bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Submucosal cavernous lymphangioma causing jejuno-jejunal intussusception in an adult
Authors: Zhao Ning , Fu Yuhang , Wang Zhongzheng , An Qi , Jia Wenzhuo
Published: September 2022

Cavernous lymphangioma often occurs in the head, neck, trunk, and extremities of infants and children, and it is rare to cause a small intestine intussusception in adults. In this case, a 32-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and a 5 cm × 5 cm abdominal mass on the left side of the abdomen. Laboratory tests showed anemia and CT showed small intestinal intussusception. After conservative treatments, her symptoms disappeared. However, 18F-FDG PET/CT suggested malignancy and her symptoms reappeared after eating something. Segmental jejunal resection was performed and pathology showed submucosal cavernous lymphangioma. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic. Then this paper reviewed the literature on small intestinal cavernous lymphangioma in adults and found that this is the first English case report of intussusception caused by a jejunal submucosal cavernous lymphangioma in an adult. Current problem is that adult intussusception and intestinal lymphangioma are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Imaging techniques such as tomography and PET/CT aid in the diagnosis of these benign lesions. Surgical resection was considered to be the required treatment and seems to have had no recurrence in adults according to the literature.
Are surgical outcomes for one level anterior decompression and fusion associated with MRI parameters for degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Authors: Qu Luqiang , Yang Shaofeng , Yuan Lijie , Niu Junjie , Song Dawei , Yang Songping , Yang Huilin , Zou Jun
Published: September 2022

Background

Our study is to determine the correlation between preoperative MRI parameters of spinal cord compression and the effects of anterior surgery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Methods

24 normal subjects with no evident abnormalities were selected as group A. 79 patients with DCM underwent single-segment (C4–5/C5–6) ACDF surgery formed the operation group, and separated into group B (without high signal) and group C (with high signal) according to the absence or presence of high signal in the spinal cord on preoperative T2-weighted MRI respectively. MRI parameters (MCC, maximum canal compromise; MSCC, maximum spinal cord compression; CR, spinal cord compression rate; RCSCDS, ratio of cervical spinal cord to dura sac) were measured. The JOA score was used to evaluate cervical spinal cord function and recovery rate (RR) was used to evaluate postoperative efficacy. The relationship between preoperative MRI parameters and postoperative efficacy was analyzed.

Results

The preoperative JOA score and RR of group B were higher than that of group C. MCC and MSCC in group B were significantly lower than those in groups C. The multiple linear regression equation was the fitted postoperative JOA score = 13.371–2.940 * MCC −5.660 * RCSCDS +0.471 * preoperative JOA score. The fitted RR = 1.451–0.472 * MCC −1.313 * RCSCDS.

Conclusion

The occurrence of high signal on T2-weighted images could reflect more serious spinal cord injury. The postoperative JOA score was significantly correlated with MCC, RCSCDS, and preoperative JOA score, while RR was significantly associated with MCC and RCSCDS.
A three-dimensional visualization of the full-field surgical region based on thin-slice MRI: A helpful approach for simultaneously guiding tumor resection and perforator flap elevation
Authors: Cui Lei , Jiang Wei Q. , Zhang De K. , Wang Gao F. , Han Yu D. , Pu Wen W. , Shao Yan , Guo Lin L. , Tao Ran , Han Yan
Published: September 2022

Background

The goal of the current study was to explore the application of preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction (3DR) based on thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the simultaneous guidance of en bloc tumor resection and adjacent perforator flap elevation.

Methods

The prospective cohort included 35 patients diagnosed with either soft tissue sarcoma or squamous cell skin cancer between 2019 and 2021. The preoperative 3DR based on thin-slice MRI illustrated the spatial anatomical relationship among the tumor, underlying muscle, adjacent perforator vessels, and bone around the surgical region. The accuracy of preoperative imaging data was verified by intraoperative vessel dissection and postoperative pathological measurements.

Results

Tumor size from 3DR data showed relatively high concordance rates with pathological measurements within the 95% limits of agreement. An average of three perforators (range: 1–7) with a mean diameter of 0.32 cm (range: 0.18–0.74 cm) from the 3DR were present in our study. The average distance between tumor boundary and perforator piercing sites on the 3DR was 2.2 cm (range: 1.2–7.7 cm). The average length of artery perforator coursing along the subcutaneous tissue was 5.8 cm (range: 3.3–25.1 cm). The mean flap harvest time was 55 mins (range: 36–97 min). The average flap size was 92.2 cm2 (range: 32–126 cm2). One perforator flap occurred distal partial necrosis.

