bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of patient-reported quality between inpatient services for mental and physical health: A tertiary-hospital-based survey in China
Authors: Zhou Wei , Xiao Shuiyuan , Xie Guanqing , Ouyang Feiyun , Luo Bihua
Published: February 2023

Background

It is widely acknowledged that quality of mental health services is routinely worse than physical health services across countries. However, studies separately investigating mental health services often report high-level satisfaction, even comparing with physical health services. Therefore, this study aimed to compare patient-reported quality between inpatient services for mental and physical health in China.

Methods

An inpatient survey was conducted among service users of mental and physical health services. Patient-reported quality was measured by the responsiveness performance questionnaire after patient discharge and based on patients' multiple experiences of hospitalization in the past 3 years. Chi-square tests were performed to compare the two patient groups' ratings on inpatient services for mental and physical health, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust covariates in the group comparison.

Results

Inpatient services for mental health were rated better than those for physical health on “treating with respect” (AOR = 3.083, 95% CI = 1.102–8.629) and “choosing a healthcare provider” (AOR = 2.441, 95% CI = 1.263–4.717). However, mental health services had poorer ratings on “asking patient's opinions” (AOR = 0.485, 95% CI = 0.259–0.910). For other responsiveness items, no significant difference was detected between the two types of inpatient services.

Conclusion

Mental health inpatient services provided by China's tertiary hospitals could perform as well as physical health inpatient services in most aspects and even better perform regarding dignity and choice of healthcare providers. However, neglecting patients' voices is more severe in inpatient services for mental health.
The weaponization of medicine: Early psychosis in the Black community and the need for racially informed mental healthcare
Authors: Faber Sonya C. , Khanna Roy Anjalika , Michaels Timothy I. , Williams Monnica T.
Published: February 2023

There is a notable disparity between the observed prevalence of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in racialized persons in the United States and Canada and White individuals in these same countries, with Black people being diagnosed at higher rates than other groups. The consequences thereof bring a progression of lifelong punitive societal implications, including reduced opportunities, substandard care, increased contact with the legal system, and criminalization. Other psychological conditions do not show such a wide racial gap as a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder diagnosis. New data show that the differences are not likely to be genetic, but rather societal in origin. Using real-life examples, we discuss how overdiagnoses are largely rooted in the racial biases of clinicians and compounded by higher rates of traumatizing stressors among Black people due to racism. The forgotten history of psychosis in psychology is highlighted to help explain disparities in light of the relevant historical context. We demonstrate how misunderstanding race confounds attempts to diagnose and treat schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in Black individuals. A lack of culturally informed clinicians exacerbates problems, and implicit biases prevent Black patients from receiving proper treatment from mainly White mental healthcare professionals, which can be observed as a lack of empathy. Finally, we consider the role of law enforcement as stereotypes combined with psychotic symptoms may put these patients in danger of police violence and premature mortality. Improving treatment outcomes requires an understanding of the role of psychology in perpetuating racism in healthcare and pathological stereotypes. Increased awareness and training can improve the plight of Black people with severe mental health disorders. Essential steps necessary at multiple levels to address these issues are discussed.
Depression and oral health-related quality of life: A longitudinal study
Authors: Nerobkova Nataliya , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Sung-In
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Geriatric oral health-related quality of life is a relatively new but rapidly growing concept as it is directly related to the general wellbeing and self-esteem of older adults. This study assessed the impact of worsening depression symptoms on oral health-related quality of life using representative nationwide data of Korean older adults.

Methods

This study comprised a longitudinal sample of older adults aged ≥60 from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2016–2020). After applying the exclusion criteria, 3,286 participants were included in the study. Depression status was determined through the biennial assessment of the short-form Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10); oral health was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). We employed the lagged general estimating equations to assess the temporal effect of the CESD-10 score change on the GOHAI score.

Results

A decrease in CESD-10 score over a 2-year period was significantly associated with a decrease in GOHAI score in men and women: β = −1.810 and β = −1.278, respectively (p-values < 0.0001). Furthermore, compared to the same or improved CESD-10 score, worsening of the score on 1–2 points detected the β = −1.793 in men and β = −1.356 in women, and worsening on ≥3 points: β = −3.614 in men and β = −2.533 in women.

Conclusions

This study found that depression exacerbation is negatively associated with oral health-related quality of life in later life. Further, a more significant worsening of depression symptoms was correlated with lower scores for oral health-related quality of life in our study population.
Socioeconomic disparities and inequality of mass sports participation: Analysis from Chinese General Social Survey 2010–2018
Authors: Dong Haoyu , Wang Ying , Li Wen , Dindin Jennifer
Published: February 2023

Background

With industrialization, urbanization, and modernization, mass sports have entered people's daily lives to maintain their health status. However, less attention has been paid to the heterogeneity and inequality of access to mass sports, especially in developing countries. This study aims to analyze the factors that affect mass sports participation in developing countries represented by China, and explain the changing trends and inequality in the class differentiation and mobility of public sports participation.

