bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Survival Outcomes with Surgical Resection Compared to Ablative Therapy in Early-Stage HCC: A Large, Real-World, Propensity-Matched, Multi-Centre, Australian Cohort Study
Authors: Abdelmalak Jonathan , Strasser Simone I. , Ngu Natalie , Dennis Claude , Sinclair Marie , Majumdar Avik , Collins Kate , Bateman Katherine , Dev Anouk , Abasszade Joshua H. , Valaydon Zina , Saitta Daniel , Gazelakis Kathryn , Byers Susan , Holmes Jacinta , Thompson Alexander J. , Pandiaraja Dhivya , Bollipo Steven , Sharma Suresh , Joseph Merlyn , Nicoll Amanda , Batt Nicholas , Sawhney Rohit , Tang Myo J. , Lubel John , Riordan Stephen , Hannah Nicholas , Haridy James , Sood Siddharth , Lam Eileen , Greenhill Elysia , Majeed Ammar , Kemp William , Zalcberg John , Roberts Stuart K.
Published: December 2023

The optimal treatment approach in very-early and early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not precisely defined, and there is ambiguity in the literature around the comparative efficacy of surgical resection versus ablation as curative therapies for limited disease. We performed this real-world propensity-matched, multi-centre cohort study to assess for differences in survival outcomes between those undergoing resection and those receiving ablation. Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) 0/A HCC first diagnosed between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020 who received ablation or resection as initial treatment were included in the study. A total of 450 patients were included in the study from 10 major liver centres including two transplant centres. Following propensity score matching using key covariates, 156 patients were available for analysis with 78 in each group. Patients who underwent resection had significantly improved overall survival (log-rank test p = 0.023) and local recurrence-free survival (log rank test p = 0.027) compared to those who received ablation. Based on real-world data, our study supports the use of surgical resection in preference to ablation as first-line curative therapy in appropriately selected BCLC 0/A HCC patients.
Complementary Role of CEUS and CT/MR LI-RADS for Diagnosis of Recurrent HCC
Authors: Cheng Mei-Qing , Huang Hui , Ruan Si-Min , Xu Ping , Tong Wen-Juan , He Dan-Ni , Huang Yang , Lin Man-Xia , Lu Ming-De , Kuang Ming , Wang Wei , Wu Shao-Hong , Chen Li-Da
Published: December 2023

Purpose: We retrospectively compared the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computer tomography–magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment. Materials and methods: After curative treatment with 421 ultrasound (US) detected lesions, 303 HCC patients underwent both CEUS and CT/MRI. Each lesion was assigned a Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category according to CEUS and CT/MRI LI-RADS. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were computed to determine the optimal diagnosis algorithms for CEUS, CT and MRI. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were compared between CEUS and CT/MRI. Results: Among the 421 lesions, 218 were diagnosed as recurrent HCC, whereas 203 lesions were diagnosed as benign. In recurrent HCC, CEUS detected more arterial hyperenhancement (APHE) and washout than CT and more APHE than MRI. CEUS yielded better diagnostic performance than CT (AUC: 0.981 vs. 0.958) (p = 0.024) comparable diagnostic performance to MRI (AUC: 0.952 vs. 0.933) (p > 0.05) when using their optimal diagnostic criteria. CEUS missed 12 recurrent HCCs, CT missed one, and MRI missed none. The detection rate of recurrent HCC on CEUS (94.8%, 218/230) was lower than that on CT/MRI (99.6%, 259/260) (p = 0.001). Lesions located on the US blind spots and visualization score C would hinder the ability of CEUS to detect recurrent HCC. Conclusion: CEUS demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance but an inferior detection rate for recurrent HCC. CEUS and CT/MRI played a complementary role in the detection and characterization of recurrent HCC.
Novel Ionic Liquid Synthesis of Bimetallic Fe–Ru Catalysts for the Direct Hydrogenation of CO2 to Short Chain Hydrocarbons
Authors: Maddaloni Marina , Centeno-Pedrazo Ander , Avanzi Simone , Mazumdar Nayan Jyoti , Manyar Haresh , Artioli Nancy
Published: December 2023

