bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties in Seven Sweet Potato Flours
Authors: Zhang Lin , Gao Yan , Deng Bowen , Ru Weidong , Tong Chuan , Bao Jinsong
Published: June 2022

Sweet potato flour is a key ingredient for the production of new food products worldwide, which imparts desired properties, nutritional value, antioxidants, and natural color to processed foods. However, little information regarding the functional properties of the sweet potato flour is available. In this study, the genetic diversity in the physiochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties of wholemeal flour from seven sweet potato varieties was investigated. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the free and bound fractions ranged from 13.85 to 90.74 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g and from 5.07 to 24.29 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. The average protein content of sweet potato was 5.41 g/100 g ranging from 3.40 to 8.60 g/100 g DW. The total amino acid content averaged 45.13 mg/g DW. The average contents of 12 mineral elements were in the order of K > P > Ca > Mg > Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr > Cd. K and P contents were the highest among all accessions, which were positively correlated with most of the other minerals. The average starch content of sweet potato was 53.90 g/100 g DW, ranging from 31.68 to 64.90%. The peak viscosity (PV), hot paste viscosity (HPV), and cold paste viscosity (CPV) were in the range of 90.7–318.8 Rapid Visco Unit (RVU), 77.3–208.3 RVU, and 102.6–272.7 RVU, respectively. The hardness values and cohesiveness (Coh) varied among different sweet potatoes, with a range of 8.20–18.48 g and 0.22–0.68, respectively. The gelatinization onset, peak, conclusion temperatures, and enthalpy were in the ranges of 59.39–71.91°C, 70.19–88.40°C, 78.98–95.79°C, 1.85–5.65 J/g, respectively.
The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Cui Meng-Ying , Yi Xing , Zhu Dan-Xia , Wu Jun
Published: June 2022

Gastric cancer has been one of the most common cancers worldwide with extensive metastasis and high mortality. Chemotherapy has been found as a main treatment for metastatic gastric cancer, whereas drug resistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and leads to treatment failure. Chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer has a complex and multifactorial mechanism, among which lipid metabolism plays a vital role. Increased synthesis of new lipids or uptake of exogenous lipids can facilitate the rapid growth of cancer cells and tumor formation. Lipids form the structural basis of biofilms while serving as signal molecules and energy sources. It is noteworthy that lipid metabolism is capable of inducing drug resistance in gastric cancer cells by reshaping the tumor micro-environment. In this study, new mechanisms of lipid metabolism in gastric cancer and the metabolic pathways correlated with chemotherapy resistance are reviewed. In particular, we discuss the effects of lipid metabolism on autophagy, biomarkers treatment and drug resistance in gastric cancer from the perspective of lipid metabolism. In brief, new insights can be gained into the development of promising therapies through an in-depth investigation of the mechanism of lipid metabolism reprogramming and resensitization to chemotherapy in gastric cancer cells, and scientific treatment can be provided by applying lipid-key enzyme inhibitors as cancer chemical sensitizers in clinical settings.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Pain Sensitization After Whiplash Injury: A Longitudinal Cohort Study With Quantitative Sensory Testing
Authors: Andersen Tonny Elmose , Ravn Sophie Lykkegaard , Carstensen Tina , Ørnbøl Eva , Frostholm Lisbeth , Kasch Helge
Published: June 2022

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are common after whiplash injury and are associated with poor recovery. The acute stress response may lead to pain sensitization and widespread pain, thereby compromising recovery. To our knowledge, no longitudinal study has assessed the associations between early PTSS and pain sensitization over time using quantitative sensory testing (QST). The aim of this study was to compare participants with different levels of PTSS, as measured by the impact of event scale (IES; subclinical 0–8, mild 9–25, and clinical ≥ 26) at baseline (<10-day post-injury) and at a follow-up of 1, 3, 6, and 12-month post-injury on pain sensitivity, neck mobility, pain distribution, and pain intensity. In total, 740 participants were recruited from emergency units or general practitioners with acute neck pain after a whiplash injury. The clinical PTSS group showed increased pain sensitivity on all QSTs at all time points compared to the subclinical PTSS group. Also, the clinical PTSS group showed significantly lower neck mobility at all time points except for a 3-month follow-up compared to the subclinical PTSS group. Moreover, the clinical PTSS group showed more widespread pain and self-reported headache and neck pain intensity at all time points compared to the subclinical PTSS group. This study emphasizes that participants with clinical levels of PTSS constitute a high-risk group that is sensitized to pain early after the injury. Hence, screening for PTSS within the 1st week after whiplash injury for those who experience high levels of pain intensity and distress may be an important clinical procedure in the assessment and treatment of whiplash-associated disorders (WAD).
Effect Western Medicines Combined With Nao-Xue-Shu in Patients With Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mei Li , Fengqun Mu , Xiaozhuo Liu , Qing Wang , Mingming Fan , Zhengyao Zuo , Dongpo Su , Qian Han , Tong Chen
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To explore the efficacy of nimodipine, nifedipine, and edaravone (EDA) combined with Nao-Xue-Shu in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) and to determine the best western medicine combined with Nao-Xue-Shu for treating HICH patients using a ranking method.

