bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Considerations in Direct Procurement and Perfusion Protocols with DCD Heart Transplantation
Authors: Arnold Maria , Do Peter , Davidson Sean , Large Stephen , Helmer Anja , Beer Georgia , Siepe Matthias , Longnus Sarah
Published: April 2024

Heart transplantation with donation after circulatory death (DCD) provides excellent patient outcomes and increases donor heart availability. However, unlike conventional grafts obtained through donation after brain death, DCD cardiac grafts are not only exposed to warm, unprotected ischemia, but also to a potentially damaging pre-ischemic phase after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST). In this review, we aim to bring together knowledge about changes in cardiac energy metabolism and its regulation that occur in DCD donors during WLST, circulatory arrest, and following the onset of warm ischemia. Acute metabolic, hemodynamic, and biochemical changes in the DCD donor expose hearts to high circulating catecholamines, hypoxia, and warm ischemia, all of which can negatively impact the heart. Further metabolic changes and cellular damage occur with reperfusion. The altered energy substrate availability prior to organ procurement likely plays an important role in graft quality and post-ischemic cardiac recovery. These aspects should, therefore, be considered in clinical protocols, as well as in pre-clinical DCD models. Notably, interventions prior to graft procurement are limited for ethical reasons in DCD donors; thus, it is important to understand these mechanisms to optimize conditions during initial reperfusion in concert with graft evaluation and re-evaluation for the purpose of tailoring and adjusting therapies and ensuring optimal graft quality for transplantation.
Merging Counter-Propagation and Back-Propagation Algorithms: Overcoming the Limitations of Counter-Propagation Neural Network Models
Authors: Drgan Viktor , Venko Katja , Sluga Janja , Novič Marjana
Published: April 2024

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are nowadays applied as the most efficient methods in the majority of machine learning approaches, including data-driven modeling for assessment of the toxicity of chemicals. We developed a combined neural network methodology that can be used in the scope of new approach methodologies (NAMs) assessing chemical or drug toxicity. Here, we present QSAR models for predicting the physical and biochemical properties of molecules of three different datasets: aqueous solubility, acute fish toxicity toward fat head minnow, and bio-concentration factors. A novel neural network modeling method is developed by combining two neural network algorithms, namely, the counter-propagation modeling strategy (CP-ANN) with the back-propagation-of-errors algorithm (BPE-ANN). The advantage is a short training time, robustness, and good interpretability through the initial CP-ANN part, while the extension with BPE-ANN improves the precision of predictions in the range between minimal and maximal property values of the training data, regardless of the number of neurons in both neural networks, either CP-ANN or BPE-ANN.
The Role of Glutathione in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Authors: Brodzka Sylwia , Baszyński Jędrzej , Rektor Katarzyna , Hołderna-Bona Karolina , Stanek Emilia , Kurhaluk Natalia , Tkaczenko Halina , Malukiewicz Grażyna , Woźniak Alina , Kamiński Piotr
Published: April 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease that usually develops in older people. Pathogenetic changes in this disease include anatomical and functional complexes. Harmful factors damage the retina and macula. These changes may lead to partial or total loss of vision. The disease can occur in two clinical forms: dry (the progression is slow and gentle) and exudative (wet—progression is acute and severe), which usually starts in the dry form; however, the coexistence of both forms is possible. The etiology of AMD is not fully understood, and the precise mechanisms of the development of this illness are still unknown. Extensive genetic studies have shown that AMD is a multi-factorial disease and that genetic determinants, along with external and internal environmental and metabolic-functional factors, are important risk factors. This article reviews the role of glutathione (GSH) enzymes engaged in maintaining the reduced form and polymorphism in glutathione S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1) in the development of AMD. We only chose papers that confirmed the influence of the parameters on the development of AMD. Because GSH is the most important antioxidant in the eye, it is important to know the influence of the enzymes and genetic background to ensure an optimal level of glutathione concentration. Numerous studies have been conducted on how the glutathione system works till today. This paper presents the current state of knowledge about the changes in GSH, GST, GR, and GPx in AMD. GST studies clearly show increased activity in ill people, but for GPx, the results relating to activity are not so clear. Depending on the research, the results also suggest higher and lower GPx activity in patients with AMD. The analysis of polymorphisms in GST genes confirmed that mutations lead to weaker antioxidant barriers and may contribute to the development of AMD; unfortunately, a meta-analysis and some research did not confirm that connection. Unspecific results of many of the parameters that make up the glutathione system show many unknowns. It is so important to conduct further research to understand the exact mechanism of defense functions of glutathione against oxidative stress in the human eye.
Lack of Direct Effects of Neurotrophic Factors in an In Vitro Model of Neuroinflammation
Authors: Aziz Nimra , Ruzza Chiara , Falcicchia Chiara , Guarino Annunziata , Soukupova Marie , Asth Laila , Aleotti Valentina , Bettegazzi Barbara , Simonato Michele , Zucchini Silvia
Published: April 2024

