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This study aimed to investigate conductivity behavior of concrete containing graphite and its sensitivity to the effects of pressure. Graphite powder was added to concrete to replace partial cement (4 wt.%, 8 wt.%, 12 wt.%, and 16 wt.%) as conductive fillers with a water-to-cementitious ratio of 0.45. Specimens with 0.5 vol.% Kuralon fibers were treated to enhance the performance of self-sensing properties to investigate the influence of graphite and fiber contents on electrical resistivities. The relationship between the axial load and changes in resistivity was determined using cyclic loading tests, indicating the existence and development of internal cracking in concrete. The results indicated that the compressive strength presented a linear decline proportional to the addition of graphite. Specimens with 8% graphite reached the lower bound of self-sensing properties, and with an increase in the amount of graphite, resistivity gradually decreased. In the cyclic loading tests, specimens containing >8% graphite were able to better reflect the relationship between loading and resistivity. Kuralon fibers in concrete had further improvement in resistance and self-sensing properties. In inclusion, the mixture with 8% graphite provided the best self-sensing properties to warn for preventing the effects of cracking, as well as achieved better mechanical properties.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of favipiravir for patients with mild-to-critical COVID-19.PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for RCTs published before 30 October 2021. Only RCTs that compared the clinical efficacy and safety of favipiravir -based antiviral regimens (study group) with other alternative treatments or placebos (control group) in patients with COVID-19 were included.Overall, the clinical improvement rate was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group at the assessment conducted after 14 days (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12-2.98). The rate of virological eradication was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group at the assessment conducted after 28 days (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.15-3.78). No significant difference was observed in the rates of invasive mechanical ventilation requirement or ICU admission, mortality, or risk of an adverse event between the study and control groups.Except the clinical improvement rate within 14 days and the virological eradication rate within 28 days, favipiravir-based treatment did not provide significantly additional benefit for patients with COVID-19. Therefore, more evidence is necessary.

To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mABs) for outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) databases were searched from inception to July 19, 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of neutralizing mABs in the treatment of COVID-19 outpatients were included. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included RCTs. The primary outcome was the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits. The secondary outcomes were the risk of death and adverse events (AEs). Five articles were included, in which 3309 patients received neutralizing mAB and 2397 patients received a placebo. A significantly lower rate of hospitalization or ED visits was observed among patients who received neutralizing mABs than those who received a placebo (1.7% vs. 6.5%, odds ratios (OR): 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.36; I

Liquid $^3\mathrm{He}$ is a Fermi liquid that undergoes a BCS-type phase transition to a spin-triplet superfluid, making it valuable for understanding interacting fermions. When the temperature approaches the transition temperature $T_{\mathrm{c}}$ from above, physical properties can be modified by Cooper pair fluctuations, leading to deviations from the predictions of Fermi liquid theory. We use nonequilibrium Green's function theory to study the role of pair fluctuations on quasiparticle transport. The Boltzmann-Landau kinetic equation, which describes the transport properties of Fermi liquids, acquires corrections from the interaction of quasiparticles with pair fluctuations. As an application, we study the effects of pair fluctuations on the propagation of zero sound in liquid $^3\mathrm{He}$. We calculate the temperature-dependent correction to the zero sound velocity due to pair fluctuations, and compare the result with existing experimental data., 10 pages, 2 figures with appendix

This study examines the influence of SiO2 and Na2O mix proportions on the properties of alkali-activated slag (AAS) pastes. In order to solve the rapid setting problem associated with AAS, phosphoric or silicic acid is commonly added to the alkaline activator. The retarding effect of these additions suggests a close relationship between pH and setting time. In this study, AAS pastes with various SiO2 and Na2O dosages were analyzed. Regression analysis was carried out using pH value and setting time to identify the main parameters affecting the setting time. Results showed that the alkali modulus (i.e., the weight ratio of SiO2 over Na2O) is correlated with the pH value. Specifically, the initial and final setting times were significantly reduced under lower SiO2 and Na2O dosages. Therefore, a higher alkali modulus prolonged the setting time.

