bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quality of Life of Children Facing Life-Limiting Conditions and That of Their Parents in Belgium: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Friedel Marie , Aujoulat Isabelle , Brichard Bénédicte , Fonteyne Christine , Renard Marleen , Degryse Jean-Marie
Published: July 2023

Background: Paediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to improve children’s quality of life, but this outcome is rarely measured in clinical care. PPC is provided in Belgium through six transmural paediatric liaison teams (PLTs) ensuring continuity of care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions (LLC/LTC). This study aims to measure the quality of life (QoL) of children with LLC/LTC followed-up by PLTs and the QoL of their parents. Methods: During interviews, an original socio demographic questionnaire, the Children palliative outcome scale—version 2 (CPOS-2), the Fragebogen für Kinder und Jugendliche zur Erfassung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität (KINDL) and the Quality of life in life-threatening Illness-Family caregiver (QOLLTI-F) were filled in by PLT members. Statistics were used to investigate significant differences between scores. Results were discussed and interpreted with six PLTs. Results: 73 children aged 1–18 were included in the study. Especially for items focusing on emotional items, children reported their QoL as higher than their parents did. The QoL scores were not significantly associated with the child’s condition’s severity. Conclusions: This study provides, for the first time, an overview of the QoL of children and parents followed-up by PLTs in Belgium.
Potential Role of Glutathione Antioxidant Pathways in the Pathophysiology and Adjunct Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Poladian Nicole , Navasardyan Inesa , Narinyan William , Orujyan Davit , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: July 2023

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between the production of free radicals and their removal by antioxidants, leading to accumulation and subsequent organ and tissue damage. Antioxidant status and its role in the accumulation of free radicals has been observed in a number of psychological disorders. Glutathione is commonly referred to as the principal antioxidant of the brain and, therefore, plays a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Reduced levels of glutathione in the brain increase its vulnerability to oxidative stress, and may be associated with the development and progression of several psychiatric disorders. Within this review, we focus on analyzing potential associations between the glutathione antioxidant pathway and psychiatric disorders: major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Our research suggests that studies regarding these four disorders have shown decreased levels of GSH in association with diseased states; however, conflicting results note no significant variance in glutathione pathway enzymes and/or metabolites based on diseased state. In studying the potential of NAC administration as an adjunct therapy, various studies have shown NAC to augment therapy and/or aid in symptomatic management for psychiatric disorders, while contrasting results exist within the literature. Based on the conflicting findings throughout this review, there is room for study regarding the potential role of glutathione in the development and progression of psychiatric disorders. Our findings further suggest a need to study such pathways with consideration of the interactions with first-line pharmacotherapy, and the potential use of antioxidants as supplemental therapy.
Tc Saturation and Possible Electronic Phase Separation in Strongly Overdoped Cuprates
Authors: Hemmatzade Amirreza , Medina Elena , Delbes Ludovic , Baptiste Benoît , Hrabovsky David , Klein Yannick , Conradson Steven D. , Karppinen Maarit , Gauzzi Andrea
Published: July 2023

In order to elucidate the unusual superconducting properties of cuprates in the strongly overdoped region, i.e., at hole-doping levels p≳0.4/Cu in the CuO2 plane, we study the structural and superconducting properties of a series of Cu0.75Mo0.25Sr2YCu2O7+x powder samples oxygenated under high pressure using different concentrations of KClO3 up to 35 mol %. The analysis of X-ray diffraction data indicates a high purity ∼90% of all samples and suggests that the concentration, x, of extra oxygen atoms increases with increasing KClO3 concentration. Surprisingly, the Tc values remain nearly constant within the 80–85 K range independent of KClO3 concentration, which suggests a scenario of Tc saturation. In order to account for this unexpected behaviour, we put forward the hypothesis that overdoping enhances the density of unpaired holes, which is supported by the observation of large values of the Sommerfeld coefficient in all samples. We therefore propose a scenario of electronic phase separation between normal and superconducting holes.
Exploring Stearic-Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Skin Applications—Focusing on Stability and Cosmetic Benefits
Authors: Pereira-Leite Catarina , Bom Mariana , Ribeiro Andria , Almeida Cíntia , Rosado Catarina
Published: July 2023

