bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofertilization and Bioremediation - How Can Microbiological Technology Assist the Ecological Crisis in Developing Countries?
Authors: da Fonseca Estefan Monteiro , Gaylarde Christine C. C.
Published: November 2024

The increasing global demand for food caused by a growing world population has resulted in environmental problems, such as the destruction of ecologically significant biomes and pollution of ecosystems. At the same time, the intensification of crop production in modern agriculture has led to the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers to achieve higher yields. Although chemical fertilizers provide essential nutrients and accelerate crop growth, they also pose significant health and environmental risks, including pollution of groundwater and and other bodies of water such as rivers and lakes. Soils that have been destabilized by indiscriminate clearing of vegetation undergo a desertification process that has profound effects on microbial ecological succession, impacting biogeochemical cycling, and thus the foundation of the ecosystem. Tropical countries have positive aspects that can be utilized to their advantage, such as warmer climates leading to increased primary productivity and, as a result, greater biodiversity. As an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easy-to-apply alternative, biofertilizers have emerged as a solution to this issue. Biofertilizers consist of a diverse group of microorganisms able to promote plant growth and enhance soil health, even under challenging abiotic stress conditions. They can include plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and other beneficial microbial consortia. Bioremediators, on the other hand, are microorganisms that can reduce soil and water pollution or otherwise improve impacted environments. So, the use of microbial biotechnology relies on understanding the relationships between microorganisms and how they affect their environment, and, inversely, how abiotic factors influence microbial activity. The more recent introduction of genetically modified microorganisms into the gamut of biofertilizers and bioremediators requires further studies to assess potential adverse effects in various ecosystems. This article reviews and discusses these two soil correcting/improving processes with the aim of stimulating their use in developing tropical countries.
Effects of Foot Position-Based Gait Training on Muscle Activity, Gait Parameters, and Balance in Subacute Stroke Patients
Authors: Lee Yubin , Pyo Yeongjae , Lim Chaegil
Published: November 2024

Background: The effects of gait training based on the positioning of affected foot muscle activity, gait parameters, and balance ability were investigated in patients with subacute stroke. Material and Methods: Forty-five patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to three groups: straight gait training (SGT) group (n = 15), outward curved gait training group with the paretic foot positioned laterally (n = 15), or inward curved gait training (ICGT) group with the paretic foot positioned medially (n = 15). All groups received 30-minute interventions, comprising 15 min of gait training, five times per week for four weeks. Outcomes were measured in terms of muscle activation of the gluteus maximus (GM), vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis; five gait parameters (step length, stance phase, swing phase, velocity, and maximum force); and balance ability assessed using the timed up and go (TUG) test. Results: All groups exhibited significant improvements in all variables after the 4-week intervention period (p < 0.05). However, except for comparisons between the SGT and ICGT groups in terms of GM muscle activity and TUG, no significant differences were observed between the groups for the other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although patients with subacute stroke can improve their overall physical function regardless of the gait training method, ICGT may be more effective in enhancing muscle activity and balance ability.
Transitioning from Simulation to Reality: Applying Chatter Detection Models to Real-World Machining Data
Authors: Alberts Matthew , St. John Sam , Odie Simon , Khojandi Anahita , Coble Jamie , Jared Bradley , Schmitz Tony , Karandikar Kaydeep
Published: November 2024

Chatter, a self-excited vibration phenomenon, is a critical challenge in high-speed machining operations, affecting tool life, surface quality, and overall process efficiency. While ML models trained on simulated data have shown promise in detecting chatter, their real-world applicability remains uncertain due to discrepancies between simulated and actual machining environments. This study bridges the gap by validating a ML-based chatter detection system using both simulated and real-world data. We apply a Random Forest classification model trained on over 140,000 simulated machining datasets, incorporating techniques like Operational Modal Analysis (OMA), Receptance Coupling Substructure Analysis (RCSA), and Transfer Learning (TL) to adapt the model for real-world operational data. The model is validated against 1,600 real-world machining datasets, achieving an accuracy of 86.1%, with strong precision and recall scores. Our results demonstrate the model’s robustness and potential for practical implementation in industrial settings, highlighting challenges such as sensor noise and variability in machining conditions. This work advances the use of predictive analytics in machining processes, offering a data-driven solution to improve manufacturing efficiency through more reliable chatter detection.
Comparing Different Montages of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Treating Treatment-Resistant Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Chu Che-Sheng , Lin Yen-Yue , Huang Cathy Chia-Yu , Chung Yong-An , Park Sonya Youngju , Chang Wei-Chou , Chang Chuan-Chia , Chang Hsin-An
Published: November 2024

