bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Load and Ascending Aortic Aneurysms: An Observational, Longitudinal, Single-Center Study Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: de Azevedo Fabiula Schwartz , Almeida Gabriela de Castro , Alvares de Azevedo Bruno , Ibanez Aguilar Ivan Fernney , Azevedo Bruno Nieckele , Teixeira Pedro Soares , Camargo Gabriel Cordeiro , Correia Marcelo Goulart , Nieckele Angela Ourivio , Oliveira Glaucia Maria Moraes
Published: February 2024

Ascending aortic aneurysm (AAoA) is a silent disease with high mortality; however, the factors associated with a worse prognosis are not completely understood. The objective of this observational, longitudinal, single-center study was to identify the hemodynamic patterns and their influence on AAoA growth using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), focusing on the effects of geometrical variations on aortic hemodynamics. Personalized anatomic models were obtained from angiotomography scans of 30 patients in two different years (with intervals of one to three years between them), of which 16 (53%) showed aneurysm growth (defined as an increase in the ascending aorta volume by 5% or more). Numerically determined velocity and pressure fields were compared with the outcome of aneurysm growth. Through a statistical analysis, hemodynamic characteristics were found to be associated with aneurysm growth: average and maximum high pressure (superior to 100 Pa); average and maximum high wall shear stress (superior to 7 Pa) combined with high pressure (>100 Pa); and stress load over time (maximum pressure multiplied by the time interval between the exams). This study provides insights into a worse prognosis of this serious disease and may collaborate for the expansion of knowledge about mechanobiology in the progression of AAoA.
Standardization of a CT Protocol for Imaging Patients with Suspected COVID-19—A RACOON Project
Authors: Steuwe Andrea , Kamp Benedikt , Afat Saif , Akinina Alena , Aludin Schekeb , Bas Elif Gülsah , Berger Josephine , Bohrer Evelyn , Brose Alexander , Büttner Susanne Martina , Ehrengut Constantin , Gerwing Mirjam , Grosu Sergio , Gussew Alexander , Güttler Felix , Heinrich Andreas , Jiraskova Petra , Kloth Christopher , Kottlors Jonathan , Kuennemann Marc-David , Liska Christian , Lubina Nora , Manzke Mathias , Meinel Felix G. , Meyer Hans-Jonas , Mittermeier Andreas , Persigehl Thorsten , Schmill Lars-Patrick , Steinhardt Manuel ,   The RACOON Study Group, Antoch Gerald , Valentin Birte
Published: February 2024

CT protocols that diagnose COVID-19 vary in regard to the associated radiation exposure and the desired image quality (IQ). This study aims to evaluate CT protocols of hospitals participating in the RACOON (Radiological Cooperative Network) project, consolidating CT protocols to provide recommendations and strategies for future pandemics. In this retrospective study, CT acquisitions of COVID-19 patients scanned between March 2020 and October 2020 (RACOON phase 1) were included, and all non-contrast protocols were evaluated. For this purpose, CT protocol parameters, IQ ratings, radiation exposure (CTDIvol), and central patient diameters were sampled. Eventually, the data from 14 sites and 534 CT acquisitions were analyzed. IQ was rated good for 81% of the evaluated examinations. Motion, beam-hardening artefacts, or image noise were reasons for a suboptimal IQ. The tube potential ranged between 80 and 140 kVp, with the majority between 100 and 120 kVp. CTDIvol was 3.7 ± 3.4 mGy. Most healthcare facilities included did not have a specific non-contrast CT protocol. Furthermore, CT protocols for chest imaging varied in their settings and radiation exposure. In future, it will be necessary to make recommendations regarding the required IQ and protocol parameters for the majority of CT scanners to enable comparable IQ as well as radiation exposure for different sites but identical diagnostic questions.
Light-Exposed Metabolic Responses of Cordyceps militaris through Transcriptome-Integrated Genome-Scale Modeling
Authors: Soommat Panyawarin , Raethong Nachon , Ruengsang Ratchaprapa , Thananusak Roypim , Laomettachit Teeraphan , Laoteng Kobkul , Saithong Treenut , Vongsangnak Wanwipa
Published: February 2024

The genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) of Cordyceps militaris provides a comprehensive basis of carbon assimilation for cell growth and metabolite production. However, the model with a simple mass balance concept shows limited capability to probe the metabolic responses of C. militaris under light exposure. This study, therefore, employed the transcriptome-integrated GSMM approach to extend the investigation of C. militaris’s metabolism under light conditions. Through the gene inactivity moderated by metabolism and expression (GIMME) framework, the iPS1474-tiGSMM model was furnished with the transcriptome data, thus providing a simulation that described reasonably well the metabolic responses underlying the phenotypic observation of C. militaris under the particular light conditions. The iPS1474-tiGSMM obviously showed an improved prediction of metabolic fluxes in correlation with the expressed genes involved in the cordycepin and carotenoid biosynthetic pathways under the sucrose culturing conditions. Further analysis of reporter metabolites suggested that the central carbon, purine, and fatty acid metabolisms towards carotenoid biosynthesis were the predominant metabolic processes responsible in light conditions. This finding highlights the key responsive processes enabling the acclimatization of C. militaris metabolism in varying light conditions. This study provides a valuable perspective on manipulating metabolic genes and fluxes towards the target metabolite production of C. militaris.
Supervised Parametric Learning in the Identification of Composite Biomarker Signatures of Type 1 Diabetes in Integrated Parallel Multi-Omics Datasets
Authors: Bonnell Jerry , Alcazar Oscar , Watts Brandon , Buchwald Peter , Abdulreda Midhat H. , Ogihara Mitsunori
Published: February 2024

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a devastating autoimmune disease, and its rising prevalence in the United States and around the world presents a critical problem in public health. While some treatment options exist for patients already diagnosed, individuals considered at risk for developing T1D and who are still in the early stages of their disease pathogenesis without symptoms have no options for any preventive intervention. This is because of the uncertainty in determining their risk level and in predicting with high confidence who will progress, or not, to clinical diagnosis. Biomarkers that assess one’s risk with high certainty could address this problem and will inform decisions on early intervention, especially in children where the burden of justifying treatment is high. Single omics approaches (e.g., genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.) have been applied to identify T1D biomarkers based on specific disturbances in association with the disease. However, reliable early biomarkers of T1D have remained elusive to date. To overcome this, we previously showed that parallel multi-omics provides a more comprehensive picture of the disease-associated disturbances and facilitates the identification of candidate T1D biomarkers. Methods: This paper evaluated the use of machine learning (ML) using data augmentation and supervised ML methods for the purpose of improving the identification of salient patterns in the data and the ultimate extraction of novel biomarker candidates in integrated parallel multi-omics datasets from a limited number of samples. We also examined different stages of data integration (early, intermediate, and late) to assess at which stage supervised parametric models can learn under conditions of high dimensionality and variation in feature counts across different omics. In the late integration scheme, we employed a multi-view ensemble comprising individual parametric models trained over single omics to address the computational challenges posed by the high dimensionality and variation in feature counts across the different yet integrated multi-omics datasets. Results: the multi-view ensemble improves the prediction of case vs. control and finds the most success in flagging a larger consistent set of associated features when compared with chance models, which may eventually be used downstream in identifying a novel composite biomarker signature of T1D risk. Conclusions: the current work demonstrates the utility of supervised ML in exploring integrated parallel multi-omics data in the ongoing quest for early T1D biomarkers, reinforcing the hope for identifying novel composite biomarker signatures of T1D risk via ML and ultimately informing early treatment decisions in the face of the escalating global incidence of this debilitating disease.
An Accelerometer-Based Wearable Patch for Robust Respiratory Rate and Wheeze Detection Using Deep Learning
Authors: Sang Brian , Wen Haoran , Junek Gregory , Neveu Wendy , Di Francesco Lorenzo , Ayazi Farrokh
Published: February 2024

Wheezing is a critical indicator of various respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current diagnosis relies on subjective lung auscultation by physicians. Enabling this capability via a low-profile, objective wearable device for remote patient monitoring (RPM) could offer pre-emptive, accurate respiratory data to patients. With this goal as our aim, we used a low-profile accelerometer-based wearable system that utilizes deep learning to objectively detect wheezing along with respiration rate using a single sensor. The miniature patch consists of a sensitive wideband MEMS accelerometer and low-noise CMOS interface electronics on a small board, which was then placed on nine conventional lung auscultation sites on the patient’s chest walls to capture the pulmonary-induced vibrations (PIVs). A deep learning model was developed and compared with a deterministic time–frequency method to objectively detect wheezing in the PIV signals using data captured from 52 diverse patients with respiratory diseases. The wearable accelerometer patch, paired with the deep learning model, demonstrated high fidelity in capturing and detecting respiratory wheezes and patterns across diverse and pertinent settings. It achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 95%, 96%, and 93%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.99 on the test set—outperforming the deterministic time–frequency approach. Furthermore, the accelerometer patch outperforms the digital stethoscopes in sound analysis while offering immunity to ambient sounds, which not only enhances data quality and performance for computational wheeze detection by a significant margin but also provides a robust sensor solution that can quantify respiration patterns simultaneously.
The Relationship between Concentration Effort, Focus Back Effort, Focus Back State, and Mind Wandering
Authors: He Hong , Chen Yunyun , Zhang Xuemin
Published: February 2024

