bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combine Surgery and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Endometriosis-Related Infertility: When and Why
Authors: Colombi Irene , Ginetti Alessandro , Cannoni Alberto , Cimino Giulia , d’Abate Claudia , Schettini Giorgia , Giorgi Matteo , Raimondo Diego , Martire Francesco Giuseppe , Lazzeri Lucia , Zupi Errico , Centini Gabriele
Published: December 2024

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and infertility. Infertility arises mainly due to inflammatory mediators in the peritoneal fluid, contributing to local hypoestrogenism, which appears to exacerbate chronic inflammation and sensitize pelvic nerves. Local hypoestrogenism within endometriotic lesions contrasts with the systemic estrogen-dependent nature of the disease. This localized reduction in estrogen levels, resulting from an altered hormonal response, can contribute to the altered immune response and inflammation characteristic of endometriosis, potentially exacerbating tissue damage, promoting fibrosis, adhesions, and endometrioma formation that distort pelvic anatomy, and affecting fertility. Chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia further complicate conception in affected women. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and laparoscopic surgical excision of endometriotic lesions are the two primary management options for endometriosis-related infertility, although current data provide limited guidance on when to prefer one approach over the other. It is generally accepted that treatment strategies must be individualized according to the patient’s wishes, symptomatology, age and the preferences of the woman and the couple. Timely intervention and structured follow-up for symptomatic women wishing to conceive may maximize conception rates within two years post-surgery, while minimizing the need for repeated interventions, which should be avoided. On the other hand, first-line IVF is particularly viable in cases of unoperated deep infiltrating endometriosis in asymptomatic women, or for those ineligible for or opposed to surgery. This review aims to evaluate the most recent data on endometriosis-related infertility to identify evidence-based key points that can enhance tailored management in clinical practice.
Oral Lichen Planus: Clinical Presentation, Demographic Characteristics, and Risk Factors in a Retrospective Study of 186 Polish Patients
Authors: Ślebioda Zuzanna , Drożdżyńska Julia , Karpińska Aleksandra , Krzyżaniak Aleksandra , Kasperczak Marianna , Tomoń Natalia , Wiśniewska Paulina , Wyganowska Marzena Liliana
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, recurrent mucocutaneous inflammatory disease that develops due to a disturbed immunological response triggered by endogenous and exogenous factors. To evaluate clinical presentation, demographic characteristics, and risk factors in a cohort of Polish patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Methods: Medical records of 186 patients with OLP referred to the student outpatient clinic in Poznań University of Medical Sciences from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed in order to establish clinical presentation, patient’s demographic characteristics, and risk factors for OLP. We considered data regarding age, sex, medical history, habits, subjective complaints, clinical type, localization, histology, and treatment. Results: Patients with OLP constituted 20.1% of 887 admitted patients. Of the 186 patients with OLP, 130 (69.9%) were females and 56 (30.1%) were males. The average age at the diagnosis was 60.7 years (range 15–95 years). Only 24.2% of patients reported smoking. The most common intraoral presentation of OLP was reticular form (61.8%), followed by mixed erosive-bullous type (15%), and atrophic (6.4%). Pathologic lesions were most commonly located on buccal mucosa (89.2%) and tongue (58.6%). Subjective complaints included pain (48.4%), burning sensation (46.2%), xerostomia (25.3%), bleeding (10.2%), taste disturbance (4.8%), and excessive saliva production (3.8%), while 22.6% of OLP patients were asymptomatic. Conclusions: The most common type of OLP in Polish patients was reticular, developing mostly on the buccal mucosa and tongue. It was found most often in non-smoking middle-aged women. Subjective complaints were reported by over 77% of patients.
Feature Papers in Bone Biomaterials
Authors: Zhou Zifei , Chen Feng
Published: December 2024

Bone biomaterials have garnered significant attention in the field of regenerative medicine due to their application in a wide range of clinical scenarios [...]
Predicting the Performance of Students Using Deep Ensemble Learning
Authors: Tang Bo , Li Senlin , Zhao Changhua
Published: December 2024

