bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and applications of fluorobody from redox-engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Srila Witsanu , Min Thae Thae , Sumphanapai Thitima , Rangnoi Kuntalee , Berkmen Mehmet , Yamabhai Montarop
Published: February 2023

Efficient selection and production of antibody fragments in microbial systems remain to be a challenging process. To optimize microbial production of single-chain variable fragments (scFvs), we have chosen five model targets, 1) a hapten, Zearalenone (ZEN) mycotoxin, along with infectious agents 2) rabies virus, 3) Propionibacterium acnes, 4) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a cancer cell 5) acute myeloid leukemia cell line (HL-60). The scFv binders were affinity selected from a non-immunized human phage display scFv antibody library and genetically fused to the N-terminus of emerald green fluorescent protein (EmGFP). The scFv-EmGFP fusion constructs were subcloned into an expression vector, under the control of T7 promoter, C-terminally tagged with hexa-histidine and expressed in different Escherichia coli (E. coli) hosts. This enabled the detection of cells that expressed the correct scFv-EmGFP fusion, termed fluorobody, via bright fluorescent signal in the cytoplasm. Among the three E. coli hosts tested, an engineered E. coli B strain called SHuffle B that promotes disulfide bond formation in the cytoplasm appeared to be the most appropriate host. The recombinant fluorobodies were well expressed (2–8 mg/L), possessed the fluorescence property of EmGFP, and retained the ability to bind to their cognate targets. Their specific bindings were demonstrated by ELISA, fluorescence-linked immunosorbent assay (FLISA), flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscope imaging. The fluorobody expression platform in this study could be further adopted as a one-step immunostaining technique based on scFv, isolated from phage display library to numerous desired targets.

Key points

• E. coli SHuffle express T7 is a suitable expression host for scFv-EmGFP (fluorobody)

• Only the clones harboring scFv-EmGFP plasmid will show bright fluorescent signal

• This platform can be used to produce fluorobodies for numerous purposes

Graphical abstract
Anti-obesity effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SKO-001 in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Choi Mi Jin , Yu Hana , Kim Jea Il , Seo Hee , Kim Ju Gyeong , Kim Seul-Ki , Lee Hak Sung , Cheon Hyae Gyeong
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Previous reports showed that some probiotics provide beneficial effects on various diseases including metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum SKO-001 (SKO-001), a probiotic strain newly isolated from Angelica gigas.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) for four weeks, and then different doses of SKO-001 (n = 10 each group) were orally given for 12 weeks. Following treatment, body weight, fat weight, serum parameters and adipose and liver tissues were analyzed.

Results

SKO-001 (2 × 1010 CFU/day, per os) reduced body weight gain after 10th week of administration, accompanied by a reduction in body fat mass of mice. In the SKO-001-fed group, increased serum adiponectin, decreased leptin, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, and triglyceride levels were observed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of various fat depots showed that increased adipocyte size caused by HFD intake was markedly reduced and correlated with reduced mRNA levels of lipogenesis genes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, and increased uncoupling protein 1 levels. Similarly, SKO-001 reduced lipid accumulation, decreased the mRNA levels of lipogenic genes, and reduced α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type 1 alpha 1 levels in the liver.

Conclusions

SKO-001 ameliorates obesity and related metabolic abnormalities in adipose and liver tissues, possibly via the regulation of lipid metabolism. Based on the results of the present study, SKO-001 may be applicable as an anti-obesity therapeutic or functional food.
Monogenetic volcanism in subduction settings: comparative statistical study of the Sierra Chichinautzin and Los Tuxtlas Volcanic Fields in Mexico
Authors: Sieron Katrin , Guilbaud Marie-Noëlle , Zarazúa-Carbajal María Cristina , Juárez Cerrillo Sergio Francisco
Published: February 2023

Monogenetic fields present significant diversity, yet this diversity has not been fully quantified, and its origin remains elusive. We studied two large subduction-related fields in Mexico, the Sierra Chichinautzin and Los Tuxtlas, that have distinct crustal stress regime and structures, magma compositions, vent types, and climatic conditions. Using recently available 5-m resolution topographical data, we located all the eruptive centers, studied their spatial distribution and analyzed scoria cone shapes in detail, calculating morphometric parameters for the best preserved. We then applied a set of statistical tools to analyze and compare the patterns of vent distribution, vent alignment, and diversity in cone shapes in these two fields. We observe that, despite their distinct setting, the two fields are similar in terms of vent distribution and cone morphology, which shows that this type of data cannot be used alone to infer the tectonic, magmatic, and climatic context of monogenetic fields. It also confirms previous results that the diversity in cone shapes (slope, height-to-diameter ratio) reflects processes that are common to all cones (e.g., ballistic emplacement followed by scoria avalanching on slopes), and hence do not vary significantly (at field-scale) with external parameters. Differences in the crustal stress regime had no apparent impact on vent distribution as the dikes followed active faults, irrespective of their motion. Climatic differences did not affect the shape variety of the studied cones probably because of their young ages (< 50,000 years old) and their location in a vegetated environment. The fields nevertheless differ in size and vent density, as well as scoria cone shape complexity and volume, which can be attributed to differences in the geometry of the magma source for its impact on the closeness of the dikes feeding the activity. Differences in the relative proportion of small cones in both fields are likely due to factors impacting eruptive style such as magma-water interaction, magma composition, and/or fissure lengths.
Modality preferences for health behaviour interventions for post-treatment cancer survivors: a theoretical investigation
Authors: Leske Morgan , Koczwara Bogda , Morris Julia , Beatty Lisa
Published: February 2023

