bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemphigus during the COVID-19 Epidemic: Infection Risk, Vaccine Responses and Management Strategies
Authors: Huang Xueyi , Liang Xiaoqian , Zhang Jiao , Su Hang , Chen Yongfeng
Published: July 2022

Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune blistering disease, involving potentially life-threatening conditions often requiring immunosuppression. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become a global public emergency. Vaccines are the most effective defense against COVID-19 infection. However, in clinic, there are cases of new onset or flare of pemphigus following COVID-19 vaccination, where vaccines have manifested significantly desirable risk-benefit profiles for patients. Although Rituximab, as first-line therapy, may impair humoral immunity, pemphigus may not predispose to develop COVID-19 infection compared to a healthy population. Conversely, delay or interruption of immunosuppressants probably results in unfavorable clinical outcomes for disease progression. Overall, clinicians should encourage their patients to undergo the vaccination after a comprehensive assessment. The definite association between COVID-19 vaccination and pemphigus remains to be further elucidated. Herein, we provide an overview of the published studies to date on COVID-19 and pemphigus as well as the exploration of their complicated interplay. In addition, we discuss the management strategies for pemphigus patients in this special period, in an effort to more effectively establish a standard treatment paradigm for this particular patient group.
The “FIFTY SHADOWS” of the RALES Trial: Lessons about the Potential Risk of Dietary Potassium Supplementation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Romero-González Gregorio , Bover Jordi , Arrieta Javier , Salera Davide , Troya Maribel , Graterol Fredzzia , Ureña-Torres Pablo , Cozzolino Mario , Di Lullo Luca , Cippà Pietro E. , Urrutia Marina , Paúl-Martinez Javier , Boixeda Ramón , Górriz José Luis , Ara Jordi , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Bellasi Antonio , Ronco Claudio
Published: July 2022

Hyperkalaemia (HK) is one of the most common electrolyte disorders and a frequent reason for nephrological consultations. High serum potassium (K+) levels are associated with elevated morbidity and mortality, mainly due to life-threatening arrhythmias. In the majority of cases, HK is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), or with the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis) and/or mineral corticoid antagonists (MRAs). These drugs represent the mainstays of treatment in CKD, HF, diabetes, hypertension, and even glomerular diseases, in consideration of their beneficial effect on hard outcomes related to cardiovascular events and CKD progression. However, experiences in relation to the Randomised Aldactone Evaluation Study (RALES) cast a long shadow that extends to the present day, since the increased risk for HK remains a major concern. In this article, we summarise the physiology of K+ homeostasis, and we review the effects of dietary K+ on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk in the general population and in patients with early CKD, who are often not aware of this disease. We conclude with a note of caution regarding the recent publication of the SSaSS trial and the use of salt substitutes, particularly in patients with a limited capacity to increase K+ secretion in response to an exogenous load, particularly in the context of “occult” CKD, HF, and in patients taking RAASis and/or MRAs.
Correlations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Daytime Sleepiness with the Risk of Car Accidents in Adult Working Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with a Gender-Based Approach
Authors: Luzzi Valeria , Mazur Marta , Guaragna Mariana , Di Carlo Gabriele , Cotticelli Luisa , Magliulo Giuseppe , Marasca Beatrice , Pirro Valentina , Di Giorgio Gianni , Ndokaj Artnora , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Simonelli Ilaria , Martini Agnese , Pietrafesa Emma , Polimeni Antonella
Published: July 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an under-recognized clinical condition and is correlated with sleepiness and impaired cognitive function. Objectives: The primary aim of this systematic review, developed within the Sleep@OSA project, was to determine the correlations of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, daytime sleepiness and sleep-disordered breathing with the risk of car accidents in adult working populations; a secondary aim was to analyze the epidemiologic data with a gender-based approach to identify differences between women and men in the data and in associated risk factors. Methods: Clinical trials and studies reporting data on the frequency of car accidents involving adult working population with daytime sleepiness and/or OSAS compared with a control group of participants were included. Literature searches of free text and MeSH terms were performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library and Scopus from 1952 to 3 May 2021. Results and Conclusions: The search strategy identified 2138 potential articles. Of these, 49 papers were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 30 were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with controls, the odds of car accidents were found to be more than double in subjects with OSAS (OR = 2.36; 95% CI 1.92–2.91; p < 0.001), with a similar risk between commercial motor vehicle drivers (OR = 2.80; 95% CI 1.82–4.31) and noncommercial motor vehicle drivers (OR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.84–2.34). No significant correlation was found between sleepiness and car crashes, but subjects with sleep-disordered breathing were at increased risk of car accidents (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.42–2.31; p < 0.001). To our surprise, although epidemiological studies on the risk of road accidents in the adult population with OSAS and daytime sleepiness are currently very abundant, specific data on the female population are not available.
High Expression of PDK4 Could Play a Potentially Protective Role by Attenuating Oxidative Stress after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Gao Xuan , Gao Yong-Yue , Wu Ling-Yun , Peng Zheng , Liu Xun-Zhi , Chen Xiang-Xin , Gao Sen , Zhang Hua-Sheng , Lu Yue , Hang Chun-Hua , Zhuang Zong , Li Wei
Published: July 2022

