bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Extracerebral Tissue on Continuous Wave Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Adults: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies
Authors: Eleveld Nick , Esquivel-Franco Diana C. , Drost Gea , Absalom Anthony R. , Zeebregts Clark J. , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M. , Elting Jan Willem J. , Maurits Natasha M.
Published: April 2023

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive technique for measuring regional tissue haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and oxygen saturation (rSO2). It may be used to monitor cerebral perfusion and oxygenation in patients at risk of cerebral ischemia or hypoxia, for example, during cardiothoracic or carotid surgery. However, extracerebral tissue (mainly scalp and skull tissue) influences NIRS measurements, and the extent of this influence is not clear. Thus, before more widespread use of NIRS as an intraoperative monitoring modality is warranted, this issue needs to be better understood. We therefore conducted a systematic review of published in vivo studies of the influence of extracerebral tissue on NIRS measurements in the adult population. Studies that used reference techniques for the perfusion of the intra- and extracerebral tissues or that selectively altered the intra- or extracerebral perfusion were included. Thirty-four articles met the inclusion criteria and were of sufficient quality. In 14 articles, Hb concentrations were compared directly with measurements from reference techniques, using correlation coefficients. When the intracerebral perfusion was altered, the correlations between Hb concentrations and intracerebral reference technique measurements ranged between |r| = 0.45–0.88. When the extracerebral perfusion was altered, correlations between Hb concentrations and extracerebral reference technique measurements ranged between |r| = 0.22–0.93. In studies without selective perfusion modification, correlations of Hb with intra- and extracerebral reference technique measurements were generally lower (|r| < 0.52). Five articles studied rSO2. There were varying correlations of rSO2 with both intra- and extracerebral reference technique measurements (intracerebral: |r| = 0.18–0.77, extracerebral: |r| = 0.13–0.81). Regarding study quality, details on the domains, participant selection and flow and timing were often unclear. We conclude that extracerebral tissue indeed influences NIRS measurements, although the evidence (i.e., correlation) for this influence varies considerably across the assessed studies. These results are strongly affected by the study protocols and analysis techniques used. Studies employing multiple protocols and reference techniques for both intra- and extracerebral tissues are therefore needed. To quantitatively compare NIRS with intra- and extracerebral reference techniques, we recommend applying a complete regression analysis. The current uncertainty regarding the influence of extracerebral tissue remains a hurdle in the clinical implementation of NIRS for intraoperative monitoring. The protocol was pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020199053).
2D Strain Analysis in Myocarditis—Can We Be Any Closer to Diagnose the Acute Phase of the Disease?
Authors: Supeł Karolina , Wieczorkiewicz Paulina , Przybylak Katarzyna , Zielińska Marzenna
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of present study was to assess left ventricular myocardial deformation detected by 2D STE in patients with suspected acute myocarditis (AM) early on admission in whom later cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluation was performed. Methods: A total of 47 patients with suspected AM based on clinical practice were prospectively enrolled. Coronary angiography was performed on all patients to rule out significant coronary artery disease. CMR confirmed myocardial inflammation, oedema, and regional necrosis meeting the Lake Louise criteria in 25 patients (53%, oedema (+) subgroup). In the remaining patients, only LGE was confirmed in the sub-epicardial or intramuscular localization (22 patients, 47%, oedema (−) subgroup). Early on admission, echocardiography with measurements of global and segmental longitudinal strains (GLS), circumferential strains (GCS) at the endocardial (endocardial GCS) and epicardial (epicardial GCS) layers, transmural GCS, and radial strains (RS) were performed. Results: Mild reduction of GLS, GRS, and transmural GCS values were found in patients with oedema (+) subgroup. The epicardial GCS turned out to be the diagnostic factor for oedema with a cut-off point of 13,0% (AUC 0.747, p = 0.0005). Twenty-two patients (all but three) with an acute phase of myocarditis and epicardial GCS −13.0% or less had oedema confirmed by CMR. Conclusions: 2D STE can help to set the diagnosis of AM in patients with acute chest pain with a normal coronary angiogram. The epicardial GCS can serve as a diagnostic factor for oedema in patients with early stage of AM. In patients presenting with signs of AM (oedema in CMR), the epicardial GCS is modified in comparison with a subgroup without oedema; therefore, this parameter could be used to improve the performance of ultrasound.
Osteosarcoma: Current Concepts and Evolutions in Management Principles
Authors: Pilavaki Pampina , Gahanbani Ardakani Amir , Gikas Panagiotis , Constantinidou Anastasia
Published: April 2023