Methods: After a comprehensive search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP information database, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library database from the database establishment 31 December 2021, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted for the included articles. The primary outcome measure was the effectiveness after treatment. Secondary outcome measures were after-treatment the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, hematoma volume, perihematoma edema volume, and inflammatory factor expression levels. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 and RevMan 5.3.0 software.

Results: We included 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six non-RCTs. The effective rate after treatment was ranked from the best to the worst as follows: routine cure measure (RCM) + nifedipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + EDA + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nimodipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + EDA, and RCM. The post-treatment NHISS scores from lowest to highest were as follows: RCM + EDA + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nifedipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + EDA, RCM + nimodipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Kang, and RCM. The post-treatment hematoma volume from minimum to maximum was as follows: RCM + EDA + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nimodipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nifedipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Kang, and RCM. The post-treatment perihematoma edema volume from minimum to maximum was as follows: RCM + EDA + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nifedipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nimodipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Shu, and RCM. For inflammatory factor expression levels after treatment, IL-6 concentration levels after treatment from lowest to highest wasas follows: RCM + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nifedipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nimodipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + EDA + Nao-Xue-Shu, and RCM. TNF-α concentration levels after treatment from lowest to highest was as follow: RCM + nimodipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + nifedipine + Nao-Xue-Shu, RCM + Nao-Xue-Shu, and RCM.

Conclusion: Nao-Xue-Shu combined with nifedipine showed better effectiveness after treatment in HICH patients compared with the other combinations. Nao-Xue-Shu combined with EDA was more effective for improving neurological function and reducing both hematoma and edema volumes around the hematoma compared with the other combinations. However, Nao-Xue-Shu alone or Nao-Xue-Shu combined with nimodipine may be more effective for reducing proinflammatory factor expression.
A Worldwide Bibliometric Analysis of Tetrandrine Research in Recent Two Decades
Authors: Yang Guang , Xie Wenqing , Ding Yilan , Wang Weiyang , Huang Cheng , Zhao Tingxiao , Li Yusheng
Published: June 2022

Background: Tetrandrine has been the focus of many studies in recent years. Currently, no bibliometric study in this field has been published. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of the articles on tetrandrine research from the WOS core database during the recent two decades.

Methods: Documents were retrieved for further bibliometric analysis based on the search terms: [TI = (Tetrandrine OR Sinomeninea OR Hanfangchin A) AND PY = (2000–2021)]. We used Microsoft Excel to conduct the frequency analysis, VOSviewer for data visualization, and RStudio for citation metrics and analysis. The standard bibliometric indicators such as the temporal trends and geographical distribution of publications and citations, prolific authors and co-authorship, keywords citation burst, preferred journals, top-cited articles, and important institutions were applied in this study.

Results: 490 documents were retrieved from WOS core database, the retrieved document type consists of 8 categories: 425 articles, 42 meeting abstracts, 8 reviews, 7 corrections, 3 editorial material, 2 proceedings paper, 1 letter, 1 retraction. Corrections and Retractions was excluded from this investigation, the left 482 document were included for furter bibliometric analysis.

Conclusion: Based on our findings, there was a continuous growth of publications on tetrandrine research for 22 years since 2000. China was the largest contributor to tetrandrine research, followed by the United States. The most influential author was Cheng Y (Natl Taiwan Univ Hosp). Acta Pharmacol Sin remained the main publication related to tetrandrine research. Chinese Academy of Sciences, is expected to be a good collaborating center in tetrandrine research. The use of tetrandrine in cancer treatment, could be the promising research subject areas to follow.
Psychometric Properties of Four Common Clinical Tests for Assessing Hamstring Flexibility in Young Adults
Authors: Liu Hao , Shen Ying , Xiong Yuan , Zhou Hongfei , Mao Yuchen , Shen Qiangqiang , Hong Wenxia , Liu Mingjian , Liu Yanqian , Qiu Li , Zhang Zhijie , Jia Yanbing
Published: June 2022

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of four common hamstring muscle flexibility tests involving the straight leg raise (SLR), passive knee extension (PKE), sit and reach test (SRT) and toe touch test (TTT) in young adults.

Methods: Forty-three young healthy adults (mean age 27.4 years) were recruited for 3 repeated sessions of hamstring flexibility assessments using the 4 tests mentioned above and the subsequent isokinetic examinations. The first two sessions (S1 and S2) were conducted by two different raters randomly on the first day (D1), and the third session (S3) was conducted by the same rater as S1 3 days later (D4). The next day (D5), the isokinetic performances of knee extensors and flexors of the dominant leg were assessed. To evaluate the interrater (S1 vs. S2) and test-retest (S1 vs. S3) reliability of hamstring flexibility tests, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard errors of measurement, and the minimum detectable differences were calculated. Correlation analyses were performed to study the association of each hamstring flexibility test with the isokinetic muscle function of the knee flexors (H) and extensors (Q), including the peak torque (PT), total amount of work (TW) and average power (AP).

