bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grief (Work) Is Heart (Work): A Critical Race Feminista Epistolary Exchange as an Offering on Death, Grief, and Well-Being to Academia
Authors: Garcia Nichole Margarita , Garcia Solano F.
Published: January 2024

This article centers around my work as a critical race feminista; an academic experiencing consistent attacks on the scholarship I produce while also being a tía (aunt), an active griever, and a godmother to my eldest nephew, Solano Garcia. This is the first time that my nephew and I will have shared our most private papelitos guardados (intimate guarded papers). In this article, we respond to the paucity of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-centered death, grief, and well-being in academia. Using a critical race feminist epistolary methodology, we document our epistolary exchanges that contain dehumanizing attempts on our bodymindspirit matrices as active grievers of color confronting the premature death of my brother, who died at the age of 37 in the summer of 2021. Unlike the ‘western’ psychotherapeutic tradition of overcoming death and grief, we stake a claim, sit with it, and affirm it as an ongoing process. We argue that recognizing and affirming death and grief is a life-making process that creates spaces for healing through our epistolary offerings. This article aims to offer BIPOC faculty, staff, students, and their families life-affirming strategies towards radical self-care, love, and intergenerational collective healing within a sociopolitical context that operates as a surveillance mechanism.
Boundary Devices for Reflexive Teachers
Authors: Sansone Nadia , Fabbri Manuela , Bortolotti Ilaria
Published: January 2024

Reflexivity appears to be a key focus when designing teachers’ training; therefore, designers and trainers need to plan and put in place situated and proactive learning contexts in which reflexivity is supported by specific participatory devices. During a 1st level master’s degree for teachers and educators, based on the Trialogical Learning Approach, learners are involved in several collaborative activities to create meaningful objects. Divided into 14 groups of four members covering specific roles (the coordinator, the researcher, the storyboarder, and the diarist), the participants collaboratively built a multimedia teaching resource about a chosen methodological–didactic theme. Applying a qualitative approach, this study analyzes the online diaries compiled during the activity to understand its impact as a “meta” boundary object able to support reflexivity on one’s professionalism. The content analysis focused on analyzing how objects and practices enabled learning and participation and how students’ identity evolved during group work. The results show that a diary may act as a reflexive tool, allowing for the externalization of the processes that underly the construction of individual and collective knowledge and promoting reflection on practices and identity positioning within a community composed of professionals working in educational fields. In the end, practical implications and recommendations are provided to enhance the reflexive diaries both in teachers’ training and in the daily practice with students.
Family Functioning Styles and Exercise Addiction: Disengaged, Enmeshed, and Rigid Family Patterns Are Associated with Exercise Addiction
Authors: Gori Alessio , Topino Eleonora , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: January 2024

Physical exercise is a widely recommended practice for promoting health, but for some individuals, this activity can result in pathological and morbid behaviour. Therefore, the study of the factors contributing to the onset, development, and progression of exercise addiction is particularly relevant. Within this framework, the present study assessed the effect of family functioning, body image concerns, age, and gender on exercise addiction. A sample of 300 regular exercisers (Mage = 30.3 years, SD = 11.6; 69.7% females, 30.3% males) participated in the study and completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales–IV, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Exercise Addiction Inventory. Data were analysed by implementing a series of moderated moderated-mediations. Results showed that three significant models were relevant. First, positive associations of disengaged (p < 0.05), enmeshed (p < 0.05), and rigid (p < 0.01) family functioning with exercise addiction were found. Furthermore, body image concerns mediated all these relationships, and the interaction between gender and age significantly moderated the effects of body image concerns on exercise addiction (p < 0.05). Such data may be useful for a deeper understanding of the variables associated with the development of exercise addiction, suggesting key elements on which it might be useful to focus in clinical and/or preventive activity.
Cybersecurity in Supply Chain Systems: The Farm-to-Fork Use Case
Authors: Leligou Helen C. , Lakka Alexandra , Karkazis Panagiotis A. , Costa Joao Pita , Tordera Eva Marin , Santos Henrique Manuel Dinis , Romero Antonio Alvarez
Published: January 2024

Modern supply chains comprise an increasing number of actors which deploy different information technology systems that capture information of a diverse nature and diverse sources (from sensors to order information). While the benefits of the automatic exchange of information between these systems have been recognized and have led to their interconnection, protecting the whole supply chain from potential attacks is a challenging issue given the attack proliferation reported in the literature. In this paper, we present the FISHY platform, which anticipates protecting the whole supply chain from potential attacks by (a) adopting novel technologies and approaches including machine learning-based tools to detect security threats and recommend mitigation policies and (b) employing blockchain-based tools to provide evidence of the captured events and suggested policies. This platform is also easily expandable to protect against additional attacks in the future. We experiment with this platform in the farm-to-fork supply chain to prove its operation and capabilities. The results show that the FISHY platform can effectively be used to protect the supply chain and offers high flexibility to its users.
How to Accurately Determine the Ohmic Contact Properties on n-Type 4H-SiC
Authors: Berger Clément , Alquier Daniel , Michaud Jean-François
Published: January 2024

