bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Beacons Dynamic Transmission over TSCH
Authors: Ortiz Guerra Erik , Martínez Morfa Mario , García Algora Carlos Manuel , Cruz-Enriquez Hector , Steenhaut Kris , Montejo-Sánchez Samuel
Published: May 2024

Time slotted channel hopping (TSCH) has become the standard multichannel MAC protocol for low-power lossy networks. The procedure for associating nodes in a TSCH-based network is not included in the standard and has been defined in the minimal 6TiSCH configuration. Faster network formation ensures that data packet transmission can start sooner. This paper proposes a dynamic beacon transmission schedule over the TSCH mechanism that achieves a shorter network formation time than the default minimum 6TiSCH static schedule. A theoretical model is derived for the proposed mechanism to estimate the expected time for a node to get associated with the network. Simulation results obtained with different network topologies and channel conditions show that the proposed mechanism reduces the average association time and average power consumption during network formation compared to the default minimal 6TiSCH configuration.
Effect of CRISPR/Cas9 Targets Associated with Iron Metabolism and Its Variation on Transcriptional Regulation of SHK-1 Cell Line as a Model for Iron Metabolism
Authors: Dettleff Phillip , Jin Yehwa , Peñaloza Carolina , Pulgar Rodrigo , Sáez Alejandro , Robledo Diego , Escobar-Aguirre Sebastian
Published: May 2024

In this study, we investigated the function of a gene associated with iron metabolism using CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA sequencing in SHK-1 salmon cells. Our objective was to understand how different guide RNA (gRNA) sequences against the transferrin gene tf could influence gene expression and cellular processes related to iron uptake. RNA-Seq analysis was performed to evaluate the transcriptomic effects of two distinct gRNA targets with high knock-out (KO) efficiencies for the targeted tf gene in the SHK-1 genome. Our results showed no significant differential expression in transferrin-related transcripts between wild-type and CRISPR-edited cells; however, there were major differences between their transcriptomes, indicating complex transcriptional regulation changes. Enrichment analysis highlighted specific processes and molecular functions, including those related to the nucleus, cytoplasm, and protein binding. Notably, different sgRNAs targeting tf might result in different mutations at DNA levels in SHK-1 salmon cells.
Effects of Partial Premixing and Coflow Temperature on Flame Stabilization of Lifted Jet Flames of Dimethyl Ether in a Vitiated Coflow Based on Stochastic Multiple Mapping Conditioning Approach
Authors: Ghai Sanjeev Kumar , Gupta Rajat , De Santanu
Published: May 2024

The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)-based stochastic multiple mapping conditioning (MMC) approach has been used to study partially premixed jet flames of dimethyl ether (DME) introduced into a vitiated coflowing oxidizer stream. This study investigates DME flames with varying degrees of partial premixing within a fuel jet across different coflow temperatures, delving into the underlying flame structure and stabilization mechanisms. Employing a turbulence k-ε model with a customized set of constants, the MMC technique utilizes a mixture fraction as the primary scalar, mapped to the reference variable. Solving a set of ordinary differential equations for the evolution of Lagrangian stochastic particles’ position and composition, the molecular mixing of these particles is executed using the modified Curl’s model. The lift-off height (LOH) derived from RANS-MMC simulations are juxtaposed with experimental data for different degrees of partial premixing of fuel jets and various coflow temperatures. The RANS-MMC methodology adeptly captures LOH for pure DME jets but exhibits an underestimation of flame LOH for partially premixed jet scenarios. Notably, as the degree of premixing escalates, a conspicuous underprediction in LOH becomes apparent. Conditional scatter and contour plots of OH and CH2O unveil that the propagation of partially premixed flames emerges as the dominant mechanism at high coflow temperatures, while autoignition governs flame stabilization at lower coflow temperatures in partially premixed flames. Additionally, for pure DME flames, autoignition remains the primary flame stabilization mechanism across all coflow temperature conditions. The study underscores the importance of considering the degree of premixing in partially premixed jet flames, as it significantly impacts flame stabilization mechanisms and LOH, thereby providing crucial insights into combustion dynamics for various practical applications.
Emerging Parameters Justifying a Revised Quality Concept for Cow Milk
Authors: Mezzetti Matteo , Passamonti Matilde Maria , Dall’Asta Margherita , Bertoni Giuseppe , Trevisi Erminio , Ajmone Marsan Paolo
Published: May 2024

Milk has become a staple food product globally. Traditionally, milk quality assessment has been primarily focused on hygiene and composition to ensure its safety for consumption and processing. However, in recent years, the concept of milk quality has expanded to encompass a broader range of factors. Consumers now also consider animal welfare, environmental impact, and the presence of additional beneficial components in milk when assessing its quality. This shifting consumer demand has led to increased attention on the overall production and sourcing practices of milk. Reflecting on this trend, this review critically explores such novel quality parameters, offering insights into how such practices meet the modern consumer’s holistic expectations. The multifaceted aspects of milk quality are examined, revealing the intertwined relationship between milk safety, compositional integrity, and the additional health benefits provided by milk’s bioactive properties. By embracing sustainable farming practices, dairy farmers and processors are encouraged not only to fulfill but to anticipate consumer standards for premium milk quality. This comprehensive approach to milk quality underscores the necessity of adapting dairy production to address the evolving nutritional landscape and consumption patterns.
Effect of Macro and Microalgae Addition on Nutritional, Physicochemical, Sensorial, and Functional Properties of a Vegetable Cream
Authors: Muela Teresa , Abellán Adela , Bande-De León Cindy , Gómez Pablo , Gil María Dolores
Published: May 2024