Conclusion

A thorough understanding of anatomical structures in the surgical region according to full-field 3DR based on thin-slice MRI can improve the performance of radical resection of the tumor and adjacent perforator flap transfer, especially for junior surgeons with a poor experience.
Hyperspectral Imaging-Based Multiple Predicting Models for Functional Component Contents in Brassica juncea
Authors: Choi Jae-Hyeong , Park Soo Hyun , Jung Dae-Hyun , Park Yun Ji , Yang Jung-Seok , Park Jai-Eok , Lee Hyein , Kim Sang Min
Published: September 2022

Partial least squares regression (PLSR) prediction models were developed using hyperspectral imaging for noninvasive detection of the five most representative functional components in Brassica juncea leaves: chlorophyll, carotenoid, phenolic, glucosinolate, and anthocyanin contents. The region of interest for functional component analysis was chosen by polygon selection and the extracted average spectra were used for model development. For pre-processing, 10 combinations of Savitzky–Golay filter (S. G. filter), standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), 1st-order derivative (1st-Der), 2nd-order derivative (2nd-Der), and normalization were applied. Root mean square errors of calibration (RMSEP) was used to assess the performance accuracy of the constructed prediction models. The prediction model for total anthocyanins exhibited the highest prediction level (RV2 = 0.8273; RMSEP = 2.4277). Pre-processing combination of SNV and 1st-Der with spectral data resulted in high-performance prediction models for total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and glucosinolate contents. Pre-processing combination of S. G. filter and SNV gave the highest prediction rate for total phenolics. SNV inclusion in the pre-processing conditions was essential for developing high-performance accurate prediction models for functional components. By enabling visualization of the distribution of functional components on the hyperspectral images, PLSR prediction models will prove valuable in determining the harvest time.
Equine Hepacivirus: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Serological and Biomolecular Prevalence and a Phylogenetic Update
Authors: Pacchiarotti Giulia , Nardini Roberto , Scicluna Maria Teresa
Published: September 2022

Viral hepatitis has recently assumed relevance for equine veterinary medicine since a variety of new viruses have been discovered. Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that can cause subclinical hepatitis in horses, occasionally evolving into a chronic disease. EqHV, to date, is considered the closest known relative of human HCV. EqHV has been reported worldwide therefore assessing its features is relevant, considering both the wide use of blood products and transfusions in veterinary therapies and its similitude to HCV. The present review resumes the actual knowledge on EqHV epidemiology, risk factors and immunology, together with potential diagnostics and good practices for prevention. Moreover, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews a meta-analysis of serological and biomolecular prevalence and an updated phylogenetic description is presented as a benchmark for further studies.
Effect of Cardamine violifolia on Plasma Biochemical Parameters, Anti-Oxidative Capacity, Intestinal Morphology, and Meat Quality of Broilers Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Wei Yu , Gao Qingyu , Jing Xiaoqing , Zhang Yue , Zhu Huiling , Cong Xin , Cheng Shuiyuan , Liu Yulan , Xu Xiao
Published: September 2022

Cardamine violifolia is a newly discovered selenium (Se)-enriched plant rich in MeSeCys and SeCys and has a strong antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cardamine violifolia on plasma biochemical indices, antioxidant levels, intestinal morphology, and meat quality of broilers under acute LPS-induced oxidative stress by comparing it with inorganic Se (sodaium selenite). A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were fed a basal diet and divided into four groups: (1) SeNa-SS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite, and injected with 0.9% sterile saline, (2) SeCv-SS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from Cardamine violifolia, and injected with 0.9% sterile saline, (3) SeNa-LPS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite, and injected with 0.5 mg/kg LPS, (4) SeCv-LPS, fed a diet supplied with 0.3 mg/kg Se from Cardamine violifolia and injected with 0.5 mg/kg LPS. The experiment lasted for 42 days. Sterile saline or LPS was injected intraperitoneally two hours before slaughter, and blood and tissue samples were collected for testing. The results showed that compared with SeNa, SeCv significantly reduced the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and urea nitrogen after LPS challenge (p < 0.05), and increased the plasma levels of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase, decreased malondialdehyde content in LPS-challenged broilers (p < 0.05). In addition, compared with SeNa, SeCv supplementation increased villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of jejunum and ileum after LPS challenge (p < 0.05). Additionally, SeCv could increase the redness of breast and thigh muscle, and decrease drip loss, cooking loss, and shear force (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicated that supplementing with 0.3 mg/kg Se from Cardamine violifolia alleviated tissue injury after LPS challenge, increased antioxidant capacity, and improved meat quality of breast and thigh muscle after stress.
Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Traits of Autochthonous Arouquesa Weaners Raised on Traditional and Improved Feeding Systems
Authors: Sacarrão-Birrento Laura , Gomes Maria José , Silva Severiano R. , Silva José A. , Moreira Duarte , Vieira Raquel , Ferreira Luis Mendes , Pereira Pedro , de Almeida André M. , Almeida José Carlos , Venâncio Carlos
Published: September 2022