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) has attracted great interest in recent years due to its ability to produce intricate parts beyond the capabilities of traditional manufacturing processes. L-PBF processed biomedical implants are usually made of commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti) or its alloys. However, both alloys are naturally bio-inert, and thus reduce the formation of apatite as implants are put into the human body. Accordingly, in an attempt to improve the bioactivity of the materials used for making orthopedic implants, the present study decomposed fluorapatite material (FA, (Ca10(PO4)6F2)) into the form of nano-powder and mixed this powder with CP-Ti powder in two different ratios (99%Ti + 1%FA (Ti-1%FA) and 98%Ti + 2%FA (Ti-2%FA)) to form powder material for the L-PBF process. Experimental trials were conducted to establish the optimal processing conditions (i.e., laser power, scanning speed and hatching space) of the L-PBF process for the two powder mixtures and the original CP-Ti powder with no FA addition. The optimal parameters were then used to produce tensile test specimens in order to evaluate the mechanical properties of the different samples. The hardness of the various samples was also examined by micro-Vickers hardness tests. The tensile strength of the Ti-1%FA sample (850 MPa) was found to be far higher than that of the CP-Ti sample (513 MPa). Furthermore, the yield strength of the Ti-1%FA sample (785 MPa) was also much higher than that of the CP-Ti sample (472 MPa). However, the elongation of the Ti-1%FA sample (6.27 %) was significantly lower than that of the CP-Ti sample (16.17%). Finally, the hardness values of the Ti-1%FA and Ti-2%FA samples were around 63.8% and 109.4%, respectively, higher than that of the CP-Ti sample.

Objects This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) quinolones for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). Methods PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant articles from inception to July 21, 2021. RCTs comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of anti-MRSA quinolones with other antibiotics for treating adult patients with ABSSSIs were included. Results Six RCTs were included. A total of 1,264 and 1,307 participants received the anti-MRSA quinolone-based study group and the control group. In the study group receiving anti-MRSA quinolone-based treatment, 935, 246, and 83 patients received delafloxacin, levonadifloxacin, and acorafloxacin, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the clinical cure rate at test of cure between the study and control groups (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.91-1.29; I2 = 0%). In patients with MRSA-associated ABSSSIs, the clinical cure rate (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.71-1.65; I2 = 0%) and microbiological response rate (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.48-3.21; I2 = 0%) of anti-MRSA quinolones were similar to those of other antibiotics. Conclusions The efficacy of anti-MRSA quinolone-based treatment is comparable to that of other anti-MRSA antibiotics for treating ABSSSIs.

Background This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigated the usefulness of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for RCTs published before 7 September 2021. Only RCTs that compared the clinical efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors with other alternative treatments or placebos in the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included. Results Overall, patients receiving JAK inhibitors exhibited a lower 28-day mortality rate than the control group (risk ratio [RR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47–0.77; I2 = 0%). Compared with the control group, the study group also had a lower 14-day mortality rate (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42–0.85; I2 = 0%), a higher rate of clinical improvement (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09; I2 = 0%), and less need of mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50–0.84; I2 = 0%). Finally, JAK inhibitor use was associated with a similar risk of adverse events and infections as that observed in the control group. Conclusions JAK inhibitors can help reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Additionally, JAK inhibitors can be used safely in this clinical entity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the fastest growing public health concerns around the world. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption has been proven to be associated with adverse health consequences in the diabetic population. Reducing SSB consumption, body weight control, healthy diets, and increased physical activity have been suggested as strategies to improve diabetes prevention and management. This literature review provides an overview of: (1) The association between SSB consumption and the risk of T2DM; (2) Types of SSB consumption and T2DM; (3) The effect of obesity and inflammation on the association between SSB consumption and risk of T2DM; and (4) SSB consumption in T2DM patients. There is still work to be done to determine how SSB consumption is related to T2DM, but the current research on identifying the association between SSB consumption and T2DM is promising, with the most promising studies confirming the connection between SSBs, T2DM risk, and diabetes management. Future studies should explore more effective SSB related diabetes prevention and management interventions.

The micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process was used to prepare hydroxyapatite-containing flower-like structure coatings on commercially pure titanium substrates with various values of the applied voltage (330, 390, 450 V), applied current (0.4, 0.5, 0.6 A), and duration time (1, 3, 5 min). It was found that the surface morphology of the coatings was determined primarily by the applied voltage. A voltage of 330 V yielded a flower-like/plate-like structure, while voltages of 390 V and 450 V produced a flower-like structure and a porous morphology, respectively. The applied current and duration time mainly affected the coating formation speed and petal size of the flower-like structures, respectively. The coatings prepared using voltages of 330 V and 390 V (0.6 A, 5 min) both contained Ti, TiO2-A (anatase), TiO2-R (rutile), DCPD (CaHPO4·2H2O, calcium hydrogen phosphate), and hydroxyapatite (HA). However, the latter coating contained less DCPD and had a higher HA/DCPD ratio and a Ca/P ratio closer to the ideal value of HA. The coating prepared with a voltage of 450 V consisted mainly of Ti, TiO2-A, TiO2-R, and CaTiO3. For the coatings prepared with a voltage of 390 V, the flower-like structures consisted mainly of HA-containing compounds. DCPD plate-like structures were observed either between the HA-containing flower-like structures (330 V samples) or within the flower-like structures themselves (390 V samples). The coating surfaces with flower-like/plate-like or flower-like structures had a greater roughness, which increased their hydrophilicity and resulted in superior bioactivity (SBF immersion) and biocompatibility (MG-63 cell culture). The optimal biomedical performance was found in the 390 V coating due to its flower-like structure and high HA/DCPD ratio.

Objectives Cognitive impairment is an important non-motor aspect of Parkinson's disease (PD). Amyloid-β and tau pathologies are well-established in Alzheimer's disease and commonly coexist with synucleinopathy in PD. However, the levels of these biomarkers in the plasma of patients with PD and their relationship with specific cognition domains remain to be clarified. The current study compared the motor severity and neuropsychological assessment of general and specific cognition, with plasma levels of α-synuclein (α-syn), amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42), and total tau (t-tau) in PD subjects. Methods Plasma levels of α-syn, Aβ42, and t-tau were measured in 55 participants with PD through immunomagnetic reduction assay. The evaluation of motor severity and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was performed in all participants. Results The level of plasma α-syn was negatively correlated with the scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III [r = (-.352), p = .008]. The level of plasma t-tau was negatively correlated with the scores of digits recall forwards and digits recall backwards [r = (-.446), p = .001; r = (-.417), p = .002, respectively]. No correlations were found between the levels of α-syn and Aβ42 and any neuropsychological tests. Conclusions This study concluded a lower level of plasma α-syn was correlated with motor dysfunction in PD patients, and a higher level of plasma t-tau was correlated with lower cognitive performance, especially for attention and executive function. These results propose the possibility of using plasma biomarkers to predict specific cognitive performance in PD subjects.

This study used reactive ultra-fine fly ash (RUFA) as the primary raw materials in the preparation of a novel RUFA geopolymer. Note that the solution to binder weight ratio was maintained at the same level by varying the concentration of the NaOH solution. Extensive analysis was conducted to characterize the flowability and mechanical properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), thermogravimetric (TG), and zeta potential analyses were used to examine the microstructure of RUFA geopolymers. Increasing the concentration of NaOH also led to an increase in compressive strength. A high NaOH concentration of 12 mol/L resulted in compressive strength of 97.6 MPa at 28 days. Finally, increasing the concentration of NaOH increased the formation of the primary reaction geopolymerization product, N-A-S-H gel, resulting in a denser microstructure with lower porosity.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ceftobiprole for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs).Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, EBSO, Ovid Medline, ClinicalTrial.gov and Cochrane Library were searched until December 25, 2020. Only randomized controlled trials that compared the treatment efficacy of ceftobiprole with that of other antibiotics for adult patients with ABSSSIs were included in this meta-analysis.Results: The 3 RCTs involving 2291 adult patients with ABSSSIs were included. No significant difference in clinical success, as measured by the TOC, was observed between ceftobiprole and comparators among the intention-to-treat population (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.85-1.33; I2 = 0%) and clinical evaluable population (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.76-1.79; I2 = 17%). Ceftobiprole was associated with a similar risk of adverse events (AEs) to that of comparators (treatment-emergent AE [TEAE]: OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.92-1.29; I2 = 0%; serious AEs: OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.58-1.21; I2 = 0%; treatment discontinuation for TEAE: OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.61-1.49; I2 = 0%; death: OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.05-1.97; I2 = 0%).Conclusions: Ceftobiprole can achieve similar clinical and microbiological responses as alternative antibiotics in patients with ABSSSIs. In addition, ceftobiprole shares a similar safety profile to comparators.