Purposes

User preferences for how programs are delivered are an important consideration when developing healthy living interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) if cancer survivors prefer telephone or internet delivery for a healthy living intervention and (b) what factors were associated with delivery preference.

Methods

Australian cancer survivors (18 + years) were invited to complete an online or hardcopy cross-sectional survey measuring social and clinical demographic factors and validated measures of self-efficacy, health literacy, and social support.

Results

Of the 168 respondents, the majority were female (n = 147, 92%) and breast cancer survivors (n = 122, 80%) and preferred internet delivery (n = 109, 65%). Participants who preferred internet delivery had a longer time since diagnosis (M = 9.85 years, SD = 8.20) compared to those who preferred telephone (M = 6.80 years, SD = 5.54), p = .03. However, logistic regression analyses demonstrated that no other variables (age, gender, socio-economic status, BMI, education, self-efficacy, health literacy, nor social support) had a direct association on delivery preference.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors appear to prefer internet delivery to telephone, particularly for those further along the survivorship trajectory. Future intervention development should therefore consider the internet modality for delivering accessible health interventions and offer the program to long-term cancer survivors. Whether these findings are replicable in the current post-pandemic phase is an important avenue for future research.
The effects of platelet-rich plasma injections in different stages of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Annaniemi Juho A , Pere Jüri , Giordano Salvatore
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are challenging the current treatment options for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Targeting the treatment to optimal stage of the symptomatic KOA may be crucial in the success and failure of treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of PRP injections at different stages of KOA in order to determine the optimal stage of the KOA for PRP injection treatments.

Methods

A total of 89 consecutive patients with symptomatic KOA Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1 to 3 (Group A grade 1, group B grade 2 and group C grade 3) were given three intra-articular injections of PRP with 2 weeks interval between injections. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Range of Motion were measured before injection, at 15 days, 6 months, 12 months and, at last follow-up. Intergroup outcomes were compared.

Results

The comparison of groups A and C showed that WOMAC scores were significantly higher in group C at 15 days [p = 0.047] and at last follow-up [p = 0.008] than in group A, as well as VAS scores at 6 months [p = 0.031] and at last follow-up [p = 0.008]. The overall WOMAC and VAS scores showed decrease in all the groups in minimum follow-up of 14 months. The other comparisons did not show significant differences in outcomes.

Conclusion

All the groups showed decrease in WOMAC and VAS, but patients with mild KOA benefit significantly more from the treatments than patients with more severe KOA.
Aktuelle interdisziplinäre Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen
Authors: Guckenberger Matthias , Guninski Ricarda Stella , Hüllner Martin , Kobe Adrian , Schaser Klaus‑D. , Wicki Andreas
Published: February 2023

Eine Vielzahl an Krebspatienten entwickelt im Verlauf Knochenmetastasen. Die daraus folgenden Symptome wie Schmerzen, Funktionsverlust sowie neurologische Symptome können rasch zu einem onkologischen oder auch chirurgischen Notfall werden, es besteht in vielen Fällen rascher Handlungsbedarf. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Darstellung der aktuellen, evidenzbasierten interdisziplinären Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen. Grundsätzlich ist die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit und die Abstimmung aller Disziplinen der Goldstandard zur optimalen Behandlung ossärer Metastasen.
Creating a Medical Imaging Workflow Based on FHIR, DICOMweb, and SVG
Authors: Tang Shih-Tsang , Tjia Victoria , Noga Thalia , Febri Jeshika , Lien Chung-Yueh , Chu Woei-Chyn , Chen Chin-Yu , Hsiao Chia-Hung
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a web-based workflow scheme for the organization of medical images using FHIR and DICOM servers equipped with standard RESTful APIs. In our integrated workflow, the client systems (including order placer, scheduler, imaging modality, viewer, and report creator) use standard FHIR and DICOMweb APIs. The proposed scheme also facilitates the creation of reports formatted as standard FHIR resources. This paper leverages W3C Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) to record the image graphic annotations, and encapsulates the SVG image annotation in FHIR observation. FHIR DiagnosticReports and Observations are used to encapsulate reports, findings, and annotations, thereby facilitating the implementation and integration of the scheme within existing structures. The proposed scheme also provides the potential to make it possible to convert results of Computer Aided Detection/Diagnosis from medical images into FHIR DiagnosticReports and Observations to be stored on a FHIR server. The resulting web-based solution uses FHIR XML and/or JSON data to record and exchange information related to imaging workflow. It can also be used to store imaging reports, findings, and annotations linked to the images using the DICOM WADO-RS protocol. As a result, it is possible to integrate all information that is created in medical imaging workflow. Finally, the proposed scheme is easily integrated with other FHIR systems.
Egalitarian judgment aggregation
Authors: Botan Sirin , de Haan Ronald , Slavkovik Marija , Terzopoulou Zoi
Published: February 2023