The electrical properties of ohmic contacts are classically investigated by using the transfer length method (TLM). In the literature, the TLM patterns are fabricated onto different substrate configurations, especially directly onto the 4H-SiC wafers. But, due to the high doping level of commercial substrates, the current is not confined close to the contact and, in this case, the specific contact resistance (SCR) value is overestimated. In this article, we propose, by the means of simulations, to investigate the influence of the layer under the contact towards the estimation of the SCR. The simulation results highlight that, for an accurate determination of the SCR values, an isolation layer between the contact and the silicon carbide substrate is mandatory. Thus, we have determined the characteristics (doping level and thickness) of a suitable isolation layer compatible with SCR values ranging from 10−3 to 10−6 Ω·cm2.
Semi-Supervised Object Detection with Multi-Scale Regularization and Bounding Box Re-Prediction
Authors: Shao Yeqin , Lv Chang , Zhang Ruowei , Yin He , Che Meiqin , Yang Guoqing , Jiang Quan
Published: January 2024

Semi-supervised object detection has become a hot topic in recent years, but there are still some challenges regarding false detection, duplicate detection, and inaccurate localization. This paper presents a semi-supervised object detection method with multi-scale regularization and bounding box re-prediction. Specifically, to improve the generalization of the two-stage object detector and to make consistent predictions related to the image and its down-sampled counterpart, a novel multi-scale regularization loss is proposed for the region proposal network and the region-of-interest head. Then, in addition to using the classification probabilities of the pseudo-labels to exploit the unlabeled data, this paper proposes a novel bounding box re-prediction strategy to re-predict the bounding boxes of the pseudo-labels in the unlabeled images and select the pseudo-labels with reliable bounding boxes (location coordinates) to improve the model’s localization accuracy based on its unsupervised localization loss. Experiments on the public MS COCO and Pascal VOC show that our proposed method achieves a competitive detection performance compared to other state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, our method offers a multi-scale regularization strategy and a reliably located pseudo-label screening strategy, both of which facilitate the development of semi-supervised object detection techniques and boost the object detection performance in autonomous driving, industrial inspection, and agriculture automation.
Low-Carbon Optimal Scheduling of Integrated Energy System Considering Multiple Uncertainties and Electricity–Heat Integrated Demand Response
Authors: Li Hongwei , Li Xingmin , Chen Siyu , Li Shuaibing , Kang Yongqiang , Ma Xiping
Published: January 2024

To realize the low-carbon operation of integrated energy systems (IESs), this paper proposes a low-carbon optimal scheduling method. First of all, considering the integrated demand response of price-based electricity and heating, an economic scheduling model of the IES integrated demand response based on chance-constrained programming is proposed to minimize the integrated operating cost in an uncertain environment. Through the comprehensive demand response model, the impact of the demand response ratio on the operating economy of the IES is explored. Afterward, the carbon emission index is introduced, and gas turbines and energy storage devices are used as the actuators of multi-energy coupling to further explore the potential interactions between the coupling capacities of various heterogeneous energy sources and carbon emissions. Finally, the original uncertainty model is transformed into a mixed-integer linear-programming model and solved using sequence operation theory and the linearization method. The results show that the operating economy of the IES is improved by coordinating the uncertainty of the integrated demand response and renewable energy. In addition, the tradeoff between the working economy and reliability of the EIS can be balanced via the setting of an appropriate confidence level for the opportunity constraints.
Energy Management Scheme for Optimizing Multiple Smart Homes Equipped with Electric Vehicles
Authors: Prum Puthisovathat , Charoen Prasertsak , Khan Mohammed Ali , Bayati Navid , Charoenlarpnopparut Chalie
Published: January 2024

The rapid advancement in technology and rise in energy consumption have motivated research addressing Demand-Side Management (DSM). In this research, a novel design for Home Energy Management (HEM) is proposed that seamlessly integrates Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs), Photovoltaic (PV) installations, and Electric Vehicles (EVs). Leveraging a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) approach, the proposed system aims to minimize electricity costs. The optimization model takes into account Real-Time Pricing (RTP) tariffs, facilitating the efficient scheduling of household appliances and optimizing patterns for BESS charging and discharging, as well as EV charging and discharging. Both individual and multiple Smart Home (SH) case studies showcase noteworthy reductions in electricity costs. In the case of multiple SHs, a remarkable cost reduction of 46.38% was achieved compared to a traditional SH scenario lacking integration of a PV, BESS, and EV.
Assessment of the Impact of War on Concentrations of Pollutants and Heavy Metals and Their Seasonal Variations in Water and Sediments of the Tigris River in Mosul/Iraq
Authors: Altahaan Zena , Dobslaw Daniel
Published: January 2024