Focus back effort, concentration effort, and focus back state are factors associated with mind wandering. Focus back effort, proposed in alignment with the definition of focus back state, has been previously regarded as one manifestation of concentration effort. The primary goals of the current study are to explore the relationship between concentration effort, focus back effort, focus back state, and mind wandering. To shed light on the issue, we assessed the level of each cognitive measure in a single task. The findings revealed significant correlations between concentration effort, focus back effort, focus back state, and mind wandering. Mediation analysis suggested that focus back effort played a mediating role in the relationship between concentration effort and focus back state. Additionally, we observed that these measures independently influenced task performance through their impact on mind wandering. Our results provide potential avenues for interventions aimed at addressing individuals’ mind wandering and enhancing task performance.
Unraveling the Complexity: Exploring the Intersection of Panic Disorder, Dissociation, and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: D’Angelo Martina , Valenza Marta , Iazzolino Anna Maria , Longobardi Grazia , Di Stefano Valeria , Lanzara Elena , Visalli Giulia , Steardo Luca , Scuderi Caterina , Steardo Luca
Published: February 2024

Background: Patients with panic disorder (PD) may experience increased vulnerability to dissociative and anxious phenomena in the presence of repeated traumatic events, and these may be risk factors for the development of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The present study aims to find out whether the presence of cPTSD exacerbates anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from panic disorder and whether this is specifically associated with the occurrence of dissociative symptoms. Methods: One-hundred-and-seventy-three patients diagnosed with PD were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence (or absence) of cPTSD using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) scale. Dissociative and anxious symptoms were assessed using the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), respectively. Results: Significant differences in re-experienced PTSD (p < 0.001), PTSD avoidance (p < 0.001), PTSD hyperarousal (p < 0.001), and DSO dysregulation (p < 0.001) were found between the cPTSD-positive and cPTSD-negative groups. A statistically significant association between the presence of cPTSD and total scores on the HAM-A (p < 0.001) and CDS (p < 0.001) scales was found using regression analysis. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential link between dissociative symptoms and a more severe clinical course of anxiety-related conditions in patients with PD. Early intervention programs and prevention strategies are needed.
Enhancing Volumetric Stability of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Composites with Organic Modifiers WER and SCA
Authors: Zhang Mo , Zang Yongquan , Shan Lingyan
Published: February 2024

Shrinkage during hardening and curing is one of the largest challenges for the widespread application of metakaolin-based geopolymers (MKGs). To solve this problem, a silane coupling agent (SCA) and waterborne epoxy resin (WER) were used to synthesize MKG composites. The individual and synergistic effects of the SCA and WER on chemical, autogenous, and drying shrinkage were assessed, the modification mechanisms were investigated by microstructural characterization, and shrinkage resistance was evaluated by the chloride ion permeability of MKG composite coatings. The results showed that the SCA and WER significantly decreased the chemical shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, and drying shrinkage of the MKG, with the highest reductions of 46.4%, 131.2%, and 25.2% obtained by the combination of 20 wt% WER and 1 wt% SCA. The incorporation of the organic modifiers densified the microstructure. Compared with the MKG, the total volume of mesopores and macropores in MKG-WER, MKG-SCA, and MKG-WER-SCA decreased by 11.5%, 8.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. In particular, the silanol hydrolyzed from the SCA can react with the opened epoxy ring of the WER and the aluminosilicate oligomers simultaneously to form a compact network and resist shrinkage during the hardening and continuous reaction of the geopolymer. Furthermore, the apparently lowered chloride ion diffusion coefficient of concrete (i.e., reduction of 51.4% to 59.5%) by the WER- and SCA-modified MKG coatings verified their improved shrinkage resistance. The findings in this study provide promising methods to essentially solve the shrinkage problem of MKGs at the microscale and shed light on the modification mechanism by WERs and SCAs, and they also suggest the applicability of MKG composites in protective coatings for marine concrete.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiovascular Healthcare in Croatia: A Comprehensive Nationwide Survey
Authors: Lukenda Josip , Borovac Josip Andelo
Published: February 2024

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular healthcare in Croatia remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to compare the utilization and provision of cardiovascular services during the pre-pandemic (2017–2019) and pandemic (2020–2021) periods, leveraging nationwide data from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund, which covers 95% of all insurance claims in the country. Our findings reveal that while the use of coronary angiographies decreased during the pandemic, there was a notable increase in the utilization of advanced heart failure treatment modalities and percutaneous coronary interventions, particularly in the context of acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, transcatheter aortic valve implantations saw a significant rise during the pandemic period. Furthermore, laboratory diagnostic testing for troponin and natriuretic peptides experienced a marked increase, while the utilization of most other cardiovascular services remained stable or showed only minor declines compared to the pre-pandemic era. These observations suggest that the Croatian cardiovascular healthcare system displayed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully maintaining and even expanding access to various diagnostic and interventional procedures despite facing widespread societal and logistical challenges.
Introduction to the Special Issue “High-Dimensional Time Series in Macroeconomics and Finance”
Authors: Pötscher Benedikt M. , Sögner Leopold , Wagner Martin
Published: February 2024