Neuroinflammation is associated with several neurological disorders including temporal lobe epilepsy. Seizures themselves can induce neuroinflammation. In an in vivo model of epilepsy, the supplementation of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) using a Herpes-based vector reduced epileptogenesis-associated neuroinflammation. The aim of this study was to test whether the attenuation of the neuroinflammation obtained in vivo with BDNF and FGF-2 was direct or secondary to other effects, for example, the reduction in the severity and frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures. An in vitro model of neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL) in a mouse primary mixed glial culture was used. The releases of cytokines and NO were analyzed via ELISA and Griess assay, respectively. The effects of LPS and neurotrophic factors on cell viability were determined by performing an MTT assay. BDNF and FGF-2 were tested alone and co-administered. LPS induced a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and NO. BDNF, FGF-2, and their co-administration did not counteract these LPS effects. Our study suggests that the anti-inflammatory effect of BDNF and FGF-2 in vivo in the epilepsy model was indirect and likely due to a reduction in seizure frequency and severity.
Automated Social Media Text Clustering Based on Financial Ontologies
Authors: Calvagna Andrea , Tramontana Emiliano , Verga Gabriella
Published: April 2024

Social media networks provide an aggregation of news and content, allowing users to share and discuss topics of greatest interest to them. Users can enrich the news by providing context and opinions that are useful to other users. Understanding topics of interest sheds light on the collective thinking of a group of individuals and offers important insights for exploring a given field. Among the fields of interest on social media networks, finance stands out. Automatically identifying and organizing the main issues that users discuss can be useful for multiple purposes, e.g., identifying the preferred types of loans could be useful for refining targeted advertising. Our work aims to identify and organize the topics discussed on a social media network that are related to the financial sector. For this, we propose an approach that consists of analyzing posts from Reddit communities oriented to finance. First, posts were gathered and cleaned to remove punctuation, links, and images. Then, textual similarity was computed to match posts with classes from dedicated ontologies designed for the financial sector. Finally, the populated ontology was analyzed to identify clusters of concepts. The results showed that the proposed approach and corresponding tool can summarize topics from a large number of Reddit posts using the identified classes. Over 70% of posts were linked to ontologies when considering both posts and comments, which shows that the automatic support given to posts related to financial concepts had a high degree of success.
Multi-Context Point Cloud Dataset and Machine Learning for Railway Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Kharroubi Abderrazzaq , Ballouch Zouhair , Hajji Rafika , Yarroudh Anass , Billen Roland
Published: April 2024

Railway scene understanding is crucial for various applications, including autonomous trains, digital twining, and infrastructure change monitoring. However, the development of the latter is constrained by the lack of annotated datasets and limitations of existing algorithms. To address this challenge, we present Rail3D, the first comprehensive dataset for semantic segmentation in railway environments with a comparative analysis. Rail3D encompasses three distinct railway contexts from Hungary, France, and Belgium, capturing a wide range of railway assets and conditions. With over 288 million annotated points, Rail3D surpasses existing datasets in size and diversity, enabling the training of generalizable machine learning models. We conducted a generic classification with nine universal classes (Ground, Vegetation, Rail, Poles, Wires, Signals, Fence, Installation, and Building) and evaluated the performance of three state-of-the-art models: KPConv (Kernel Point Convolution), LightGBM, and Random Forest. The best performing model, a fine-tuned KPConv, achieved a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 86%. While the LightGBM-based method achieved a mIoU of 71%, outperforming Random Forest. This study will benefit infrastructure experts and railway researchers by providing a comprehensive dataset and benchmarks for 3D semantic segmentation. The data and code are publicly available for France and Hungary, with continuous updates based on user feedback.
Enhancing Automatic Modulation Recognition for IoT Applications Using Transformers
Authors: Rashvand Narges , Witham Kenneth , Maldonado Gabriel , Katariya Vinit , Marer Prabhu Nishanth , Schirner Gunar , Tabkhi Hamed
Published: April 2024

Automatic modulation recognition (AMR) is vital for accurately identifying modulation types within incoming signals, a critical task for optimizing operations within edge devices in IoT ecosystems. This paper presents an innovative approach that leverages Transformer networks, initially designed for natural language processing, to address the challenges of efficient AMR. Our Transformer network architecture is designed with the mindset of real-time edge computing on IoT devices. Four tokenization techniques are proposed and explored for creating proper embeddings of RF signals, specifically focusing on overcoming the limitations related to the model size often encountered in IoT scenarios. Extensive experiments reveal that our proposed method outperformed advanced deep learning techniques, achieving the highest recognition accuracy. Notably, our model achieved an accuracy of 65.75 on the RML2016 and 65.80 on the CSPB.ML.2018+ dataset.
Checklist of Macrofungi Associated with Nine Different Habitats of Taburno-Camposauro Massif in Campania, Southern Italy
Authors: Zotti Maurizio
Published: April 2024