Egalitarian considerations play a central role in many areas of social choice theory. Applications of egalitarian principles range from ensuring everyone gets an equal share of a cake when deciding how to divide it, to guaranteeing balance with respect to gender or ethnicity in committee elections. Yet, the egalitarian approach has received little attention in judgment aggregation—a powerful framework for aggregating logically interconnected issues. We make the first steps towards filling that gap. We introduce axioms capturing two classical interpretations of egalitarianism in judgment aggregation and situate these within the context of existing axioms in the pertinent framework of belief merging. We then explore the relationship between these axioms and several notions of strategyproofness from social choice theory at large. Finally, a novel egalitarian judgment aggregation rule stems from our analysis; we present complexity results concerning both outcome determination and strategic manipulation for that rule.
Responsibility Under Uncertainty: Which Climate Decisions Matter Most?
Authors: Botta Nicola , Brede Nuria , Crucifix Michel , Ionescu Cezar , Jansson Patrik , Li Zheng , Martínez Marina , Richter Tim
Published: February 2023

We propose a new method for estimating how much decisions under monadic uncertainty matter. The method is generic and suitable for measuring responsibility in finite horizon sequential decision processes. It fulfills “fairness” requirements and three natural conditions for responsibility measures: agency, avoidance and causal relevance. We apply the method to study how much decisions matter in a stylized greenhouse gas emissions process in which a decision maker repeatedly faces two options: start a “green” transition to a decarbonized society or further delay such a transition. We account for the fact that climate decisions are rarely implemented with certainty and that their consequences on the climate and on the global economy are uncertain. We discover that a “moral” approach towards decision making — doing the right thing even though the probability of success becomes increasingly small — is rational over a wide range of uncertainties.
An empirical model of heat-treated straw bulks’ thermal conductivity based on changes in mass and chemical composition
Authors: Csanády Dániel , Fenyvesi Olivér , Nagy Balázs
Published: February 2023

An empirical model was developed to estimate the thermal conductivity of heat-treated straw bulks based on laboratory experiments. During the measurements, two different types of straw were investigated, barley and wheat. Barley was used to composing our empirical model and define the influencing model parameters, and wheat straw was used for validation. Both straws were heat-treated in a dry oxidative ambient in five temperature steps from 60 to 180 °C. The thermal conductivity was measured at 120 kg m−3 bulk density after every treatment cycle. In addition, we were looking for the most suitable measurement methods to detect changes in material structure related to thermal conductivity in the range of relatively low-temperature treatments. Thermogravimetric measurement was conducted, and the mass loss and elemental composition were measured after every treatment cycle. The measurements showed that the mass percentage ratio of carbon in straw increased, and the mass percentage of oxygen decreased in the investigated temperature range. We identified and separated the following parameters of the model, which can estimate the relative thermal conductivity of heat-treated stem bulks: relative residual mass, relative mass percentage ratio of carbon content and oxygen content. We divided the model into two parts, creating a simpler but worse approximation (the measurements required for this are much easier to perform) and a slightly more complex but better approximation. After the validation, our model achieved good agreement with the relative thermal conductivities calculated by the measured thermal conductivities.
Improving the congruency of satellite-based fertilizer maps with field-operable units using pneumatic spreaders
Authors: Lösch Maximilian , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: February 2023

The dramatically increasing nitrogen fertiliser prices and growing environmental awareness emphasise the need to optimise machine operability to avoid double overlapping of the target dose rate in different field units, including headlands and field bodies, to be more congruent with satellite-based nitrogen prescription maps. However, the map grids frequently do not correspond with farmers’ management practices, specifically machine operability. To this end, this study develops an algorithm that subdivides any given field into operable units by considering pneumatic spreaders based on the actual tramline on the field and placing the operable units along with this. The newly developed algorithm allows ex-ante specification of the required fertiliser amount. It shows how well such techniques can implement an optimised application map supported by the statistical information for each field unit. Uniform fertilizer application can further be compared with variable rate application (VRA) as well as machinery with and without section control, allowing the identification of areas with the greatest deviation and the excess amount of nitrogen applied. A more precise nitrogen application on both homogeneous or heterogeneous field units saves nitrogen and decreases the negative environmental impact.
Monument protection as a limiting factor for large scale vertical greening system implementation to counteract indoor heat stress – a GIS-based analysis for Berlin, Germany
Authors: Roesch Emil J. , Hoffmann Karin A. , Nehls Thomas
Published: February 2023

Vertical greening systems (VGS), as proven strategy for adaptation to heat stress, are prohibited for monument-protected buildings and façades. To what extent monument protection effectively limits the implementation of VGS in heat stress affected city centers has not been quantified yet. In this study, the ratio of buildings under monument protection was quantified for Berlin, Germany, using a GIS analysis. It was then compared to a map of potential heat stress. This was done for the entire city and the inner-city area on block-scale.