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a key enzyme on the mitochondrial outer membrane, has been found to decrease activity notably in early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been demonstrated that PDH is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. Hence, in this study, we aimed to determine the cause of the decreased PDH activity and explore the potential role of PDH in EBI. We investigated the expression changes of PDH and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) in vivo and in vitro. Then, we explored the possible effects of PDH and ROS after SAH. The results showed that early overexpression of PDK4 promoted the phosphorylation of PDH, inhibited PDH activity, and may play a protective role after SAH in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we investigated the levels of PDK4 and pyruvate, which accumulated due to decreased PDH activity, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 34 patients with SAH. Statistical analysis revealed that PDK4 and pyruvate expression was elevated in the CSF of SAH patients compared with that of controls, and this high expression correlated with the degree of neurological impairment and long-term outcome. Taken together, the results show that PDK4 has the potential to serve as a new therapeutic target and biomarker for assisting in the diagnosis of SAH severity and prediction of recovery.
Selected Transesophageal Echocardiographic Parameters of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Predict Length of Stay Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft—A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mondal Samhati , Faraday Nauder , Gao Wei Dong , Singh Sarabdeep , Hebbar Sachidanand , Hollander Kimberly N. , Metkus Thomas S. , Goeddel Lee A. , Bauer Maria , Bush Brian , Cho Brian , Cha Stephanie , Ibekwe Stephanie O. , Mladinov Domagoj , Rolleri Noah S. , Lester Laeben , Steppan Jochen , Sheinberg Rosanne , Hensley Nadia B. , Kapoor Anubhav , Dodd-o Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2022

(1) Importance: Abnormal left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, with or without a diagnosis of heart failure, is a common finding that can be easily diagnosed by intra-operative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The association of diastolic function with duration of hospital stay after coronary artery bypass (CAB) is unknown. (2) Objective: To determine if selected TEE parameters of diastolic dysfunction are associated with length of hospital stay after coronary artery bypass surgery (CAB). (3) Design: Prospective observational study. (4) Setting: A single tertiary academic medical center. (5) Participants: Patients with normal systolic function undergoing isolated CAB from September 2017 through June 2018. (6) Exposures: LV function during diastole, as assessed by intra-operative TEE prior to coronary revascularization. (7) Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was duration of postoperative hospital stay. Secondary intermediate outcomes included common postoperative cardiac, respiratory, and renal complications. (8) Results: The study included 176 participants (mean age 65.2 ± 9.2 years, 73% male); 105 (60.2%) had LV diastolic dysfunction based on selected TEE parameters. Median time to hospital discharge was significantly longer for subjects with selected parameters of diastolic dysfunction (9.1/IQR 6.6–13.5 days) than those with normal LV diastolic function (6.5/IAR 5.3–9.7 days) (p < 0.001). The probability of hospital discharge was 34% lower (HR 0.66/95% CI 0.47–0.93) for subjects with diastolic dysfunction based on selected TEE parameters, independent of potential confounders, including a baseline diagnosis of heart failure. There was a dose–response relation between severity of diastolic dysfunction and probability of discharge. LV diastolic dysfunction based on those selected TEE parameters was also associated with postoperative cardio-respiratory complications; however, these complications did not fully account for the relation between LV diastolic dysfunction and prolonged length of hospital stay. (9) Conclusions and Relevance: In patients with normal systolic function undergoing CAB, diastolic dysfunction based on selected TEE parameters is associated with prolonged duration of postoperative hospital stay. This association cannot be explained by baseline comorbidities or common post-operative complications. The diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction can be made by TEE.
Correlation Analysis between Intraocular Pressure and Extraocular Muscles Based on Orbital Magnetic Resonance T2 Mapping in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Patients
Authors: Luo Ban , Wang Wei , Li Xinyu , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yaoli , Hu Weikun
Published: July 2022