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We aim to compare treatment out-comes with newly developed dual-stie cathodal tDCS over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and two previously reported montages (cerebel-lum-OFC and pre-SMA) in patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Methods: Eighteen OCD pa-tients were randomly allocated to receive twice-daily 2mA/20min sessions for 10 consecutive weekdays with the active cathode placed on the cerebellum-OFC, bilaterally pre-SMA or OFC-pre-SMA tDCS. The primary outcome was the change of the Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Resting electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded to obtain the default mode network (DMN) via low resolution electromagnetic tomography. Each patient re-ceived one-week and one-month follow-ups after 2-week stimulation. Results: At the end of stimulation, the Y-BOCS scores in the cerebellum-OFC, pre-SMA, and OFC-pre-SMA tDCS groups (each group, n=6) was decreased 14.15 ± 13.31, 7.4 ± 9.59, and 20.75 ± 8.70 %, respectively but no significant differences were found between groups. In the OFC-pre-SMA tDCS group, OC symptoms significantly decreased by a mean of -20.75% immediately after the 20th tDCS session and the improvement remained 1 week and 1 month after tDCS. For EEG source functional connectivity (FC) analyses, increased FC within the frontal network was found after OFC-pre-SMA tDCS whereas decreased FC within the DMN was observed after cerebellum-OFC tDCS. Conclusions: Dual-site cathodal tDCS over the OFC and pre-SMA might be the promising montage to treat patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Future studies using randomized sham-controlled designs are needed.
Where Reality and Fantasy Collide – Prolonged Fever to Munchausen Syndrome by Proxi
Authors: Vlad Raluca Maria , Dobritoiu Ruxandra , Turenschi Alina , Pacurar Daniela
Published: November 2024

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) or factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA) is a bizarre psychiatric entity, consisting in fabrication of symptoms and alteration of laboratory tests by a caregiver. It is considered a serious form of child abuse. Alarm signs are frequent medical visits, strange symptoms which are never objectified during hospitalization. 3 years 8 months old boy first presented to our department in October 2022 for prolonged fever. We ruled out infections, malignancies, autoimmune diseases. The patient kept coming back once every fortnight for the same reason – fever, every time associating something particular and new - from painful joints to hemorrhagic complaints. Interestingly, with every new visit, the patient’s medical history became more complex. The mother also developed an attachment relationship with the medical staff. During a 4 months period of repeated admissions, child’s symptoms were never objectified throughout hospitalization, never consistent with the declared symptoms and test results. When the physician’s attitude changed from empathic to distant, she never came back for check-ups. A pediatrician work largely depends on a good communication with the parents. When there is no medical explanation for declared symptoms, one might question the merit of the story. This case sets a bright light on how difficult the diagnosis and management of FDIA is and the severe consequences this disease has on a defenseless child.
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) – A Landscape of Utility
Authors: Pleshkan Victor V. , Kondratyeva Liya G. , Zinovyeva Marina V. , Alekseenko Irina V.
Published: November 2024

As one of the first live vaccines, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is experiencing a experiencing its second rise. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has spurred interest in BCG due to its ability to provide protection not only against mycobacteria, but also against unrelated pathogens. This ability is based on BCG's ability to non-specifically activate cells of the innate immune system, bringing them into a prepared state where they can be activated more quickly. The process known as trained immunity. This ability of BCG to elicit an immune response gives it the opportunity to become not only a basis for universal or pan-pandemic vaccines, but also a cancer vaccine. We have reviewed the main mechanisms underlying the immunoactivating effect of BCG and proposed ways to enhance this effect. Since the pandemic has greatly altered the research landscape in vaccinology and, to some extent, cancer immunotherapy, we have focused more on studies published during and after the pandemic, minimizing information from the pre-pandemic period where possible. We discuss the recent trend in the use of BCG-based therapies, with particular emphasis on ongoing clinical trials. Based on the data presented, we suggested the most optimal options for further research to develop effective BCG-based vaccines.
A Rolling Window GARCH Analysis to Measure the Change in Efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Kotze Philip
Published: November 2024

The efficiency of a stock exchange has many implications, including the likely effectiveness of active investing and the accurate pricing of assets. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has been found to be efficient in prior research, but there is recent evidence that its efficiency is declining. The study aimed to determine whether the efficiency of the exchange has declined, as proxied by the speed of mean reversion of returns, and whether any change was specifically driven by smaller stocks as we know that large stocks are efficiently priced on the exchange. A general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (1,1) was applied to the data together with an Augmented Dickey Fuller based test for robustness. The results show a decline in efficiency of the stock exchange as well as for the different sub-indices studied. All sub-indices studied declined in efficiency, but this is not ascribed to smaller listed firms, but rather an overall decline in the efficiency of the stock exchange. A recommendation is made for a future study to consider the speed of reversion of individual stocks which would allow the study of firm characteristics possibly driving the change in efficiency of the exchange.
Does the Grammatical Structure of Prompts Influence the Responses of Generative AI? An Exploratory Analysis in Spanish
Authors: Viveros-Muñoz Rhoddy , Carrasco-Sáez José , Contreras-Saavedra Carolina , San-Martín-Quiroga Sheny , Contreras-Saavedra Carla E.
Published: November 2024