Methods

The study selected the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) data in 2010 and 2018 as the research samples, and used an ordered Probit model and sub-sample regression to analyze the factors and trends of Chinese residents' mass sports participation and the influencing factors. By stratified three-stage probability sampling, the study obtained 4,940 valid responses, including 1,014 in CGSS 2010 and 3926 in CGSS 2018.

Results

First, in terms of social factors, urban residents have a higher frequency of sports participation than rural residents. Second, regarding family factors, residents with higher social classes are more likely to participate in sports than those with lower social classes. Third, in terms of self-induced factors, the elderly are more motivated to exercise than the young. Residents with public-sector jobs, high incomes, and higher education levels are keener to participate in sports. Fourth, residents' mass sports participation rate has generally shown an upward trend over time. Fifth, with time changes, the sports participation rate varies between urban and rural areas, between ethnic minorities and Han ethnic, between old and young age groups, and between higher and lower education levels will continue to shrink, but differences between social classes will further increase over time.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrated that hidden inequality existed in accessing mass sports participation in developing countries, and the self-induced characteristics were significantly correlated with the quality of sports participation. Future public sports policies should address the inequity to ensure equal access to affordable qualified personal mass sports.
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in critically ill children: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact on outcome in a large tertiary pediatric hospital of China
Authors: Huang Weichun , Wei Xiaoshu , Xu Guifeng , Zhang Xingyu , Wang Xing
Published: February 2023

Background and aims

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide, but comprehensive study of clinical characteristics for CRPA infections among critically ill children remains limited in China. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of CRPA infections among critically ill pediatric patients in a large tertiary pediatric hospital in China.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study of patients with P. aeruginosa infections was conducted in the three intensive care units (ICUs) of Shanghai Children's Medical Center from January 2016 to December 2021. All patients with CRPA infection in the ICUs were enrolled as case patients. Patients with carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa (CSPA) infection were randomly selected as control patients in a ratio of 1:1. Clinical characteristics of those inpatients were reviewed through the hospital information system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors associated with the development of CRPA infections and mortality of P. aeruginosa infections.

Results

A total of 528 cases of P. aeruginosa infection in the ICUs were enrolled in the 6-year study. The prevalence of CRPA and MDRPA (multidrug-resistance P. aeruginosa) was 18.4 and 25.6%, respectively. Significant risk factors related to CRPA infection were the length of hospitalization >28 days (OR = 3.241, 95% CI 1.622–6.473, p = 0.001), receiving invasive operations (OR = 2.393, 95% CI 1.196–4.788, p = 0.014) and a blood transfusion (OR = 7.003, 95% CI 2.416–20.297, p < 0.001) within 30 days before infection. Conversely, birth weight ≥2,500 g (OR = 0.278, 95% CI 0.122–0.635, p = 0.001) and breast nursing (OR = 0.362, 95% CI 0.168–0.777, p = 0.009) were significant protective factors against CRPA infections. The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.2%, and no difference in mortality was observed between patients with CRPA and CSPA infections. Platelet < 100 × 109/L (OR = 5.729, 95% CI 1.048–31.308, p = 0.044) and serum urea <3.2 mmol/L (OR = 5.173, 95% CI 1.215–22.023, p = 0.026) were independent predictors for the mortality due to P. aeruginosa infection.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into CRPA infections among critically ill children in China. They provide guidance in identifying patients that may be at high risk for a resistant infection and emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control in hospitals.
Spatial–temporal analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis among students in the Zhejiang Province of China from 2007–2020
Authors: Zhang Mengdie , Chen Songhua , Luo Dan , Chen Bin , Zhang Yu , Wang Wei , Wu Qian , Liu Kui , Wang Hongmei , Jiang Jianmin
Published: February 2023

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a serious chronic communicable disease that causes a significant disease burden in China; however, few studies have described its spatial epidemiological features in students.

Methods

Data of all notified PTB cases from 2007 to 2020 in the student population were collected in the Zhejiang Province, China using the available TB Management Information System. Analyses including time trend, spatial autocorrelation, and spatial–temporal analysis were performed to identify temporal trends, hotspots, and clustering, respectively.

Results

A total of 17,500 PTB cases were identified among students in the Zhejiang Province during the study period, accounting for 3.75% of all notified PTB cases. The health-seeking delay rate was 45.32%. There was a decreasing trend in PTB notifications throughout the period; clustering of cases was seen in the western area of Zhejiang Province. Additionally, one most likely cluster along with three secondary clusters were identified by spatial–temporal analysis.

