bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy Utilization for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Georgia, USA
Authors: Ansa Benjamin E. , Hoffman Zachary , Lewis Nicollette , Datta Biplab , Islam K. Monirul , Johnson J. Aaron
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer, and the second most common cancer-related cause of death in the United States (USA). Timely screening reduces both CRC incidence and mortality. Understanding population behaviors and factors that influence CRC screening is important for directing interventions targeted at reducing CRC rates. The 1997–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were analyzed for trends in colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy utilization for CRC screening among adults in Georgia, USA. Overall, in Georgia, there has been an increase in the prevalence of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy utilization from 48.1% in 1997 to 71.2% in 2018 (AAPC = 2.30, p < 0.001). Compared nationally, this increase was less pronounced (from 41.0% in 1997 to 73.7% in 2018 (AAPC = 2.90, p < 0.001) overall for USA). Logistic regression analysis of the 2018 BRFSS data, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, shows that sex (female vs. male [aOR = 1.20, C.I. = 1.05, 1.38]); marital status (couple vs. single [aOR = 1.20, C.I. = 1.04, 1.39]); healthcare coverage (yes vs. no [aOR = 3.86, C.I. = 3.05, 4.88]); age (60–69 years [aOR = 2.38, C.I. = 2.02, 2.80], 70–79 [aOR = 2.88, C.I. = 2.38, 3.48] vs. 50–59 years); education (high school [aOR = 1.32, C.I. = 1.05, 1.65], some post high school [aOR= 1.63, C.I. = 1.29, 2.06], college graduate [aOR = 2.08, C.I. = 1.64, 2.63] vs. less than high school); and income ($25,000–$49,999 [aOR = 1.24, C.I. = 1.01, 1.51], $50,000+ [aOR = 1.56, C.I. = 1.27, 1.91] vs. <$25,000) were all significantly associated with colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy utilization. In Georgia, a significant increase over time in colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy utilization for CRC screening was observed pertaining to the associated sociodemographic factors. The findings from this study may help guide tailored programs for promoting screening among underserved populations.
The Inland Cladocera and Copepoda Fauna in Greece
Authors: Stamou Georgia , Kourkoutmani Polyxeni , Michaloudi Evangelia
Published: November 2022

Greece is situated in the East Mediterranean region and in the Balkan peninsula, i.e., a European biodiversity hotspot with high endemism in subterranean and freshwater fauna, highlighting the need to understand its biodiversity. A literature search was undertaken to present a checklist of cladocerans and copepods based on a compilation of published and current data, from 1892 up to 2022 from inland surfaces and subterranean water bodies from different regions of Greece. For Cladocera, 80 species were recorded (9 families with 35 genera). The most diverse families were Chydoridae (20 genera with 33 species) and Daphniidae (5 genera with 27 species). For copepoda, 134 taxa were recorded, in surface water bodies (12 families with 34 genera), subterranean water bodies (7 families with 27 genera), and parasitic copepods (3 families with 3 genera). The most diverse families in surface waters were Cyclopidae (15 genera with 41 taxa) and Diaptomidae (5 genera with 17 species), while those in subterranean waters were Cyclopidae (11 genera with 35 taxa) and Canthocamptidae (6 genera with 17 taxa). More species are expected to be discovered after sampling understudied regions, especially islands, as well as water bodies such as temporary pools, swamps, ditches, puddles, and the littoral parts of lakes, while molecular studies are needed to clarify various cases of complex taxonomy.
Pterosaur Tracks from the Upper Cretaceous Anacleto Formation (Neuquén Basin), Northern Patagonia, Argentina: Insights into Campanian Pterosaur Diversity in Gondwana
Authors: Díaz-Martínez Ignacio , Heredia Arturo M. , González Santiago N. , Canale Nerina , de Valais Silvina , Cónsole-Gonella Carlos A. , Montes Romina M. , Caratelli Martina , Urzagasti-Torres Sofía , Fischer Geraldine , Lecuona Agustina , Paniceres Pablo , Salgado Leonardo , Citton Paolo
Published: November 2022

The Campanian Anacleto Formation holds an abundant and diverse ichnofossil and body-fossil vertebrate record. Despite the striking diversity of this record, pterosaur fossils had never been described from the unit. Here, we report four pterosaur manus tracks from fluvial red beds cropping out in the Área Natural Protegida Municipal Paso Córdoba (Río Negro Province, northern Patagonia, Argentina). Tracks are longer than wide, tridactyl with digit impressions of different lengths (I < II < III), anteriorly directed and laterally asymmetrical. Being on loose slabs and lacking direct examination of pes morphology, the material is classified as undetermined pterosaur tracks. The new find represents the first occurrence of pterosaurs from the lower–middle Campanian of Argentina and one of the few evidences from South America for this time interval. In addition, it is one of the few ichnological pterosaur records from Gondwana, thus shedding light on the palaeobiogeography of this clade during the latest Cretaceous. Pterosaur tracks from the Anacleto Formation allow us to integrate the body-fossil record from the unit and to add a new component, along with birds, to the flying archosaur fauna coexisting with non-avian dinosaurs, notosuchians, chelonians, squamates and mammals in the Campanian of northern Patagonia.
Analysis of Factors Determining Patient Survival after Receiving Free-Flap Reconstruction at a Single Center—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Moellhoff Nicholas , Taha Sara , Wachtel Nikolaus , Hirschmann Maximilian , Hellweg Marc , Giunta Riccardo E. , Ehrl Denis
Published: November 2022