This study investigates novel geopolymers by combining Reactive Ultra-fine Fly Ash (RUFA) with 4M sodium hydroxide as an alkali activator. Comparing with general fly ash geopolymers, RUFA geopolymer pastes are characterized in terms of compressive strength, microstructure, and crystalline phases. The RUFA geopolymer is successfully obtained as alumina-silicate bonding materials with the same properties as the general fly ash-based geopolymer. The high compressive strength of the RUFA-based geopolymer samples (13.33 MPa) can be attributed primarily to Ca-based alumino-silicate hydration products and Na-based alumino-silicate complexes. This research presents an innovative application for geopolymers using RUFA. In the follow-up study, the influence of synthesis and concentration of alkali activator can be considered in RUFA-based geopolymers.

In this study, two industrial wastes – circulating fluidized bed combustion co-fired fly ash (CFA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) – were used as green materials instead of cementitious materials in controllable low strength material (CLSM). CLSM was used to backfill the pavement. CLSM should meet the compressive strength requirements of the CLSM specification (under 8.24 MPa), and it had the self-consolidating characteristics of fluidized concrete. In order to comply with the characteristics of self-consolidation, a mix design including superplasticizers, adhesives, and accelerators were used to ensure that the proportion could meet the requirements of both CLSM and the self-consolidating properties. The test methods included the slump flow test, ball drop test, strength activity index, compressive strength, mercury intrusion porosimetry, chlo-ride migration test, and scanning electron microscope. A water/cement ratio of 0.85 was used as the mix design for the CLSM requirements. The CFA and GGBS used in CLSM could replace 78 wt.% of the cement, and CLSM could effectively meet the requirements of the workability, strength and microscopic properties.

This study uses metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate, and water content as the reaction variables in the application of the design of experiment (DOE) method. At the same time, the various component factors and their interactions were analyzed to understand how these factors affect the mechanical properties of a metakaolin-based geopolymer incorporated with SiC sludge (SCSGPs). The results of the statistical analysis showed that the compressive strength of SCSGPs was affected by the Na/Si molar ratio (NSR) (p-level = 0.000

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the third-most abundant waste generated annually in the countries of the European Union. One of the alternatives to the use of these wastes is geopolymeric materials. Partial replacement of commonly used raw materials for the production of these materials can help reduce the number of landfills and the consumption of natural resources. In this study, the authors partially replaced metakaolin and fly ash with clay bricks and concrete debris. The research method in article is connected with analysis of microstructures and the mechanical and physical properties of the geopolymers. The results obtained show the possibility of manufacturing useful construction materials based on industrial byproducts (fly ash) and CDW. Compressive strength and flexural strength were, for samples containing metakaolin, 20.1 MPa and 5.3 MPa, respectively. Geopolymers containing fly ash displayed 19.7 MPa of compressive strength and 3.0 MPa of flexural strength. The results for both synthesized materials give them perspectives for future applications in the construction industry.

Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides (OJPs) have great anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory abilities. However, the low bioavailability of OJPs reduces its applicability in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Chitosan (CS) has excellent mucoadhesive properties and absorption-enhancing ability in oral administration. Casein hydrolysate (CL) has good interfacial diffusivity and emulsifying ability, and can interact with polysaccharides to form complexes combining the individual properties of both. Therefore, chitosan and casein hydrolysate are good candidates for developing nanoformulations for oral delivery. In this study, bioactive polysaccharides (OJPs), CS and CL, were combined to prepare CS/OJPs/CL co-assembled biodegradable nanoparticles. The interactions between polysaccharides (CS and OJPs) and peptide (CL) resulted in the formation of nanoparticles with an average particle size of 198 nm and high OJPs loading efficiency. The colloidal properties of the nanoparticles were pH-dependent, which were changed significantly in simulated digestive fluid at different pH values. OJPs released from the CS/OJPs/CL nanoparticles were greatly affected by pH and enzymatic degradation (trypsin and lysozyme). The nanoparticles were easily internalized by macrophages, thereby enhancing the OJPs’ inhibitory ability against Ni2+-induced cytotoxicity and LPS-induced nitric oxide production. This study demonstrates that prepared polysaccharide/protein co-assembled nanoparticles can be potential nanocarriers for the oral delivery of bioactive polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory functions.

This study investigated the preventive effects of pro-, pre- and synbiotics on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) among critically ill patients.The PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for relevant articles written before 19 February 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical efficacy of pro-, pre- and synbiotics with placebos or standard treatments for the prevention of incidental VAP were included.A total of 15 RCTs were included. Patients receiving pro-, pre- and synbiotics had a lower risk than the control group of contracting VAP (risk ratio [RR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.85;Pro-, pre- and synbiotics can prevent VAP and the use of probiotics for patients who are critically ill should be supported.