Background: The correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients was explored. Methods: This study included 82 eyes in 41 TAO patients who had a large difference in the IOP between each eye. We measured the T2 relaxation time (T2RT) of the extraocular muscles (EOMs), the orbital fat, and the area of the EOMs. Results: There was a positive correlation between IOP and exophthalmos, the clinical activity score (CAS), the T2RT (of the medial rectus (MR)), the area of the MR, inferior rectus (IR) and lateral rectus, and the mean area. We established a regression model with IOP as the dependent variable, and the area of the IR was statistically significant. Conclusions: High IOP in TAO patients was positively correlated with the degree of exophthalmos and EOM inflammation (especially the inferior rectus). The state of the EOMs in an orbital MRI may partially explain high IOP and provide the necessary clinical information for subsequent high IOP treatment.
Retinal Microvascular and Neuronal Changes Are Also Present, Even If Differently, in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes without Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Pilotto Elisabetta , Torresin Tommaso , Leonardi Francesca , Gutierrez De Rubalcava Doblas Joaquin , Midena Giulia , Moretti Carlo , Midena Edoardo
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate retinal changes in adolescents with childhood-onset, long-lasting type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Patients and healthy controls (HC) underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA). Individual macular layers, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), and vascular parameters (vessel area density (VAD), vessel length fraction (VLF) and vessel diameter index (VDI)) of macular superficial vascular (SVP), intermediate (ICP), deep (DCP) and radial peripapillary capillary plexuses (RPCP) were quantified. Thirty-nine patients (5 with (DR group) and 34 without (noDR group) diabetic retinopathy) and 20 HC were enrolled. The pRNFL and ganglion cell layer (GCL) were thicker in noDR compared to HC and DR, reaching statistically significant values versus HC for some sectors. At the macular level, VAD and VLF were reduced in DR versus HC in all plexuses, and versus noDR in SVP (p < 0.005 for all). At the RPCP level, VAD and VDI were increased in noDR versus HC, significantly for VDI (p = 0.0067). Glycemic indices correlated to retinal parameters. In conclusion, in T1D adolescents, retinal capillary and neuronal changes are present after long-lasting disease, even in the absence of clinical DR. These changes modify when clinical retinopathy develops. The precocious identification of specific OCT and OCTA changes may be a hallmark of subsequent overt retinopathy.
The Core Splicing Factors EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A Are Essential for Neural Crest and Craniofacial Development
Authors: Park Byung-Yong , Tachi-Duprat Melanie , Ihewulezi Chibuike , Devotta Arun , Saint-Jeannet Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2022

Mandibulofacial dysostosis (MFD) is a human congenital disorder characterized by hypoplastic neural-crest-derived craniofacial bones often associated with outer and middle ear defects. There is growing evidence that mutations in components of the spliceosome are a major cause for MFD. Genetic variants affecting the function of several core splicing factors, namely SF3B4, SF3B2, EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A, are responsible for MFD in five related but distinct syndromes known as Nager and Rodriguez syndromes (NRS), craniofacial microsomia (CFM), mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM), cerebro-costo-mandibular syndrome (CCMS) and Burn–McKeown syndrome (BMKS), respectively. Animal models of NRS and MFDM indicate that MFD results from an early depletion of neural crest progenitors through a mechanism that involves apoptosis. Here we characterize the knockdown phenotype of Eftud2, Snrpb and Txnl4a in Xenopus embryos at different stages of neural crest and craniofacial development. Our results point to defects in cranial neural crest cell formation as the likely culprit for MFD associated with EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A haploinsufficiency, and suggest a commonality in the etiology of these craniofacial spliceosomopathies.
Efficient and Scalable Object Localization in 3D on Mobile Device
Authors: Gupta Neetika , Khan Naimul Mefraz
Published: July 2022

Two-Dimensional (2D) object detection has been an intensely discussed and researched field of computer vision. With numerous advancements made in the field over the years, we still need to identify a robust approach to efficiently conduct classification and localization of objects in our environment by just using our mobile devices. Moreover, 2D object detection limits the overall understanding of the detected object and does not provide any additional information in terms of its size and position in the real world. This work proposes an object localization solution in Three-Dimension (3D) for mobile devices using a novel approach. The proposed method works by combining a 2D object detection Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model with Augmented Reality (AR) technologies to recognize objects in the environment and determine their real-world coordinates. We leverage the in-built Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) capability of Google’s ARCore to detect planes and know the camera information for generating cuboid proposals from an object’s 2D bounding box. The proposed method is fast and efficient for identifying everyday objects in real-world space and, unlike mobile offloading techniques, the method is well designed to work with limited resources of a mobile device.
Structural Optimization of a Muffler for a Marine Pumping System Based on Numerical Calculation
Authors: Liu Houlin , Lin Jiawei , Hua Runan , Dong Liang
Published: July 2022

In order to eliminate the noise in the pumping system and prolong the service life of the equipment, an optimization design method for a muffler structure is proposed. The inside of the muffler is designed with a water guide cone which plays the role of diverting the fluid in the pipeline. The muffler shell, the wall surface of the water guide cone, and the circular bottom plate adopt a porous structure. In order to achieve the best sound suppression effect of the muffler structure, the effects of different channel expansion angles and the flow area on the performance of muffler are studied the results show that when the flow channel expansion angle of the muffler is 145° and the flow area ratio is 3 times, the noise elimination performance of the muffler is the best. The structural optimization of the muffler studied in this paper is of great significance to noise reduction in the pumping system.
Sustainability by Function (SbF): A Case Study in a Rainfed Vineyard to Reduce the Loss of Soil Nutrients
Authors: López-Vicente Manuel , Álvarez Sara , Calvo-Seas Elena , Cerdà Artemi
Published: July 2022