Conclusion

Although was a downward trend in PTB notifications among students during the time period, an upward trend was seen in bacteriologically confirmed cases since 2017. The risk of PTB was higher among senior high school and above than of junior high school. The western area of Zhejiang Province was the highest PTB risk settings for students, and more comprehensive interventions should be strengthened such as admission screening and routine health monitoring to improve early identification of PTB.
Machine learning aided jump height estimate democratization through smartphone measures
Authors: Mascia Guido , De Lazzari Beatrice , Camomilla Valentina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The peak height reached in a countermovement jump is a well established performance parameter. Its estimate is often entrusted to force platforms or body-worn inertial sensors. To date, smartphones may possibly be used as an alternative for estimating jump height, since they natively embed inertial sensors.

Methods

For this purpose, 43 participants performed 4 countermovement jumps (172 in total) on two force platforms (gold standard). While jumping, participants held a smartphone in their hands, whose inertial sensor measures were recorded. After peak height was computed for both instrumentations, twenty-nine features were extracted, related to jump biomechanics and to signal time-frequency characteristics, as potential descriptors of soft tissues or involuntary arm swing artifacts. A training set (129 jumps – 75%) was created by randomly selecting elements from the initial dataset, the remaining ones being assigned to the test set (43 jumps – 25%). On the training set only, a Lasso regularization was applied to reduce the number of features, avoiding possible multicollinearity. A multi-layer perceptron with one hidden layer was trained for estimating the jump height from the reduced feature set. Hyperparameters optimization was performed on the multi-layer perceptron using a grid search approach with 5-fold cross validation. The best model was chosen according to the minimum negative mean absolute error.

Results

The multi-layer perceptron greatly improved the accuracy (4 cm) and precision (4 cm) of the estimates on the test set with respect to the raw smartphone measures estimates (18 and 16 cm, respectively). Permutation feature importance was performed on the trained model in order to establish the influence that each feature had on the outcome. The peak acceleration and the braking phase duration resulted the most influential features in the final model. Despite not being accurate enough, the height computed through raw smartphone measures was still among the most influential features.

Discussion

The study, implementing a smartphone-based method for jump height estimates, paves the way to method release to a broader audience, pursuing a democratization attempt.
Parallel stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy of an acute internal carotid artery occlusion refractory to standard techniques: A case report
Authors: Yoshimoto Takeshi , Hosoki Satoshi , Tanaka Kanta , Koge Junpei , Satow Tetsu , Yamagami Hiroshi , Toyoda Kazunori , Ihara Masafumi
Published: February 2023

Although mechanical thrombectomy for acute large vessel occlusion is generally effective, some occlusions are refractory. We report a patient in whom the parallel stent retriever technique using two Trevo stent retrievers (Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, California, USA) was required to treat an intracranial and epidural internal carotid artery occlusion after other techniques had failed. A 68-year-old woman presented with an acute left internal carotid artery occlusion 4 days after mechanical thrombectomy of a left middle cerebral artery occlusion. She was not a candidate for intravenous thrombolysis because of a recent cerebral infarction. Attempts at mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever, contact aspiration, or combined contact aspiration and stent retriever were unsuccessful. The parallel stent retriever technique using two 6 × 25-mm Trevo stent retrievers enabled coverage of the entire thrombus, and successful reperfusion was achieved (extended Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b). After the procedure, the patient was able to walk without assistance. Her modified Rankin Scale score was 2 at 90 days follow-up. Microscopic examination of the retrieved thrombi demonstrated red blood cells, fibrin, and partial endothelialization. The parallel Trevo stent retriever technique has the potential as rescue therapy for refractory large-vessel occlusion. However, complications arising from this technique remain uncertain. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of this technique in terms of recanalization and clinical safety.
A novel, reusable, realistic neurosurgical training simulator for cerebrovascular bypass surgery: Iatrotek® bypass simulator validation study and literature review
Authors: D’Andrea Marcello , Musio Antonio , Colasanti Roberto , Mongardi Lorenzo , Fuschillo Dalila , Lofrese Giorgio , Tosatto Luigino
Published: February 2023

Background

Microanastomosis is a challenging technique requiring continuous training to be mastered. Several models have been proposed, but few effectively reflect a real bypass surgery; even fewer are reusable, most are not easily accessible, and the setting is often quite long. We aim to validate a simplified, ready-to-use, reusable, ergonomic bypass simulator.

Methods

Twelve novice and two expert neurosurgeons completed eight End-to-End (EE), eight End-to-Side (ES), and eight Side-to-Side (SS) microanastomoses using 2-mm synthetic vessels. Data on time to perform bypass (TPB), number of sutures and time required to stop potential leaks were collected. After the last training, participants completed a Likert Like Survey for bypass simulator evaluation. Each participant was assessed using the Northwestern Objective Microanastomosis Assessment Tool (NOMAT).

