bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerofoil Flow Sensing Using On-Board Optical Tracking of Flexible Pillar Sensors
Authors: Selim Omar , Brücker Christoph
Published: May 2023

A novel approach for sensing and characterising the flow over an aerofoil is introduced. Arrays of flexible wind-hair-like sensors distributed over an aerofoil, which are tracked remotely using high-speed imaging and processing, acting as “digital tufts”, are used to provide real-time readings of local flow information with high temporal resolution. The use case presented in this paper has the sensors embedded within the suction side of a NACA0012 aerofoil and tested in a wind tunnel for varying angles of attack in static and dynamic tests. The time-averaged signals were able to provide information pertaining to the free-stream velocity and instantaneous angle of attack. The capability of the sensor type to provide temporal flow information is also explored. The sensors were used to detect low-frequency oscillations, which are pre-cursory to stall. These are hypothesised to be linked to breathing modes of the laminar separation bubble, causing a shear-layer flapping observed on the sensors. Such low-frequency oscillations were also detected shortly before separation in the ramp-up studies.
Prediction of Food Safety Risk Level of Wheat in China Based on Pyraformer Neural Network Model for Heavy Metal Contamination
Authors: Dong Wei , Hu Tianyu , Zhang Qingchuan , Deng Furong , Wang Mengyao , Kong Jianlei , Dai Yishu
Published: May 2023

Heavy metal contamination in wheat not only endangers human health, but also causes crop quality degradation, leads to economic losses and affects social stability. Therefore, this paper proposes a Pyraformer-based model to predict the safety risk level of Chinese wheat contaminated with heavy metals. First, based on the heavy metal sampling data of wheat and the dietary consumption data of residents, a wheat risk level dataset was constructed using the risk evaluation method; a data-driven approach was used to classify the dataset into risk levels using the K-Means++ clustering algorithm; and, finally, on the constructed dataset, Pyraformer was used to predict the risk assessment indicator and, thus, the risk level. In this paper, the proposed model was compared to the constructed dataset, and for the dataset with the lowest risk level, the precision and recall of this model still reached more than 90%, which was 25.38–4.15% and 18.42–5.26% higher, respectively. The model proposed in this paper provides a technical means for hierarchical management and early warning of heavy metal contamination of wheat in China, and also provides a scientific basis for dynamic monitoring and integrated prevention of heavy metal contamination of wheat in farmland.
Meat Irradiation: A Comprehensive Review of Its Impact on Food Quality and Safety
Authors: Indiarto Rossi , Irawan Arif Nanda , Subroto Edy
Published: May 2023

Food irradiation is a proven method commonly used for enhancing the safety and quality of meat. This technology effectively reduces the growth of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It also increases the lifespan and quality of products by delaying spoilage and reducing the growth of microorganisms. Irradiation does not affect the sensory characteristics of meats, including color, taste, and texture, as long as the appropriate dose is used. However, its influence on the chemical and nutritional aspects of meat is complex as it can alter amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins as well as generate free radicals that cause lipid oxidation. Various factors, including irradiation dose, meat type, and storage conditions, influence the impact of these changes. Irradiation can also affect the physical properties of meat, such as tenderness, texture, and water-holding capacity, which is dose-dependent. While low irradiation doses potentially improve tenderness and texture, high doses negatively affect these properties by causing protein denaturation. This research also explores the regulatory and public perception aspects of food irradiation. Although irradiation is authorized and controlled in many countries, its application is controversial and raises concerns among consumers. Food irradiation is reliable for improving meat quality and safety but its implication on the chemical, physical, and nutritional properties of products must be considered when determining the appropriate dosage and usage. Therefore, more research is needed to better comprehend the long-term implications of irradiation on meat and address consumer concerns.
Towards a Standardized Approach for the Geographical Traceability of Plant Foods Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
Authors: Nguyen Quang , Nguyen Thanh , Le Van , Nguyen Ngoc , Truong Ngoc , Hoang Minh , Pham Thi , Bui Quang
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a systematic literature review focused on the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with PCA, a multivariate technique, for determining the geographical origin of plant foods. Recent studies selected and applied the ICP-MS analytical method and PCA in plant food geographical traceability. The collected results from many previous studies indicate that ICP-MS with PCA is a useful tool and is widely used for authenticating and certifying the geographic origin of plant food. The review encourages scientists and managers to discuss the possibility of introducing an international standard for plant food traceability using ICP-MS combined with PCA. The use of a standard method will reduce the time and cost of analysis and improve the efficiency of trade and circulation of goods. Furthermore, the main steps needed to establish the standard for this traceability method are reported, including the development of guidelines and quality control measures, which play a pivotal role in providing authentic product information through each stage of production, processing, and distribution for consumers and authority agencies. This might be the basis for establishing the standards for examination and controlling the quality of foods in the markets, ensuring safety for consumers.
Physico-Chemical, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of Water Kefir Drinks Produced from Demineralized Whey and Dimrit and Shiraz Grape Varieties
Authors: Şafak Havva , Gün İlhan , Tudor Kalit Milna , Kalit Samir
Published: May 2023

