bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Characterization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Tertiary Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljohani Rawan H. , ElFeky Dalia S. , Alswaji Abdulrahman A. , Alrashidi Eisa , Okdah Liliane , Alalwan Bassam , Aljohani Sameera M. , Balkhy Hanan H. , Redhwan Alya , Alghoribi Majed F.
Published: April 2023

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients. Genomic analysis was used to gain further insight into the molecular characteristics of UPEC isolates from Saudi Arabia. A total of 165 isolates were collected from patients with UTIs between May 2019 and September 2020 from two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) were performed using the VITEK system. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates (n = 48) were selected for whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. In silico analysis revealed that the most common sequence types detected were ST131 (39.6%), ST1193 (12.5%), ST73 (10.4%), and ST10 (8.3%). Our finding showed that blaCTX-M-15 gene was detected in the majority of ESBL isolates (79.2%), followed by blaCTX-M-27 (12.5%) and blaCTX-M-8 (2.1%). ST131 carried blaCTX-M-15 or blaCTX-M-27, and all ST73 and ST1193 carried blaCTX-M-15. The relatively high proportion of ST1193 in this study was notable as a newly emerged lineage in the region, which warrants further monitoring.
Stronger than Ever: Multifilament Fiberglass Posts Boost Maxillary Premolar Fracture Resistance
Authors: Kharouf Naji , Pedullà Eugenio , Plotino Gianluca , Jmal Hamdi , Alloui Mohammed-El-Habib , Simonis Philippine , Laquerriere Patrice , Macaluso Valentina , Abdellatif Dina , Richert Raphaël , Haikel Youssef , Mancino Davide
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the influence of cavity configuration and post-endodontic restoration on the fracture resistance, failure mode and stress distribution of premolars by using a method of fracture failure test and finite elements analysis (FEA) coupled to Weibull analysis (WA). One hundred premolars were divided into one control group (Gcontr) (n = 10) and three experimental groups, according to the post-endodontic restoration (n = 30), G1, restored using composite, G2, restored using single fiber post and G3, restored using multifilament fiberglass posts (m-FGP) without post-space preparation. Each experimental group was divided into three subgroups according to the type of coronal cavity configuration (n = 10): G1O, G2O, and G3O with occlusal (O) cavity configuration; G1MO, G2MO, and G3MO with mesio-occlusal (MO); and G1MOD, G2MOD, and G3MOD with mesio-occluso-distal (MOD). After thermomechanical aging, all the specimens were tested under compression load, and failure mode was determined. FEA and WA supplemented destructive tests. Data were statistically analyzed. Irrespective of residual tooth substance, G1 and G2 exhibited lower fracture resistance than Gcontr (p < 0.05), whereas G3 showed no difference compared to Gcontr (p > 0.05). Regarding the type of restoration, no difference was highlighted between G1O and G2O, G1MO and G2MO, or G1MOD and G2MOD (p > 0.05), whereas G3O, G3MO, and G3MOD exhibit higher fracture resistance (p < 0.05) than G1O and G2O, G1MO and G2MO, and G1MOD and G2MOD, respectively. Regarding cavity configuration: in G1 and G2, G1O and G2O exhibited higher fracture resistance than G1MOD and G2MOD, respectively (p < 0.05). In G3, there was no difference among G3O, G3MO and G3MOD (p > 0.05). No difference was found among the different groups and subgroups regarding the failure mode. After aging, premolars restored with multifilament fiberglass posts demonstrated fracture resistance values comparable to those of an intact tooth, irrespective of the different type of cavity configuration.
Efficacy of Oral Medications or Intrauterine Device-Delivered Progestin in Patients with Endometrial Hyperplasia with or without Atypia: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu-Fei , Fan Yu , Mu Yi , Li Jin-Ke
Published: April 2023

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of oral medication or intrauterine device-delivered progestins in patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH) with or without atypia. We systematically examined PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov to identify studies reporting the regression rate of patients with EH who received progestins or non-progestins. The regression rates after different treatments were compared using a network meta-analysis in terms of the relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Begg–Mazumdar rank correlation and funnel plots were performed to evaluate the publication bias. Five non-randomized studies and 21 randomized controlled trials involving 2268 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) was associated with a higher regression rate than medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16–1.46) in patients with EH. Among those without atypia, the LNG-IUS was associated with a higher regression rate than any of the three types of oral medications (MPA, norethisterone, or dydrogesterone (DGT)) (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18–1.55). According to the network meta-analysis, combining the LNG-IUS with MPA or metformin increased regression rate, while DGT was associated with the highest regression rate among all oral medications. The LNG-IUS may be the best choice for patients with EH, and combining it with MPA or metformin may further improve its efficacy. DGT may be the preferred choice for patients who are unwilling to use the LNG-IUS or who cannot tolerate its side effects.
Efficient Underwater Acoustical Localization Method Based on TDOA with Sensor Position Errors
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Yingmin , Chen Cheng
Published: April 2023