Results

When comparing the first and last attempts, an improvement of the mean TPB was registered in both groups for the three types of microanastomosis. The improvement was always statistically significant in the novice group, while in the expert group, it was only significant for ES bypass. The NOMAT score improved in both groups, displaying statistical significance in the novices for EE bypass. The mean number of leakages, and the relative time for their resolution, also tended to progressively reduce in both groups by increasing the attempts. The Likert score expressed by the experts was slightly higher (25 vs. 24.58 by the novices).

Conclusions

Our proposed bypass training model may represent a simplified, ready-to-use, reusable, ergonomic, and efficient system to improve eye-hand coordination and dexterity in performing microanastomoses.
Image Quality Assessment for Gibbs Ringing Reduction
Authors: Wang Yue , Healy John J.
Published: February 2023

Gibbs ringing is an artefact that is inevitable in any imaging modality where the measurement is Fourier band-limited. It impacts the quality of the image by creating a ringing appearance around discontinuities. Many novel ways of suppressing the artefact have been proposed, including machine learning methods, but the quantitative comparisons of the results have frequently been lacking in rigour. In this paper, we examine image quality assessment metrics on three test images with different complexity. We determine six metrics which show promise for simultaneously assessing severity of Gibbs ringing and of other error such as blurring. We examined applying metrics to a region of interest around discontinuities in the image and use the metrics on the resulting region of interest. We demonstrate that the region of interest approach does not improve the performance of the metrics. Finally, we examine the effect of the error threshold parameter in two metrics. Our results will aid development of best practice in comparison of algorithms for the suppression of Gibbs ringing.
Positive Effect of High Zinc on Growth of Sedum alfredii
Authors: Xiao Chun , Yu Haiyue , Lu Lingli
Published: February 2023

Sedum alfredii Hance (S. alfredii) is a native hyperaccumulator plant species in China that has strong tolerance and accumulation ability for Zn and Cd. In addition, it is a good material for the phytoextraction of soil heavy metal pollutants. However, the specific effect of high Zn concentrations on the growth of S. alfredii and its metabolic mechanisms are not clear. Using an untargeted metabolomics method, we analysed the differential metabolites of the two ecotypes in S. alfredii roots under different Zn treatments. The results showed that high Zn levels significantly promoted plant growth in the hyperaccumulating ecotype (HE), while growth was inhibited in the non-hyperaccumulating ecotype (NHE). We detected 624 metabolites in the roots of S. alfredii. Under the high Zn treatment, lots of lipids and lipid-like molecules, such as glyceryl monooleate and 9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadecane-10-enoic acid, along with organic acids, such as lauramidopropylbetaine, L-malic acid, and their derivatives, decreased significantly in HE roots. Differential metabolites, such as some lipids and lipid-like molecules, were significantly upregulated in NHE roots. The above results indicate that the exogenous high Zn treatment induces the downregulation of HE differential metabolites in response to Zn, but significantly induces the upregulation of differential metabolites in NHE.
Multifarious Effects of Arsenic on Plants and Strategies for Mitigation
Authors: Beniwal Rahul , Yadav Radheshyam , Ramakrishna Wusirika
Published: February 2023

Arsenic contamination in soil and water is a major problem worldwide. Inorganic arsenic is widely present as arsenate and arsenite. Arsenic is transferred to crops through the soil and irrigation water. It is reported to reduce crop production in plants and can cause a wide array of diseases in humans, including different types of cancers, premature delivery, stillbirth, and spontaneous abortion. Arsenic methyltransferase (AS3MT) in the human body converts inorganic arsenic into monomethylarsonic acid and dimethylarsinic acid, which are later excreted from the body. Arsenic transfer from the soil to grains of rice involves different transporters such as Lsi1, Lsi2, and Lsi6. These transporters are also required for the transfer of silicate, which makes them important for the plant. Different mitigation strategies have been used to mitigate arsenic from crops, such as plant growth-promoting bacteria, fungi, and nanoparticles, as well as using different plant genotypes and plant extracts. Different factors such as nitric oxide, Fe, and jasmonate also affect the response of a plant to the oxidative stress caused by arsenic. This review highlights the various effects of arsenic on plants with respect to their biochemical, molecular, and physiological aspects and the employment of classical and innovative methods for their mitigation. The current review is expected to initiate further research to improve As remediation to mitigate the effect of heavy metal pollution on the environment.
Prediction of Maturity Date of Leafy Greens Based on Causal Inference and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Shi Jingmin , Shi Fanhuai , Huang Xixia
Published: February 2023