Arouquesa is an autochthonous bovine breed known for its Arouquesa PDO beef labeling. There are several production systems under the definition of PDO labeling. This study aimed to compare the effect of different production systems on carcass and meat traits for the Arouquesa breed. Two trials differing in diet and weaning age were conducted. The first trial included a TF group fed the traditional way and weaned at 9 months; a TF + S1 group, equal to TF, but with a starter supplement; and finally, a S1 + S2 group that was fed with a starter and a growth supplement and weaned at 5 months. The second trial was composed of a TF + S3 group fed like the TF + S1 group but reared until 12 months with a finishing supplement, and finally, the S3 group fed like the S1 + S2 group but reared until 12 months. In the first trial, the TF + S1 and S1 + S2 groups showed higher final live weight and average daily gain. In the second trial, we observed differences in the subcutaneous fat that was higher in the S3 group. Regarding meat traits, we observed differences in exudative and cooking losses in the first trial. In general, supplementation improved meat production without affecting meat quality parameters.
Potential Involvement of ewsr1-w Gene in Ovarian Development of Chinese Tongue Sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Cheng Peng , Chen Zhangfan , Xu Wenteng , Wang Na , Yang Qian , Shi Rui , Li Xihong , Cui Zhongkai , Cheng Jiayu , Chen Songlin
Published: September 2022

Ewsr1 encodes a protein that acts as a multifunctional molecule in a variety of cellular processes. The full-length of Cs-ewsr1-w and Cs-ewsr1-z were cloned in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). The open reading frame (ORF) of Cs-ewsr1-w was 1,767 bp that encoded 589 amino acids, while Cs-ewsr1-z was 1,794 bp that encoded 598 amino acids. Real-time PCR assays showed that Cs-ewsr1-w exhibited significant female-biased expression and could be hardly detected in male. It has the most abundant expression in ovaries among eight healthy tissues. Its expression in ovary increased gradually from 90 d to 3 y with C. semilaevis ovarian development and reached the peak at 3 y. After Cs-ewsr1-w knockdown with siRNA interference, several genes related to gonadal development including foxl2, sox9b and pou5f1 were down-regulated in ovarian cell line, suggesting the possible participation of Cs-ewsr1-w in C. semilaevis ovarian development. The dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed that the -733/-154 bp Cs-ewsr1-w promoter fragment exhibited strong transcription activity human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cell line. The mutation of a MAF BZIP Transcription Factor K (Mafk) binding site located in this fragment suggested that transcription factor Mafk might play an important role in Cs-ewsr1-w basal transcription. Our results will provide clues on the gene expression level, transcriptional regulation and knock-down effect of ewsr1 gene during ovarian development in teleost.
Identification of miRNA–mRNA Networks Associated with Pigeon Skeletal Muscle Development and Growth
Authors: Ding Hao , Chen Can , Zhang Tao , Chen Lan , Chen Weilin , Ling Xuanze , Zhang Genxi , Wang Jinyu , Xie Kaizhou , Dai Guojun
Published: September 2022

The growth and development of skeletal muscle determine the productivity of pigeon meat production, and miRNA plays an important role in the growth and development of this type of muscle. However, there are few reports regarding miRNA regulating the growth and development of skeletal muscle in pigeons. To explore the function of miRNA in regulating the growth and development of pigeon skeletal muscle, we used RNA sequencing technology to study the transcriptome of pigeons at two embryonic stages (E8 and E13) and two growth stages (D1 and D10). A total of 32,527 mRNAs were identified in pigeon skeletal muscles, including 14,378 novel mRNAs and 18,149 known mRNAs. A total of 2362 miRNAs were identified, including 1758 known miRNAs and 624 novel miRNAs. In total, 839 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and 11,311 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) were identified. STEM clustering analysis assigned DEmiRNAs to 20 profiles, of which 7 were significantly enriched (p-value < 0.05). These seven significantly enriched profiles can be classified into two categories. The first category represents DEmiRNAs continuously downregulated from the developmental stage to the growth stage of pigeon skeletal muscle, and the second category represents DEmiRNAs with low expression at the development and early growth stage, and significant upregulation at the high growth stage. We then constructed an miRNA–mRNA network based on target relationships between DEmiRNAs and DEGs belonging to the seven significantly enriched profiles. Based on the connectivity degree, 20 hub miRNAs responsible for pigeon skeletal muscle development and growth were identified, including cli-miR-20b-5p, miR-130-y, cli-miR-106-5p, cli-miR-181b-5p, miR-1-z, cli-miR-1a-3p, miR-23-y, cli-miR-30d-5p, miR-1-y, etc. The hub miRNAs involved in the miRNA–mRNA regulatory networks and their expression patterns during the development and growth of pigeon skeletal muscle were visualized. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis found potential biological processes and pathways related to muscle growth and development. Our findings expand the knowledge of miRNA expression in pigeons and provide a database for further investigation of the miRNA–mRNA regulatory mechanism underlying pigeon skeletal muscle development and growth.
Surveillance and Genomic Analysis of Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant and Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Complex in Germany
Authors: Xanthopoulou Kyriaki , Imirzalioglu Can , Walker Sarah V. , Behnke Michael , Dinkelacker Ariane G. , Eisenbeis Simone , Gastmeier Petra , Gölz Hanna , Käding Nadja , Kern Winfried V. , Kola Axel , Kramme Evelyn , Lucassen Kai , Mischnik Alexander , Peter Silke , Rohde Anna M. , Rupp Jan , Tacconelli Evelina , Tobys David , Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , Wille Julia , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G. ,   on behalf of the DZIF R-Net Study Group
Published: September 2022