Osteosarcoma is a rare malignancy arising from mesenchymal tissue, and represents the most common bone sarcoma. The management of osteosarcoma is challenging, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. In daily clinical practice, surgery, radiotherapy, and conventional chemotherapy constitute the therapeutic armamentarium against the disease. However, a significant number of patients with initially localized osteosarcoma will experience local or distant recurrence, and the prognosis for metastatic disease remains dismal. There is a pressing need to identify novel therapeutic strategies to better manage osteosarcoma and improve survival outcomes. In this study, we present recent advances in the therapeutic management of osteosarcoma, including surgical and medical advances. The role of immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cellular therapy, cancer vaccines) and other targeted therapies including tyrosine kinase inhibitors is discussed; however, additional studies are required to delineate their roles in clinical practice.
Clinical and Genetic Screening for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Paediatric Relatives: Changing Paradigms in Clinical Practice
Authors: Lawley Claire M. , Kaski Juan Pablo
Published: April 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. While the aetiology is heterogeneous, most cases are caused by variants in the genes encoding components of the cardiac sarcomere, which are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the role of clinical screening and predictive genetic testing in children with a first-degree relative with HCM, with the recognition that phenotypic expression can, and often does, manifest in young children and that familial disease in the paediatric age group may not be benign. The care of the child and family affected by HCM relies on a multidisciplinary team, with a key role for genomics. This review article summarises current evidence in clinical and genetic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in paediatric relatives and highlights aspects that remain to be resolved.
Outcome of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest among Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Sedhai Yub Raj , Dawadi Sagun , Dhakal Bishal , Shtembari Jurgen , Singh Karan , Acharya Roshan , Basnyat Soney , Waheed Irfan , Khan Mohammad Saud , Kazimuddin Mohammed , Patel Nimesh K. , Kalahasty Gautham , Bhave Prashant Dattatraya , Whalen Patrick , Shantha Ghanshyam
Published: April 2023

Background: Outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in patients with COVID-19 have been reported by several small single-institutional studies; however, there are no large studies contrasting COVID-19 IHCA with non-COVID-19 IHCA. The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes following IHCA between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Methods: We searched databases using predefined search terms and appropriate Boolean operators. All the relevant articles published till August 2022 were included in the analyses. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure effects. Results: Among 855 studies screened, 6 studies with 27,453 IHCA patients (63.84% male) with COVID-19 and 20,766 (59.7% male) without COVID-19 were included in the analysis. IHCA among patients with COVID-19 has lower odds of achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.62–0.70). Similarly, patients with COVID-19 have higher odds of 30-day mortality following IHCA (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 2.08–2.45) and have 45% lower odds of cardiac arrest because of a shockable rhythm (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.50–0.60) (9.59% vs. 16.39%). COVID-19 patients less commonly underwent targeted temperature management (TTM) or coronary angiography; however, they were more commonly intubated and on vasopressor therapy as compared to patients who did not have a COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that IHCA with COVID-19 has a higher mortality and lower rates of ROSC compared with non-COVID-19 IHCA. COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in IHCA patients.
Periprocedural Outcomes of Rotational Atherectomy-Assisted Balloon Angioplasty in Isolated Atherosclerotic Popliteal Artery Lesions: The ISO-POP Trial
Authors: Donas Konstantinos , Psyllas Anastasios , Pitoulias Apostolos , Kazemtash Majid , Dahi Firouza , Abu Bakr Nizar , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: April 2023

Background: Treatment of calcified popliteal artery lesions represents an ongoing challenge for vascular specialists. Biomechanical forces of external compression, torsion and elongation that occur with locomotion in the popliteal segment can lead to stent fractures and occlusions. The aim of our study was to assess the procedural success rate of atherectomy in combination with balloon angioplasty for isolated calcified popliteal artery lesions. Methods: Between January 2020 and December 2022, 62 patients with isolated atherosclerotic lesions of the popliteal artery underwent endovascular treatment by use of rotational atherectomy (Phoenix, Philips USA, (subgroup A) or Jetstream, Boston USA, (subgroup B), atherectomy systems) and additional balloon angioplasty in two vascular centers. The primary outcome measures were: 1. periprocedural clinical and technical success (<30% residual stenosis and no need for bailout stenting due to flow-limiting dissection) and 2. postprocedural increase in the ankle brachial index of more than 0.1. Results: The overall rate of bailout stenting was 4.8%, whereas the procedural success rate was 98.4%. The rate of procedural complications included 3.7% and 5.7% peripheral embolizations in the subgroups A and B, respectively, and no vessel perforations were noted. All embolizations were successfully treated by catheter aspiration or capture in the pre-treatment placed filter system. In addition, 1 (3.7%) pseudoaneurysm in the groin was reported in subgroup A and treated by surgical means. Median ABI of the affected limbs improved from 0.55 (0.2) to 0.70 (0.2) in subgroup A and from 0.50 (0.2) to 0.95 (0.1) in subgroup B (DABI of 0.15 versus 0.45, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of rotational atherectomy and balloon angioplasty in the popliteal artery showed reproducible outcomes in 2 centers, with low incidence of complications and low rates of bail-out stenting. These findings may contribute to more liberal use of such devices especially in segments with high risk for stent factures and occlusions.
Cytotoxicity of Biodegradable Zinc and Its Alloys: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liu Qian , Li An , Liu Shizhen , Fu Qingyun , Xu Yichen , Dai Jingtao , Li Ping , Xu Shulan
Published: April 2023