Algae are a booming resource in the food industry due to their several health benefits. This study assesses the impact of the combined use of selected macro- and microalgae to improve the nutritional profile and the labeling of a vegetable cream by the introduction of nutrition and health claims. As macroalgae, two Ascophyllum nodosum L., one natural (An) and one smoked (AnS), were selected for their high iodine concentration and flavor notes. A new strain of Chlorella vulgaris, golden (CvG), was selected as the microalgae, which is rich in proteins and has a neutral sensorial profile (golden color and mild flavor). In this study, two vegetable creams were compared. The control (CTRL) versus one enriched with a mixture of macroalgae and microalgae (CV-AN). Sensory, physicochemical, and functional properties of both vegetable creams were evaluated. The bioactivity assessed was the effect of iodine as a health claim and antioxidant and antihypertensive properties. CV-AN vegetable cream showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for protein content, iodine value, and antioxidant activity, with no significant differences (p > 0.05) in antihypertensive activity or sensory panel. The incorporation of these algae resulted in a vegetable cream with a better nutritional profile and sensory acceptability comparable to the control, offering protein and iodine source claims in the labeling.
Preparation of Calcium–Binding Peptides Derived from Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) Protein and Structural Characterization and Stability Analysis of Its Calcium Complexes
Authors: Cui Pengbo , Liang Jianqin , Cheng Tianyu , Zhang Jianyou
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to prepare mackerel peptides (MPs) with calcium-binding capacity through an enzyme method and to investigate the potential role they play in improving the bioavailability of calcium in vitro. The calcium-binding capacity, degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight (MW), and charge distribution changes with the enzymolysis time of MPs were measured. The structural characterization of mackerel peptide–calcium (MP–calcium) complexes was performed using spectroscopy and morphology analysis. The results showed that the maximum calcium-binding capacity of the obtained MPs was 120.95 mg/g when alcalase was used for 3 h, with a DH of 15.45%. Moreover, with an increase in hydrolysis time, the MW of the MPs decreased, and the negative charge increased. The carboxyl and amino groups in aspartic (Asp) and glutamate (Glu) of the MPs may act as calcium-binding sites, which are further assembled into compact nanoscale spherical complexes with calcium ions through intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, even under the influence of oxalic acid, MP–calcium complexes maintained a certain solubility. This study provides a basis for developing new calcium supplements and efficiently utilizing the mackerel protein resource.
Comprehensive Screening of Salinomycin in Feed and Its Residues in Poultry Tissues Using Microbial Inhibition Tests Coupled to Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Authors: Spišáková Daniela , Kožárová Ivona , Hriciková Simona , Marcinčák Slavomír
Published: May 2024

Salinomycin is a coccidiostat approved as a feed additive for the prevention of coccidiosis in poultry. Official control of its residues is set by the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1644. The aim of our study was to assess the suitability of three microbial inhibition tests (MITs), Premi®Test, Explorer 2.0, and the Screening Test for Antibiotic Residues (STAR) linked to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for the screening of salinomycin residues in the tissues of broiler chickens (breast and thigh muscle, heart, liver, gizzard, kidneys, lungs, spleen, skin, and fat) fed commercially produced feed containing 70 mg.kg−1 of salinomycin in the complete feed. The first residue screening (Sampling A) was performed on the last day of administration of the salinomycin-medicated feed (day 30), and the second screening (Sampling B) was performed on the day of slaughter (day 37) after the expiry of the withdrawal period with the feeding of non-medicated feed. Based on the quantitative confirmation of salinomycin residues in the examined chicken tissues by the ELISA method (Sampling A from 0.025 to 0.241 mg.kg−1; Sampling B from 0.003 to 0.076 mg.kg−1), all the MITs with the preference of the bacterial strain Bacillus stearothermophilus var. calidolactis ATCC 10149 demonstrated the ability to detect the residues of salinomycin in the examined tissues of broiler chickens at the level of the maximum residue limits set from 0.015 to 0.150 mg.kg−1 by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1914 and confirmed the relevance of their sensitivity to the coccidiostat salinomycin.
The Metabolic and Antioxidant Activity Profiles of Aged Greek Grape Marc Spirits
Authors: Fotakis Charalambos , Andreou Vasiliki , Christodouleas Dionysios C. , Zervou Maria
Published: May 2024