Universities and schools rely heavily on the ability to forecast student performance, as it enables them to develop efficient strategies for enhancing academic results and averting student attrition. The automation of processes and the management of large datasets generated by technology-enhanced learning tools can facilitate the analysis and processing of these data, which provides crucial insights into the knowledge of students and their engagement with academic endeavors. The method under consideration aims to forecast the academic achievement of students through an ensemble of deep neural networks. The proposed method presents a new feature-ranking mechanism based on existing approaches. This mechanism is effective in identifying the most pertinent features and their correlation with the academic performance of students. The proposed method employs an optimization strategy to concurrently configure and train the deep neural networks within our ensemble system. Furthermore, the proposed ensemble model uses weighted voting among its learning components for more accurate prediction. Put simply, the suggested approach enhances the accuracy of academic performance predictions for students not only by employing weighted ensemble techniques, but also by optimizing the parameters of deep learning models. These experimental outcomes provide evidence that the proposed method outperformed the alternative approaches, accurately predicting student performance with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) value of 1.66, a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) value of 9.75, and an R-squared value of 0.7430. These results show a significant improvement compared to the null model (RMSE = 4.05, MAPE = 24.89, and R-squared = 0.2897) and prove the efficiency of the techniques employed in the proposed method.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Vascular Markers and Cognitive Functions in Early Hypertension
Authors: Majer Réka , Nagy Attila , Csikai Enikő , Andrejkovics Mónika , Diószegi Ágnes , Tóth Attila , Csiba László
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Controlling hypertension may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment. A marker for the identification of hypertensive patients who are more likely to suffer cognitive impairment would be of clinical benefit. In our research, 105 patients with newly diagnosed primary hypertension were assessed at the Department of Neurology, the University of Debrecen. Methods: The available data covered detailed medical history and data, the results of different tests, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the intima–media thickness, the flow-mediated dilatation, the augmentation index, the pulse wave velocity, and neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple linear regression models were created to evaluate the associations found in simple analyses (Spearman’s rank correlation and Pearson’s chi-squared test). Results: The flow-mediated dilatation showed significant correlations with working memory, attention, learning, and executive functions. The intima–media thickness showed significant correlations with attention and reaction time. The composite flow-mediated dilatation/IMT ratio showed a significant relationship with the overall index of cognitive functions. Based on our results, a flow-mediated dilatation/IMT ratio of 15 represents a cut-off value. The pulse wave velocity showed a significant correlation with working memory and attention. The augmentation index showed significant relationships with reaction time and executive functions. Conclusions: Based on our results, the intima–media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation, and their ratio are suitable for the identification of a particularly vulnerable subgroup of patients for whom a detailed cognitive examination is required for the early detection and treatment of functional disorders. The assessment of attention, executive functions, working memory, and reaction time is required in early hypertension.
Safety and Efficacy of Brachytherapy in Inoperable Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Merten Ricarda , Strnad Vratislav , Schweizer Claudia , Lotter Michael , Kreppner Stephan , Fietkau Rainer , Schubert Philipp , Karius Andre
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Radiotherapy represents the only treatment option for patients with inoperable endometrial cancer (EC). The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brachytherapy (BT) in this selected patient population. Methods: Between 1990 and 2019, 18 patients with inoperable EC in stage FIGO I–IV were treated with intracavitary brachytherapy using the “Heyman Packing technique”. BT was performed either as sole PDR- or HDR-brachytherapy with a median cumulative dose up to 60.0 Gy (67.9 Gy EQD2 α/β = 3Gy) and 34.0 Gy (75.6 Gy EQD2 α/β = 3Gy), respectively. Results: The median follow-up was 46 months (6–219). The mean age was 71 years. The 5-year cumulative local recurrence rate (CLRR) for the whole cohort was 27.3%. The 5-year overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were 51%, 79%, and 69%. The 5-year DFS for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk EC was 89%, 50%, and 44% (p = 0.51). No significant difference in DFS was observed in patients over 70 (p = 0.526). No late side effects of grade > 1 were documented. Conclusions: Brachytherapy for inoperable EC is a safe and effective treatment option, offering good local control and OS with minimal toxicity. Moreover, brachytherapy effectively controls hemoglobin-relevant bleeding. Therefore, BT should be considered a viable alternative to non-curative treatment strategies in gynecological multidisciplinary conferences.
Back Analysis of a Real Debris Flow, the Morino-Rendinara Test Case (Italy), Using RAMMS Software
Authors: Pasculli Antonio , Zito Claudia , Sciarra Nicola , Mangifesta Massimo
Published: December 2024

Debris flows are a dynamic and hazardous geological phenomenon, as by definition, debris flows are rapid, gravity-driven flows of saturated materials that often contain a mixture of water, rock, soil, and organic matter. They are highly destructive and occur in steep channels, posing a significant threat to infrastructure and human life. The dynamics of debris flows are complex due to their non-Newtonian behaviour and varying sediment–water interactions, making accurate modelling essential for risk mitigation and emergency planning. This paper reports and discusses the results of numerical simulations of back analyses aimed at studying the reconstruction of a real rapid debris flow. The selected test case is the event that occurred on 12 and 16 March 2021 along the Rio Sonno channel, a tributary of the Liri River, following the landslide event of Rendinara (Municipality of Morino, Abruzzo Region, Italy). There are significant flow sources in the area, fed by a highly fractured carbonaceous aquifer that extends immediately upslope of the detachment zone. The continuous flow influences the saturation level in the fine-grained sediments and favours the triggering of the debris flow. This phenomenon was simulated using the commercial RAMMS code, and the rheological model selected was “Voellmy fluid friction”. The modelling approaches used in this research are valid tools to estimate the volumes of materials involved in the flow-feeding process and for the purpose of possible mitigation works (debris flow-type dams, weirs, flow diversion, etc.).
The Impact of Government Digital Transformation on Land Use Efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yang Lun , Wei Xiaokun , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