The war-related contamination of water and sediment of the Tigris River within the urban area of Mosul leads to seasonally independent exceedances of the WHO limit values for Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni in water and sediments. Furthermore, exceedances consistently occur for conductivity, PO43−, and SO42−, as well as sporadically for salinity and COD in water samples, and consistently for salinity in sediment samples, highlighting the direct impact of war (ammunition, ignition of sulfur fields), as well as indirect effects (destroyed wastewater infrastructure). Conflict-related emissions from the former conflict zone (S5–S7) are highlighted by the sudden increases in load from S4 to S5, although partially masked by the discharge of highly polluted water from the Khosr River (between S3 and S4). Due to the sorption of sediments and the presumed wind-borne discharge of highly polluted particles into the Tigris River, sediments at S10 on the southern edge of Mosul showed the highest pollutant loads. Significant statistical differences were observed through T-test analyses for E.C., TDS, salinity, COD, PO43−, NO3−, SO42−, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni for water samples, as well as salinity, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cr for the sediment samples for seasonal comparison. Since the percentage difference of water samples at S4–S7 is smaller than upstream and downstream, contaminant input is not limited to rainwater but also occurs via the year-round infiltration of highly polluted wastewater from the surrounding valleys or suburban areas, as well as presumably polluted groundwater or windblown particulate input.
Economic Impacts of Projected White Oak (Quercus alba L.) Timber Supply in Kentucky: A CGE Model Analysis
Authors: Dhungel Gaurav , Ochuodho Thomas O.
Published: January 2024

Demand for high-quality white oak sawlogs in Kentucky has been increasing for decades. Concurrently, Kentucky is witnessing ecological shifts in the historically white oak-dominated forests, mirroring the structural changes in oak forests in the eastern US. This demand–supply dissonance presents a growing concern among stakeholders on the sustainability of white oak and its associated economic implications. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess the potential economic impacts of the projected white oak timber supply following an overall increased supply of white oak sawlogs but reduced supply of high-quality white oak sawlogs in Kentucky. Results generated from a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model indicate a cumulative present-value GDP reduction of USD 3.66 billion, a USD 0.71 billion decline in consumer welfare, and other sectoral contractions over 40 years (2018–2058). These results can be used to advocate for more proactive forest management practices to stabilize a sustained supply of high-quality white oak timber in Kentucky and beyond.
Growth Performance of a Newly Isolated and Culturable Thraustochytrid Strain from Sea Squirt Colonies
Authors: Qarri Andy , Rinkevich Yuval , Douek Jacob , Sardogan Aydan , Rinkevich Baruch
Published: January 2024

The world’s oceans and seas host >100 known strains of thraustochytrids, a common group of marine eukaryotic unicellular protists, residing in diverse marine habitats, with many others to be isolated and cultivated. The thraustochytrids have become of considerable industrial interest due to health benefits gained from their high percentages of valuable bioactive compounds, revealing the needs for the isolation of new potential strains. Employing a recently developed isolation methodology (use of cell culture medium), we assess initial culture conditions and growth paces of newly isolated thraustochytrid cells (thraustochytrid sp. BSH), originated from the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, residing on Helgoland Island, Germany. Cells were cultivated under static versus agitated conditions, along with two inoculation sizes (0.5 × 106 and 1 × 106 cells/dish) and in three vessel types (35 mm Petri dishes and T25 and T75 flasks; containing 3, 5 and 15 mL medium, respectively). Cultures were observed under regular microscopy, confocal microscopy and H&E staining. While cells in all conditions grew fast, results revealed the superiority of agitated cultivation in T75 flasks inoculated with 0.5 × 106 cells/dish (6.41 ± 1.91-fold increase/week). Further, 18S rDNA revealed high similarities (99.5–99.8) of strain BSH to two thraustochytrid strains from Monterey, California (USA), B. schlosseri colonies, elucidating a new understanding of these animals-protists associations.
Porcine Intestinal Mucosal Peptides Target Macrophage-Modulated Inflammation and Alleviate Intestinal Homeostasis in Dextrose Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Wang Yucong , Xie Zhixin , Wu Xiaolong , Du Lei , Chong Zhengchen , Liu Rongxu , Han Jianchun
Published: January 2024

Porcine intestinal mucosal proteins are novel animal proteins that contain large amounts of free amino acids and peptides. Although porcine intestinal mucosal proteins are widely used in animal nutrition, the peptide bioactivities of their enzymatic products are not yet fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effect of porcine intestinal mucosal peptides (PIMP) on the RAW264.7 cell model of LPS-induced inflammation. The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors (interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β) and nitrous oxide levels were all measured by quantitative real-time PCR and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression measured by Western blot. To investigate the modulating effect of PIMP and to establish a model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, we examined the effects of hematoxylin-eosin staining, myeloperoxidase levels, pro-inflammatory factor mRNA content, tight junction protein expression, and changes in intestinal flora. Nuclear factor κB pathway protein levels were also assessed by Western blot. PIMP has been shown in vitro to control inflammatory responses and prevent the activation of key associated signaling pathways. PIMP at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg/day also alleviated intestinal inflammatory responses, reduced tissue damage caused by DSS, and improved intestinal barrier function. In addition, PIMP at 400 mg/kg/day successfully repaired the dysregulated gut microbiota and increased short-chain fatty acid levels. These findings suggest that PIMP may positively influence inflammatory responses and alleviate colitis. This study is the first to demonstrate the potential of PIMP as a functional food for the prevention and treatment of colitis.
AFB1 Triggers Lipid Metabolism Disorders through the PI3K/Akt Pathway and Mediates Apoptosis Leading to Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Wang Tiancai , Li Xiabing , Liao Guangqin , Wang Zishuang , Han Xiaoxu , Gu Jingyi , Mu Xiyan , Qiu Jing , Qian Yongzhong
Published: January 2024

