bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of ZnO into CrNi coatings for enhanced solar absorption and corrosion protection for renewable energy development
Authors: Soliman Hanaa , Rayan Diaa , Hamdy Abdel Salam 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The search for costs reduction for renewable energies through parameters optimization is among the priorities in manufacturing technology. In solar collectors, high absorption in low emittance represents the main performance parameter during the characterization of the absorber films. This article provides in-depth study for the co-deposition of Cr and Ni doped by ZnO coatings and their influence on the surface protection correlating it with the absorption of the produced surfaces. Electrodeposition technique was used for the synthesis of selective surfaces based on black chrome absorber films on cupper substrate. Corrosion testing was performed in 3.5Wt % NaCl aqueous solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization tests. Results showed that Cr+Ni+ZnO composite film on Cu exhibited a significant improvement over traditional Cr film, such as surface smoothness, corrosion resistance, bending resistance and high solar absorption.
Evaluation of nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for pulmonary Tuberculosis: experience from a tertiary hospital in southwestern China
Authors: Jiang Ling , Xin Junqiu , Liang Lijun , Xia Mingqiang , Li Jiyao , Tong Jingfeng , Huang Chengchen , tongxin Li 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry based on nucleotide (nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. A retrospective study was conducted on suspected PTB patients admitted to Chongqing Public Health Medical Center between May 2021 and January 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the curve (AUC) values of nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS as well as smear microscopy, Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube 960 culture (MGIT 960 culture), and Xpert MTB/RIF were calculated and compared. Total of 343 presumed PTB cases were enrolled. Overall, using the clinical diagnosis as reference, the sensitivity and NPV of nucleotide MALDI-TOF MSwas 71.5% and 43.1%, respectively, significantly higher than smear microscopy (22.6%, 23.2%), MGIT 960 culture (40.6%, 18.9%), Xpert MTB/RIF (40.8%, 27.9%). Furthermore, nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS also outperformed over Xpert MTB/RIF and MGIT 960 culture on smear-negative BALFs. Approximately 50% and 30% of patients benefited from nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS compared with smear and MGIT 960 culture or Xpert MTB/RIF, respectively. This study demonstrated that the analysis of BALF with nucleotide MALDI-TOF MS provided an accurate and promising tool for the early diagnosis of PTB.
Extracellular vesicles from dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells modulate macrophage phenotype during acute and chronic cardiac inflammation in athymic nude rats with myocardial infarction
Authors: Amaro-Prellezo Elena , Gómez-Ferrer Marta , Hakobyan Lusine , Ontoria-Oviedo Imelda , Peiró-Molina Esteban , Tarazona Sonia , Ruiz-Saurí Amparo , Selva-Roldán Marta , Vives-Sánchez Rosa , Sepúlveda Pilar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background/aims: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs) are a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of myocardial ischemia. The aim of this study was to determine whether MSC-EVs could promote a pro-resolving environment in the heart by modulating macrophage populations.
Methods: EVs derived from three independent biopsies of DP-MSCs (MSC-EVs) were isolated by tangential flow-filtration and size exclusion chromatography, and were characterized by omics analyses. Biological processes associated with these molecules were analyzed using String and GeneCodis platforms. The immunomodulatory capacity of MSC-EVs to polarize macrophages towards a pro-resolving or M2-like phenotype was assessed by evaluating surface markers, cytokine production, and efferocytosis. The therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs was evaluated in an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model in nude rats. Infarct size and the distribution of macrophage populations in the infarct area were evaluated 7 and 21 days after intramyocardial injection of MSC-EVs.
Results: Lipidomic, proteomic, and miRNA-seq analysis of MSC-EVs revealed their association with biological processes involved in tissue regeneration and regulation of the immune system, among others. MSC-EVs promoted the differentiation of pro-inflammatory macrophages towards a pro-resolving phenotype, as evidenced by increased expression of M2 markers and decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Administration of MSC-EVs in rats with AMI limited the extent of the infarcted area at 7 and 21 days post-infarction. MSC-EV treatment also reduced the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages within the infarct area, promoting the resolution of inflammation.
Conclusion: EVs derived from DP-MSCs exhibited similar characteristics at the omics level irrespective of the biopsy from which they were derived. All MSC-EVs exerted effective pro-resolving responses in a rat model of AMI, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammation associated with AMI.