The effectiveness of a seeded cover crop to minimize soil nutrient losses was evaluated in a rainfed vineyard. Two sediment tanks were installed (ST2: drainage area with high ground cover (GC: 82%) and ST3: very high GC (89%)) and samples from 26 time-integrated periods (TIP) were collected over 15 months. The average soil nutrient content was previously estimated in the drainage areas of ST2 (Ntotal: 0.967 mg/g; Pava: 0.411 mg/g; Kava: 1.762 mg/g) and ST3 (Ntotal: 0.711 mg/g; Pava: 0.437 mg/g; Kava: 1.856 mg/g). The sediment nutrient concentrations and the sediment/soil enrichment ratios were comparable between ST2 and ST3, but the total loss of nutrients clearly differed among areas. The loss of nutrients in the area with lower GC (379.7 g N-P-K/ha/yr) was 8.3 times higher than in the area with higher GC (45.8 g N-P-K/ha/yr), and this pattern remained during the months with low, medium and high GC: 91.9, 2.1 and 2.1 g N-P-K/ha/month in ST2 and 6.9, 3.0 and 3.5 g N-P-K/ha/month in ST3. The benefits of greater GC promote the environmental and agronomic sustainability by the functions of the cover crop, favoring healthy soils and a reduction in the investment of the farmers in fertilizers. This is very relevant in a postpandemic world under the threat of the war in Ukraine, the lack of fertilizers and the need for a local production of food.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Direct Carbon Emission and Policy Implication of Energy Transition for China’s Residential Consumption Sector by the Methods of Social Network Analysis and Geographically Weighted Regression
Authors: Sun Yuling , Jia Junsong , Ju Min , Chen Chundi
Published: July 2022

As China’s second largest energy-use sector, residential consumption has a great potential for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction and energy saving or transition. Thus, here, using the methods of social network analysis (SNA) and geographically weighted regression (GWR), we investigated the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of China’s residential CO2 emissions (RCEs) from direct energy use and proposed some policy suggestions for regional energy transition. (1) From 2000 to 2019, the total direct RCEs rose from 396.32 Mt to 1411.69 Mt; the consumption of electricity and coal were the primary sources. Controlling coal consumption and increasing the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy should be the effective way of energy transition. (2) The spatial associations of direct RCEs show an obvious spatial network structure and the number of associations is increasing. Provinces with a higher level of economic development (Beijing, Shanghai, and Jiangsu) were at the center of the network and classified as the net beneficiary cluster in 2019. These provinces should be the priority areas of energy transition. (3) The net spillover cluster (Yunnan, Shanxi, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Guizhou) is an important area to develop clean energy. People in this cluster should be encouraged to use more renewable energy. (4) GDP and per capita energy consumption had a significant positive influence on the growth of direct RCEs. Therefore, the national economy should grow healthily and sustainably to provide a favorable economic environment for energy transition. Meanwhile, residential consumption patterns should be greener to promote the use of clean energy.
Quantitative Estimation of Saline-Soil Amelioration Using Remote-Sensing Indices in Arid Land for Better Management
Authors: Aboelsoud Hesham M. , AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Kheir Ahmed M. S. , Eid Mona S. M. , Ammar Khalil A. , Khalifa Tamer H. , Scopa Antonio
Published: July 2022

Soil salinity and sodicity are significant issues worldwide. In particular, they represent the most dominant types of degraded lands, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with minimal rainfall. Furthermore, in these areas, human activities mainly contribute to increasing the degree of soil salinity, especially in dry areas. This study developed a model for mapping soil salinity and sodicity using remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). It also provided salinity management techniques (leaching and gypsum requirements) to ameliorate soil and improve crop productivity. The model results showed a high correlation between the soil electrical conductivity (ECe) and remote-sensing spectral indices SIA, SI3, VSSI, and SI9 (R2 = 0.90, 0.89, 0.87, and 0.83), respectively. In contrast, it showed a low correlation between ECe and SI5 (R2 = 0.21). The salt-affected soils in the study area cover about 56% of cultivated land, of which the spatial distribution of different soil salinity levels ranged from low soil salinity of 44% of the salinized cultivated land, moderate soil salinity of 27% of salinized cultivated land, high soil salinity of 29% of the salinized cultivated land, and extreme soil salinity of 1% of the salinized cultivated land. The leaching water requirement (LR) depths ranged from 0.1 to 0.30 m ha−1, while the gypsum requirement (GR) ranged from 0.1 to 9 ton ha−1.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of Melanocytic Nevi and Melanomas in Normal and Polarized Light—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Popecki Paweł , Kozakiewicz Marcin , Ziętek Marcin , Jurczyszyn Kamil
Published: July 2022

