, the immune cell functions in the decidua were summarized, and clinical diagnostics, as well as interventions, were discussed. There is a rising number of commercially available diagnostic tools. However, the intervention options are still limited and/or poorly studied. In order for us to make big steps towards the proper use of reproductive immunology findings, we need to understand the mechanisms and especially support translational research.
Management of Capillary Hemangioma of the Sphenoid Sinus
Authors: Ionita Irina-Gabriela , Zainea Viorel , Voiosu Catalina , Stefanescu Cristian Dragos , Panea Cristina Aura , Dumitru Adrian Vasile , Alius Ruxandra Oana , Hainarosie Razvan
Published: April 2023

Background and objectives: Capillary hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors that mainly affect the skin and soft tissue, with scarce appearance within the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. Materials and methods: We present a case report of capillary hemangioma of the sphenoid sinus and a review of the literature in the last ten years. Results: Clinical and endoscopic examination of the nose, radiologic assessment and particular histologic features contribute to the correct diagnosis of capillary hemangioma of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Conclusions: Transnasal endoscopic resection of capillary hemangioma located in the nose and paranasal sinuses is a valuable treatment method with good outcomes.
Electrophoretic Deposition and Characterization of Thin-Film Membranes Li7La3Zr2O12
Authors: Lyalin Efim , Il’ina Evgeniya , Kalinina Elena , Antonov Boris , Pankratov Alexander , Pereverzev Danil
Published: April 2023

In the presented study, films from tetragonal Li7La3Zr2O12 were obtained by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) for the first time. To obtain a continuous and homogeneous coating on Ni and Ti substrates, iodine was added to the Li7La3Zr2O12 suspension. The EPD regime was developed to carry out the stable process of deposition. The influence of annealing temperature on phase composition, microstructure, and conductivity of membranes obtained was studied. It was established that the phase transition from tetragonal to low-temperature cubic modification of solid electrolyte was observed after its heat treatment at 400 °C. This phase transition was also confirmed by high-temperature X-ray diffraction analysis of Li7La3Zr2O12 powder. Increasing the annealing temperature leads to the formation of additional phases in the form of fibers and their growth from 32 (dried film) to 104 μm (annealed at 500 °C). The formation of this phase occurred due to the chemical reaction of Li7La3Zr2O12 films obtained by electrophoretic deposition with air components during heat treatment. The total conductivity of Li7La3Zr2O12 films obtained has values of ~10−10 and ~10−7 S cm−1 at 100 and 200 °C, respectively. The method of EPD can be used to obtain solid electrolyte membranes based on Li7La3Zr2O12 for all-solid-state batteries.
A Review on Extrusion Additive Manufacturing of Pure Copper
Authors: Sakib-Uz-Zaman Chowdhury , Khondoker Mohammad Abu Hasan
Published: April 2023

Copper, due to its high thermal and electrical conductivity, is used extensively in many industries such as electronics, aerospace, etc. In the literature, researchers have utilized different additive manufacturing (AM) techniques to fabricate parts with pure copper; however, each technique comes with unique pros and cons. Among others, material extrusion (MEX) is a noteworthy AM technique that offers huge potential to modify the system to be able to print copper parts without a size restriction. For that purpose, copper is mixed with a binder system, which is heated in a melt chamber and then extruded out of a nozzle to deposit the material on a bed. The printed part, known as the green part, then goes through the de-binding and sintering processes to remove all the binding materials and densify the metal parts, respectively. The properties of the final sintered part depend on the processing and post-processing parameters. In this work, nine published articles are identified that focus on the 3D printing of pure copper parts using the MEX AM technique. Depending on the type of feedstock and the feeding mechanism, the MEX AM techniques for pure copper can be broadly categorized into three types: pellet-fed screw-based printing, filament-fed printing, and direct-ink write-based printing. The basic principles of these printing methods, corresponding process parameters, and the required materials and feedstock are discussed in this paper. Later, the physical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the final parts printed from these methods are discussed. Finally, some prospects and challenges related to the shrinkage of the printed copper part during post-processing are also outlined.