In the last decade, “expressions” of grape marc spirits aged in wooden barrels of characteristic amber color and complex sensory attributes have been introduced. Yet studies on constituents migrating from the barrel to the beverage are scarce, and their metabolic profile remains unexplored. Furthermore, the literature on the assessment of their antioxidant activity is limited. NMR metabolomics and spectrophotometry have been implemented in 38 samples to elucidate the impact of the aging procedure on the metabolites’ composition and establish whether these beverages exhibit antioxidant activity. Provenance was related to fusel alcohols, esters, acetaldehyde, methanol, saccharides, and 2-phenylethanol, while ethyl acetate and ethyl lactate contributed to discriminating samples of the same winery. Identified metabolites such as vanillin, syringaldehyde, and sinapaldehyde were related to the aging procedure. The maturation in the barrel was also associated with an increase in xylose, glucose, fructose, and arabinose. The antioxidant potential of the aged Greek grape marc spirits resulting from their maturation in oak barrels was highlighted. The metabolic profiling and antioxidant potential of aged Greek grape marc spirits were assessed for the first time. Finally, the enrichment of the aromatic region was noted with the presence of metabolites with a furanic and phenolic ring derived, respectively, from the polysaccharides’ degradation or the thermal decomposition of lignin.
Changes in Garlic Quality during Fermentation under Different Conditions
Authors: Paulauskienė Aurelija , Kulbokas Šarūnas , Zvicevičius Egidijus , Tarasevičienė Živilė
Published: May 2024

One of the garlic processing methods is fermentation, which produces black garlic with completely different chemical, physical, sensory, culinary, and health-enhancing properties. Our study aimed to compare the influence of various processing conditions on the quality indicators of black garlic (BG). Samples of white garlic (WG) were placed in laboratory climatic chambers. BG1 samples were packed in plastic bags and vacuumed, BG2 and BG3 samples were packed in textile mesh bags. BG1 samples were fermented in 70% humidity at 50 °C for 28 days, BG2 samples in 85% humidity at 60 °C for 99 days, and BG3 samples in 80% humidity at 80 °C for 14 days. The dependence of changes in chemical composition, color, and texture of garlic on fermentation conditions was analyzed. Proximate composition analyses and antioxidant activity of WG and BG were performed using standard methods. It was established that regardless of the fermentation conditions, BG’s chemical composition became richer than WG’s. They significantly increased vitamin C content (1.5–5.8 fold), titratable acidity (14.7–21.0 fold), protein (1.4–3.2 fold), fiber (4.6–7.0 fold), and ash (1.2–3.9 fold) content, amount of total phenolic compounds (6.6–9.6 fold) and antioxidant activity (5.3–9.9 fold). Fermented garlic turned dark in color and soft and sticky in texture. The higher fermentation temperature (80 °C) but the shorter time (14 days) had the greatest positive effect on the quality of black garlic.
The Utilization by Bacteroides spp. of a Purified Polysaccharide from Fuzhuan Brick Tea
Authors: Shi Jiameng , Zhou Wangting , Chen Guijie , Yi Wei , Sun Yi , Zeng Xiaoxiong
Published: May 2024

In the present study, four Bacteroides species that could degrade Fuzhuan brick tea polysaccharide-3 (FBTPS-3) were isolated from human feces and identified to be Bacteroides ovatus, B. uniformis, B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron. The four Bacteroides species showed growth on FBTPS-3 as the carbon source, and B. ovatus showed the best capability for utilizing FBTPS-3 among the four species since B. ovatus could utilize more FBTPS-3 during 24 h fermentation. Moreover, the four Bacteroides species could metabolize FBTPS-3 and promote the production of acetic, propionic and isovaleric acids. Transcriptome analysis of B. ovatus revealed that 602 genes were up-regulated by FBTPS-3, including two carbohydrate-active enzyme clusters and four polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). The PUL 1 contained GH28 family that could hydrolyze rhamnogalacturonan and other pectic substrates, which was in line with our previous work that rhamnose and galacturonic acid were the main component monosaccharides of FBTPS-3. Collectively, the results suggested that FBTPS-3 could be utilized by Bacteroides spp., and it might be developed as a promising prebiotic targeting Bacteroidetes in intestinal environment.
Literature Review of Proteomics Approach Associated with Coffee
Authors: Zaman Shah , Shan Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