This Special Issue was organized in relation to the fifth Vienna Workshop on High-Dimensional Time Series in Macroeconomics and Finance, which took place at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Vienna on 9 June and 10 June 2022 [...]
A Systematic Review of STEAM Education’s Role in Nurturing Digital Competencies for Sustainable Innovations
Authors: Deák Csaba , Kumar Baibhaw
Published: February 2024

This systematic review examines the intricate relationship between Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education, digital competence, and sustainable innovations in the context of academic institutions. This study, conducted through a meticulous PRISMA-guided literature review, spans the decade from 2013 to 2023, focusing on publications from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The NOISE analysis model guides the exploration, emphasizing the Needs, Opportunities, Improvements, and Strengths in upskilling educators for the digital age. By synthesizing findings, this review highlights the multifaceted nature of digital competence, emphasizing its critical role in the knowledge society. Sustainable innovation emerges as a complex yet essential concept for future digital competencies. Key findings underscore the imperative for a continuous upskilling of educators and the transformative potential of STEAM pedagogy in fostering a holistic, transdisciplinary approach to education. The NOISE analysis offers practical insights, paving the way for future research directions, including the development of a robust conceptual framework for STEAM-based pedagogy. This review contributes by adding a culturally sustaining education framework for STEAM, which adds to existing knowledge by elucidating the symbiotic relationship between STEAM education, digital competence, and sustainable innovations, providing a nuanced understanding crucial for navigating the evolving educational landscape.
Equalizer Parameters’ Adjustment Based on an Oversampled Channel Model for OFDM Modulation Systems
Authors: Kucharczyk Marcin , Dziwoki Grzegorz , Izydorczyk Jacek , Sułek Wojciech , Dustor Adam , Filipowski Wojciech , Izydorczyk Weronika , Kłosowski Piotr , Zawadzki Piotr , Sowa Piotr , Rajzer Michał
Published: February 2024

A physical model of a wireless transmission channel in the time domain usually consists of the main propagation path and only a few reflections. The reasonable assumptions made about the channel model can improve its parameters’ estimation by a greedy OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) equalizer. The equalizer works flawlessly if delays between propagation paths are in the sampling grid. Otherwise, the channel impulse response loses its compressible characteristic and the number of coefficients to find increases. It is possible to get back to the simple channel model by data oversampling. The paper describes how the above idea helps the OMP (Orthogonal Matching Pursuit) algorithm estimate channel coefficients. The authors analyze the oversampling algorithm on the one hand to assess the influence of filtering function and signal resolution on the quality of the channel impulse response reconstruction. On the other hand, the abilities of the OMP algorithm are analyzed to distinguish components of the oversampled signal. Based on these analyses, we proposed modifications to the compressible channel’s impulse response reconstruction algorithm to minimize the number of transmission errors. A distinction was made between the filters used in the OMP search and channel reconstruction stages before calculating equalizer coefficients. Additionally, the results of the search stage were considered as elements within the groups.
Pretrained Language–Knowledge Graph Model Benefits Both Knowledge Graph Completion and Industrial Tasks: Taking the Blast Furnace Ironmaking Process as an Example
Authors: Huang Xiaoke , Yang Chunjie
Published: February 2024

Industrial knowledge graphs (IKGs) have received widespread attention from researchers in recent years; they are intuitive to humans and can be understood and processed by machines. However, how to update the entity triples in the graph based on the continuous production data to cover as much knowledge as possible, while applying a KG to meet the needs of different industrial tasks, are two difficulties. This paper proposes a two-stage model construction strategy to benefit both knowledge graph completion and industrial tasks. Firstly, this paper summarizes the specific forms of multi-source data in industry and provides processing methods for each type of data. The core is to vectorize the data and align it conceptually, thereby achieving the fusion modeling of multi-source data. Secondly, this paper defines two interrelated subtasks to construct a pretrained language–knowledge graph model based on multi-task learning. At the same time, considering the dynamic characteristics of the production process, a dynamic expert network structure is adopted for different tasks combined with the pretrained model. In the knowledge completion task, the proposed model achieved an accuracy of 91.25%, while in the self-healing control task of a blast furnace, the proposed model reduced the incorrect actions rate to 0 and completed self-healing control for low stockline fault in 278 min. The proposed framework has achieved satisfactory results in experiments, which verifies the effectiveness of introducing knowledge into industry.
Additivities for Soluble Recombinant Protein Expression in Cytoplasm of Escherichia coli
Authors: Atroshenko Denis L. , Sergeev Egor P. , Golovina Diana I. , Pometun Anastasia A.
Published: February 2024

Recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli is a fundamental technique in molecular biology and biotechnology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various additivities to enhance the expression levels of soluble recombinant proteins in E. coli. The discussion encompasses five key aspects. Inducer Optimization: strategies for optimizing the inducer concentration to enhance protein expression. Autoinduction system optimization: the examination of glucose, lactose, and glycerol optimization within autoinduction systems to improve protein production. Osmolytes and osmoprotectants: an analysis of the use of osmolytes and osmoprotectants, such as sorbitol and glycine-betaine, to overcome with ease osmotic stress and enhance protein solubility. Ethanol additives: the impact of ethanol on E. coli physiology and its potential to improve recombinant protein expression. Cofactors and metabolic precursors: insights into the addition of cofactors, such as pyridoxal phosphate, riboflavin, thiamine, and pyridoxine, and the utilization of metabolic precursors to enhance the corresponding protein expression. This review highlights both the successful strategies and challenges in recombinant protein expression and provides insights into potential future research directions. Understanding and optimizing these factors is crucial for the efficient production of recombinant proteins for various applications in biotechnology. Furthermore, based on the analyzed data, we propose a straightforward scheme to optimize the additives in the cultivation medium.
AgriFireInfo v1.0: An Open-Source Platform for the Monitoring and Management of Open-Field Crop Residue Burning
Authors: Yang Guangyi , Zhang Xuelei , Xiu Aijun , Gao Chao , Zhang Mengduo , Tong Qingqing , Liu Wei , Yu Yang , Zhao Hongmei , Zhang Shichun , Xie Shengjin
Published: February 2024

Open-field crop residue burning (OCRB) is a widespread agricultural practice with significant impacts on regional environments and public health. The effective management of OCRB remains a challenging task that requires timely access to various forms of monitored and forecasted information. Addressing this worldwide need, an open-source platform named AgriFireInfo v1.0, which is specifically tailored to monitoring and regulating regional OCRB activities, was developed. This technical note thoroughly illustrates the platform’s architecture, major modules, and visualization processes. Through AgriFireInfo v1.0, government agencies can access timely information about the spatial distribution of fire spots and emissions as well as meteorological conditions and air quality status. AgriFireInfo v1.0 also introduces an innovative Prevention Alarming Index, designed to identify regions prone to OCRB and promote comprehensive crop residue utilization. Furthermore, it offers the burning window and crop residue yields for controlled OCRB activities and can be used to analyze shifts in farmers’ burning behaviors and intensities. Future enhancements will focus on supplying holistic information on the burning windows and burning amounts of crop residues to further facilitate refined controlled burning activities and optimize decision-making processes. The flexibility and scalability of this platform can potentially allow users to easily customize and apply it to other regions or countries.
Tritordeum: Promising Cultivars to Improve Health
Authors: De Caro Salvatore , Venezia Antonella , Di Stasio Luigia , Danzi Donatella , Pignone Domenico , Mamone Gianfranco , Iacomino Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Tritordeum is an amphiploides species resulting from the hybridization between durum wheat (T. durum) and wild barley (H. chilense). This new cereal is considered a natural crop as it is obtained by traditional breeding techniques. Given its appreciable organoleptic characteristics, agronomic features, presence of interesting components, and good technological properties, Tritordeum is of promising interest for the development of health-oriented foods. In this study, we evaluated two registered Tritordeum cultivars, Bulel and Aucan. T. durum (Provenzal) was employed as the positive control. The extracted proteins were digested by gastric/pancreatic proteases, and their biological effects on Caco-2 differentiated on transwell inserts were determined. Changes in cell viability, monolayer permeability, organization of F-actin microfilaments, and ER stress triggered by protein-digested samples (DPs) were inspected. Our results showed that exposure to Provenzal-DPs promptly disrupted the tight junction barrier. Conversely, Aucan-DPs did not enhance monolayer permeability, whereas Bulel-DPs exerted only slight effects. Provental-DPs-induced toxicity was also confirmed by changes in cell viability and by the deep reorganization of the enterocyte cytoskeleton. In contrast, Aucan-DPs and Bulel-DPs did not affect monolayer viability and cytoskeleton structure. Overall, our findings suggest that both Tritordeum cultivars could be potential candidates for mitigating the toxicity of wheat flour.
Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Hordein–Whey Protein Isolate Complex: Delivery System of Quercetin
Authors: Yang Songqi , Jin Yunan , Li Feifan , Shi Jinfeng , Liang Jiahui , Mei Xiaohong
Published: February 2024