Water kefir grains cannot grow in milk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether water kefir grains can show activity in demineralized whey, an environment containing lactose as a carbon source. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of water kefir prepared from demineralized whey containing 2% and 5% lactose and raisins or grape juice from two grape varieties (Dimrit and Shiraz) were investigated. It was found that the protein content of the water kefir increased significantly (p < 0.05), especially when grape juice was added. The total soluble solids and viscosity of the samples with grape addition increased significantly (p < 0.05). Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity increased significantly with grape addition (p < 0.05), with the effect of Shiraz grape being more pronounced. In general, it was found that the content of K, P, Na, Ca and Mg was higher in the samples with grape addition. The sensory properties of water kefir made from dWhey with 2% lactose and grape juice were better. It was also confirmed that viability of water kefir microbiota is better in water kefir drink made from dWhey with 2% lactose due to higher pH value in comparison to dWhey with 5% lactose.
Capillary-Assisted Monitoring of Milk Freshness via a Porous Cellulose-Based Label with High pH Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Ruoting , Chi Wenrui , Zhu Qihao , Jin Hailan , Li Jian , Wang Lijuan
Published: May 2023

A cellulose-based matrix for monitoring milk freshness (MF) was produced from rice straw particles (RSPs) in a 0.125–0.150 mm that was bis-quaternized to attach bromocresol purple (BP) as a sensor. Under alkali conditions, the obstinate structure of the rice straw had opened, thereby improving the accessibility of the cellulose. Bis-quaternization created more adsorption sites for BP. The maximum adsorption capacity was 97.68 mg/g. The sensors were interwoven with cellulosic fibers to form the cellulose-based label with a relatively loose three-dimensional structure via hydrogen bonds. As the proportion of BP-BCRPs was increased from 10% to 40%, the air permeability of the label increased from 3.76 to 15.01 mm/s, which increased the response to the tested gases (10.12 s for 1 mL of acetic acid). The intelligent label exhibited excellent sensitivity at pH values of 3–9 with highly saturated color changes. During the storage period, the label color shifted from blue-purple to yellow as acidity was increased from 17.24 to 19.8 °T due to capillarity action, providing a timely warning to consumers. The prepared colorimetric porous intelligent cellulose-based label is suitable for monitoring of MF.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N-1 and Its Synergies with Oligomeric Isomaltose on the Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Hu Sheep
Authors: Zhou Zhiqiang , Xu Xinyi , Luo Dongmei , Zhou Zhiwei , Zhang Senlin , He Ruipeng , An Tianwu , Sun Qun
Published: May 2023

Probiotics have gained tremendous attention as an alternative to antibiotics, while synbiotics may exhibit a greater growth promoting effect than their counterpart probiotics due to the prebiotics’ promotion on the growth and reproduction of probiotics. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum N-1 and its synbiotic with oligomeric isomaltose on the growth performance and meat quality of Hu sheep. Hu sheep (0–3 days old) were fed with water, probiotics of N-1, or synbiotics (N-1 and oligomeric isomaltose) daily in three pens for 60 days and regularly evaluated to measure growth performance and collect serum (five lambs per group). Longissimus thoracis (LT) and biceps brachii (BB) muscle tissues were collected for the analysis of pH value, color, texture, nutrients, mineral elements, amino acids, volatile compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The results showed that dietary supplementation of N-1 tended to improve growth performance and meat quality of Hu sheep, while the synergism of N-1 with oligomeric isomaltose significantly improved their growth performance and meat quality (p < 0.05). Both the dietary supplementation of N-1 and synbiotics (p < 0.05) increased the body weight and body size of Hu sheep. Synbiotic treatment reduced serum cholesterol and improved LT fat content by increasing the transcription level of fatty acid synthase to enhance fat deposition in LT, as determined via RT-qPCR analysis. Moreover, synbiotics increased zinc content and improved LT tenderness by decreasing shear force and significantly increased the levels of certain essential (Thr, Phe, and Met) and non-essential (Asp, Ser, and Tyr) amino acids of LT (p < 0.05). Additionally, synbiotics inhibited the production of carbonyl groups and TBARS in LT and thus maintained antioxidant stability. In conclusion, it is recommended that the use of synbiotics in livestock breeding be promoted to improve sheep production and meat quality.
The Impact of In Vitro Digestion on the Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity of Spanish Ciders
Authors: Cavia Mari Mar , Arlanzón Nerea , Busto Natalia , Carrillo Celia , Alonso-Torre Sara R.
Published: May 2023