The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum (SC), ensures protection against harmful xenobiotics, and alterations in its lipidic matrix composition are related to several cutaneous dysfunctions. The skin barrier function is usually attributed to ceramides, but the role of free fatty acids, such as stearic acid, has been increasingly acknowledged. This research work aimed to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) based on stearic acid and glyceryl distearate, in order to explore the potential of these materials as the basis of lipid nanoparticles. Different blends of stearic acid, Precirol® ATO 5, Capryol® 90 and Tween® 80 were probed to prepare SLN and NLC. These lipid nanoparticles were further characterised according to particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, and viscosity. Accelerated and long-term stability tests were also performed for 90 days, as well as in vivo assays to evaluate safety and efficacy. Overall, most nanoparticles showed interesting properties for topical application if they had sizes less than 300 nm, PDI below 0.3, pH compatible with skin and viscosity lower than 5 mPa.s. In long-term stability studies, the SLN_2 and NLC_2 formulations stood out, as they remained stable over time. In vivo biocompatibility tests conducted in human volunteers showed no negative impact of the formulations when applied openly or under occlusion. Efficacy studies with the most stable nanoparticles made of Precirol® ATO 5 showed an increase in skin hydration. The nanoparticles developed in this study have shown potential to be used for cosmetic purposes, and the blend of lipids provided good biocompatibility and moisturising properties.
A Semantically Annotated 15-Class Ground Truth Dataset for Substation Equipment to Train Semantic Segmentation Models
Authors: Gomes Andreas Anael Pereira , Ganacim Francisco Itamarati Secolo , Magrin Fabiano Gustavo Silveira , Bobko Nara , Fernandes Leonardo Göbel , Pombeiro Anselmo , Romaneli Eduardo Félix Ribeiro
Published: July 2023

The lack of annotated semantic segmentation datasets for electrical substations in the literature poses a significant problem for machine learning tasks; before training a model, a dataset is needed. This paper presents a new dataset of electric substations with 1660 images annotated with 15 classes, including insulators, disconnect switches, transformers and other equipment commonly found in substation environments. The images were captured using a combination of human, fixed and AGV-mounted cameras at different times of the day, providing a diverse set of training and testing data for algorithm development. In total, 50,705 annotations were created by a team of experienced annotators, using a standardized process to ensure accuracy across the dataset. The resulting dataset provides a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners working in the fields of substation automation, substation monitoring and computer vision. Its availability has the potential to advance the state of the art in this important area.
Core Needle Biopsy Guidance Based on Tissue Morphology Assessment with AI-OCT Imaging
Authors: Maguluri Gopi , Grimble John , Caron Aliana , Zhu Ge , Krishnamurthy Savitri , McWatters Amanda , Beamer Gillian , Lee Seung-Yi , Iftimia Nicusor
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a combined optical imaging/artificial intelligence (OI/AI) technique for the real-time analysis of tissue morphology at the tip of the biopsy needle, prior to collecting a biopsy specimen. This is an important clinical problem as up to 40% of collected biopsy cores provide low diagnostic value due to high adipose or necrotic content. Micron-scale-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) images can be collected with a minimally invasive needle probe and automatically analyzed using a computer neural network (CNN)-based AI software. The results can be conveyed to the clinician in real time and used to select the biopsy location more adequately. This technology was evaluated on a rabbit model of cancer. OCT images were collected with a hand-held custom-made OCT probe. Annotated OCT images were used as ground truth for AI algorithm training. The overall performance of the AI model was very close to that of the humans performing the same classification tasks. Specifically, tissue segmentation was excellent (~99% accuracy) and provided segmentation that closely mimicked the ground truth provided by the human annotations, while over 84% correlation accuracy was obtained for tumor and non-tumor classification.
Optimal Abdominal CT Image Quality in Non-Lean Patients: Customization of CM Injection Protocols and Low-Energy Acquisitions
Authors: Macri Francesco , Khasanova Elina , Niu Bonnie T. , Parakh Anushri , Patino Manuel , Kambadakone Avinash , Sahani Dushyant V.
Published: July 2023

We compared the image quality of abdominopelvic single-energy CT with 100 kVp (SECT-100 kVp) and dual-energy CT with 65 keV (DECT-65 keV) obtained with customized injection protocols to standard abdominopelvic CT scans (SECT-120 kVp) with fixed volumes of contrast media (CM). We retrospectively included 91 patients (mean age, 60.7 ± 15.8 years) with SECT-100 kVp and 83 (mean age, 60.3 ± 11.7 years) patients with DECT-65 keV in portovenous phase. Total body weight-based customized injection protocols were generated by a software using the following formula: patient weight (kg) × 0.40/contrast concentration (mgI/mL) × 1000. Patients had a prior abdominopelvic SECT-120 kVp with fixed injection. Iopamidol-370 was administered for all examinations. Quantitative and qualitative image quality comparisons were made between customized and fixed injection protocols. Compared to SECT-120 kVp, customized injection yielded a significant reduction in CM volume (mean difference = 9–12 mL; p ≤ 0.001) and injection rate (mean differences = 0.2–0.4 mL/s; p ≤ 0.001) in all weight categories. Improvements in attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were observed for both SECT-100 kVp and DECT-65 keV compared to SECT-120 kVp in all weight categories (e.g., pancreas DECT-65 keV, 1.2-attenuation-fold increase vs. SECT-120 kVp; p < 0.001). Qualitative scores were ≥4 in 172 cases (98.8.4%) with customized injections and in all cases with fixed injections (100%). These findings suggest that customized CM injection protocols may substantially reduce iodine dose while yielding higher image quality in SECT-100 kVp and DECT-65 keV abdominopelvic scans compared to SECT-120 kVp using fixed CM volumes.
Up-to-Date Imaging and Diagnostic Techniques for Prostate Cancer: A Literature Review
Authors: Zhu Ming , Liang Zhen , Feng Tianrui , Mai Zhipeng , Jin Shijie , Wu Liyi , Zhou Huashan , Chen Yuliang , Yan Weigang
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) faces great challenges in early diagnosis, which often leads not only to unnecessary, invasive procedures, but to over-diagnosis and treatment as well, thus highlighting the need for modern PCa diagnostic techniques. The review aims to provide an up-to-date summary of chronologically existing diagnostic approaches for PCa, as well as their potential to improve clinically significant PCa (csPCa) diagnosis and to reduce the proliferation and monitoring of PCa. Our review demonstrates the primary outcomes of the most significant studies and makes comparisons across the diagnostic efficacies of different PCa tests. Since prostate biopsy, the current mainstream PCa diagnosis, is an invasive procedure with a high risk of post-biopsy complications, it is vital we dig out specific, sensitive, and accurate diagnostic approaches in PCa and conduct more studies with milestone findings and comparable sample sizes to validate and corroborate the findings.
Non-Rigid Registration for High-Resolution Retinal Imaging
Authors: Mujat Mircea , Akula James , Fulton Anne , Ferguson R. , Iftimia Nicusor
Published: July 2023