As a significant crop growing all across the world, coffee is mostly produced in the bean belt of our global atlas. Worldwide variations in environmental conditions are causing a decline in the yield and quality of coffee varieties. Coffee production is the main emphasis of several traditional breeding techniques. But conventional breeding methods are not sufficient to tackle the problems related to coffee. The field of genomics, which includes transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, has made great paces in the last ten years. Proteomics is a well-known technique used to enhance the growth, yield, breeding, and quality of different plants under stable and shifting environments. The regulation of specific enzymes, genes, protein expression, modification, translation, and other features played an important role in the enhancement of important plants. However, relatively less research on the proteomics approach for coffee has been published in the last few years. For this reason, some of the most important aspects of proteome profiling for coffee plants have been covered in this review, including growth, the somatic embryo technique, altitude, environmental adoption, drought, and the role that proteins and important enzymes play in the flavor and taste of coffee. This review can aid in the breeding of new cultivars and improve coffee attributes. Furthermore, the present literature can pave the way for proteomics research on coffee.
Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Multiple Strategies for Vibrio parahaemolyticus to Tolerate Sub-Lethal Concentrations of Three Antibiotics
Authors: Yang Lianzhi , Yu Pan , Wang Juanjuan , Zhao Taixia , Zhao Yong , Pan Yingjie , Chen Lanming
Published: May 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus can cause acute gastroenteritis, wound infections, and septicemia in humans. The overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture may lead to a high incidence of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen. Nevertheless, the genome evolution of V. parahaemolyticus in aquatic animals and the mechanism of its antibiotic tolerance remain to be further deciphered. Here, we investigated the molecular basis of the antibiotic tolerance of V. parahaemolyticus isolates (n = 3) originated from shellfish and crustaceans using comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses. The genome sequences of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates were determined (5.0–5.3 Mb), and they contained 4709–5610 predicted protein-encoding genes, of which 823–1099 genes were of unknown functions. Comparative genomic analyses revealed a number of mobile genetic elements (MGEs, n = 69), antibiotic resistance-related genes (n = 7–9), and heavy metal tolerance-related genes (n = 2–4). The V. parahaemolyticus isolates were resistant to sub-lethal concentrations (sub-LCs) of ampicillin (AMP, 512 μg/mL), kanamycin (KAN, 64 μg/mL), and streptomycin (STR, 16 μg/mL) (p < 0.05). Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed that there were significantly altered metabolic pathways elicited by the sub-LCs of the antibiotics (p < 0.05), suggesting the existence of multiple strategies for antibiotic tolerance in V. parahaemolyticus. The results of this study enriched the V. parahaemolyticus genome database and should be useful for controlling the MDR pathogen worldwide.
A Preconditioned Policy–Krylov Subspace Method for Fractional Partial Integro-Differential HJB Equations in Finance
Authors: Chen Xu , Gong Xin-Xin , Sun Youfa , Lei Siu-Long
Published: May 2024

To better simulate the prices of underlying assets and improve the accuracy of pricing financial derivatives, an increasing number of new models are being proposed. Among them, the Lévy process with jumps has received increasing attention because of its capacity to model sudden movements in asset prices. This paper explores the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation with a fractional derivative and an integro-differential operator, which arise in the valuation of American options and stock loans based on the Lévy-α-stable process with jumps model. We design a fast solution strategy that includes the policy iteration method, Krylov subspace method, and banded preconditioner, aiming to solve this equation rapidly. To solve the resulting HJB equation, a finite difference method including an upwind scheme, shifted Grünwald approximation, and trapezoidal method is developed with stability and convergence analysis. Then, an algorithmic framework involving the policy iteration method and the Krylov subspace method is employed. To improve the performance of the above solver, a banded preconditioner is proposed with condition number analysis. Finally, two examples, sugar option pricing and stock loan valuation, are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the considered model and the efficiency of the proposed preconditioned policy–Krylov subspace method.
Current Research on Small Circular Molecules: A Comprehensive Overview on SPHINX/BMMF
Authors: Habermann Diana , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Klempt Martin
Published: May 2024

Several years of research into the small circular DNA molecules called SPHINX and BMMF (SPHINX/BMMF) have provided information on several areas of research, medicine, microbiology and nutritional science. But there are still open questions that have not yet been addressed. Due to the unclear classification, evolution and sources of SPHINX/BMMF, a risk assessment is currently not possible. However, risk assessment is necessary as SPHINX/BMMF are suspected to be involved in the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In order to obtain an overview of the current state of research and to identify research gaps, a review of all the publications on this topic to date was carried out. The focus was primarily on the SPHINX/BMMF group 1 and 2 members, which is the topic of most of the research. It was discovered that the SPHINX/BMMF molecules could be integral components of mammalian cells, and are also inherited. However, their involvement in neurodegenerative and carcinogenic diseases is still unclear. Furthermore, they are probably ubiquitous in food and they resemble bacterial plasmids in parts of their DNA and protein (Rep) sequence. In addition, a connection with bacterial viruses is also suspected. Ultimately, it is still unclear whether SPHINX/BMMF have an infectious capacity and what their host or target is.
A Mild Presentation of X-Linked Hypophosphatemia Caused by a Non-Canonical Splice Site Variant in the PHEX Gene
Authors: Fraga Gloria , Herreros M. Alba , Pybus Marc , Aza-Carmona Miriam , Pilco-Teran Melissa , Furlano Mónica , García-Borau M. José , Torra Roser , Ars Elisabet
Published: May 2024