Various factors can influence the polyphenol content and the antioxidant capacity of ciders, such as the apple variety, its degree of maturity, apple farming and storage conditions, and the cider-fermentation method, all of which explains why ciders of different origin present different values. In addition, digestive processes could have some effects on the properties of cider. Hence, the objective of this study is to characterize Spanish ciders in terms of their polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity and to ascertain whether those same properties differ in digested ciders. In total, 19 ciders were studied from three different zones within Spain: Asturias (A) (10), the Basque Country (BC) (6), and Castile-and-Leon (CL) (3). A range of assays was used to determine the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant capacity of the ciders. In addition, a digestive process was simulated in vitro, assessing whether the use of amylase might influence the recovery of bioactive compounds after digestion. The Basque Country ciders presented higher total polyphenol contents (830 ± 179 GAE/L) and higher antioxidant capacities (DPPH: 5.4 ± 1.6 mmol TE/L; ABTS: 6.5 ± 2.0 mmol TE/L; FRAP: 6.9 ± 1.6 mmol TE/L) than the other ciders that were studied. The in vitro digestion process, regardless of the use of amylase, implied a loss of phenolic compounds (598 ± 239 mg GAE/L undigested samples; 466 ± 146 mg GAE/L digested without amylase samples; 420 ± 115 mg GAE/L digested with amylase samples), although the variation in antioxidant activity depended on the assay chosen for its determination.
Evaluation of Steady-State and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy as a Method for Assessing the Impact of Photo-Oxidation on Refined Soybean Oils
Authors: Lopes Carla Regina Borges , Courrol Lilia Coronato
Published: May 2023

The type of material used in packaging, lighting, and storage time can impact food quality during storage. This study aimed to investigate the progress of photosensitized oxidation in refined soybean oil using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The experiment was conducted through accelerated photo-oxidation with Light-Emitting Diode (LED) in samples stored for ten days at room temperature (26.0 ± 2.0 °C) in clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging of different colors and different transmission spectra in the UV and visible range. Emission spectra were obtained with excitation at 373, 405, and 500 nm, resulting in two main emission peaks: the first with maximum emission between 430 and 555 nm and the second at around 660 nm. Fluorescence decay curves were obtained with excitation at 340 and 405 nm. The results indicated that transparent PET bottles are not effective in protecting soybean oil from photosensitized oxidation under the studied conditions. Strong correlations were observed between fluorescence parameters and peroxide and conjugated diene values, indicators of lipid oxidation progress. Fluorescence spectroscopy has several advantages over traditional methods as it is a simple, fast, low-cost, and low-waste technique.
Breakpoint Planning Method for Rice Multibreak Milling
Authors: Xiao Yawen , Jia Fuguo , Meng Xiangyi , Han Yanlong
Published: May 2023

Excessive milling of rice kernels will result in nutrient loss and grain waste. To avoid grain waste, multibreak milling systems have been widely used in large-scale commercial rice mills. However, there is still no reasonable breakpoint planning method to guide the multibreak milling process. To construct a reasonable multibreak milling system, in this research, taking rice milling, a typical heterogeneous cereal-kernel milling process, as an example, the multivariate analysis method was used to comprehensively analyze the characteristic changes of milled rice during the whole milling process. A breakpoint planning method was established, including planning the number of breakpoints, determining the degree of milling or milling time corresponding to each breakpoint, and estimating the actual breakpoint to which the milled rice belongs. The verification results showed the rationality and high accuracy of the planning method. The presented work will help operators to plan the multibreak milling system of rice efficiently and objectively so as to significantly improve the commercial value of milled rice.
Effect of a Dairy Cow’s Feeding System on the Flavor of Raw Milk: Indoor Feeding or Grazing
Authors: Chi Xuelu , Yuan Ning , Zhang Yangdong , Zheng Nan , Liu Huimin
Published: May 2023

The flavor of fresh, raw milk is considered to be the key to maintaining the quality of dairy products, and is very crucial in affecting a consumer’s choice. To better understand the differences in flavor of fresh milk between feeding patterns, we conducted the following study. Twelve Holstein cows reared in pure grazing mode and twelve reared intensively in medium to large farms were selected from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions at the same time, and the flavor of their raw milk was analyzed. Aroma profiles and taste attributes were assessed by electronic nose and electronic tongue, respectively, and volatile flavor compounds were characterized and quantified by Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Thirteen volatile compounds were identified in the indoor feeding pattern and 12 in the grazing; most of them overlapped. W1S, W2S and W5S were the main contributing sensors of the electronic nose for the overall assessment of the aroma profile. Raw milk from grazing had more intense astringency, bitterness, sourness and richness in taste compared to indoor feeding. Different dietary conditions may contribute to a variety of aroma profiles. Oxime-, methoxy-phenyl-, octadecanoic acid, furfural and dodecanoic acid were the key volatile flavor compounds of grazing. Meanwhile, raw milk from indoor feeding patterns was unique in 2-nonanone, heptanoic acid and n-decanoic acid. All three detection techniques were valid and feasible for differentiating raw milk in both feeding patterns, and the compounds were significantly correlated with the key sensors by correlation analysis. This study is promising for the future use of metabolic sources of volatile organic compounds to track and monitor animal feeding systems.
Safety Evaluation and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Cow Milk Produced in Northern Italy According to Dioxins and PCBs Contamination Levels
Authors: Varrà Maria Olga , Lorenzi Valentina , Zanardi Emanuela , Menotta Simonetta , Fedrizzi Giorgio , Angelone Barbara , Gasparini Mara , Fusi Francesca , Foschini Stefano , Padovani Anna , Ghidini Sergio
Published: May 2023