To analyse the epidemiology and population structure of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Klebsiella pneumoniae complex isolates, patients were screened for rectal colonisation with 3GCR/CR K. pneumoniae complex on admission to six German university hospitals (2016–2019). Also collected were 3GCR/CR and susceptible K. pneumoniae isolates from patients with bloodstream infections (2016–2018). Whole-genome sequencing was performed followed by multilocus sequencing typing (MLST), core-genome MLST, and resistome and virulome analysis. The admission prevalence of 3GCR K. pneumoniae complex isolates during the 4-year study period was 0.8%, and 1.0 bloodstream infection per 1000 patient admissions was caused by K. pneumoniae complex (3GCR prevalence, 15.1%). A total of seven K. pneumoniae complex bloodstream isolates were CR (0.8%). The majority of colonising and bloodstream 3GCR isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae, 96.7% and 98.8%, respectively; the remainder were K. variicola and K. quasipneumoniae. cgMLST showed a polyclonal population of colonising and bloodstream isolates, which was also reflected by MLST and virulome analysis. CTX-M-15 was the most prevalent extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, and 29.7% of the colonising and 48.8% of the bloodstream isolates were high-risk clones. The present study provides an insight into the polyclonal 3GCR K. pneumoniae population in German hospitals.
Effect of Unloaded and Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on Tissue Transglutaminase Isoforms Expression Levels in an Experimental Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Campisi Agatina , Sposito Giovanni , Pellitteri Rosalia , Santonocito Debora , Bisicchia Julia , Raciti Giuseppina , Russo Cristina , Nardiello Pamela , Pignatello Rosario , Casamenti Fiorella , Puglia Carmelo
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease representing the most prevalent cause of dementia. It is also related to the aberrant amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein deposition in the brain. Since oxidative stress is involved in AD, there is a possible role of antioxidants present in the effected person’s diet. Thus, we assessed the effect of the systemic administration of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to facilitate curcumin (CUR) delivery on TG2 isoform expression levels in Wild Type (WT) and in TgCRND8 (Tg) mice. An experimental model of AD, which expresses two mutated human amyloid precursor protein (APP) genes, was used. Behavioral studies were also performed to evaluate the improvement of cognitive performance and memory function induced by all treatments. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Cyclin-D1, and caspase-3 cleavage were evaluated as well. In this research, for the first time, we demonstrated that the systemic administration of SLNs-CUR, both in WT and in Tg mice, allows one to differently modulate TG2 isoforms, which act either on apoptotic pathway activation or on the ability of the protein to repair cellular damage in the brains of Tg mice. In this study, we also suggest that SLNs-CUR could be an innovative tool for the treatment of AD.
Characterization of Polysaccharides Sequentially Extracted from Allium roseum Leaves and Their Hepatoprotective Effects against Cadmium Induced Toxicity in Mouse Liver
Authors: Teka Nesrine , Alminderej Fahad M. , Souid Ghada , El-Ghoul Yassine , Le Cerf Didier , Majdoub Hatem
Published: September 2022

Allium roseum is one of the medicinal plants of the Liliaceae family, widely used in the food industry and traditional medicine. It is known for its various biological properties, such as its antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The present work aims to extract the polysaccharides from Allium roseum leaves and evaluate their antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects in vivo. Three polysaccharides from the leaves of Allium roseum were sequentially extracted in three media: water, chelating, and basic, respectively. They were characterized by size exclusion chromatography, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, FTIR-ATR, and NMR spectroscopy (1D and 2D). The different polysaccharides principally consist of glucose, galactose, mannose, rhamnose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of the extracts against Cd-caused oxidative stress in liver mouse were tested. Cd treatment, during 24 h, enhanced significantly lipid peroxidation by a high production of malondyaldehyd (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In contrast, catalase activity (CAT) was decreased after the same period of exposure to the metal. The polysaccharides pre-treatment improved the antioxidant defense system to a great degree, mainly explained by the modulating levels of oxydative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, and CAT). This research clearly shows that Allium roseum polysaccharides, especially those extracted in aqueous medium, can be used as natural antioxidants with hepatoprotective properties.
Heat-Killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Ameliorated UVB-Induced Oxidative Damage and Photoaging and Its Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Xiaofang , Song Yan , Zheng Bin , Wen Zhengshun , Gong Miao , Meng Lingting
Published: September 2022