Underwater acoustic localization (UWAL) is extremely challenging due to the multipath nature of extreme underwater environments, the sensor position uncertainty caused by unpredictable ocean currents, and the lack of underwater observation data due to sparse array, which all affect localization performance. Addressing these issues, this paper proposes a simple and effective underwater acoustic localization method using the time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements based on the multipath channel effect of the underwater environment. By introducing the calibration source, localization performance was improved, and the sensor position error was corrected. The Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) was derived, and the proposed method was able to achieve the CRLB with small deviation. Numerical simulations confirm the improved performance of the proposed method, including (1) a 20 dB and 30 dB reduction in the CRLB for far and near source scenarios, respectively, indicating improved accuracy and reliability when estimating unknown sources; (2) better Mean Squared Error (MSE) performance compared to existing methods and an efficiency of over 90% in low noise and above 80% in moderate noise in several scenarios, with a delayed threshold effect; and (3) achieving CRLB performance with only three sensors in a 3D space, even under moderate noise, while existing methods require at least five sensors for comparable performance. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of source localization.
Analysis and Compensation of Installation Perpendicularity Error in Unmanned Surface Vehicle Electro-Optical Devices by Using Sea–Sky Line Images
Authors: Zheng Jia , Chen Jincai , Wu Xinjian , Liang Han , Zheng Zhi , Zhu Chuanbo , Liu Yifan , Sun Chao , Wang Chuanqin , He Dahua
Published: April 2023

As an important sensor of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV), an electro-optical device is usually used to detect ships and obstacles in USV autonomous navigation and collision avoidance. However, the installation perpendicularity error of the electro-optical device greatly impacts the line-of-sight (LOS) stability control. This error is difficult to eliminate through mechanical calibration because the platform inertial navigation axis cannot be led out. This study aims to establish the model for the perpendicularity error of electro-optical devices during circumferential scanning and analyze its impact on the stability of LOS. In addition, we present a measurement technique for perpendicularity errors utilizing sea–sky line images. Through this method, we find an error function of LOS elevation angle, which is a convex function that can quickly search out high-precision perpendicularity errors step by step. Finally, we measured and compensated the perpendicularity error according to experimental data collected by the electro-optical device. The findings of this research demonstrate that the suggested approach can efficiently mitigate low-frequency disruptions and minor amplitude high-frequency vibrations of LOS in the elevation direction. As a result, it considerably enhances the precision of stability and image observation effect of electro-optical devices.
Mechanism of Phase-Locked Ice Crushing against Offshore Structures
Authors: Wang Bin , Gao Shan , Qu Yan , Yin Haoyang , Chuang Zhenju
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses a detailed analysis of the ice–structure interaction process of the phase-locked ice crushing (PLC) against offshore structures. Directly measured ice load, structure response data, and in situ observation from the field measurements on the Molikpaq lighthouse and jacket platform were used in the study. This paper summarizes a new ductile damage-collapse (DDC) failure mechanism for the PLC process. The DDC mechanism shows that the ice failure is a discrete ductile crushing process rather than a ductile–brittle transition process. The analysis identifies that the ice has a failure length in PLC and this failure length plays an important role in understanding the interaction. It reveals that PLC can occur on most vertical-sided offshore structures when the velocity of the ice sheet falls within the range of the failure length divided by the natural period of the structure. This paper proposes that this relationship between ice failure length and the natural period of the structure can be used as one of the PLC occurrence conditions. The DDC failure mechanism provides a basis for another technical route to solve the PLC problem.
Contract Farming and Food Insecurity in an Open Competitive Economy: Growth, Distribution, and Government Policy
Authors: Das Gouranga , Bhattacharyya Ranajoy , Marjit Sugata
Published: April 2023

The paper explores the emergence and consequence of contract farming as a new subsector of agriculture in a small open developing economy, applying the theory of finite change in a general equilibrium framework. In this paper, we analyze the entry of a cash crop-producing foreign contract farming (CF) subsector within the agricultural sector of a country. Entry requires a cash crop price that is substantially above the price of the food crop already being produced within the country. CF (a) increases GDP and hence aggregate economic welfare; (b) may make income distribution more skewed; (c) reduces domestic production of food and hence, (d) increases food import and hence food insecurity. Thus, CF might imply a trade-off between inequality and growth. We employ a variant of the 3 × 3 mixed specific factor-Heckscher Ohlin general equilibrium model of production and trade where introduction of a new policy may lead to the emergence of a new sector resulting in finite changes where we show the possibilities of sectoral diversification with combinations of contract farming vis-à-vis traditional agriculture under some plausible conditions. Our results seem to be consistent when compared to some empirically robust conclusions found in the literature and some secondary data available on the FAO website. We also argue that the food insecurity problem gets aggravated as more and more countries engage in contract farming. Policy simulations identify critical parameters confirming the dominance of distribution over the growth effect in terms of a social welfare function. Simulations imply that there could be a food insecurity problem, as rises in GDP could result in increasing inequality so that government—to preserve social welfare—could restrict the extent of contract farming if non-food-producing sectors expand, causing terms-of-trade deterioration of food-importing nations.
Chinese Word Order in the Comparative Sino-Tibetan and Sociotypological Contexts
Authors: Yurayong Chingduang , Sandman Erika
Published: April 2023