Therefore, maps of the Berlin buildings, monuments and blocks were processed. The ratio of buildings under monument protection was calculated for each block of Berlin. To not deform the outcome, urban green areas were cut out of the maps. Inside the 80 km2 city center of Berlin, which is severely affected by heat stress, the range of monument protection prohibiting VGS in the individual blocks ranges from 0 % to 100 ﻿%. However, 25.42 ﻿% of the building façades in the city center and 16.20 ﻿% for whole of Berlin are protected on average and therefore cannot be greened. Compared to other restricting factors, monument protection does not generally hinder large scale implementation of VGS in Berlin. Nonetheless, 102 potentially heat stress exposed blocks inhabited by 48,122 people cannot be greened due to monument protection. This demonstrates that VGS should be discussed as exception from monument protection that can be justified by a predominant public interest. It also points to the need of minimal invasive and mobile greenery technologies, which would enable heritage-protection conform greening.
Multi-country metabolic signature discovery for chicken health classification
Authors: Wolthuis Joanna C. , Magnúsdóttir Stefanía , Stigter Edwin , Tang Yuen Fung , Jans Judith , Gilbert Myrthe , van der Hee Bart , Langhout Pim , Gerrits Walter , Kies Arie , de Ridder Jeroen , van Mil Saskia
Published: February 2023

Introduction

To decrease antibiotic resistance, their use as growth promoters in the agricultural sector has been largely abandoned. This may lead to decreased health due to infectious disease or microbiome changes leading to gut inflammation.

Objectives

We aimed to generate a m/z signature classifying chicken health in blood, and obtain biological insights from the resulting m/z signature.

Methods

We used direct infusion mass-spectrometry to determine a machine-learned metabolomics signature that classifies chicken health from a blood sample. We then challenged the resulting models by investigating the classification capability of the signature on novel data obtained at poultry houses in previously unseen countries using a Leave-One-Country-Out (LOCO) cross-validation strategy. Additionally, we optimised the number of mass/charge (m/z) values required to maximise the classification capability of Random Forest models, by developing a novel ranking system based on combined univariate t-test and fold-change analyses and building models based on this ranking through forward and reverse feature selection.

Results

The multi-country and LOCO models could classify chicken health. Both resulting 25-m/z and 3784-m/z signatures reliably classified chicken health in multiple countries. Through mummichog enrichment analysis on the large m/z signature, we found changes in amino acid metabolism, including branched chain amino acids and polyamines.

Conclusion

We reliably classified chicken health from blood, independent of genetic-, farm-, feed- and country-specific confounding factors. The 25-m/z signature can be used to aid development of a per-metabolite panel. The extended 3784-m/z version can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic causes and consequences of low chicken health. Together, they may facilitate future treatment, prevention and intervention.
Virtual monochromatic spectral CT imaging in preoperative evaluations for intraductal spread of breast cancer: comparison with conventional CT and MRI
Authors: Matsuura Yuko , Kamitani Takeshi , Sagiyama Koji , Yamasaki Yuzo , Hino Takuya , Kubo Makoto , Ijichi Hideki , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Yabuuchi Hidetake , Ishigami Kousei
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy of virtual monochromatic spectral computed tomography imaging (VMI) in the preoperative evaluation for intraductal spread of breast cancer.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four women who underwent spectral CT and were pathologically diagnosed with ductal carcinoma with a ≥ 2-cm noninvasive component were retrospectively enrolled in Group 1. Twenty-two women with 22 lesions pathologically diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ or microinvasive carcinoma were enrolled in Group 2. We compared the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the lesions on conventional 120-kVp CT images and 40-keV VMIs in Group 1. Two board-certified radiologists measured the maximum diameters of enhancing areas on 120-kVp CT, 40-keV VMI, and MRI in Group 2 and compared with histopathological sizes.

Results

The quantitative assessment of Group 1 revealed that the mean ± SD of the CNRs in the 40-keV images were significantly greater than those in the 120-kVp images (5.5 ± 1.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.5, p < 0.0001). The quantitative assessment of Group 2 demonstrated that the lesion size observed in the conventional 120-kVp CT images by both readers was significantly underestimated as compared to the histopathological size (p = 0.017, 0.048), whereas both readers identified no significant differences between the lesion size measured on 40-keV VMI and the histopathological data. In a comparison with MRI, 40-keV VMI provided measurement within a 10-mm error range in more lesions as compared to the conventional 120-kVp CT.

