bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Intestinal Permeability in Gastrointestinal Disorders and Current Methods of Evaluation
Authors: Vanuytsel Tim , Tack Jan , Farre Ricard
Published: August 2021

An increased intestinal permeability has been described in various gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal disorders. Nevertheless, the concept and definition of intestinal permeability is relatively broad and includes not only an altered paracellular route, regulated by tight junction proteins, but also the transcellular route involving membrane transporters and channels, and endocytic mechanisms. Paracellular intestinal permeability can be assessed in vivo by using different molecules (e.g., sugars, polyethylene glycols, 51Cr-EDTA) and ex vivo in Ussing chambers combining electrophysiology and probes of different molecular sizes. The latter is still the gold standard technique for assessing the epithelial barrier function, whereas in vivo techniques, including putative blood biomarkers such as intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and zonulin, are broadly used despite limitations. In the second part of the review, the current evidence of the role of impaired barrier function in the pathophysiology of selected gastrointestinal and liver diseases is discussed. Celiac disease is one of the conditions with the best evidence for impaired barrier function playing a crucial role with zonulin as its proposed regulator. Increased permeability is clearly present in inflammatory bowel disease, but the question of whether this is a primary event or a consequence of inflammation remains unsolved. The gut-liver axis with a crucial role in impaired intestinal barrier function is increasingly recognized in chronic alcoholic and metabolic liver disease. Finally, the current evidence does not support an important role for increased permeability in bile acid diarrhea.
Expression Status and Prognostic Significance of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Family Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tian Shan , Li Jiao , Guo Yingyun , Dong Weiguo , Zheng Xin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) family genes play crucial roles in the formation and progression of several solid tumors. However, the expression patterns and the prognostic significance of GGT members in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. This study was designed to determine the expression profiles of GGT family members in HCC and validate the prognostic value of serum GGT protein in patients with HCC.

Method

We comprehensively searched public resources based on the LIHC dataset to determine the expression patterns, prognostic significance, DNA methylation status, immune infiltration, and biological pathways of GGT family genes in HCC. Subsequently, we validated the prognostic value of serum GGT protein in 85 patients with early-stage HCC subjected to curative hepatectomy from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University.

Results

Except for GGT1, other GGT family members (GGT5, GGT6, and GGT7) were found to be differentially expressed in primary HCC samples (N = 371) and normal control tissues (N = 50). Furthermore, a positive relationship was not only observed between GGT1 and GGT5 (Spearman coefficient: 0.24, P = 5.143 × 10−6) but also between GGT5 and GGT6 (Spearman coefficient: 0.38, P = 1.24 × 10−13). The expression of GGT1, GGT5, and GGT7 was correlated with overall survival (OS), and GGT7 was associated with disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with HCC. Negative associations between DNA methylation and expression of mRNA were observed for GGT1 (Spearman coefficient: −0.38, P = 6.24e-14), GGT6 (Spearman coefficient: −0.29, P = 1.23e-8), and GGT7 (Spearman coefficient: −0.34, P=6.7e-11). GGT family genes were well correlated with the infiltration levels of immune cells in HCC, especially CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Finally, when validated with clinical data from the Renmin cohort, a high expression of serum GGT protein was identified as a strong prognostic element of unfavorable OS (HR = 3.114, P = 0.025), but not of DFS (HR = 1.198, P = 0.05) in patients with HCC subjected to curative hepatectomy.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive analysis of the expression patterns and clinical value of GGT family genes in patients with HCC. Our study laid the foundation for the clinical application of the GGT protein in the survival assessment of patients with HCC.
Study on the Effect of Macrophages on Vascular Endothelium in Mice With Different TCM Syndromes of Dyslipidemia and its Biological Basis Based on RNA-Seq Technology
Authors: Chen Jing , Ye Chao , Yang Zheng , Wang Tieshan , Xu Bing , Li Pengyang , Zhang Shan , Xue Xiaolin
Published: August 2021

Background: “Treating the same disease with different methods” is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic concept suggesting that, while patients may be diagnosed with the same disease, they may also have different syndromes that require distinct drug administrations.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the differentially expressed genes and related biological processes in dyslipidemia in relation to phlegm–dampness retention (PDR) syndrome and spleen and kidney Yang deficiency (SKYD) syndrome using transcriptomic analysis.

Methods: Ten ApoE−/− mice were used for the establishment of dyslipidemic disease–syndrome models via multifactor-hybrid modeling, with five in the PDR group and five in the SKYD group. Additionally, five C57BL/6J mice were employed as a normal control group. Test model-quality aortic endothelial macrophages in mice were screened using flow cytometry. Transcriptomic analysis was performed for macrophages using RNA-Seq.