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare inherited disorder of renal phosphate wasting with a highly variable phenotype caused by loss-of-function variants in the PHEX gene. The diagnosis of individuals with mild phenotypes can be challenging and often delayed. Here, we describe a three-generation family with a very mild clinical presentation of XLH. The diagnosis was unexpectedly found in a 39-year-old woman who was referred for genetic testing due to an unclear childhood diagnosis of a tubulopathy. Genetic testing performed by next-generation sequencing using a kidney disease gene panel identified a novel non-canonical splice site variant in the PHEX gene. Segregation analysis detected that the consultand’s father, who presented with hypophosphatemia and decreased tubular phosphate reabsorption, and the consultand’s son also carried this variant. RNA studies demonstrated that the non-canonical splice site variant partially altered the splicing of the PHEX gene, as both wild-type and aberrant splicing transcripts were detected in the two male members with only one copy of the PHEX gene. In conclusion, this case contributes to the understanding of the relationship between splicing variants and the variable expressivity of XLH disease. The mild phenotype of this family can be explained by the coexistence of PHEX transcripts with aberrant and wild-type splicing.
Positive and Negative Correlates of Psychological Well-Being and Distress in College Students’ Mental Health: A Correlational Study
Authors: Nogueira Maria José Carvalho , Sequeira Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2024

Background: Recognizing the positive or negative effects of students’ mental health promotes personal development, well-being, and academic success. Academic life exposes college students to multiple adjustments, demands, and vulnerabilities that can cause stress and mental health problems. This study aims to identify psychological well-being and psychological distress effects on college students’ mental health. Methods: A correlational study was designed involving a non-probabilistic 560 sample of students (446 women) aged 18 to 41 years (M = 19.6; SD = 1.68). An online self-report questionnaire was used including demographic, relational, academic, and health behaviors variables, and the measures: Mental Health Inventory; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Academic Life Satisfaction Scale; and Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Results: Regression analyses indicate that male students, dating, good academic performance, exercise, sleeping seven hours, satisfaction with social support, and academic life satisfaction were significant correlates (p < 0.05) of psychological well-being, with the last two having great weight in the model. Females, low income, aged 21–24 years, sleeping less than 6 h, moderate psychological vulnerability, and perception of vulnerability were significant (p < 0.05) negative effects of psychological distress. Conclusions: This study addresses the positive and negative effects of psychological well-being and distress in college students. Specific mental health promotion and morbidity prevention programs can improve students’ mental health literacy and resilience.
Patient Safety Incidents in Primary Care: Comparing APEAS–2007 (Spanish Patient Safety Adverse Events Study in Primary Care) with Data from a Health Area in Catalonia (Spain) in 2019
Authors: Gens-Barberà Montserrat , Astier-Peña Maria-Pilar , Hernández-Vidal Núria , Hospital-Guardiola Immaculada , Bejarano-Romero Ferran , Oya-Girona Eva Mª , Mengíbar-Garcia Yolanda , Mansergas-Collado Nuria , Vila-Rovira Angel , Martínez-Torres Sara , Rey-Reñones Cristina , Martín-Luján Francisco ,   QiSP-Tar Research Group
Published: May 2024

The initial APEAS study, conducted in June 2007, examined adverse events (AEs) in Spanish Primary Healthcare (PHC). Since then, significant changes have occurred in healthcare systems. To evaluate these changes, a study was conducted in the Camp de Tarragona PHC region (CTPHC) in June 2019. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify AEs in 20 PHC centres in Camp de Tarragona. Data collection used an online questionnaire adapted from APEAS–2007, and a comparative statistical analysis between APEAS–2007 and CTPHC–2019 was performed. The results revealed an increase in nursing notifications and a decrease in notifications from family doctors. Furthermore, fewer AEs were reported overall, particularly in medication-related incidents and healthcare-associated infections, with an increase noted in no-harm incidents. However, AEs related to worsened clinical outcomes, communication issues, care management, and administrative errors increased. Concerning severity, there was a decrease in severe AEs, coupled with an increase in moderate AEs. Despite family doctors perceiving a reduction in medication-related incidents, the overall preventability of AEs remained unchanged. In conclusion, the reporting patterns, nature, and causal factors of AEs in Spanish PHC have evolved over time. While there has been a decrease in medication-related incidents and severe AEs, challenges persist in communication, care management, and clinical outcomes. Although professionals reported reduced severity, the perception of preventability remains an area that requires attention.
Association of Electronic Cigarette Usage with the Subsequent Initiation of Combustible Cigarette Smoking among Dental Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Khanagar Sanjeev B. , Aldawas Ibrahim , Alrusaini Salman Khalid , Albalawi Farraj , Alshehri Aram , Awawdeh Mohammed , Iyer Kiran , Divakar Darshan Devang
Published: May 2024