Background: Microsurgical tissue transfer revolutionized reconstructive surgery after extensive trauma, oncological resections, and severe infections. Complex soft tissue reconstructions are increasingly performed in multimorbid and elderly patients. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate whether these patients benefit from these complex procedures. Objective: To evaluate the outcome for multimorbid patients who underwent microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction and to identify potential risk factors that may increase mortality. Methods: This single-center study retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of patients receiving free gracilis (GM) or latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flap reconstruction between September 2017 and December 2021. Cases were divided into two groups (dead vs. alive), depending on patient survival. Patient demographics, comorbidities and medication, perioperative details, free flap outcome, as well as microcirculation were determined. Results: A total of 151 flaps (LDM, n = 67; GM, n = 84) performed in 147 patients with a mean age of 61.15 ± 17.5 (range 19–94) years were included. A total of 33 patients (22.45%) passed away during the study period. Deceased patients were significantly older (Alive: 58.28 ± 17.91 vs. Dead: 71.39 ± 11.13; p = 0.001), were hospitalized significantly longer (Alive: 29.66 ± 26.97 vs. Dead: 36.88 ± 15.04 days; p = 0.046) and suffered from cardiovascular (Alive: 36.40% vs. Dead: 66.70%; p = 0.002) and metabolic diseases (Alive: 33.90% vs. Dead: 54.50%; p = 0.031) more frequently, which corresponded to a significantly higher ASA Score (p = 0.004). Revision rates (Alive: 11.00% vs. Dead: 18.20%; p = 0.371) and flap loss (Alive: 3.39% vs. Dead: 12.12%; p = 0.069) were higher in patients that died by the end of the study period. Conclusions: Free flap transfer is safe and effective, even in multimorbid patients. However, patient age, comorbidities, preoperative ASA status, and medication significantly impact postoperative patient survival in the short- and mid-term and must, therefore, be taken into account in preoperative decision-making and informed consent.
A Comprehensive Review of the Neurological Manifestations of Celiac Disease and Its Treatment
Authors: Gala Dhir , Scharf Shelbie , Kudlak Megan , Green Christian , Khowaja Faisal , Shah Mili , Kumar Vikash , Ullal Gautam
Published: November 2022

Celiac disease (CD) is a common chronic inflammatory disorder occurring in genetically predisposed individuals secondary to gluten ingestion. CD usually presents with gastrointestinal symptoms such as pain, bloating, flatulence, and constipation or diarrhea. However, individuals can present in a nonclassical manner with only extraintestinal symptoms. The neurological manifestations of CD include ataxia, cognitive impairment, epilepsy, headache, and neuropathy. A lifelong gluten-free diet is the current recommended treatment for CD. This review discusses the relevant neurological manifestations associated with CD and the novel therapeutics. Further research is required to get a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the neurological manifestations associated with CD. Clinicians should keep CD in the differential diagnosis in individuals presenting with neurological dysfunction of unknown cause.
Wireless Communications for Data Security: Efficiency Assessment of Cybersecurity Industry—A Promising Application for UAVs
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Yang Fu-Chiang , Vo Nhut T. M. , Nguyen Van Thanh Tien
Published: November 2022

The design of cooperative applications combining several unmanned aerial and aquatic vehicles is now possible thanks to the considerable advancements in wireless communication technology and the low production costs for small, unmanned vehicles. For example, the information delivered over the air instead of inside an optical fiber causes it to be far simpler for an eavesdropper to intercept and improperly change the information. This article thoroughly analyzes the cybersecurity industry’s efficiency in addressing the rapidly expanding requirement to incorporate compelling security features into wireless communication systems. In this research, we used a combination of DEA window analysis with the Malmquist index approach to assess the efficiency of the cybersecurity industry. We used input and output factors utilizing financial data from 2017–2020 sources from a US market. It was found that U1—Synopsys and U9—Fortinet exhibited the best performances when relating Malmquist and DEA window analysis. By evaluating ten big companies in the cybersecurity industry, we indicate that U2—Palo Alto Networks and U6—BlackBerry Ltd. companies needed significant improvements and that four other companies were generally more efficient. The findings of this study provide decision-makers a clear image and it will be the first study to evaluate and predict the performance of cyber security organizations, providing a valuable reference for future research.
Operatorial Formulation of a Model of Spatially Distributed Competing Populations
Authors: Inferrera Guglielmo , Oliveri Francesco
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with the application of the mathematical apparatus of quantum mechanics for the formulation of an operatorial model of a couple of populations spatially distributed over a one-dimensional region. The two populations interact with a competitive mechanism and are able to diffuse over the region. A nonlocal competition effect is also included. In more detail, we consider a one-dimensional region divided in N cells where the actors, represented by annihilation, creation, and a number fermionic operators, interact. The dynamics is governed by a self-adjoint and time-independent Hamiltonian operator describing the various interactions. The results of some numerical simulations are presented and discussed. The recently introduced variant of the standard Heisenberg approach, named (H,ρ)-induced dynamics, is also used in order to take into account some changes in time of the attitudes of the two populations, and obtain more realistic dynamical outcomes.
PV Penetration under Market Environment and with System Constraints
Authors: Dimeas Aris , Kiokes George
Published: November 2022