Microbe-Drug Association Prediction Model Based on Graph Convolution and Attention Networks
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Tongxuan , Du Xiaoxin , Li Jingwei , Wang Junqi , Wu Peilong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In order to overcome the long time, high cost and low efficiency of traditional experimental methods in predicting the potential association between microorganisms and drugs, a new prediction model named GCNATMDA is proposed in this paper. The model combines two deep learning models, Graph Convolutional Network and Graph Attention Network, and aims to reveal potential relationships between microbes and drugs by learning related features, Thus improve the efficiency and accuracy of prediction. We first integrated the microbe-drug association matrix from the existing dataset, and then combined the calculated microbe-drug characteristic matrix as the model input. The GCN module is used to dig deeper into the potential characterization of microbes and drugs, while the GAT module further learns the more complex interactions between them and generates the corresponding score matrix. The experimental results show that the GCNATMDA model achieves 96.59% and 93.01% in AUC and AUPR evaluation indexes, respectively, which is significantly better than the existing prediction models. In addition, the reliability of the prediction results is verified by a series of experiments.
Antioxidative and Cardioprotective Effects of Minocycline in Ischemia/reperfusion Injury in Experimental Model of Hypertension
Authors: Rudic Tamara , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Sobot Nikola , Novakovic Jovana , Bolevich Sergey , Bolevich Stefani , Fisenko Vladimir , Krylova Irina Nikolaevna , Nikolic Marina , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Srejo Ivan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases remains leading cause of death and disabilities. Coronary artery occlusion and consequent ischemia leads to acute myocardial infarction, but restoration of blood flow provokes further myocardial damage known as reperfusion injury. Minocycline is possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity, immune-modulating and antioxidative properties besides its primary antibacterial effect. Recently it gained significant interest in preventing cardiac damage especially due to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). The aim of this study was to assess protective ability of preconditioning and postconditioning of isolated hearts from healthy and spontaneously hypertensive rats with minocycline, on functional recovery and redox status after MI/RI using Langendorfftechnique.
Methods: Using sensor in left ventricle, the cardiodynamic parameters were recorded and in the samples of the coronary venous effluent oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed. Minocycline was injected directly into the coronary vessels, in preconditioning 5 min before global ischemia, and in postconditioning during the first 5 min of reperfusion.
Results: Changes in redox balance induced by minocycline were more pronounced in postconditioning fashion of application. Cardioprotective effects of minocycline due to MI/RI are even more pronounced in hypertensive hearts.
Conclusion: Minocycline showed significant cardioprotective effects, which was more pronounced in hypertensive compared to healthy hearts. Reduction of pro-oxidative biomarkers was more pronounced in hypertensive hearts compared to the normotensive, especially if it is applied in the form of post-conditioning. The fact that better effects are achieved during postconditioning is particularly important, bearing in mind that it is not possible to predict the occurrence of a heart attack.
Cognitive Load Associated with Speaking Clearly in Reverberant Rooms
Authors: Ishikawa Keiko , Murgia Silvia , Li Hannah , Renkert Elisabeth , Bottalico Pasquale 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, yet many individuals must speak in less-than-ideal acoustic environments daily. Adapting their speech to ensure intelligibility in these varied settings can impose a significant cognitive burden. Understanding this burden on talkers has significant implications for the design of public spaces and workplace environments, as well as speaker training programs. The aim of this study was to examine how room acoustics and speaking style affect cognitive load through self-rating of mental demand and pupillometry. Nineteen adult native speakers of American English were instructed to read sentences in both casual and clear speech—a technique known to enhance intelligibility—across three levels of reverberation (0.05s, 1.2s, and 1.83s at 500–1000 Hz). Our findings revealed that speaking style consistently affects the cognitive load on talkers more than room acoustics across the tested reverberation range. Specifically, pupillometry data suggested that speaking in clear speech elevates the cognitive load comparably to speaking in a room with long reverberation, challenging the conventional view of clear speech as an ‘easy’ strategy for improving intelligibility. These results underscore the importance of accounting for talkers' cognitive load when optimizing room acoustics and developing speech production training.