The use of electronic cigarettes, or “e-cigarettes”, among youths has sparked worries about the possibility of nicotine dependence as a serious public health issue. Dental practitioners play a critical role in helping their patients quit smoking. Dental schools across the globe have policies encouraging their students to help patients quit smoking. Current research, however, indicates that a significant portion of dental students smoke combustible cigarettes and use e-cigarettes. According to studies, using e-cigarettes has resulted in the subsequent initiation of combustible cigarette smoking among its users. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the use of electronic cigarettes and the subsequent initiation of combustible cigarette smoking among dental students who were not attitudinally susceptible to smoking combustible cigarettes. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted among 121 study participants who were never combustible cigarette users and were attitudinally non-susceptible to smoking at baseline. At baseline, 66 (54.6%) study participants were categorized as e-cigarette users who were attitudinally non-susceptible to combustible cigarette smoking, and 55 (45.4%) study participants were categorized as non-users who were attitudinally non-susceptible to combustible cigarette smoking. The initiation of combustible cigarette smoking was assessed at 6- and 12-month intervals. Binomial regression analysis of the outcome at the end of one-year follow-up, when analyzed with independent variables, revealed a significant influence of e-cigarette use on taking up combustible cigarette smoking [Relative Risk: 9.395; 95% CI: 3.03–29.04]. Chi-squared analysis of independent variables revealed e-cigarette use to be significantly associated with fathers’ education level (p = 0.00), parental cigarette smoking status (p = 0.00), cigarette smoking among friends (p = 0.00), and family income (p = 0.00). E-cigarette users are more likely to believe it to be healthier (p = 0.00) than combustible smoking. In the present study, e-cigarette usage demonstrated a significant influence on taking up combustible cigarette smoking among its users. Educational institutions should implement stringent policies and regulations to prevent health professionals from using these products.
Opioid-Free Anesthesia in Bariatric Surgery: Is It the One and Only? A Comprehensive Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Mieszczański Piotr , Kołacz Marcin , Trzebicki Janusz
Published: May 2024

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) is a heterogeneous group of general anesthesia techniques in which the intraoperative use of opioids is eliminated. This strategy aims to decrease the risk of complications and improve the patient’s safety and comfort. Such potential advantages are particularly beneficial for selected groups of patients, among them obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Opioids have been traditionally used as an element of balanced anesthesia, and replacing them requires using a combination of coanalgesics and various types of local and regional anesthesia, which also have their side effects, limitations, and potential disadvantages. Moreover, despite the growing amount of evidence, the empirical data on the superiority of OFA compared to standard anesthesia with multimodal analgesia are contradictory, and potential benefits in many studies are being questioned. Additionally, little is known about the long-term sequelae of such a strategy. Considering the above-mentioned issues, this study aims to present the potential benefits, risks, and difficulties of implementing OFA in bariatric surgery, considering the current state of knowledge and literature.
CAR-T and Bispecific Antibodies: The New Standard for Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma, or Reserved for Late-Line Salvage Therapy?
Authors: Rodriguez-Otero Paula , Martin Thomas
Published: May 2024

The treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma has improved substantially in the last 5–10 years based on the development and use of several novel classes of drugs and drug combinations. These advances have led to improvements in progression-free and overall survival as well as quality of life. The general tendency has been to advance drugs/combinations that have performed well in advanced disease to the earlier line settings (frontline, first/early relapse). There are several triplet drug combinations that, when used as part of first or early relapse, can provide remission durations of 3 years or longer. More recently, impressive responses have been seen with the use of targeted immunotherapeutics (chimeric antigen receptor T-cells and bispecific antibodies) in heavily pretreated patients with MM. These treatments, however, have been associated with some new and occasionally severe toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and severe infections, including opportunistic infections and profound cytopenias. These potential toxicities bring into question whether these immune-targeting drugs should remain as late-line therapeutics or whether the high single-agent overall response rates mandate that these agents be used in earlier line settings. Herein, the authors provide a point and counterpoint about the future use of these agents.
Archaeological and Archaeometric Insights into a Roman Wall Painting Assemblage from the Blanes Dump (Mérida)
Authors: Castillo Alcántara Gonzalo , Cosano Hidalgo Daniel , Fernández Díaz Alicia , Ruiz Arrebola José Rafael
Published: May 2024

In this paper we describe the archaeological and archaeometric analysis of a Third Pompeian Style assemblage from the Blanes dump in Mérida (Spain). Based on the pottery context, the material would have been part of the decoration of a public or private space remodelled towards the end of the 1st century AD. Several samples from to the middle area of the assemblage, including panels, inter-panels and a frieze, were selected and studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman, gas chromatography and petrographic analysis. The results revealed the use of hematite, cinnabar, minium and goethite in different panels, as well as goethite, Egyptian blue, calcite, glauconite and carbon for the decorative motifs. They allowed us to define the painting techniques used and how they have affected the degradation of the pigments.
Resilient Response to Combined Heat and Drought Stress Conditions of a Tomato Germplasm Collection, Including Natural and Ethyl Methanesulfonate-Induced Variants
Authors: Fonseca Rocío , Micol-Ponce Rosa , Ozuna Carmen V. , Castañeda Laura , Capel Carmen , Fernández-Lozano Antonia , Ortiz-Atienza Ana , Bretones Sandra , Pérez-Jiménez José M. , Quevedo-Colmena Abraham S. , López-Fábregas Juan D. , Barragán-Lozano Teresa , Lebrón Ricardo , Faura Celia , Capel Juan , Angosto Trinidad , Egea Isabel , Yuste-Lisbona Fernando J. , Lozano Rafael
Published: May 2024