The selective hydrogenation of CO2 for the production of net-zero fuels and essential chemical building blocks is a promising approach to combat climate change. Key to this endeavor is the development of catalysts with high activity and selectivity for desired hydrocarbon products in the C2–C5 range. The process involves a two-step reaction, starting with the reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) reaction and proceeding to the Fischer–Tropsch reactions under high pressure. Understanding the catalyst features that control the selectivity of these pathways is crucial for product formation, as well as identifying morphological changes in the catalysts during the reaction to optimize their performance. In this study, an innovative method for synthesizing iron–ruthenium bimetallic catalysts is introduced, capitalizing on the synergistic effects of these metals as active phases. This method leverages ionic liquids as solvents, allowing for the precise and uniform distribution of active metal phases. Advanced characterizations and extensive catalytic tests have demonstrated that the use of ionic liquids outperformed traditional colloid-based techniques, resulting in superior selectivity for target hydrocarbons. The success of this inventive approach not only advances the field of CO2 hydrogenation catalysis, but also represents a significant stride towards sustainable e-fuel production.
Epitaxial Stabilization of Perovskite ATeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Herklotz Andreas , Rus Florina Stefania , Koch Martin M. , Grove Kyle M. , Bowen Michael S. , Cann David P. , Tippey Kristin , Dörr Kathrin
Published: December 2023

Tellurium oxides of the ATeO3 form typically do not crystallize in perovskite structures. Here, we show that perovskite-like ATeO3 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) thin films can be grown on perovskite single-crystal substrates via epitaxial stabilization. These films are stable with high optical bandgaps, low dielectric losses, and a high electric breakdown strength. Hysteretic dielectric behavior found in SrTeO3 and BaTeO3 strongly suggests the presence of antiferroelectricity and ferroelectricity, respectively. These properties make perovskite tellurium oxides possibly appealing candidates for thin film coating or insulator materials in advanced microelectronics. Tellurium oxides constitute a largely unexplored class of materials that might show new and interesting functionalities in epitaxial thin-films. Our work encourages new work within this field.
Properties of High-Content Micro-Steel Fiber Self-Compacting Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Slag Powder Performance Study
Authors: Yang Qingguo , Wang Honghu , Zeng Liuyuan , Guan Longfei , Cheng Jiawei , Xiang Rui
Published: December 2023

The addition or substitution of various gel materials in cement-based composites has been proven to be an effective approach in enhancing the performance of concrete. Current research focuses mainly on enhancing the toughness of concrete, but lacks discussion on the performance of alternative gel materials. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of partially substituting cement with fly ash and slag powder as gel materials, while incorporating a high volume fraction of micro-steel fibers (6%), on the workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. By means of rigorous experimental investigation and meticulous analysis, we comprehensively assessed the workability characteristics of self-compacting concrete, encompassing critical aspects such as filling ability, cohesion, and permeability. Additionally, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the mechanical attributes of self-compacting concrete, encompassing vital parameters, such as compressive strength, axial compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. Last but not least, through a holistic integration of workability and mechanical properties, we conducted a comprehensive performance evaluation of self-compacting concrete incorporating a synergistic blend of fly ash, slag powder, and micro steel fibers. The experimental results indicate that the composite addition of fly ash and slag powder in self-compacting concrete, while compatible with up to 6% micro-steel fibers, leads to a decrease in concrete workability and an increase in cohesiveness due to the addition of micro-steel fibers. Moreover, fly ash predominantly influences the tensile properties of concrete, while the addition of slag powder significantly affects the compressive and flexural properties of concrete. Additionally, the addition of micro-steel fibers significantly improves the overall mechanical properties of concrete.
Medicinal Plants for Dermatological Diseases: Ethnopharmacological Significance of Botanicals from West Africa in Skin Care
Authors: Makgobole Mokgadi Ursula , Mpofana Nomakhosi , Ajao Abdulwakeel Ayokun-nun
Published: December 2023