Zinc-based biodegradable metals (BMs) have been developed for biomedical implant materials. However, the cytotoxicity of Zn and its alloys has caused controversy. This work aims to investigate whether Zn and its alloys possess cytotoxic effects and the corresponding influence factors. According to the guidelines of the PRISMA statement, an electronic combined hand search was conducted to retrieve articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (2013.1–2023.2) following the PICOS strategy. Eighty-six eligible articles were included. The quality of the included toxicity studies was assessed utilizing the ToxRTool. Among the included articles, extract tests were performed in 83 studies, and direct contact tests were conducted in 18 studies. According to the results of this review, the cytotoxicity of Zn-based BMs is mainly determined by three factors, namely, Zn-based materials, tested cells, and test system. Notably, Zn and its alloys did not exhibit cytotoxic effects under certain test conditions, but significant heterogeneity existed in the implementation of the cytotoxicity evaluation. Furthermore, there is currently a relatively lower quality of current cytotoxicity evaluation in Zn-based BMs owing to the adoption of nonuniform standards. Establishing a standardized in vitro toxicity assessment system for Zn-based BMs is required for future investigations.
Hypochlorous Acid-Activated UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK Multifunctional Nanosystem for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Authors: Qiao Luying , Shen Yang , Li Guangzhi , Lv Guanglei , Li Chunxia
Published: April 2023

The development of nanosystems, which can photooxygenate amyloid-β (Aβ), detect the Tau protein, and inhibit effectively the Tau aggregation, is increasingly important in the diagnosis and therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK (UCNPs: upconversion nanoparticles, LMB: Leucomethylene blue, and VQIVYK: Biocompatible peptide) is designed as a HOCl-controlled released nanosystem for AD synergistic treatment. Under exposure to high levels of HOCl, the released MB from UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK will produce singlet oxygen (1O2) under red light to depolymerize Aβ aggregation and reduce cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK can act as an inhibitor to decrease Tau-induced neurotoxicity. Besides, UCNPs-LMB/VQIVYK can be used for upconversion luminescence (UCL) due to its unexceptionable luminescence properties. This HOCl-responsive nanosystem offers a new therapy for AD treatment.
A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Various Aligner Materials and Attachments on Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Kanwal Bushra , Shqaidef Abedalrahman , Alswairki Haytham Jamil , Alfawzan Ahmed Ali , Alabdullatif Abdulilah Ibrahim , Aalmunif Abdulaziz Naser , Aljrewey Sattam Hamad , Alothman Thamer Abdullah , Shrivastava Deepti , Srivastava Kumar Chandan
Published: April 2023

The majority of patients strongly favor the use of aligners in the present time, especially with the advancement in esthetic dentistry. Today’s market is flooded with aligner companies, many of which share the same therapeutic ethos. We therefore carried out a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate research that had looked at various aligner materials and attachments and their effect on orthodontic tooth movement in relevant studies. A total of 634 papers were discovered after a thorough search of online journals using keywords such as “Aligners”, “Orthodontics”, “Orthodontic attachments”, “Orthodontic tooth movement”, and “Polyethylene” across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The authors individually and in parallel carried out the database investigation, removal of duplicate studies, data extraction, and bias risk. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the type of aligner material had a significant impact on orthodontic tooth movement. The low level of heterogeneity and significant overall effect further support this finding. However, there was little effect of attachment size or shape on tooth mobility. The examined materials were primarily concerned with influencing the physical/physicochemical characteristics of the appliances and not tooth movement directly. Invisalign (Inv) had a higher mean value than the other types of materials that were analyzed, which suggested a potentially greater impact on orthodontic tooth movement. However, its variance value indicated that there was also greater uncertainty associated with the estimate compared to some of the other plastics. These findings could have important implications for orthodontic treatment planning and aligner material selection. Registration: This review protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42022381466).
Five-Factor Model and DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorder Profile Construction: Associations with Cognitive Ability and Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Lau Chloe , Bagby R. Michael , Pollock Bruce G. , Quilty Lena
Published: April 2023

Although numerous studies have explored latent profiles using the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of normative personality, no studies have investigated how broad personality traits (i.e., FFM) and pathological personality traits using the alternative model of personality disorder (AMPD) may combine for latent personality profiles. The present study recruited outpatients (N = 201) who completed the Big Five Aspects Scales (BFAS), Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I/P), gambling and alcohol use measures, and the Weschler Intelligence subtests. When FFM and AMPD measures were combined, latent profile analyses revealed four profiles, Internalizing-Thought disorder, Externalizing, Average-Detached, and Adaptive. Detachment and openness to experience were the most and least essential traits for profile distinction, respectively. No associations between group membership and cognitive ability measures were found. Internalizing-Thought disorder membership was linked with a current mood and anxiety disorder diagnosis. Externalizing profile membership was associated with younger age, problematic gambling, alcohol use, and a current substance use disorder diagnosis. The four FFM–AMPD profiles overlapped with the four FFM-only and three AMPD-only profiles. Overall, the FFM–AMPD profiles appeared to have better convergent and discriminant validity with DSM-relevant psychopathology.
The Anti-Overturning Response of Tripod Bucket Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Zhang Rongsheng , Liu Hanqiu , Zhang Cailiang , Chen Yong , Tian Zhenya , Fan Shaotao , Zhu Ronghua
Published: April 2023