Clinical diagnosis of pigmented lesions can be a challenge in everyday practice. Benign and dysplastic nevi and melanomas may have similar clinical presentations, but completely different prognoses. Fractal dimensions of shape and texture can describe the complexity of the pigmented lesion structure. This study aims to apply fractal dimension analysis to differentiate melanomas, dysplastic nevi, and benign nevi in polarized and non-polarized light. A total of 87 Eighty-four patients with 97 lesions were included in this study. All examined lesions were photographed under polarized and non-polarized light, surgically removed, and examined by a histopathologist to establish the correct diagnosis. The obtained images were then processed and analyzed. Area, perimeter, and fractal dimensions of shape and texture were calculated for all the lesions under polarized and non-polarized light. The fractal dimension of shape in polarized light enables differentiating melanomas, dysplastic nevi, and benign nevi. It also makes it possible to distinguish melanomas from benign and dysplastic nevi under non-polarized light. The fractal dimension of texture allows distinguishing melanomas from benign and dysplastic nevi under polarized light. All examined parameters of shape and texture can be used for developing an automatic computer-aided diagnosis system. Polarized light is superior to non-polarized light for imaging texture details.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination Coverage among Fragile Populations in a Local Health Area of Northern Italy
Authors: Maifredi Giovanni , Izzo Ilaria , Gasparotti Cinzia , Sileo Claudio Vito ,   HIV-CoV Group, Castelli Francesco , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia
Published: July 2022

Italy was dramatically hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the province of Brescia was one of the epicenters of the outbreak. Furthermore, Brescia has one of the highest incidences of people living with HIV (PLWH) and a substantial presence of migrants. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving all citizens connected to the Brescia Health Protection Agency, assessing the SARS-CoV-2 burden, COVID-19 prevalence, and vaccination coverage. A total of 1,004,210 persons were included, 3817 PLWH and 134,492 foreigners. SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalizations and death were more frequent among Italians than foreigners. SARS-CoV-2 infections and deaths were more frequent in HIV-uninfected people than in PLWH. PLWH and foreigners were less likely to have a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis compared to HIV-negative patients. Migrants were more likely to be hospitalized but had a lower risk of death compared to HIV-negative patients. Regarding vaccination, 89.1% of the population received at least one dose of vaccine, while 70.4% of the Italian citizens and 36.3% of the foreigner subjects received three doses of vaccine. Foreigners showed a lower risk of being diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 but a higher risk of complications. HIV infection was not associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 severe manifestations compared to the general population. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was not different between PLWH and HIV uninfected people, but foreigners were more hesitant.
A VAM-Based Equivalent Model for Triangular Honeycomb Sandwich Panels: Comparison with Numerical and Experimental Data
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yang Xinlong , Lai Wengen , Zhong Yifeng , Liu Rong
Published: July 2022

Due to their complex microstructures, the research on the static and dynamic behaviors of triangular honeycomb sandwich panels (triangular HSPs) is limited. In this study, the effective plate properties of triangular HSP was obtained by the homogenizing of the unit cell, and then the input to a VAM-based two-dimensional equivalent plate model (2D-EPM) to perform static and dynamic analyses. The accuracy of the proposed model for predicting the equivalent stiffness of the triangular HSP was verified by three-point bending experiments of 3D-printed specimens. Then, the static displacement, global buckling, and free vibrations predicted by 2D-EPM were verified with the results from three-dimensional finite element model simulations under various boundary conditions. The influences of structural parameters (including angle, core wall thickness, and cell side length of the unit cell) on the static and dynamic characteristics of triangular HSPs were also investigated, which can provide a useful tool for the modeling and evaluation of triangular HSPs under different conditions.
Microwave Treatment of Calcium Phosphate/Titanium Dioxide Composite to Improve Protein Adsorption
Authors: Park Kyung Hee , Song Ho-Jun , Park Yeong-Joon
Published: July 2022

Calcium phosphate has attracted enormous attention as a bone regenerative material in biomedical fields. In this study, we investigated the effect of microwave treatment on calcium phosphate deposited TiO2 nanoflower to improve protein adsorption. Hierarchical rutile TiO2 nanoflowers (TiNF) fabricated by a hydrothermal method were soaked in modified simulated body fluid for 3 days to induce calcium phosphate (CAP) formation, followed by exposure to microwave radiation (MW). Coating the dental implants with CAP/TiNF provides a means of improving the biological properties, as the structure, morphology, and thickness of the composites can be controlled. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The composites were identified to be composed of aggregated nano-sized particles with sphere-like shapes, and the calcium phosphate demonstrated low crystallinity. The ability of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to adsorb on MW-treated CAP/TiNF composites was studied as a function of BSA concentration. The Sips isotherm was used to analyze the BSA adsorption on MW-treated CAP/TiNF composites. The MW-treated samples showed high protein adsorption capacity, thereby indicating their potential in various biomedical applications.
Structure of Randomly Distributed Nanochain Aggregates on Silicon Substrates: Modeling and Optical Absorption Characteristics
Authors: Zhao Tianze , Gao Yanze , Shi Rui , Li Zhuo , Shi Qingfeng
Published: July 2022