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been transforming personal and professional domains by enabling creative content generation and interactive problem-solving. However, the influence of users' grammatical abilities on the responses generated by these technologies remains unclear. This exploratory study investigated how language and grammar abilities, particularly in Spanish, affected the quality of responses provided by ChatGPT (free version). While Long Language Models (LLMs) perform well in various tasks, challenges arise with grammatical moods specific to non-English languages, such as the subjunctive in Spanish. Higher education students were chosen due to their familiarity with AI and its potential use in learning. The research assessed ChatGPT's ability to process instructions in Chilean Spanish, focusing on how linguistic complexity, grammatical variations, and informal language impacted output quality. The findings indicate that varied verbal moods and complex sentence structures significantly affect prompt evaluation, response quality, and the length of the responses. Based on these results, a framework is proposed to guide higher education communities in promoting digital literacy among teachers and students and in integrating AI into teaching and learning processes.
Molecular Signatures of Aeroallergen Sensitization in Respiratory Allergy: A Comparative Study Across Climate-Matched Populations
Authors: González-Pérez Ruperto , Galván-Calle César Alberto , Galán Tania , Poza-Guedes Paloma , Sánchez-Machín Inmaculada , Calderon-Llosa Oscar , Pineda Fernando
Published: November 2024

Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of airborne allergens, affecting their seasonality, allergenicity, and geographic distribution, which correlates with increasing rates of allergic diseases. This study investigates aeroallergen sensitization among populations from Tenerife, Spain, and Lima, Peru—two regions with similar climates but distinct socio-economic conditions. Our findings reveal that Spanish individuals, particularly those with asthma, demonstrate higher sensitization levels to a broader range of allergens, especially mites, with 85% of participants reacting to at least one mite allergen. In contrast, Peruvian patients exhibit a narrower spectrum of sensitization. These results highlight the influence of environmental factors, such as pollution and socioeconomic disparities, on allergen exposure and immune responses. Moreover, the study underscores the necessity for region-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively address these variations. By elucidating the intricate relationship between climate change, environmental factors, and allergen sensitization, this research offers insights into respiratory allergic conditions, advocating for tailored interventions to mitigate their impact across diverse populations.
Improving Interpretation Consistency of Serum Capillary Electrophoresis by Development of Quantitative Graphic Indexes
Authors: Yu Jia-Ruei , Wu Yu-Tan , Sung Yi-Juan , Chiueh Tzong-Shi , Yu Wei-Hsuan , Hwang Feng-Nan , Wu Zong-Qi , Anwar Zayd , Lin Wan-Ying , Wang Hsin-Yao
Published: November 2024

Capillary zone electrophoresis-immunosubtraction (CZE-IS) is an essential laboratory test in diagnosing plasma cell neoplasms. However, current interpretation of the test results is subjective. To evaluate CZE-IS in a more precise manner, this study proposed five key indexes, namely sharpness index, light chain index, immunoglobulin G index, immunoglobulin A index, and immunoglobulin M index. The reference intervals of these indexes were established using CZE-IS curve data from a clinical laboratory of a referral medical center. A total of 1000 cases with normal electrophoretic patterns were sampled for reference interval establishment, and additional 20 cases were included for validation. The reference intervals in the γ zone were established: 1–6 (sharpness index), 1.06–2.71 (light chain index), 37–454 (immunoglobulin G index), (-9)–41 (immunoglobulin A index), and (-16)–46 (immunoglobulin M index). For the β2 zone, the reference intervals were 3–17 (sharpness index), 0.44–1.90 (light chain index), (-7)–61 (immunoglobulin G index), 2–117 (immunoglobulin A index), and (-12)–35 (immunoglobulin M index). The diagnostic performance of reference intervals of the proposed indexes in validation ranged from 95% to 100%. CZE-IS indexes provide the objective quantification of key characteristics in CZE-IS curves, and improve the precision of CZE-IS interpretation.
Method for Preprocessing Video Data for Training Deep Learning Models for Identifying Behavioral Events in Bio-Objects
Authors: Barulina Marina , Andreev Alexander , Kovalenko Ilya , Barmin Ilya , Titov Eduard , Kirillov Danil
Published: November 2024

The observation of moving bio-object s is currently a topic of great interest in both fundamental and practical research. To illustrate, when developing and testing pharmaceuticals and vaccines, it is imperative to study their impact on the physiological state and behavior of an animal or human subject. The advent of deep learning algorithms has enabled the automation of qualitative and quantitative analysis of the behavior of bio-objects recorded in video format. It is essential that video data undergoes the appropriate preprocessing prior to training deep learning models. It is essential to consider additional factors, such as the background noise in the frame, the rapidity of bio-object movement, and the necessity to reflect information about the previous (past) and subsequent (future) pose of the bio-object in a single video frame. Moreover, the preprocessed dataset should be suitable for verification by its experts. This paper proposes a method of data preprocessing for the identification of bio-object behavior, with the laboratory animal experiments involving video data collection serving as an illustrative example. The method is based on the combination of information about a behavior event presented in a sequence of frames, with the addition of the native image and further boundary extraction by Sobel filter. Consequently, the behavior event representation obtained is readily comprehensible for both human experts and neural networks of varying architectures. The paper presents the outcomes of training multiple neural networks on the acquired data set and proposes an effective neural network architecture (accuracy = 0.95) for the identification of discrete behavior events of bio-objects.
Biopesticide Compounds of Endolichenic Fungus Xylaria sp. Isolated from Hypogymnia tubulosa
Authors: Lyssaios Fotios A. , González-Coloma Azucena , Andrés María Fe , Díaz Carmen E.
Published: November 2024