Results: Excellent interrater and test-retest reliability of hamstring flexibility tests involving the SLR, PKE, SRT and TTT were confirmed with ICCs ranging from 0.923 to 0.986. Fair correlations were found between the 4 hamstring flexibility tests and the H/Q for the PT at angular speeds of 180°/s (Pearson’s r at 0.330–0.449). In addition, the PKE was fairly correlated with the AP of the hamstring (Pearson’s r = 0.320) and the H/Q for the TW (Pearson’s r = 0.345) and AP (Pearson’s r = 0.386) at angular speeds of 180°/s.

Conclusions: This study confirmed that the SLR, PKE, SRT and TTT were reliable flexibility tests for hamstring muscles in young healthy adults, and the PKE might be a more valid outcome measure to predict hamstring injury.
Effects of Hydroxyurea on Skeletal Muscle Energetics and Function in a Mildly Anemic Mouse Model
Authors: Michel Constance P. , Messonnier Laurent A. , Giannesini Benoit , Chatel Benjamin , Vilmen Christophe , Le Fur Yann , Bendahan David
Published: June 2022

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor most commonly used as a therapeutic agent in sickle cell disease (SCD) with the aim of reducing the risk of vaso-occlusion and improving oxygen transport to tissues. Previous studies suggest that HU may be even beneficial in mild anemia. However, the corresponding effects on skeletal muscle energetics and function have never been reported in such a mild anemia model. Seventeen mildly anemic HbAA Townes mice were subjected to a standardized rest-stimulation (transcutaneous stimulation)-protocol while muscle energetics using 31Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy and muscle force production were assessed and recorded. Eight mice were supplemented with hydroxyurea (HU) for 6 weeks while 9 were not (CON). HU mice displayed a higher specific total force production compared to the CON, with 501.35 ± 54.12 N/mm3 and 437.43 ± 57.10 N/mm3 respectively (+14.6%, p < 0.05). Neither the total rate of energy consumption nor the oxidative metabolic rate were significantly different between groups. The present results illustrated a positive effect of a HU chronic supplementation on skeletal muscle function in mice with mild anemia.
High N Storage but Low N Recovery After Long-Term N-Fertilization in a Subtropical Cunninghamia lanceolata Plantation Ecosystem: A 14-Year Case Study
Authors: Shen Fangfang , Liu Wenfei , Duan Honglang , Wu Jianping , Wu Chunsheng , Liao Yingchun , Yuan Yinghong , Fan Houbao
Published: June 2022

Forests are among the most important N pools of all terrestrial ecosystems. Elevated atmospheric N deposition in recent decades has led to increased interest in the influences of N application on forest N cycles. However, accurate assessments of N storage in forest ecosystems remain elusive. We used a 14-year experiment of a Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook] plantation to explore how long-term N fertilization affected N storage and recovery rates. Our study plots were located in a field that had been continuously fertilized over 14 years (2004–2017) with urea at rates of 0 (N0, control), 60 (N60, low-N), 120 (N120, medium-N), and 240 (N240, high-N) kg N hm−2a−1. Data were collected that included N content and biomass in the understory, litter, and various plant organs (i.e., leaves, branches, stems, roots, and bark), as well as soil N content and density at different depths. Results showed that the total ecosystem N storage in the N-fertilized plots was 1.1–1.4 times higher than that in the control plots. About 12.36% of the total ecosystem N was stored in vegetation (plant organs, litter, and understory) and 87.64% was stored in soil (0–60 cm). Plant organs, litter, and soil had higher N storage than the understory layer. Significantly higher plant N uptake was found in the medium-N (1.2 times) and high-N (1.4 times) treatments relative to the control. The N recovery rate of the understory layer in the N-fertilized treatments was negative and less than that in the control. Application of long-term N fertilizer to this stand led to a low N recovery rate (average 11.39%) and high loss of N (average 91.86%), which indicate low N use efficiency in the Chinese fir plantation ecosystem. Our findings further clarify the distribution of N in an important terrestrial ecosystem and improve our understanding of regional N cycles.
A Study on Pregenomic RNA and Factors Related to Hepatitis B Virus Infection Based on Real World
Authors: Yan Hao-Zhen , Huang Zhi-Hao , Guo Xu-Guang , Peng Ting-Ting , Yang Li-Li , Liu Chong-Wen , Ou-Yang Shi
Published: June 2022

Objective

This article aims to study the influencing factors of pgRNA and its change magnitude based on the real world.

Methods

A total of 421 patients who were tested for pgRNA were selected. According to the baseline data, the subjects were divided into negative and positive groups. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of pgRNA status. Based on the follow-up data, the rank-sum test and linear regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of pgRNA change magnitude.