Digital transformation has become a prominent trend in both the private and public sectors. Different from studies focusing on the transformation of the private sector, this study aims to investigate the impact of public sector digitalization, i.e., government digital transformation (GDT), on land use efficiency (LUE). Utilizing the introduction of the Big Data Bureau (BDB) as a quasi-natural experiment to GDT, this study employs a staggered difference-in-differences method (DID) and finds that GDT is significantly and positively related to LUE, denoting that cities undergoing GDT exhibit increased LUE relative to non-participants. These findings are robust after performing parallel trend tests, conducting the instrumental variable method and propensity score matching methods or entropy balance, considering heterogeneous treatment effects, and using other robustness checks. Furthermore, the heterogeneity analysis shows that GDT has a significantly stronger impact among eastern cities, cities with a greater degree of marketization, or cities with advanced Internet infrastructure. Finally, the rationale behind this effect is that GDT upgrades industrial structures and promotes innovation activities, thereby increasing LUE. This study adds to the literature by providing novel insights into the effects of public sector digitalization and its role in improving LUE.
Smart Street Furniture: User and Non-User Perspectives of the ChillOUT Hub
Authors: Marshall Nancy , Bishop Kate , Rahmat Homa , Thompson Susan , Steinmetz-Weiss Christine
Published: December 2024

This article addresses gaps in knowledge about whether or not smart street furniture could enhance the relationship between people and place, and whether it improves the design, amenity and management of public open space. An Australian design team, comprising a local council, a street furniture manufacturer, and academics, designed, built, piloted, and assessed a new piece of smart street furniture called a ‘ChillOUT Hub’. This Hub is an integrated street furniture system, designed for public open spaces. It is enabled with ‘smart’ technology features such as Wi-Fi, mobile device charging stations, plus infrastructure usage and environmental sensors. The Hub aims to support social health, improve microclimatic conditions, and provide equitable access to technology. Street survey processes were undertaken with both ‘users’ and ‘non-users’ of the Hubs. The findings help to identify what value digitally enhanced street furniture actually has in open space and how that value is perceived by the public. The Council and Hub users overwhelmingly appreciated the newly designed street furniture and its smart amenities. Non-users clarified why they did not use smart street furniture and discussed the option of having digital amenities in public spaces more generally.
Utility of Fundus Autofluorescence and Optical Coherence Tomography in Measuring Retinal Vascular Thickness, Macular Density, and Ophthalmic Manifestations in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al-Dwairi Rami , Altal Omar , Fares Marwa , Adi Sharaf H. , Said Shahed A. , Shurair Asmaa , Al-Bataineh Rania , Aljarrah Ihsan , Al Beiruti Seren , Al Sharie Ahmed H. , Aleshawi Abdelwahab
Published: December 2024

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a transient elevation of blood glucose during pregnancy. It is typically not associated with diabetic retinopathy. However, certain investigators revealed retinal microvascular injury. In this study, we aimed to assess the ophthalmic findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters, and retinal vascular thickness and macular density through fundus autofluorescence (FAF). Methods: Prospectively, women diagnosed with GDM were enrolled in this study. All the participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Furthermore, macular OCT with analysis of the central subfield thickness (CST) and total thickness was carried out. Moreover, FAF was performed, and the macular density and retinal vascular thickness were extracted using ImageJ software. Results: Thirty-four women were enrolled. The mean maternal age was 32.7 years. No participant had diabetic retinopathy, nine eyes had early cataract, and two eyes had keratoconus. Higher levels for the 1 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were associated with a drop in the CST and total thickness. Moreover, women who underwent CS had higher levels of total thickness. Higher levels for the fasting OGTT were associated with a thinner inferior temporal retinal artery. Pregnant women with miscarriages had lower macular density on FAF, as represented by lower values of integrated density and mean gray values. Higher levels for the fasting OGTT were associated with higher values of integrated density. Conclusions: Although GDM is typically not associated with diabetic retinopathy, microscopic changes involving the microvascular environment and the macula may occur. Regular ophthalmic screening for women with GDM may be advised. Larger studies with more investigations may reveal further findings.
Research on a Wear Defect Detection Method for a Switch Sliding Baseplate Based on Improved Yolov5
Authors: Jiang Qing , Gao Ruipeng , Zhao Yan , Yu Wenzhen , Dang Zhuofan , Deng Shiyi
Published: December 2024