Endolichenic fungi represent an important ecological group of microorganisms that form associ-ations with photobionts in the lichen thallus. These endofungi that live in and coevolve with li-chens are known for synthesizing secondary metabolites with novel structures and diverse chemical skeletons making them an unexplored microbial community of great interest. As part of our search for new phytoprotectans, in this work we studied the endolichenic fungus Xylaria sp. isolated from the lichen Hypogymnia tubulosa, which grow as epiphyte on the bark of the endemic tree Pinus canariensis. From the extract of liquid fermentation, we isolated two new piliformic de-rivatives, (+)-9-hydroxypiliformic acid (1) and (+)-8-hydroxypiliformic acid (2), along four known compounds, (+)-piliformic acid (3), hexylaconitic acid A anhydride (4) and two hydroxy-phenylacetic derivatives (5-6). Their structures were elucidated based on NMR and HRESIMS data. The extract and compounds were tested for their antifeedant (Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Spodoptera littoralis), antifungal (Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium ox-ysporum), nematicidal against Meloidogyne javanica and phytotoxic effects on mono and dicotyle-donous plant models (Lolium perenne and Lactuca sativa). Among these compounds 4, 5 and 6 were effective antifeedants against M. persicae and 4 was also active against R. padi. Moreover, com-pound 4 and 3 showed antifungal activity against B. cinerea and 4 was the only nematicidal. Phytotoxic test showed that the extract has strong effect against L. sativa and L. perenne growth. The phytotoxic compounds were 3, 4 and 5. (+)-Piliformic acid (3) and hexylaconitic A anhydride (4) displayed root growth stimulation on low doses and inhibitory effect at higher doses of di-cotyledon specie L. sativa.
Predictive Modeling of Long-Term Survivors with Stage IV Breast Cancer Using the SEER-Medicare Dataset
Authors: Adam Nabil , Wieder Robert
Published: November 2024

Importance. Treatment of women with stage IV breast cancer (BC) extends population-averaged survival by only a few months. These investigations will identify individual circumstances where appropriate therapy will extend survival while minimizing adverse events.Objective. Our goal is to develop high confidence deep learning (DL) models for predicting survival in individual stage IV breast cancer patients based on their unique circumstances generated by patient, cancer, treatment and adverse events variables. Our plan is to improve the predictive accuracy of deep learning (DL)-based predictive models by considering time-fixed covariates, i.e., patient and cancer data at the time of diagnosis, together with time-varying events that occur after initial diagnosis. Design, Setting, and Participants. We used the SEER-Medicare linked dataset from 1991-2016 to investigate women diagnosed with stage IV BC who enrolled at 65 years or older for age eligibility. We outlined time-fixed variables, including date of diagnosis, age, race, marital status, breast cancer stage, tumor grade, laterality, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) status and comorbidity index, prior therapy, adverse events, and changes in comorbidity. We delineated the time-varying covariates at each visit, including administered treatments, adverse events, comorbidity index, and age. We extended four DL-based predictive survival models (DeepSurv and DeepHit. Nnet-survival and Cox-Time) that deal with right-censored time-to-event data to consider both a patient's time-fixed covariates and a patient's time-varying covariates. We predicted the survival of five hypothetical patients to demonstrate the model's utility. We found high concordance between the performance metric, time-dependent concordance, and each of the model's hyperparameters to demonstrated prediction validity.Results. By incorporating time-varying variables with the time-fixed variables, the models reduced the error rates of the concordance index, the most commonly applied evaluation metric in survival analysis, from 28-38% to 2-12%, and significantly improved the integrated Brier score, a metric of the model's discrimination and calibration. Conclusions and Relevance. By combining the consideration of time-fixed with those time-varying variables in our predictive models, we decreased the predictive error rate to under 10% in the predicted survival of stage IV BC patients. Our established models can predict survival in individual stage IV patients with high confidence based on their circumstance-specific situations generated by considering their unique patient, cancer, treatment and adverse events variabels. These models will serve as an important adjunct to treatment decisions in patients with stage IV BC to optimize therapy for extending patient lives and minimizing adverse events.
Sugar Content in Arbutus unedo L. Fruit and Its Relationship with Climatic and Edaphic Characteristics
Authors: Chá Luciano Chá , Ressurreição Sandrine , Oliveira Libânia , Santos Sandra , Nunes Manuel , Vidal Maria , Varejão Jorge , Gomes Filomena
Published: November 2024