Skin disease is a severe health issue that affects a lot of people in Africa and is vastly underreported. Because of their availability, affordability, and safety, medicinal plants represent a major source of treatment for various skin diseases in West Africa. This review presents the medicinal plants used in treating skin diseases in West Africa and their available biological activities that have lent credence to their skin care usage. A total of 211 plant species from 56 families are implicated to be used in West Africa for several skin conditions such as aphthous ulcers, burns, eczema, scabies, sores, and wounds. Fabaceae is the most-implicated family (30 species) for the treatment of skin diseases, followed by Combretaceae (14 species) and Asteraceae (13 species). Most of the medicinal plants used are trees (93); leaves (107) were the most-used plant part, and decoction (73) was the preferred preparation method for the medicinal plants. The biological activities related to the pathology of skin diseases, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of 82 plants, have been evaluated. Based on their minimum inhibitory concentration, the most active antimicrobial plant is Brillantaisia lamium. Among the isolated phytochemicals, betulenic acid and lespedin were the most active, while plants such as Kigelia africana and Strophanthus hispidus showed significant wound-healing activities. This review highlights research gaps in the ethnobotanical studies of many West African countries, the biological activities of plants used to treat skin diseases, and the cosmetic potential of these plants.
Population Structure, Distribution, and Spatial Characteristics of Alsophila spinulosa in Chishui, China
Authors: Yuan Dongmei , Yang Man , Yu Lifei , An Mingtai , He Qinqin , Mu Jun , Yan Lingbin
Published: December 2023

Endangered plants are essential components of most forest ecosystems and reflect the ecological integrity of forests. The study of the population structure and spatial pattern of Alsophila spinulosa is of great significance for its conservation. In the subtropical Chishui Tree fern valley in China, we studied the best structure of A. spinulosa to reflect the environmental change, the range of the most intense spatial aggregation change, and the spatial relationship with the community structure, and explored the survival characteristics of A. spinulosa. Our results showed that the variation in tree height structure was the most obvious response to the change in community type. The spatial aggregation degree of A. spinulosa had the most obvious change in the range of 1–5 m. There was an obvious spatial correlation between the dominant plants, the vertical structure of the community, and the distribution of A. spinulosa. These findings provided a reference for exploring the population structure, distribution pattern, and the influence of community types on A. spinulosa populations.
Understanding the Dynamics of Human Papillomavirus and Diagnostic Discrepancies in Cervical Pathology: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Zamurovic Milena , Tomic Ana , Pikula Aleksandra , Simanic Sara , Knezevic Aleksandra , Jankovic Marko , Lackovic Milan , Djakovic Elena , Rovcanin Marija
Published: December 2023

Cervical cancer (CC) is the most prevalent gynecological malignancy and a leading cause of death among women. It is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with 99.7% of cases showing high-risk HPV genotypes. This study sheds light on HPV dynamics as well as the discrepancies of different CC screening modalities results while highlighting factors that may have contributed to such a scenario. Moreover, we underscore the importance of the non-viral etiology of CC as well. We examined the current trends of HPV infection and its effects on cervical health in women treated at a tertiary care center in Belgrade, Serbia. Patients with abnormal colposcopy findings like dysplasia and re-epithelization were more likely to test negative for HPV (p < 0.001). Interestingly, women with a positive Pap smear tested HPV negative significantly more often (p = 0.041). Finally, HPV-positive individuals were more likely to have CIN I and II histologies (p < 0.001), while CIN III occurred equally in women with and without the virus. It may be inferred that inconsistencies in detecting HPV and the presence of cervical lesions may eventually result in adjustments to screening guidelines, as is crucial to adopt a meticulous approach to promote periodical CC screening, as initial samples may test negative for HPV.
Characteristic Mean Kurtosis Values in Simple Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging of Dentigerous Cysts
Authors: Fukumura Yuka , Kuroda Masahiro , Yoshida Suzuka , Nakamura Yoshihide , Nakamitsu Yuki , Al-Hammad Wlla E. , Kuroda Kazuhiro , Kamizaki Ryo , Shimizu Yudai , Tanabe Yoshinori , Sugimoto Kohei , Oita Masataka , Sugianto Irfan , Barham Majd , Tekiki Nouha , Kamaruddin Nurul N. , Yanagi Yoshinobu , Asaumi Junichi
Published: December 2023