The installed capacity of PVs in the distribution grid is affected not only by network constraints, but also by the economic viability of the related investments. Depending on the market participation models, this is determined critically by the Day Ahead Market (DAM) prices. Increasing RES installations in a country usually results in a long term drop in the market prices and, as a consequence, a reduction in the income of the PVs investors and possible market cannibalization. This paper models the effect of large-scale penetration of PVs on the market prices and identifies the optimal penetration level for the viability of PV projects. The optimal penetration is highly related to the installation of new PVs and this is a parameter for the analysis. Therefore, the paper identifies different penetration costs for the different installation cost. Furthermore, the PV network hosing capacity can be increased by distribution network reinforcements. Therefore, in the paper, the investments for enhancement of the distribution grid are assessed with respect to market prices and are analyzed at the macroscopic level. Again, the analysis considers different costs for network reinforcements.
Gas Hold-Up in Vessel with Dual Impellers and Different Baffles
Authors: Major-Godlewska Marta , Cudak Magdalena
Published: November 2022

The influence of impellers system, baffles system and type of liquid on gas hold-up in a vessel has been presented in this paper. The analysis of gas hold-up was conducted on the basis of the data obtained in the vessel. The vessel used in the study was of inner diameter D = 0.288 m, and it was filled with liquid up to a height of H = 0.576 m. The vessel used in the study was equipped in four planar standard baffles or 24 vertical tubular baffles located on the circuit. A high-speed impellers system, consisting of two impellers located on the shaft, was used to agitate the liquid. The six gas–liquid systems were tested. The gas used in the study was air. The liquids were distilled water, aqueous solutions of NaCl (concentration c = 0.4 kmol/m3 or 0.8 kmol/m3), aqueous solution of sucrose (concentration c = 2.5% mass., 5% mass.), 5% mass. aqueous solution of sucrose and yeast suspension concentration ys = 1% mass. The obtained set of over 1600 experimental points allowed to derive the equations describing the effect of gas flow number Kg, Weber number We and parameter Y (for air–water and air–aqueous solution of NaCl) and Kg, We, c and ys (for air–water, air–aqueous solution of sucrose and air–yeast suspension–aqueous solution of sucrose) on gas hold-up. These equations do not have equivalents in the literature.
Tree Information Modeling: A Data Exchange Platform for Tree Design and Management
Authors: Shu Qiguan , Rötzer Thomas , Detter Andreas , Ludwig Ferdinand
Published: November 2022

Trees integrated into buildings and dense urban settings have become a trend in recent years worldwide. Without a thoughtful design, conflicts between green and gray infrastructures can take place in two aspects: (1) tree crown compete with living space above ground; (2) built underground environment, the other way round, affect tree’s health and security. Although various data about urban trees are collected by different professions for multiple purposes, the communication between them is still limited by unmatched scales and formats. To address this, tree information modeling (TIM) is proposed in this study, aiming at a standardized tree description system in a high level of detail (LoD). It serves as a platform to exchange data and share knowledge about tree growth models. From the perspective of architects and landscape designers, urban trees provide ecosystem services (ESS) not only through their overall biomass, shading, and cooling. They are also related to various branching forms and crown density, forming new layers of urban living space. So, detailed stem, branch and even root geometry is the key to interacting with humans, building structures and other facilities. It is illustrated in this paper how these detailed data are collected to initialize a TIM model with the help of multiple tools, how the topological geometry of stem and branches in TIM is interpreted into an L-system (a common syntax to describe tree geometries), allowing implementation of widely established tree simulations from other professions. In a vision, a TIM-assisted design workflow is framed, where trees are regularly monitored and simulated under boundary conditions to approach target parameters by design proposals.
Cost Analysis of Collection and Ex Situ Conservation of Seeds of Important Native Tree Species of Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-Zúñiga Joel , González-Guillén Manuel de J. , Bautista-Santos Horacio , Sánchez-Galván Fabiola
Published: November 2022

In Mexico, there are barely any studies that estimate the cost of germplasm conservation especially that carried out ex situ. The objective of this study was to analyze the collection and storage costs (CSC) of seeds of some native tree species that have social and economic importance in Mexico. Information on the importance of native trees was obtained through a literature review and research from a seed bank and forest technical service providers. Based on the environmental and social importance, as well as the conservation status of native species, poverty attention, and food security, an indicator of economic and social importance has been designed using multicriteria analysis. The highest value of the indicator included 32 species; Fabaceae was the most represented family (28%). The CSC analysis was applied to the species with the highest value indicator, currently available market price (CMP), and stored in the seed bank (SB). They were evaluated using the “cost of collection” method comparing CMP vs. SB. The cost of accession in the SB is 11 times higher than the CMP with 7% of nominal interest rate (NIR) and increases 24 times during a storage period of ten years with the same NIR per year. Despite the costs associated with the maintenance and management of SBs, their importance for conservation and contribution to society is highlighted.
Forests and Forestry in Support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Hu Chen , Huang Jinlian , Li Tian , Lei Jingpin
Published: November 2022