Contamination levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored over 2018–2021 in 214 bovine milk samples from farms located in two regions in northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna). The average concentrations of the sum of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (0.78 ± 0.55 pg TEQ/g fat) and six non-dioxin-like PCBs (6.55 ± 2.24 ng/g fat) were largely below the maximum, and action limits established at European level, confirming a decreasing trend observed both locally and across Europe in recent years. The impact of contamination levels on chronic dietary exposure of the Italian population to dioxins and PCBs was found to be highly variable based on the type of cow milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed, or whole-fat milk) and the population age group considered. Indeed, a first-tier screening of the potential exposure via determinist methods allowed for the identification of the youngest population as the group with the worst risk profile. The refinement of exposure assessment via Monte Carlo probabilistic methods suggested that, at the less pessimistic middle-bound simulation scenario, infants, toddlers, and children consuming whole cow milk may be exposed to dioxins and PCBs levels above the toxicological reference values with a probability of 76, 56, and 22%, respectively.
Deep Eutectic Solvents-Based Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants from Kudingcha (llex kudingcha C.J. Tseng): Process Optimization and Comparison with Other Methods
Authors: Li Fangliang , Xiao Leyan , Lin Xue , Dai Jincheng , Hou Jiale , Wang Lu
Published: May 2023

Kudingcha (KDC) is an important tea substitute containing abundant antioxidants. Herein, a ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technique based on deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was applied to optimize the total phenolic/total flavonoid content (TPC/TFC) from the KDC extracts. Results indicated that DES composed of L-proline and glycerol (Pro-Gly) had excellent extraction performance for TPC, TFC, ABTS•+ and FRAP, which were significantly better than other solvents. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to obtain optimal extraction parameters for simultaneously maximizing the TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity. Results revealed that water content in Pro-Gly, liquid to solid ratio (L/S), ultrasonic temperature and extraction time were the major influence factors of the TPC, TFC, ABTS•+ and FRAP of the KDC extracts. The optimal conditions included water content in Pro-Gly of 46.4%, L/S of 25:1 (mL/g), ultrasonic temperature of 55 °C and extraction time of 50 min. Meanwhile, HPLC-MS/MS was adopted to identify the KDC extracts, which revealed the presence of major phytochemicals, including 5-chlorogenic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, myricetin and isorhamnetin. Moreover, UAE–Pro-Gly achieved further higher individual phenolics contents, TPC, TFC, ABTS•+ and FRAP than other methods. In conclusion, UAE–Pro-Gly is a highly efficient method for extraction of phenolic antioxidants from KDC.
Determination of a Nonlinear Coefficient in a Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Zeki Mustafa , Tinaztepe Ramazan , Tatar Salih , Ulusoy Suleyman , Al-Hajj Rami
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study direct and inverse problems for a nonlinear time fractional diffusion equation. We prove that the direct problem has a unique weak solution and the solution depends continuously on the coefficient. Then we show that the inverse problem has a quasi-solution. The direct problem is solved by the method of lines using an operator approach. A quasi-Newton optimization method is used for the numerical solution to the inverse problem. The Tikhonov regularization is used to overcome the ill-posedness of the inverse problem. Numerical examples with noise-free and noisy data illustrate the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method to some extent.
A Hybrid Local Radial Basis Function Method for the Numerical Modeling of Mixed Diffusion and Wave-Diffusion Equations of Fractional Order Using Caputo’s Derivatives
Authors: Kamal Raheel , Kamran  , Alzahrani Saleh M. , Alzahrani Talal
Published: May 2023

This article presents an efficient method for the numerical modeling of time fractional mixed diffusion and wave-diffusion equations with two Caputo derivatives of order 0<α<1, and 1<β<2. The numerical method is based on the Laplace transform technique combined with local radial basis functions. The method consists of three main steps: (i) first, the Laplace transform is used to transform the given time fractional model into an equivalent time-independent inhomogeneous problem in the frequency domain; (ii) in the second step, the local radial basis functions method is utilized to obtain an approximate solution for the reduced problem; (iii) finally, the Stehfest method is employed to convert the obtained solution from the frequency domain back to the time domain. The use of the Laplace transform eliminates the need for classical time-stepping techniques, which often require very small time steps to achieve accuracy. Additionally, the application of local radial basis functions helps overcome issues related to ill-conditioning and sensitivity to shape parameters typically encountered in global radial basis function methods. To validate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method, several test problems in regular and irregular domains with uniform and non-uniform nodes are considered.
Language Models for Multimessenger Astronomy
Authors: Sotnikov Vladimir , Chaikova Anastasiia
Published: May 2023