Conclusion

VMI improves the evaluation of intraductal spread and is useful for the preoperative evaluations of breast cancer.
New classes of p-adic evolution equations and their applications
Authors: Torresblanca-Badillo Anselmo , Bolaño-Benitez Edwin A.
Published: February 2023

In this article, we study new classes of evolution equations in thep-adic context. We establish rigorously that the fundamental solutions of the homogeneous Cauchy problem, naturally associated to these equations, are transition density functions of some strong Markov processes$${\mathfrak {X}}$$Xwith state space then-dimensionalp-adic unit ball ($${\mathbb {Z}}_{p}^{n}$$Zpn). We introduce a family of operators$$\{T_{t}\}_{t\ge 0}$${Tt}t≥0(obtained explicitly) that determine a Feller semigroup on$$C_{0}({\mathbb {Z}}_{p}^{n})$$C0(Zpn). Also, we study the asymptotic behavior of the survival probability of a strong Markov processes$${\mathfrak {X}}$$Xon a ball$$B_{-m}^{n}\subset {\mathbb {Z}}_{p}^{n}$$B-mn⊂Zpn,$$m\in {\mathbb {N}}$$m∈N. Moreover, we study the inhomogeneous Cauchy problem and we will show that its mild solution is associated with the mentioned above Feller semigroup.
Immortalized Alzheimer’s Disease Astrocytes: Characterization of Their Proteolytic Systems
Authors: Gong Chunmei , Bonfili Laura , Zheng Yadong , Cecarini Valentina , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Angeletti Mauro , Dematteis Giulia , Tapella Laura , Genazzani Armando A. , Lim Dmitry , Eleuteri Anna Maria
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegeneration with dysfunctions in both the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy. Astroglia participation in AD is an attractive topic of research, but molecular patterns are partially defined and available in vitro models have technical limitations. Immortalized astrocytes from the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD and wild-type mice (3Tg-iAstro and WT-iAstro, respectively) have been obtained as an attempt to overcome primary cell line limitations and this study aims at characterizing their proteolytic systems, focusing on UPS and autophagy. Both 26S and 20S proteasomal activities were downregulated in 3Tg-iAstro, in which a shift in catalytic subunits from constitutive 20S proteasome to immunoproteasome occurred, with consequences on immune functions. In fact, immunoproteasome is the specific complex in charge of clearing damaged proteins under inflammatory conditions. Parallelly, augmented expression and activity of the lysosomal cathepsin B, enhanced levels of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1, beclin1, and LC3-II, together with an increased uptake of monodansylcadaverine in autophagic vacuoles, suggested autophagy activation in 3Tg-iAstro. The two proteolytic pathways were linked by p62 that accumulated in 3Tg-iAstro due to both increased synthesis and decreased degradation in the UPS defective astrocytes. Treatment with 4-phenylbutyric acid, a neuroprotective small chemical chaperone, partially restored proteasome and autophagy-mediated proteolysis in 3Tg-iAstro. Our data shed light on the impaired proteostasis in 3Tg-iAstro with proteasome inhibition and autophagic compensatory activation, providing additional validation of this AD in vitro model, and propose a new mechanism of action of 4-phenylbutyric acid in neurodegenerative disorders.
„Ein Social-Media-Post ist kein Projektil“ – Konzeptionelle Herausforderungen durch Desinformation
Authors: Teetz Adrian
Published: February 2023

Das sicherheitspolitische Paradigma der „Hybriden Bedrohungen“ zählt Desinformationsaktivitäten zum Arsenal internationaler „Grauzonenkonflikte“ unterhalb der Schwelle des bewaffneten Angriffs. Demokratische Staaten geraten damit in das Paradox, ihre Öffentlichkeit als Plattform der Meinungs- und Willensbildung gegen feindselige Interventionen zu verteidigen, ohne in deren konstitutive Freiheitlichkeit einzugreifen. Dies stellt die staatliche Gefahrenabwehr vor neue konzeptionelle Herausforderungen.
Does Training Background Influence Outcomes after Coronal Scalp Incision for Treating Craniomaxillofacial Injuries?: A German Pilot Study
Authors: Pitak-Arnnop Poramate , Subbalekha Keskanya , Tangmanee Chatpong , Sirintawat Nattapong , Meningaud Jean-Paul , Neff Andreas
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To examine outcomes of the coronal scalp approach to craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures performed by oral-maxillofacial or craniofacial plastic surgery residents (OMFS/CFPS-Rs) vs. trauma surgery residents (TS-Rs), and to determine differences in treatment outcomes between both operator groups.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled a sample of CMF fracture adult patients treated via the coronal approach in a German level one trauma center during a two-year interval. The predictor variable was training background (OMFS/CFPS-Rs vs. TS-Rs; each n = 5). All trainees must assist in ≥ two surgeries before self-performance. The main outcomes were length of hospital stay (LHS) and coronal flap-related complications (CFRCs). Appropriate statistics were computed at α = 95%.

Results

Of the 97 patients identified during the study period; 71 of whom (19.7% females; mean age, 40.2 ± 15.2 years; 46.5% operated by TS-Rs; 38% combined upper and midfacial fractures) met the inclusion criteria. Operative time, LHS, CFRCs, readmission rates, and post-discharge emergency room visits were not significantly different between the trainee groups. 60% of CFRCs were visible/unfavorable or hypertrophic scar with/without alopecia. The number needed to treat of short LHS was 44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9 to 4.8), the number needed to harm of CFRCs was 14 (95% CI, 3.6 to 7.4), i.e., the likelihood to be helped or harmed was 0.32.