As the most prevalent mycotoxin in agricultural products, aflatoxin B1 not only causes significant economic losses but also poses a substantial threat to human and animal health. AFB1 has been shown to increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but the underlying mechanism is not thoroughly researched. Here, we explored the toxicity mechanism of AFB1 on human hepatocytes following low-dose exposure based on transcriptomics and lipidomics. Apoptosis-related pathways were significantly upregulated after AFB1 exposure in all three hES-Hep, HepaRG, and HepG2 hepatogenic cell lines. By conducting a comparative analysis with the TCGA-LIHC database, four biomarkers (MTCH1, PPM1D, TP53I3, and UBC) shared by AFB1 and HCC were identified (hazard ratio > 1), which can be used to monitor the degree of AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity. Simultaneously, AFB1 induced abnormal metabolism of glycerolipids, sphingolipids, and glycerophospholipids in HepG2 cells (FDR < 0.05, impact > 0.1). Furthermore, combined analysis revealed strong regulatory effects between PIK3R1 and sphingolipids (correlation coefficient > 0.9), suggesting potential mediation by the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway within mitochondria. This study revealed the dysregulation of lipid metabolism induced by AFB1 and found novel target genes associated with AFB-induced HCC development, providing reliable evidence for elucidating the hepatotoxicity of AFB as well as assessing food safety risks.
Effects of Gas Composition on the Lipid Oxidation and Fatty Acid Concentration of Tilapia Fillets Treated with In-Package Atmospheric Cold Plasma
Authors: Sang Xiaohan , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Jiamei , Cai Zhicheng , Zeng Lixian , Deng Wentao , Zhang Jianhao , Jiang Zhumao
Published: January 2024

Cold plasma (CP) is a non-thermal preservation technology that has been successfully used to decontaminate and extend the shelf life of aquatic products. However, the preservation effect of CP treatment is determined by several factors, including voltage, time, and gas compositions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of gas composition (GasA: 10% O2, 50% N2, 40% CO2; GasB: air; GasC: 30% O2, 30% N2, 40% CO2) on the lipid oxidation of tilapia fillets treated after CP treatment. Changes in the lipid oxidation values, the percentages of fatty acids, and sensory scores were studied during 8 d of refrigerator storage. The results showed that the CP treatment significantly increased all the primary and secondary lipid oxidation values measured in this study, as well as the percentages of saturated fatty acids, but decreased the percentages of unsaturated fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids. The lipid oxidation values were significantly increased in the GasC-CP group. After 8 d, clearly increased percentages of saturated fatty acids, a low level of major polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic (C18:2n-6)), and a decrease in the percentages of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) were found in GasC-CP; that is, the serious oxidation of lipids was found in the high O2 concentration group. In addition, the sensory score was also lower than that of the hypoxia CP group. Therefore, high O2 concentrations can enhance lipid oxidation and the changes in the fatty acid concentration. Controlling the O2 concentration is reasonable to limit the degree to which lipids are oxidized in tilapia after the in-package CP treatment.
SVR Chemometrics to Quantify β-Lactoglobulin and α-Lactalbumin in Milk Using MIR
Authors: Babatunde Habeeb Abolaji , Collins Joseph , Lukman Rianat , Saxton Rose , Andersen Timothy , McDougal Owen M.
Published: January 2024

Protein content variation in milk can impact the quality and consistency of dairy products, necessitating access to in-line real time monitoring. Here, we present a chemometric approach for the qualitative and quantitative monitoring of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, using mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR). In this study, we employed Hotelling T2 and Q-residual for outlier detection, automated preprocessing using nippy, conducted wavenumber selection with genetic algorithms, and evaluated four chemometric models, including partial least squares, support vector regression (SVR), ridge, and logistic regression to accurately predict the concentrations of β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in milk. For the quantitative analysis of these two whey proteins, SVR performed the best to interpret protein concentration from 197 MIR spectra originating from 42 Cornell University samples of preserved pasteurized modified milk. The R2 values obtained for β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin using leave one out cross-validation (LOOCV) are 92.8% and 92.7%, respectively, which is the highest correlation reported to date. Our approach introduced a combination of preprocessing automation, genetic algorithm-based wavenumber selection, and used Optuna to optimize the framework for tuning hyperparameters of the chemometric models, resulting in the best chemometric analysis of MIR data to quantitate β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin to date.
Flexible Sensing Enabled Nondestructive Detection on Viability/Quality of Live Edible Oyster
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Qu Xiaotian , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Ma Ruiqin
Published: January 2024