Results: A quality assessment of the disease–syndrome model showed that levels of lipids significantly increased in the PDR and SKYD groups, compared to the normal control group, p < 0.05. Applying, in addition, hematoxylin and eosin staining of aorta, the disease model was also successfully established. A quality assessment of the syndrome models showed that mice in the PDR group presented with typical manifestations of PDR syndrome, and mice in the SKYD group had related manifestations of SKYD syndrome, indicating that the syndrome models were successfully constructed as well. After comparing the differentially expressed gene expressions in macrophages of the dyslipidemic mice with different syndromes, 4,142 genes were identified with statistical significance, p < 0.05. Gene ontology analysis for the differentially expressed genes showed that the biological process of difference between the PDR group and the SKYD group included both adverse and protective processes.

Conclusion: The differentially expressed genes between PDR syndrome and SKYD syndrome indicate different biological mechanisms between the onsets of the two syndromes. They have distinctive biological processes, including adverse and protective processes that correspond to the invasion of pathogenic factors into the body and the fight of healthy Qi against pathogenic factors, respectively, according to TCM theory. Our results provide biological evidence for the TCM principle of “treating the same disease with different treatments.”
Safety and Efficacy of High-Dose Vitamin B6 as an Adjunctive Treatment for Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Male Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhuo Chuanjun , Xu Yong , Wang Haibo , Fang Tao , Chen Jiayue , Zhou Chunhua , Li Qianchen , Liu Jie , Xu Shuli , Yao Cong , Yang Weiliang , Yang Anqu , Li Bo , Chen Yuhui , Tian Hongjun , Lin Chongguang
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of high-dose vitamin B6 (vB6) as an adjunct treatment for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia (AIHP) in male patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). In this randomized double-blinded controlled study, patients were randomized (1:1) into a control group given aripiprazole (ARI; 10 mg/day; n = 100) or an intervention group given vB6 (300 mg/12 h for 16 weeks; n = 100). Prolactin levels, psychotic symptoms [Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)], cognitive function [MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)], liver function, kidney function, growth hormone level, micronutrient levels, blood lipids, and adverse secondary effects (ASEs)[Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) and Barnes-Akathisia scale] were monitored. After a 16-week treatment period, the vB6 group showed a 68.1% reduction in serum prolactin levels (from 95.52 ± 6.30 μg/L to 30.43 ± 18.65 μg/L) while the ARI group showed only a 37.4% reduction (from 89.07 ± 3.59 μg/L to 55.78 ± 7.39 μg/L). During weeks 1–4, both treatments reduced prolactin similarly. Subsequently, the ARI effect plateaued, while the vB6 effect remained robust. The vB6 group showed better alleviation of psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment. No serious ASEs were observed; ASEs were more frequent in the ARI group. AIHP reduction efficacy of vB6 was associated with baseline prolactin and triglyceride levels, total vB6 dosage, and education level. In conclusion, compared with the ARI group, TRS patients given vB6 showed better attenuation of AIHP, lower ASE scores, and greater improvements in clinical symptoms and cognitive impairments. These results support further consideration of vB6 as a putative treatment for AIHP.

Trial Registration: ChiCTR1800014755
OFDM-IM for Joint Communication and Radar-Sensing: A Promising Waveform for Dual Functionality
Authors: Şahin Mehmet Mert , Gurol Ilter Erol , Arslan Emre , Basar Ertugrul , Arslan Huseyin
Published: August 2021

The demand for dual-functional wireless systems is on the rise as certain resources become more congested and scarce. Joint communication-radar (JCR) is a promising technology that is becoming very critical and growing in popularity, where communication and radar applications are serviced simultaneously sharing the same hardware/software and the frequency band resources. JCR and its alternatives need to be cleverly integrated into certain waveforms such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to function properly without degradation in the performance. With the aid of the promising concepts of index modulation (IM) and Golay complementary sequences, a novel JCR waveform is proposed to serve both communication and radar applications with the same resources. It has been shown by extensive computer simulations that the proposed OFDM with an index modulation (OFDM-IM) waveform outperforms the classical OFDM with fixed pilot design both in bit error rate (BER) performance and radar-based applications by introducing diversity among subcarriers and frequency agility over the whole frequency band.
A Multimodal Hydrogel Soft-Robotic Sensor for Multi-Functional Perception
Authors: Cheng Yu , Zhang Runzhi , Zhu Wenpei , Zhong Hua , Liu Sicong , Yi Juan , Shao Liyang , Wang Wenping , Lam James , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2021