The tripod bucket jacket foundation is proven to be a practicable solution for offshore wind turbines (OWTs) to withstand huge environmental loads in deep water. This paper presents model tests for a scaled tripod bucket jacket foundation with reference to a prototype applied in China to obtain its lateral load bearing behavior in medium-dense sands. Extended finite element analyses were conducted by ABAQUS to compare anti-overturning responses for the tripod bucket foundation in both sand and soft clay, and the influences of loading direction and aspect ratio were also taken into account. The results showed that the failure modes of the laterally loaded tripod bucket foundation are the pull-out of the windward bucket in sand and the settlement of the leeward bucket in soft clay, respectively. Thus, the unfavorable loading direction of the foundation changes with soil type. It is also shown that the bearing capacity for the foundation in soft clay will be enhanced more effectively as the bucket diameter increases. Instead of the rotational soil resistance resulting from the rotation of the bucket, the vertical soil resistance governs the anti-overturning bearing capacity of a tripod bucket foundation. As the tilt created by the overturning moment rises, the rotational stiffness of the foundation dramatically declines.
Autonomous Shallow Water Hydrographic Survey Using a Proto-Type USV
Authors: Constantinoiu Laurențiu-Florin , Bernardino Mariana , Rusu Eugen
Published: April 2023

Maritime unmanned systems (MUS) have gained widespread usage in a diverse range of hydrographic survey activities, including harbor/port surveys, beach and coastline monitoring, environmental assessment, and military operations. The present article explains a validated, rapid, and reliable technique for processing hydrographic data that was obtained via an autonomous hydrographic survey, and which was executed by a prototype unmanned surface vessel (USV) belonging to the Unmanned Survey Solutions (USS) corporation. The experimentation was part of the annual Multinational Exercise Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping that was augmented by Maritime Unmanned Systems 22 (REPMUS22), which was held in the national waters of Portugal. The main objective of this experimentation was to assess the underwater environment over an ocean beach for an amphibious landing exercise. Moreover, the integration of the multibeam system with the autonomous prototype vessel was assessed. A short comparison between the USV survey and a traditional vessel multibeam survey is presented, whereby the advantages of performing an autonomous survey operation near the coastline is emphasized. A correlation between a known multibeam processing technique and the dissemination of a rapid but consistent product for operational use is described, highlighting the applicability of the technique for the data collected from small experimental platforms. Moreover, this study outlines the relationship between the particular errors observed in autonomous small vehicles and in conventional data processing methods. The resultant cartographic outputs from the hydrographic survey are presented, emphasizing the specific inaccuracies within the raw data and the suitability of distinct hydrographic products for various user domains.
Neoadjuvant Androgen Receptor Signaling Inhibitors before Radical Prostatectomy for Non-Metastatic Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Rajwa Pawel , Quhal Fahad , Kawada Tatsushi , Bekku Kensuke , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Deimling Markus von , Chlosta Marcin , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Kimura Takahiro , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Several phase II studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), assessed the efficacy of adding androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as a neoadjuvant treatment in patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa). Summarizing the early results of these studies could help in designing phase III trials and patient counseling. (2) Methods: We queried three databases in January 2023 for studies that included PCa patients treated with neoadjuvant ARSI-based combination therapy before RP. The outcomes of interest were oncologic outcomes and pathologic responses, such as pathologic complete response (pCR) and minimal residual disease (MRD). (3) Results: Overall, twenty studies (eight RCTs) were included in this systematic review. Compared to ADT or ARSI alone, ARSI + ADT was associated with higher pCR and MRD rates; this effect was less evident when adding a second ARSI or chemotherapy. Nevertheless, ARSI + ADT resulted in relatively low pCR rates (0–13%) with a high proportion of ypT3 (48–90%) in the resected specimen. PTEN loss, ERG positive, or intraductal carcinoma seem to be associated with worse pathologic response. One study that adjusted for the effects of possible confounders reported that neoadjuvant ARSI + ADT improved time to biochemical recurrence and metastasis-free survival compared to RP alone. (4) Conclusions: Neoadjuvant ARSI + ADT combination therapy results in improved pathologic response compared to either alone or none in patients with non-metastatic advanced PCa. Ongoing phase III RCTs with long-term oncologic outcomes, as well as biomarker-guided studies, will clarify the indication, oncologic benefits, and adverse events of ARSI + ADT in patients with clinically and biologically aggressive PCa.
Evolution in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: The Adjuvant Role of Reboot Surgery in Patients with Uncontrolled Nasal Symptoms of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Pirola Francesca , Giunta Gianmarco , Muci Giovanna , Giombi Francesco , Nappi Emanuele , Grizzi Fabio , Heffler Enrico , Paoletti Giovanni , Canonica Giorgio , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe , Schroeder Jan , Malvezzi Luca
Published: April 2023