Environmental and physiological fluctuations in the live oyster cold chain can result in reduced survival and quality. In this study, a flexible wireless sensor network (F-WSN) monitoring system combined with knowledge engineering was designed and developed to monitor environmental information and physiological fluctuations in the live oyster cold chain. Based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan to identify the critical control points (CCPs) in the live oyster cold chain, the F-WSN was utilized to conduct tracking and collection experiments in real scenarios from Yantai, Shandong Province, to Beijing. The knowledge model for shelf-life and quality prediction based on environmental information and physiological fluctuations was established, and the prediction accuracies of TVB-N, TVC, and pH were 96%, 85%, and 97%, respectively, and the prediction accuracy of viability was 96%. Relevant managers, workers, and experts were invited to participate in the efficiency and applicability assessment of the established system. The results indicated that combining F-WSN monitoring with knowledge-based HACCP modeling is an effective approach to improving the transparency of cold chain management, reducing quality and safety risks in the oyster industry, and promoting the sharing and reuse of HACCP knowledge in the oyster cold chain.
Screening of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NML21 and Its Maintenance on Postharvest Quality of Agaricus bisporus through Anti-Browning and Mitigation of Oxidative Damage
Authors: Shi Chengrui , Yang Xiaoli , Wang Pengjie , Zhang Hao , Wang Qihui , Wang Bo , Oyom William , Zhang Weibing , Wen Pengcheng
Published: January 2024

Browning and other undesirable effects on Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) during storage seriously affect its commercial value. In this study, a strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NML21, that resists browning and delays the deterioration of A. bisporus was screened among 72 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and its preservative effect was analyzed. The results demonstrated that gallic acid, catechin, and protocatechuic acid promoted the growth of NML21, and the strain conversion rates of gallic acid and protocatechuic acid reached 97.16% and 95.85%, respectively. During a 15 d storage of the samples, the NML21 treatment displayed a reduction in the browning index (58.4), weight loss (2.64%), respiration rate (325.45 mg kg−1 h−1), and firmness (0.65 N). The treatment further inhibited Pseudomonas spp. growth and polyphenol oxidase activity, improved the antioxidant capacity, reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and reduced the malonaldehyde content and cell membrane conductivity. Taken together, the optimized concentrations of NML21 may extend the shelf life of A. bisporus for 3–6 d and could be a useful technique for preserving fresh produce.
Shelf-Life Enhancement Applying Pulsed Electric Field and High-Pressure Treatments Prior to Osmotic Dehydration of Fresh-Cut Potatoes
Authors: Katsouli Maria , Dermesonlouoglou Efimia , Dimopoulos George , Karafantalou Eleftheria , Giannakourou Maria , Taoukis Petros
Published: January 2024