The present study discusses typology and variation of word order patterns in nominal and verb structures across 20 Chinese languages and compares them with another 43 languages from the Sino-Tibetan family. The methods employed are internal and external historical reconstruction and correlation studies from linguistic typology and sociolinguistics. The results show that the head-final tendency is a baseline across the family, but individual languages differ by the degree of head-initial structures allowed in a language, leading to a hybrid word order profile. On the one hand, Chinese languages consistently manifest the head-final noun phrase structures, whereas head-initial deviants can be explained either internally through reanalysis or externally through contact. On the other hand, Chinese verb phrases have varied toward head-initial structures due to contact with verb-medial languages of Mainland Southeast Asia, before reinstalling the head-final structures as a consequence of contact with verb-final languages in North Asia. When extralinguistic factors are considered, the typological north-south divide of Chinese appears to be geographically consistent and gradable by the latitude of individual Chinese language communities, confirming the validity of a broader typological cline from north to south in Eastern Eurasia.
Multiagent Multimodal Trajectory Prediction in Urban Traffic Scenarios Using a Neural Network-Based Solution
Authors: Patachi Andreea-Iulia , Leon Florin
Published: April 2023

Trajectory prediction in urban scenarios is critical for high-level automated driving systems. However, this task is associated with many challenges. On the one hand, a scene typically includes different traffic participants, such as vehicles, buses, pedestrians, and cyclists, which may behave differently. On the other hand, an agent may have multiple plausible future trajectories based on complex interactions with the other agents. To address these challenges, we propose a multiagent, multimodal trajectory prediction method based on neural networks, which encodes past motion information, group context, and road context to estimate future trajectories by learning from the interactions of the agents. At inference time, multiple realistic future trajectories are predicted. Our solution is based on an encoder–decoder architecture that can handle a variable number of traffic participants. It uses vectors of agent features as inputs rather than images, and it is designed to run on a physical autonomous car, addressing the real-time operation requirements. We evaluate the method using the inD dataset for each type of traffic participant and provide information about its integration into an actual self-driving car.
Evaluating Natural Hazards in Cities Using a Novel Integrated MCDM Approach (Case Study: Tehran City)
Authors: Bitarafan Mahdi , Amini Hosseini Kambod , Hashemkhani Zolfani Sarfaraz
Published: April 2023

Tehran, the capital of Iran, is the largest and most populous city in Iran, which is of great importance due to its large population and abundant infrastructure. One of the most critical issues in this city is its need for resilience against all kinds of threats, including natural hazards, because its development was not based on territorial geography. In other words, in developing this 700 square kilometer area, attention has yet to be paid to its different zones. Different zones include the mountains, Shemiranat’s alluvial cone area, the Tehran plain, etc. Main and minor faults, surface and underground water resources of the land, differences in formations between various parts of the land, the microclimate of the land in its multiple aspects, local and synoptic air currents, etc., have not been influential in urban development. The most crucial goal of this study is to identify and screen natural hazards in Tehran to improve this city’s resilience by introducing a novel integrated MCDM method based on ANP and The Combined Compromise Solution method with Maximum Variance (MV-CoCoSo). Therefore, to increase the strength of Tehran against these disasters, the natural hazards of Tehran must first be identified and ranked. In this regard, practical criteria for evaluating Tehran’s resilience were identified using library resources and the formation of expert groups. Then, using the ANP method, the comparative weightings of these effective criteria was investigated. Based on the results obtained, the disaster consequence criterion had the highest importance with a weight of 0.4361, followed by the disaster severity scale criterion with a weight of 0.2371, and the secondary threat possibility criterion (with a weight of 0.1232) was ranked third. Finally, using the MV-CoCoSo method, the natural hazards of Tehran city were classified based on the evaluated criteria. Tehran City’s three significant disasters were earthquakes, floods, and landslides. In addition, two experiments were designed to assess the robustness of the research methodology.
A Rare Case Report of Successful Laparoscopy-Guided Reduction of Non-Puerperal Uterine Inversion
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Lee Sanghoon , Song Jae-Yun
Published: April 2023