This research was carried out as part of a program for the conservation and improvement of the strawberry tree. Accessions’ prospecting was conducted in different Portuguese provenances. Accessions (204) were identified, and mature fruits were collected in autumn. The sugar contents in the fruit pulp (glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose) were analyzed by HPLC and the correlation between the average sugar content, climatic classification (Thornthwaite Method and Xerothermic Index), and edaphic characteristics was investigated. The predominant sugar was fructose, which ranged from 7.89±0.55% to 17.01±1.46% (f.w.), respectively, under an Attenuated Thermomediterranean climate at limestone-derived soil and an Accentuated Mesomediterranean climate at schist-derived soil. The lowest sugar contents, linked to a reduction in photosynthesis, were found: 1) in the north, despite soil water availability, due to the low temperature, high precipitation and short photoperiod, particularly during the fruit maturation (autumn); 2) in the south, due to the excessive number of dry days, linked to low soil water availability during the active growth period, particularly at limestone zones prone to water retention. The relationship found between the total sugar content and climate classification by the Xerothermic Index allows to enhance fruit production, advise on the establishment of new orchards and restore natural areas.
Molecular Level Insight into Cellulose Dissolution Mechanism in Carboxylic Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent: A Clue To Understanding Limited Cellulose Solubility In Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Akhlaghi Bagherjeri Mostafa , Monhemi Hassan , Haque Abu Naser Md Ahsanul , Naebe Maryam
Published: November 2024

There is considerable interest in cellulose solubilisation in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as a new emerging class of green solvents. However, the experimental data have indicated that cellulose is almost insoluble in most of DESs. Carboxylic acid-based DESs are a category of DESs that exhibit a modest ability to solubilise cellulose. However, the molecular-level reasons why carboxylic acid-based DESs can dissolve cellulose are unknown. Such information is crucial in developing DESs with enhanced cellulose solubilising ability. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to explore the molecular mechanism of cellulose solubility in oxaline (choline chloride/oxalic acid) as a typical carboxylic acid-based DES and cellulose insolubility in reline (choline chloride/urea) as the most famous DES. It was revealed that oxalic acid possesses a greater ability to weaken the interaction between the chloride anion and the choline cation when compared to other urea in reline. Self-interactions of hydrogen bond donors are also highly attenuated in oxaline than in reline. These results explain the observed more significant melting point depression of oxaline in comparison to reline. We depict a molecular mechanism indicating how oxalic acid synergically works with chloride ion to dissolve cellulose and why urea cannot play such a role in reline.
Electrification Enhancement Scenarios for Off-Grid Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa- Advancing Energy Access
Authors: Lwakatare Bertha , Vyavahare Priyanka , Mehta Kedar , Zörner Wilfried
Published: November 2024

Sub-Saharan Africa, especially its rural areas, faces significant challenges in achieving universal electrification despite its abundant renewable energy resources. The region has the highest population without access to electricity, largely due to economic, infrastructural, and geographical barriers. Energy poverty is a critical issue that hinders sustainable development and exacerbates inequalities. Namibia's sustainable energy policy aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which aims to provide affordable and reliable modern energy access for all. The policy emphasizes mini-grids and decentralized power systems as key strategies for rural electrification. However, despite increased deployment of mini-grids, these solutions often struggle with long-term sustainability. This research explores cost-effective electrification strategies through scenario-based modeling to reduce energy poverty and expand energy access in Namibia's rural communities, focusing on the existing mini-grids in Tsumkwe and Gam. Using a comprehensive methodology that incorporates HOMER Pro for mini-grid capacity expansion and MS Excel for evaluating main-grid extensions, the study aims to identify the most feasible and economical electrification solutions. The analysis compares electricity supply, total net present cost, and the levelized cost of electricity across these systems. The findings will offer insights into addressing energy poverty in Namibia and provide recommendations for sustainable and scalable rural electrification across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Probiotication of a Lychee Beverage with Saccharomyces boulardii: an Alternative to Dairy-Based Probiotic Products
Authors: MOREIRA TERHAAG MARCELA , Garcia Sandra , Bertusso Fernando Rodrigo , Prudêncio Sandra Helena
Published: November 2024

Probiotic vegetable-based beverages, such as lychee, can be rich in nutrients, free of cholesterol and lactose, and also have few allergenic components. Saccharomyces boulardii is an alternative to make lychee juice a probiotic beverage. This work aimed to develop probiotic lychee beverage (LB) using S. boulardii by evaluating the effect of refrigerated storage on cell viability, physicochemical characteristics, and acceptance. LB supplemented with S. boulardii was fermented (24 h/30°C), supplemented with sucrose (4-12 °Brix), and refrigerated (up to 28 days/4°C). The yeast viability, total soluble solid (TSS) and, ethanol content, pH, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and AA levels were evaluated over 28 days of storage. Also, the profiles of sugars, organic acids, and phenolic were determined by HPLC/UHPLC. The sensory acceptance of the probiotic beverage was evaluated. Higher sucrose levels resulted in greater yeast viability (3,9 log CFU/mL) on the 21st day of storage and superior TPC and ethanol levels. Storage reduced the TPC, AA, and TSS. LB supplemented with sucrose, probioticated by S. boulardii, and stored for 21 days became accepted by the consumer and presented an adequate physicochemical profile with probiotic potential (> 3,9 log CFU/mL). Probiotication of lychee beverage is an alternative to dairy-based probiotic beverages.
Machine Learning for Frost Prediction in a South America Region
Authors: Almeida Vinícius Albuquerque de , Anochi Juliana Aparecida , Rozante José Roberto , Campos Velho Haroldo Fraga de
Published: November 2024