Soft robots, with their unique and outstanding capabilities of environmental conformation, natural sealing against elements, as well as being insensitive to magnetic/electrical effects, are ideal candidates for extreme environment applications. However, sensing for soft robots in such harsh conditions would still be challenging, especially under large temperature change and complex, large deformations. Existing soft sensing approaches using liquid-metal medium compromise between large deformation and environmental robustness, limiting their real-world applicability. In this work, we propose a multimodal solid-state soft sensor using hydrogel and silicone. By exploiting the conductance and transparency of hydrogel, we could deploy both optical and resistive sensing in one sensing component. This novel combination enables us to benefit from thein-situmeasurement discrepancies between the optical and electrical signal, to extract multifunctional measurements. Following this approach, prototype solid-state soft sensors were designed and fabricated, a dedicated neural network was built to extract the sensory information. Stretching and twisting were measured using the same sensor even at large deformations. In addition, exploiting the distinctive responses against temperature change, we could estimate environmental temperatures simultaneously. Results are promising for the proposed solid-state multimodal approach of soft sensors for multifunctional perception under extreme conditions.
On the Effectiveness of Leukocytes Classification Methods in a Real Application Scenario
Authors: Loddo Andrea , Putzu Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

Automating the analysis of digital microscopic images to identify the cell sub-types or the presence of illness has assumed a great importance since it aids the laborious manual process of review and diagnosis. In this paper, we have focused on the analysis of white blood cells. They are the body’s main defence against infections and diseases and, therefore, their reliable classification is very important. Current systems for leukocyte analysis are mainly dedicated to: counting, sub-types classification, disease detection or classification. Although these tasks seem very different, they share many steps in the analysis process, especially those dedicated to the detection of cells in blood smears. A very accurate detection step gives accurate results in the classification of white blood cells. Conversely, when detection is not accurate, it can adversely affect classification performance. However, it is very common in real-world applications that work on inaccurate or non-accurate regions. Many problems can affect detection results. They can be related to the quality of the blood smear images, e.g., colour and lighting conditions, absence of standards, or even density and presence of overlapping cells. To this end, we performed an in-depth investigation of the above scenario, simulating the regions produced by detection-based systems. We exploit various image descriptors combined with different classifiers, including CNNs, in order to evaluate which is the most suitable in such a scenario, when performing two different tasks: Classification of WBC subtypes and Leukaemia detection. Experimental results have shown that Convolutional Neural Networks are very robust in such a scenario, outperforming common machine learning techniques combined with hand-crafted descriptors. However, when exploiting appropriate images for model training, even simpler approaches can lead to accurate results in both tasks.
A Deep Learning Enabled Multi-Class Plant Disease Detection Model Based on Computer Vision
Authors: Roy Arunabha M. , Bhaduri Jayabrata
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a deep learning enabled object detection model for multi-class plant disease has been proposed based on a state-of-the-art computer vision algorithm. While most existing models are limited to disease detection on a large scale, the current model addresses the accurate detection of fine-grained, multi-scale early disease detection. The proposed model has been improved to optimize for both detection speed and accuracy and applied to multi-class apple plant disease detection in the real environment. The mean average precision (mAP) and F1-score of the detection model reached up to 91.2% and 95.9%, respectively, at a detection rate of 56.9 FPS. The overall detection result demonstrates that the current algorithm significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art detection model with a 9.05% increase in precision and 7.6% increase in F1-score. The proposed model can be employed as an effective and efficient method to detect different apple plant diseases under complex orchard scenarios.
Evaluation of the Nomological Validity of Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Factors for the Measurement of Developer Experience
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Pan Younghwan
Published: August 2021

Background: Developer experience should be considered a key factor from the beginning of the use of development platform, but it has not been received much attention in literature. Research Goals: The present study aimed to identify and validate the sub-constructs and item measures in the evaluation of developer experience toward the use of a deep learning platform. Research Methods: A Delphi study as well as a series of statistical methodologies including the assessment of data normality, common method bias, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were utilized to determine the reliability and validity of a measurement model proposed in the present work. Results: The results indicate that the measurement model proposed in this work successfully ensures the nomological validity of the three second-order constructs of cognitive, affective, and behavioral components to explain the second-order construct of developer experience at p < 0.5 Conclusions: The measurement instrument developed from the current work should be used to measure the developer experience during the use of a deep learning platform. Implication: The results of the current work provide important insights into the academia and practitioners for the understanding of developer experience.
Interferometry in an Atomic Fountain with Ytterbium Bose–Einstein Condensates
Authors: Gochnauer Daniel , Rahman Tahiyat , Wirth-Singh Anna , Gupta Subhadeep
Published: August 2021

We present enabling experimental tools and atom interferometer implementations in a vertical “fountain” geometry with ytterbium Bose–Einstein condensates. To meet the unique challenge of the heavy, non-magnetic atom, we apply a shaped optical potential to balance against gravity following evaporative cooling and demonstrate a double Mach–Zehnder interferometer suitable for applications such as gravity gradient measurements. Furthermore, we also investigate the use of a pulsed optical potential to act as a matter wave lens in the vertical direction during expansion of the Bose–Einstein condensate. This method is shown to be even more effective than the aforementioned shaped optical potential. The application of this method results in a reduction of velocity spread (or equivalently an increase in source brightness) of more than a factor of five, which we demonstrate using a two-pulse momentum-space Ramsey interferometer. The vertical geometry implementation of our diffraction beams ensures that the atomic center of mass maintains overlap with the pulsed atom optical elements, thus allowing extension of atom interferometer times beyond what is possible in a horizontal geometry. Our results thus provide useful tools for enhancing the precision of atom interferometry with ultracold ytterbium atoms.
The Role of Curcumin in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zoi Vasiliki , Galani Vasiliki , Lianos Georgios D. , Voulgaris Spyridon , Kyritsis Athanasios P. , Alexiou George A.
Published: August 2021

Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa which has anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Chronic inflammation is associated with the development of cancer. Curcumin acts on the regulation of various immune modulators, including cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which partly explains its anticancer effects. It also takes part in the downregulation of growth factors, protein kinases, oncogenic molecules and various signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Clinical trials of curcumin have been completed or are ongoing for various types of cancer. This review presents the molecular mechanisms of curcumin in different types of cancer and the evidence from the most recent clinical trials.
The NIH Lipo-COVID Study: A Pilot NMR Investigation of Lipoprotein Subfractions and Other Metabolites in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Ballout Rami A. , Kong Hyesik , Sampson Maureen , Otvos James D. , Cox Andrea L. , Agbor-Enoh Sean , Remaley Alan T.
Published: August 2021

A complex interplay exists between plasma lipoproteins and inflammation, as evidenced from studies on atherosclerosis. Alterations in plasma lipoprotein levels in the context of infectious diseases, particularly respiratory viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, have become of great interest in recent years, due to their potential utility as prognostic markers. Patients with severe COVID-19 have been reported to have low levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol, but elevated levels of triglycerides. However, a detailed characterization of the particle counts and sizes of the different plasma lipoproteins in patients with COVID-19 has yet to be reported. In this pilot study, NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize lipoprotein particle numbers and sizes, and various metabolites, in 32 patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. Our study revealed markedly reduced HDL particle (HDL-P) numbers at presentation, especially low numbers of small HDL-P (S-HDL-P), and high counts of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particle (TRL-P), particularly the very small and small TRL subfractions. Moreover, patients with severe COVID-19 were found to have remarkably elevated GlycA levels, and elevated levels of branched-chain amino acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate. Finally, we detected elevated levels of lipoproteins X and Z in most participants, which are distinct markers of hepatic dysfunction, and that was a novel finding.
Dispersion of Micro Fibrillated Cellulose (MFC) in Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) from Lab-Scale to Semi-Industrial Processing Using Biobased Plasticizers as Dispersing Aids
Authors: Molinari Giovanna , Gigante Vito , Fiori Stefano , Aliotta Laura , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: August 2021

In the present study, two commercial typologies of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) (Exilva and Celish) with 2% wt % were firstly melt-compounded at the laboratory scale into polylactic acid (PLA) by a microcompounder. To reach an MFC proper dispersion and avoid the well-known aglomeration problems, the use of two kinds of biobased plasticisers (poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and lactic acid oligomer (OLA)) were investigated. The plasticizers had the dual effect of dispersing the MFC, and at the same time, they counterbalanced the excessive stiffness caused by the addition of MFC to the PLA matrix. Several preliminaries dilution tests, with different aqueous cellulose suspension/plasticizer weight ratios were carried out. These tests were accompanied by SEM observations and IR and mechanical tests on compression-molded films in order to select the best plasticizer content. The best formulation was then scaled up in a semi-industrial twin-screw extruder, feeding the solution by a peristaltic pump, to optimize the industrial-scale production of commercial MFC-based composites with a solvent-free method. From this study, it can be seen that the use of plasticisers as dispersing aids is a biobased and green solution that can be easily used in conventional extrusion techniques.
Novel Electrochemical Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Biosensor for Tau Protein Detection
Authors: Ben Hassine Amira , Raouafi Noureddine , Moreira Felismina T. C.
Published: August 2021

A novel electrochemical biosensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed for the impedimetric determination of Tau protein, a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Indeed, a recent correlation between AD symptoms and the presence of Tau proteins in their aggregated form made hyperphosphorylated Tau protein (Tangles) a promising biomarker for Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The MIP was directly assembled on a screen-printed carbon electrode (C-SPE) and prepared by electropolymerization of 3-aminophenol (AMP) in the presence of the protein template (p-Tau-441) using cyclic voltammetry. The p-Tau-441 protein bound to the polymeric backbone was digested by the action of the proteolytic activity of proteinase K in urea and then washed away to create vacant sites. The performances of the corresponding imprinted and non-imprinted electrodes were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The detection limit of the MIP-based sensors was 0.02 pM in PBS buffer pH 5.6. Good selectivity and good results in serum samples were obtained with the developed platform. The biosensor described in this work is a potential tool for screening Tau protein on-site and an attractive complement to clinically established methodologies methods as it is easy to fabricate, has a short response time and is inexpensive.
Does a Split-Week Gestational Age Model Provide Valuable Information on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Infants?
Authors: Asztalos Elizabeth , Aguirre Alberto , Hendson Leonora , Church Paige , Banihani Rudaina , van Dyk Jessie , Zein Hussein , Thomas Sumesh
Published: August 2021