Results

A total of 153 (36.3%) of the 421 subjects were pgRNA-negative and 268 (63.7%) were pgRNA-positive. Logistic regression analysis showed that positive HBV DNA (OR: 40.51), positive HBeAg (OR: 66.24), tenofovir treatment (OR: 23.47), and entecavir treatment (OR: 14.90) were the independent risk factors for positive pgRNA. Univariate linear regression showed that the pgRNA change magnitude of patients treated with entecavir was higher than that of patients treated with tenofovir. Multivariate linear regression showed that age was an independent factor influencing pgRNA change magnitude.

Conclusions

The pgRNA of patients who were young, female, HBV DNA-positive, high-HBsAg, HBeAg-positive is higher than the detection line. HBV DNA and HBeAg are the independent risk factors of positive pgRNA. Different antiviral regimens and disease stages have significantly different effects on pgRNA status. There was a significant correlation between pgRNA and FIB-4, suggesting that pgRNA is related to liver fibrosis. The decrease in pgRNA was greater in young patients than in non-young patients. The decrease in pgRNA was greater in patients treated with tenofovir than in patients treated with entecavir.
Sustainable Food Systems and Farmers' Welfare Status Distribution in Oyo State, Nigeria: Building Buffers Against Shocks and Stressors Through Resilience Pillars
Authors: Olawuyi Seyi Olalekan , Olawuyi Tosin Dolapo , Ijila Olusegun Jeremiah , Oyeleye Olumuyiwa Amos
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the effect of resilience components and indicators on households' welfare distribution in the study area, using the data collected from households' surveys. Respondents were drawn from the study area through the multistage random sampling technique; while the data obtained from 363 sampled respondents were analyzed and described through the use of descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, percentages, and cross tabulation technique). The resilience tool of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) was adopted to measure the resilience pillars through their corresponding components/indicators. Similarly, a quantile regression econometric model was used to estimate the effect of the resilience pillars vis-à-vis the indicators on welfare distribution in the study area. The results indicated that the majority of the respondents fall within the low quintiles of households' welfare, while women were found to be disproportionately vulnerable to shocks, as many of them fall within the low welfare class. The resilience pillars/components were found to have varying degrees of significance and direction of movement with quintiles of households' welfare status. This was observed across all the quintiles (0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 0.90; that is, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 90th quintiles), respectively. The study recommended proper and transparent implementation of functional social protection programs to reduce households' vulnerability to shock and stressors. There is also the need for investments to be made across all pillars and indicators of resilience to build sustained households' resilience capacity and welfare status.
Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes Between Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Lin Lu , Liu Xiao-Qin , Shi Lei , Cheng Si , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Ge Qi-Jun , Gao Ding-Zhi , Ismail Amadou Cheffou , Ke Zhen-Yong , Chu Lei
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes in surgical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between percutaneous endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PE-LIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods

We reviewed a total of 89 patients undergoing single-level surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis from January 2018 to July 2021. The cases were categorized as PE-LIF (Group PE-LIF, 41 cases) or MIS-TLIF (Group MIS-TLIF, 48 cases) approach. Parameters obtained at baseline through at least six months of follow-up were collected. The surgical outcomes involving the operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative bed staying time, and length of hospital stays were analyzed. PROs included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), modified MacNab standard evaluation, intervertebral fusion rate, and postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 89 patients were included in this analysis involving 41 patients who underwent PE-LIF and 48 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF. The 2 groups were similar in gender, age, body mass index, follow-up time and surgery levels (P > 0.05), and were not significantly different in the length of hospital stays (P > 0.05). PE-LIF had a significantly longer operative time, greater fluoroscopy time, lower estimated blood loss and shorter bed rest time than MIS-TLIF. Both groups improved significantly from baseline for the VAS and ODI scores. PE-LIF was associated with a lower VAS score for back pain at three-day after surgery. There were no significant differences between PE-LIF and MIS-TLIF in the excellent or good rates and intervertebral fusion rates at the last follow-up (P > 0.05). As for related complications, there were no significant complications occurred, and no significant differences were seen in the complications between both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

To summarize, PE-LIF and MIS-TLIF are both safe and effective for LSS. PE-LIF has a definite short-term curative effect with less trauma.
Acute Disseminated Toxoplasmosis in Two Specimens of Macropus rufogriseus Caused by a Genotype so far Exclusive to South America
Authors: Valenzuela-Moreno Luis Fernando , Carmona-Muciño María del Carmen , Cedillo-Peláez Carlos , Rico-Torres Claudia Patricia , Luna-Pastén Héctor , Hernández-Rodríguez María Alejandra , Caballero-Ortega Heriberto
Published: June 2022