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major environmental causative factor of skin oxidative damage and photoaging. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei is a well-known probiotic strain that can regulate skin health. The present study investigated the effects of heat-killed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (PL) on UVB linked oxidative damage and photoaging in skin cells (Normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and B16F10 murine melanoma cells). Results demonstrated that: (1) PL prevented UVB-induced cytotoxicity relating to decreased DNA damage in NHDF and B16F10 cells; (2) PL alleviated UVB-induced oxidative damage through increasing GSH content, as well as antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA levels (except MnSOD activity and mRNA levels as well as CAT mRNA level) relating to the activation of Sirt1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 signaling in NHDF cells; (3) PL attenuated UVB-induced photoaging was noticed with a decrease in the percentage of SA-β-gal positive cells in NHDF cells model. Moreover, PL attenuated UVB-induced photoaging through exerting an anti-wrinkling effect by enhancing the type I collagen level relating to the inhibition (JNK, p38)/(c-Fos, c-Jun) of signaling in NHDF cells, and exerting an anti-melanogenic effect by suppressing tyrosinase and TYRP-1 activity and/or expressions relating to the inhibition of PKA/CREB/MITF signaling in B16F10 cells. In conclusion, PL could ameliorate UVB-induced oxidative damage and photoaging. Therefore, PL may be a potential antioxidant and anti-photoaging active ingredient for the cosmetic industry.
Impact Resistance and Flexural Performance Properties of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Cement Mortar Containing Steel and Carbon Fibers
Authors: Park Jong-Gun , Seo Dong-Ju , Heo Gwang-Hee
Published: September 2022

Fiber-reinforced cement mortar (FRCM) has been widely used since it has many advantages compared to plain mortar (PM), and various fibers are highly applicable as repair and reinforcement materials for concrete. In the present paper, an experimental study was planned to investigate the properties, such as flexural performance (flexural strength and toughness), compressive strength, and impact resistance of mono fiber-reinforced cement mortar (MFRCM) containing only steel fiber (SF) or carbon fiber (CF), as well as hybrid fiber-reinforced cement mortar (HyFRCM) containing different combinations of SF and CF. The fiber content was used in five levels (0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0%) at a total volume fraction of 1.0% by volume. The results show that HyFRCM containing 0.75% SF and 0.25% CF improved compressive strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance compared to MFRCM and other HyFRCM, resulting in a synergistic effect of hybrid reinforced fibers. It is noted that, in the case of HyFRCM containing 0.5% SF and 0.5% CF, the flexural strength was slightly lower, but the highest flexural toughness was obtained, which led us to judge that the result shown in this investigation can be the optimal fiber combination to improve toughness and energy absorption capacity.
Agile Software Development in Healthcare: A Synthetic Scoping Review
Authors: Kokol Peter
Published: September 2022

Even though software can be found everywhere, software development has encountered many problems, resulting in the emergence of new alternative development paradigms. Among them, agile approaches are the most popular. While much research has been published about agile software development (ASD) in general, there is a lack of documented knowledge about its use in healthcare. Consequently, it is not clear how ASD is used in healthcare, how it performs, and what the reasons are for not using it. To fill this gap, we performed a quantitative and qualitative knowledge synthesis of the research literature harvested from Scopus and Web of Science databases, employing the triangulation of bibliometrics and thematic analysis to answer the research question What is state of the art in using ASD in the healthcare sector? Results show that the research literature production trend is positive. The most productive countries are leading software development countries: the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany. The research is mainly published in health informatics source titles. It is focused on improving the software process, quality of healthcare software, reduction of development resources, and general improvement of healthcare delivery. More research has to be done on scaling agile approaches to large-scale healthcare software development projects. Despite barriers, ASD can improve software development in healthcare settings and strengthen cooperation between healthcare and software development professionals. This could result in more successful digital health transformation and consequently more equitable access to expert-level healthcare, even on a global level.
B-Spline Curve Fitting of Hungry Predation Optimization on Ship Line Design
Authors: Sun Changle , Liu Mingzhi , Ge Shihao
Published: September 2022