Adaptive optics provides improved resolution in ophthalmic imaging when retinal microstructures need to be identified, counted, and mapped. In general, multiple images are averaged to improve the signal-to-noise ratio or analyzed for temporal dynamics. Image registration by cross-correlation is straightforward for small patches; however, larger images require more sophisticated registration techniques. Strip-based registration has been used successfully for photoreceptor mosaic alignment in small patches; however, if the deformations along strips are not simple displacements, averaging can degrade the final image. We have applied a non-rigid registration technique that improves the quality of processed images for mapping cones over large image patches. In this approach, correction of local deformations compensates for local image stretching, compressing, bending, and twisting due to a number of causes. The main result of this procedure is improved definition of retinal microstructures that can be better identified and segmented. Derived metrics such as cone density, wall-to-lumen ratio, and quantification of structural modification of blood vessel walls have diagnostic value in many retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, and their improved evaluations may facilitate early diagnostics of retinal diseases.
Development of an Automatic Solar Tracker Control System for a Tandem-Winged UAV and Its Implementation Strategies
Authors: Jenie Yazdi Ibrahim , Pardomoan Gerald Yohanes , Moelyadi Mochammad Agoes
Published: July 2023

Solar power is a popular option for powering Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) due to its ability to provide power for long-endurance flight. However, solar-powered UAVs face challenges, including operational reliability problems. To address their operational reliability issues, this paper proposes an automatic solar tracker system and tests two implementation strategies for controlling a tandem-winged and solar-powered UAV, developed by the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung. Due to its unconventional configuration, a mathematical model for the UAV is developed to evaluate the vehicle’s dynamic characteristics. Based on these, three feedback control systems are designed, i.e., roll attitude control, a heading tracker, and a solar tracker. Two implementation strategies are proposed to combine the control systems, i.e., the mode-switching and the simultaneous tracking strategies. A series of simulations are then conducted to check the vehicle’s overall flight performance, as well as the gathering of solar energy. The mode-switching strategy was able to gather up to 13% more solar energy than the simultaneous strategy, which could only reach slightly above 2%. Mode-switching, however, resulted in a shorter range compared to the latter, due to the time spent in the charging mode, flying in a circular pattern.
Meta-Heuristic Device-Free Localization Algorithm under Multiple Path Effect
Authors: Li Huajing , Li Ning , Guo Yan , Yuan Hao , Lei Binghan
Published: July 2023

In the scenario of device-free localization under multiple effects, the accuracy of localization based on compressed sensing theory is severely affected. Most existing localization techniques directly ignore multiple path effects. However, it is not practical to ignore the multiple path effect due to its high signal strength, which can provide localization information. In this paper, we formulate the sensing matrix optimization problem in compressed sensing for device-free localization scenarios based on multiple reflections. To solve this problem, we model it as a constrained combinatorial optimization problem and propose a hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm. First, smart reflection surfaces and virtual node models are used to construct the desired communication links. Second, we iteratively improve the properties of the measurement matrix by using K-means clustering to obtain reasonable thresholds, and use a meta-heuristic algorithm to optimize the sensing matrix. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed method efficiently optimizes the sensing matrix and achieves fast and high-precision localization while conserving communication resources.
The Impact of Innovation on Economic Growth, Foreign Direct Investment, and Self-Employment: A Global Perspective
Authors: Dempere Juan , Qamar Muhammad , Allam Hesham , Malik Sabir
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to investigate the impact of innovation on three macroeconomic indicators: GDP, self-employment, and foreign direct investment (FDI). The study analyses a sample of 120 countries using the Global Innovation Index (GII) and its constituent sub-indices and pillars, which provide a holistic evaluation of national innovation. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita measures a country’s economic output, self-employment assesses entrepreneurial activity, and FDI indicates confidence in a country’s economic prospects and innovation trends. This study analyzes the data using generalized-linear and panel-corrected standard-error models. The results show that innovation positively influences GDP, domestic institutional framework, local infrastructure, local knowledge and technology, and creative outputs. In contrast, innovation negatively correlates with domestic self-employment, often associated with necessity-driven entrepreneurship. The study concludes that innovation positively affects human resources, research, and creative outputs and has no significant impact on FDI. The findings suggest that a practical regulatory framework, institutional support, domestic human capital, research and development, infrastructure, technology, and creative outputs are essential for a vibrant economy. National innovation policies supporting the GII and its constituent factors can positively affect the economy while reducing self-employment.
Does the Average Payment Period Play a Relevant Role in Explaining the Portuguese Municipalities’ Financial Distress?
Authors: dos Santos Paula Gomes dos , Albuquerque Fábio
Published: July 2023