Nanoparticle aggregate structures allow for efficient photon capture, and thus exhibit excellent optical absorption properties. In this study, a model of randomly distributed nanochain aggregates on silicon substrates is developed and analyzed. The Gaussian, uniform, and Cauchy spatial distribution functions are used to characterize the aggregate forms of the nanochains and their morphologies are realistically reconstructed. The relationships between the structural parameters (thickness and filling factor), equivalent physical parameters (density, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity), and visible absorptivity of the structures are established and analyzed. All the above-mentioned parameters exhibit extreme values, which maximize the visible-range absorption; these values are determined by the material properties and nanochain aggregate structure. Finally, Al nanochain aggregate samples are fabricated on Si substrates by reducing the kinetic energy of the metal vapor during deposition. The spectral reflection characteristics of the samples are studied experimentally. The Spearman correlation coefficients for the calculated spectral absorption curves and those measured experimentally are higher than 0.82, thus confirming that the model is accurate. The relative errors between the calculated visible-range absorptivities and the measured data are less than 0.3%, further confirming the accuracy of the model.
Influence of Xenogeneic and Alloplastic Carriers for Bone Augmentation on Human Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells
Authors: Schorn Lara , Sine Anna , Berr Karin , Handschel Jörg , Depprich Rita , Kübler Norbert R. , Sproll Christoph , Rana Majeed , Lommen Julian
Published: July 2022

Alloplastic and xenogeneic bone grafting materials are frequently used for bone augmentation. The effect of these materials on precursor cells for bone augmentation is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to ascertain, in vitro, how augmentation materials influence the growth rates and viability of human unrestricted somatic stem cells. The biocompatibility of two xenogeneic and one alloplastic bone graft was tested using human unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs). Proliferation, growth, survival and attachment of unrestricted somatic stem cells were monitored after 24 h, 48 h and 7 days. Furthermore, cell shape and morphology were evaluated by SEM. Scaffolds were assessed for their physical properties by Micro-CT imaging. USSCs showed distinct proliferation on the different carriers. Greatest proliferation was observed on the xenogeneic carriers along with improved viability of the cells. Pore sizes of the scaffolds varied significantly, with the xenogeneic materials providing greater pore sizes than the synthetic inorganic material. Unrestricted somatic stem cells in combination with a bovine collagenous bone block seem to be very compatible. A scaffold’s surface morphology, pore size and bioactive characteristics influence the proliferation, attachment and viability of USSCs.
Artificial Neural Networking (ANN) Model for Convective Heat Transfer in Thermally Magnetized Multiple Flow Regimes with Temperature Stratification Effects
Authors: Rehman Khalil Ur , Çolak Andaç Batur , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: July 2022

The convective heat transfer in non-Newtonian fluid flow in the presence of temperature stratification, heat generation, and heat absorption effects is debated by using artificial neural networking. The heat transfer rate is examined for the four different thermal flow regimes namely (I) thermal flow field towards a flat surface along with thermal radiations, (II) thermal flow field towards a flat surface without thermal radiations, (III) thermal flow field over a cylindrical surface with thermal radiations, and (IV) thermal flow field over a cylindrical surface without thermal radiations. For each regime, a Nusselt number is carried out to construct an artificial neural networking model. The model prediction performance is reported by using varied neuron numbers and input parameters, and the results are assessed. The ANN model is designed by using the Bayesian regularization training procedure, and a high-performing MLP network model is used. The data used in the creation of the MLP network was 80 percent for model training and 20 percent for testing. The graph shows the degree of agreement between the ANN model projected values and the goal values. We discovered that an artificial neural network model can provide high-efficiency forecasts for heat transfer rates having engineering standpoints. For both flat and cylindrical surfaces, the heat transfer normal to the surface reflects inciting nature towards the Prandtl number and heat absorption parameter, while the opposite is the case for the temperature stratification parameter and heat generation parameter. It is important to note that the magnitude of heat transfer is significantly larger for Flow Regime-IV in comparison with Flow Regimes-I, -II, and -III.
Seaweed Phenolics as Natural Antioxidants, Aquafeed Additives, Veterinary Treatments and Cross-Linkers for Microencapsulation
Authors: Gunathilake Tharuka , Akanbi Taiwo O. , Suleria Hafiz A. R. , Nalder Tim D. , Francis David S. , Barrow Colin J.
Published: July 2022