We evaluated the usefulness of simple diffusion kurtosis (SD) imaging, which was developed to generate diffusion kurtosis images simultaneously with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map for 27 cystic disease lesions in the head and neck region. The mean kurtosis (MK) and ADC values were calculated for the cystic space. The MK values were dentigerous cyst (DC): 0.74, odontogenic keratocyst (OKC): 0.86, ranula (R): 0.13, and mucous cyst (M): 0, and the ADC values were DC: 1364 × 10−6 mm2/s, OKC: 925 × 10−6 mm2/s, R: 2718 × 10−6 mm2/s, and M: 2686 × 10−6 mm2/s. The MK values of DC and OKC were significantly higher than those of R and M, whereas their ADC values were significantly lower. One reason for the characteristic signal values in diffusion-weighted images of DC may be related to content components such as fibrous tissue and exudate cells. When imaging cystic disease in the head and neck region using SD imaging, the maximum b-value setting at the time of imaging should be limited to approximately 1200 s/mm2 for accurate MK value calculation. This study is the first to show that the MK values of DC are characteristically higher than those of other cysts.
Nutrition Knowledge and Diet in Female College Students in Turkey: Youth Education in Nutrition Initiative/Nutrition Education Works (YENI/NEW)—A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Dandin Esra , Karaboga Pelin , Uzun Arzu , Taylor Kennidy P. , Kristo Aleksandra S.
Published: December 2023

Healthy dietary patterns can play a major role in preventing chronic diseases. Improving nutrition-related knowledge in young individuals is considered a promising approach to adopting healthy dietary behaviors, thus improving outcomes later in life. However, healthy eating habits in college students may prove challenging to acquire and maintain. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutrition knowledge and its effect on dietary factors, body weight, and body composition in female college students in Turkey. Second- and third-year female college nutrition students (NS), (n = 85) and corresponding non-nutrition/non-health sciences students (NNS) (n = 80), aged 20–22 years old, were evaluated using a validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire, 24 h recalls, anthropometry, and body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance during the 2015–2016 academic year. The findings revealed that nutrition knowledge was positively associated with increased intake of water, fruits and vegetables, grains, and fiber, whereas total carbohydrate intake exhibited an inverse relationship with nutrition knowledge. Moreover, protein and lipid intake, while not significant, appeared to show higher and lower values, respectively, for the NS participants compared to NNS, revealing a healthier trend for more nutrition-knowledgeable students, which was similar to the finding of a marginally better body composition profile in nutrition-knowledgeable students. As young adulthood is critical for the development of dietary habits, demonstrating the effectiveness of nutrition education is important as a potential tool for public health in terms of improving the risk of chronic diseases.
A Computational Model for Simulating the Performance of UAS-Based Construction Safety Inspection through a System Approach
Authors: Jeong Kyeongtae , Yu Chaeyeon , Lee Donghoon , Kim Sungjin
Published: December 2023

Recent studies have been focusing on unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to inspect safety issues in the construction industry. A UAS can monitor a broad range in real time and identify unsafe situations and objects at the jobsite. The related studies mostly focus on technological development, and there are few studies investigating potential performance that can be obtained by implementing UASs in the construction domain. Hence, the main objective of this research is to evaluate the potential of UAS-based construction safety inspection. To achieve the goal, this study developed a system dynamic (SD) model, and scenario analysis was conducted. When compared to the existing methods, the use of a UAS resulted in improved safety inspection performance, reduced possibility of incidents, reduced worker fatigue, and reduced amount of delayed work. The results of this research verified that UAS-based safety inspections can be more effective than existing methods. The results of this study can contribute to the understanding of UAS-based construction safety inspection technologies and the potential of the technology.
Special Issue Introduction: Critical Perspectives on Mathematics Teacher Education
Authors: Xenofontos Constantinos , Nolan Kathleen T.
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, the field of mathematics education research is more diverse than ever [...]
Improvements in the Electronic Performance of ZnO-Based Varistors by Modifying the Manufacturing Process Parameters
Authors: Simo Attila , Frigura-Iliasa Flaviu Mihai , Frigura-Iliasa Mihaela , Andea Petru
Published: December 2023