The average payment period (APP) is an important measure to monitor public sector liquidity and commercial debt sustainability. In the European Union, the relevance of APP as an indicator to mitigate those concerns was settled by the issuance of a Directive on this topic. Then, considering the likely relationship between the APP and financial distress (FD), this paper aims to assess if the current and historical APP plays a relevant role in explaining the data for 308 Portuguese municipalities’ FD. Regression analysis, including panel data and simple linear regression models, is used for the period between 2011 and 2019 (the last year available for APP). The findings show that the number of municipalities that exceed the debt limit has been reducing. Some of them comply with the 30 days threshold being, nonetheless, in a financial distress situation and subject to recovery mechanisms. By APP levels, the findings identify that the APP significantly predicts FD for those entities that do not comply with the threshold. By size, the FD seems to be better explained by historical APP within the smaller entities. Finally, the robustness test and further analyses performed indicate the likely relevance of macroeconomic factors for predicting FD using APP as an explanatory variable. This paper contributes to previous studies on the municipalities’ financial condition, namely by considering the APP in the analysis of the financial situation of the municipalities. As a novelty, this study considers a new proxy for municipal FD and panel data analysis.
Visual Explanations of Deep Learning Architectures in Predicting Cyclic Alternating Patterns Using Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Mendonça Fábio , Mostafa Sheikh Shanawaz , Ravelo-García Antonio G. , Morgado-Dias Fernando
Published: July 2023

Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP) is a sleep instability marker defined based on the amplitude and frequency of the electroencephalogram signal. Because of the time and intensive process of labeling the data, different machine learning and automatic approaches are proposed. However, due to the low accuracy of the traditional approach and the black box approach of the machine learning approach, the proposed systems remain untrusted by the physician. This study contributes to accurately estimating CAP in a Frequency-Time domain by A-phase and its subtypes prediction by transforming the monopolar deviated electroencephalogram signals into corresponding scalograms. Subsequently, various computer vision classifiers were tested for the A-phase using scalogram images. It was found that MobileNetV2 outperformed all other tested classifiers by achieving the average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values of 0.80, 0.75, and 0.81, respectively. The MobileNetV2 trained model was further fine-tuned for A-phase subtypes prediction. To further verify the visual ability of the trained models, Gradcam++ was employed to identify the targeted regions by the trained network. It was verified that the areas identified by the model match the regions focused on by the sleep experts for A-phase predictions, thereby proving its clinical viability and robustness. This motivates the development of novel deep learning based methods for CAP patterns predictions.
Emerging Scientific and Technical Challenges and Developments in Key Power Electronics and Mechanical Engineering
Authors: Hong Jichao
Published: July 2023

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), this Special Issue presents the electrical and mechanical engineering research of the USTB, with the aim of providing timely solutions to emerging scientific and technical challenges in key power electronics and mechanical engineering at the frontier of modern industrial development [...]
A Novel High-Power Rotary Waveguide Phase Shifter Based on Circular Polarizers
Authors: Zhuang Qinghe , Yan Feng , Xiong Zhengfeng , Yang Meng , Liu Min
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a novel high-power rotary waveguide phase shifter based on circular polarizers specifically engineered for high-power microwave (HPM) applications. The phase shifter is capable of performing a precise 360° linear phase shift through rotation and consists of three parts: a linearly polarized to left-handed circularly polarized (LP-LHCP) mode converter, a left-handed to right-handed circularly polarized (LH-RHCP) mode converter, and a linearly polarized to right-handed circularly polarized (LP-RHCP) mode converter. This paper analyzes the phase-shifting principle, optimizes the three parts of the X-band rotary waveguide phase shifter, and conducts simulation studies on the entire phase shifter, which is made of aluminum. The results show that the reflection is less than −20 dB and the insertion loss is below 0.3 dB within 9.5 GHz to 10.2 GHz. The phase shift is equal to twice the rotation angle within this frequency range. Specifically, the phase shifter can achieve a linear phase shift of 360° when rotated from 0° to 180°, with a maximum deviation of less than 1.2°. Moreover, the power-handling capacity of the phase shifter in vacuum exceeds 242 MW. In the meantime, a prototype of a phase shifter was manufactured, and the experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
Color Mura Defect Detection Method Based on Channel Contrast Sensitivity Function Filtering
Authors: Wang Zhixi , Chen Huaixin , Xie Wenqiang , Wang Haoyu
Published: July 2023