Agricultural systems are currently facing significant issues, primarily due to population growth rates in the context of global climate change. Rising temperatures cause plant heat stress and impact crop yield, which in turn compromises global food production and safety. Climate change is also having a significant impact on water availability around the world, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in many regions. The combined effect of both heat and drought stresses increases plant damage, resulting in reduced plant development and productivity loss. Therefore, developing heat–drought-tolerant crop varieties is crucial for enhancing yield under these challenging conditions. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a major vegetable crop highly appreciated for its nutritional qualities, is particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures, which have a significant negative impact on tomato fruit setting and cause male gametophyte abortion. In this work, a classical genetic approach was employed to identify tomato genotypes showing a resilient response to combined heat and drought stress conditions. A phenotype screening of a natural germplasm collection and an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenized population resulted in the identification of a significant number of tomato lines tolerant to combined heat and drought conditions, specifically 161 EMS lines and 24 natural accessions as tolerant. In addition, TILLING and Eco-TILLING analyses were used as proof-of-concept to isolate new genetic variants of genes previously reported as key regulators of abiotic stress responses in different species. The identification of these variants holds the potential to provide suitable plant material for breeding programs focused on enhancing tomato resilience to adverse climate conditions.
Bacterial and Fungal Communities of Table Grape Skins in Shanghai
Authors: An Ran , Ma Qingchuan , Sun Sijie , Zhang Hengcheng , Lyu Chenang , Wang Dapeng , Song Shiren
Published: May 2024

Grape skin serves as a reservoir for many bacteria and fungi, which can affect grape health, quality, and safety. However, grape skin microbiota and mycobiota of table grapes remain largely understudied. This study investigated bacterial and fungal communities residing on different table grapevine cultivars (‘Summer Black’ and ‘Kyoho’) as well as the impact of potential contributors thereby, via culture-dependent and culture-independent (analysis of 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer sequences) methods with different purposes. Microbiota of both grapevine cultivars were dominated by Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Thauera, and Pantoea. In addition, yeast strains belonging to Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Pichia terricola, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Candida stellimalicola, and Kodamaea ohmeri were enriched from the studied grapes, while some strains were considered as health-threatening pathogens. Differences in grapevine cultivars did not significantly affect their mycobiota and microbiota profiles. Nevertheless, their mycobiota exhibited significant variations across different grape-sampling sites in Shanghai, indicating the contribution of the grape-growing environment to grape skin mycobiota. Altogether, the current study demonstrated the contribution of the grape-growing environment to table grape skin mycobiota, and highlighted the importance of microbiota management in the production and consumption of table grapes.
Qualitative Protocol of Chinese Parents and Siblings Experiences of Managing Challenging Behaviours of Adult Persons with Intellectual Disability in Hong Kong and Northern China
Authors: Low Lisa Pau-Le , Kwong Alice Nga-Lai , Wang Yue , Wong Maggie Yat-Cheung , Tiu Mimi Mei-Ha , Wan Karen Wing-See
Published: May 2024

Background: While the literature has highlighted the immense challenges in caring for family members, it is still unclear what the needs of family carers of persons with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours are and what has worked for them. This study aims to examine 60 parents’ and siblings’ experiences in managing the challenging behaviours of their adult family member with intellectual disability whilst living at home. Methods: A qualitative grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews will be adopted. Purposive sampling will be used to recruit family carers who live with adult persons with intellectual disability and use one community service in Hong Kong. Three special schools for persons with intellectual disability from northern China will be approached. Results: This study will aim to provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of family carers and compare the different circumstances they face when managing the challenging behaviours of their adult relatives with intellectual disability in their family home. Conclusions: Although this study targets adults with intellectual disability, the findings will provide a point of reference for adolescents and younger persons who exhibit demanding and challenging behaviours and live with their families. Recommendations can guide the development of appropriate strategies to strengthen services for family carers.
Amazon Wildfires and Respiratory Health: Impacts during the Forest Fire Season from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Ribeiro Maura R. , Lima Marcos V. M. , Ilacqua Roberto C. , Savoia Eriane J. L. , Alvarenga Rogerio , Vittor Amy Y. , Raimundo Rodrigo D. , Laporta Gabriel Z.
Published: May 2024