Purpose: In the era of precision medicine, target-therapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has enabled new treatment options in patients affected by eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Nevertheless, sometimes unsatisfactory results at a nasal level may be observed. The aim of this study is to describe reboot surgery as a potential adjuvant strategy in multi-operated, yet uncontrolled EGPA patients treated with Mepolizumab. Methods: We performed reboot surgery on EGPA patients with refractory CRSwNP. We obtained clinical data, nasal endoscopy, nasal biopsy, and symptom severity scores two months before surgery and 12 months after it. Computed tomography (CT) prior to surgery was also obtained. Results: Two patients were included in the study. Baseline sinonasal disease was severe. Systemic EGPA manifestations were under control, and the patients received previous mepolizumab treatment and previous surgery with no permanent benefits on sinonasal symptoms. Twelve months after surgery, nasal symptoms were markedly improved; endoscopy showed an absence of nasal polyps and there were fewer eosinophils at histology. Conclusions: We presented the first experience of two EGPA patients with refractory CRSwNP who underwent non-mucosa sparing (reboot) sinus surgery; our results support the possible adjuvant role of reboot surgery in this particular subset of patients.
Open Habitats under Threat in Mountainous, Mediterranean Landscapes: Land Abandonment Consequences in the Vegetation Cover of the Thessalian Part of Mt Agrafa (Central Greece)
Authors: Chontos Konstantinos , Tsiripidis Ioannis
Published: April 2023

Land abandonment is one of the main drivers of land use/land cover (LULC) change across Europe, which has already led to a significant loss of open habitats, threatening species hosted in them. We investigated LULC changes for a period of 70 years in a mountainous area of central Greece (Mt Agrafa) by mapping its land cover for the years 1945, 1996 and 2015, calculating transition matrices of land cover classes and performing intensity analysis at different levels. Subareas of the study area, with different population trends, were compared in regard to their LULC change trends. Possible drivers of LULC changes were explored by means of Random Forest modeling, and landscape metrics were calculated to assess their trends. Our results showed great changes in LULC class cover, significant shrinkage of open habitats, accelerated rates of change in the recent period and no differences in LULC change patterns in relation to different population trends. Variables expressing favorability of ecological conditions for forest establishment or probability of farmland abandonment were found as more important drivers of the spatiotemporal distribution of LULC classes, while landscape metrics revealed certain trends. Our main conclusion is that land abandonment and the subsequent vegetation succession are going through a semifinal stage, before their completeness and the almost absolute dominance of the forest, and repopulation of the countryside cannot unconditionally ensure any halting effect on the land abandonment process.
Constructed Wetlands Using Treated Membrane Concentrate for Coastal Wetland Restoration and the Renewal of Multiple Ecosystem Services
Authors: Chakraborti Rajat K. , Bays James S.
Published: April 2023

The management of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) poses a challenge to utilities as it requires expensive disposal methods and advanced treatment in order to comply with regulations. This paper presents studies of natural treatment approaches, such as constructed wetlands (CWs), that have been tailored to treat ROC. Conceptually, with testing and planning, these wetlands could meet regulatory criteria before discharging to the surface water and achieving multiple benefits. Lessons learned from pilot studies of wetland treatment of ROC point to the potential benefits of designing full-scale wetlands for concentrate management. Studies have illustrated the ability of CWs to reduce the concentrations of metals and simultaneously remove nutrients to meet state standards for aquatic and wildlife designated uses. Nutrient removal processes include denitrification for nitrogen removal (possibly supplemented with Annamox reduction of NO3-N), labile carbon assimilation supporting oxidized nitrogen reduction, and phosphate-P uptake and precipitation. Because of the evaporative water loss, mass removal efficiencies were greater than concentration reductions. Studies illustrate how engineered wetlands help with the management of ROC produced from reclaimed water through reductions in concentration and volume for disposal through evapotranspiration. The associated creation of wildlife habitats and coastal wetland restoration could result in the renewal of multiple ecosystem services.
The Use of Esophageal Stents in the Management of Postoperative Fistulas—Current Status, Clinical Outcomes and Perspectives—Review
Authors: Rosianu Cristian Gelu , Hoara Petre , Achim Florin , Birla Rodica , Bolocan Alexandra , Mohssen Ahmed , Copca Narcis , Constantinoiu Silviu
Published: April 2023