To address the issue of low detection accuracy caused by low contrast in color Mura defects, this paper proposes a color Mura defect detection method based on channel contrast sensitivity function (CSF) filtering. The RGB image of the captured liquid crystal display (LCD) display is converted to the Lab color space, and the Weber contrast feature maps of the Lab channel images are calculated. Frequency domain filtering is performed using the CSF to obtain visually sensitive Lab feature maps. Color Mura defect detection is achieved by employing adaptive segmentation thresholds based on the fused feature maps of the L channel and ab channels. The color Mura evaluation criterion is utilized to quantitatively assess the defect detection results. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves an accuracy rate of 87% in color Mura defect detection, outperforming existing mainstream detection methods.
Therapeutic Applications of Azanucleoside Analogs as DNA Demethylating Agents
Authors: Gallimore Fallon , Fandy Tamer E.
Published: July 2023

Azanucleosides, such as 5-azacytidine and decitabine, are DNA demethylating agents used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Researchers continue to explore their utility in the treatment of other hematologic and solid tumors. Based on the capacity of the compounds to inhibit DNA methyltransferase enzymes and the important role of DNA methylation in health and disease, it is essential to understand the molecular changes that azanucleosides induce and how these changes may improve treatment outcomes in subsets of patients. This review summarizes the molecular and therapeutic actions of azanucleosides and discusses recent clinical trials of these compounds as single agents or in combination therapy for the treatment of cancer and related conditions.
Molecular Characterization of a Male-Specific SoxE Gene in the Swimming Crab, Portunus trituberculatus, and Transcriptional Interaction with Insulin-like Androgenic Gland Hormone
Authors: Jiang Qinghua , Xu Dongjie , Wang Mengen , Xie Xi , Zhu Dongfa
Published: July 2023

The Sry-related HMG-box (Sox) family is a group of transcriptional regulators that play a critical role in many important developmental processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In aquatic animals, the function of Sox genes on sexual development has attracted particular attention. The present study reported on the molecular characterization of a Sox member (PtSoxE) in the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, and tissue distribution analysis showed it was male-specific. Since the highest expression of PtSoxE was found in the androgenic gland (AG), its relation to the insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG) was further investigated. The PtSoxE siRNA caused a significant decrease in IAG expression in both AG and testis, whereas PtSoxE expression could be induced by treating with AG homogenate and rIAG. The result suggested a transcriptional interaction between PtSoxE and IAG. In addition, PtSoxE expression showed a closely positive correlation with several reported spermatogenesis-related genes, suggesting its involvement in the testicular development of P. trituberculatus.
Functional Compounds of Cold-Pressed Pomegranate Seed Oil: Fatty Acids and Phytosterols Profile as Quality Biomarkers for Origin Discrimination
Authors: Iriti Giuseppe , Bonacci Sonia , Lopreiato Vincenzo , Frisina Marialaura , Oliverio Manuela , Procopio Antonio
Published: July 2023

Cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is a product of the extraction of non-edible pomegranate seeds. Its unique chemical composition in terms of both polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially punicic acid (PA), and secondary metabolites, such as phytosterols, tocopherols and phenols, make it an interesting functional ingredient for food enrichment. It is not clear if the biomarkers profile of PSO depends to factors connected to the geographical origin of seeds. This work presents a statistical comparative analysis, concerning biomolecules composition and geographical origin of 32 commercial cold-pressed PSOs, performed by principal component analysis. The study discriminates between Turkish and Italian PSOs, on the base of the fatty acid profile and phytosterols, and not on the tocopherols and phenols. These results confirmed PA as the main characteristic biomarker of oil genuineness and, for the first time, disclosed a statistically relevant variability of phytosterols, which can be proposed as quality biomarkers for discrimination of geographical origins.
Nordic Crops as Alternatives to Soy—An Overview of Nutritional, Sensory, and Functional Properties
Authors: Auer Jaqueline , Östlund Johanna , Nilsson Klara , Johansson Mathias , Herneke Anja , Langton Maud
Published: July 2023