Non-puerperal uterine inversion is an extremely rare and potentially dangerous condition. Cases are poorly described in the literature, and their actual incidence is unknown. A 34-year-old nulliparous female patient visited the emergency department following a loss of consciousness. She had experienced continuous vaginal bleeding over the preceding two months, with a two-day history of worsening symptoms. The patient showed signs of hypovolemic shock secondary to unceasing vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed an inverted uterus and a large hematoma inside the patient’s vaginal cavity. An emergency explorative laparoscopy was performed, which confirmed uterine inversion. Initially, Johnson’s maneuver was attempted under laparoscopic visualization, but this failed to achieve uterine reduction. Following the unsuccessful performance of Huntington’s maneuver, a re-trial of the manual reduction allowed the uterus to recover to its normal anatomy. The patient’s vaginal bleeding was dramatically reduced after successful uterine reduction. The pathologic report conducted confirmed endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic visualization is a feasible and safe procedure for achieving uterine reduction in cases of non-puerperal uterine inversion with an unconfirmed pathology. Uterine malignancies should be considered in patients with non-puerperal uterine inversion.
Assessment of Labor Practices in Healthcare Using an Innovatory Framework for Sustainability
Authors: Moldovan Flaviu , Moldovan Liviu , Bataga Tiberiu
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: The concept of sustainability in healthcare is poorly researched. There is a perceived need for new theoretical and empirical studies, as well as for new instruments to assess the implementation of new labor practices in the field. Such practices address unmet social needs and consolidate the sustainable development systems which promote health equity. The objective of the research is to design an innovative reference framework for sustainable development and health equity of healthcare facilities, and to provide a practical validation of this framework. Materials and Methods: The research methods consist of designing the elements of the new frame of reference, designing an indicator matrix, elaborating indicator content, and assessing the reference framework. For the assessment stage, we used sustainable medical practices reported in the scientific literature as well as a pilot reference framework that was implemented in healthcare practice. Results: The new reference framework suggested by the present study is composed of 57 indicators organized in five areas: environmental responsibility, economic performance, social responsibility, institutional capacity, and provision of sustainable healthcare services. These indicators were adapted and integrated into the seven basic topics of the social responsibility standard. The study presents the content of the indicators in the field of labor practices, as well as their evaluation grids. The innovative format of the evaluation grids aims to describe achievement degrees, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The theoretical model was validated in practice through its implementation at the Emergency Hospital in Targu Mures. Conclusions: The conclusions of the study reflect the usefulness of the new reference framework, which is compatible with the requirements in the healthcare field, but differs from other existing frameworks, considering its objective regarding the promotion of sustainable development. This objective facilitates the continuous quantification of the sustainability level, the promotion of sustainable development strategies, and sustainability-oriented approaches on the part of interested parties.
Fluoride Exposure and ADHD: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Fiore Gianluca , Veneri Federica , Di Lorenzo Rosaria Di , Generali Luigi , Vinceti Marco , Filippini Tommaso
Published: April 2023

Background and objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by two dimensions: inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity. ADHD may be the result of complex interactions between genetic, biological and environmental factors possibly including fluoride exposure. Materials and methods: A literature search was performed on 31 March 2023 in the following databases: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. We defined the following inclusion criteria according to the PECOS statement: a healthy child and adolescent population (P), fluoride exposure of any type (E), comparison with low or null exposure (C), ADHD spectrum disorder (O), and ecological, cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies (S). Results: We found eight eligible records corresponding to seven different studies investigating the effect of fluoride exposure on children and adolescents. One study had a cohort design and one a case–control one, while five were cross-sectional. Only three studies applied validated questionnaires for the purpose of ADHD diagnosis. As regards exposure assessment, levels of fluoride in urine and tap water were, respectively used in three and two studies, while two used both. Three studies reported a positive association with ADHD risk, all assessing exposure through fluoride levels. By using urinary fluoride, conversely, a positive correlation with inattention, internalizing symptoms, cognitive and psychosomatic problems was found in three studies, but no relation was found in the other one. Conclusions: The present review suggests that early exposure to fluoride may have neurotoxic effects on neurodevelopment affecting behavioral, cognitive and psychosomatic symptoms related to ADHD diagnosis. However, due to the heterogeneity of the studies included, current evidence does not allow to conclusively confirm that fluoride exposure is specifically linked to ADHD development.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa and JAK Inhibitors: A Review of the Published Literature
Authors: Martora Fabrizio , Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Ruggiero Angelo , Potestio Luca , Battista Teresa , Megna Matteo
Published: April 2023