L1 Schemes for time-fractional differential equations: A brief survey and new development
Authors: Xiao Jingjing , Chen Yanping , Zeng Fanhai , Zhang Zhongqiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We summarize the L1 method and its variants for the discretization of the Caputo derivative and develop a weighted L1 (WL1) method. The WL1 method includes the classical L1 method as a special case but improves the L1 method in accuracy while accommodating the intrinsic weak singularity of solutions to fractional differential equations. The WL1 method inherits several properties of the L1 method and the analysis of the new method is presented in a simple way. Compared to several variants of the L1 method, the new method accommodates the intrinsic weak singularity of the time-fractional derivatives in a more flexible way, especially for variable-order fractional differential equation. We also develop the fast WL1 method and apply it to initial and boundary value problems. Numerical simulations and comparisons verify our theoretical analysis and demonstrate the flexibility and efficiency of our method.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 26A33 · 65M06 · 65M12 · 65M15 · 35R11
Terra Preta production from Ghanaian and Zambian soils using domestic wastes
Authors: Neina Dora , Glaser Bruno 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Quests for productive soils to close yield gaps call for innovative strategies. This study tested an off-site formation of the Amazonian Terra Preta (TP) in a potential modern analogon under coastal savannah climatic conditions of Ghana. Four Ghanaian and two Zambian soils; two types of biochar (i.e., rice husk biochar and charcoal residues); domestic wastes (i.e., kitchen leftovers, animal manures, human urine, and kitchen ash) were mixed with the soils wetted to 100% water holding capacity, and incubated under aerobic conditions for nine months. Indicators of the TP include total carbon (C), pH, base saturation, basic cations, and plant-available P, which were measured using standard methods of soil analysis. The TP formation enhanced soil pH by 0.02 to 2.9, ranging from pH 7.2 to 8.2, with charcoal residues having the highest effect on pH. The modern TP was characterized by relatively high total C, pH, K, Ca, Mg, Na, base saturation, and plant-available P. These properties reflect unique interactions between the chars, wastes, and soils, suggesting the potential for on-site TP formation. It calls for further studies, commitment, and perseverance in their formation in the future.
Anthropogenic Effects on Tropical Cyclones near Western Europe
Authors: Wang Shuai , Murakami Hiroyuki , Cooke William 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

There is less consensus on whether human activities have significantly altered tropical cyclone (TC) statistics, given the relatively short duration of reliable observed records. Understanding and projecting TC frequency change is more challenging in certain coastal regions with lower TC activity yet high exposure, such as Western Europe. Here, we show, with large-ensemble TC-permitting simulations, that the observed increase in TC frequency near Western Europe from 1966 to 2020 is likely linked to the anthropogenic aerosol effect. Under a future scenario featuring regionally controlled aerosol emissions and substantially increased greenhouse gas concentrations (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5-85), our simulations show a potential decrease in TC frequency near Western Europe by the end of the 21st century. These contrasting trends in historical and future TC frequencies are primarily due to the rise for 1966-2020 and potentially subsequent fall for 2030-2100 in TC genesis frequency in the North Atlantic. The response of large-scale environmental conditions to anthropogenic forcing is found to be crucial in explaining the historical and future changes in TC frequency near Western Europe.
Steering diffusion selectivity of chemical isomers within aligned nanochannels of metal-organic framework thin film
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Maity Tanmoy , Sarkar Susmita , Kundu Susmita , Panda Suvendu , Sarkar Arighna , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Ghosh Soumya , Mondal Jagannath 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The movement of molecules (i.e. diffusion) within angstrom-scale pores of porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites is influenced by multiple complex factors that can be challenging to assess and manipulate. Nevertheless, understanding and controlling this diffusion phenomenon is crucial for advancing energy-economic membrane-based chemical separation technologies, as well as for heterogeneous catalysis and sensing applications. Through precise assessment of the factors influencing diffusion within a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) thin film, we have developed a chemical strategy to manipulate and reverse chemical isomer diffusion selectivity. In the process of cognizing the molecular diffusion within oriented, angstrom-scale channels of MOF thin film, we have unveiled a dynamic chemical interaction between the adsorbate (chemical isomers) and the MOF using a combination of kinetic mass uptake experiments and molecular simulation. Leveraging the dynamic chemical interactions, we have reversed the haloalkane (positional) isomer diffusion selectivity, forging a novel chemical pathway to elevate the overall efficacy of membrane-based chemical separation and selective catalytic reactions.
Comparison of high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy versus nasal cannula in sedated transesophageal echocardiography in patients with mitral regurgitation: a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Li Wanlin , Qiu Ziqi , Zhang Wenwen , Xu Yajie , Fang Zhaojing , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhang Yong , Ling Meirong , Shi Hongwei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypoxia is common among mitral regurgitation patients and may be more susceptible to anesthetics. To evaluate the security and efficacy of high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) and nasal cannula for sedated transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Methods
226 patients scheduled to receive TEE under sedation were randomized into two groups: HFNC group (Group H) and nasal cannula group (Group C). The incidence of hypoxia during the TEE procedure was the main result. Secondary outcomes included hypoxia-related measures and interventions, ventilation and adverse events related to sedation.
Results
In comparison to Group C, Group H exhibited a significant decrease in the incidences of hypoxia and severe hypoxia, dropping from 26.3–15.0% (P < 0.05) and 1.8–0% (P < 0.05), respectively.
Conclusion
Compared with nasal cannula, HFNC can reduce hypoxia during TEE procedure in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2300068412, 17/02/2023.
Primary posterior laser capsulotomy (PPCL) after cataract surgery: 2-year results
Authors: Schultz Tim , Schojai Merita , Dick H. Burkhard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of primary posterior laser capsulotomy (PPLC) as a new method to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO).