Soy (Glycine max) is used in a wide range of products and plays a major role in replacing animal-based products. Since the cultivation of soy is limited by cold climates, this review assessed the nutritional, sensory, and functional properties of three alternative cold-tolerant crops (faba bean (Vicia faba), yellow pea (Pisum sativum), and oat (Avena sativa)). Lower protein quality compared with soy and the presence of anti-nutrients are nutritional problems with all three crops, but different methods to adjust for these problems are available. Off-flavors in all pulses, including soy, and in cereals impair the sensory properties of the resulting food products, and few mitigation methods are successful. The functional properties of faba bean, pea, and oat are comparable to those of soy, which makes them usable for 3D printing, gelation, emulsification, and extrusion. Enzymatic treatment, fermentation, and fibrillation can be applied to improve the nutritional value, sensory attributes, and functional properties of all the three crops assessed, making them suitable for replacing soy in a broad range of products, although more research is needed on all attributes.
Correction: Yamamoto, Y.; Gerbi, S.A. Development of Transformation for Genome Editing of an Emerging Model Organism. Genes 2022, 13, 1108
Authors: Yamamoto Yutaka , Gerbi Susan A.
Published: July 2023

There was a typographical error in the original publication [...]
Preferred versus Actual Place of Care and Factors Associated with Home Discharge among Korean Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang In Young , Han Yohan , Kim Min Sun , Kim Kyae Hyung , Cho Belong , Choi Wonho , Kim Yejin , Yoo Shin Hye , Lee Sun Young
Published: July 2023

Respecting the preference for a place of care is essential for advance care planning in patients with advanced cancer. This retrospective study included adult patients with cancer referred to an inpatient palliative care consultation team at a tertiary acute care hospital in South Korea between April 2019 and December 2020. Patients’ preference for place of care and demographic and clinical factors were recorded, and the actual discharge locations were categorized as home or non-home. Patients discharged home but with unintended hospital visits within 2 months were also investigated. Of the 891 patients referred to the palliative care consultation team, 210 (23.6%) preferred to be discharged home. Among them, 113 (53.8%) were discharged home. No significant differences were found between patients who preferred home discharge and those who did not. Home discharge was higher among female patients (p = 0.04) and lower in those with poor oral intake (p < 0.001) or dyspnea (p = 0.02). Of the 113 patients discharged home, 37 (32.8%) had unintended hospital visits within 2 months. Approximately one-quarter of hospitalized patients with advanced cancer preferred to be discharged home, but only half of them received the home discharge. To meet patients’ preferences for end-of-life care, individual care planning considering relevant factors is necessary.
Screening for Patients with Visual Acuity Loss in Primary Health Care: A Cross Sectional Study in a Deprived Hungarian Population
Authors: Wasnik Rahul Naresh , Győri-Dani Veronika , Vincze Ferenc , Papp Magor , Pálinkás Anita , Sándor János
Published: July 2023

Screening for visual acuity loss (VAL) is not applied systematically because of uncertain recommendations based on observations from affordable countries. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of primary health care-based screening. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out among adults who did not wear glasses and did not visit an ophthalmologist in a year (N = 2070). The risk factor role of sociodemographic factors and the cardiometabolic status for hidden VAL was determined by multivariable linear regression models. The prevalence of unknown VAL of at least 0.5 was 3.7% and 9.1% in adults and in the above-65 population. Female sex (b = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.35; 2.18), age (b = 0.15, 0.12; 0.19), and Roma ethnicity (b = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.22; 3.97) were significant risk factors. Higher than primary school (bsecondaryschoolwithoutgraduation = −2.06, 95% CI: −3.64; −0.47; and bsecondaryschoolwithgraduation = −2.08, 95% CI: −3.65; −0.51), employment (b = −1.33, 95% CI: −2.25; 0.40), and properly treated diabetes mellitus (b = −2.84, 95% CI: −5.08; −0.60) were protective factors. Above 65 years, female sex (b = 3.85, 95% CI: 0.50; 7.20), age (b = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.10; 0.67), Roma ethnicity (b = 24.79, 95% CI: 13.83; 35.76), and untreated diabetes (b = 7.30, 95% CI: 1.29; 13.31) were associated with VAL. Considering the huge differences between the health care and the population’s social status of the recommendation-establishing countries and Hungary which represent non-high-income countries, the uncertain recommendation of VAL screening should not discourage general practitioners from organizing population-based screening for VAL in non-affordable populations.
Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Educational Oral Health Program for Persons with Schizophrenia: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial and Qualitative Approach
Authors: Denis Frederic , Rat Corinne , Cros Lucie , Bertaud Valerie , El-Hage Wissam , Jonval Lysiane , Soudry-Faure Agnès
Published: July 2023