The checklist serves as an informative method for evaluating the diversity, geography, and ecology of established and reproducing macrofungi. Additionally, considering macrofungi as bioindicator species, their census should be incorporated into efforts to monitor the state of health of ecosystems and directly applied to conservation policies. Between 2019 and 2023, a census of macrofungal species was conducted in Taburno-Camposauro Regional Park (Campania, Italy) across nine distinct habitats. A total of 453 fungal taxa were identified, including several new records for the Campania region. The fungal diversity exhibited significant variations based on the dominant plant species in each habitat. Fagacean tree species and Carpinus spp. shared similar fungal communities. Equally, coniferous tree species displayed a comparable fungal composition. In Abies alba and mixed broad-leaved forests, low levels of ectomycorrhizal taxa were observed alongside a concurrent increase in saprotrophs, indicating a disturbed habitat and a reduction in the Gadgil effect. Notably, lower fungal diversity was documented in the grassland habitat, suggesting the potential implications of wildlife imbalance and excessive grazing. The provided checklist constitutes a valuable resource for local management authorities, providing insights to formulate specific management policies.
Clinical and Radiological Features of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Children: A Case Series
Authors: Ricci Erica , Bartalucci Claudia , Russo Chiara , Mariani Marcello , Saffioti Carolina , Massaccesi Erika , Pierri Filomena , Brisca Giacomo , Moscatelli Andrea , Caorsi Roberta , Bruzzone Bianca , Damasio Maria Beatrice , Marchese Anna , Mesini Alessio , Castagnola Elio
Published: April 2024

Background: Pneumocytis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) has high mortality rates in immunocompromised children, even though routine prophylaxis has decreased in incidence. The aim of this case series is to present the radiological and clinical pathway of PJP in a pediatric population. Description of Cases: All PJP cases in non-HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed at Istituto Giannina Gaslini Pediatric Hospital in Genoa (Italy) from January 2012 until October 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Nine cases were identified (median age: 8.3 years), and of these, 6/9 underwent prophylaxis with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX; five once-a-week schedules and one three times-a-week schedule), while 3/9 did not receive this. PJP was diagnosed by real-time PCR for P. jirovecii-DNA in respiratory specimens in 7/9 cases and two consecutive positive detections of β-d-glucan (BDG) in the serum in 2/9 cases. Most patients (6/8) had a CT scan with features suggestive of PJP, while one patient did not undergo a scan. All patients were treated with TMP/SMX after a median time from symptoms onset of 3 days. In 7/9 cases, empirical TMP/SMX treatment was initiated after clinical suspicion and radiological evidence and later confirmed by microbiological data. Clinical improvement with the resolution of respiratory failure and 30-day survival included 100% of the study population. Discussion: Due to the difficulty in obtaining biopsy specimens, PJP diagnosis is usually considered probable in most cases. Moreover, the severity of the clinical presentation often leads physicians to start TMP/SMX treatment empirically. BDG proved to be a useful tool for diagnosis, and CT showed good accuracy in identifying typical patterns. In our center, single-day/week prophylaxis was ineffective in high-risk patients; the three-day/week schedule would, therefore, seem preferable and, in any case, should be started promptly in all patients who have an indication of pneumonia.
Perceived Risk and External Finance Usage in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Unveiling the Moderating Influence of Business Age
Authors: Adam Nawal Abdalla
Published: April 2024

The attainment of adequate finance remains a substantial hindrance for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across many countries. This study aim to investigate the association between SMEs’ external finance utilization and perceived risk (PR). Additionally, it intends to explore the moderating role of business age (BAge) in the relationship between SMEs’ external finance utilization and PR. The study employed a structured online questionnaire to gather data from 711 SME owners/managers in Saudi Arabia. SmartPLS 4 software was utilized to analyze the research data. The results of the partial least squares structural equation modeling confirmed that the decision of SMEs to use external financing is significantly and negatively impacted by the PRs associated with external finance. Furthermore, BAge moderates the relationship between PR and SMEs’ external finance usage (EFU). However, the study found that BAge does not significantly affect both the PRs and the SMEs’ EFU. This study highlights the intricate dynamics of PR, BAge, and an SME’s decision to employ external finance. The practical and theoretical implications of the study findings are thoroughly discussed.
Impacts of Brazilian Green Coffee Production and Its Logistical Corridors on the International Coffee Market
Authors: da Cruz Correia Paula Ferreira , Mendes dos Reis João Gilberto , Amorim Pedro Sanches , Costa Jaqueline Severino da , da Silva Márcia Terra
Published: April 2024

Background: The coffee industry is one of the most important world supply chains, with an estimated consumption of two billion cups daily, making it the most consumed beverage worldwide. Coffee beans are primarily grown in tropical countries, with Brazil accounting for almost 50% of the production. The objective of this study is to examine the Brazilian trade between 2018 and 2022, focusing on state producers, logistical corridors, and importer countries. Methods: The methodology approach revolves around a quantitative method using Social Network Analysis measures. Results: The results reveal a massive concentration in local production (99.5%—Minas Gerais), port movements (99.9%—Santos, Itaguai, and Rio de Janeiro), and country buyers (80.9%—the United States, United Kingdon, and Japan). Conclusions: The study concludes that the Brazilian green coffee supply chain relies on a fragile and overloaded logistical network. Due to that, this study indicates that the stakeholders and decision-makers involved must consider this high concentration of production in some areas and companies. They must also address the bottlenecks in logistical corridors and the fierce competition involved in acquiring and processing Brazilian coffee production because these factors can drastically affect the revenue of the companies operating in this sector.
1,2-Dibenzoylthiosemicarbazide
Authors: Ion Burcă , Valentin Badea , Anamaria Todea , Vasile-Nicolae Bercean
Published: April 2024