Conclusions

Coronal flap raising by OMFS/CFPS-Rs does not appear beneficial over that by TS-Rs in terms of LHS and CFRCs evaluated until postoperative month six. Trainees from any surgical specialties could gain partial independence from skilled surgeons in CMF trauma “sub-steps” and favorable clinical outcomes. Further studies in a larger sample cohort are required to confirm this pilot data.
The asymptotic Samuel function and invariants of singularities
Authors: Benito A. , Bravo A. , Encinas S.
Published: February 2023

The asymptotic Samuel function generalizes to arbitrary rings the usual order function of a regular local ring. In this paper, we use this function to introduce the notion of the Samuel slope of a Noetherian local ring, and we study some of its properties. In particular, we focus on the case of a local ring at singular point of a variety, and, among other results, we prove that the Samuel slope of these rings is related to some invariants used in algorithmic resolution of singularities.
The antioxidant, wound healing properties and proteomic analysis of water extracts from the tropical cyanobacteria, Nostoc NIES-2111_MUM004
Authors: Foo Su Chern , Lee Zi Sheng , Yap Michelle Khai Khun , Tan Ji Wei
Published: February 2023

Cyanobacteria bioactive compounds are chemical treasure troves for product discovery and development. The wound healing effects and antioxidant capacities of water extracts from Nostoc NIES-2111_MUM004 were evaluated via in vitro wound scratch assay and three antioxidant assays respectively. Results showed that the water extracts were protein-rich and exhibited good antioxidant properties in ABTS radical scavenging (11.27 ± 0.205 mg TAE g−1 extract), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (1652.71 ± 110.71 mg TAE g−1 extract) and β-carotene bleaching assay (354.90 ± 31.80 mg TAE g−1 extract). Also, extracts were non-cytotoxic in concentrations up to 250 µg/mL as reflected in cytotoxicity assay. Importantly, water extracts showed considerable proliferation and migration activity at 125 µg/mL with wound closure rate as high as 42.67%. Statistical correlation revealed no significant relationship (p > 0.05) between protein fraction and the wound healing properties, confirming that phycobiliproteins were not solely responsible for wound healing activities. Subsequent Q-TOF-LCMS analysis identified six protein families involved in enhancing the proliferation and migration of epithelial cells. These findings are antecedent in the uncovering of continuous supplies of bioactive compounds from new and sustainable sources. Ultimately, enriching the microalgae menu for applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceuticals.
Stress among nursing staff and interventions in Austrian nursing homes
Authors: Bauer Silvia , Eglseer Doris , Hödl Manuela
Published: February 2023

Background

Most of the limited number of studies that have been carried out on COVID-19 in nursing homes have not included primarily nursing staff. Nevertheless, knowledge about staff experiences will help to provide recommendations for the future.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe stress experienced and interventions performed by nursing staff and to identify factors that are associated to the perceived stress among Austrian nursing home staff during the first and the second waves of COVID-19.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of two cross-sectional surveys performed in 2020 and 2021 among nursing home staff was performed. We did descriptive analysis as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 449 nurses participated in the first survey and 300 in the second survey. 12.7% experienced high stress levels in the first wave, while 26.0% experienced high stress levels in the second wave (p < 0.001). The analysis showed that nursing staff in the second wave had a 2.195-fold higher relative chance of experiencing a high stress level compared to nursing staff in the first wave (p < 0.001). Caring for COVID-19 residents (odds ratio [OR] 1.827; p = 0.007) and being female (OR 1.992; p = 0.018) also significantly increased the relative chance of experiencing a high stress level. Some protective interventions, such as the use of FFP masks, increased between the two waves, while others decreased, such as the practice of airing the residents’ rooms.

Conclusion

Austrian nursing staff in nursing homes experienced more stress during the second wave, illustrating the heavy burden of the long pandemic on staff. Nursing management should plan appropriate supportive interventions such as psychological help, stress relief measures and financial incentives for nursing staff, especially for the identified high-risk groups.
Nanoclays-containing bio-based packaging materials: properties, applications, safety, and regulatory issues
Authors: Perera Kalpani Y. , Hopkins Maille , Jaiswal Amit K. , Jaiswal Swarna
Published: February 2023

Food packaging is an important concept for consumer satisfaction and the increased shelf life of food products. The introduction of novel food packaging materials has become an emerging trend in recent years, which could be mainly due to environmental pollution caused by plastic packaging and to reduce food waste. Recently, numerous studies have been carried out on nanoclays or nanolayered silicate to be used in packaging material development as reinforcing filler composites. Different types of nanoclays have been used as food packaging materials, while montmorillonite (MMT), halloysite, bentonite (BT), Cloisite, and organically modified nanoclays have become of great interest. The incorporation of nanoclays into the packaging matrix improves the mechanical and barrier properties and at the same time prolongs the biodegradation of the packaging material. The purpose of this article is to examine the development of nanoclay-based food packaging materials. The review article highlights the current state of research on bio-based polymers with nanoclay for food packaging. In addition, the report analyses the mechanical, barrier, and antibacterial characteristics of nanoclay-based food packaging materials. Finally, it discusses the migration of nanoclays, toxicity levels, and the legislation associated with the application of nanoclays.