The Brazilian Amazon, a vital tropical region, faces escalating threats from human activities, agriculture, and climate change. This study aims to assess the relationship between forest fire occurrences, meteorological factors, and hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases in the Legal Amazon region from 2009 to 2019. Employing simultaneous equation models with official data, we examined the association between deforestation-induced fires and respiratory health issues. Over the studied period, the Legal Amazon region recorded a staggering 1,438,322 wildfires, with 1,218,606 (85%) occurring during August–December, known as the forest fire season. During the forest fire season, a substantial portion (566,707) of the total 1,532,228 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases were recorded in individuals aged 0–14 years and 60 years and above. A model consisting of two sets of simultaneous equations was constructed. This model illustrates the seasonal fluctuations in meteorological conditions driving human activities associated with increased forest fires. It also represents how air quality variations impact the occurrence of respiratory diseases during forest fires. This modeling approach unveiled that drier conditions, elevated temperatures, and reduced precipitation exacerbate fire incidents, impacting hospital admissions for respiratory diseases at a rate as high as 22 hospital admissions per 1000 forest fire events during the forest fire season in the Legal Amazon, 2009–2019. This research highlights the urgent need for environmental and health policies to mitigate the effects of Amazon rainforest wildfires, stressing the interplay of deforestation, climate change, and human-induced fires on respiratory health.
A Cellular Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis to Study the Therapeutic Effects of Extracellular Vesicles from Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Microglial Activation
Authors: Dabrowska Sylwia , Turano Ermanna , Scambi Ilaria , Virla Federica , Nodari Alice , Pezzini Francesco , Galiè Mirco , Bonetti Bruno , Mariotti Raffaella
Published: May 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs) in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive paralysis and death. Increasing evidence indicates that neuroinflammation plays an important role in ALS’s pathogenesis and disease progression. Neuroinflammatory responses, primarily driven by activated microglia and astrocytes, and followed by infiltrating peripheral immune cells, contribute to exacerbate/accelerate MN death. In particular, the role of the microglia in ALS remains unclear, partly due to the lack of experimental models that can fully recapitulate the complexity of ALS’s pathology. In this study, we developed and characterized a microglial cell line, SIM-A9-expressing human mutant protein Cu+/Zn+ superoxide dismutase_1 (SIM-A9hSOD1(G93A)), as a suitable model in vitro mimicking the microglia activity in ALS. The expression of hSOD1(G93A) in SIM-A9 cells induced a change in their metabolic activity, causing polarization into a pro-inflammatory phenotype and enhancing reactive oxygen species production, which is known to activate cell death processes and apoptosis. Afterward, we used our microglial model as an experimental set-up to investigate the therapeutic action of extracellular vesicles isolated from adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASC-EVs). ASC-EVs represent a promising therapeutic treatment for ALS due to their neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. Here, we demonstrated that treatment with ASC-EVs is able to modulate activated ALS microglia, reducing their metabolic activity and polarizing their phenotype toward an anti-inflammatory one through a mechanism of reduction of reactive oxygen species.
Probiotics in Wound Healing
Authors: Bădăluță Valentina Alexandra , Curuțiu Carmen , Dițu Lia Mara , Holban Alina Maria , Lazăr Veronica
Published: May 2024

Wound infections caused by opportunistic bacteria promote persistent infection and represent the main cause of delayed healing. Probiotics are acknowledged for their beneficial effects on the human body and could be utilized in the management of various diseases. They also possess the capacity to accelerate wound healing, due to their remarkable anti-pathogenic, antibiofilm, and immunomodulatory effects. Oral and topical probiotic formulations have shown promising openings in the field of dermatology, and there are various in vitro and in vivo models focusing on their healing mechanisms. Wound dressings embedded with prebiotics and probiotics are now prime candidates for designing wound healing therapeutic approaches to combat infections and to promote the healing process. The aim of this review is to conduct an extensive scientific literature review regarding the efficacy of oral and topical probiotics in wound management, as well as the potential of wound dressing embedding pre- and probiotics in stimulating the wound healing process.
Trimeric and Tetrameric Cationic Styryl Dyes as Novel Fluorescence and CD Probes for ds-DNA and ds-RNA
Authors: Pavlović Saftić Dijana , Krošl Knežević Ivona , de Lera Garrido Fernando , Tolosa Juan , Majhen Dragomira , Piantanida Ivo , García Martínez Joaquín Calixto
Published: May 2024

The wide use of mono- or bis-styryl fluorophores in biomedical applications prompted the presented design and study of a series of trimeric and tetrameric homo-analogues, styryl moieties arranged around a central aromatic core. The interactions with the most common biorelevant targets, ds-DNA and ds-RNA, were studied by a set of spectrophotometric methods (UV-VIS, fluorescence, circular dichroism, thermal denaturation). All studied dyes showed strong light absorption in the 350–420 nm range and strongly Stokes-shifted (+100–160 nm) emission with quantum yields (Φf) up to 0.57, whereby the mentioned properties were finely tuned by the type of the terminal cationic substituent and number of styryl components (tetramers being red-shifted in respect to trimers). All studied dyes strongly interacted with ds-DNA and ds-RNA with 1–10 nM−1 affinity, with dye emission being strongly quenched. The tetrameric analogues did not show any particular selectivity between ds-DNA or ds-RNA due to large size and consequent partial, non-selective insertion into DNA/RNA grooves. However, smaller trimeric styryl series showed size-dependent selective stabilization of ds-DNA vs. ds-RNA against thermal denaturation and highly selective or even specific recognition of several particular ds-DNA or ds-RNA structures by induced circular dichroism (ICD) bands. The chiral (ICD) selectivity was controlled by the size of a terminal cationic substituent. All dyes entered efficiently live human cells with negligible cytotoxic activity. Further prospects in the transfer of ICD-based selectivity into fluorescence-chiral methods (FDCD and CPL) is proposed, along with the development of new analogues with red-shifted absorbance properties.