When 1-benzoylthiosemicarbazide (2) or thiosemicarbazide (1) were treated with benzoyl chloride in a basic medium, a mixture of two compounds was obtained: 1,2-dibenzoylthiosemicarbazide (3) and 1,4-dibenzoylthiosemicarbazide (4). To determine the structure of the novel compounds, 2D NMR spectroscopy techniques such as 1H-13C and 1H-15N were employed.
Full-Scale Model Tests of Two Box-Type Soil–Steel Structures with Different Crown and Haunch Radii
Authors: Wu Fei , Liu Baodong , Sun Weiming , Sun Haibo , Zhang Shun
Published: April 2024

Compared with circular, arched, and pipe-arched soil–steel structures, box-type soil–steel structures (BTSSSs) have the advantages of high cross-section utilization and low cover depth. However, the degree of influence of the crown and haunch radii on the mechanical performance of BTSSSs is still unclear. Therefore, two full-scale BTSSS models with a span of 6.6 m and a rise of 3.7 m but with different crown and haunch radii were established, and the mechanical properties during backfilling and under live load were tested. Afterward, 2D finite element models (FEMs) were established using the ABAQUS 2020 software and verified using the test data. The influence of cross-section geometric parameters on mechanical performance was analyzed by using the FEM, and a more accurate formula for calculating the bending moment during backfilling was proposed. The results show that the BTSSS with a smaller crown radius has a stronger soil–steel interaction, which promotes more uniform stress on the structure and makes the structure have smaller relative deformations, bending moments, and earth pressure. The span and arch height greatly influence the bending moment and deformation of the structure. Based on the CHBDC, the crown and haunch radii were included in the revised calculation formula.
Synthesis and Transport Properties of ZnSnP2-yAsy Chalcopyrite Solid Solutions
Authors: Ramirez Daniel , Menezes Luke T. , Kleinke Holger
Published: April 2024

This work focuses on the synthesis and properties of quaternary ZnSnP2-yAsy chalcopyrite solid solutions. Full miscibility of the solid solution is achieved using ball milling followed by hot press sintering. The measured electrical conductivity increases substantially with As substitution from 0.03 S cm−1 for ZnSnP2 to 10.3 S cm−1 for ZnSnAs2 at 715 K. Band gaps calculated from the activation energies show a steady decrease with increasing As concentration from 1.4 eV for ZnSnP2 to 0.7 eV for ZnSnAs2. The Seebeck coefficient decreases significantly with As substitution from nearly 1000 μV K−1 for ZnSnP2 to −100 μV K−1 for ZnSnAs2 at 650 K. Thermal conductivity is decreased for the solid solutions due to alloy phonon scattering, compared to the end members with y = 0 and y = 2, with the y = 0.5 and y = 1.0 samples exhibiting the lowest values of 1.4 W m−1 K−1 at 825 K. Figure of merit values are increased for the undoped solid solutions at lower temperatures when compared to the end members due to the decreased thermal conductivity, with the y = 0.5 sample reaching zT = 1.6 × 10−3 and y = 1 reaching 2.1 × 10−3 at 700 K. The largest values of the figure of merit zT for the undoped series was found for y = 2 with zT = 2.8 × 10−3 at 700 K due to the increasing n-type Seebeck coefficient. Boltztrap calculations reveal that p-doping could yield zT values above unity at 800 K in case of ZnSnAs2, comparable with ZnSnP2.
Influence of Thermocompression Conditions on the Properties and Chemical Composition of Bio-Based Materials Derived from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Cavailles Julie , Vaca-Medina Guadalupe , Wu-Tiu-Yen Jenny , Peydecastaing Jérôme , Pontalier Pierre-Yves
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of thermocompression conditions on lignocellulosic biomasses such as sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in the production of 100% binderless bio-based materials. Five parameters were investigated: pressure applied (7–102 MPa), molding temperature (60–240 °C), molding time (5–30 min), fiber/fine-particle ratio (0/100–100/0) and moisture content (0–20%). These parameters affected the properties and chemical composition of the materials. The density ranged from 1198 to 1507 kg/m3, the flexural modulus from 0.9 to 6.9 GPa and the flexural strength at breaking point from 6.1 to 43.6 MPa. Water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) values ranged from 21% to 240% and from 9% to 208%, respectively. Higher mechanical properties were obtained using SCB with fine particles, low moisture content (4–10%) and high temperature (≥200 °C) and pressure (≥68 MPa), while water resistance was improved using more severe thermocompression conditions with the highest temperature (240 °C) and time (30 min) or a higher moisture content (≥12.5%). Correlations were noted between the mechanical properties and density, and the material obtained with only fine particles had the highest mechanical properties and density. Material obtained with a 30 min molding time had the lowest WA and TS due to internal chemical reorganization followed by hemicellulose hydrolysis into water-soluble extractables.
Enhancing the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Fully Recycled Aggregate Concrete Using Carbonated Recycled Fine Aggregates
Authors: Jean Birori , Liu Hui , Zhu Xudong , Wang Xinjie , Yan Xiancui , Ma Tianyu
Published: April 2024