Our primary objective for this follow-up study was to compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of a surviving cohort of infants using a split-week gestational model (early versus late) gestational age (GA) and the standard completed GA categorization. Neurodevelopmental outcomes using a split-week GA model defined as early (X, 0–3) and late (X, 4–6), with X being 23–26 weeks GA, were compared to outcomes using completed weeks GA. In total, 1012 infants were included in the study. Statistically significant differences were noted in outcomes between the early and late split of the gestational week at 23 weeks (early vs. late), with 13.3% vs. 54.5% for no neurodevelopmental impairment, and 53.3% vs. 22.7% for significant impairment (p = 0.034), respectively. There were no differences seen in the split week model for 24, 25, and 26 weeks. A trend towards improved neurodevelopmental outcomes was seen with each increasing gestation week. The split-week model did not provide additional information for pregnancies and infants between 24 and 26 weeks gestation. It did, however, provide information for counsel for infants at 23 weeks gestation, showing benefits in the late versus early half of the week.
Enhanced the Efficiency of Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by Construction of Z-Scheme g-C3N4/BiVO4 Heterojunction
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Li Minjin , Liu Cheng , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Fuchun , Liu Qiaoping
Published: August 2021

Both non-metallic g-C3N4 and BiVO4 are novel photocatalysts responsive to visible light, but their low charge separation efficiency restricts their inconspicuous photocatalytic activity. In this paper, direct Z-type g-C3N4/BiVO4 photocatalyst was constructed by calcination and hydrothermal for the degradation of methylene blue. The existence of g-C3N4/BiVO4 heterojunction was confirmed by the detailed study of its chemical structure and morphology by various characterization methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The evaluation of photocatalytic performance showed that the MB degradation performance of 1.0-CN/BVO was significantly enhanced, which was 4.528 times and 2.387 times higher than pristine BiVO4 and g-C3N4, respectively, which was mainly due to the enhanced light capture ability and effective electron transfer in the photocatalytic reaction. The 1.0-CN/BVO composite exhibited extremely catalytic stability and recyclability.
Collection of VKM Paleofungi
Authors: Kochkina Galina , Ivanushkina Nataliya , Ozerskaya Svetlana
Published: August 2021

A unique collection of paleofungi from permafrost sediments, cryopegs, paleoseeds, and frozen volcanic ash from the Arctic and Antarctic, collected at different depths, was created in All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms (VKM). Some samples are as old as 3 million years. The collection includes psychrotolerant fungi, which have wide adaptive potential and are able to thrive in low-temperature habitats, and fungi that remain viable due to the presence of natural cryoprotectors that ensure the survival of fungal cells during low-temperature preservation in permafrost sediments. The collection contains 780 strains from 79 genera and more than 160 species and is maintained in accordance with international standards of microbial viability preservation and information support.
Real-Time HEV Energy Management Strategy Considering Road Congestion Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Inuzuka Shota , Zhang Bo , Shen Tielong
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with the HEV real-time energy management problem using deep reinforcement learning with connected technologies such as Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I). In the HEV energy management problem, it is important to run the engine efficiently in order to minimize its total energy cost. This research proposes a policy model that takes into account road congestion and aims to learn the optimal system mode selection and power distribution when considering the far future by policy-based reinforcement learning. In the simulation, a traffic environment is generated in a virtual space by IPG CarMaker and a HEV model is prepared in MATLAB/Simulink to calculate the energy cost while driving on the road environment. The simulation validation shows the versatility of the proposed method for the test data, and in addition, it shows that considering road congestion reduces the total cost and improves the learning speed. Furthermore, we compare the proposed method with model predictive control (MPC) under the same conditions and show that the proposed method obtains more global optimal solutions.
Next Generation of AMR Network
Authors: Payumo Jane , Alocilja Evangelyn , Boodoo Chelsie , Luchini-Colbry Katy , Ruegg Pamela , McLamore Eric , Vanegas Diana , Briceno Ruben , Castaneda-Sabogal Alex , Watanabe Kozo , Gordoncillo Mary , Amalin Divina , Fernando Lilia , Bhusal Nirajan
Published: August 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity, especially in low-resource settings, and requires an interdisciplinary response across academia, government, countries, and societies. If unchecked, AMR will hamper progress towards reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ending poverty and hunger, promoting healthy lives and well-being, and achieving sustained economic growth. There are many global initiatives to curb the effects of AMR, but significant gaps remain. New ways of thinking and operating in the context of the SDGs are essential to making progress. In this entry, we define the next generation of the AMR research network, its composition, and strategic activities that can help mitigate the threats due to AMR at the local, regional, and global levels. This is supported by a review of recent literature and bibliometric and network analyses to examine the current and future state of AMR research networks for global health and sustainable development.
Pesticide Residue Behavior and Risk Assessment in Celery after Se Nanoparticles Application
Authors: Kang Lu , Liu Hejiang , Zhao Duoyong , Pan Canping , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2021