With the increasing reliance of astronomy on multi-instrument and multi-messenger observations for detecting transient phenomena, communication among astronomers has become more critical. Apart from automatic prompt follow-up observations, short reports, e.g., GCN circulars and ATels, provide essential human-written interpretations and discussions of observations. These reports lack a defined format, unlike machine-readable messages, making it challenging to associate phenomena with specific objects or coordinates in the sky. This paper examines the use of large language models (LLMs)—machine learning models with billions of trainable parameters or more that are trained on text—such as InstructGPT-3 and open-source Flan-T5-XXL for extracting information from astronomical reports. The study investigates the zero-shot and few-shot learning capabilities of LLMs and demonstrates various techniques to improve the accuracy of predictions. The study shows the importance of careful prompt engineering while working with LLMs, as demonstrated through edge case examples. The study’s findings have significant implications for the development of data-driven applications for astrophysical text analysis.
New Methacrylated Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels as Localized Drug Delivery Systems in Skin Cancer Therapy
Authors: Luca Andreea , Nacu Isabella , Tanasache Sabina , Peptu Cătălina Anişoara , Butnaru Maria , Verestiuc Liliana
Published: May 2023

The aim of the present work was to obtain drug-loaded hydrogels based on combinations of dextran, chitosan/gelatin/xanthan, and poly (acrylamide) as a sustained and controlled release vehicle of Doxorubicin, a drug used in skin cancer therapy that is associated with severe side effects. Hydrogels for use as 3D hydrophilic networks with good manipulation characteristics were produced using methacrylated biopolymer derivatives and the methacrylate group’s polymerization with synthetic monomers in the presence of a photo-initiator, under UV light stimulation (365 nm). Transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR) confirmed the hydrogels’ network structure (natural–synthetic composition and photocrosslinking), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the microporous morphology. The hydrogels are swellable in simulated biological fluids and the material’s morphology regulates the swelling properties: the maximum swelling degree was obtained for dextran–chitosan-based hydrogels because of their higher porosity and pore distribution. The hydrogels are bioadhesive on a biological simulating membrane, and values for the force of detachment and work of adhesion are recommended for applications on skin tissue. The Doxorubicin was loaded into the hydrogels and the drug was released by diffusion for all the resulting hydrogels, with small contributions from the hydrogel networks’ relaxation. Doxorubicin-loaded hydrogels are efficient on keratinocytes tumor cells, the sustained released drug interrupting the cells’ division and inducing cell apoptosis; we recommend the obtained materials for the topical treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Indian Propolis Hydrogel for Wound Healing
Authors: Kapare Harshad S. , Giram Prabhanjan S. , Raut Sadhana S. , Gaikwad Hemant K. , Paiva-Santos Ana Cláudia
Published: May 2023

Flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds play a key role in wound healing cycle modulation. Propolis, a natural bee product, has been widely reported as an enriched source of polyphenols and flavonoids as important chemical constituents and for its wound healing potential. The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a propolis-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel composition with wound healing potential. To understand the impacts of critical material attributes and process parameters, formulation development was carried out using a design of experiment approach. A preliminary phytochemical analysis of Indian propolis extract showed the presence of flavonoids (23.61 ± 0.0452 mg equivalent of quercetin/g) and polyphenols (34.82 ± 0.0785 mg equivalent of gallic acid/g), both of which aid in wound healing and skin tissue regeneration. The pH, viscosity, and in vitro release of the hydrogel formulation were also studied. The burn wound healing model results revealed significant (p < 0.0001) wound contraction by propolis hydrogel (93.58 + 0.15%) with rapid re-epithelialization relative to 5% w/w povidone iodine ointment USP (Cipladine®) (95.39 + 0.16%). The excision wound healing model confirms significant (p < 0.0001) wound contraction by propolis hydrogel (91.45 + 0.29%) with accelerated re-epithelialization comparable to 5% w/w povidone iodine ointment USP (Cipladine®) (94.38 + 0.21%). The developed formulation offers promise for wound healing, which may be investigated further for clinical research.
The Interplay between T Cells and Cancer: The Basis of Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Christina , Liu Xin , Chang Che-Yu , Wang Helen Y. , Wang Rong-Fu
Published: May 2023