Driven by consumer demand and government policies, synthetic additives in aquafeed require substitution with sustainable and natural alternatives. Seaweeds have been shown to be a sustainable marine source of novel bioactive phenolic compounds that can be used in food, animal and aqua feeds, or microencapsulation applications. For example, phlorotannins are a structurally unique polymeric phenolic group exclusively found in brown seaweed that act through multiple antioxidant mechanisms. Seaweed phenolics show high affinities for binding proteins via covalent and non-covalent bonds and can have specific bioactivities due to their structures and associated physicochemical properties. Their ability to act as protein cross-linkers means they can be used to enhance the rheological and mechanical properties of food-grade delivery systems, such as microencapsulation, which is a new area of investigation illustrating the versatility of seaweed phenolics. Here we review how seaweed phenolics can be used in a range of applications, with reference to their bioactivity and structural properties.
Clinical and Polysomnographic Features Associated with Poor Sleep Quality in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kania Aleksander , Polok Kamil , Celejewska-Wójcik Natalia , Nastałek Paweł , Opaliński Andrzej , Mrzygłód Barbara , Regulski Krzysztof , Głowacki Mirosław , Sładek Krzysztof , Bochenek Grażyna
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: Poor sleep quality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be associated with different clinical and polysomnographic features. The aim of this study was to identify features associated with poor sleep quality in OSA patients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study enrolling patients with OSA confirmed by polysomnography (PSG). In addition to gathering clinical data, patients were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with an increased risk of poor sleep quality in this population. Results: Among 505 enrolled patients (mean age of 57.1 years, 69.7% male) poor quality of sleep (PSQI score ≥ 5) was confirmed in 68.9% of them. Multivariable analysis revealed the following factors associated with poor sleep quality: chronic heart failure (OR 3.111; 95% CI, 1.083–8.941, p = 0.035), male sex (OR 0.396; 95% CI, 0.199–0.787, p = 0.008), total ESS score (OR 1.193; 95% CI, 1.124–1.266, p < 0.001), minimal saturation during sleep (OR 1.034; 95% CI, 1.002–1.066, p = 0.036), and N3 percentage of total sleep time (OR 1.110; 95% CI, 1.027–1.200, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Our study suggests that both the female sex and coexistence of heart failure are independent risk factors for poor sleep quality. Moreover, we hypothesize that nocturnal hypoxia may lead to a misperception of sleep quality and may explain the counterintuitive association between a higher proportion of deep sleep and poor sleep quality.
A New Extruded Mg-6Bi-3Al-1Zn Alloy with Excellent Tensile Properties
Authors: Meng Shuaiju , Xiao Haoran , Luo Zhanju , Zhang Mingchi , Jiang Runlin , Cheng Xueqi , Yu Haicun
Published: July 2022

Aiming to develop low-cost Mg alloys with good mechanical properties, a new Mg-6Bi-3Al-1Zn (wt.%, BAZ631) alloy having a high ultimate tensile strength of ~402 MPa and an elongation of ~15% was fabricated by single pass extrusion. The as-extruded BAZ631 alloy demonstrates an almost fully dynamic recrystallized microstructure with an average grain size of ~2.9 μm. Moreover, both nano-scale Mg3Bi2 and Mg17Al12 precipitates were found dispersed in the matrix. These excellent mechanical properties are attributed to the combined effects of grain boundary strengthening, dispersion and precipitation strengthening induced by both micro and nanoscale second phase particles, and solid-solution strengthening. This high strength and good ductile Mg-Bi based alloy without rare-earth elements addition is expected to inspire a new alloy design strategy for fabricating high performance Mg products for larger-scale industrial applications.
A Review of Northern Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus) Literature to Direct Future Health Monitoring Initiatives
Authors: Cortés Valerie , Patyk Kelly , Simeone Claire , Johnson Valerie , Vega Johanna , Savage Kate , Duncan Colleen
Published: July 2022

Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus, NFS) are a vulnerable species broadly distributed throughout the north Pacific. Although commercial hunting stopped in 1984, the population has continued to decline for unknown reasons. The goal of this scoping review was to synthesize and review 50 years of literature relevant to the health of NFS to inform the development of health surveillance recommendations. Search criteria were developed and applied to three databases, followed by title and abstract screening and full text review. Articles published between 1 January 1972 and 31 December 2021 were included. Articles were categorized by health determinant, and further as relating to ten subcategories of disease. Data were summarized descriptively. A total of 148 publications met the criteria for inclusion. Infectious disease reports were common, primarily relating to metazoan parasite presence. The presence of zoonotic pathogens such as Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. is of public health interest, although a failure to link disease research to individual animal or population health outcomes was consistent across the literature. A shift away from the single agent focus of disease programs toward more holistic, health-oriented perspectives will require broader interdisciplinary collaboration. These findings can inform stakeholders and help them to prioritize and strategize on future NFS health research efforts.
Transcriptome Analysis of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Fruit under Postharvest Storage Identifies Genes Families Involved in Ripening
Authors: Palomino-Hermosillo Yolotzin Apatzingan , Berumen-Varela Guillermo , Ochoa-Jiménez Verónica Alhelí , Balois-Morales Rosendo , Jiménez-Zurita José Orlando , Bautista-Rosales Pedro Ulises , Martínez-González Mónica Elizabeth , López-Guzmán Graciela Guadalupe , Cortés-Cruz Moisés Alberto , Guzmán Luis Felipe , Cornejo-Granados Fernanda , Gallardo-Becerra Luigui , Ochoa-Leyva Adrian , Alia-Tejacal Iran
Published: July 2022