The global construction industry is increasingly utilizing concrete prepared from recycled aggregate as a substitute for natural aggregate. However, the subpar performance of recycled fine aggregate (RFA) has resulted in its underutilization, particularly in the structural concrete exposed to challenging environments, including those involving chlorine salts and freeze–thaw climates. This study aimed to enhance the performance of RFA as a substitute for river sand in concrete as well as fulfill the present demand for fine aggregates in the construction sector by utilizing accelerated carbonation treatment to create fully recycled aggregate concrete (FRAC) composed of 100% recycled coarse and fine aggregates. The impacts of incorporating carbonated recycled fine aggregate (C-RFA) at various replacement rates (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the mechanical and durability properties of FRAC were investigated. The results showed that the physical properties of C-RFA, including apparent density, water absorption, and crushing value, were enhanced compared to that of RFA. The compressive strength of C-RFC100 was 19.8% higher than that of C-RFC0, while the water absorption decreased by 14.6%. In a comparison of C-RFC0 and C-RFC100, the chloride permeability coefficients showed a 50% decrease, and the frost resistance increased by 27.6%. According to the findings, the mechanical and durability properties, the interfacial transition zones (ITZs), and micro-cracks of the C-RFC were considerably enhanced with an increased C-RFA content.
Research on Anchorage Performance of the Foundation Ring for Wind Turbines
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Huang Hao , Zhen Li , Sun Linyuan , Yang Jiaxiang , Chen Kang , Chen Gaixin
Published: April 2024

The foundation ring (FR) is a steel component embedded within the concrete of a wind turbine foundation, playing a pivotal role in connecting the wind turbine tower to the foundation structure. In this paper, the FR–foundation connection is equivalent to the exposed foundation and the shallow foundation by analyzing the anchorage characteristics of the foundation ring. Based on the ABAQUS concrete damaged plasticity model, full-scale modeling of the wind turbine foundation is carried out. The influence of embedment depth, ring radius and base flange width of the foundation ring on moment capacity is simulated. Based on the observed stress distributions under ultimate loads, analytical expressions were proposed to estimate the variation law of anchorage load-bearing capacity in the ultimate load state. Compared with the numerical simulation, the average errors under different influencing factors are 8.2%, 9.6% and 10.8%, respectively. The results indicate that the base flange provided the majority of the moment capacity, though the contribution of the sidewall increased to 25–50% that of the base flange in later stages.
Influence of High-Pressure Processing and Microbial Transglutaminase on the Properties of Pea Protein Isolates
Authors: Queirós Rui P. , Moreira Nicole , Pinto Carlos A. , Fidalgo Liliana G. , Saraiva Jorge A. , Lopes-da-Silva José A.
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP; 600 MPa/15 min) and microbial transglutaminase-catalyzed (MTG; 30 U·g of protein−1) crosslinking on the concentration of dissolved proteins (SOL), free sulfhydryl groups (SH), surface hydrophobicity (H0), and viscosity of pea protein isolates (PPI) at different concentrations (1–13%; w/v). The SOL increased by increasing protein concentration (max. 29%). MTG slightly affected SOL. HPP decreased SOL with increasing protein concentration, and the combination MTG + HPP resulted in a lower SOL than HPP alone. The concentration of SH in untreated PPI increased with increasing protein concentration, reaching a maximum of 8.3 μmol·mg prot−1. MTG increased SH at higher protein concentrations. HPP lowered SH, but its concentration increased by increasing protein concentration. HPP + MTG offset the effect of MTG, yielding lower SH. MTG did not affect H0 at 1% concentration but increased it for concentrations from 3–5%, and there was a decrease with 7–9%. HPP increased H0 up to 37% for intermediate protein concentrations but did not affect it at higher concentrations. MTG + HPP decreased H0 at all protein concentrations. The viscosity of the dispersions increased with protein concentration. HPP increased the viscosity of the dispersions for concentrations above 7%, while MTG only caused changes above 9%. Combined MTG + HPP resulted in viscosity increase. The results underscore the opportunity for innovative development of high-protein products with improved properties or textures for industrial application.
Postoperative Pain Following Eye Enucleation: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Leister Nicolas , Löser Johannes , Gostian Antoniu-Oreste , Gostian Magdalena , Rokohl Alexander C. , Fieber Marc A. , Alkan Deniz , Schumacher Christine , Löw Vanessa , Gordon Erik , Böttiger Bernd W. , Heindl Ludwig M.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: Enucleation of an eye is the most invasive procedure in ophthalmologic surgery. It can be the result of various diseases (malignant/chronic/trauma/infection) and is nevertheless relatively rare, but leads to the loss of a strongly innervated neuronal organ. This study systematically evaluates postoperative pain levels following enucleation of the eye globe. Materials and Methods: This prospective single-center study enrolled twenty-four patients undergoing enucleation of the eye globe. Perioperatively all patients completed (preoperative day, day of surgery, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day following surgery) standardized questionnaires concerning their pain experience and treatment-related side-effects (internal protocol, QUIPS, painDETECT®). Patients received usual pain therapy in an unstandardized individual manner. Results: Preoperatively, mean average pain intensity of all included patients was 3.29 ± 2.46 (range, 0–8), 3.29 ± 3.24 (range, 0–8) on the day of surgery, 4.67 ± 1.90 (range, 2–10) on day 1, 3.25 ± 1.39 (range, 1–6) on day 2, and 2.71 ± 1.30 (range, 1–6) on day 3 after surgery. Mean maximum pain intensity was 4.71 ± 3.28 (range, 0–10) preoperatively, 4.04 ± 3.78 (range, 0–10) on the day of surgery, 5.75 ± 2.01 (range, 2–10) on day 1, 4.25 ± 1.89 (range, 2–10) on day 2, and 3.88 ± 1.54 (range, 2–8) on day 3 after surgery. Nineteen patients (79.2%) stated that they would have preferred more pain therapy. Conclusions: Patients undergoing eye enucleation report pain sensations in need of intervention in this university hospital. Thus, effective standardized pain treatment concepts are now a high priority to be established in an interdisciplinary manner containing standardized regimens and continuous regional procedures. Awareness of this problem in the medical team should be sharpened through targeted training and information.
Medical Data in Wireless Body Area Networks: Device Authentication Techniques and Threat Mitigation Strategies Based on a Token-Based Communication Approach
Authors: Herbst Jan , Rüb Matthias , Sanon Sogo Pierre , Lipps Christoph , Schotten Hans D.
Published: April 2024

Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs), low power, and short-range wireless communication in a near-body area provide advantages, particularly in the medical and healthcare sector: (i) they enable continuous monitoring of patients and (ii) the recording and correlation of physical and biological information. Along with the utilization and integration of these (sensitive) private and personal data, there are substantial requirements concerning security and privacy, as well as protection during processing and transmission. Contrary to the star topology frequently used in various standards, the overall concept of a novel low-data rate token-based WBAN framework is proposed. This work further comprises the evaluation of strategies for handling medical data with WBANs and emphasizes the importance and necessity of encryption and security strategies in the context of sensitive information. Furthermore, this work considers the recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are opening up opportunities for enhancing cyber resilience, but on the other hand, also new attack vectors. Moreover, the implications of targeted regulatory measures, such as the European AI Act, are considered. In contrast to, for instance, the proposed star network topologies of the IEEE 802.15.6 WBAN standard or the Technical Committee (TC) SmartBAN of the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI), the concept of a ring topology is proposed which concatenates information in the form of a ‘data train’ and thus results in faster and more efficient communication. Beyond that, the conductivity of human skin is included in the approach presented to incorporate a supplementary channel. This direct contact requirement not only fortifies the security of the system but also facilitates a reliable means of secure communication, pivotal in maintaining the integrity of sensitive health data. The work identifies different threat models associated with the WBAN system and evaluates potential data vulnerabilities and risks to maximize security. It highlights the crucial balance between security and efficiency in WBANs, using the token-based approach as a case study. Further, it sets a foundation for future healthcare technology advancements, aiming to ensure the secure and efficient integration of patient data.
[125I]IPC-Lecanemab: Synthesis and Evaluation of Aβ-Plaque-Binding Antibody and Comparison with Small-Molecule [18F]Flotaza and [125I]IBETA in Postmortem Human Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liang Christopher , Paclibar Cayz G. , Gonzaga Noresa L. , Sison Stephanie A. , Bath Harman S. , Biju Agnes P. , Mukherjee Jogeshwar
Published: April 2024

Therapeutic antibodies for reducing Aβ plaque load in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently making rapid progress. The diagnostic imaging of Aβ plaque load in AD has been underway and is now used in clinical studies. Here, we report our preliminary findings on imaging a therapeutic antibody, Lecanemab, in a postmortem AD brain anterior cingulate. [125I]5-iodo-3-pyridinecarboxamido-Lecanemab ([125I]IPC-Lecanemab) was prepared by coupling N-succinimidyl-5-([125I]iodo)-3-pyridinecarboxylate with Lecanemab in modest yields. The distinct binding of [125I]IPC-Lecanemab to Aβ-rich regions in postmortem human AD brains was higher in grey matter (GM) containing Aβ plaques compared to white matter (WM) (GM/WM was 1.6). Anti-Aβ immunostaining was correlated with [125I]IPC-Lecanemab regional binding in the postmortem AD human brains. [125I]IPC-Lecanemab binding was consistent with the binding of Aβ small molecules, [18F]flotaza and [125I]IBETA, in the same subjects. [18F]Flotaza and [125I]IBETA, however, exhibited significantly higher GM/WM ratios (>20) compared to [125I]IPC-Lecanemab. Our results suggest that radiolabeled [125I]IPC-Lecanemab retains the ability to bind to Aβ in human AD and may therefore be useful as a PET imaging radiotracer when labeled as [124I]IPC-Lecanemab. The ability to directly visualize in vivo a promising therapeutic antibody for AD may be useful in treatment planning and dosing and could be complimentary to small-molecule diagnostic imaging to assess outcomes of therapeutic interventions.
Assessing the Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization, Variety Selection, Year and Their Interaction on Wheat Yield and Yield Components
Authors: Hnizil Oussama , Baidani Aziz , Khlila Ilham , Nsarellah Nasserelhaq , Amamou Ali
Published: April 2024