From a quality standpoint, it is desirable to preserve the characteristics of fresh-cut potatoes at their peak. However, due to the mechanical tissue damage during the cutting process, potatoes are susceptible to enzymatic browning. This study pertains to the selection of the appropriate osmotic dehydration (OD), high pressure (HP), and pulsed electric fields (PEF) processing conditions leading to effective quality retention of potato cuts. PEF (0.5 kV/cm, 200 pulses) or HP (400 MPa, 1 min) treatments prior to OD (35 °C, 120 min) were found to promote the retention of the overall quality (texture and color) of the samples. The incorporation of anti-browning agents (ascorbic acid and papain) into the osmotic solution improved the color retention, especially when combined with PEF or HP due to increased solid uptake (during OD) as indicated by DEI index (2.30, 1.93, and 2.10 for OD treated 120 min, non-pre-treated, HP pre-treated, and PEF pre-treated samples, respectively). PEF and HP combined with OD and anti-browning agent enrichment are sought to improve the quality and microbial stability of fresh-cut potatoes during refrigerator storage. Untreated fresh-cut potatoes were characterized by color degradation from the 2nd day of storage at 4 °C, and presented microbial growth (total viable counts: 6 log (CFU)/g) at day 6, whereas pre-treated potato samples retained their color and microbiologically stability after 6 days of cold storage (total viable counts, <4 log(CFU)/g).
Integrating External Controls by Regression Calibration for Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Zhu Lirong , Yan Shijia , Cao Xuewei , Zhang Shuanglin , Sha Qiuying
Published: January 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully revealed many disease-associated genetic variants. For a case-control study, the adequate power of an association test can be achieved with a large sample size, although genotyping large samples is expensive. A cost-effective strategy to boost power is to integrate external control samples with publicly available genotyped data. However, the naive integration of external controls may inflate the type I error rates if ignoring the systematic differences (batch effect) between studies, such as the differences in sequencing platforms, genotype-calling procedures, population stratification, and so forth. To account for the batch effect, we propose an approach by integrating External Controls into the Association Test by Regression Calibration (iECAT-RC) in case-control association studies. Extensive simulation studies show that iECAT-RC not only can control type I error rates but also can boost statistical power in all models. We also apply iECAT-RC to the UK Biobank data for M72 Fibroblastic disorders by considering genotype calling as the batch effect. Four SNPs associated with fibroblastic disorders have been detected by iECAT-RC and the other two comparison methods, iECAT-Score and Internal. However, our method has a higher probability of identifying these significant SNPs in the scenario of an unbalanced case-control association study.
Nurses Response to the Physical and Psycho-Social Care Needs of Patients with COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Tolotti Angela , Bonetti Loris , Luca Corina Elena , Villa Michele , Liptrott Sarah Jayne , Steiner Laura Maria , Balice-Bourgois Colette , Biegger Annette , Valcarenghi Dario
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted nursing care. This study aimed to understand which nursing interventions were instrumental in responding to COVID-19 patients’ needs by exploring the experiences of patients and nurses. In this mixed-method study with an explanatory sequential design, we involved nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in intensive and sub-intensive care units and patients. In the first phase, we collected data through a survey that assessed patients’ needs from the perspective of nurses and patients, as well as patient satisfaction. In the second phase, qualitative data were collected through interviews with patients and nurses. In the third phase, we extracted quantitative data from patients’ records. Our sample included 100 nurses, 59 patients, 15 patient records, and 31 interviews (15 patients, 16 nurses). The results from the first phase showed patients and nurses agreed on the most important difficulties: “breathing”, “sleep/rest”, and “communication”. Nursing care was rated positively by 90% of the patients. In the second phase, four themes were identified through the patients’ interviews: “my problems”, “my emotions”, “helpful factors”, and “nursing care”. Five themes were identified through the nurses’ interviews: “the context”, “nurses’ experiences and emotions”, “facilitators and barriers to patient care”, “nursing care”, and “the professional role”. From the third phase, the analysis of the clinical documentation, it was not possible to understand the nursing care model used by the nurses. In conclusion, nurses adopted a reactive-adaptive approach, based on experience/knowledge, pursuing generalized objectives, and adapting their response to the clinical evolution. In difficult contexts, nursing care requires a constant competent technical-relational presence at the patient’s bedside.
Attitudes of Internal Medicine Nurses, Surgical Nurses and Midwives towards Reporting of Clinical Adverse Events
Authors: Majda Anna , Majkut Michalina , Wróbel Aldona , Kamińska Alicja , Kurowska Anna , Wojcieszek Agata , Kołodziej Kinga , Barzykowski Krystian
Published: January 2024

Understanding the attitudes of medical staff contributes to shaping a culture of safety in health care. The aim of this study was the measurement of attitudes of nurses and midwives towards reporting clinical adverse events. Various research tools were used, including the Reporting of Clinical Adverse Events Scale (RoCAES; Polish: P-RoCAES), the Justice Sensitivity Inventory, the Feelings in Moral Situations Scale, the Perceived Stress at Work Scale and the Author’s Survey Questionnaire. The cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2022 to April 2023. The study used assessment-based sampling. The study included 745 midwives and nurses working in internal medicine—surgical wards in nine hospitals in a large provincial city in Poland. One-way analysis of variance ANOVA, post hoc test (Fisher’s NIR), and r-Spearman correlation test were used. The level of significance (p) did not exceed 0.05. Respondents did not differ in terms of sensitivity to justice, moral feelings, and perceived stress at work, all of which variables were at moderate levels. Respondents’ attitudes towards reporting clinical adverse events in the P-RoCAES were positive (surgical nurses 71.10; internal medicine nurses 72.04; midwives 71.26; F(2.741) = 1.14, p = 0.319), especially those with a master’s degree, longer work experience and older age. Respondents with a master’s degree were most likely to perceive a benefit from reporting adverse events (P-RoCAES subscale) (F(2.737) = 8.45, p = 0.001). The longer employment tenure (F(3.716) = 4.63, p = 0.003) and having a master’s degree (F(2.737) = 3.10, p = 0.045) were associated with a higher feeling of guilt among the respondents (P-RoCAES subscale). The longer the participants worked, the more positive their attitude became towards the importance of transparency in procedures (F(2.741) = 3.56, p = 0.029), but the more negative their attitude was towards the benefits of reporting adverse events (P-RoCAES subscale) (r(686) = −0.08, p = 0.037). Individual attitudes of nurses and midwives as well as their age, length of service or education can influence the formation of a culture of safety in health care (including the reporting of clinical adverse events). Attitudes can motivate corrective action, can be reinforced and shaped by educational programs, good quality management and monitoring system solutions.
Cinnamaldehyde Acts as a Fungistat by Disrupting the Integrity of Fusarium oxysporum Fox-1 Cell Membranes
Authors: Zhou Li-Rong , Hu Hai-Jun , Wang Jie , Zhu Yong-Xing , Zhu Xue-Dong , Ma Jia-Wei , Liu Yi-Qing
Published: January 2024