Macropods are included among the species considered highly susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Clinically, it is difficult to distinguish between acute toxoplasmosis due to primary infection and reactivation of chronic latent infection in susceptible species until pathologic studies are performed. Here, we described the clinical cases and lesions found in two deceased Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) with a presumptive diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, as well as the genetic characterization of the T. gondii isolates obtained from these specimens. Both animals presented acute infection lesions in the lungs, liver, spleen and lymph nodes associated to T. gondii infection. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry also demonstrated tissue cysts of different sizes, indicating that the wallabies were previously infected with this parasite. Two isolates were obtained, one from each specimen and the molecular characterization was done; both isolates were the ToxoDB #116 genotype. This is the first study that reports the isolation of this particular genotype outside South America, and given the histopathological findings, it could be considered virulent for this species. The dynamics of infection that T. gondii is causing in definitive and intermediate hosts in a region allows us to know the risks to which the animals and humans that live in the area are exposed, and in the future to implement a preventive medicine plan against this parasite.
Modern Breast Cancer Surgery 1st Central-Eastern European Professional Consensus Statement on Breast Cancer
Authors: Mátrai Zoltán , Kelemen Péter , Kósa Csaba , Maráz Róbert , Paszt Attila , Pavlovics Gábor , Sávolt Ákos , Simonka Zsolt , Tóth Dezső , Kásler Miklós , Kaprin Andrey , Krivorotko Petr , Vicko Ferenc , Pluta Piotr , Kolacinska-Wow Agnieszka , Murawa Dawid , Jankau Jerzy , Ciesla Slawomir , Dyttert Daniel , Sabol Martin , Zhygulin Andrii , Avetisyan Artur , Bessonov Alexander , Lázár György
Published: June 2022

This text is based on the recommendations accepted by the 4th Hungarian Consensus Conference on Breast Cancer, modified on the basis of the international consultation and conference within the frames of the Central-Eastern European Academy of Oncology. The recommendations cover non-operative, intraoperative and postoperative diagnostics, determination of prognostic and predictive markers and the content of cytology and histology reports. Furthermore, they address some specific issues such as the current status of multigene molecular markers, the role of pathologists in clinical trials and prerequisites for their involvement, and some remarks about the future.
Relationship among Electrical Signals, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, and Root Vitality of Strawberry Seedlings under Drought Stress
Authors: Zhou Juan , Yuan Weidong , Di Bao , Zhang Guanghua , Zhu Jianxi , Zhou Pengyu , Ding Tianran , Qian Ji
Published: June 2022

Drought area expansion has a great impact on the growth and development of plants. To contribute to the water management of strawberry, this work aims to study the chronological relationship between the electrical signals and representative physiological parameters of strawberry seedlings under drought stress. This study analyzed the characteristic variables of the electrical signals; physiological parameters under drought; and control treatments. Moreover, we compared the chronological sequence of the appearance of significant differences between drought and control treatment in terms of their physiological parameters and electrical signals. The results showed that with the increase of drought treatment, the time domain parameters (peak-to-peak value, standard deviation) and frequency domain parameters (spectral of central gravity, power spectrum entropy) of the drought-treated electrical signals showed significant differences from the control on Day 2 and Day 6, respectively (p < 0.05). The root vitality of the drought treatment was significantly different from the control on Day 4 (p < 0.05); the Fv/Fm and the SPAD were significantly different (p < 0.05) on Day 7. Electrical signals first start to show a significant difference between drought and control treatment, followed by physiological parameters. Therefore, the electrical signal can be used as an early indicator of drought stress conditions. This will provide a scientific basis for the actual water management of strawberry seedlings. It also provides a methodological and theoretical basis for other studies analyzing the relationship between plant physiological parameters and electrical signals under other stress conditions.
The Distribution Characteristics of Aerosol Bacteria in Different Types of Pig Houses
Authors: Cui Huan , Zhang Cheng , Liu Juxiang , Dong Shishan , Zhao Kui , Chen Ligong , Chen Zhaoliang , Sun Yucheng , Guo Zhendong
Published: June 2022

With the development of modern pig raising technology, the increasing density of animals in pig houses leads to the accumulation of microbial aerosols in pig houses. It is an important prerequisite to grasp the characteristics of bacteria in aerosols in different pig houses to solve the problems of air pollution and disease prevention and control in different pig houses. This work investigated the effects of growth stages on bacterial aerosol concentrations and bacterial communities in pig houses. Three traditional types of closed pig houses were studied: farrowing (FAR) houses, weaning (WEA) houses, and fattening (FAT) houses. The Andersen six-stage sampler and high-volume air sampler were used to assess the concentrations and size distribution of airborne bacteria, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify the bacterial communities. We found that the airborne bacterial concentration, community richness, and diversity index increased with pig age. We found that Acinetobacter, Erysipelothrix, Streptococcus, Moraxella, and Aerococcus in the microbial aerosols of pig houses have the potential risk of causing disease. These differences lead us to believe that disinfection strategies for pig houses should involve a situational focus on environmental aerosol composition on a case-by-case basis.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Colistin Methanesulfonate in Healthy Chinese Subjects after Multi-Dose Regimen
Authors: Fan Yaxin , Li Yi , Chen Yuancheng , Yu Jicheng , Liu Xiaofen , Li Wanzhen , Guo Beining , Li Xin , Wang Jingjing , Wu Hailan , Wang Yu , Hu Jiali , Guo Yan , Hu Fupin , Xu Xiaoyong , Cao Guoying , Wu Jufang , Zhang Yingyuan , Zhang Jing , Wu Xiaojie
Published: June 2022

Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) is an important treatment option for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CROs). This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles and safety of CMS in Chinese subjects following a recommended dosage. A total of 12 healthy Chinese subjects received CMS injections at 2.5 mg/kg once every 12 h for 7 consecutive days. The PK/PD profiles of the active form of CMS, colistin, against CROs were analyzed with the Monte Carlo simulation method. No serious adverse events were observed. The average steady-state plasma concentrations of CMS and colistin were 4.41 ± 0.75 μg/mL and 1.27 ± 0.27 μg/mL, and the steady-state exposures (AUC0–12,ss) were 52.93 ± 9.05 h·μg/mL and 15.28 ± 3.29 h·μg/mL, respectively. Colistin, at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 μg/mL, has >90% probability to reduce CROs by ≥1 log. The PK/PD breakpoints for the ≥1 log kill were ≥MIC90 for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but were ≤MIC50 for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The recommended dose regimen of CMS for 7 consecutive days was safe in Chinese subjects. The systemic exposure of colistin showed a high probability of being sufficient for most CROs, but was not sufficient for some carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.
Ab-Initio Investigations on Hydrogen Dissociation and Cross-Linking of Hydrocarbon Chains of Self-Assembled Monolayers of Alkanes
Authors: Zhu Yan , Wei Xin-Yuan , Xu Run
Published: June 2022

First-principles calculations were carried out to study the structural and electronic properties of hydrocarbon chains of self-assembled monolayers with hydrogen dissociation. It was found that the incoming hydrogen could lead to the formation of H2 molecules by stripping the nearby hydrogen atoms in the chains and thereby leave the neighboring carbon atoms to be free radicals. Two parallel hydrocarbon chains with dangling bonds can form a direct C-C bond, i.e., cross-linking happens between the two chains, which is ascribed to a charge accumulation in the cross-linking region. The polymerization of short molecules into long hydrocarbon chains through a different cross-linking mode is also discussed.
Special Issue “Cereal-Based Foods”
Authors: Zettel Viktoria , Hitzmann Bernd
Published: June 2022

Published manuscripts about cereals have been increasing in numbers over the last 20 years by an average of 160 manuscripts per year [...]
Influential Factors and Determination Method of Unconventional Outside Left-Turn Lanes Based on a BP Neural Network
Authors: Cao Yi , Jiang Dandan , Li Xuetong
Published: June 2022

To reduce the delay caused by the interweaving and parallel driving of multiple left-turn vehicles and through vehicles upstream of the intersection entrance, the influencing factors and determination methods of unconventional left-turn lanes are studied in right-hand traffic (RHT) countries. For countries driving right, left-turn lanes are usually on the inside of roads. However, when there are a large number of vehicles turning left in the outer lane of the upstream section of the intersection, these vehicles will be forced to pass many consecutive parallel lanes and then enter the left-turn lane. During this process, many traffic conflicts will occur between left-turning vehicles and going-straight vehicles, which will lead to longer traffic delays. To reduce traffic conflicts and delays caused by problems mentioned before, a scheme of setting left-turn lanes abroad is proposed, and major influencing factors and judgment methods of such a scheme are also studied. With the help of traffic simulation software VISSIM, the simulation model of intersection entrance with a different number of through lanes, length of weaving section and left turn inner and outer lanes is established. By inputting different numbers of entry through vehicles and left-turning vehicles in the outer lane, the delay data under different geometric and traffic conditions are obtained for simulation analysis. With the help of MATLAB software, this paper analyzes the influence of the length of the weaving area and the number of left-turning vehicles on the delay of inside and outside left-turning lanes under the condition of a different number of straight vehicles, as well as the variation law between them. By inputting parameters such as the length of the weaving area and the number of lanes, go-straight vehicles and left-turning vehicles into the system of VISSIM, a BP neural network model is constructed and trained. When investigating the entrances of four intersections, the BP neural network model is used to analyze and calculate the traffic delay and determine the setting scheme of the inside or outside of the left-turn lane. Through experiments and further studies, a phenomenon was found: When more vehicles chose to turn left or go straight in the outside lane, the length of the weaving area will become shorter, and the delay reduction effect of the unconventional left-turn lane will more obvious. The specific location of the left-turn lane should be determined by the constructed BP neural network model through the comparative analysis of delay, and the judgment results are in good agreement with the realistic scheme.
Simulation-Based Selection of Transmitting Antenna Type for Enhanced Loran System in Selected Location
Authors: Hu Zhaopeng , Dong Ming , Li Shifeng , Yang Chanzhong
Published: June 2022