To address the world’s ongoing environmental challenges, 193 countries have committed to 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) concerning the economy, society, and the environment. However, there are gaps in our understanding of forests and forestry support SDGs. Through a systematized review, we identified which SDGs are relevant to forests and forestry at the target level, along with their interactions (synergies or tradeoffs). In addition, a bibliometric analysis of 377 papers was conducted worldwide between 2015 and 2020, to elucidate the status and development trends of SDG research related to forests and forestry in this study. The research results show that: (1) 11 SDGs and 19 targets are related to forests and forestry, and 47 are interactions between SDG15 and other targets, including 35 synergy effects and 12 tradeoff effects. (2) The USA is the highest publication output country, while the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the highest publication output institution, and Jianguo Liu of the University of Michigan is the highest publication output author. (3) The keyword co-occurrence analysis results show that the research hotspots mainly focused on the impacts of and responses to climate change, biodiversity conservation, land resource protection and management, remote sensing, the impacts of deforestation, and the promotion of sustainable development through governance. (4) The co-citation results reveal the existence of nine research themes: human well-being, food security, land use, land productivity, land tenure, tree loss, simulation models, criteria, and resilience.
Correction: Toledo-Aceves et al. Financial Revenues from Timber Harvesting in Secondary Cloud Forests: A Case Study from Mexico. Forests 2022, 13, 1496
Authors: Toledo-Aceves Tarin , Günter Sven , Guariguata Manuel R. , García-Díaz Martín , Zhunusova Eliza
Published: November 2022

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Overexpression of LAS21 in Cellulase-Displaying Saccharomyces cerevisiae for High-Yield Ethanol Production from Pretreated Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Arnthong Jantima , Bussadee Piyada , Phienluphon Apisan , Deenarn Pacharawan , Tulsook Kan , Plupjeen Sa-ngapong , Siamphan Chatuphon , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit , Champreda Verawat , Suwannarangsee Surisa
Published: November 2022

The valorization of lignocellulosic feedstocks into biofuels and biochemicals has received much attention due to its environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, engineering an ideal microorganism that can both produce sufficient cellulases and ferment ethanol is highly challenging. In this study, we have tested seven different genes that are involved in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis and remodeling for the improvement of cellulase activity tethered on the S. cerevisiae cell surface. It was found that the overexpression of LAS21 can improve β-glucosidase activity by 48.8% compared to the original strain. Then, the three cellulase genes (cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase, and β-glucosidase) and the LAS21 gene were co-introduced into a diploid thermotolerant S. cerevisiae strain by a multiple-round transformation approach, resulting in the cellulolytic ECBLCCE5 strain. Further optimization of the bioprocess parameters was found to enhance the ethanol yield of the ECBLCCE5 strain. Scaling up the valorization of pretreated sugarcane bagasses in a 1 L bioreactor resulted in a maximum ethanol concentration of 28.0 g/L (86.5% of theoretical yield). Our study provides a promising way to improve the economic viability of second-generation ethanol production. Moreover, the engineering of genes involved in GPI biosynthesis and remodeling can be applied to other yeast cell surface display applications.
Potential Prebiotic Effect of Cava Lees: Changes in Gut Microbiota
Authors: Martín-Garcia Alba , Gonzalez-Linares Javier , Riu-Aumatell Montserrat , López-Tamames Elvira
Published: November 2022

Lees are a winery by-product with a fiber-rich composition that could have a potential prebiotic effect on gut microbiota. Prebiotics cannot be digested by humans but can be used by bacteria found in the large intestine. To evaluate the potential prebiotic effect of lees, they were administered to Wistar rats for 14 days. Feces were collected daily, and DNA was extracted and analyzed by shot gun sequencing. The supplementation with lees did not affect weight, food intake, or water consumption of the studied rats. It was found that lees promoted the increase of relative abundance of probiotic bacteria belonging to the Lactobacillaceae family, as well as other potentially probiotic species such as Blautia hansenii, Roseburia intestinalis, and Ruminococcus obeum. Moreover, lees supplementation also reduced the abundance of certain pathogenic bacteria. In conclusion, lees can improve the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and can be re-valorized as a new ingredient in food formulation.
Removal of Nutrients by Using Green Microalgae from Lab-Scale Treated Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Tan Kah Aik , Lalung Japareng , Wijaya Dani , Ismail Norli , Wan Omar Wan Maznah , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Alam Mahboob , Rafatullah Mohd
Published: November 2022