To counter the harmful impacts of agricultural chemicals on the environment and human health, there is an increasing demand for safe, eco-friendly, and potent plant-based biopesticides. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of ginger essential oil and selected volatile compounds (linalool, eugenol, citral, and cinnamaldehyde [CA]) against Fusarium oxysporum FOX-1. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the mycelium growth inhibition method. The compound CA exhibited the most potent antifungal effect against F. oxysporum FOX-1 and was selected for further investigation. After treatment with CA at 1/2 MIC or MIC, the spore germination of F. oxysporum FOX-1 was significantly inhibited at 12 h. Furthermore, microscopic observation revealed that CA treatment resulted in the morphological degradation of F. oxysporum FOX-1. CA destroyed the cell membrane integrity of F. oxysporum FOX-1, increasing the relative conductivity and the leakage of intracellular protein, nucleic acids, and malondialdehyde, affecting the integrity and metabolism of the cell membrane. The effects were positively related to CA concentration. Additionally, in vivo experiments with rhizome sections showed that CA significantly reduced the pathogenicity of F. oxysporum FOX-1. Overall, these findings provide evidence for the potential of using ginger essential oil components as fungicides, offering a basis for future research to develop robust and eco-friendly plant-derived fungicides that serve as a sustainable means to reduce fungus-driven agricultural losses.
Assessing the Transformative Potential: An Examination of the Urban Mobility Impact Based on an Open-Source Microscopic Traffic Simulator for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Andrei Liliana , Luca Oana
Published: January 2024

Integrating autonomous vehicles (AVs) into urban areas poses challenges for transportation, infrastructure, building, environment, society, and policy. This paper goes beyond the technical intricacies of AVs and takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach by considering the implications for urban design and transportation infrastructure. Using a complex methodology encompassing various software types such as Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO 1.17.0) and STREETMIX, the article explores the results of a simulation that anticipates the implementation of AVs through different market penetration scenarios. We investigate how AVs could enhance the efficiency of transportation networks, reducing congestion and potentially increasing the throughput. However, we also acknowledge the dynamic nature of the scenarios, as new mobility patterns emerge in response to this technological shift. Furthermore, we propose innovative urban design approaches that could harness the full potential of AVs, fostering the development of sustainable and resilient cities. By exploring these design strategies, we hope to provide valuable guidance for urban planners and policymakers as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of these advanced technologies.
Preclinical Repurposing of Sitagliptin as a Drug Candidate for Colorectal Cancer by Targeting CD24/CTNNB1/SOX4-Centered Signaling Hub
Authors: Shih Jing-Wen , Wu Alexander T. H. , Mokgautsi Ntlotlang , Wei Po-Li , Huang Yan-Jiun
Published: January 2024

Despite significant advances in treatment modalities, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a poorly understood and highly lethal malignancy worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been shown to play critical roles in initiating and promoting CRC progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms contributing to the generation and maintenance of CSCs is crucial to developing CSC-specific therapeutics and improving the current standard of care for CRC patients. To this end, we used a bioinformatics approach to identify increased CD24/SOX4 expression in CRC samples associated with poor prognosis. We also discovered a novel population of tumor-infiltrating CD24+ cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), suggesting that the CD24/SOX4-centered signaling hub could be a potential therapeutic target. Pathway networking analysis revealed a connection between the CD24/SOX4-centered signaling, β-catenin, and DPP4. Emerging evidence indicates that DPP4 plays a role in CRC initiation and progression, implicating its involvement in generating CSCs. Based on these bioinformatics data, we investigated whether sitagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor and diabetic drug, could be repurposed to inhibit colon CSCs. Using a molecular docking approach, we demonstrated that sitagliptin targeted CD24/SOX4-centered signaling molecules with high affinity. In vitro experimental data showed that sitagliptin treatment suppressed CRC tumorigenic properties and worked in synergy with 5FU and this study thus provided preclinical evidence to support the alternative use of sitagliptin for treating CRC.
Methazolamide Reduces the AQP5 mRNA Expression and Immune Cell Migration—A New Potential Drug in Sepsis Therapy?
Authors: Rump Katharina , Koos Björn , Ziehe Dominik , Thon Patrick , Rahmel Tim , Palmowski Lars , Marko Britta , Wolf Alexander , Witowski Andrea , Bazzi Zainab , Bazzi Maha , Orlowski Jennifer , Adamzik Michael , Bergmann Lars , Unterberg Matthias
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the dysregulated host response to infection. Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed and aquaporin inhibitors could suffice as aquaporin 5 (Aqp5) knockdown provided enhanced sepsis survival in a murine sepsis model. Potential AQP5 inhibitors provide sulfonamides and their derivatives. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that sulfonamides reduce AQP5 expression in different conditions. The impact of sulfonamides on AQP5 expression and immune cell migration was examined in cell lines REH and RAW 264.7 by qPCR, Western blot and migration assay. Subsequently, whether furosemide and methazolamide are capable of reducing AQP5 expression after LPS incubation was investigated in whole blood samples of healthy volunteers. Incubation with methazolamide (10−5 M) and furosemide (10−6 M) reduced AQP5 mRNA and protein expression by about 30% in REH cells. Pre-incubation of the cells with methazolamide reduced cell migration towards SDF1-α compared to non-preincubated cells to control level. Pre-incubation with methazolamide in PBMCs led to a reduction in LPS-induced AQP5 expression compared to control levels, while furosemide failed to reduce it. Methazolamide appears to reduce AQP5 expression and migration of immune cells. However, after LPS administration, the reduction in AQP5 expression by methazolamide is no longer possible. Hence, our study indicates that methazolamide is capable of reducing AQP5 expression and has the potential to be used in sepsis prophylaxis.
Propolis Protects GC-1spg Spermatogonial Cells against Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Damage
Authors: Duarte Filipa , Feijó Mariana , Luís Ângelo , Socorro Sílvia , Maia Cláudio J. , Correia Sara
Published: January 2024