To improve the coverage and timing capability of enhanced Loran signals, three enhanced Loran transmitters are planned to be built in Western China. The most appropriate antenna configuration can be determined by comparing domestic and foreign mainstream small and radio antennas. By analyzing and comparing the electrical and structural parameters and signal propagation curves of the transmitting antenna, it can be concluded that the single tower umbrella antenna provides the best performance in all evaluation indexes, and the enhanced Loran signal can be transmitted to areas 1000 km away through the single tower umbrella antenna so that the enhanced Loran signal covers most areas of Western China. Therefore, it should be widely used in the construction of enhanced Loran transmitters in the future.
A Novel Trajectory Adjustment Mechanism-Based Prescribed Performance Tracking Control for Electro-Hydraulic Systems Subject to Disturbances and Modeling Uncertainties
Authors: Nguyen Manh Hung , Ahn Kyoung Kwan
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a novel active disturbance compensation framework for exactly positioning control of electro-hydraulic systems (EHSs) subject to parameter deviations, unknown dynamics, and uncertain external load without velocity measurement mechanism. In order to accurately estimate and then actively compensate for the effects of these uncertainties and disturbances on the system dynamics, a combination between an extended sliding mode observer (ESMO) and a linear extended state observer (LESO) is firstly established for position control of EHSs. In addition, an inherited nonlinear filter-based trajectory planner with minor modifications is utilized to overcome the barriers of inappropriate desired trajectories which do not consider the system kinematic and dynamic constraints. Furthermore, for the first time, the command filtered (CF) approach and prescribed performance control (PPC) are successfully coordinated together and dexterously integrated into the backstepping framework to not only mitigate the computational cost significantly and avoid the “explosion of complexity” of the traditional backstepping design but also satisfy the predetermined transient tracking performance indexes including convergence rate, overshoot, and steady-state error. The stabilities of the observers and overall closed-loop system are rigorously proven by using the Lyapunov theory. Finally, comparative numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach.
Peptidomic Characteristic of Peptides Generated in Dry-Cured Loins with Probiotic Strains of LAB during 360-Days Aging
Authors: Kęska Paulina , Stadnik Joanna
Published: June 2022

Peptidomics refers to the comprehensive profiling of endogenous peptides obtained from biological sources. The formation of endogenous peptides is dependent on not only endogenous factors but also exogenous factors such as microbial proteases or process conditions, including fermentation. This study analyzed the probiotic strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LOCK900 (LOCK), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (BB12), and potential probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus Bauer Ł0938 (BAUER) to assess their ability of fermentation and peptide production in dry-cured pork loin. The peptides obtained after in vitro digestion were characterized by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the sequences identified, the degree of similarity or differences between the peptides was determined and presented graphically on the factor plane. The charts showed that the meat products aged for 180 and 270 days were the most diverse when BB12 or BAUER were used as starter cultures. Myosin and keratin were identified as the most likely precursors of bioactive peptides in products obtained using this strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The knowledge acquired from this study may contribute to the design of functional meat products as the results revealed not only the peptidogenic potential of the LAB strains indicated on their beneficial effect on the bioactivity of peptides.
A Brief Analysis of a New Device to Prevent Early Intubation in Hypoxemic Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Mascarenhas Luís Alberto Brêda , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza , Beal Valter Estevão , Hodel Katharine Valéria Saraiva , Nogueira Luciana Moreira , Barreto Thayse , de Oliveira Jezler Sérgio Fernandes , De Azevedo Leonardo Redig Lisboa , da Silva Uener Franklyn Teixeira , da Cruz Laiane Lopes , de Oliveira Júnior Lúcio Couto , Oliveira Vinicius Silva , Badaró Roberto
Published: June 2022

The need for mechanical ventilation is one of the main concerns related to the care of patients with COVID-19. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a bubble device for oxygen supplementation. This device was implemented for the selected patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia with persistent low oxygen saturation. Patients were selected in three major COVID-19 hospitals of Bahia state in Brazil from July to November 2020, where they remained with the device for seven days and were monitored for different factors, such as vital signs, oximetry evaluation, and arterial blood gasometry. Among the 51 patients included in the study, 68.63% successfully overcame hypoxemia without the necessity to be transferred to mechanical ventilation, whereas 31.37% required tracheal intubation (p value < 0.05). There was no difference of note on the analysis of the clinical data, chemistry, and hematological evaluation, with the exception of the SpO2 on follow-up days. Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent variable, male sex, SpO2, and non-inhaled mask, was associated with the necessity of requiring early mechanical ventilation. We concluded that this bubble device should be a prior step to be utilized before indication of mechanical ventilation in patients with persistent hypoxemia of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Third-Generation Sequencing in Clinical Practice: The New Era of Precision Medicine?
Authors: Cumbo Cosimo , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Albano Francesco
Published: June 2022