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa or Verneuil’s disease, is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent, and debilitating skin disease of the hair follicles characterized by inflammatory, painful, deep-rooted lesions in the areas of the body characterized by the presence of the apocrine glands. Unfortunately, huge unmet needs still remain for its treatment. Objective: The purpose of our review was collecting all cases, case series, trials, and ongoing studies available in the literature on the use of this class of drugs for HS. Materials and Methods: The investigated manuscripts included trials, reviews, letters to the editor, real-life studies, case series, and reports. Manuscripts were identified, screened, and extracted for the relevant data following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Results: We selected 56 articles of which 25 met the selection criteria for our review. Among the JAK inhibitors to date, there is only one published clinical trial in the literature (Janus kinase 1 inhibitor INCB054707), a real-life study with 15 patients up to week 24 in which upadacitinib was used and a case series where tofacitinib was successfully used. Conversely, there are several ongoing clinical trials. Conclusions: Results to date in the literature show promising levels of efficacy and the safety of JAK inhibitors in HS. Several clinical trials are underway from which it will be very important to compare the available data. There are still too few studies conducted with a low sample size, so it remains critical to investigate this issue further in the future with a real-life study involving a large sample of patients in order to provide safe and viable therapeutic alternatives for HS.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Bacillus sp. Isolated from Raw Milk
Authors: Adamski Patryk , Byczkowska-Rostkowska Zuzanna , Gajewska Joanna , Zakrzewski Arkadiusz Józef , Kłębukowska Lucyna
Published: April 2023

Milk, due to its diversity in terms of its nutritional content, is an important element of the human diet, as well as a good medium for the development of bacteria. The genus Bacillus contains ubiquitous aerobic, rod-shaped, endospore-producing gram-positive bacteria. Representatives of the Bacillus cereus group and the Bacillus subtilis group contribute to shortening the shelf life of milk and dairy products by degrading milk components and its additives. They also produce a number of heat-stable toxins and can cause a number of ailments, mainly in the digestive system. The aim of this research was to identify Bacillus sp. strains isolated from raw milk and to determine their antibiotic resistance. Strains isolated from raw milk samples (n = 45) were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Ninety strains of Bacillus sp. were identified, for which the antibiotic resistance phenotype was determined. A total of 90 strains of Bacillus were classified in five groups (the Bacillus cereus group (n = 35), B. licheniformis (n = 7), the B. subtilis group (n = 29), B. pumilus (n = 16), and Bacillus sp. (n = 3). All isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and meropenem. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the tested groups of Bacillus spp. differed from each other, which is of particular concern in relation to multidrug-resistant representatives of the B. cereus group resistant to cefotaxime (94.29%), ampicillin (88.57%), rifampicin (80%), and norfloxacin (65.71%). Our study provides data on the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of Bacillus sp. In raw milk, suggesting a potential risk to health and the dairy industry.
Molecular Epidemiological Investigation and Management of Outbreak Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Woon Jia Jie , Ahmad Kamar Azanna , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju , Idris Nuryana , Zhazali Rosliza , Saaibon Suzana , Basauhra Singh Harvinderjit Kaur , Charanjeet Singh Jasreena Kaur Gill , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Ponnampalavanar Sasheela
Published: April 2023

The present study describes an epidemiological investigation into a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) outbreak, which had occurred in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and the subsequent strengthening of infection control interventions. Upon the onset of the outbreak, existing infection control interventions were reviewed, and a set of containment measures were instituted. All CRAB isolates were characterized in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and their genetic relatedness. The investigation process identified gaps within the NICU’s existing infection control measures, which had likely resulted in the outbreak. CRAB was isolated from nine preterm infants: five colonized and four infected. All five colonized patients were discharged well. However, three out of four of the infected infants died. Outbreak investigation and genomic subtyping of environmental swabs revealed that mini syringe drivers shared between patients and a sink in the milk preparation room had served as CRAB reservoirs with possible transmission via the hands of healthcare workers. Implementation of immediate actions such as reinforcement of hand hygiene practices, intensified environmental cleaning, geographical cohorting, reviewing of milk handling practices and sink management protocol had resulted in no further CRAB isolation. The CRAB outbreak in the NICU underlines the importance of consistent compliance with infection-control interventions. Integration of epidemiological and microbiological data, together with comprehensive preventive measures, successfully brought the outbreak to a halt.
Assessment of Various Food Proteins as Structural Materials for Delivery of Hydrophobic Polyphenols Using a Novel Co-Precipitation Method
Authors: Rashidinejad Ali , Nieuwkoop Matthijs , Singh Harjinder , Jameson Geoffrey
Published: April 2023

In this study, sodium caseinate (NaCas), soy protein isolate (SPI), and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used as structural materials for the delivery of rutin, naringenin, curcumin, hesperidin, and catechin. For each polyphenol, the protein solution was brought to alkaline pH, and then the polyphenol and trehalose (as a cryo-protectant) were added. The mixtures were later acidified, and the co-precipitated products were lyophilized. Regardless of the type of protein used, the co-precipitation method exhibited relatively high entrapment efficiency and loading capacity for all five polyphenols. Several structural changes were seen in the scanning electron micrographs of all polyphenol–protein co-precipitates. This included a significant decrease in the crystallinity of the polyphenols, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, where amorphous structures of rutin, naringenin, curcumin, hesperidin, and catechin were revealed after the treatment. Both the dispersibility and solubility of the lyophilized powders in water were improved dramatically (in some cases, >10-fold) after the treatment, with further improvements observed in these properties for the powders containing trehalose. Depending on the chemical structure and hydrophobicity of the tested polyphenols, there were differences observed in the degree and extent of the effect of the protein on different properties of the polyphenols. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrated that NaCas, WPI, and SPI can be used for the development of an efficient delivery system for hydrophobic polyphenols, which in turn can be incorporated into various functional foods or used as supplements in the nutraceutical industry.
Research Progress of Ferula ferulaeoides: A Review
Authors: Chen Zhengqiong , Zhou Gang , Ma Shengjun
Published: April 2023