This study investigates pesticide levels in celery, and compares their degradation, dissipation, distribution, and dietary risk after spraying with selenium (Se) nanoparticles. Abamectin, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, and lambda-cyhalothrin were sprayed at 1.6, 6.8, 2.0, 1.0, and 0.7 g a.i. ha−1 followed by a 2 g·ha−1 Se nanoparticle application during the growing period. Thiamethoxam, abamectin, imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and acetamiprid in celery degraded following a first order kinetic model after 2 g·ha−1 Se nanoparticles application. With the exception of acetamiprid, the half-lives of thiamethoxam, abamectin, imidacloprid, and lambda-cyhalothrin were reduced from 2.4, 0.5, 1.2, 4.2 days without Se nanoparticles application to 1.4, 0.2, 0.9, 3.7 days with the addition of Se nanoparticles (2 g·ha−1), respectively. The chronic dietary exposure risk probability (RQc) and the acute dietary exposure risk probability (RQa) of celery after Se nanoparticles application were within acceptable limits for consumption except for abamectin.
Effect of In Vitro Digestion on the Antioxidant Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of 12 Plum (Spondias purpurea L.) Ecotypes
Authors: Sollano-Mendieta Xochitl Cruz , Meza-Márquez Ofelia Gabriela , Osorio-Revilla Guillermo , Téllez-Medina Darío Iker
Published: August 2021

Spondias purpurea L. plum is a source of antioxidant compounds. Nevertheless, once they are consumed and go through the digestive system, these compounds may undergo changes that modify their bioaccessibility. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the total content of carotenoids (TCC), ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), anthocyanins (TAC), and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH) of 12 plum Spondias purpurea L. ecotypes. The plum samples were subjected to the InfoGest in vitro digestion model. TCC, AA, TPC, TFC, TAC, ABTS, and DPPH were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) in each in vitro digestion stage. The gastric stage released the highest content of AA (64.04–78.66%) and TAC (128.45–280.50%), whereas the intestinal stage released the highest content of TCC (11.31–34.20%), TPC (68.61–95.36%), and TFC (72.76–95.57%). Carotenoids were not identified in the gastric stage whilst anthocyanins were lost at the end of the intestinal digestion. At the gastric stage, AA presented a positive and high correlation with ABTS (r: 0.83) and DPPH (r: 0.84), while, in the intestinal stage, TPC and TFC presented positive and high correlation with ABTS (r ≥ 0.8) and DPPH (r ≥ 0.8), respectively.
High Protein Substitutes for Gluten in Gluten-Free Bread
Authors: Skendi Adriana , Papageorgiou Maria , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: August 2021

Gluten-free products have come into the market in order to alleviate health problems such as celiac disease. In this review, recent advances in gluten-free bread are described along with plant-based gluten-free proteins. A comparison with animal-based gluten-free proteins is made reporting on different high protein sources of animal origin. Sea microorganisms- and insect-based proteins are also mentioned, and the optimization of the structure of gluten-free bread with added high protein sources is highlighted along with protein digestibility issues. The latter is an issue for consideration that can be manipulated by a careful design of the mixture in terms of phenolic compounds, soluble carbohydrates and fibres, but also the baking process itself. Additionally, the presence of enzymes and different hydrocolloids are key factors controlling quality features of the final product.
Effect of Alginate-Microencapsulated Hydrogels on the Survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus under Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions
Authors: Oberoi Khyati , Tolun Aysu , Altintas Zeynep , Sharma Somesh
Published: August 2021