Varistors processed from mixtures of certain metal oxides (as additives to the main component, zinc oxide, ZnO), called MOVs, represent the devices most used for overvoltage protection and are integrated into the construction of high-performance surge arresters. The manufacturing process of these powerful electronic devices is crucial for their electronic performance. For manufacturing temperature-related studies, we used two seven-varistor experimental series: one based on two added oxides and the other on five ones. The main goal of these series was to identify the suitable sintering temperature in the case of each chemical composition from the point of view of assessing the most important electric/electronic behavioral parameters. A simple study considering mass losses after the sintering process was carried out in order to provide a brief reference for the manufacturing engineers. Before performing these studies, each varistor was sintered at a different temperature. In order to draw a general set of conclusions about the impact of the sintering pressure on the main electrical and electronic performances, a second activity involved producing two additional smaller varistors series with similar chemical compositions (two main oxides and five main oxides as additives) all processed at two different sintering pressures 4900 N/cm2 and 9800 N/cm2. The electrical/electronic parameters considered for the assessment are the main current–voltage characteristics, the non-linearity logarithmic coefficient, and the normal operational leakage current. All electrical/electronic behavioral tests were performed according to the IEC standards and regulations for both types of varistor devices (seven different temperatures and two pressure values). We concluded that a sintering temperature of 1300 °C and a pressure of 4900 N/cm2 are optimal for both types of varistors (with two and five additives).
Integration of Deep Learning into the IoT: A Survey of Techniques and Challenges for Real-World Applications
Authors: Elhanashi Abdussalam , Dini Pierpaolo , Saponara Sergio , Zheng Qinghe
Published: December 2023

The internet of things (IoT) has emerged as a pivotal technological paradigm facilitating interconnected and intelligent devices across multifarious domains. The proliferation of IoT devices has resulted in an unprecedented surge of data, presenting formidable challenges concerning efficient processing, meaningful analysis, and informed decision making. Deep-learning (DL) methodologies, notably convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and deep-belief networks (DBNs), have demonstrated significant efficacy in mitigating these challenges by furnishing robust tools for learning and extraction of insights from vast and diverse IoT-generated data. This survey article offers a comprehensive and meticulous examination of recent scholarly endeavors encompassing the amalgamation of deep-learning techniques within the IoT landscape. Our scrutiny encompasses an extensive exploration of diverse deep-learning models, expounding on their architectures and applications within IoT domains, including but not limited to smart cities, healthcare informatics, and surveillance applications. We proffer insights into prospective research trajectories, discerning the exigency for innovative solutions that surmount extant limitations and intricacies in deploying deep-learning methodologies effectively within IoT frameworks.
Cooling Methods for Standard and Floating PV Panels
Authors: Majumder Arnas , Kumar Amit , Innamorati Roberto , Mastino Costantino Carlo , Cappellini Giancarlo , Baccoli Roberto , Gatto Gianluca
Published: December 2023