Ferula ferulaeoides (Steud.) Korov is one of the traditional ethnic medicines in Xinjiang Uygur and Kazakh of China, which mainly contains volatile oils, terpenoids, coumarins and other chemical components. Previous work has shown that F. ferulaeoides exhibited insecticide, antibacterial, antitumor properties, and so on. In this paper, the chemical composition, pharmacological activity, and quality control of F. ferulaeoides were reviewed, and the application of F. ferulaeoides in the food industry was explored, so as to provide some reference for the quality evaluation of F. ferulaeoides and its further development and utilization.
Procyanidins Alleviated Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Lei , Huang Jie , Yao Zi-Meng , Sun Xiao-Rong , Tong Xu-Hui , Hu Miao , Zhang Ying , Dong Shu-Ying
Published: April 2023

Procyanidins (PCs), which are organic antioxidants, suppress oxidative stress, exhibit anti−apoptotic properties, and chelate metal ions. The potential defense mechanism of PCs against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) was investigated in this study. Pre−administration for 7 days of a PC enhanced nerve function and decreased cerebellar infarct volume in a mouse middle cerebral artery embolization paradigm. In addition, mitochondrial ferroptosis was enhanced, exhibited by mitochondrial shrinkage and roundness, increased membrane density, and reduced or absent ridges. The level of Fe2+ and lipid peroxidation that cause ferroptosis was significantly reduced by PC administration. According to the Western blot findings, PCs altered the expression of proteins associated with ferroptosis, promoting the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 while reducing the expression of TFR1, hence inhibiting ferroptosis. Moreover, the treatment of PCs markedly elevated the expression of HO−1 and Nuclear−Nrf2. The PCs’ ability to prevent ferroptosis due to CIRI was decreased by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Our findings showed that the protective effect of PCs may be achieved via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis. This study provides a new perspective on the treatment of CIRI with PCs.
Preparation and Anti-Lung Cancer Activity Analysis of Guaiacyl-Type Dehydrogenation Polymer
Authors: Zhou Junyi , Yue Yuanyuan , Wei Xin , Xie Yimin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, guaiacyl dehydrogenated lignin polymer (G-DHP) was synthesized using coniferin as a substrate in the presence of β-glucosidase and laccase. Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) determination revealed that the structure of G-DHP was relatively similar to that of ginkgo milled wood lignin (MWL), with both containing β-O-4, β-5, β-1, β-β, and 5-5 substructures. G-DHP fractions with different molecular weights were obtained by classification with different polar solvents. The bioactivity assay indicated that the ether-soluble fraction (DC2) showed the strongest inhibition of A549 lung cancer cells, with an IC50 of 181.46 ± 28.01 μg/mL. The DC2 fraction was further purified using medium-pressure liquid chromatography. Anti-cancer analysis revealed that the D4 and D5 compounds from DC2 had better anti-tumor activity, with IC50 values of 61.54 ± 17.10 μg/mL and 28.61 ± 8.52 μg/mL, respectively. Heating electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HESI-MS) results showed that both the D4 and D5 were β-5-linked dimers of coniferyl aldehyde, and the 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR analyses confirmed the structure of the D5. Together, these results indicate that the presence of an aldehyde group on the side chain of the phenylpropane unit of G-DHP enhances its anticancer activity.
Stabilization of Sunflower Oil with Biologically Active Compounds from Berries
Authors: Ghendov-Mosanu Aliona , Popovici Violina , Constantinescu (Pop) Cristina Gabriela , Deseatnicova Olga , Siminiuc Rodica , Subotin Iurie , Druta Raisa , Pintea Adela , Socaciu Carmen , Sturza Rodica
Published: April 2023

Sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus) contains a rich concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are susceptible to rapid oxidative processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stabilizing effect of lipophilic extracts from two types of berries, sea buckthorn and rose hips, on sunflower oil. This research included the analysis of sunflower oil oxidation products and mechanisms, including the determination of chemical changes occurring in the lipid oxidation process via LC-MS/MS using electrospray ionization in negative and positive mode. Pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal were identified as key compounds formed during oxidation. The individual profiles of the carotenoids from sea buckthorn berries were determined using RP-HPLC. The influence of the carotenoid extraction parameters ascertained from the berries on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil was analyzed. The dynamics of the accumulation of the primary and secondary products of lipid oxidation and the variation of the carotenoid pigment content in the lipophilic extracts of sea buckthorn and rose hips during storage demonstrated good stability at 4 °C in the absence of light for 12 months. The experimental results were applied to mathematical modeling using fuzzy sets and mutual information analysis, which allowed for the prediction of the oxidation of sunflower oil.
Corneal Densitometry with Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer
Authors: Consejo Alejandra , Basabilbaso Silvia , Remon Laura
Published: April 2023

This study aims to apply the densitometry distribution analysis (DDA) method to study corneal densitometry depending on age and corneal region from Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer tomography. A total of 83 healthy participants aged 39.02 ± 18.34 years (range 9–81 years) were screened using a Ziemer Galilei G2. Images were analysed using the DDA, and two parameters, α (corneal transparency) and β (corneal homogeneity), were estimated. A two-way ANOVA analysis was performed to investigate whether α and β are influenced by age, corneal región (four concentric areas were considered), and their interaction. The parameters α and β statistically change with age and corneal region. A statistically significant interaction effect of 13% (α) and 11% (β) exists between age and corneal region. However, the corneal region plays a more significant role than aging in corneal densitometry; 31% (α) and 51% (β) of the variance can be attributed to the corneal region, while 28% (α) and 5% (β) can be attributed solely to aging. Corneal densitometry can be objectively assessed from Galilei G2 images using the DDA method. The corneal region plays a more significant role than aging in corneal densitometry. Consequently, general results on corneal densitometry and aging should be taken cautiously.
A Lightweight Swin Transformer-Based Pipeline for Optical Coherence Tomography Image Denoising in Skin Application
Authors: Liao Jinpeng , Li Chunhui , Huang Zhihong
Published: April 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has attracted attention in dermatology applications for skin disease characterization and diagnosis because it provides high-resolution (<10 μm) of tissue non-invasively with high imaging speed (2–8 s). However, the quality of OCT images can be significantly degraded by speckle noise, which results from light waves scattering in multiple directions. This noise can hinder the accuracy of disease diagnosis, and the conventional frame averaging method requires multiple repeated (e.g., four to six) scans, which is time consuming and introduces motion artifacts. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a lightweight U-shape Swin (LUSwin) transformer-based denoising pipeline to recover high-quality OCT images from the noisy OCT images by utilizing a fast one-repeated OCT scan. In terms of the peak signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR) performance, the results reveal that the denoised images from the LUSwin transformer (26.92) are of a higher quality than the four-repeated frame-averaging method (26.19). Compared to the state-of-the-art networks in image denoising, the proposed LUSwin transformer has the smallest floating points operation (3.9299 G) and has the second highest PSNR results, only 0.02 lower than the Swin-UNet, which has the highest PSNR results (26.94). This study demonstrates that the transformer model has the capacity to denoise the noisy OCT image from a fast one-repeated OCT scan.
Near-Field Evolution of Optical Vortices and Their Spatial Ordering behind a Fork-Shaped Grating
Authors: Ikonnikov Denis A. , Myslivets Sergey A. , Arkhipkin Vasily G. , Vyunishev Andrey M.
Published: April 2023

Fork-shaped gratings are periodic structures containing a spatial dislocation known to be used for the production of optical vortices in a far field. Spatial overlapping of diffraction orders in a near field results in complex spatial evolution of optical vortices. In this paper, we report the results of near-field diffraction on fork-shaped gratings with different topological charges and analyze the evolution of specific optical vortices during propagation. Optical vortices have been shown to form two-dimensional well-ordered spatial configurations in specific transverse planes. The locus of points of optical singularities has been shown to form two helical lines twisted around the ±1 diffraction order directions. Our results demonstrate that the spatial behaviour of optical vortices is in close connection with the spatial ordering arising from the Talbot effect. The quantity of optical vortices demonstrates complex spatial dynamics, which includes spatial oscillations and decreasing along the propagation direction. These results provide a foundation towards a deeper understanding of near-field singular optics phenomena.
Machine Learning Approach for Event Position Reconstruction in the DEAP-3600 Dark Matter Search Experiment
Authors: Collaboration DEAP
Published: April 2023

In addition to classical analytical data processing methods, machine learning methods are widely used for data analysis in elementary particle physics. Most often, such techniques are used to identify a particular class of events (the classification problem) or to predict a certain event parameter (the regression problem). Here, we present the result of using a machine learning model to solve the regression problem of event position reconstruction in the DEAP-3600 dark matter search detector. A neural network was used as a machine learning model. Improving the position resolution will improve the reduction in background events, while increasing the signal acceptance for weakly interacting massive particles.
Using the Two-Phase Emission Detector RED-100 at NPP to Study Coherent Elastic Neutrinos Scattering off Nuclei
Authors: Collaboration RED-100
Published: April 2023