The prediction of the maturity date of leafy greens in a planting environment is an essential research direction of precision agriculture. Real-time detection of crop growth status and prediction of its maturity for harvesting is of great significance for improving the management of greenhouse crops and improving the quality and efficiency of the greenhouse planting industry. The development of image processing technology provides great help for real-time monitoring of crop growth. However, image processing technology can only obtain the representation information of leafy greens, and it is difficult to describe the causal mechanism of environmental factors affecting crop growth. Therefore, a framework combining an image processing model and a crop growth model based on causal inference was proposed to predict the maturity of leafy greens. In this paper, a deep convolutional neural network was used to classify the growth stages of leafy greens. Then, since some environmental factors have causal effects on the growth rate of leafy greens, the causal effects of various environmental factors on the growth of leafy greens are obtained according to the data recorded by environmental sensors in the greenhouse, and the prediction results of the maturity of leafy greens in the study area are obtained by combining image data. The experiments showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) was 2.49 days, which demonstrated that the method had substantial feasibility in predicting the maturity for harvesting and effectively solved the limitations of poor timeliness of prediction. This model has great application potential in predicting crop maturity in greenhouses.
Sperm Quality and Fertility of Livestock Animals
Authors: Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Barranco Isabel , Salas-Huetos Albert
Published: February 2023

Recent research has focused on the understanding of the causes of subfertility observed in livestock species, evidencing that different factors could underlie this condition [...]
Elephant Scar Prevalence in the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor, Kenya: Echoes of Human-Elephant Conflict
Authors: Von Hagen Lynn , LaDue Chase A. , Schulte Bruce A.
Published: February 2023

Human–elephant conflict (HEC) compromises crop security and threatens elephant conservation. Most commonly, HEC manifests as crop-foraging as elephants modify natural foraging strategies to incorporate crops. Farmers may retaliate by frightening or harming elephants, leaving scars from inflicted wounds. We assessed the prevalence and distribution of scars on the bodies of African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) observed in the Kasigau Wildlife Corridor (KWC), part of the Greater Tsavo Ecosystem of Kenya, where conflict is prevalent. We surmised that scars on the body are largely a result of HEC as opposed to scars on the rump or head, which we attributed primarily to elephant–elephant conflict. We hypothesized that: (1) male elephants would have more scars than females; (2) older males would be more likely to have scars than younger males; and (3) most scars would be located on the bodies of elephants. We assessed scars from a photographic catalogue of elephants from the KWC. In line with our hypotheses, male elephants were more likely to have scars than females (32% of males compared to 6% of females); older males had significantly more scars than younger males (61% compared to 24%); and the majority of scars (89%) were located on the body. Scar presence may be useful as an animal-centered indicator to estimate the prevalence and demographic patterns of HEC.
Editorial for the Special Issue “A Themed Issue in Honor of Professor Hartmut Derendorf—Outstanding Contributions in the Fields of Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology”
Authors: Van Bambeke Françoise , Wicha Sebastian , Tulkens Paul M. , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: February 2023

Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the discipline investigating the absorption, distribution, metabolization and elimination of a drug in the body [...]
Antibiotic Susceptibility and Clarithromycin Resistance Determinants in Helicobacter pylori in the Northeast of Spain: A One-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Mormeneo Bayo Saray , Bellés Bellés Alba , Vázquez Gómez Diego , Planella de Rubinat Montserrat , Bayas Pastor Diana Carolina , Morales Portillo Arturo , Jover Sáenz Alfredo , López González Éric , Prim Núria , García-González Mercè
Published: February 2023

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most widespread infections, and it is reaching alarming resistance levels worldwide. The recommended first-line empirical treatment differs according to the local rate of clarithromycin resistance. Macrolide resistance is mainly associated with three point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene. The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic susceptibility of H. pylori in our healthcare area and the main mechanisms involved in clarithromycin resistance. Gastric biopsies (n = 641) were collected and cultured in a one-year prospective study. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by gradient diffusion. A multiplex real-time PCR test (AllplexTMH.pylori & ClariR Assay, Seegene) was used to detect the most frequent mutations associated with clarithromycin resistance. Overall, 141 isolates were available for antibiotic susceptibility testing. The highest resistance rates were detected in metronidazole and levofloxacin. The rate of clarithromycin resistance was 12.1%, and the associated mutations were A2143G and A2142G. More than half of the clarithromycin-resistant isolates presented high MIC values (>256 mg/L). Tetracycline resistance was not detected, suggesting that therapies that contain tetracycline could be a suitable option. The low clarithromycin resistance rate coupled with the high rates of metronidazole resistance may support the recovery of the classical triple therapy in our healthcare area.
Induction of Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptides to Prevent or Treat Oral Infection and Inflammation
Authors: Morio Kimberly A. , Sternowski Robert H. , Brogden Kim A.
Published: February 2023