The ship line often describes by the offset table of discrete data points, which leads to the problems that three view coordinates may not correspond, the fitting error is large and the fitted curve cannot be easily modified. This will seriously affect the subsequent ship performance evaluation and op-timization. To solve this problem, this paper develops a B-spline curve fitting of hunger predation optimization on ship line design (HPA), which contains knot guidance technology, hungry preda-tion optimization technology and adaptive adjustment of algorithm input parameters. HPA transforms the discrete ship line into a continuous B-spline curve description, which improves the accuracy and modifiability of the ship line design. Through the real-time feedback of the results of each round of iteration, the knot vector is adaptively adjusted towards a better fitness, and then the optimal control point set that satisfies the error threshold can be obtained. The effectiveness and superiority of HPA are verified by comparing with related research and engineering software.
Organic Matter Distribution and Characteristics among Rock Formations in Malaysia: Implications on Hydrocarbon Generation Potential
Authors: Rashid Alidu , Siddiqui Numair Ahmed , Bavoh Cornelius Borecho , Haque AKM Eahsanul , Usman Muhammed , Kasim Sani Ado , ElGhali Mohamed A.K. , Ridha Syahrir
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies have been done to determine the hydrocarbon potential of Malaysia’s formations and basins due to the need to identify more conventional or unconventional hydrocarbon resources. Due to the fact that none of these investigations were carried out with any prior knowledge in the relevant regions with hydrocarbon potential, some of them did not, however, yield the expected results. This study aims to provide researchers with all the necessary information about potential hydrocarbon-producing areas in Malaysia and the various lithologies connected to them by analyzing all earlier studies carried out in Malaysia. This was accomplished by determining patterns in the distribution of organic matter and characteristics of the formations in Malaysia. Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Generic Potential (GP), Vitrinite Reflectance (Ro), and Hydrocarbon Yield (S2) were the most important hydrocarbon generation potential indicators discussed. A heat map was created using a statistical weight ranking with a weight of 45% for the TOC value and 30%, 15%, and 10% for the GP, S2, and Ro values, respectively. According to the data, the Bintulu, Pinangah, Begrih, Liang, and Tanjong formations have the highest potential to generate hydrocarbons in Malaysia, while the Kroh, Setap, Kalabakan, Temburong, and Belaga have the least potential. Majority of formations with high hydrocarbon potential are tertiary in age and consist primarily of coal and carbonaceous shale formations. The most promising formations are mostly immature, with type II or type III kerogen quality. It is recommended that critical exploration activities be focused on the tertiary-aged formations, particularly those in East Malaysia, in order to increase Malaysia’s hydrocarbon production.
The Relationship of Behavioral, Social and Diabetes Factors with LVEF Measured Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Soysaler Cezara-Andreea , Andrei Cătălina Liliana , Ceban Octavian , Sinescu Crina-Julieta
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Using a data and machine learning approach, from classical to complex, we aim to approximate the relationship between factors such as behavioral, social or comorbidity and the ejection fraction for hospitalized patients. To measure how much the independent variables influence the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), classification models will be made and the influences of the independent variables will be interpreted. Through the data obtained, it is desired to improve the management of patients with heart failure (treatment, monitoring in primary medicine) in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods: In this study, we enrolled 201 patients hospitalized with decompensated chronic heart failure. The models used are extreme gradient boosting (XGB) and logistic regression (LR). To have a deeper analysis of the independent variables, their influences will be analyzed in two ways. The first is a modern technique, Shapley values, from game theory, adapted in the context of Machine Learning for XGB; and the second, the classical approach, is by analysis of Logistic Regression coefficients. Results: The importance of several factors related to behavior, social and diabetes are measured. Smoking, low education and obesity are the most harmful factors, while diabetes controlled by diet or medication does not significantly affect LVEF, indeed, there is a tendency to increase the LVEF. Conclusions: Using machine learning techniques, we can better understand to what extent certain factors affect LVEF in this sample. Following further studies on larger groups and from different regions, prevention could be better understood and applied.
Ground Target Detection and Damage Assessment by Patrol Missiles Based on YOLO-VGGNet
Authors: Xu Yibo , Yu Qinghua , Wang Yanjuan , Xiao Junhao , Zhou Zhiqian , Lu Huimin
Published: September 2022

Patrol missiles are a common type of unmanned aerial vehicle, which can be efficiently used for reconnaissance and sensing. In this work, target detection and the damage assessment of typical mobile ground targets by patrol missiles are studied, and a new method, combining the YOLO v3 with the VGG networks, is proposed for the problem. Specifically, with YOLO v3 as the precursor, the proposed method can detect, classify, and localize ground targets accurately and quickly. Then, the image blocks of detected targets are fed into the lightweight VGG networks, which can evaluate their damage level coarsely. Meanwhile, based on class activation mapping (CAM) and deconvolution, we further analyse the activation intensity of clustered convolution kernels, which helps determine whether the targets’ key components are destroyed. Unlike traditional image change detection methods, which require images before and after a strike for comparison, the proposed method learns the target model through extensive training and can assess the target’s damage status in a timely and online manner. Compared to previous learning-based methods, our detailed analysis with convolutional feature visualization of the damaged targets and their components gives a more interpretable perspective. Finally, Unity simulation experiments prove the proposed method’s effectiveness, which improves the accuracy of damage level assessment by 16.0% and 8.8% compared with traditional image-change-detection-based methods and the two-CNN learning-based method. The convolutional feature clustering method evaluates the status of the targets’ key components with an accuracy of 72%.
Selected Antimicrobial Peptides Inhibit In Vitro Growth of Campylobacter spp.
Authors: Line John Eric , Seal Bruce S. , Garrish Johnna K.
Published: September 2022