A machine learning (ML)-based methodology for predicting frosts is applied to the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil, as well as to other countries including Uruguay, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and southeastern Bolivia. The machine learning model (using TensorFlow (TF)) was compared to the frost index IG (from the Portuguese: Índice de Geada) developed by the National Institute for Space Research (INPE, Brazil). The IG index is estimated using meteorological variables from a regional weather numerical model (RWNM). After calculating the two indices using the ML model and the RWNM, a voting committee (VC) was trained to select between the computed outputs. The AdaBoostClassifier algorithm was employed to implement the voting committee. The study area was subdivided into three distinct subregions: R1 (outside Brazil), R2 (the southern of Brazil), and R3 (the southeastern of Brazil). Two forecasting time scales were evaluated: 24 hours and 72 hours. The 24-hour forecasts from both approaches (TF and RWNM) exhibited similar performance in terms of the number of accurate predictions. However, in the region covering Uruguay and northern Argentina, the TensorFlow model demonstrated superior frost prediction accuracy. Additionally, the TensorFlow model outperformed the RWNM for the 72-hour forecast horizon.
Exploring Cognitive Stimulation as a Therapy for the Prevention of Delirium in a Hospital Setting: A Narrative Review
Authors: Fatima Emman , Hill Ian , Dover Noah , Faisal Hina
Published: November 2024

Delirium is the most common complication after major surgeries, with incidence rates ranging from 50% to 87%. Fortunately, postoperative delirium is preventable in up to 50% of patients, with the best preventive strategy being non-pharmacological interventions. However, these therapeutic approaches often face scalability challenges due to the complexity and high variability of their delivery, low patient engagement, and the existing clinical workforce constraints in the hospital setting. Cognitive stimulation is a non-pharmacological intervention with the potential to overcome the scalability and sustainability challenges of other non-pharmacological approaches, but evidence supporting its use is limited, especially in older adults at high risk for delirium. This narrative literature review examines evidence-based cognitive stimulation techniques being used as a non-pharmacological approach to prevent delirium in hospital settings.
Unmanned Aerial Geophysical Remote Sensing: A Survey
Authors: Dadrass Javan Farzaneh , Samadzadegan Farhad , Toosi Ahmad , van der Meijde Mark
Published: November 2024

Geophysical surveys, a conventional means of analyzing the Earth and its environs, have traditionally relied on ground-based methodologies. However, up-to-date approaches encompass remote sensing (RS) techniques, employing both spaceborne and airborne platforms. The emergence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has notably catalyzed interest in UAV-borne geophysical RS. This study comprehensively reviews the state-of-the-art UAV-based geophysical methods, encompassing magnetometry, gravimetry, gamma-ray spectrometry/radiometry, electromagnetic (EM) surveys, ground penetrating radar (GPR), traditional UAV RS methods (i.e., photogrammetry and LiDARgrammetry), and integrated approaches. Each method is scrutinized concerning essential aspects such as sensors, platforms, challenges, applications, etc. Drawing upon an extensive review of over 435 scholarly works, our analysis reveals the versatility of these systems, ranging from geophysical development to applications over various geoscientific domains. The reviewed studies unanimously highlight the advantages of UAV RS in geophysical surveys. UAV geophysical RS effectively balances the benefits of ground-based and traditional RS methods regarding cost, resolution, accuracy, and other factors. Integrating multiple sensors on a single platform and fusion of multi-source data enhance efficiency in geoscientific analysis. However, implementing geophysical methods on UAVs poses challenges, prompting ongoing research and development efforts worldwide to find optimal solutions from both hardware and software perspectives.
Enhancing Glioblastoma Resection with Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mansour Hadeel M , Shah Siddharth , Aguilar Tania M , Abdul-Muqsith Mohammed , Gonzales-Portillo Gabriel S , Mehta Ankit I
Published: November 2024