As a lipophilic flavonol, quercetin has low bioavailability, which limits its application in foods. This work aimed to prepare a hordein-based system to deliver quercetin. We constructed hordein–whey isolate protein fibril (WPIF) complexes (H-Ws) by anti-solvent precipitation method at pH 2.5. The TEM results of the complexes showed that spherical-like hordein particles were wrapped in WPIF clusters to form an interconnected network structure. FTIR spectra revealed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were the main driving forces for the complex formation. H-W1 (the mass ratio of hordein to WPIF was 1:1) with a three-phase contact angle of 70.2° was chosen to stabilize Pickering emulsions with oil volume fractions (φ) of 40–70%. CLSM images confirmed that the oil droplets were gradually embedded in the three-dimensional network structure of H-W1 with the increase in oil volume fraction. The emulsion with φ = 70% showed a tight gel structure. Furthermore, this emulsion exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (97.8%) and a loading capacity of 0.2%, demonstrating the potential to deliver hydrophobic bioactive substances. Compared with free quercetin, the bioaccessibility of the encapsulated quercetin (35%) was significantly improved. This study effectively promoted the application of hordein-based delivery systems in the food industry.
Temporal Profile of the Microbial Community and Volatile Compounds in the Third-Round Fermentation of Sauce-Flavor baijiu in the Beijing Region
Authors: Li Weiwei , Zhang Hui , Wang Runnan , Zhang Chengnan , Li Xiuting
Published: February 2024

Sauce-flavor baijiu produced in the Beijing and Guizhou regions has regional characteristic flavors, but the differences in flavor compounds and reasons for their formation remain unclear. The sauce-flavor baijiu brewing process involves several rounds of fermentation. In this study, we investigated the temporal distribution of microbial communities and flavor substances during the third round of sauce-flavor baijiu fermentation in the Beijing region, and we then compared and analyzed the differences of flavor substances and microorganisms in the fermented grains of sauce-flavor baijiu in the Beijing and Guizhou regions. It was found that 10 bacterial genera and 10 fungal genera were dominant in the fermented grains. The acidity of the fermented grains had a significant driving effect on the microbial community succession. A total of 81 volatile compounds were identified and quantified in the fermented grains, of which esters and alcohols were relatively abundant. The differences in 30 microbial community compositions and their resulting differences in terms of the fermentation parameters of fermented grains are responsible for the differences in the profiles of flavor compounds between sauce-flavor baijiu produced in the Beijing and Guizhou regions.
A Cross-Sectional, Multicentric, Disease-Specific, Health-Related Quality of Life Study in Greek Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Klonizakis Philippos , Roy Noémi , Papatsouma Ioanna , Mainou Maria , Christodoulou Ioanna , Pantelidou Despina , Kokkota Smaro , Diamantidis Michael , Kourakli Alexandra , Lazaris Vasileios , Andriopoulos Dimitrios , Tsapas Apostolos , Klaassen Robert J. , Vlachaki Efthymia
Published: February 2024

The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in thalassemia offers a holistic approach to the disease and facilitates better communication between physicians and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the HRQoL of transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients in Greece. This was a multicentric, cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 involving 283 adult TDT patients. All participants completed a set of two QoL questionnaires, the generic SF-36v2 and the disease-specific TranQol. Demographic and clinical characteristics were used to predefine patient subgroups. Significant factors identified in the univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate analysis to assess their effect on HRQoL. The SF-36 scores of TDT patients were consistently lower compared to the general population in Greece. The mean summary score of TranQol was relatively high (71 ± 14%), exceeding levels observed in national surveys in other countries. Employment emerged as the most significant independent factor associated with better HRQoL, whereas age had the most significant negative effect. This study represents the first comprehensive QoL assessment of a representative sample of the TDT population in Greece. The implementation of TranQol allowed for the quantification of HRQoL in Greece, establishing a baseline for future follow-up, and identifying more vulnerable patient subgroups.
Laparoscopic Treatment of Perforated Peptic Ulcer: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Interrupted Stitches Repair versus Knotless Barbed Suture
Authors: Costa Gianluca , Garbarino Giovanni Maria , Lepre Luca , Liotta Gianluca , Mazzoni Gianluca , Gabrieli Alice , Costa Alessandro , Podda Mauro , Sganga Gabriele , Fransvea Pietro
Published: February 2024

Background: Peptic ulcers result from imbalanced acid production, and in recent decades, proton pump inhibitors have proven effective in treating them. However, perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) continue to occur with a persistent high mortality rate when not managed properly. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach have been widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, concerning certain technical aspects of this method, such as the best gastrorrhaphy technique, the consensus remains elusive. Consequently, the choice tends to rely on individual surgical experiences. Our study aimed to compare interrupted stitches versus running barbed suture for laparoscopic PPU repair. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study utilizing propensity score matching analysis on patients who underwent laparoscopic PPU repair. Patients were categorised into two groups: Interrupted Stitches Suture (IStiS) and Knotless Suture (KnotS). We then compared the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients in both groups. Results: A total of 265 patients underwent laparoscopic PPU repair: 198 patients with interrupted stitches technique and 67 with barbed knotless suture. Following propensity score matching, each group (IStiS and KnotS) comprised 56 patients. The analysis revealed that operative time did not differ between groups: 87.9 ± 39.7 vs. 92.8 ± 42.6 min (p = 0.537). Postoperative morbidity (24.0% vs. 32.7%, p = 0.331) and Clavien–Dindo III (10.7% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.489) were more frequently observed in the KnotS group, without any significant difference. In contrast, we found a slightly higher mortality rate in the IStiS group (10.7% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.742). Concerning leaks, no differences emerged between groups (3.6% vs. 5.4%, p = 1.000). Conclusions: Laparoscopic PPU repair with knotless barbed sutures is a non-inferior alternative to interrupted stitches repair. Nevertheless, further research such as randomised trials, with a standardised treatment protocol according to ulcer size, are required to identify the best gastrorraphy technique.
Current Management and Treatment Paradigms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease following Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Masood Muaaz , Low Donald E. , Deal Shanley B. , Kozarek Richard A.
Published: February 2024