Background: The oral health of people with schizophrenia (PWS) is very poor, suggesting a need for oral health promotion programmes with a high level of evidence. The aim of the EBENE study (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02512367) was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary therapeutic educational programme in oral health (TEPOH) for PWS. Methods: A multicentre cluster randomised controlled trial, with outpatient psychiatry centres as the unit of randomisation, was designed to compare the effectiveness of TEPOH (intervention group) versus standard care (control group). The trial was conducted in 26 outpatient psychiatry centres in France (14 in the intervention group, 12 in the control group). Eligible patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were enroled between 2016 and 2020 and followed for 6 months. The TEPOH group received a multicomponent intervention (comprising an introductory session, three educational sessions, and a debriefing session). The primary endpoint was the evaluation of periodontal disease as a community periodontal index (CPI) score ≥ 3 at Month 6. The trial was completed using a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews with caregivers conducted between July 2018 and December 2019. The trial was stopped early due to difficulties in recruiting patients. Results: Overall, 81 patients (of 250 planned) were included, and 54 patients completed the trial: 40 in the TEPOH group and 14 in the control group. At baseline, the percentage of CPI ≥ 3 was 42.5% in the TEPOH group and 9.1% in the control group. At Month 6, the percentage of CPI ≥ 3 was 20% in the TEPOH group and 14.3% in the control group. The qualitative evaluation underlined that the professionals emphasised the “seriousness” and “assiduity” of the patients’ participation in this programme and that the TEPOH reinforced carers’ investment in oral hygiene. It also highlighted structural factors (lack of resources for professionals, lack of teeth in PWS, COVID-19 pandemic) that may have exacerbated the difficulties with enrolment and follow-up. Conclusions: The effectiveness of this TEPOH, developed for PWS as part of the EBENE study, has not been demonstrated. Certain aspects of the programme’s content and implementation need to be reconsidered. In particular, an adapted subjective measurement scale should be developed.
COVID-19 Social Restrictions’ Impact on the Health-Related Physical Fitness of the Police Cadets
Authors: Sousa-Sá Eduarda , Pereira Sara , Júdice Pedro B. , Monteiro Luís , Massuça Luís Miguel
Published: July 2023

We aim to examine the changes in health-related physical fitness components, before and after COVID-19 social restrictions, in Police Academy cadets by age, sex, and physical activity (PA) level. A longitudinal analysis of 156 cadets (29.5% women) aged 25.4 ± 5.3 years old was conducted. All variables were collected before and after the lockdown period (13 weeks). PA levels were assessed with a self-reported questionnaire. Health-related physical fitness components were assessed based on the standardized protocols of morphological evaluation, speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity tests. Despite the high correlations between pre- and post-pandemic social restrictions, we found significantly higher values for anthropometric indicators and lower physical fitness levels in post-pandemic restrictions, except for lower-body strength. When stratifying the sample by sex, age, and PA categories, the results indicate that the COVID-19 lockdown tends to differently impact anthropometric indicators and the physical fitness of the cadets, according to their sex, age, and PA categories. Our findings show that our sample reduces several health-related physical fitness components due to the social lockdown, with emphasis on cardiorespiratory fitness in men and upper-limb strength in women, highlighting the need to create effective strategies to keep police officers active during situations of less physical work.
Documentation and Virtualisation of Vernacular Cultural Heritage: The Case of Underground Wine Cellars in Atauta (Soria)
Authors: Herrero-Tejedor Tomás Ramón , Maté-González Miguel Ángel , Pérez-Martín Enrique , López-Cuervo Serafín , López de Herrera Juan , Sánchez-Aparicio Luis Javier , Villanueva Llauradó Paula
Published: July 2023

The cultural heritage associated with rural systems is extremely valuable and is a sign of identity for cultures that are disappearing or undergoing transformation. This paper explains and illustrates the series of procedures that have been carried out to document and subsequently virtualise the ethnological site of the “El Plantío” underground wine cellars in Atauta. The ensembles of underground wine cellars are located immediately outside the village of Atauta, from which they are separated by the stream of Arroyo de la Laguna or Golbán, thus giving rise to two environments that are characterised by the perfect interrelation between their natural and architectural heritage. The visual and scenic relations between both these elements make this area a prime example of a cultural heritage that is associated with wine production systems. This documentation was obtained through a combination of different geomatic techniques. The results are organised on a web platform to enable their digital visualisation (2D/3D). This platform provides a virtual environment such that users can understand these underground heritage assets in an integrated way together with the immaterial cultural heritage and the cultural landscape—all of which converge on this ethnological site. The project offers different types of audiences, both real and virtual, access to all of the documentation.
Strigolactone-Mediated Trehalose Enhances Salt Resistance in Tomato Seedlings
Authors: Lu Xuefang , Liu Xiaojun , Xu Junrong , Liu Yunzhi , Chi Yuzhen , Yu Wenjin , Li Changxia
Published: July 2023

Strigolactones (SLs) are newly discovered plant hormones that modulate a variety of physiological and biochemical processes and plant stress responses. In this study, SLs’ synthetic analog, GR24, significantly improved the growth of tomato seedlings under salt stress, while SLs’ synthesis inhibitor, TIS108, inversed the positive role of SLs, indicating that SLs could effectively enhance salt-stress resistance in tomato. To further explore the mechanism of SL-modulated trehalose (Tre) in response to salt stress, Tre metabolism was analyzed during this process. GR24 increased the endogenous Tre and starch contents and decreased the glucose (Glu) level under salt-stress conditions. Additionally, the TPS and TPP activities were enhanced by GR24 and the activity of THL was inhibited by GR24 under salt stress; thereafter, Tre biosynthesis-related genes, including TPS1, TPS2, TPP1, and TPP2, were also upregulated by GR24 under salt stress. However, the function of GR24 in Tre metabolism was inhibited by TIS108. Thus, the results indicated that GR24 improved the expression levels or activities of Tre biosynthesis-related genes or enzymes and inhibited the transcript level or activity of genes or enzymes related to Tre degradation, respectively, resulting in an increase in the endogenous Tre level and, therefore, weakening the salt toxicity of tomato seedlings.
Iris pumila L. and the State of Its Populations in the Samara Region (Southeast of the European Part of Russia)
Authors: Mitroshenkova Anna , Ilyina Valentina , Senator Stepan , Zibzeev Eugene , Kozlovskaya Olga
Published: July 2023