The use of microalgae for the removal of contaminants such as total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and other pollutants from palm oil mill effluent (POME) has recently received much attention. This study aimed to investigate the impact of POME as a nutrient on microalgal growth and the rate at which nutrients were removed. Three green microalgae species were isolated from Penang, Malaysia’s palm oil mill. The polyphasic approach, which combines morphological and molecular observations, was used for species identification. The three green microalgae were identified as Chlorella sorokiniana, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Chlorococcum oleofaciens. All three green microalgae were cultivated in 25%, 50%, and 75% (v/v) of lab-scale palm oil mill effluent (LABT-POME) to investigate the growth of these three green microalgae in 100 mL of BBM. Under a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the morphological changes of those three green microalgae (before and after cultivation in 25%, 50%, and 75% dilution of (LABT-POME)) were observed. When cultivated in LABT-POME, C. oleofaciens showed the highest growth rate compared to the other two species of green microalgae. C. oleofaciens was able to remove more than 90% of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and ammonia nitrogen from LABT-POME, as well as minimise soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) by about 65%. The growth of C. oleofaciens was well fitted to the Verhulst growth kinetic model with an R2 value of 0.99 and a growth rate of 0.3195 day−1 (d−1). The results of this study show the ability of newly isolated green microalgae to remove nutrients (TP, TN, NH3–N, and SCOD) from POME, which could be used as an effective and environmentally friendly method to remove pollutants.
Internet of Things and Cyber–Physical Systems
Authors: Grobelna Iwona
Published: November 2022

The area of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber–physical systems (CPS) has created a great opportunity for interdisciplinary research concerning both fundamental theoretical studies as well as their application in practice [...]
Blockchain Technology: Benefits, Challenges, Applications, and Integration of Blockchain Technology with Cloud Computing
Authors: Habib Gousia , Sharma Sparsh , Ibrahim Sara , Ahmad Imtiaz , Qureshi Shaima , Ishfaq Malik
Published: November 2022

The real-world use cases of blockchain technology, such as faster cross-border payments, identity management, smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, and supply chain–blockchain technology are here to stay and have become the next innovation, just like the Internet. There have been attempts to formulate digital money, but they have not been successful due to security and trust issues. However, blockchain needs no central authority, and its operations are controlled by the people who use it. Furthermore, it cannot be altered or forged, resulting in massive market hype and demand. Blockchain has moved past cryptocurrency and discovered implementations in other real-life applications; this is where we can expect blockchain technology to be simplified and not remain a complex concept. Blockchain technology’s desirable characteristics are decentralization, integrity, immutability, verification, fault tolerance, anonymity, audibility, and transparency. We first conduct a thorough analysis of blockchain technology in this paper, paying particular attention to its evolution, applications and benefits, the specifics of cryptography in terms of public key cryptography, and the challenges of blockchain in distributed transaction ledgers, as well as the extensive list of blockchain applications in the financial transaction system. This paper presents a detailed review of blockchain technology, the critical challenges faced, and its applications in different fields. Blockchain in the transaction system is explained in detail with a summary of different cryptocurrencies. Some of the suggested solutions are given in the overall study of the paper.
Numerical Analysis of the Available Power in an Overtopping Wave Energy Converter Subjected to a Sea State of the Coastal Region of Tramandaí, Brazil
Authors: Cisco Lenon A. , Maciel Rafael P. , Oleinik Phelype H. , dos Santos Elizaldo D. , Gomes Mateus N. , Rocha Luiz A. O. , Isoldi Liércio A. , Machado Bianca N.
Published: November 2022

The present work proposes a numerical study of an overtopping wave energy converter. The goal of this study is to evaluate the theoretical power that can be converted by an overtopping device subjected to sea waves in the coastal region of Tramandaí, Brazil. For this, realistic irregular waves were generated using the WaveMIMO methodology, which allows numerical simulation of sea waves through the imposition of transient discrete data as prescribed velocity. For the numerical analysis, a two-dimensional computational model was employed using Fluent, where the device was inserted into a wave channel. The volume of the fluid multiphase model was used for the treatment of the air–water interaction. The results indicated that the free surface elevation obtained using the WaveMIMO methodology, which converts a realistic sea state into a free surface elevation series, was adequately represented. The evaluation of the theoretical power of the overtopping device during around 45 min indicated that 471.28 W was obtained. In addition, a monthly generation projection showed that this device would supply 100% of the electricity demand of a school in the city of Tramandaí. These results demonstrated that the conversion of sea wave energy into electrical energy can contribute to supplying electricity demand, especially for coastal cities.
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis of Sclerotium rolfsii Fermented with Differential Carbon Sources
Authors: Song Jia , Qiu Yu , Zhao Rui , Hou Jiayi , Tu Linna , Nie Zhiqiang , Wang Jianxin , Zheng Yu , Wang Min
Published: November 2022

Scleroglucan is obtained from Sclerotium rolfsii and is widely used in many fields. In this study, transcriptomics combined with metabolomics were used to study the global metabolites and gene changes. The results of the joint analysis showed that the DEGs (differentially expressed genes) and DEMs (differentially expressed metabolites) of SEPS_48 (fermented with sucrose as a carbon source for 48 h) and GEPS_48 (fermented with glucose as a carbon source for 48 h) comparison groups were mainly related to cell metabolism, focusing on carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and amino sugar and nucleoside sugar metabolism. We therefore hypothesized that the significant differences in these metabolic processes were responsible for the differences in properties. Moreover, the joint analysis provides a scientific theoretical basis for fungal polysaccharides biosynthesis and provides new insights into the effects of carbon sources on the production. As an excellent bioenergy and biological product, scleroglucan can be better applied in different fields, such as the food industry.
Biorefinery of Brewery Spent Grain by Solid-State Fermentation and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Outeiriño David , Costa-Trigo Iván , Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira Ricardo , Pérez Guerra Nelson , Salgado José Manuel , Domínguez José Manuel
Published: November 2022