Obesity is associated with serious comorbidities and economic implications. Bariatric surgery, most commonly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are effective options for weight loss and the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. With the growing obesity epidemic, there has been a concomitant rise in bariatric surgeries, particularly in sleeve gastrectomy, which has been the most widely performed bariatric surgery since 2013. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in obese individuals, can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to serious complications. Obesity and GERD both improve with weight loss. However, as the incidence of sleeve gastrectomy rises, recent data have revealed a risk of exacerbation of pre-existing GERD or the development of de novo GERD following sleeve gastrectomy. We performed a detailed review of GERD post-sleeve gastrectomy, including its overall incidence, pathophysiology and current treatment paradigms.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography for Detecting Apical Root Resorption in Retention Phase of Orthodontic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pereira Sónia A. , Corte-Real Ana , Melo Ana , Magalhães Linda , Lavado Nuno , Santos João Miguel
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This clinical study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of intraoral periapical radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting external apical root resorption (EARR) in orthodontic patients during the retention phase. Methods: The research involved 41 Caucasian patients who had undergone comprehensive orthodontic treatment, with a total of 328 teeth analyzed. The Kappa values for inter- and intra-examiner agreement were high for both PR and CBCT, indicating a robust level of agreement among examiners. The study used a four-point scale for classifying EARR. Results: This study showed comparable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity between PR and CBCT when using the most stringent criterion of “Definitely present”. The data suggested that CBCT outperformed PR when using a less stringent criterion (“Definitely present” or “Probably present”), particularly for maxillary incisors. However, overall diagnostic performance, as measured by the area under the ROC curve, showed only a slight advantage for CBCT over PR. Areas under the ROC curve range between 0.85 and 0.90 for PR and between 0.89 and 0.92 for CBCT. According to DeLong’s test, there is no evidence to conclude that the area under the ROC curve is different for PR and CBCT. Conclusions: Both PR and CBCT are accurate diagnostic tools for identifying EARR, with PR being deemed more suitable for routine clinical use due to its cost-effectiveness and lower radiation exposure. The findings emphasize the importance of considering the risk-benefit ratio when deciding on imaging modalities for monitoring EARR in orthodontic patients.
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis of Malignant Gynecological Origin: A Systematic Review of Imaging Assessment
Authors: Meucci Rosaria , Prosperi Daniela , Lauri Chiara , Campagna Giuseppe , Nayak Pallavi , Garaci Francesco , Signore Alberto
Published: February 2024

This systematic review, conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, aims to comprehensively assess the current state of the art of imaging modalities for the evaluation of peritoneal carcinomatosis arising from malignant gynecological origins, with a focus on ovarian and endometrial cancers. A systematic search of relevant databases was performed, adhering to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies reporting the use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), PET/CT, and PET/MRI in the assessment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from gynecological malignancies were included. The review encompasses an overview of selected studies, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each imaging modality in diagnosing and characterizing peritoneal carcinomatosis. Overall, a wide variability in the reported accuracy of different imaging techniques emerges from literature, mainly due to the type of the study, technical issues, and patient characteristics. Although a meta-analysis could not be performed due to a scarcity of data, this systematic review provides valuable insights into the several imaging approaches used in peritoneal carcinomatosis of gynecological origin. The findings aim to inform clinical decision making and guide future research endeavors in this critical aspect of gynecological oncology.
Retrotrigonal Layer Dissection from a Posterior Approach Enables Bladder Neck Preservation in Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Washino Satoshi , Saito Kimitoshi , Nakamura Yuhki , Miyagawa Tomoaki
Published: February 2024