In the last decades, the spreading of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in clinical practice has considerably increased the genomic knowledge of several disorders. The recent advent of third-generation sequencing is transforming the standard way of conceiving clinical genomics, overcom-ing the main limits of conventional NGS technologies and achieving challenges so far considered unreasonable. What was impracticable only a few years ago, in terms of potential and affordability, now is becoming achievable. The new sequencing era will improve diagnostic and therapeutic ap-proaches, providing clinicians with valid support in their practice.
A Story of Computational Science: Colonel Titus’ Problem from the 17th Century
Authors: Steihaug Trond
Published: June 2022

Experimentation and the evaluation of algorithms have a long history in algebra. In this paper we follow a single test example over more than 250 years. In 1685, John Wallis published A treatise of algebra, both historical and practical, containing a solution of Colonel Titus’ problem that was proposed to him around 1650. The Colonel Titus problem consists of three algebraic quadratic equations in three unknowns, which Wallis transformed into the problem of finding the roots of a fourth-order (quartic) polynomial. When Joseph Raphson published his method in 1690, he demonstrated the method on 32 algebraic equations and one of the examples was this quartic equation. Edmund Halley later used the same polynomial as an example for his new methods in 1694. Although Wallis used the method of Vietè, which is a digit–by–digit method, the more efficient methods of Halley and Raphson are clearly demonstrated in the works by Raphson and Halley. For more than 250 years the quartic equation has been used as an example in a wide range of solution methods for nonlinear equations. This paper provides an overview of the Colonel Titus problem and the equation first derived by Wallis. The quartic equation has four positive roots and the equation has been found to be very useful for analyzing the number of roots and finding intervals for the individual roots, in the Cardan–Ferrari direct approach for solving quartic equations, and in Sturm’s method of determining the number of real roots of an algebraic equation. The quartic equation, together with two other algebraic equations, have likely been the first set of test examples used to compare different iteration methods of solving algebraic equations.
Pipeline Corrosion Prediction Using the Grey Model and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm
Authors: Li Shiguo , Du Hualong , Cui Qiuyu , Liu Pengfei , Ma Xin , Wang He
Published: June 2022

Pipeline corrosion prediction (PCP) is an important technology for pipeline maintenance and management. How to accurately predict pipeline corrosion is a challenging task. To address the drawback of the poor prediction accuracy of the grey model (GM(1,1)), this paper proposes a method named ETGM(1,1)-RABC. The proposed method consists of two parts. First, the exponentially transformed grey model (ETGM(1,1)) is an improvement of the GM(1,1), in which exponential transformation (ET) is used to preprocess the raw data. Next, dynamic coefficients, instead of background fixed coefficients, are optimized by the reformative artificial bee colony (RABC) algorithm, which is a variation of the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm. Experiments are performed on actual pipe corrosion data, and four different methods are included in the comparative study, including GM(1,1), ETGM(1,1), and three ETGM(1,1)-ABC variants. The results show that the proposed method proves to be superior for the PCP in terms of Taylor diagram and absolute error.
Some Cardinal and Geometric Properties of the Space of Permutation Degree
Authors: Kočinac Ljubiša D. R. , Mukhamadiev Farkhod G. , Sadullaev Anvar K.
Published: June 2022

This paper is devoted to the investigation of cardinal invariants such as the hereditary density, hereditary weak density, and hereditary Lindelöf number. The relation between the spread and the extent of the space SP2(R,τ(A)) of permutation degree of the Hattori space is discussed. In particular, it is shown that the space SP2(R,τS) contains a closed discrete subset of cardinality c. Moreover, it is shown that the functor SPGn preserves the homotopy and the retraction of topological spaces. In addition, we prove that if the spaces X and Y are homotopically equivalent, then the spaces SPGnX and SPGnY are also homotopically equivalent. As a result, it has been proved that the functor SPGn is a covariant homotopy functor.
Achilles Tendon Mechanical Behavior and Ankle Joint Function at the Walk-to-Run Transition
Authors: Monte Andrea , Tecchio Paolo , Nardello Francesca , Zamparo Paola
Published: June 2022

Walking at speeds higher than transition speed is associated with a decrease in the plantar-flexor muscle fibres’ ability to produce force and, potentially, to an impaired behaviour of the muscle–tendon unit (MTU) elastic components. This study aimed to investigate the ankle joint functional indexes and the Achilles tendon mechanical behaviour (changes in AT force and power) to better elucidate the mechanical determinants of the walk-to-run transition. Kinematics, kinetic and ultrasound data of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) were investigated during overground walking and running at speeds ranging from 5–9 km·h−1. AT and GM MTU force and power were calculated during the propulsive phase; the ankle joint function indexes (damper, strut, spring and motor) were obtained using a combination of kinetic and kinematic data. AT force was larger in running at speeds > 6.5 km/h. The contribution of AT to the total power provided by the GM MTU was significantly larger in running at speeds > 7.5 km/h. The spring and strut indexes of the ankle were significantly larger in running at speeds > 7.5 km/h. These data suggest that the walk-to-run transition could (at least partially) be explained by the need to preserve AT mechanical behaviour and the ankle spring function.