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive and challenging brain tumors to treat. Even with maximal treatment, the prognosis remains poor with low median survival. Extensive surgical resection is evidenced to increase glioblastoma life expectancy; however, complete resections are not usually achieved due to lack of sensitivity and the accuracy of margin neurosurgical guidance technologies. Recent advancements in fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) and imaging techniques have helped enhance the precision and extent of glioblastoma resections. This study explores the impact of NIR fluorescence imaging on tumor visualization and surgical outcomes, including the extent of resection, cost-effectiveness, and patient survival.
 A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase identified studies published on the effect of NIR on glioblastoma surgery. A total of 135 studies were included: 10 reviews, 3 clinical studies, 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 10 preclinical studies, and 4 case reports, all focusing on the application of NIR fluorescence imaging in glioblastoma resection.
Our findings show that NIR fluorescence imaging significantly improved tumor visualization, leading to an 18-22% increase in gross total resection rates across clinical studies. Prolonged fluorescence provided continuous real-time feedback, reducing the need for repeat imaging, and lowering operational costs. Patient outcomes improved, including extended progression-free survival and overall survival, and fewer postoperative neurological deficits. This Review highlights the potential for the use of NIR imaging to become the new standard for intraoperative glioblastoma management.
Effects of a Telenutrition Weight Loss Program Supported with Telemonitoring and Health Coaching on Anthropometric and Biochemical Measures in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Eid Noura MS , Al-ofi Ebtisam A , Enani Sumia , Mosli Rana H , Saqr Raneem R. , Qutah Karimah M , Eid Sara MS
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Telenutrition has been reported to enable dietitians to support outpa-tients remotely in an accessible and most convenient state. The literature has also proved that both telemonitoring and health coaching are effective approaches for a greater impact on weight loss and client’s compliance to the diet. The purpose of the present study is to assess the impact of a Telenutrition Weight Loss Program supported with telemonitoring and health coaching on weight reduction.; Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted among 50 overweight and obese adults. The control group (n=25) have received a hypocaloric and tailored diet via telenutrition. Intervention group (n=25) have also received hypocaloric and tailored diet via telenutrition but supported with weekly telemonitoring and monthly health coaching; Results: Participants who joined the intervention group had a reduction in weight, BMI, fat%, visceral fat, and WC. Whereas participants in the control group only had a reduction in WC after a period of 3 months. In comparison between the groups, a greater reduction in weight, BMI, fat % and visceral fat was seen in the intervention group. Furthermore, muscle % after a period of 3 months was sig-nificantly higher in the intervention group. At 6 months follow-up, the intervention group still showed promising results, but it was not significant; Conclusions: Our data indicate that all three approaches telenutrition, telemonitoring and health coaching when combined provides an integrative personalized approach, which may have a significant impact on weight loss in obese and overweight individuals.
The Difference in Contralateral Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer risks for BRCA1 Founder Variant (c.5266dup, c.4035del) Carriers with Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Loza Peteris , Irmejs Arvids , Daneberga Zanda , Maksimenko Jelena , Trofimovics Genadijs , Subatniece Signe , Gronwald Jacek , Lubiński Jan , Gardovskis Janis
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Previous research has suggested, that primary breast cancer (PBC) and ovarian cancer (OC) risks can be modified by mutation location in BRCA1 gene. In this study we assessed and compared the risks of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) and OC after the event of PBC in carriers of regionally frequent BRCA1 founder pathogenic variants (PV) c.5266dup and c.4035del. Subjects and Methods: In the analysis of CBC and OC risk, 1364 cases with BRCA1 PV and PBC were included. The control group consisted of 11350 consequent unselected and unscreened cases with PBC. The follow-up started at the time of PBC diagnosis and continued till the event of CBC or OC had occurred. The cumulative risks of CBC and OC were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Risk factor for developing CBC/OC (age < 40 years) was calculated using cox proportional hazards model. Results: Cumulative 10 years risk of developing CBC was 3.0% in control group, and 20.1% in study group of BRCA1 carriers (log-rank p < 0.001). Cumulative risk of CBC at 10,15 and 20 years was 25.0%, 37.0% and 51.4% in PV c.5266dup subgroup, as opposed to 14.1%, 27.2% and 44.5% in PV c.4035del subgroup (log-rank p = 0.045). Age younger than 40 years at the time of PBC was risk factor for CBC (hazard ratio 2.06, 95% CI 1.83-2.29, p < 0.001). Cumulative risk of developing OC at 10 and 15 years was 1.0% and 1.2% in control group, 10.8% and 16.8% for PV c.5266dup, 13.5% and 30.8% for PV c.4035del. There was difference in OC risks between control group and BRCA1 carriers (log-rank p< 0.001). PV c.4035del showed higher risk of OC, compared to PV c.5266dup, however, this was of borderline statistical significance (log-rank p = 0.057). Age younger than 40 years at the time of PBC was not associated with any difference in future OC risks (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.77-1.29, p = 0.23). Conclusion: The data of this study confirms previously established evidence that in cases of PBC the risk of future CBC and OC is increased significantly for BRCA1 carriers in comparison to general unscreened population. Moreover, BRCA1 PV c.5266dup is associated with higher CBC risk and possibly lower OC risk in comparison to BRCA1 PV c.4035del. Age younger than 40 years at diagnosis of PBC is risk factor for CBC, but does not seem to alter the risk of OC.
Correction of Multispectral Singlet Oxygen Luminescent Dosimetry (MSOLD) for Tissue Optical Properties in Photofrin-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yang Weibing , Johnson Madelyn , Lu Baozhu , Sourvanos Dennis , Sun Hongjing , Dimofte Andreea , Vikas Vikas , Busch Theresa M. , Hadfield Robert H. , Wilson Brian C. , Zhu Timothy C.
Published: November 2024