Thanks to the beneficial properties of probiotic bacteria, there exists an immense demand for their consumption in probiotic foods worldwide. Nevertheless, it is difficult to retain a high number of viable cells in probiotic food products during their storage and gastrointestinal transit. Microencapsulation of probiotic bacteria is an effective way of enhancing probiotic viability by limiting cell exposure to extreme conditions via the gastrointestinal tract before releasing them into the colon. This research aims to develop a new coating material system of microencapsulation to protect probiotic cells from adverse environmental conditions and improve their recovery rates. Hence, Lactobacillus rhamnosus was encapsulated with emulsion/internal gelation techniques in a calcium chloride solution. Alginate–probiotic microbeads were coated with xanthan gum, gum acacia, sodium caseinate, chitosan, starch, and carrageenan to produce various types of microcapsules. The alginate+xanthan microcapsules exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (95.13 ± 0.44%); they were simulated in gastric and intestinal juices at pH 3 during 1, 2, and 3 h incubations at 37 °C. The research findings showed a remarkable improvement in the survival rate of microencapsulated probiotics under simulated gastric conditions of up to 83.6 ± 0.89%. The morphology, size, and shape of the microcapsules were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. For the protection of probiotic bacteria under simulated intestinal conditions; alginate microbeads coated with xanthan gum played an important role, and exhibited a survival rate of 87.3 ± 0.79%, which was around 38% higher than that of the free cells (49.4 ± 06%). Our research findings indicated that alginate+xanthan gum microcapsules have a significant potential to deliver large numbers of probiotic cells to the intestines, where cells can be released and colonized for the consumer’s benefit.
Eating Competence among Brazilian Adults: A Comparison between before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Queiroz Fabiana Lopes Nalon de , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção , Ginani Verônica Cortez , Raposo António , Zandonadi Renata Puppin
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus pandemic started a worldwide emergency, and tight preventive actions were necessary to protect the population, changing individuals’ daily habits. Dwelling and working at home can change dietary habits, affect food choice and access, as well as the practice of physical activity. In this regard, this study’s goal was to compare eating competence (EC) among Brazilian adults before and during the coronavirus pandemic, using the Brazilian version of the eating competence Satter inventory (ecSI2.0™BR) with the “retrospective post-then-pre” design. This cross-sectional study was performed from 30 April to 31 May 2021 among a convenience sample of the Brazilian adult population using an online platform (Google® Forms). In the studied sample (n = 302 in which 76.82% were females), EC total score lowered during the pandemic (31.69 ± 8.26 vs. 29.99 ± 9.72; p < 0.005), and the decrease was worst after the beginning of the pandemic among those who reported weight gain, decreased the consumption of fruit and vegetables, and increased the consumption of sugary beverages. The contextual skill component seems relevant in this scenario, where our life and routines were changed entirely, demonstrating that the ability to manage the food context is essential, especially when sanitary and economic situations represent a new challenge.
Objective Measurements Associated with the Preferred Eating Qualities of Fermented Salamis
Authors: Kim Jihan , Knowles Scott , Ahmad Raise , Day Li
Published: August 2021

The development of new food products can be expedited by understanding the physicochemical attributes that are most relevant to consumers. Although many objective analyses are possible, not all are a suitable proxy to serve as quality markers associated with sensory preferences. In this work, we selected nine candidate laboratory assays to use on six commercial salamis, which were also eaten and informally described by a consumer discussion group familiar with China-sourced meat products. Several objective measures were strongly related to the flavour perceptions: (i) texture: instrumental texture values, fat release at oral temperature and fat saturation ratios, (ii) aroma: volatile compounds (e.g., alcohols and esters) associated with microbial fermentation and spices (terpenes and sulphur compounds) and (iii) taste: kokumi taste receptor responses. The fat released at oral temperature was associated with unsaturated fatty acids (r = 0.73). However, there was less explanatory worth for associations between sensory perceptions and proximate composition, water activity, pH or L*, a*, b* colourimetry.
An Experimental Approach towards Motion Modeling and Control of a Vehicle Transiting a Non-Newtonian Environment
Authors: Birs Isabela , Muresan Cristina , Prodan Ovidiu , Folea Silviu , Ionescu Clara
Published: August 2021

The present work tackles the modeling of the motion dynamics of an object submerged in a non-Newtonian environment. The mathematical model is developed starting from already known Newtonian interactions between the submersible and the fluid. The obtained model is therefore altered through optimization techniques to describe non-Newtonian interactions on the motion of the vehicle by using real-life data regarding non-Newtonian influences on submerged thrusting. For the obtained non-Newtonian fractional order process model, a fractional order control approach is employed to sway the submerged object’s position inside the viscoelastic environment. The presented modeling and control methodologies are solidified by real-life experimental data used to validate the veracity of the presented concepts. The robustness of the control strategy is experimentally validated on both Newtonian and non-Newtonian environments.
Metabolic Response of ‘Topaz’ Apple Fruit to Minimal Application of Nitrogen during Cell Enlargement Stage
Authors: Jakopic Jerneja , Schmitzer Valentina , Veberic Robert , Smrke Tina , Stampar Franci
Published: August 2021

Nitrogen is an integral element of foliar sprays during apple fruit formation. However, in red cultivars, the application may have adverse effects on color in the second stage of fruit development. The effect of a low-dose foliar application of urea was monitored on ‘Topaz’ apple pomometric (fruit mass, firmness, total solids, starch content, skin color) and biochemical traits (primary metabolites, phenolic compounds, and assimilatory pigments). Three applications (17 July, 27 July, and 18 August) of two different urea doses (N1 = 1.4 kg N ha−1; N4 = 4 kg N ha−1) and control (N0, only sprayed with water) were used. Low doses of urea did not affect flesh firmness, total soluble, solid, and starch content, but individual fruit mass was significantly higher in N1 treatment compared to the other two treatments. Significantly lower a* parameters and a lower content of anthocyanins were measured on apples subject to N4 treatment. Many secondary metabolites (phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, and chalcones) were also negatively affected by low-dose urea application. Conversely, urea treatments significantly increased total assimilatory pigments in apple skin. Even minor levels of nitrogen, applied directly on the leaf at later stages of red apple fruit development, negatively altered color traits and the composition of metabolites.
The Coronary Arteries in Adults after the Arterial Switch Operation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Engele Leo J. , Mulder Barbara J. M. , Schoones Jan W. , Kiès Philippine , Egorova Anastasia D. , Vliegen Hubert W. , Hazekamp Mark G. , Bouma Berto J. , Jongbloed Monique R. M.
Published: August 2021