Graphical abstract
Renal scintigraphy to predict persistent renal failure after acute kidney injury: an observational study
Authors: Altarelli Marco , Jreige Mario , Prior John Olivier , Nicod Lalonde Marie , Schneider Antoine Guillaume
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Renal scintigraphy (RS) is occasionally performed to assess the risk of persistent renal failure (PRF) in patients with acute kidney disease (AKD). However, its diagnostic performance has never been assessed.

Methods

We identified all patients with AKD for whom RS was performed in our institution between 2010 and 2017. PRF was defined as persistently low (< 33% of baseline) estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), 1 year after RS. Nuclear medicine specialists reviewed RS data and rated, for each patient, the likelihood of PRF (“PRF score”). We evaluated the performance to predict PRF (area under the ROC curve (AUC)) of RS-derived parameters such as renal accumulation index, accumulation slope, and new parameters derived from serial kidney activity counts. We tested the ability of those parameters to improve a clinical model including hypertension, diabetes, AKI severity and baseline eGFR. Finally, we conducted sensitivity analyses using alternate PRF definitions.

Results

Among 97 patients included, 57 (59%) fulfilled the criteria for PRF. The PRF score was able to predict PRF with an AUC of 0.63. Similarly, the accumulation index and accumulation slope respective AUCs were 0.64 and 0.63. None of these parameters were able to improve the performance of the clinical model. Among new parameters, the 3rd/2nd minute activity ratio and 3rd/2nd minute activity slope had fair diagnostic performance (AUC 0.72 and 0.74, respectively) and improved the performance of the clinical model. Results were confirmed in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Conventional renal scintigraphy can identify patients at high risk of PRF with a high specificity but a low sensitivity. New parameters, with comparable diagnostic abilities can be obtained within three minutes of injection.

Graphical abstract
Automatic multi-documents text summarization by a large-scale sparse multi-objective optimization algorithm
Authors: Abo-Bakr H. , Mohamed S. A.
Published: February 2023

Due to the exponential overflow of textual information in various fields of knowledge and on the internet, it is very challenging to extract important information or to generate a summary from some multi-document collection in a specific field. With such a gigantic amount of textual content, human text summarization becomes impractical since it is expensive and consumes a lot of time and effort. So, developing automatic text summarization (ATS) systems is becoming increasingly essential. ATS approaches are either extractive or abstractive. The extractive approach is simpler and faster than the abstractive approach. This work proposes an extractive ATS system that aims to extract a small subset of sentences from a large multi-document text. First, the whole text is preprocessed by applying some natural language processing techniques such as sentences segmentation, words tokenization, removal of stop-words, and stemming to provide a structured representation of the original document collection. Based on this structured representation, the ATS problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization (MOO) problem that optimizes the extracted summary to maintain the coverage of the main text content while avoiding redundant information. Secondly, an evolutionary sparse multi-objective algorithm is developed to solve the formulated large-scale MOO. The output of this algorithm is a set of non-dominated summaries (Pareto front). A novel criterion is proposed to select the target summary from the Pareto front. The proposed ATS system has been examined using (DUC) datasets, and the output summaries have been evaluated using (ROUGE) metrics and compared with the literature.
Sustainable intensification of vegetable production using the cereal ‘push-pull technology’: benefits and one health implications
Authors: Chidawanyika Frank , Muriithi Beatrice , Niassy Saliou , Ouya Fredrick O. , Pittchar Jimmy O. , Kassie Menale , Khan Zeyaur R.
Published: February 2023

‘One health’ (OH) is a cross-sectoral approach that addresses human, plant, animal, and environmental health problems. The initiative stems from recognition of the convoluted linkages among global health risks and the need for coherent multipronged countermeasures. For agriculture, environmental degradation and biodiversity depletion wrought by heavy reliance on inorganic inputs to meet the needs of the ever-growing human population, are a matter of societal concern. Agroecological-based farming strategies have therefore aptly been promoted as an alternative. The push-pull technology (PPT), which was originally developed to combat stemborer pests and later the parasitic weed Striga is one such example. Undoubtedly, the PPT`s ability to maintain soil health and fertility, human and animal nutrition, and food safety together with crop protection against pests remains a progressive approach for buttressing food production among resource-constrained farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In a bid to elevate its nutrition-sensitivity status, we recently intensified the cereal PPT by adding vegetables and legumes whilst simultaneously closing yield gaps through judicious usage of land, and environmental and crop protection based on farmer needs. Such context-based interventions, unlock new benefits for farmers and open new frontiers for research in pest and biodiversity management emanating from crop production infused with food safety and environmental stewardship. Whilst OH has largely received attention regarding animal health and zoonotics, we here opine how sustainably managed crop health, in the vegetable intensified PPT, contributes to the same outcomes through human and animal nutrition, food safety that bolsters developmental goals in gender equity and food security. We conclude that the cropping system can even contribute to fight against zoonotic diseases if companion plants that fend off diseases vectors are incorporated.
Molecular Modeling to Predict the Optimal Mineralogy of Smectites as Binders of Aflatoxin
Authors: Szczerba Marek , Deng Youjun , Kowalik-Hyla Mariola
Published: February 2023