In the realm of railroad transportation, the switch sliding baseplate constitutes one of the most crucial components within railroad crossings. Wear defects occurring on the switch sliding baseplate can give rise to issues such as delayed switch operation, inflexible switching, or even complete failure, thereby escalating the risk of train derailment. Consequently, the detection of wear defects on the switch sliding baseplate is of paramount importance for enhancing traffic efficiency and guaranteeing the safety of train switching operations. Micro-cutting defects, which are among the most significant defects resulting from wear, exhibit complex and diverse morphological and characteristic features. Traditional random sampling methods struggle to capture their detailed characteristics, leading to inadequate accuracy and robustness in the detection process. To address the above-mentioned issues, the YOLOv5s algorithm has been refined and subsequently applied to the detection of micro-cutting defects generated by wear on the switch sliding baseplate. The experimental results demonstrate that, in comparison with the currently prevalent mainstream target detection algorithms, the improved model can attain optimal recall rates R, mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95. Specifically, when contrasted with the original YOLOv5s algorithm, the improved model witnesses significant enhancements in its precision rate P, the recall rate R, mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95, with increments of 1.26%, 5.6%, 9.1%, and 8.92%, respectively. These improvements fully corroborate the performance of the proposed model in the context of micro-cutting defect detection.
Quality Evaluation of New Types of Core Layers Based on Different Thicknesses of Veneers for Flooring Materials
Authors: Olenska Sylwia , Beer Piotr
Published: December 2024

Problems with the availability of raw materials on the Polish market have forced wood industry producers to search for new, previously unused species of wood that meet the functional requirements of the target products. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on products whose structure is different from the popular offerings on the market. The goal of this study was to analyze the influence of the thickness of Scots pine veneers, also with Alder interlayer variants, on Young’s modulus and stiffness values of plywood-like composites dedicated to flooring applications regarding statistically based quality control of the products. The variables in this research are the thickness of the veneer, which creates the structure of the base layer of flooring materials, and the kind of wood used. This research looked at basic mechanical properties determining the suitability of flooring materials: modulus of elasticity and stiffness. Because both these parameters describe the product quality, the analyses were based on the normal distribution (containing kurtosis) and the creation of Shewart Control Charts for each parameter. Analyses of control charts provide information on whether the projected production process is stable and is able to give predictable results. In turn, the analysis of the kurtosis value allows us to determine whether Young’s modulus and stiffness values obtained for the products are as close as possible to the values assumed by the manufacturers. The thickness of veneers in the base layer of flooring composites can be enlarged, allowing production to be simplified and more environmentally friendly. New types of layered composites for flooring, manufactured by rotary cutting, without the need for quality assessment, with a minimum number of layers, and additionally verified with Shewart Control Charts, may be applied to production. Presented studies show that veneers of different quality classes, having plywood-like structures, can be used for flooring materials and that the thickness of the veneers in the base layer can be increased. In this way, wood can be used without the need for quality classification and with fewer production processes.
Controlled and Safe Hydrogen Generation from Waste Aluminum and Water, a New Approach to Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Salueña-Berna Xavier , Marín-Genescà Marc , Mujal Rosas Ramon , Arias Manuel-Jose Lis
Published: December 2024

A new method is proposed to generate hydrogen in situ at low pressure from powder-pressed recycled aluminum turnings activated with small amounts of NaOH and drops of water. The contribution of this system is that the user can obtain small flows of high-purity hydrogen (>99%) to charge their portable electronic devices in remote places, in a simple, controlled, and safe way, since only water is used. Test tubes that contain tiny amounts of NaOH on their surface can be transported and used without contact. In addition to being a safer system, a smaller amount of NaOH and water is needed compared to other systems, there is no need to preheat the water, and the system can even generate heat. As the feeding is drop by drop, the hydrogen flow can be easily controlled by manual or automatic dosing. The waste obtained is solid and contains mostly aluminum hydroxide with some NaOH and impurities from the waste of origin, which are easy to sell and recycle. A study has been carried out to optimize the type of test tubes and establish critical parameters. The results show that a constant and controllable flow rate of hydrogen can be obtained depending on the drip frequency where the chemical reaction predominates over diffusion, that the optimal amount of NaOH is 20 wt%, that a finer grain size can increase the H2 yield with respect to the stoichiometric value but reduces the instantaneous flow with respect to that obtained with larger grains, and that it is very important to control the density and the impurities to increase porosity and therefore water diffusion. The estimated cost of the hydrogen produced is 3.15 EUR/kgH2 and an energy density of 1.12 kWh/kg was achieved with a test tube of 92% aluminum purity and 20 wt% NaOH.
Study on Type IV Cracking Behavior of T92/Super304H Dissimilar Steel Welded Joints in Long-Term Service
Authors: Wang Denghui , Gao Fei , Shen Zihao , Li Yuan , Zheng Zhen , Zhou Mingping , Yang Fulai , Zhang Shichao , Zhang Zheng
Published: December 2024