Campylobacter is a major cause of acute human diarrheal illness. Broiler chickens constitute a primary reservoir for C. jejuni leading to human infection. Consequently, there is a need for developing novel intervention methods. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are small proteins which have evolved in most lifeforms to provide defense against microbial infections. To date, over 3000 AMP have been discovered; however, few of them have been analyzed specifically for ability to kill campylobacters. We selected and evaluated a set of 11 unique chemically synthesized AMP for ability to inhibit growth of C. jejuni. Six of the AMP we tested produced zones of inhibition on lawns of C. jejuni. These AMP included: NRC-13, RL-37, Temporin L, Cecropin–Magainin, Dermaseptin, and C12K-2β12. In addition, MIC were determined for Cecropin–Magainin, RL-37 and C12K-2β12 against 15 isolates of Campylobacter representing the three most common pathogenic strains. MIC for campylobacters were approximately 3.1 µg/mL for AMP RL-37 and C12K-2β12. MIC were slightly higher for the Cecropin–Magainin AMP in the range of 12.5 to 100 µg/mL. These AMP are attractive subjects for future study and potential in vivo delivery to poultry to reduce Campylobacter spp. populations.
The Temporal–Spatial Characteristics of Column NO2 Concentration and Influence Factors in Xinjiang of Northwestern Arid Region in China
Authors: Yu Zhixiang , Li Xia
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the temporal–spatial characteristics of column NO2 concentration and influence factors in Xinjiang based on the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) aboard the EU/ESA Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite. The findings indicate that there is a high linear correlation between TROPOMI NO2 data and ground-based data, with Yining having the highest correlation (R2 = 0.8132) and Aksu having the lowest correlation (R2 = 0.7307). The TROPOMI NO2 data can be used to approximate the characteristics of near-surface atmospheric NO2 concentration. NO2 VCD in the troposphere varies greatly geographically, with a noticeable ‘island’ pattern. The high-value zones are mostly found on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain, in the capital cities of several prefectures, and occasionally in the industrial parks. Urumqi has the highest annual average NO2 VCD of 553.9 × 10−6 mol·m−2. The NO2 VCD is characterized by seasonal shifts and cyclical swings of “low in spring, high in winter, and transition in summer and autumn”. The monthly mean value is highest in December (27.14 × 10−6 mol m−2) and lowest in March (12.66 × 10−6 mol m−2). Meteorological factors can influence the temporal and spatial distribution of NO2 VCD. The GRA in Urumqi is 0.774 between the monthly mean of NO2 VCD and relative humidity. The main causes of the increase in NO2 VCD are man-made emissions. The annual GDP of the secondary industry and its annual average NO2 VCD in fifteen key cities in Xinjiang have a correlation coefficient of 0.78. TROPOMI NO2 data can provide strong support for the fine control of air pollution and air quality in early warning forecast in Xinjiang.
Recent Development in Carbon-LiFePO4 Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Mini Review
Authors: Ramasubramanian Brindha , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Chellappan Vijila , Reddy M. V. , Ramakrishna Seeram , Zaghib Karim
Published: September 2022

Li-ion batteries are in demand due to technological advancements in the electronics industry; thus, expanding the battery supply chain and improving its electrochemical performance is crucial. Carbon materials are used to increase the cyclic stability and specific capacity of cathode materials, which are essential to batteries. LiFePO4 (LFP) cathodes are generally safe and have a long cycle life. However, the common LFP cathode has a low inherent conductivity, and adding a carbon nanomaterial significantly influences how well it performs electrochemically. Therefore, the major focus of this review is on the importance, current developments, and future possibilities of carbon-LFP (C-LFP) cathodes in LIBs. Recent research on the impacts of different carbon sizes, LFP’s shape, diffusion, bonding, additives, dopants, and surface functionalization was reviewed. Overall, with suitable modifications, C-LFP cathodes are expected to bring many benefits to the energy storage sector in the forthcoming years.
Linking Species Functional Traits to Specific Biogeochemical Processes under Trawling Pressure
Authors: Tsikopoulou Irini , Smith Christopher J. , Papadopoulou Konstantia Nadia , Austen Melanie C.
Published: September 2022

The impact of otter trawling on the relationship between functional traits of benthic invertebrates and specific biogeochemical processes were investigated in the oligotrophic Cretan Sea. The fishery is managed through a seasonal closure during the summer. During two seasons (winter and summer) replicate samples were taken from the field from a commercial trawl ground and an adjacent control area. Environmental parameters related to sediment biogeochemistry were measured including particulate organic carbon, sedimentary organic carbon, bottom water and sedimentary chlorophyll a and phaeopigment concentrations as well as benthic oxygen consumption. A significant impact of trawling was recorded only for bottom water chlorophyll and sedimentary organic carbon. Furthermore, the links between species traits and specific ecosystem processes were affected by trawling, highlighting the importance of unique functional modalities on ecosystem functioning. The traits that mostly influenced benthic biogeochemistry in the control sites were related to bioturbation and burrowing activities. In contrast, in the trawled sites, the associated traits were related to more opportunistic lifestyles and deposit feeding species that do not act as bioturbators. Thus, under trawling disturbance, this shift can decouple the species-sediment relations and affect nutrient cycling.
Association of Maternal Diet during Pregnancy and Metabolite Profile in Cord Blood
Authors: Harris Carla P. , Ramlochansingh Carlana , Uhl Olaf , Demmelmair Hans , Heinrich Joachim , Koletzko Berthold , Standl Marie , Thiering Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