The two-phase emission detector RED-100 with 130 kg of liquid xenon as a working medium has been exhibited at a distance of 19 m from the core of the VVER-1000/320 nuclear power reactor at the fourth power unit of the Kalinin Nuclear Plant Power in 2021–2022. Due to the high sensitivity of the detector for weak ionization signals (down to single electrons), the detector has been used to search for the elastic coherent scattering of reactor electron antineutrinos off xenon nuclei. However, the observation of ~30 kHz single-electron noise did not quite allow for an effective selection of the useful events. The next experiment with the RED-100 detector is considered to be arranged with 62 kg of liquid argon as a working medium. The advantages of this approach are discussed in this paper.
The Effect of Self-Compatibility Factors on Interspecific Compatibility in Solanum Section Petota
Authors: Behling William L. , Douches David S.
Published: April 2023

The relationships of interspecific compatibility and incompatibility in Solanum section Petota are complex. Inquiry into these relationships in tomato and its wild relatives has elucidated the pleiotropic and redundant function of S-RNase and HT which tandemly and independently mediate both interspecific and intraspecific pollen rejection. Our findings presented here are consistent with previous work conducted in Solanum section Lycopersicon showing that S-RNase plays a central role in interspecific pollen rejection. Statistical analyses also demonstrated that HT-B alone is not a significant factor in these pollinations; demonstrating the overlap in gene function between HT-A and HT-B, as HT-A, was present and functional in all genotypes used. We were not able to replicate the general absence of prezygotic stylar barriers observable in S. verrucosum, which has been attributed to the lack of S-RNase, indicating that other non-S-RNase factors play a significant role. We also demonstrated that Sli played no significant role in these interspecific pollinations, directly conflicting with previous research. It is possible that S. chacoense as a pollen donor is better able to bypass stylar barriers in 1EBN species such as S. pinnatisectum. Consequently, S. chacoense may be a valuable resource in accessing these 1EBN species regardless of Sli status.
Effect of Two Seeding Rates on Nitrogen Yield and Nitrogen Fixation of Winter and Spring Faba Bean
Authors: Neugschwandtner Reinhard W. , Bernhuber Alexander , Kammlander Stefan , Wagentristl Helmut , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Lošák Tomáš , Bernas Jaroslav , Koppensteiner Lukas J. , Zholamanov Kuanysh K. , Ghorbani Mohammad , Kaul Hans-Peter
Published: April 2023

Faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) is an important grain legume and is widely used as food and feed. It is traditionally used as a spring crop in Central European cropping systems. There is increasing interest in winter faba bean due to a higher yield potential, but limited knowledge of nitrogen (N) yields and nitrogen fixation (NFIX) exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare N concentrations, N yield of plant fractions, soil mineral N (SMN) and SMN sparing in the soil after harvest, NFIX and N balance of two winter faba bean varieties (Diva and Hiverna) to those of a spring faba bean (Alexia) using two seeding rates (25 versus 50 germinable seeds m−2) in a two-year field experiment under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria. The winter faba bean varieties had higher N yields and NFIX, not only due to higher biomass yields, but also due to higher N concentrations and a higher percentage of N derived from atmosphere in the biomass. Conversely, the soil mineral N after harvest was lower compared to the spring faba bean. All treatments had a negative N balance due to higher grain N yield than NFIX. Winter faba beans left higher amounts of biologically-fixed N in residues for the subsequent crop, whereas spring faba bean left more SMN. Winter faba bean varieties obtained good results with both seeding rates, whereas the grain yield and the grain N yield of Alexia tended to higher with the higher seeding rate.
Studying Parameters Affecting Accumulation of Chilling Units Required for Olive Winter Flower Induction
Authors: Engelen Chaim , Wechsler Tahel , Bakhshian Ortal , Smoly Ilan , Flaks Idan , Friedlander Tamar , Ben-Ari Giora , Samach Alon
Published: April 2023

With global warming, mean winter temperatures are predicted to increase. Therefore, understanding how warmer winters will affect the levels of olive flower induction is essential for predicting the future sustainability of olive oil production under different climactic scenarios. Here, we studied the effect of fruit load, forced drought in winter, and different winter temperature regimes on olive flower induction using several cultivars. We show the necessity of studying trees with no previous fruit load as well as provide evidence that soil water content during winter does not significantly affect the expression of an FT-encoding gene in leaves and the subsequent rate of flower induction. We collected yearly flowering data for 5 cultivars for 9 to 11 winters, altogether 48 data sets. Analyzing hourly temperatures from these winters, we made initial attempts to provide an efficient method to calculate accumulated chill units that are then correlated with the level of flower induction in olives. While the new models tested here appear to predict the positive contribution of cold temperatures, they lack in accurately predicting the reduction in cold units caused by warm temperatures occurring during winter.