The microstructure and residual mechanical properties of several groups of T92/Super304H dissimilar steel welded joints (hereinafter referred to as welded joints) in service for 70,000~85,000 h were analyzed. The results show that the early service history of the welded joint results in the polygonization of the martensite lath and the coarsening of the precipitated phase on the side of T92 steel. In the further creep process, the cavities nucleate along the precipitated phase interface and the triple junction grain boundary. Under the same load, the creep life of the joint decreases rapidly with the increase in service time and, finally, type IV cracking occurs. Type IV cracking needs to meet two conditions: 1. a large degree of precipitated phase coarsening and cavity nucleation in the fine grain heat-affected zone (FGHAZ) and 2. a much lower loading stress than the yield strength.
Oxidation Behavior of Aluminide Coatings on Cobalt-Based Superalloys by a Vapor Phase Aluminizing Process
Authors: Ma Kuo , Xie Cheng , Li Yidi , Yang Biaobiao , Jin Yuanyuan , Wang Hui , Zeng Ziming , Li Yunping , Ye Xianjue
Published: December 2024

In this work, the oxidation behavior of an aluminide coating at 900, 1000, and 1100 °C was investigated. The aluminide coating was prepared on a cobalt-based superalloy using a vapor phase aluminizing process, which is composed of a β-(Co,Ni)Al phase outer layer and a Cr-rich phase diffusion layer. The experimental results showed that the oxidation of the coating at 900–1100 °C all obey the parabolic law. The oxidation rate constants of the coating were between 2.19 × 10−7 and 47.56 × 10−7 mg2·cm−4·s−1. The coating produced metastable θ-Al2O3 at 900 °C and stable α-Al2O3 at 1000 and 1100 °C. As the oxidation temperature increases, the formation of Al2O3 is promoted, consuming large amount of Al in the coating, resulting in the transformation from β-(Co,Ni)Al phase to α-(Co,Ni,Cr) phase. And the decrease in the β phase in the coating led to the dissolution of the diffusion layer.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Color Changes of 3D-Printed Parts with Different Infill Ratios and Colors After Aging
Authors: Koçar Oğuz , Anaç Nergizhan , Baysal Erhan , Parmaksız Furkan , Akgül İrfan
Published: December 2024

Since their inception, plastics have become indispensable materials. However, plastics used for extended periods in industrial applications are prone to aging, which negatively impacts their material behavior and performance. To ensure the long-term usability of these materials, they must be tested in real-time, in-service environments to assess degradation. In practice, however, accelerated aging techniques are commonly employed to avoid time loss. Over time, various indicators of degradation in plastics emerge, such as changes in molecular weight, cracking, and mechanical properties like strain at break and impact strength. Among these, color deterioration or change is a critical factor that helps evaluate the service life of these materials. Considering the increasing use of plastics in 3D printing today, and the growing focus on strength over aesthetics in these applications, it is particularly useful to evaluate aging in plastics based on the relationship between color and strength. The wide application of 3D printing in various industries necessitates understanding material properties under aging conditions. This study examines the effects of aging on the mechanical behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) with three different colors (yellow, orange, and red) and three different infill ratios (20%, 60%, and 100%). The samples underwent an accelerated aging process of 432 h, which included 8 h of UV radiation, 15 min of water spraying, followed by 3 h and 45 min with the UV lamps turned off. Tensile tests, bending tests, hardness measurements, and color evaluations were conducted on the samples, linking the color changes after aging with the materials’ mechanical properties. The results show that after aging, yellow samples with a 100% infill ratio exhibited a 6.9% increase in tensile strength (44.50 MPa to 47.58 MPa). Orange samples with a 100% infill ratio were less affected by aging, while red samples experienced a decrease in tensile strength across all infill ratios. Regarding bending force, increases were observed in the orange, yellow, and red samples by 10.37%, 25.05%, and 8.87%, respectively. This study underscores the importance of color selection when designing 3D-printed materials for long-term applications.
The Effect of p-Toluenesulfonic Acid and Phosphoric Acid (V) Content on the Heat Resistance and Thermal Properties of Phenol Resin and Phenol-Carbon Composite
Authors: Rybakiewicz Łukasz , Zmywaczyk Janusz
Published: December 2024

This work presents the results of research on the influence of the amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid and phosphoric acid (V) added to the phenol-formaldehyde resin (pH 7.3–7.8) on its thermal properties and on the phenol-formaldehyde-carbon composite produced on its basis. This material undergoes pyrolysis under high temperature. The addition of a catalyst to the phenol-formaldehyde resin affects its curing rate and degree of cross-linking, but how it affects the thermal properties of the resin depending on the temperature is the subject of this work. This article presents the results of thermal tests for phenol-formaldehyde resin and phenol-formaldehyde-carbon composite. It was examined how the content of the catalyst used during the production process affects the individual thermal parameters of the mentioned materials. The results include experimental tests of thermal diffusivity with uncertainty (±3%), specific heat capacity (±2.5%), thermal expansion with resolution 2 nm analyzed in the temperature range −40–115 °C and thermogravimetric TG/DTA analysis with resolution 0.03 µg in the temperature range from room temperature (RT = 23 °C) to 550 °C. Individual thermal tests showed changes in the thermal properties caused by changes in the catalyst content of the tested materials and the influence of the addition of carbon fibers on the properties of the composite compared to the pure phenol-formaldehyde resin. It was found that there is a certain maximum level of catalyst weight fraction at which the greatest decrease in thermal diffusivity occurs. In the case of phenolic-formaldehyde-carbon composite at −40 °C, an increase in catalyst weight fraction from 2 to 4 wt% caused a decrease in thermal diffusivity by 18.2%, and for phenol-formaldehyde resin, it was 2.8% with an increase in catalyst fraction from 4 to 10 wt%.
The Effect of Recycled Geogrid Fibres on Asphalt Concrete Performance: A Case Study from Poland
Authors: Mazurek Grzegorz , Buczyński Przemysław , Kowalczyk Artur
Published: December 2024