Numerous experiments have verified that smectites can adsorb aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) effectively and the efficiency of this process depends heavily on the chemical, physical, and mineralogical characteristics of the smectite. Several relationships between these characteristics and AfB1 sorption have been determined experimentally, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these were not investigated. In the current study the effects of charge density, type of exchange cation, and charge origin (octahedral vs. tetrahedral) on AfB1 sorption on smectites were analyzed by a series of molecular simulations. The calculations confirmed the formation of water bridges between carbonyl groups of AfB1 molecules and interlayer cations. Flat orientation of AfB1 molecules on smectite surfaces was also confirmed. For larger amounts of AfB1 molecules in the intercalates, self-association of two AfB1 molecules bound by π–π interaction was shown. The thermodynamics of AfB1 sorption depends heavily on the water content in the structure, being optimal for basal distances corresponding to two layers of water. A clear preference for sorption of AfB1 on smectites with bivalent cations (Ba2+, Ca2+) and an octahedral origin of its layer charge was confirmed and this was explained as steric hindrance between hydrated ions and AfB1 molecules, which tend to lie flat on smectite surfaces devoid of ions. Ba-montmorillonite with a charge of 0.4 per half unit cell was shown to have the smallest and thus the best potential energy of adsorption compared to the other layer charges.
Beware of sustainable AI! Uses and abuses of a worthy goal
Authors: Heilinger Jan-Christoph , Kempt Hendrik , Nagel Saskia
Published: February 2023

The ethical debate about technologies called artificial intelligence (AI) has recently turned towards the question whether and in which sense using AI can be sustainable, distinguishing possible contributions of AI to achieve the end of sustainability on the one hand from the sustainability of AI and its underlying technologies as means on the other hand. This important distinction is both applied in the context of environmental as well as social sustainability. However, further elaboration is necessary to capture the complexities of sustainability assessments in the context of AI. To this end, our analysis of the ends and means of “sustainable AI” in social and environmental contexts leads to a matrix of four dimensions reflecting its social and its environmental impact and costs. This matrix avoids overly narrow, one-dimensional assessments that too quickly label some AI-based technology as sustainable. While a selective assessment can, at best, warrant the narrower verdict of “thin” sustainability, only such a comprehensive assessment can warrant the verdict of what we call “thick” sustainability. In consequence, we recommend to broaden the normative scope in considering the ethics and justice of AI and to use the notion “sustainability” more carefully and sparingly, and to pursue the more ambitious goal of “thick” sustainability of AI-based technologies to meaningfully contribute to actual improvements of human lives and living together. Current conditions of an economy oriented towards permanent growth, however, may make it difficult or even impossible to realise sustainable AI.
Effectiveness of Regulatory Policies on Online/Digital/Internet-Mediated Alcohol Marketing: a Systematic Review
Authors: Radoš Krnel Sandra , Levičnik Gorazd , van Dalen Wim , Ferrarese Giulia , Tricas-Sauras Sandra
Published: February 2023

Background

The rapid growth of social networking sites and video sharing platforms has created an opportunity for the alcohol industry to employ advanced advertising and marketing approaches to target their audiences, increasingly blurring the lines between commercial marketing and user-generated content, which poses a challenge for effective regulation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search through three peer-reviewed journal databases (WoS, PubMed, Scopus). Studies were included if published in English, after 2004, and assessed statutory regulation or voluntary industry codes, enacted by an EU or nation’s governmental agency or private entity, and with the intent to restrict digital alcohol advertising. In addition, we conducted a manual search of gray literature.

Results

A total of 4690 records were identified. After duplicate removal and full-text assessment, 14 articles were examined. Our findings indicate that children and adolescents may often be exposed to alcohol advertisements on social media and websites due to industry’s self-regulatory age-affirmation systems being largely ineffective at preventing under-aged access. Cases of self-regulatory violations by the alcohol industry, and increasingly innovative ‘gray-area’ advertising approaches have also been noted. Additionally, research illustrates a lack of developed statutory restrictions of digital alcohol advertising and instead continued reliance on voluntary industry self-regulation.

Conclusions

There is a substantial need for further research to examine the effectiveness of digital alcohol advertising restrictions in social media, websites and image/video sharing platforms. Moreover, there is a necessity for countries to develop comprehensive statutory frameworks, which would effectively restrict and monitor rapidly advancing digital alcohol advertising practices on new digital media.