This five-year study (2016–2021) in Morocco’s Mediterranean climate investigated the effect of nitrogen fertilization and genotypic selection on wheat yield and associated components. Utilizing a split-plot design, the study assessed five wheat genotypes—’Faraj’, ‘Luiza’, ‘Itri’, ‘Karim’ and ‘Nassira’—under three nitrogen application rates (120, 60 and 0 kg/ha) across thirty plots with two replicates. Interactions between nitrogen and year showed marked significance in yield (p = 0.001), biomass (p = 0.002), TKW (p = 0.003) and Spk/m2 (p = 0.001), underscoring the variability in optimal nitrogen application rates across different years. Additionally, significant interactions between variety and year were observed for biomass (p = 0.001) and G/m2 (p = 0.001), indicating variability in the performance of different varieties across years. The ‘Itri’ genotype showed the highest yield in 2017, while ‘Luiza’ was pre-eminent in 2018, with ‘Itri’ producing the most biomass. ‘Faraj’ demonstrated consistent superiority in yield and biomass during 2019 and 2020. Our integrated principal component analysis and quadratic models elucidated that an intermediate nitrogen rate of 60 kg/ha (N2) was particularly advantageous for the ‘Faraj’ and ‘Karim’ genotypes. These findings highlight the substantial impact of informed nitrogen level adjustment and genotypic selection on yield optimization.
Mediterranean Diet Favors Vitamin K Intake: A Descriptive Study in a Mediterranean Population
Authors: Pinto Ezequiel , Viegas Carla , Martins Paula Ventura , Marreiros Catarina , Nascimento Tânia , Schurgers Leon , Simes Dina
Published: April 2024

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved longevity and the prevention and management of chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs). Vitamin K, which is present in MD core components such as leafy green vegetables, is also known as a protective factor for CIDs. Estimates of vitamin K intake in Mediterranean settings are still scarce, and the association between MD and vitamin K intake is yet to be established. This study analyzed vitamin K intake and MD adherence in the Algarve region, in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nonrandom sample of adults using an online questionnaire which included a validated food-frequency questionnaire and a screener for MD adherence. A total of 238 participants were recruited (68% women and 32% men). Adherence to the MD was low (11%). Only 10% of the participants had vitamin K intake below the adequate intake. Adherence to the MD was positively correlated with vitamin K intake (r = 0.463; p < 0.001) and age (r = 0.223; p < 0.001). Our findings underscore the importance of promoting adherence to the MD for optimal vitamin K intake, and future research should focus on developing effective interventions to promote this dietary pattern, particularly among younger individuals and men.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated with Advanced Liver Fibrosis and Impaired Fasting Glucose in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Zuluaga Paola , Casado-Carbajo Julia , Hernández-Rubio Anna , Bueno-Vélez Marvin , García-Martin Carmen , Muga Robert , Fuster Daniel
Published: April 2024

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for liver disease, insulin resistance, and beta cell dysfunction. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have many comorbidities, with a heavy burden of liver disease and metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective: We aimed to analyze the prevalence and associations of vitamin D deficiency in patients admitted for in-hospital treatment of AUD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients consecutively admitted for the treatment of AUD between January 2017 and October 2023. Sociodemographic data, substance use characteristics, and blood parameters were available at admission. Vitamin D status was assessed through the serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels using a direct competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay method. Deficiency of vitamin D was defined as a concentration less than 20 ng/mL; impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was defined by fasting blood glucose >100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), and advanced liver fibrosis by an FIB-4 index >3.25. Results: Two hundred and forty-three patients were included (75% male) with a mean age of 49 ± 10 years, mean BMI of 26.4 ± 7.3, mean alcohol consumption of 163 ± 81 g/day, and a mean duration of AUD of 18.1 ± 11.2 years. Mean 25(OH)D, fasting blood glucose, AST, ALT, and platelets were 14.4 ± 10.2 ng/mL, 103.4 ± 40.9 mg/dL, 55.1 ± 75.8 U/L, 44.8 ± 76.6 U/L, and 206.3 ± 84.8 × 109/L, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 80.6%, and 41.1% of patients had levels less than 10 ng/mL. IFG was present in 32.3% of patients, and 20.5% had FIB-4 values >3.25. In the multivariable analysis, IFG (OR, 2.51; 95% CI: 1.02–6.17, p = 0.04) and advanced liver fibrosis (OR, 4.27; 95% CI: 1.21–15.0, p = 0.02) were the only factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency was very prevalent in this series of patients with AUD and was associated with impaired fasting glucose and advanced liver fibrosis.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii Supplementation Prevents Intestinal Barrier Injury and Gut Microflora Dysbiosis Induced by Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Wang Xintong , Li Yixuan , Wang Xifan , Wang Ran , Hao Yanling , Ren Fazheng , Wang Pengjie , Fang Bing
Published: April 2024