Background: We developed a novel surgical technique: dissection of the retrotrigonal layer from a posterior approach in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). This approach enables earlier access to the posterior space during bladder neck dissection and helps preserve the bladder neck. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of this technique in terms of bladder neck preservation Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 238 consecutive patients who underwent RARP using this technique from August 2021 to September 2023. Key metrics included the success rate of accessing the posterior space prior to bladder neck opening during the dissection and the rate of bladder neck preservation. In addition, oncological and surgical safety, as well as continence recovery, were assessed. Results: The median age and prostate-specific antigen level were 72 (65–75) years and 7.35 (5.40–11.5) ng/mL, respectively. In 153 (64%) patients, the posterior space was successfully accessed before bladder neck opening, with the success rate increasing from 56% in the series’ first half to 72% in the second half (p = 0.015). The bladder neck was preserved in 120 (53%) patients, and this rate increased from 39% in the first half to 63% in the second half (p = 0.0004). Positive surgical margins at the junction between the prostate and bladder were observed in 10 cases (4%). Bladder neck preservation correlated with early continence recovery (hazard ratio 1.37 [95% confidence interval 1.03–1.83], p = 0.030). The grade 3 complication associated with this technique occurred in one case (0.5%). Conclusion: Retrotrigonal layer dissection from a posterior approach in RARP enhances the safety and ease of bladder neck dissection and aids in its preservation, potentially leading to improved continence recovery.
Innovations in Antifungal Drug Discovery among Cell Envelope Synthesis Enzymes through Structural Insights
Authors: Zhou Yue , Reynolds Todd
Published: February 2024

Life-threatening systemic fungal infections occur in immunocompromised patients at an alarming rate. Current antifungal therapies face challenges like drug resistance and patient toxicity, emphasizing the need for new treatments. Membrane-bound enzymes account for a large proportion of current and potential antifungal targets, especially ones that contribute to cell wall and cell membrane biosynthesis. Moreover, structural biology has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which these enzymes synthesize their products, as well as the mechanism of action for some antifungals. This review summarizes the structures of several current and potential membrane-bound antifungal targets involved in cell wall and cell membrane biosynthesis and their interactions with known inhibitors or drugs. The proposed mechanisms of action for some molecules, gleaned from detailed inhibitor–protein studeis, are also described, which aids in further rational drug design. Furthermore, some potential membrane-bound antifungal targets with known inhibitors that lack solved structures are discussed, as these might be good enzymes for future structure interrogation.
Age Is a Predictor of In-Hospital Outcomes for Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Akkawi Abdul Rahman , Yamaguchi Akira , Shimamura Junichi , Chehab Omar , Alvarez Paulino , Kuno Toshiki , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: February 2024

The 2018 heart allocation system has significantly influenced heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) utilization. Our study aims to investigate age-related outcomes following LVAD implantation in the post-allocation era. Using the National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed data from 7375 patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2019 and 2020. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality following LVAD implantation, stratified by age categories. The age groups were 18–49, 50–59, 60–69, and over 70. These represented 26%, 26%, 31%, and 17% of patients, respectively. Patients aged 60–69 and those over 70 exhibited higher in-hospital mortality rates of 12% and 17%, respectively, compared to younger age groups (7% for 18–49 and 6% for 50–59). The age groups 60–69 and over 70 were independent predictors of mortality, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.99 (p = 0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–3.57) and 2.88 (p = 0.002; 95% CI, 1.45–5.71), respectively. Additionally, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index was associated with increased in-hospital mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.39; p = 0.02; 95% CI, 1.05–1.84). Additionally, patients above 70 experienced a statistically shorter length of stay. Nonhome discharge was found to be significantly high across all age categories. However, the difference in hospitalization cost was not statistically significant across the age groups. Our study highlights that patients aged 60 and above face an increased risk of in-hospital mortality following LVAD implantation in the post-allocation era. This study sheds light on age-related outcomes and emphasizes the importance of considering age in LVAD patient selection and management strategies.
Ecosystem Service Value Assessment of the Yellow River Delta Based on Satellite Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Li Hui , Guan Qingchun , Fan Yanguo , Guan Chengyang
Published: February 2024

The Yellow River Delta (YRD) stands as a globally significant wetland, playing a pivotal role in sustaining regional ecosystem stability and offering crucial ecosystem services to humanity. However, anthropogenic activities, particularly resource development, unavoidably disrupt the ecosystem, leading to the degradation of these vital services. Utilizing satellite remote sensing data, the InVEST model, and energy analysis, this study introduces the concept of ‘emergy’ as an ‘intermediate variable’ to investigate the spatiotemporal changes in the ecosystem service value of the YRD. Five distinct types of ecosystem services are selected for quantitative assessment and analysis of the YRD’s spatiotemporal evolution from 1990 to 2020. Results indicate a 63.7% decline in the total value of ecosystem services from 1990 to 2010, followed by a 16.5% increase from 2010 to 2020. The study also unveils spatial shifts in high- and low-value areas of ecosystem services and attributes these changes to rapid urbanization and alterations in land use and cover. The assessment of ecosystem service values concretizes the intangible ecosystem service functions of natural resources. This lays the foundation for establishing a mechanism that combines positive incentives and reverse pressure to achieve the economic valuation of ecosystem service.