Esophageal fistula remains one of the main postoperative complications, with the treatment often requiring the use of stents. This article reviews the updates on the use of endoscopic stents for the treatment of postoperative esophageal leakage in terms of indications, types of stents used, efficiency, specific complications and perspectives. Materials and Methods: We searched the PubMed and MEDLINE databases for the keywords postoperative esophageal anastomotic leak and postoperative esophageal anastomotic leak stent, and retrieved relevant papers published until December 2022. Results: The endoscopic discovery of the fistula is usually followed by the insertion of a fully covered esophageal stent. It has an efficiency of more than 60% in closing the fistula, and the failure is related to the delayed application of the method, a situation more suitable for endo vac therapy. The most common complication is migration, but life-threatening complications have also been described. The combination of the advantages of endoscopic stents and vacuum therapy is probably found in the emerging VACstent procedure. Conclusions: Although the competing approaches give promising results, this method has a well-defined place in the treatment of esophageal fistulas, and it is probably necessary to refine the indications for each individual procedure.
Results of Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy in Patients with Pseudoexfoliative Glaucoma
Authors: Łukasik Urszula , Bartosińska Joanna , Kosior-Jarecka Ewa , Wróbel-Dudzińska Dominika , Krasowska Dorota , Żarnowski Tomasz
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nailfold videocapillaroscopic examination results from patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and to assess the relationship between the results of this examination and the patient’s clinical status in the XFG group. Material and Methods: The studied group consisted of 39 Caucasian patients with XFG and 32 patients in a control group. The patients were classified into two subgroups: the hypertensive pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (hXFG) subgroup and the normotensive pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (nXFG) subgroup. The nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) was performed on all participants. The results of each NVC were classified as having a normal or abnormal pattern. Results: There was no statistical difference between the results of an abnormal NVC pattern in the study group vs. the control group (p = 0.8773). Microhemorrhages were shown in 30.0% of patients with nXFG vs. the control group (6.25%) (p = 0.0520). Microhemorrhages tended to be more frequent in the XFG group (p = 0.1221). A prevalent number of tortuous capillaries was observed in hXFG patients with advanced glaucomatous neuropathy. Dilatation in the capillaries and microbleedings were observed in the group of patients with lower IOP values. Tortuosity in the capillaries was significantly more frequent in PEXG patients (XFG vs. control: p = 0.0386). No relationships between the results of NVC and age, c/d, BCVA, time of treatment, and visual field defect were found. Conclusions: Specific features of NVC examination differentiate nXFG from hXFG patients. Some capillaroscopic features may correlate with the patient’s clinical status of XFG.
Genetic Diversity of Borreliaceae Species Detected in Natural Populations of Ixodes ricinus Ticks in Northern Poland
Authors: Wodecka Beata , Kolomiiets Valentyna
Published: April 2023

In Europe, Ixodes ricinus tick is the vector of Lyme disease spirochetes and their relatives (Borreliella genus) and Borrelia miyamotoi. However, a newly described tick I. inopinatus with similar biological features and separated from I. ricinus may act as a vector for different Borrelia species. To date, eleven Borreliella species were detected in the natural populations of I. ricinus. Recently, two North American species have been detected in ticks parasitizing bats and red foxes in Europe, i.e., B. lanei and B. californiensis pointing to the necessity for searching for them in natural tick populations. In this study, using the coxI molecular marker only I. ricinus was identified in field-collected ticks with the exception of individual specimens of Haemaphysalis concinna. Using the flaB gene and mag-trnI intergenic spacer as molecular markers 14 Borreliaceae species have been detected with various frequencies in different parts of northern Poland. Among infected ticks, the most frequent were Borreliella (Bl.) afzelii (29.4%) and Bl. garinii (20.0%), followed by Bl. spielmanii, Bl. valaisiana, Bl. lanei, Bl. californiensis, B. miyamotoi, Bl. burgdorferi, Bl. carolinensis, Bl. americana, B. turcica, Bl. lusitaniae, Bl. bissettiae and Bl. finlandensis. Three of the above-mentioned species, i.e., Bl. lanei, Bl. californiensis and B. turcica were detected in this study for the first time in the natural ixodid tick population in Europe. The existence of the newly detected spirochetes increases their total diversity in Europe and points to the necessity of careful identification and establishment of the actual distribution of all Borreliaceae species transmitted by I. ricinus.
Phosphorylation of Tyrosine 841 Plays a Significant Role in JAK3 Activation
Authors: Sun Shengjie , Rodriguez Georgialina , Xie Yixin , Guo Wenhan , Hernandez Alan E. Lopez , Sanchez Jason E. , Kirken Robert Arthur , Li Lin
Published: April 2023

Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) plays a key role in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of various immune cells. It regulates gene expression by phosphorylation of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcriptions (STATs) via the JAK/STAT pathway. Recently, we found a new JAK3 phosphorylation site, tyrosine 841 (Y841). The results showed that pY841 helps the kinase domain flip around the pseudo kinase domain, which may cause JAK3 conformational changes. It also reduces the size of the cleft between the N-lobe and the C-lobe of the JAK3 kinase domain. However, pY841 was found to enlarge the cleft when ATP/ADP was bound to the kinase. The increase in the cleft size suggested that pY841 enhanced the elasticity of the kinase domain. For unphosphorylated JAK3 (JAK3-Y841), the binding forces between the kinase domain and ATP or ADP were similar. After phosphorylation of Y841, JAK3-pY841 exhibited more salt bridges and hydrogen bonds between ATP and the kinase than between ADP and the kinase. Consequently, the electrostatic binding force between ATP and the kinase was higher than that between ADP and the kinase. The result was that compared to ADP, ATP was more attractive to JAK3 when Y841 was phosphorylated. Therefore, JAK3-pY841 tended to bind ATP rather than ADP. This work provides new insights into the role of phosphorylation in kinase activation and ATP hydrolysis and sheds light on the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the kinase function.
Physical Analysis of Thermophoresis and Variable Density Effects on Heat Transfer Assessment along a Porous Stretching Sheet and Their Applications in Nanofluid Lubrication
Authors: Ullah Zia , Aldhabani Musaad S.
Published: April 2023