Sleep deprivation (SD) leads to impaired intestinal barrier function and intestinal flora disorder, especially a reduction in the abundance of the next generation of probiotic Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii). However, it remains largely unclear whether F. prausnitzii can ameliorate SD-induced intestinal barrier damage. A 72 h SD mouse model was used in this research, with or without the addition of F. prausnitzii. The findings indicated that pre-colonization with F. prausnitzii could protect against tissue damage from SD, enhance goblet cell count and MUC2 levels in the colon, boost tight-junction protein expression, decrease macrophage infiltration, suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and reduce apoptosis. We found that the presence of F. prausnitzii helped to balance the gut microbiota in SD mice by reducing harmful bacteria like Klebsiella and Staphylococcus, while increasing beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia. Ion chromatography analysis revealed that F. prausnitzii pretreatment increased the fecal butyrate level in SD mice. Overall, these results suggested that incorporating F. prausnitzii could help reduce gut damage caused by SD, potentially by enhancing the intestinal barrier and balancing gut microflora. This provides a foundation for utilizing probiotics to protect against intestinal illnesses.
Quercetin Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Fat Accumulation by Regulating Inflammatory Responses and Glycometabolism Pathways: A Review
Authors: Wang Yaodong , Li Zezheng , He Jianhua , Zhao Yurong
Published: April 2024

Fat synthesis and lipolysis are natural processes in growth and have a close association with health. Fat provides energy, maintains physiological function, and so on, and thus plays a significant role in the body. However, excessive/abnormal fat accumulation leads to obesity and lipid metabolism disorder, which can have a detrimental impact on growth and even harm one’s health. Aside from genetic effects, there are a range of factors related to obesity, such as excessive nutrient intake, inflammation, glycometabolism disease, and so on. These factors could serve as potential targets for anti-obesity therapy. Quercetin is a flavonol that has received a lot of attention recently because of its role in anti-obesity. It was thought to have the ability to regulate lipid metabolism and have a positive effect on anti-obesity, but the processes are still unknown. Recent studies have shown the role of quercetin in lipid metabolism might be related to its effects on inflammatory responses and glycometabolism. The references were chosen for this review with no date restrictions applied based on the topics they addressed, and the databases PubMed and Web of Sicence was used to conduct the references research, using the following search terms: “quercetin”, “obesity”, “inflammation”, “glycometabolism”, “insulin sensitivity”, etc. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms of quercetin in alleviating lipid metabolism through anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic signaling pathways, and describes the possible signaling pathways in the interaction of inflammation and glycometabolism, with the goal of providing references for future research and application of quercetin in the regulation of lipid metabolism.
Effects of Anthocyanins on Components of Metabolic Syndrome—A Review
Authors: Godyla-Jabłoński Michaela , Raczkowska Ewa , Jodkowska Anna , Kucharska Alicja Zofia , Sozański Tomasz , Bronkowska Monika
Published: April 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant health problem. The co-occurrence of obesity, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia is estimated to affect 20–30% of adults worldwide. Researchers are seeking solutions to prevent and treat the conditions related to MetS. Preventive medicine, which focuses on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including diet, plays a special role. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has documented health benefits, mainly due to the polyphenolic compounds it contains. Anthocyanins represent a major group of polyphenols; they exhibit anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, as well as beneficial effects on endothelial function and oxidative stress. This review presents recent reports on the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of anthocyanins on the body, especially among people with MetS. It includes epidemiological data, in vivo and in vitro preclinical studies and clinical observational studies. Anthocyanins are effective, widely available compounds that can be used in both the prevention and treatment of MetS and its complications. Increased consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods may contribute to the maintenance of normal body weight and modulation of the lipid profile in adults. However, further investigation is needed to confirm the beneficial effects of anthocyanins on serum glucose levels, improvement in insulin sensitivity and reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Nutrition for European Elite Fencers: A Practical Tool for Coaches and Athletes
Authors: Lomazzi Marta
Published: April 2024

The aim of this narrative review is to create a comprehensive, innovative, and pragmatic resource to guide elite fencers and coaches in making strategic nutritional choices to enhance performance and facilitate recovery. The literature review identified only 12 articles specifically addressing the topic of nutrition for fencers. Thus, the recommendations provided in this review derive also from articles dealing with similar sports, such as martial arts, and from investigations with European elite fencers and their coaches. For elite fencers, it is suggested to consume daily 7–11 g/kg of body weight (BW) of carbohydrates and 1.5–2 g/kg of BW of proteins and allocate 25% to 30% of the total energy intake to essential fats, with a specific focus on omega-3 fatty acids. The timing of meals, ideally within one hour after exertion, plays a pivotal role in restoring glycogen reserves and preventing injuries. The intake of leucine, creatine, omega-3, collagen, and vitamins C and D is proposed as a strategy for injury recovery. It is worth acknowledging that even when personalized plans are provided, implementation can be challenging, especially during competitions and training camps.