Over the past decade, immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to cancer treatment. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has resulted in impressive and durable clinical responses in the treatment of various cancers. Additionally, immunotherapy utilizing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells has produced robust responses in blood cancers, and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells are showing promising results in the treatment of solid cancers. Despite these noteworthy advancements in cancer immunotherapy, numerous challenges remain. Some patient populations are unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and CAR T cell therapy has yet to show efficacy against solid cancers. In this review, we first discuss the significant role that T cells play in the body’s defense against cancer. We then delve into the mechanisms behind the current challenges facing immunotherapy, starting with T cell exhaustion due to immune checkpoint upregulation and changes in the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of dysfunctional T cells. We then discuss cancer-cell-intrinsic characteristics, including molecular alterations in cancer cells and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which collectively facilitate tumor cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and immune evasion. Finally, we examine recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on T-cell-based treatments.
Examining Sporadic Cancer Mutations Uncovers a Set of Genes Involved in Mitochondrial Maintenance
Authors: Moreno Armando , Taffet Allison , Tjahjono Elissa , Anderson Quinton L. , Kirienko Natalia V.
Published: May 2023

Mitochondria are key organelles for cellular health and metabolism and the activation of programmed cell death processes. Although pathways for regulating and re-establishing mitochondrial homeostasis have been identified over the past twenty years, the consequences of disrupting genes that regulate other cellular processes, such as division and proliferation, on affecting mitochondrial function remain unclear. In this study, we leveraged insights about increased sensitivity to mitochondrial damage in certain cancers, or genes that are frequently mutated in multiple cancer types, to compile a list of candidates for study. RNAi was used to disrupt orthologous genes in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, and a series of assays were used to evaluate these genes’ importance for mitochondrial health. Iterative screening of ~1000 genes yielded a set of 139 genes predicted to play roles in mitochondrial maintenance or function. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that these genes are statistically interrelated. Functional validation of a sample of genes from this set indicated that disruption of each gene caused at least one phenotype consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased fragmentation of the mitochondrial network, abnormal steady-state levels of NADH or ROS, or altered oxygen consumption. Interestingly, RNAi-mediated knockdown of these genes often also exacerbated α-synuclein aggregation in a C. elegans model of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, human orthologs of the gene set showed enrichment for roles in human disorders. This gene set provides a foundation for identifying new mechanisms that support mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identified Novel SNPs Associated with Chlorophyll Content in Maize
Authors: Jin Yueting , Li Dan , Liu Meiling , Cui Zhenhai , Sun Daqiu , Li Cong , Zhang Ao , Cao Huiying , Ruan Yanye
Published: May 2023

Chlorophyll is an essential component that captures light energy to drive photosynthesis. Chlorophyll content can affect photosynthetic activity and thus yield. Therefore, mining candidate genes of chlorophyll content will help increase maize production. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on chlorophyll content and its dynamic changes in 378 maize inbred lines with extensive natural variation. Our phenotypic assessment showed that chlorophyll content and its dynamic changes were natural variations with a moderate genetic level of 0.66/0.67. A total of 19 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found associated with 76 candidate genes, of which one SNP, 2376873-7-G, co-localized in chlorophyll content and area under the chlorophyll content curve (AUCCC). Zm00001d026568 and Zm00001d026569 were highly associated with SNP 2376873-7-G and encoded pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein and chloroplastic palmitoyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase, respectively. As expected, higher expression levels of these two genes are associated with higher chlorophyll contents. These results provide a certain experimental basis for discovering the candidate genes of chlorophyll content and finally provide new insights for cultivating high-yield and excellent maize suitable for planting environment.
Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Potential Regulatory Factors Response to Temperature Stress in Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean
Authors: Shen Xiao-Na , Wang Xiao-Di , Wan Fang-Hao , Lü Zhi-Chuang , Liu Wan-Xue
Published: May 2023

Exposure to extreme temperatures can hinder the development of insects and even reduce their survival rate. However, the invasive species Bemisia tabaci exhibits an impressive response to different temperatures. This study aims to identify important transcriptional changes of B. tabaci occupying different temperature habitats by performing RNA sequencing on populations originating from three regions of China. The results showed that the gene expression of B. tabaci populations inhabiting regions with different temperatures was altered and identified 23 potential candidate genes that respond to temperature stress. Furthermore, three potential regulatory factors’ (the glucuronidation pathway, alternative splicing, and changes in the chromatin structure) response to different environmental temperatures were identified. Among these, the glucuronidation pathway is a notable regulatory pathway. A total of 12 UDP-glucuronosyltransferase genes were found in the transcriptome database of B. tabaci obtained in this study. The results of DEGs analysis suggest that UDP-glucuronosyltransferases with a signal peptide may help B. tabaci resist temperature stress by sensing external signals, such as BtUGT2C1 and BtUGT2B13, which are particularly important in responding to temperature changes. These results will provide a valuable baseline for further research on the thermoregulatory mechanisms of B. tabaci that contributes to its ability to effectively colonize regions with considerable temperature differences.
Chromosome Asynapsis Is the Main Cause of Male Sterility in the Interspecies Hybrids of East Asian Voles (Alexandromys, Rodentia, Arvicolinae)
Authors: Bikchurina Tatiana , Pavlenko Marina , Kizilova Elena , Rubtsova Daria , Sheremetyeva Irina , Kartavtseva Irina , Torgasheva Anna , Borodin Pavel
Published: May 2023