This study articulates findings from research pertaining to the utilisation of recycled geogrid in asphalt concrete. The issue of contamination of reclaimed waste with geosynthetic materials persists as a significant concern that warrants attention. In Poland, the allowable quantity of geogrid contaminants within the mineral–asphalt composition is 0.1% w/w. The preliminary evaluation of the validity of the research topic was conducted based on an analysis of correspondence and survey outcomes. The fundamental material research was executed employing elements of experimental design theory. The experimental domain considered two qualitative factors: the type of bituminous mixture for the binding layer (AC16W and AC22W) and the type of geogrid material (glass, carbon), in addition to two quantitative factors: the length of the recycled geogrid fibres ranging from 1 cm to 5 cm, and the quantity of recycled geogrid fibres varying from 0.2% to 1%. A generalised linear model was employed for the analysis, enabling the consideration of dependent qualitative factors in forecasting characteristics. The qualitative evaluation of the resultant solution was conducted using multi-criteria optimisation via the Harrington function. Consequently, recycled carbon mesh fibres demonstrated a notably positive impact, enhancing the material’s quality by 22%. Regarding glass mesh, the fibre content should not exceed 0.2% in the AC22W mixture, whereas it can be increased to 1% in the AC16W mixture. Comparing all evaluated mixtures, it was ascertained that surpassing the allowable contamination limit of 0.1% in geogrid form does not result in a significant reduction in the quality of asphalt concrete compared to the reference mix.
Extraction and Analytical Methods for the Characterization of Polyphenols in Marine Microalgae: A Review
Authors: Bermudez Gabriela , Terenzi Cristina , Medri Francesca , Andrisano Vincenza , Montanari Serena
Published: December 2024

Marine microalgae are emerging as promising sources of polyphenols, renowned for their health-promoting benefits. Recovering polyphenols from microalgae requires suitable treatment and extraction techniques to ensure their release from the biomass and analytical methodologies to assess their efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive comparison of traditional and cutting-edge extraction and analytical procedures applied for polyphenolic characterization in marine microalgae over the past 26 years, with a unique perspective on optimizing their recovery and identification. It addresses (I) cell disruption techniques, including bead milling, high-speed homogenization, pulsed electric field, ultrasonication, microwave, freeze-thawing, and enzymatic/chemical hydrolysis; (II) extraction techniques, such as solid–liquid extraction, ultrasound and microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized-liquid extraction, and supercritical CO2; (III) analytical methods, including total phenolic and flavonoid content assays and advanced chromatographic techniques like GC-MS, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-MS. Key findings showed bead milling and chemical hydrolysis as effective cell disruption techniques, pressurized-liquid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction as promising efficient extraction methods, and HPLC-MS as the finest alternative for precise phenolic characterization. Unlike previous reviews, this study uniquely integrates both extractive and analytical approaches in one work, focusing exclusively on marine microalgae, a relatively underexplored area compared to freshwater species, offering actionable insights to guide future research and industrial applications.
Research Progress on Using Modified Hydrogel Coatings as Marine Antifouling Materials
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhou Xiaohong , He Lingyan , Zhou Xiangkai , Wang Yantian , Zhou Peijian
Published: December 2024