Cord blood metabolites can be predictive of long-term disease risk, but how levels of different metabolites might vary with respect to maternal diet is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of different dietary patterns during pregnancy with cord blood metabolites (including glycerophospholipid fatty acids, polar lipids, non-esterified fatty acids, amino acids, and the sum of hexoses). Participants from the German LISA birth cohort study, with available data on targeted cord blood metabolomics and maternal diet, were included (n = 739). Maternal diet during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy was assessed by a non-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Using factor analysis, ten dietary patterns were identified, which were used in linear regression models exploring associations with cord blood metabolites. After correction for multiple hypothesis testing and adjustment for basic covariates, “fish and shellfish” was associated with higher glycerophospholipid fatty acid C20:5 n3 and lower C22:5 n6, whereas the “meat and potato” pattern was directly associated with propionylcarnitine (C3:0). The observed associations highlight potential metabolic pathways involved in the early programming of health and disease through maternal diet, as well as the potential for establishing quantitative biomarkers for dietary patterns of pregnant women.
Curcumin Targeting Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: Therapeutic and Biomarker Implications
Authors: Li Jiaying , Chai Rundong , Chen Yinxiao , Zhao Shuwu , Bian Yuhong , Wang Xiangling
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies, with high incidence rates, a low rate of early diagnosis, and complex pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been progress made in its diagnosis and treatment methods, but tumor malignant proliferation and metastasis after treatment still seriously affect the survival and prognosis of patients. Therefore, it is an extremely urgent task of current medicine to find new anti-tumor drugs with high efficiency and safety and low toxicity. Curcumin has shown potent anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects and is considered a hot spot in the research and development of anti-tumor drugs due to its advantages of precise efficacy, lower toxic side effects, and less drug resistance. Recent studies have revealed that curcumin has anti-tumor effects exerted on the epigenetic regulation of tumor-promoting/tumor-suppressing gene expression through the alteration of expression levels of non-coding RNAs (e.g., lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs). Herein, we summarize the interaction between curcumin and non-coding RNAs on the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. The information complied in this review will serve as a scientific and reliable basis and viewpoint for the clinical application of non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer.
A Programmable, DNA-Exclusively-Guided Argonaute DNase and Its Higher Cleavage Specificity Achieved by 5′-Hydroxylated Guide
Authors: Sun Shichao , Xu Dejin , Zhu Lin , Hu Bei , Huang Zhen
Published: September 2022

Argonaute proteins exist widely in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and they are of great potential for molecular cloning, nucleic acid detection, DNA assembly, and gene editing. However, their overall properties are not satisfactory and hinder their broad applications. Herein, we investigated a prokaryotic Argonaute nuclease from a mesophilic bacterium Clostridium disporicum (CdAgo) and explored its overall properties, especially with 5′-hydroxylated (5′-OH) guides. We found that CdAgo can exclusively use single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as guide to cleave ssDNA and plasmid targets. Further, we found the length of the efficient guide is narrower for the 5′-OH guide (17–20 nt) than for the 5′-phosphorylated guide (5′-P, 14–21 nt). Furthermore, we discovered that the 5′-OH guides can generally offer stronger mismatch discrimination than the 5′-P ones. The 5′-OH guides offer the narrower length range, higher mismatch discrimination and more accurate cleavage than the 5′-P guides. Therefore, 5′-OH-guide-directed CdAgo has great potential in biological and biomedical applications.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Polyphenols from Red and White Grape Pomace in Ischemic Heart Diseases
Authors: Bocsan Ioana Corina , Măgureanu Dan Claudiu , Pop Raluca Maria , Levai Antonia Mihaela , Macovei Ștefan Octavian , Pătrașca Ioana Maria , Chedea Veronica Sanda , Buzoianu Anca Dana
Published: September 2022

Grape pomace (GP) represents a very reliable source of polyphenols because it could be found globally as a remnant of the wine industry. During the winemaking process, two types of GP are generated: red GP and white GP, according to the produced wine, red or white. Grape pomace represents a viable source of polyphenols, mainly flavanols, procyanidins anthocyanins, and resveratrol which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Multiple differences were observed between red and white GP in terms of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although most studies are focused on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of red grape pomace, there are still many variables that need to be taken into consideration, as well as extensive study of the white GP. It was observed that in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the GP polyphenols have a direct antioxidant activity by acting as a free radical scavenger or donating a hydrogen atom. It also possesses an indirect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF- κβ), and inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (Iκκβ) levels or nitrate oxide-4 (NOX4) expression and by increasing the levels of antioxidants enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) glutathione reductase (GRx) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx). Besides these activities, many beneficial effects in ischemic heart diseases were also observed, such as the maintenance of the ventricular function as close as possible to normal, and the prevention of infarcted area extension. In this context, this review intends to present the actual knowledge of grape pomace’s potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in ischemic heart disease, knowledge gathered from existing in vitro and in vivo studies focused on this.