Coronary artery status in adults long after the arterial switch operation (ASO) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review to provide an overview of coronary complications during adulthood and to evaluate the value of routine coronary imaging in adults after ASO, in light of current guidelines. Articles were screened for the inclusion of adult ASO patients and data on coronary complications and findings of coronary imaging were collected. A total of 993 adults were followed with a median available follow-up of only 2.0 years after reaching adulthood. Myocardial ischemia was suspected in 17/192 patients (8.9%). The number of coronary interventions was four (0.4%), and coronary death was reported in four (0.4%) patients. A lack of ischemia-related symptoms cannot be excluded because innervation studies indicated deficient cardiac innervation after ASO, although data is limited. Anatomical high-risk features found by routine coronary computed tomography (cCT) included stenosis (4%), acute angle (40%), kinking (24%) and inter-arterial course (11%). No coronary complications were reported during pregnancy (n = 45), although, remarkably, four (9%) patients developed heart failure. The 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines state that routine screening for coronary pathologies is questionable. Based on current findings and in line with the 2018 American ACC/AHA guidelines a baseline assessment of the coronary arteries in all ASO adults seems justifiable. Thereafter, an individualized coronary follow-up strategy is advisable at least until significant duration of follow-up is available.
Drought Influences Fungal Community Dynamics in the Grapevine Rhizosphere and Root Microbiome
Authors: Carbone María Julia , Alaniz Sandra , Mondino Pedro , Gelabert Matías , Eichmeier Ales , Tekielska Dorota , Bujanda Rebeca , Gramaje David
Published: August 2021

Plant roots support complex microbial communities that can influence nutrition, plant growth, and health. In grapevine, little is known about the impact of abiotic stresses on the belowground microbiome. In this study, we examined the drought-induced shifts in fungal composition in the root endosphere, the rhizosphere and bulk soil by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) high-throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS). We imposed three irrigation regimes (100%, 50%, and 25% of the field capacity) to one-year old grapevine rootstock plants cv. SO4 when plants had developed 2–3 roots. Root endosphere, rhizosphere, and bulk soil samples were collected 6- and 12-months post-plantation. Drought significantly modified the overall fungal composition of all three compartments, with the root endosphere compartment showing the greatest divergence from well-watered control (100%). The overall response of the fungal microbiota associated with black-foot disease (Dactylonectria and “Cylindrocarpon” genera) and the potential biocontrol agent Trichoderma to drought stress was consistent across compartments, namely that their relative abundances were significantly higher at 50–100% than at 25% irrigation regime. We identified a significant enrichment in several fungal genera such as the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis during drought at 25% watering regime within the roots. Our results reveal that drought stress, in addition to its well-characterized effects on plant physiology, also results in the restructuring of grapevine root microbial communities, and suggest the possibility that members of the altered grapevine microbiota might contribute to plant survival under extreme environmental conditions.
Development of Carbazole Derivatives Compounds against Candida albicans: Candidates to Prevent Hyphal Formation via the Ras1-MAPK Pathway
Authors: Park Young-Kwang , Shin Jisoo , Lee Hee-Yoon , Kim Hag-Dong , Kim Joon
Published: August 2021

Morphogenesis contributes to the virulence of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Ras1-MAPK pathways play a critical role in the virulence of C. albicans by regulating cell growth, morphogenesis, and biofilm formation. Ume6 acts as a transcription factor, and Nrg1 is a transcriptional repressor for the expression of hyphal-specific genes in morphogenesis. Azoles or echinocandin drugs have been extensively prescribed for C. albicans infections, which has led to the development of drug-resistant strains. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new molecules to effectively treat fungal infections. Here, we showed that Molecule B and Molecule C, which contained a carbazole structure, attenuated the pathogenicity of C. albicans through inhibition of the Ras1/MAPK pathway. We found that Molecule B and Molecule C inhibit morphogenesis through repressing protein and RNA levels of Ras/MAPK-related genes, including UME6 and NRG1. Furthermore, we determined the antifungal effects of Molecule B and Molecule C in vivo using a candidiasis murine model. We anticipate our findings are that Molecule B and Molecule C, which inhibits the Ras1/MAPK pathway, are promising compounds for the development of new antifungal agents for the treatment of systemic candidiasis and possibly for other fungal diseases.