Energy and water poverty are two main challenges of the modern world. Most developing and underdeveloped countries need more efficient electricity-producing sources to overcome the problem of potable water evaporation. At the same time, the traditional way to produce energy/electricity is also responsible for polluting the environment and damaging the ecosystem. Notably, many techniques have been used around the globe, such as a photovoltaic (PV) cooling (active, passive, and combined) process to reduce the working temperature of the PV panels (up to 60 °C) to improve the system efficiency. For floating photovoltaic (FPV), water cooling is mainly responsible for reducing the panel temperature to enhance the production capacity of the PV panels, while the system efficiency can increase up to around 30%. At the same time, due to the water surface covering, the water loss due to evaporation is also minimized, and the water evaporation could be minimized by up to 60% depending on the total area covered by the water surfaces. Therefore, it could be the right choice for generating clean and green energy, with dual positive effects. The first is to improve the efficiency of the PV panels to harness more energy and minimize water evaporation. This review article focuses mainly on various PV and FPV cooling methods and the use and advantages of FPV plants, particularly covering efficiency augmentation and reduction of water evaporation due to the installation of PV systems on the water bodies.
Alternaria alternata and Alternaria koreana, the Causal Agents of Leaf Spot in Celtis sinensis and Their Sensitivity to Fungicides
Authors: Wang Qiuqin , Zhang Xiuyu , Wan Yu , Zhao Yinjuan
Published: December 2023

Celtis sinensis is a highly versatile species that is commonly cultivated in the southern regions of China. In June 2022, leaf spot disease was detected in C. sinensis in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Based on morphological characteristics, three isolates were determined to be of the Alternaria species. A phylogenetic analysis of combined ITS, GAPDH, TEF1-α, RPB2, and Alt a 1 sequences identified the three isolates we obtained as Alternaria alternata and A. koreana. We determined the pathogenicity of A. alternata and A. koreana in C. sinensis leaves using inoculation through in vivo experiments. Symptoms of inoculation onset in indoor pots were in accordance with those observed in the open country. A. alternata and A. koreana can grow at 15–35 °C, with the best growth occurring at 25 °C. The findings from fungicide susceptibility experiments demonstrated that A. alternata and A. koreana were the most sensitive to prochloraz, which could offer an effective approach for future prevention and control measures against A. alternata and A. koreana. This study provides the initial step toward further research on A. alternata and A. koreana as pathogens of C. sinensis and provides the stage for future control strategy development.
Geographic Variation in Progeny: Climatic and Soil Changes in Offspring Size and Colour in Four Sorbus spp. (Rosaceae)
Authors: Liu Ting , Wang Jin , Zhou Shuai , Zhai Yu , Wu Xiaogang
Published: December 2023

To investigate resource allocation and adaptation strategies of Sorbus spp. under different environment and soil conditions, four Sorbus L. species (Sorbus hupehensis C. K. Schneid, Sorbus pohuashanensis (Hance) Hedl, Sorbus discolor (Maxim.) Maxim, Sorbus koehneana C. K. Schneid) were selected as the study materials. Phenotypic traits including seed mass, fruit mass, and fruit colour were measured and analyzed. Linear Mixed-Effects Models were employed to analyze the associations between phenotypic traits and the environment, and the Maxent model was used to predict the potential distribution areas. Our study reveals that Sorbus spp. tend to prioritize seed production to increase their survival ability in nutrient-poor environments, while they tend to lean towards fruit production in nutrient-rich environments. Specifically, S. pohuashanensis has fruit skin rich in carotenoids and anthocyanins, with the degree of fruit colouration being positively correlated with the environmental suitability. However, the other three spp. demonstrate the opposite pattern. S. pohuashanensis is found to be most suitable for growth in mountainous areas around 40° N, and it is adapted to low temperatures. S. hupehensis prefers warm regions and is distributed in southern Shanxi, while S. discolor has a wider range of adaptability. These results provide a scientific basis for the protection and rational utilization of Sorbus spp. by elucidating their ecological adaptation abilities.
Urban Forest and Urban Microclimate
Authors: Rötzer Thomas , Moser-Reischl Astrid , Rahman Mohammad A. , Pauleit Stephan
Published: December 2023

Urban environments are challenging places for urban greenspaces, especially for trees, which have the greatest impact on ecosystem service provisions [...]
Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds Using Ethanol and Acetone Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Bouhzam Ibtissam , Cantero Rosa , Margallo María , Aldaco Rubén , Bala Alba , Fullana-i-Palmer Pere , Puig Rita
Published: December 2023