Antibiotics are often used to treat oral infections. Unfortunately, excessive antibiotic use can adversely alter oral microbiomes and promote the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, which can be difficult to treat. An alternate approach could be to induce the local transcription and expression of endogenous oral antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). To assess the feasibility and benefits of this approach, we conducted literature searches to identify (i) the AMPs expressed in the oral cavity; (ii) the methods used to induce endogenous AMP expression; and (iii) the roles that expressed AMPs may have in regulating oral inflammation, immunity, healing, and pain. Search results identified human neutrophil peptides (HNP), human beta defensins (HBD), and cathelicidin AMP (CAMP) gene product LL-37 as prominent AMPs expressed by oral cells and tissues. HNP, HBD, and LL-37 expression can be induced by micronutrients (trace elements, elements, and vitamins), nutrients, macronutrients (mono-, di-, and polysaccharides, amino acids, pyropeptides, proteins, and fatty acids), proinflammatory agonists, thyroid hormones, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, red light, or near infrared radiation (NIR). Localized AMP expression can help reduce infection, inflammation, and pain and help oral tissues heal. The use of a specific inducer depends upon the overall objective. Inducing the expression of AMPs through beneficial foods would be suitable for long-term health protection. Additionally, the specialized metabolites or concentrated extracts that are utilized as dosage forms would maintain the oral and intestinal microbiome composition and control oral and intestinal infections. Inducing AMP expression using irradiation methodologies would be applicable to a specific oral treatment area in addition to controlling local infections while regulating inflammatory and healing processes.
Hydrogen Sulfide Downregulates Oncostatin M Expression via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Processes in Neutrophil-like Differentiated HL-60 Cells
Authors: Han Na-Ra , Ko Seong-Gyu , Park Hi-Joon , Moon Phil-Dong
Published: February 2023

The cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) is regarded as a critical mediator in various inflammatory responses. While the gaseous signaling molecule hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays a role in a variety of pathophysiological conditions, such as hypertension, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis, ischemic stroke, oxidative stress, retinal degeneration, and inflammatory responses, the underlying mechanism of H2S action on OSM expression in neutrophils needs to be clarified. In this work, we studied how H2S reduces OSM expression in neutrophil-like differentiated (d)HL-60 cells. To evaluate the effects of H2S, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a donor that produces H2S), ELISA, real-time PCR (qPCR), immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining were utilized. Although exposure to granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) resulted in upregulated levels of production and mRNA expression of OSM, these upregulated levels were reduced by pretreatment with NaHS in dHL-60 cells. Similarly, the same pretreatment lowered phosphorylated levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt, and nuclear factor-kB that had been elevated by stimulation with GM-CSF. Overall, our results indicated that H2S could be a therapeutic agent for inflammatory disorders via suppression of OSM.
Time Evolution of the Modulus of Elasticity of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer
Authors: Lopes Adelino , Lopes Sergio , Fernandes Manuel
Published: February 2023

The objective of the research is to develop a new family of geopolymeric materials and to use an experimental methodology to characterize the mechanical behavior of the materials obtained by alkaline activation of metakaolin using a compound activator. The researchers also intend to study the unknown time evolution of the modulus of elasticity and the influence of the composition of the aggregates on the strength of the material. Like the material’s strength, the results have a direct influence on structural safety evaluations. For the analysis of the mechanical properties of the mixtures, different types of tests were carried out: Flexural and compression tests on parallelepipeds and compression tests on cylinders were performed to assess the main strength characteristics of metakaolin-based geopolymers. Regarding the aggregate composition, the results show that the correction of the aggregate particle size line did not improve the mechanical properties. From about 400 h of curing, at ambient temperatures, the mechanical properties of the geopolymeric material are almost invariable. The highest value of the elastic modulus of elasticity occurs around 420 h, at about 18 GPa. The modulus of elasticity is independent of test load rate as per standards, and 1.7‰ strain was observed during maximum compressive stresses in the rupture tests. Also, the secant modulus values at 60% and 80% of maximum stress are within 12% of the value at 40% of maximum stress.
A Searchable Encryption with Forward/Backward Security and Constant Storage
Authors: Cao Suzhen , Yan Junjian , Fang Zixuan , Wang Caifen
Published: February 2023

Dynamic searchable encryption satisfies users’ needs for ciphertext retrieval on semi-trusted servers, while allowing users to update server-side data. However, cloud servers with dynamically updatable data are vulnerable to information abuse and file injection attacks, and current public key-based dynamic searchable encryption algorithms are often complicated in construction and high in computational overhead, which is not efficient for practical applications. In addition, the client’s storage costs grow linearly with the number of keywords in the database, creating a new bottleneck when the size of the keyword set is large. To solve the above problems, a dynamic searchable encryption scheme that uses a double-layer structure, while satisfying forward and backward security, is proposed. The double-layer structure maintains a constant client-side storage cost while guaranteeing forward and backward security and further reduces the algorithm overhead by avoiding bilinear pairings in the encryption and decryption operations. The analysis results show that the scheme is more advantageous in terms of security and computational efficiency than the existing dynamic searchable encryption scheme under the public key cryptosystem. It is also suitable for the big data communication environment.
Optical Breakdown on Clusters of Gas Nanobubbles in Water; Possible Applications in Laser Ophthalmology
Authors: Babenko Vladimir A. , Sychev Andrey A. , Bunkin Nikolai F.
Published: February 2023