Novel environmentally friendly pretreatments have been developed in recent years to improve biomass fractionation. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) and treatment with ionic liquids show low environmental impact and can be used in biorefinery of biomass. In this work, these processes were assessed with brewery spent grain (BSG). First, BSG was used as a substrate to produce cellulases and xylanases by SSF with the fungi Aspergillus brasiliensis CECT 2700 and Trichoderma reesei CECT 2414. Then, BSG was pretreated with the ionic liquid [N1112OH][Gly] and hydrolyzed with the crude enzymatic extracts. Results showed that SSF of BSG with A. brasiliensis achieved the highest enzyme production; meanwhile, the pretreatment with ionic liquids allowed glucan and xylan fractions to increase and reduce the lignin content. In addition, a mixture of the extracts from both fungi in a ratio of 2.5:0.5 Aspergillus/Trichoderma (v/v) efficiently hydrolyzed the BSG previously treated with the ionic liquid [N1112OH][Gly], reaching saccharification percentages of 80.68%, 54.29%, and 19.58% for glucan, xylan, and arabinan, respectively. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the BSG biorefinery process developed in this work is an effective way to obtain fermentable sugar-containing solutions, which can be used to produce value-added products.
Carbon Footprint: The Case of Four Chicken Meat Products Sold on the Spanish Market
Authors: Tetteh Harrison , Bala Alba , Fullana-i-Palmer Pere , Balcells Mercè , Margallo María , Aldaco Rubén , Puig Rita
Published: November 2022

Despite its relatively low environmental impact within the livestock sector, the poultry sector still faces its own environmental challenges that need to be addressed. The present paper uses life cycle assessment to quantify greenhouse gas emissions, from cradle to slaughterhouse gate, of four chicken meat products: whole carcass, wings, breast fillets, and leg quarters. The main contribution of the present study is that it provides a detailed analysis of different chicken meat cuts, testing mass and economic allocation choices and showing that economic allocation better reflects the causality of the cutting process. We recommend that a distinction should be made between whole carcass and meat cuts, as there are significant differences in meat content and climate change results between these two categories. This is not so clear in the literature, nor in the LEAP guideline for the poultry sector. The study was performed by using disaggregated inventory data from Spain, for the first time. Results show that the major contributors to environmental impact are feed production (>70%), electricity use (10.2%), and fossil fuel combustion (8.1%). Packaging did not significantly contribute to the climate change impact of the chicken products evaluated (0.4–3.4% contribution, depending on the type of packaging and product considered).
Non-Destructive Techniques for the Analysis and Evaluation of Meat Quality and Safety: A Review
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Liang Xinyue , Wang Yixuan , Wu Bin , Sun Jun
Published: November 2022

With the continuous development of economy and the change in consumption concept, the demand for meat, a nutritious food, has been dramatically increasing. Meat quality is tightly related to human life and health, and it is commonly measured by sensory attribute, chemical composition, physical and chemical property, nutritional value, and safety quality. This paper surveys four types of emerging non-destructive detection techniques for meat quality estimation, including spectroscopic technique, imaging technique, machine vision, and electronic nose. The theoretical basis and applications of each technique are summarized, and their characteristics and specific application scope are compared horizontally, and the possible development direction is discussed. This review clearly shows that non-destructive detection has the advantages of fast, accurate, and non-invasive, and it is the current research hotspot on meat quality evaluation. In the future, how to integrate a variety of non-destructive detection techniques to achieve comprehensive analysis and assessment of meat quality and safety will be a mainstream trend.
Crosslinking Mechanism on a Novel Bacillus cereus Transglutaminase-Mediated Conjugation of Food Proteins
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Zhang Yuanfu , Yuan Zhaoting , Zou Xiaotong , Ji Yuan , Hou Jiayi , Zhang Jinfang , Lu Fuping , Liu Yihan
Published: November 2022

Until now, Streptoverticillium mobaraense transglutaminase (TG) is the only commercialized TG, but limited information is known about its selection tendency on crosslinking sites at the protein level, restricting its application in the food industry. Here, four recombinant Bacillus TGs were stable in a broad range of pH (5.0–9.0) and temperatures (<50 °C), exhibiting their maximum activity at 50–60 °C and pH 6.0–7.0. Among them, TG of B. cereus (BCETG) demonstrated the maximal specific activity of 177 U/mg. A structural analysis indicated that the Ala147-Ala156 region in the substrate tunnel of BCETG played a vital role in catalytic activity. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin, as well as nearly all protein ingredients in soy protein isolate and whey protein, could be cross-linked by BCETG, and the internal crosslinking paths of three protein substrates were elucidated. This study demonstrated Bacillus TGs are a candidate for protein crosslinking and provided their crosslinking mechanism at the protein level for applications in food processing.
Recent Trends of Microfluidics in Food Science and Technology: Fabrications and Applications
Authors: Mu Ruojun , Bu Nitong , Pang Jie , Wang Lin , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2022