Closely related mammalian species often have differences in chromosome number and morphology, but there is still a debate about how these differences relate to reproductive isolation. To study the role of chromosome rearrangements in speciation, we used the gray voles in the Alexandromys genus as a model. These voles have a high level of chromosome polymorphism and substantial karyotypic divergence. We investigated testis histology and meiotic chromosome behavior in the captive-bred colonies of Alexandromys maximowiczii, Alexandromys mujanensis, two chromosome races of Alexandromys evoronensis, and their interracial and interspecies hybrids, to explore the relationship between karyotypic differences and male hybrid sterility. We found that the seminiferous tubules of the males of the parental species and the interracial hybrids, which were simple heterozygotes for one or more chromosome rearrangements, contained germ cells at all stages of spermatogenesis, indicating their potential fertility. Their meiotic cells displayed orderly chromosome synapsis and recombination. In contrast, all interspecies male hybrids, which were complex heterozygotes for a series of chromosome rearrangements, showed signs of complete sterility. Their spermatogenesis was mainly arrested at the zygotene- or pachytene-like stages due to the formation of complex multivalent chains, which caused extended chromosome asynapsis. The asynapsis led to the silencing of unsynapsed chromatin. We suggest that chromosome asynapsis is the main cause of meiotic arrest and male sterility in the interspecies hybrids of East Asian voles.
Comparison of Genetic Susceptibility to Coronary Heart Disease in the Hungarian Populations: Risk Prediction Models for Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Nasr Nayla , Soltész Beáta , Sándor János , Ádány Róza , Fiatal Szilvia
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim: It was evaluated whether the integration of genetic risk scores (GRS-unweighted, wGRS-weighted) into conventional risk factor (CRF) models for coronary heart disease or acute myocardial infarction (CHD/AMI) could improve the predictive ability of the models. Methods: Subjects and data collected in a previous survey were used to perform regression and ROC curve analyses as well as to examine the role of genetic components. Thirty SNPs were selected, and genotype and phenotype data were available for 558 participants (general: N = 279 and Roma: N = 279). Results: The mean GRS (27.27 ± 3.43 vs. 26.68 ± 3.51, p = 0.046) and wGRS (3.52 ± 0.68 vs. 3.33 ± 0.62, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the general population. The addition of the wGRS to the CRF model yielded the strongest improvement in discrimination among Roma (from 0.8616 to 0.8674), while the addition of GRS to the CRF model yielded the strongest improvement in discrimination in the general population (from 0.8149 to 0.8160). In addition to that, the Roma individuals were likely to develop CHD/AMI at a younger age than subjects in the general population. Conclusions: The combination of the CRFs and genetic components improved the model’s performance and predicted AMI/CHD better than CRFs alone.
The Impact of Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Polypharmacy on 3-Month Hospital Readmission among Older Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Malaysia
Authors: Akkawi Muhammad Eid , Abd Aziz Hani Hazirah , Fata Nahas Abdul Rahman
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) use and polypharmacy are two issues that are commonly encountered among older people. They are associated with several negative outcomes including adverse drug reactions and medication-related hospitalization. There are insufficient studies regarding the impact of both PIMs and polypharmacy on hospital readmission, especially in Malaysia. Aim: To investigate the possible association between polypharmacy and prescribing PIMs at discharge and 3-month hospital readmission among older patients. Materials and method: A retrospective cohort study involved 600 patients ≥60 years discharged from the general medical wards in a Malaysian teaching hospital. The patients were divided into two equal groups: patients with or without PIMs. The main outcome was any readmission during the 3-month follow-up. The discharged medications were assessed for polypharmacy (≥five medications) and PIMs (using 2019 Beers’ criteria). Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney test, and a multiple logistic regression were conducted to study the impact of PIMs/polypharmacy on 3-month hospital readmission. Results: The median number for discharge medications were six and five for PIMs and non-PIMs patients, respectively. The most frequently prescribed PIMs was aspirin as primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (33.43%) followed by tramadol (13.25%). The number of medications at discharge and polypharmacy status were significantly associated with PIMs use. Overall, 152 (25.3%) patients were re-admitted. Polypharmacy and PIMs at discharge did not significantly impact the hospital readmission. After applying the logistic regression, only male gender was a predictor for 3-month hospital readmission (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.022–4.225). Conclusion: About one-quarter of the patients were admitted again within three months of discharge. PIMs and polypharmacy were not significantly associated with 3-month hospital readmissions while male gender was found to be an independent risk factor for readmission.
Consent for Teaching—The Experience of Pediatrics and Psychiatry
Authors: Moreira Bárbara Frade , Santos Cristina Costa , Duarte Ivone
Published: May 2023