Here we studied the regimes of optical breakdown in water, stimulated by nanosecond and picosecond laser pulses at a wavelength of 1064 nm. A distinctive feature of our theoretical model, confirmed in experiment, is that in our case the optical breakdown develops on heterogeneous centers-clusters of gas nanobubbles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the role of clusters of gas nanobubbles in the optical breakdown of liquids that are transparent to pump radiation. In the experiment described in this paper, it was found that when initially degassed water is saturated with dissolved air, the breakdown threshold decreases. A theoretical model describing this phenomenon is suggested. This model includes the development of an electron avalanche inside individual nanobubbles, followed by the stimulated optical coalescence of a nanobubble cluster. According to our estimates, this regime occurs at laser radiation intensities of about 106–107 W/cm2. It is important that at such low intensities the breakdown flash (the basic endpoint of optical breakdown) does not appear due to the deficit of input laser energy. We provide an experimental proof of the coalescence regime, stimulated by a laser pulse in nanosecond range. The experimental threshold of stimulated coalescence is in good agreement with the theoretical estimates. Since the stimulated optical coalescence mode occurs at very low laser intensities, its excitation does not result in mechanical side effects in eye tissues, i.e., a shock wave should not be excited. Note that shock wave always occurs during optical breakdown, which is traditionally excited at intensities of 1012 W/cm2. In our experiment, the generation of a shock wave at such pump intensities was also observed. Since, according to the estimates given in the article, the volume number density of nanobubble clusters in the intraocular fluid can reach 108 cm−3, the excitation of the stimulated optical coalescence mode of nanobubble clusters can be used in ophthalmic surgery, such as laser iridotomy.
Evolution of Green Energy Production in Czech Republic
Authors: Durcansky Peter , Zvada Branislav , Nosek Radovan , Najser Jan , Najser Tomáš
Published: February 2023