Nanofluids are engineered colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in the base fluids. At very low particle concentration, nanofluids have a much higher and strongly temperature-dependent thermal conductivity, which enables them to enhance the performance of machining applications such as the cooling and lubrication of the cutting zone during any machining process, the vehicle’s braking system, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), engine oil, and the drilling process of crude oil. In the current work, the density is assumed as an exponential function of temperature due to larger temperature differences. The main focus of this mechanism is the variable density effects on heat and mass characteristics of nanoparticles across the stretching porous sheet with thermophoresis and Brownian motion to reduce excessive heating in high-temperature systems. This is the first temperature-dependent density problem of nanofluid across the stretching surface. The coupled partial differential equations (PDEs) of the present nanofluid mechanism are changed into nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with defined stream functions and similarity variables for smooth algorithm and integration. The changed ODEs are again converted in a similar form for numerical outcomes by applying the Keller Box approach. The numerical outcomes are deduced in graphs and tabular form with the help of the MATLAB (R2013a created by MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) program. In this phenomenon, the velocity, temperature, and concentration profile, along with their slopes, have been plotted for various parameters pertaining to the current issue. The range of parameters has been selected according to the Prandtl number 0.07≤Pr≤70.0 and buoyancy parameter 0<λ<∞, respectively. The novelty of the current work is its use of nanoparticle fraction along the porous stretching sheet with temperature-dependent density effects for the improvement of lubrication and cooling for any machining process and to reduce friction between tool and work piece in the cutting zone by using nanofluid. Moreover, nanoparticles can also be adsorbed on the oil/water surface, which alters the oil/water interfacial tension, resulting in the formation of emulsions.
Recent Progress of Polymeric Corrosion Inhibitor: Structure and Application
Authors: Wang Xuanyi , Liu Shuang , Yan Jing , Zhang Junping , Zhang Qiuyu , Yan Yi
Published: April 2023

An anti-corrosion inhibitor is one of the most useful methods to prevent metal corrosion toward different media. In comparison with small molecular inhibitors, a polymeric inhibitor can integrate more adsorption groups and generate a synergetic effect, which has been widely used in industry and become a hot topic in academic research. Generally, both natural polymer-based inhibitors and synthetic polymeric inhibitors have been developed. Herein, we summarize the recent progress of polymeric inhibitors during the last decade, especially the structure design and application of synthetic polymeric inhibitor and related hybrid/composite.
Controlling the Thermal Stability of a Bainitic Structure by Alloy Design and Isothermal Heat Treatment
Authors: Królicka Aleksandra , Caballero Francisca Garcia , Zalecki Władysław , Kuziak Roman , Rozmus Radosław
Published: April 2023

The aim of this work was to develop a novel bainitic steel that will be specifically dedicated to achieving a high degree of refinement (nano- or submicron scale) along with increased thermal stability of the structure at elevated temperatures. The material was characterized by improved in-use properties, expressed as the thermal stability of the structure, compared to nanocrystalline bainitic steels with a limited fraction of carbide precipitations. Assumed criteria for the expected low martensite start temperature, bainitic hardenability level, and thermal stability are specified. The steel design process and complete characteristics of the novel steel including continuous cooling transformation and time–temperature–transformation diagrams based on dilatometry are presented. Moreover, the influence of bainite transformation temperature on the degree of structure refinement and dimensions of austenite blocks was also determined. It was assessed whether, in medium-carbon steels, it is possible to achieve a nanoscale bainitic structure. Finally, the effectiveness of the applied strategy for enhancing thermal stability at elevated temperatures was analyzed.
Heterostructure of NiFe@NiCr-LDH for Active and Durable Oxygen Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Media
Authors: Liu Sanchuan , Tang Yujun , Guo Chengyu , Liu Yonggang , Tang Zhenghua
Published: April 2023