The adhesion of marine organisms to marine facilities negatively impacts human productivity. This phenomenon, known as marine fouling, constitutes a serious issue in the marine equipment industry. It increases resistance for ships and their structures, which, in turn, raises fuel consumption and reduces ship speed. To date, numerous antifouling strategies have been researched to combat marine biofouling. However, a multitude of these resources face long-term usability issues due to various limitations, such as low adhesion quality, elevated costs, and inefficacy. Hydrogels, exhibiting properties akin to the slime layer on the skin of many aquatic creatures, possess a low frictional coefficient and a high rate of water absorbency and are extensively utilized in the marine antifouling field. This review discusses the recent progress regarding the application of hydrogels as an important marine antifouling material in recent years. It introduces the structure, properties, and classification of hydrogels; summarizes the current research status of improved hydrogels in detail; and analyzes the improvement in their antifouling properties and the prospects for their application in marine antifouling.
Real-World Evaluation of Dupilumab in the Long-Term Management of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Focus on IL-4 and IL-13 Receptor Blockade
Authors: Lombardo Nicola , D’Ecclesia Aurelio , Chiarella Emanuela , Pelaia Corrado , Riccelli Debbie , Ruzza Annamaria , Lobello Nadia , Piazzetta Giovanna Lucia
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory condition of the nasal passages that severely impairs quality of life. Type 2 CRS is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation, driven by cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. These cytokines are key to CRS pathogenesis and contribute to a heavy disease burden, especially with comorbidities. This study assessed dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, to evaluate its efficacy in reducing the disease burden in patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Materials and Methods: The patients received subcutaneous dupilumab for 42 weeks. The outcomes included Nasal Polyp Score (NPS); Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores; total IgE; and olfactory function. Results: Significant improvements were observed across the NPS and SNOT-22, NRS, and VAS scores after 42 weeks. Their total IgE levels were reduced, though a transient increase in peripheral eosinophilia appeared at 16 weeks. The patients also reported substantial improvements in olfactory function and high satisfaction with the treatment, supporting dupilumab’s potential in reducing both symptom severity and inflammation in CRSwNP. Conclusions: These results indicate that dupilumab may be an effective treatment for CRSwNP, offering significant symptom relief, improved olfactory function, and enhanced quality of life. High satisfaction levels suggest that dupilumab may provide therapeutic advantages over the conventional CRS treatments, though further studies are warranted to confirm its long-term benefits.
Return to Performance of a Soccer Player with an Adductor Longus Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Estévez Rodríguez José Luis , Rivilla García Jesús , Jiménez-Rubio Sergio
Published: December 2024

Context: There is limited information on the quantification of external load and reconditioning programs during adductor longus injuries in soccer. Case Presentation: This case report describes a male professional soccer player (LaLiga) returning to performance following an adductor longus muscle injury during the 2022/2023 season. The player suffered the injury during a change of direction in a match. The injury was confirmed by ultrasound after 48 h, and the previously validated rehabilitation and reconditioning program was applied to the injured player. This case report has focused on the development of the on-field reconditioning program and the quantification of the load during this phase. The goal of this case report was to return the player to pre-injury loads using global positioning systems (GPS). Variables such as total distance, distances covered at different speeds and metabolic load variables were quantified during the injury process, with the aim of increasing them through training and reaching at least 75% of the game load. Therefore, objective performance criteria for making return-to-play decisions based on the use of GPS was determined. In addition, the return to play (RTP) was on the 20th day after the injury, and then four RTPs were recorded in the following 6 weeks after the injury occurred, without re-injury. Conclusions: The approach to the competition performance profile, through the quantification of the external load during the rehabilitation process of the injured player, allowed us a safe return to competition and continued competition with a 6-week follow-up.
Patient Age Predicts Nasal Septal Deviation in Orthognathic Surgery: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial of 102 Participants
Authors: Taxis Juergen , Florian Henrik-Robert , Napodano Gerardo , Rink Maximilian , Nieberle Felix , Himmelstoß Katja , Lindner Sophia R. , Ettl Tobias , Reichert Torsten E. , Waiss Waltraud
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Orthognathic surgery is used to restore a correct anatomical and functional relationship between the jaws, with postoperative nasal septal deviation (NSD) being a common complication of Le Fort I osteotomy (LF-IO). The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of NSD after LF-IO and to identify possible risk factors. Materials and Methods: Pre- and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 2018 to 2023 of 102 patients after LF-IO were analyzed. After categorizing the preoperative NSDs according to the Mladina classification, the next step was to measure the angle of deviation and classify the severity grades. Pre- and postoperative NSDs were compared using a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test and postoperative changes in NSD were correlated with surgery-relevant characteristics by calculating Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: Postoperatively, an increase in NSD was observed in 62 cases and 35 patients showed a decrease. In both cases with an increase and a decrease in NSD, the preoperatively measured deviations showed a highly significant difference compared to postoperative NSDs (both p < 0.001). Age correlated significantly with increases in deviation (r = 0.28, p = 0.014, CI: −1.0–−0.068) and anterior maxillary displacement showed a significant correlation with a decrease in NSD (r = 0.296, p = 0.042, CI: 0.006–1.0). Gender, cranial and caudal movements of the maxilla had no influence on the results of the NSDs. Conclusions: LF-IO has an influence on NSD and can both intensify and attenuate it. In addition, the risk of an increase in nasal deviation after this surgical procedure rises with the patient’s age and decreases with anterior displacement of the maxilla.
Validation and Application of a Simplified Approach for Seismic Performance Evaluation of Steel CBFs
Authors: Doci Leonard , Montuori Rosario , Nastri Elide , Piluso Vincenzo , Todisco Paolo
Published: December 2024