The current state of the coenotic populations of Iris pumila L. (Iridaceae) were studied in the southeast of the European part of Russia (Samara Region). The phytocenotic confinement and population structure of the species were assessed. I. pumila preferred growing in steppe zonal communities. In total, 118 species of vascular plants were found in the communities, where I. pumila has been registered, and of which 34 (28.8%) were included into the Red List of the Samara Region and 8 species into the Red List of the Russian Federation. In the study area, populations of I. pumila were represented by a significant number of individuals and were in a stable state. According to the “delta-omega” criterion, the populations were mature (47.0%), transitional (23.5%), maturing (17.6%), and aging (11.9%), which testified to the diversity of population structure and thus to a satisfactory state of the species in the Samara Region. The populations recovered mainly due to individuals of vegetative origin, but this process was rather slow. Under unfavorable conditions, I. pumila populations were characterized by a vegetative settled way of life. Fires, grazing, and destruction of habitats had a significant impact on the population structure and absolute abundance in the Samara Region.
microRNA Expression Dynamics in Culicoides sonorensis Biting Midges Following Blood-Feeding
Authors: Mills Mary Katherine , Rozo-Lopez Paula , Bryant William Bart , Drolet Barbara S.
Published: July 2023

Culicoides sonorensis midges vector multiple livestock arboviruses, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. Due to the tight association between virus transmission, blood feeding, and egg development, understanding midge physiology is paramount to limiting pathogen transmission. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), in multiple aspects of vector physiology. These small ncRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and display differential expression during pathogen infection. Due to the lack of annotated miRNAs in the biting midge and associated expression profiles, we used small RNA-Seq and miRDeep2 analyses to determine the Culicoides miRNAs in whole females and midgut tissues in response to blood feeding. Our analyses revealed 76 miRNAs within C. sonorensis composed of 73 orthologous and three candidate novel miRNAs, as well as conserved miRNA clusters. miRNA conservation suggests an interesting evolutionary relationship between miRNA expression and hematophagy in the infraorder Culicomorpha. We also identified multiple blood meal-regulated and tissue-enriched miRNAs. Lastly, we further identified miRNAs with expression patterns potentially associated with virus infection by probing publicly available datasets. Together, our data provide a foundation for future ncRNA work to untangle the dynamics of gene regulation associated with midge physiology.
Metabolic Approaches for the Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spoladore Roberto , Pinto Giuseppe , Daus Francesca , Pezzini Sara , Kolios Damianos , Fragasso Gabriele
Published: July 2023

In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart muscle becomes stretched and thin, heart failure (HF) occurs, and the cardiomyocytes suffer from an energetic inefficiency caused by an abnormal cardiac metabolism. Although underappreciated as a potential therapeutic target, the optimal metabolic milieu of a failing heart is still largely unknown and subject to debate. Because glucose naturally has a lower P/O ratio (the ATP yield per oxygen atom), the previous studies using this strategy to increase glucose oxidation have produced some intriguing findings. In reality, the vast majority of small-scale pilot trials using trimetazidine, ranolazine, perhexiline, and etomoxir have demonstrated enhanced left ventricular (LV) function and, in some circumstances, myocardial energetics in chronic ischemic and non-ischemic HF with a reduced ejection fraction (EF). However, for unidentified reasons, none of these drugs has ever been tested in a clinical trial of sufficient size. Other pilot studies came to the conclusion that because the heart in severe dilated cardiomyopathy appears to be metabolically flexible and not limited by oxygen, the current rationale for increasing glucose oxidation as a therapeutic target is contradicted and increasing fatty acid oxidation is supported. As a result, treating metabolic dysfunction in HF may benefit from raising ketone body levels. Interestingly, treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improves cardiac function and outcomes in HF patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a variety of pleiotropic effects, such as elevated ketone body levels. The improvement in overall cardiac function seen in patients receiving SGLT2i could be explained by this increase, which appears to be a reflection of an adaptive process that optimizes cardiac energy metabolism. This review aims to identify the best metabolic therapeutic approach for DCM patients, to examine the drugs that directly affect cardiac metabolism, and to outline all the potential ancillary metabolic effects of the guideline-directed medical therapy. In addition, a special focus is placed on SGLT2i, which were first studied and prescribed to diabetic patients before being successfully incorporated into the pharmacological arsenal for HF patients.