Propolis is a natural resin produced by honeybees with plenty of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress disrupts germ cell development and sperm function, with demonstrated harmful effects on male reproduction. Several natural antioxidants have been shown to reduce oxidative damage and increase sperm fertility potential; however, little is known about the effects of propolis. This work evaluated the role of propolis in protecting spermatogonial cells from oxidative damage. Propolis’ phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential were determined, and mouse GC-1spg spermatogonial cells were treated with 0.1–500 µg/mL propolis (12–48 h) in the presence or absence of an oxidant stimulus (tert-butyl hydroperoxide, TBHP, 0.005–3.6 µg/mL, 12 h). Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assays and proliferation by Ki-67 immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant defenses were evaluated colorimetrically. Propolis presented high phenolic and flavonoid content and moderate antioxidant activity, increasing the viability of GC-1spg cells and counteracting TBHP’s effects on viability and proliferation. Additionally, propolis reduced ROS levels in GC-1spg, regardless of the presence of TBHP. Propolis decreased caspase-3 and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in TBHP-treated GC-1spg cells. The present study shows the protective action of propolis against oxidative damage in spermatogonia, opening the possibility of exploiting its benefits to male fertility.
Endogenous Signaling Molecule Activating (ESMA) CARs: A Novel CAR Design Showing a Favorable Risk to Potency Ratio for the Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Ebbinghaus Mira , Wittich Katharina , Bancher Benjamin , Lebedeva Valeriia , Appelshoffer Anijutta , Femel Julia , Helm Martin S. , Kollet Jutta , Hardt Olaf , Pfeifer Rita
Published: January 2024

As chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy continues to gain attention as a valuable treatment option against different cancers, strategies to improve its potency and decrease the side effects associated with this therapy have become increasingly relevant. Herein, we report an alternative CAR design that incorporates transmembrane domains with the ability to recruit endogenous signaling molecules, eliminating the need for stimulatory signals within the CAR structure. These endogenous signaling molecule activating (ESMA) CARs triggered robust cytotoxic activity and proliferation of the T cells when directed against the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 while exhibiting reduced cytokine secretion and exhaustion marker expression compared to their cognate standard second generation CARs. In a NOD SCID Gamma (NSG) MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model, the lead candidate maintained longitudinal therapeutic efficacy and an enhanced T cell memory phenotype. Profound tumor infiltration by activated T cells repressed tumor growth, further manifesting the proliferative capacity of the ESMA CAR T cell therapy. Consequently, ESMA CAR T cells entail promising features for improved clinical outcome as a solid tumor treatment option.
Comparative In Vitro Dissolution Assessment of Calcined and Uncalcined Hydroxyapatite Using Differences in Bioresorbability and Biomineralization
Authors: Jang Woo Young , Pyun Jae Chul , Chang Jeong Ho
Published: January 2024

This study reports the effect of the not-calcining process on the bioresorption and biomineralization of hydroxyapatite through in vitro dissolution assessment. The prepared calcined hydroxyapatite (c-HAp) and uncalcined hydroxyapatite (unc-HAp) have a particle size of 2 μm and 13 μm, surface areas of 4.47 m2/g and 108.08 m2/g, and a Ca/P ratio of 1.66 and 1.52, respectively. In vitro dissolution assessments of c-HAp and unc-HAp were performed for 20 days at 37 °C in a citric acid buffer according to ISO 10993-14. During the dissolution, the c-HAp and unc-HAp confirmed an increase in weight, and the calcium and phosphorous ions were rapidly released. The calcium ions released from c-HAp formed rod-shaped particles with a longer and thinner morphology, while in unc-HAp, they appeared thicker and shorter. In the ICP-OES results, the concentrations of calcium elements were initially increased and then decreased by this formation. The rod-shaped particles identified as calcium citrate (Ca-citrate) through the XRD pattern. The calcium content of Ca-citrate particles from unc-HAp was higher than that from c-HAp. The unc-HAp demonstrated non-toxic properties in a cytotoxicity evaluation. Therefore, due to its higher bioresorption and biomineralization, unc-HAp exhibits enhanced biocompatibility compared to c-HAp.