This paper validates a simplified approach for evaluating the seismic performance of concentrically braced frames (CBFs). The method, based on a performance-based design, defines a structure’s capacity curve through elastic and rigid plastic analyses. It is validated by comparing the results with those from 420 pushover analyses. Additionally, the method is applied to two case studies designed according to older code provisions, and its accuracy is verified through Incremental dynamic analyses (IDA). The results demonstrate that the simplified method is reliable and provides an accurate evaluation of the structure’s capacity compared to code-based tools.
Essential Oils from Papaver rhoeas and Their Metabolomic Profiling
Authors: Cavalloro Valeria , Robustelli della Cuna Francesco Saverio , Malovini Alberto , Villa Carla , Sottani Cristina , Balestra Matteo , Bracco Francesco , Martino Emanuela , Collina Simona
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Essential oils (EOs) have been exploited by humans for centuries, but many sources remain poorly investigated, mainly due to the low yields associated with conventional extraction. Recently, new techniques have been developed, like solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME), able to enhance efficiency and sustainability. The use of Papaver rhoeas L. in traditional medicine has led researchers to investigate non-volatile fractions, but there are little data available on EOs. Methods: In the present work, we prepared EOs from the petals and leaves of P. rhoeas by SFME. GC/MS analysis of EOs revealed the presence of 106 compounds belonging to 13 different classes. Isomers of the different alkenes were identified thanks to an alkylthiolation reaction. Results: The results highlighted a predominance of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, alcohols, and esters that might suggest a specific relationship with pollinators. Each population has been compared using PCA, heatmap, and barplot tools, highlighting differences in terms of composition by both comparing leaves and flowers and hill and lowland samples. Furthermore, cantharidin, a metabolite usually produced by insects, was detected in the flowers, possible present for attractiveness purposes. Conclusions: These results could contribute to ensuring a better understanding of the pollination process and of the biological activities of EOs from P. rhoeas.
Modulation of the Plasma Lipidomic Profile in Piglets Fed Polar Lipid-Rich Diets
Authors: Larsen Rayllana , Chakroun Salma , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Levesque Janie , de Oliveira Dimas Estrasulas , Rico Jorge Eduardo , Rico Daniel E.
Published: December 2024

Background: Polar lipids from dairy are novel sources of energy that may replace other dietary lipids and impact plasma lipidomic profiles in piglets. This study evaluated the impact of feeding diets rich in polar lipids on the plasma lipidome of piglets during the weaning period. Material and Methods: Weaned male piglets (n = 240; 21 days of age; 6.3 ± 0.5 kg of BW) were blocked by initial weight and distributed into 48 pens of five animals each in a complete randomized block design with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments as follows: a plant-based diet rich in neutral lipids from soybeans (24 pens; SD) or a polar lipid-rich diet by-product of cheese making (24 pens; PD) from weaning until the 21st day of the nursery phase. Within each diet group, animals received one of three milk replacers (MR; 0.5 L/d/animal) for the first 7 days after weaning: (1) commercial MR containing animal and coconut lipids (CO); (2) polar lipid-based MR (PO); or (3) soybean lipids-based MR (SO). Results: The PD diet group increased the plasma concentrations of sphingolipids, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters, but did not impact the concentrations of glycerolipids (GLs). Both the PO and CO milk replacers increased the plasma concentrations of ceramide, acyl-chain phosphatidyl choline, and cholesterol esters. The plasma concentrations of GLs containing 18-carbon fatty acids such as 18:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3, were higher in SD, whereas GLs containing 16:0 and 20:3 were higher in PD. Conclusions: In summary, the diet lipid type significantly modulated the plasma lipid composition in piglets 7 days after weaning. The dietary inclusion of polar lipids in diets for growing pigs can modulate the plasma lipidomic profile, relative to plant-based diets rich in soybean lipids. Cost may be a major consideration when using these lipids in pig diets. Their health benefits need to be further characterized in other models of stress and inflammation.
Determinants of Anemia in Schoolchildren in the Highland Bolivia
Authors: Cuna Washington R. , Contreras Ivonne , Rodriguez Armando , Passera Roberto , Rodriguez Celeste
Published: December 2024

Anemia is a health problem of concern among schoolchildren in underprivileged rural regions, where recurrent parasitic infections are common. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 229 schoolchildren in rural highland Bolivia in the department of La Paz, an area with a high prevalence of protozoan and helminth infections, to determine the types and mechanisms of anemia. A substantial proportion of children (40.2%) were found to be anemic based on hemoglobin measurements. No associations were found between low hemoglobin levels and helminth or protozoan infections when evaluating infectious causes of anemia, nor with Giardia lamblia or Blastocystis hominis, which are associated with iron deficiency and nutrient malabsorption and were highly prevalent in this study. The significant association between anemia and hypochromia suggests iron deficiency, aligned with low hemoglobin levels. A total of 39 out of 150 children (26%) had markers consistent with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 26 out of 127 children (20%) met the criteria for anemia of inflammation (AI). Furthermore, 12 of the 127 tested children (9.4%) met the criteria for mixed AI with IDA according to the soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)/log ferritin levels, which increased significantly due to overall infections by Hymenolepis nana and Ascaris lumbricoides helminths. The findings highlight the need for integrated public health interventions to address iron nutrition and parasitic infections to effectively prevent anemia in this vulnerable population.