The development of novel materials with microstructures is now a trend in food science and technology. These microscale materials may be applied across all steps in food manufacturing, from raw materials to the final food products, as well as in the packaging, transport, and storage processes. Microfluidics is an advanced technology for controlling fluids in a microscale channel (1~100 μm), which integrates engineering, physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, etc. This technology allows unit operations to occur in devices that are closer in size to the expected structural elements. Therefore, microfluidics is considered a promising technology to develop micro/nanostructures for delivery purposes to improve the quality and safety of foods. This review concentrates on the recent developments of microfluidic systems and their novel applications in food science and technology, including microfibers/films via microfluidic spinning technology for food packaging, droplet microfluidics for food micro-/nanoemulsifications and encapsulations, etc.
Assessment of the Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids in Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum L.) in Three Forms: In Vitro Digestion Model and Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Hu Ziying , Ma Yanan , Liu Jun , Fan Yijun , Zheng Anran , Gao Pengyan , Wang Liang , Liu Dunhua
Published: November 2022

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L., LBL) is a good source of carotenoids, while the bioaccessibility of various types of LBL carotenoids has not been explored. In the study, eight carotenoids, three carotenoid esters and two carotenoid glycosylated derivatives were identified by a non−targeted metabolomics approach. The dried LBL (DRI), LBL in water (WAT), and LBL in “Baijiu” (WIN) were used to recreate the three regularly chosen types of utilization, and the in vitro digestion model showed that the bioaccessibility of the carotenoids increased significantly from the oral to the gastric and intestinal phase (p < 0.05). The bioaccessibility of LBL carotenoids was the most elevated for DRI (at 28.2%), followed by WIN and WAT (at 24.9% and 20.3%, respectively). Among the three carotenoids, zeaxanthin dipalmitate showed the highest bioaccessibility (51.8–57.1%), followed by β−carotene (51.1–55.6%) and zeaxanthin (45.2–56.3%). However, the zeaxanthin from DRI exhibited significantly higher bioaccessibility (up to 58.3%) than WAT and WIN in both the gastric and intestinal phases (p < 0.05). Results of antioxidant activity tests based on DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS showed that the addition of lipids improved the bioaccessibility of the carotenoids. (p < 0.05).
Development of Thermoresponsive-Gel-Matrix-Embedded Amoxicillin Trihydrate-Loaded Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Local Intranasal Therapy
Authors: Mardikasari Sandra Aulia , Budai-Szűcs Mária , Orosz László , Burián Katalin , Csóka Ildikó , Katona Gábor
Published: November 2022

A high dose of amoxicillin is recommended as the first-line therapy for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABR). However, oral administration of amoxicillin is connected to many adverse reactions coupled with moderate bioavailability (~60%). Therefore, this study aimed to develop a topical nasal preparation of amoxicillin, employing a thermoresponsive nanogel system to increase nasal residence time and prolong drug release. Rheological investigations revealed that formulations containing 21–23% w/w Poloxamer 407 (P407) were in accordance with the requirement of nasal administration (gelling temperature ~35 °C). The average hydrodynamic diameter (<200 nm), pH (6.7–6.9), and hypertonic osmolality (611–663 mOsmol/L) of the in situ gelling nasal nanogel appeared as suitable characteristics for local rhinosinusitis treatment. Moreover, taking into account the mucoadhesive strength and drug release studies, the 21% w/w P407 could be considered as an optimized concentration for effective nasal delivery. Antibacterial activity studies showed that the ability of amoxicillin-loaded in situ gelling nasal nanogel to inhibit bacterial growth (five common ABR pathogens) preserved its effectiveness in comparison to 1 mg/mL amoxicillin aqueous solution as a positive control. Altogether, the developed amoxicillin-loaded in situ gelling thermoresponsive nasal nanogel can be a potential candidate for local antibiotic therapy in the nasal cavity.
A Polyvinyl Alcohol–Tannic Acid Gel with Exceptional Mechanical Properties and Ultraviolet Resistance
Authors: Si Chunqing , Tian Xintong , Wang Yan , Wang Zhigang , Wang Xinfang , Lv Dongjun , Wang Aili , Wang Fang , Geng Longlong , Zhao Jing , Hu Ruofei , Zhu Qingzeng
Published: November 2022

Design and preparation of gels with excellent mechanical properties has garnered wide interest at present. In this paper, preparation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–tannic acid (TA) gels with exceptional properties is documented. The crystallization zone and hydrogen bonding acted as physical crosslinkages fabricated by a combination of freeze–thaw treatment and a tannic acid compound. The effect of tannic acid on mechanical properties of prepared PVA–TA gels was investigated and analyzed. When the mass fraction of PVA was 20.0 wt% and soaking time was 12 h in tannic acid aqueous solution, tensile strength and the elongation at break of PVA–TA gel reached 5.97 MPa and 1450%, respectively. This PVA–TA gel was far superior to a pure 20.0 wt% PVA hydrogel treated only with the freeze–thaw process, as well as most previously reported PVA–TA gels. The toughness of a PVA–TA gel is about 14 times that of a pure PVA gel. In addition, transparent PVA–TA gels can effectively prevent ultraviolet-light-induced degradation. This study provides a novel strategy and reference for design and preparation of high-performance gels that are promising for practical application.
Spontaneous and Electrically Induced Anisotropy of Composite Agarose Gels
Authors: Zhivkov Alexandar M. , Hristova Svetlana H.
Published: November 2022