Informed consent protects patients’ right of autonomy, as they may refuse to participate in clinical teaching. In Pediatrics, young people aged 16 or over, and with the necessary judgment, may consent; in Psychiatry, consent is also essential due to the personal nature of the subjects addressed. This study aimed mainly to assess the practical application of informed consent in medical education. An observational cross-sectional study was developed, and an interview-like questionnaire was applied to participants waiting for a scheduled consultation for themselves or the person they represented, in Pediatrics and Psychiatry. Only 54% of Pediatrics participants and 75% of Psychiatry participants stated that the physician asked them if they minded the students’ presence and an even smaller percentage from both departments affirmed that students introduced themselves as medical students and requested their consent to examine them. Patients feel satisfied to contribute to the students’ training, although a considerable percentage of them had experiences without being informed or asked for consent, which represents an evident disrespect for their autonomy. There is a need to intervene and provide an adequate education of ethical values in clinical practice to students.
Factors Affecting Nursing Surveillance Activity among Clinical Nurses
Authors: Kim Se Young , Cho Mi-Kyoung
Published: May 2023

Nursing surveillance is a defense mechanism that protects patients from adverse events, as it is a systematic process that contributes to nurses’ detection of and intervention in dangerous situations. This descriptive cross-sectional study examined the degree of nursing surveillance activity performed by clinical nurses, nurses’ perceived importance of nursing surveillance, and their perception of patient safety culture. The study aimed to identify the predictors of nursing surveillance activity. Participants included 205 clinical nurses from two secondary hospitals and two tertiary hospitals in Changwon-si and Cheongju-si, South Korea, who had at least one year of clinical experience. Nursing surveillance activity was high among nurses who were assigned fewer than 1.88 patients, who worked in a tertiary hospital, and those who scored 7.0 or higher in nurses’ perceived expertise. Nursing surveillance activity was significantly positively correlated with nurses’ perceived importance of nursing surveillance and patient safety culture. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of nursing surveillance activity. Nurses’ perceived expertise, perceived importance of nursing surveillance, patient safety culture, and type of hospital explained 65.3% of the variance of nursing surveillance activity. This study is significant as it provides an assessment of the extent and key predictors of nursing surveillance activity.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Movement Behaviour Questionnaire into Malay Language (MBQ-M) for Measuring Movement Behaviors among Preschool Children in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Abd Rahim Mohamad Hazni , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail , Ab Rahman Azriani , Yaacob Najib Majdi
Published: May 2023

Measuring movement behaviours such as physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep throughout 24 h is critical for assessing early childhood development. A valid tool based on cultural adaptation is required to achieve an appropriate result. Thus, this study aims to translate, culturally modify, and validate the movement behaviour questionnaire (MBQ) into Malay (MBQ-M) for preschool children in Kelantan, Malaysia. Permission to translate was obtained and the MBQ was translated using a ten-step process. Ten independent experts evaluated the content validity in terms of the content validity ratio (CVR), scale-level content validity index-average (SCVI-average), item-level content validity index (I-CVI), and the modified kappa statistic. The original questionnaire had modest adjustments: CVR 0.91, SCVI-average 0.93 for clarity, 0.95 for simplicity, and 0.93 for ambiguity. The SCVI-average relevance was 0.95, and the majority kappa value was excellent (>0.74). All the data imply that the overall content validity of the MBQ items is appropriate. Thirty parents assessed face validity, and the scale-level face validity index (S-FVI/Ave) for clarity (0.95) and comprehension (0.95) was satisfactory. In conclusion, the MBQ-M has satisfactory and acceptable content validity and face validity. Thus, it can be used as a valid tool to measure 24-h movement behaviours among preschool children in Malaysia.
Enhancing Psychological Resilience: Examining the Impact of Managerial Support on Mental Health Outcomes for Saudi Ambulance Personnel
Authors: Al-Wathinani Ahmed M. , Almusallam Mohannad A. , Albaqami Nawaf A. , Aljuaid Mohammed , Alghamdi Abdullah A. , Alhallaf Mohammad A. , Goniewicz Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

Ambulance personnel are among the groups with high mental health risks. This study aims to investigate the role of managerial support in determining the mental well-being of ambulance personnel, a group at high risk for mental health issues. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February 2022, involving a convenience sample of 354 ambulance personnel. An online survey was distributed via social media platforms. Manager behavior and mental well-being were assessed using the Manager Behavior Questionnaire (MBQ) and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). The participants represented nearly equal-sized groups from different agencies, with 50.3% residing in the Riyadh Region and 67.5% aged between 25 and 34. The mean score for manager behavior was 2.92 ± 1.124, while the mental well-being scale’s mean score was 3.398 ± 0.8219. Variance analyses revealed statistically significant differences in manager behavior concerning gender, age, residence, and years of experience (p < 0.05), as well as in the mental well-being of ambulance personnel. Generalized linear regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between manager behavior and mental well-being (p < 0.01). Focusing on improving organizational management behaviors is a promising strategy for enhancing mental health interventions among ambulance personnel. Further research is recommended to monitor the mental health of these professionals and develop evidence-based interventions to support their well-being.