The use of renewable resources has been on the rise in recent years. The use of renewable resources is also related to state support, either in the form of a fixed price for the purchase of energy or in the form of direct investment aid. The present article analyzed the use of RES in the Czech Republic and the number of installations depending on state support, which represents a significant factor affecting the end user. The article presented the development of the legislative framework that formed the basis of RES support during the years since independence and the country’s entry into the EU. The breaking points of support, when support was increased, and the impact of this support on the number of new installations were indicated. The development of energy production from RES was analyzed on the basis of historical data. A numerical model using a neural network was developed to illustrate the impact of government measures. The time interval for training the network was chosen on the basis of legislative changes, while the possible course was monitored if the change did not occur, or if the support remained the same. The results of the numerical simulation point to the fact that without adequate legislation and state support, there would probably not be an expansion of the use of RES. On the other hand, if the initial high support were to remain, there would probably be a significant distortion of the energy market. Finally, a prediction for the near future was presented, while a stabilization of the situation was assumed.
Sustainable Approach for Development Dried Snack Based on Actinidia deliciosa Kiwifruit
Authors: Nowacka Malgorzata , Mannozzi Cinzia , Dalla Rosa Marco , Tylewicz Urszula
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the method of producing shelf-stable snacks based on kiwifruit with the objective of obtaining an appealing snack with good taste, color, and nutritional value. Less valuable kiwifruits for size and shape were utilized in order to reduce kiwifruit production waste. To obtain the snacks, two drying methods were used: freeze-drying and hot air drying. Physical and chemical analyses were conducted. Furthermore, a sensory evaluation was undertaken. The results showed that both hot-air and freeze-drying methods are suitable for obtaining a good quality snack, which was attractive to consumers. However, the freeze-dried snack was better assessed than hot-air dried. Moreover, consumers preferred snacks with additional sucrose or trehalose to those without it. It was observed that products produced using the freeze-drying process had lower water content, and lower water activity, were brighter, had a more saturated color, and had similar or higher antioxidant activity, especially for samples made from kiwi, fennel, and spinach. The drying process allows for obtaining a snack that can be stored at room temperature. Freeze drying better preserved bioactive compounds compared to air drying. The freeze-dried samples were more appreciated by consumers than the air-dried and those containing sweetener.
A Maximum-Entropy Fuzzy Clustering Approach for Cancer Detection When Data Are Uncertain
Authors: Fordellone Mario , De Benedictis Ilaria , Bruzzese Dario , Chiodini Paolo
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and each year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer. Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful treatment, while screening aims to identify individuals with findings suggestive of specific cancer or pre-cancer before they have developed symptoms. Precise detection, however, often mainly relies on human experience and this could suffer from human error and error with a visual inspection. (2) Methods: The research of statistical approaches to analyze the complex structure of data is increasing. In this work, an entropy-based fuzzy clustering technique for interval-valued data (EFC-ID) for cancer detection is suggested. (3) Results: The application on the Breast dataset shows that EFC-ID performs better than the conventional FKM in terms of AUC value (EFC-ID = 0.96, FKM = 0.88), sensitivity (EFC-ID = 0.90, FKM = 0.64), and specificity (EFC-ID = 0.93, FKM = 0.92). Furthermore, the application on the Multiple Myeloma data shows that EFC-ID performs better than the conventional FKM in terms of Chi-squared (EFC-ID = 91.64, FKM = 88.26), Accuracy rate (EFC-ID = 0.71, FKM = 0.60), and Adjusted Rand Index (EFC-ID = 0.33, FKM = 0.21). (4) Conclusions: In all cases, the proposed approach has shown good performance in identifying the natural partition and the advantages of the use of EFC-ID have been detailed illustrated.
Changes in Oil Quality and Peroxidase Activity during Germination of Rape Seeds and Mustard Seeds
Authors: Belt Dorota , Grygier Anna , Siger Aleksander , Kmiecik Dominik , Spasibionek Stanisław , Rudzińska Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Vegetable oils are selected by consumers based on the presence of multiple bioactive substances, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols. Another important factor in oils is their quality. This research involved analyzing the oils quality and quantity of bioactive substances obtained from rape seeds and white mustard seeds that underwent germination. The quality of the oils was compared by determining the acid and peroxide values. Germination lowered the peroxide value by 86.3% and 71.4% for rapeseed oil and mustard oil, respectively. This was due to the germination step of the seed use oxygen, which was the substrate for lipid peroxidation. The activity of peroxidase increased by 95% for rapeseed oil and 94% for mustard oil during germination. An increase in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in mustard oil also was noted during germination.
Use of Unmalted and Malted Buckwheat in Brewing
Authors: Ciocan Marius Eduard , Salamon Rozália Veronika , Ambrus Ágota , Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Chetrariu Ancuța , Dabija Adriana
Published: February 2023

With the goal of introducing specialty beers with full flavor and effective processing, craft and functional beer have revived old assortments and established new assortments in countries throughout the world. These unique selections are produced utilizing various ingredient combinations or changes to the brewing process. Given the rise in celiac disease sufferers in recent years, research investigations on the use of buckwheat in brewing, particularly gluten-free beer, have intensified. In this study, malted and unmalted buckwheat were proposed for use in brewing, and the results were contrasted with those of beer made entirely of malted barley. Commercial enzymes were added to the technical mashing process in order to optimize it and increase output yield. It was simple to incorporate buckwheat in the technological process to produce a final product that, in many respects, resembled conventional beer, making buckwheat suitable for regular beer drinkers. In terms of original extract, apparent extract, alcohol content, and energy value, the beer obtained from 100% barley malt differs from the final beer, but only minor variations were found in color, pH, and bitterness value. Ethyl alcohol, a particularly significant distinguishing characteristic, was impacted by the use of buckwheat malt and unmalted buckwheat. The beer made from buckwheat was acceptable from a sensory perspective in terms of flavor, aroma, texture, bitterness, etc. The results demonstrate that the researched raw materials can be successfully used in the production of beer, both in malted and unmalted forms. For the latter option, it is recommended to use enzyme preparations to speed up the mashing and filtration of the wort.
Melanoma Metastases Arising at Unexpected Sites: Gallbladder and Uterus
Authors: Broggi Giuseppe , Farina Jessica , Palicelli Andrea , Zanelli Magda , Zizza Gaetano , Sorci Francesca , Morici Riccardo , Caltabiano Rosario
Published: February 2023

Although malignant melanoma (MM) most frequently tends to metastasize to the regional lymph nodes, liver, lung and brain, several unusual sites of metastasis have been described in the literature. Among these, the metastatic involvement of gallbladder or uterus represents an exceptional event, usually associated with diffuse metastatic disease or observed as an autopsy finding. In this paper, we present two unusual cases of isolated MM metastasis to these anatomic sites, arising in a 71-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, for whom no information on previous malignancies was known at the time of the histological examination. The clinico-pathologic features are described, emphasizing that MM metastasis must be included in the differential diagnosis when dealing with patients with a previous diagnosis of MM and onset of a novel mass/lesion even at unusual sites.