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is climacteric fruit with a short ripening period and postharvest shelf life, leading to a rapid softening. In this study, transcriptome analysis of soursop fruits was performed to identify key gene families involved in ripening under postharvest storage conditions (Day 0, Day 3 stored at 28 ± 2 °C, Day 6 at 28 ± 2 °C, Day 3 at 15 ± 2 °C, Day 6 at 15 ± 2 °C, Day 9 at 15 ± 2 °C). The transcriptome analysis showed 224,074 transcripts assembled clustering into 95, 832 unigenes, of which 21, 494 had ORF. RNA-seq analysis showed the highest number of differentially expressed genes on Day 9 at 15 ± 2 °C with 9291 genes (4772 up-regulated and 4519 down-regulated), recording the highest logarithmic fold change in pectin-related genes. Enrichment analysis presented significantly represented GO terms and KEGG pathways associated with molecular function, metabolic process, catalytic activity, biological process terms, as well as biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant hormone signal, starch, and sucrose metabolism, plant–pathogen interaction, plant–hormone signal transduction, and MAPK-signaling pathways, among others. Network analysis revealed that pectinesterase genes directly regulate the loss of firmness in fruits stored at 15 ± 2 °C.
Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane over Nickel-Supported Zeolites: A Screening Study
Authors: Bacariza Carmen , Karam Leila , El Hassan Nissrine , Lopes José M. , Henriques Carlos
Published: July 2022

As the utilization of zeolites has become more frequent in the dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction, more systematic studies are required to evaluate properly the influence of zeolites’ composition and framework type on the performance. Therefore, in this work, a step-by-step study was performed with the aim of analyzing the effects of Ni loading (5, 10 or 15 wt.% over USY(3) zeolite), Si/Al ratio (3, 15 or 38 on USY zeolites with 15 wt.% Ni) and framework type (USY, BEA, ZSM-5 or MOR for 15 wt.% Ni and Si/Al ratios of ≈40) on catalysts’ properties and performances. Increasing Ni loadings enhanced CH4 and CO2 conversions even though the catalysts’ stability was decreasing over the time. The variation of the Si/Al ratio on USY and the use of different zeolites had also a remarkable impact on the catalytic performance. For instance, at 500–600 °C reaction temperatures, the catalysts with higher basicity and reducibility exhibited the best results. However, when the temperature was further increased, catalysts presenting stronger metal–support interactions (nickel nanoparticles located in mesoporous cavities) displayed the highest conversions and stability over time. In brief, the use of 15 wt.% Ni and a USY zeolite, with both micro- and mesopores and high surface area, led to the best performances, mainly attributed to a favorable number of Ni0 active sites and the establishment of stronger metal–support interactions (due to nanoparticles confinement inside the mesopores).
Despeckling of Ultrasound Images Using Block Matching and SVD in Sparse Representation
Authors: Reyes-Reyes Rogelio , Aranda-Bojorges Gibran H. , Garcia-Salgado Beatriz P. , Ponomaryov Volodymyr , Cruz-Ramos Clara , Sadovnychiy Sergiy
Published: July 2022

This work proposes a novel scheme for speckle suppression on medical images acquired by ultrasound sensors. The proposed method is based on the block matching procedure by using mutual information as a similarity measure in grouping patches in a clustered area, originating a new despeckling method that integrates the statistical properties of an image and its texture for creating 3D groups in the BM3D scheme. For this purpose, the segmentation of ultrasound images is carried out considering superpixels and a variation of the local binary patterns algorithm to improve the performance of the block matching procedure. The 3D groups are modeled in terms of grouped tensors and despekled with singular value decomposition. Moreover, a variant of the bilateral filter is used as a post-processing step to recover and enhance edges’ quality. Experimental results have demonstrated that the designed framework guarantees a good despeckling performance in ultrasound images according to the objective quality criteria commonly used in literature and via visual perception.
An Investigation on the Influence of Operation Experience on Virtual Hazard Perception Using Wearable Eye Tracking Technology
Authors: Li Siyu , Jiang Yongqing , Sun Chao , Guo Kangkang , Wang Xin
Published: July 2022

Poor electrical hazard recognition is a widespread issue in the production industry. Hazard perception has impacts workers’ hazard recognition, causing them to experience unanticipated hazard exposure and suffer catastrophic injuries. To improve the factors of affecting hazard perception, the current study examined hazard recognition as an everyday visual search task. A comparative test was carried out combining the advantages and disadvantages of the two test methods. It was confirmed that the virtual image test data can replace the real image test data and demonstrate superior flexible settings performance, so the virtual image test method is used. A hazard perception test method based on wearable eye tracking technology was proposed to analyze the eye-tracking data (i.e., fixation, count, search duration, mean fixation duration, eye tracking, and hazard recognition performance feedback) were compared between experts in the field of electrical safety: skilled workers with at least five years of work experience and workers who had been on the job for less than a year. It was found that experts had a better hazard recognition accuracy and missed detection rate than other workers. Experts’ hazards research track was more concised and paid less attention time. This advantage is most obvious in complex risk environments. The findings also suggest that workers who have different working years was not obvious visual search patterns other than the search duration. As can be seen the work experience is not an absolute factor in improving hazard perception. The present research will be useful to understand the influence of working years on hazard perception and provide a theoretical basis for corresponding training.
The Immunology of Zoonotic Infection
Authors: Li Yang , Li Qiuchun
Published: July 2022

Zoonotic infection can threaten public health locally and globally [...]