Developing cost-effective, efficient, and durable catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) is the key for promoting large-scale H2 production through electrochemical water splitting. Herein, we report a facile method for fabricating an NiFe@NiCr-LDH catalyst toward alkaline OER. The electronic microscopy technique revealed that it has a well-defined heterostructure at the interface between the NiFe and NiCr phases. In 1.0 M KOH, the as-prepared NiFe@NiCr-LDH catalyst shows excellent catalytic performance, evidenced by an overpotential of 266 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 63 mV dec−1; both are comparable with the RuO2 benchmark catalyst. It also exhibits robust durability in long-term operation, manifested by a 10% current decay in 20 h, which is superior to that of the RuO2 catalyst. Such excellent performance is attributed to the interfacial electron transfer that occurs at the interfaces of the heterostructure, and the Fe(III) species facilitate the formation of Ni(III) species as active sites in NiFe@NiCr-LDH. This study offers a feasible strategy for preparing a transition metal-based LDH catalyst for OER toward H2 production and other electrochemical energy technologies.
Optimization and Modelling the Mechanical Performance of Date Palm Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Incorporating Powdered Activation Carbon Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Adamu Musa , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Abdel daiem Mahmoud M. , Alanazi Hani , Elalaoui Oussama , Ali Nageh M.
Published: April 2023

Date palm fiber (DPF) has been reported to have many advantages when used in concrete, however, its major disadvantage is that it causes a reduction in compressive strength. In this research, powdered activated carbon (PAC) was added to cement in the DPF-reinforced concrete (DPFRC) to lessen the loss in strength. PAC has not been properly utilized as an additive in fiber reinforced concrete even though it has been reported to enhance the properties of cementitious composites. Response surface methodology (RSM) has also been utilized for experimental design, model development, results analysis, and optimization. The variables were DPF and PAC as additions each at proportions of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement. Slump, fresh density, mechanical strengths, and water absorption were the responses that were considered. From the results, both DPF and PAC decreased the workability of the concrete. DPF addition improved the splitting tensile and flexural strengths and reduced the compressive strength, and up to 2 wt% PAC addition enhanced the concrete’s strength and lowered the water absorption. The proposed models using RSM were extremely significant and have excellent predictive power for the concrete’s aforementioned properties. Each of the models was further validated experimentally and was found to have an average error of less than 5.5%. According to the results of the optimization, the optimal mix of 0.93 wt% DPF and 0.37 wt% PAC as cement additives resulted in the best properties of the DPFRC in terms of workability, strength, and water absorption. The optimization’s outcome received a 91% desirability rating. The addition of 1% PAC increased the 28-day compressive strength of the DPFRC containing 0%, 1% and 2% DPF by 9.67%, 11.13% and 5.5% respectively. Similarly, 1% PAC addition enhanced the 28-day split tensile strength of the DPFRC containing 0%, 1% and 2% by 8.54%, 11.08% and 19.3% respectively. Likewise, the 28-day flexural strength of DPFRC containing 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% improved by 8.3%, 11.15%, 18.7% and 6.73% respectively with the addition of 1% PAC. Lastly, 1% PAC addition led to a reduction in the water absorption of DPFRC containing 0% and 1% DPF by 17.93% and 12.2% respectively.
Study of Bond Formation in Ceramic and Composite Materials Ultrasonically Soldered with Bi–Ag–Mg-Type Solder
Authors: Kolenak Roman , Melus Tomas , Drapala Jaromir , Gogola Peter , Pasak Matej
Published: April 2023

This research aimed to study a Bi–Ag–Mg soldering alloy and the direct soldering of Al2O3 ceramics and Ni–SiC composites. Bi11Ag1Mg solder has a broad melting interval, which mainly depends on the silver and magnesium content. The solder starts to melt at a temperature of 264 °C. Full fusion terminates at a temperature of 380 °C. The microstructure of the solder is formed by a bismuth matrix. The matrix contains segregated silver crystals and an Ag (Mg, Bi) phase. The average tensile strength of solder is 26.7 MPa. The boundary of the Al2O3/Bi11Ag1Mg joint is formed by the reaction of magnesium, which segregates in the vicinity of a boundary with a ceramic substrate. The thickness of the high-Mg reaction layer at the interface with the ceramic material was approximately 2 μm. The bond at the boundary of the Bi11Ag1Mg/Ni–SiC joint was formed due to the high silver content. At the boundary, there were also high contents of Bi and Ni, which suggests that there is a NiBi3 phase. The average shear strength of the combined Al2O3/Ni–SiC joint with Bi11Ag1Mg solder is 27 MPa.
Defect Detection and Depth Estimation in Composite Materials for Pulsed Thermography Images by Nonuniform Heating Correction and Oriented Gradient Information
Authors: Erazo-Aux Jorge , Loaiza-Correa Humberto , Restrepo-Girón Andrés David , Ibarra-Castanedo Clemente , Maldague Xavier
Published: April 2023

Pulsed thermography is a nondestructive method commonly used to explore anomalies in composite materials. This paper presents a procedure for the automated detection of defects in thermal images of composite materials obtained with pulsed thermography experiments. The proposed methodology is simple and novel as it is reliable in low-contrast and nonuniform heating conditions and does not require data preprocessing. Nonuniform heating correction and the gradient direction information combined with a local and global segmentation phase are used to analyze carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) thermal images with Teflon inserts with different length/depth ratios. Additionally, a comparison between the actual depths and estimated depths of detected defects is performed. The performance of the nonuniform heating correction proposed method is superior to that obtained on the same CFRP sample analyzed with a deep learning algorithm and the background thermal compensation by filtering strategy.