Direct detection of singlet-state oxygen (1O2) constitutes the holy grail dosimetric method for type-II photodynamic therapy (PDT), a goal that can be quantified using multispectral singlet oxygen near-infrared luminescence dosimetry (MSOLD). The optical properties of tissues, specifically their scattering and absorption coefficients, play a crucial role in determining how the treatment and luminescence light are attenuated. Variations in these properties can significantly impact the spatial distribution of the treatment light and hence the generation of singlet oxygen, and the detection of singlet oxygen luminescence signals. In this study, we investigated the impact of varying optical properties on the detection of 1O2 luminescence signals during Photofrin-mediated PDT in tissue-mimicking phantoms. For comparison, we also conducted Monte Carlo (MC) simulations under the same conditions. The experimental and simulations are substantially equivalent. This study advances understanding of MSOLD dosimetry during PDT.
Urban Flooding and Water Pollution: A Geographical Study on Port City Chattogram, Bangladesh
Authors: Al Mahbub Hossain , Muhibbullah Dr. Muhammad , Sarwar Dr. Md. Iqbal , Ahmed Rashed
Published: November 2024

Chattogram is the port city as the busiest port of Bangladesh is there. Geographically, it lies besides the Bay-of-Bengal and Karnaphuly river. The city is currently stuck with urban flood and water pollution. Drainage congestion results in irregular flow of water which then ended in urban flood. Urban flood carries huge number of pollutants from the drains to the other water bodies. This study aims to investigate drainage congestion as the causal factor of urban flood and urban flood is the cause of water pollution. This study also aims to assess the impacts of water pollution in the study area. The findings highlight that drainage congestion causes irregular water discharge and overflow of water. A short time to rain results as the urban flood in the study area. The water of drainage system gets mixed with the urban flood which then carried into the karnaphuly river, lakes, khals, canals, ponds etc. The pollutants from the drain cause the water pollution. Study found that the drainage water is much more polluted in comparison to normal water quality parameters. The amount of pollutant is much more because of drainage congestion as the congested water gather much pollutants than the natural flow of water. Statistical analysis also found the significant correlation between drainage congestion and water pollution. However, the residents of the study area are the much more sufferers of the water pollution. They fall a victim to Cholera, Typhoid, hepatitis B, Dysentery, Dengue, Chikonguniya etc. water related diseases. Impacts on urban neighborhood as impacts on aesthetic beauty, impacts on drinking water, impacts on human habitat, impacts on environment, infrastructural impact, spread out of diseases among the residents etc. were found in this study. Impacts on urban environment as impacts on soil, impacts on atmosphere, impacts on human habitat, impacts on human health, impacts on road and other infrastructures etc. were investigated as well. This research also came up with the possible solution to mitigate the impacts of urban flood and water pollution in the study area.
Marine Molluscs from Two Contrasted Algal Habitats in Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava, Ne Spain)
Authors: Ballesteros Vázquez Manuel , Silva Neyra Angra Estefania , Villamizar Oscar Fernando , Pontes Miquel , Oliva Cuyás Francesc
Published: November 2024

The malacological fauna of two algal habitats with different lighting conditions -a sciophilous wall and a photophilous one- both located in Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava, Girona, NE Spain), have been studied to examine differences in the malacological communities, their distribution over time, and the role played by micromollusks in these algal habitats. Every two months, for a year, samples were collected by scuba diving and scraping standardized surfaces (20x20 cm) of the algal communities. In the laboratory, the samples were washed and filtered using two metal sieves (2 mm for coarse fraction and 513 µm for fine fraction). Mollusks were separated, identified, and later analyzed statistically to assess biodiversity indices and sample grouping. A total of 7,913 mollusk specimens from 148 species (112 Gastropoda; 32 Bivalvia and 4 Polyplacophora) were identified across all samples, with 1,669 specimens (84 species) from the sciophilous algae and 6,244 specimens (133 species) from the photophilous algae. 10 species accounted for 76.27% of the total abundance, with each species represented by over 100 specimens in the total samples. Bittium latreillii was the most abundant species, with 2,106 specimens recorded. Regarding the two fractions, 337 specimens (69 species) were found in the coarse fraction, while 7,576 specimens (111 species) were found in the fine fraction. Significant differences were obtained between samples with respect to time, habitat type, and size fraction. The Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index values indicated differences between the two communities over time, as well as variations in biodiversity, with the photophilous community exhibiting higher values. Additionally, it was demonstrated that algal thalli provide a highly suitable substrate for juvenile forms and micromollusks. Our findings, combined with records from the literature and various online citations, establish Tossa de Mar as the town on the Catalan coast with the best-documented malacological fauna.