Agarose gels containing and not bacteriorhodopsin purple membranes (incorporated before gelling) manifest spontaneous optical anisotropy. The dependencies of the anisotropy on the agarose concentration and time have been studied. The rise in the anisotropy is explained by the predominant orientation of the agarose fibers during the gelling and subsequent deformation of the gel net. In the electric field, additional optical anisotropy rises, which is caused by the orientation of the membranes. A procedure has been developed to separate electrically induced and spontaneous anisotropy in composite gels. The isoelectric points and surface electric potential of bacteriorhodopsin trimer and purple membranes are calculated by the method of protein electrostatics to explain their electric asymmetry, which leads to perpendicular orientation in the direct electric field and longitudinal in the kilohertz sinusoidal field. The results allow for an increase in the separation capability of composite gels of electrophoresis for macromolecules with different sizes by applying an appropriate electric field to modulate the effective pore size.
Polymorphic Variants of AGT, ABCA1, and CYBA Genes Influence the Survival of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Balcerzyk-Matić Anna , Nowak Tomasz , Mizia-Stec Katarzyna , Iwanicka Joanna , Iwanicki Tomasz , Bańka Paweł , Jarosz Alicja , Filipecki Artur , Żak Iwona , Krauze Jolanta , Niemiec Paweł
Published: November 2022

Genetic factors can influence the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the survival of patients. Our previous research led to the identification of genetic variants predisposing to CAD in the Polish population. Since many of them affect the clinical phenotype of the disease, the aim of this study was searching for genetic factors potentially influencing survival in patients with CAD. The study included 276 patients hospitalized due to coronary artery disease. The database of medical history and genotypic results of 29 polymorphisms were used. The endpoint was defined as death from cardiovascular causes. Survival was defined as the period from angiographic confirmation of CAD to death from cardiovascular causes. Three of all the analyzed genes were associated with survival. In the case of the AGT (rs699) and ABCA1 (rs2230806) genes polymorphisms, the risk of death was higher in GG homozygotes compared to the A allele carriers in the 10-year period. In the case of the CYBA (rs72811418) gene polymorphism, the effect on mortality was shown in both 5- and 10-year periods. The TA heterozygotes were predisposed to a higher risk of death than the TT homozygotes. Concluding, the AGT, ABCA1, and CYBA genes polymorphisms influence the risk of death in patients with CAD.
SNP-by-CpG Site Interactions in ABCA7 Are Associated with Cognition in Older African Americans
Authors: Chaar Dima L. , Nguyen Kim , Wang Yi-Zhe , Ratliff Scott M. , Mosley Thomas H. , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Smith Jennifer A. , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2022

SNPs in ABCA7 confer the largest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in African Americans (AA) after APOE ε4. However, the relationship between ABCA7 and cognitive function has not been thoroughly examined. We investigated the effects of five known AD risk SNPs and 72 CpGs in ABCA7, as well as their interactions, on general cognitive function (cognition) in 634 older AA without dementia from Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA). Using linear mixed models, no SNP or CpG was associated with cognition after multiple testing correction, but five CpGs were nominally associated (p < 0.05). Four SNP-by-CpG interactions were associated with cognition (FDR q < 0.1). Contrast tests show that methylation is associated with cognition in some genotype groups (p < 0.05): a 1% increase at cg00135882 and cg22271697 is associated with a 0.68 SD decrease and 0.14 SD increase in cognition for those with the rs3764647 GG/AG (p = 0.004) and AA (p = 2 × 10−4) genotypes, respectively. In addition, a 1% increase at cg06169110 and cg17316918 is associated with a 0.37 SD decrease (p = 2 × 10−4) and 0.33 SD increase (p = 0.004), respectively, in cognition for those with the rs115550680 GG/AG genotype. While AD risk SNPs in ABCA7 were not associated with cognition in this sample, some have interactions with proximal methylation on cognition.
A TARP Syndrome Phenotype Is Associated with a Novel Splicing Variant in RBM10
Authors: Owczarek-Lipska Marta , Markus Fenja , Bültmann Eva , Korenke G. Christoph , Neidhardt John
Published: November 2022

TARP syndrome (Talipes equinovarus, Atrial septal defect, Robin sequence, and Persistence of the left superior vena cava) is a rare genetic condition, caused by developmental defects during embryogenesis. The phenotypic spectrum of TARP shows high clinical variability with patients either missing cardinal features or having additional clinical traits. Initially, TARP was considered a lethal syndrome, but patients with milder symptoms were recently described. The TARP-locus was mapped to the gene RNA-binding motif protein 10 (RBM10) on the human X-chromosome. We clinically and genetically described a six-year-old boy with a TARP-phenotype. Clinical heterogeneity of symptoms prompted us to sequence the entire exome of this patient. We identified a novel splice variant (NM_005676: c.17+1G>C, p.?) in RBM10. A patient-derived cell line was used to verify the pathogenicity of the RBM10 splice variant by RNA analyses, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Our molecular genetic findings together with the analyses of progressing clinical symptoms confirmed the diagnosis of TARP. It seems essential to analyze correlations between genotype, phenotype, and molecular/cellular data to better understand RBM10-associated pathomechanisms, assist genetic counseling, and support development of therapeutic approaches.