Setting: University Eye Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Design: Prospective randomized intraindividual comparative trial.
Methods: 16 patients were examined two years after cataract surgery in both eyes. In one eye routine cataract surgery and a PPLC (PPLC group) were performed. In the other eye only routine cataract surgery (Control group) was done. For the PPLC, the posterior capsule between the anterior hyaloid surface and the optic surface of the IOL was identified with integrated 3-dimensional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and treated with a femtosecond second laser. The main outcome measures were safety parameters such as intraocular pressure, macular thickness and volume, correct visual acuity, and the formation of PCO in both groups.
Results: No significant difference was measured between the groups in intraocular pressure, endothelial cell count and macular thickness. Two eyes of the control group had Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy and were excluded from the PCO analysis. In the PPLC group the total PCO score was significant lower in comparison to the control group (0.04, SD: 0.08 to 0.26, SD: 0.31; p value 0.06). The central area of the IOL optic demonstrated no PCO in all eyes of the PPLC group.
Conclusions: The formation of PCO was effectively prevented by performing PPLC; there were no long-term complications in eyes that underwent this short additional intervention.
Patients with Sepsis‑associated acute kidney injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit: epidemiology, clinical features, and early prognosis
Authors: Tian Jing , Yan Cao , Dong Yan , Zhou Tao , Xu Hongyang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Sepsis is the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical illness, but information on sepsis‑associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and early prognosis of SA-AKI.
Methods
This was a single-center retrospective study that included critically ill patients treated with CRRT at the Affiliated Wuxi People' s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, classified as patients with and without SA-AKI according to the definition of the Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI).
Results
A total of 108 individuals met the inclusion criteria, including 59 SA-AKI patients and 49 non-SA-AKI patients from different general wards. The SA-AKI patients were older [60.0 (51.0–72.0) years vs. 73.0 (65.0–78.0) years, P < .05] and had higher APACHE II [21 (19–25) vs. 11 (15–17), P < .05] and SOFA scores [12 (11–14) vs.8 (7–9), P < .05]. During ICU stay, SA-AKI patients had longer duration of mechanical ventilation [11 (4–23) days vs. 4 (1–10) days, P < .05] a, longer ICU stay [13 (6.5–24) days vs. 8 (5–16) days, P < .05], and significantly higher 28-day mortality rate [35 (59.3%) vs. 14 (28.6%), P < .05], which was about twice that of non-SA-AKI patients. SA-AKI patients' age (HR,0.978; 95%CI 0.957-1.000; P < .05) and lactate level (HR,1.146; 95%CI 1.018–1.291; P < .05) were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality.
Conclusions
Patients with SA-AKI treated with CRRT require longer duration of therapy and still face a poorer situation in terms of early prognosis and recovery of renal function, especially in patients of advanced age and hyperlactatemia.
The Incidence and Intensity of Postoperative Pain and Flare-up Following the Use of Three Different Intracanal Medicaments In Teeth With Posttreatment Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Angın Adile Esen , Özkan Hicran Dönmez , Saral İlkim Pınar , Aydın Berdan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effect of intracanal medicaments on the incidence of postoperative pain and flare-up with posttreatment apical periodontitis (PTAP) of retreatment cases.
Materials and Methods
One hundred-twenty patients diagnosed with PTAP with single-rooted teeth with single-canal without spontaneous pain or swellings were included and randomly divided into three groups according to the intracanal medicament used. Intracanal medicaments were placed into the root canals following the removal of previous root canal fillings and re-instrumentation. Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), chlorhexidine gel (CHX), calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine gel combinations were used as intracanal medicaments. Postoperative pain scores were recorded at 6 and 12 hours and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days using visual analog scale (VAS). Sensitivity on percussion, spontaneous pain, swelling, antibiotic and analgesic requirements of the patients were evaluated during clinical examinations performed postoperatively after 2 and 7 days.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of VAS scores following the intracanal medicament application (p > 0.05). However, compared to the patients belong to 20–34 and 50–65 age groups, greater VAS scores was observed in patients between the ages of 35–49 at 12 hour, and 3, 4, 7 days (p < 0.05). Flare-up was observed in only one patient in CHX gel group, and no flare-up was observed in other groups.
Conclusions
Similar postoperative pain incidence in all experimental groups indicates that all three medicaments are clinically acceptable in inter-appointment management of retreatment cases in terms of post endodontic pain and flare-up.
Clinical Relevance:
In this randomized clinical trial, three different intracanal medicaments were utilized in nonsurgical endodontic retreatment and their effect on the postoperative pain and flare-up incidance was examined. There are limited number of prospective clinical trials in the literature about this issue. Thus, this study will be significant contribute to the literature.