Given global coffee consumption, substantial quantities of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are generated annually as a by-product of brewing coffee. SCG, although rich in bioactive compounds, is nowadays disposed of. The objective of this study is to compare, for the first time and from the same SCG, the efficiency of ethanol–water mixtures and acetone–water mixtures for the recovery of total polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, and caffeine. Acetone at 20% (m/m) was the most convenient solvent to extract all three bioactive compounds simultaneously, yielding 4.37 mg of GAE/g SCG for total polyphenols, chlorogenic acid (0.832 mg 5-CQA/g SCG), and caffeine (1.47 mg/g SCG). Additionally, this study aims to address some challenges associated with the industrial-scale utilization of SCG as a raw material, encompassing factors such as pre-treatment conditions (natural drying and oven drying), storage duration, and the kinetics of the extraction process. No significant difference was observed between the natural drying and oven drying of SCG. In terms of storage duration, it is advisable to process the SCG within less than 3–4 months of storage time. A significant decline of 82% and 70% in chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) and caffeine contents, respectively, was observed after eight months of storage. Furthermore, the kinetic study for the recovery of total polyphenols revealed that the optimal extraction times were 10 min for acetone at 20% and 40 min for water, with a yield increase of 28% and 34%, respectively. What is remarkable from the present study is the approach considered, using the simplest operating conditions (minimal time and solvent-to-solid ratio, and ambient temperature); hence, at an industrial scale, energy and resource consumption and equipment dimensions can be together reduced, leading to a more industrially sustainable extraction process.
Mechanisms and Engineering Research on the Processing, Storage, and Preservation of Fresh Food
Authors: Zhang Min , Xiao Hongwei
Published: December 2023

The past few years have witnessed a significant increase in research and development activities related to advances in the processing, storage, and preservation of fresh food [...]
Recent Studies and Applications of Hydrogel-Based Biosensors in Food Safety
Authors: Li Yuzhen , Zhang Hongfa , Qi Yan , You Chunping
Published: December 2023

Food safety has increasingly become a human health issue that concerns all countries in the world. Some substances in food that can pose a significant threat to human health include, but are not limited to, pesticides, biotoxins, antibiotics, pathogenic bacteria, food quality indicators, heavy metals, and illegal additives. The traditional methods of food contaminant detection have practical limitations or analytical defects, restricting their on-site application. Hydrogels with the merits of a large surface area, highly porous structure, good shape-adaptability, excellent biocompatibility, and mechanical stability have been widely studied in the field of food safety sensing. The classification, response mechanism, and recent application of hydrogel-based biosensors in food safety are reviewed in this paper. Furthermore, the challenges and future trends of hydrogel biosensors are also discussed.
Wheat GSPs and Processing Quality Are Affected by Irrigation and Nitrogen through Nitrogen Remobilisation
Authors: Shen Yuanxin , Han Xiaojie , Feng Haoxiang , Han Zhidong , Wang Mao , Ma Dongyun , Jin Jianmeng , Li Shuangjing , Ma Geng , Zhang Yanfei , Wang Chenyang
Published: December 2023

The rheological properties and end-use qualities of many foods are mainly determined by the types and levels of grain storage proteins (GSPs) in wheat. GSP levels are influenced by various factors, including tillage management, irrigation, and fertiliser application. However, the effects of irrigation and nitrogen on GSPs remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, a stationary split–split block design experiment was carried out in low- and high-fertility (LF and HF) soil, with the main plots subjected to irrigation treatments (W0, no irrigation; W1, irrigation only during the jointing stage; W2, irrigation twice during both jointing and flowering stages), subplots subjected to nitrogen application treatments (N0, no nitrogen application; N180, 180 kg/ha; N240, 240 kg/ha; N300, 300 kg/ha), and cultivars tested in sub–sub plots (FDC5, the strong-gluten cultivar Fengdecun 5; BN207, the medium-gluten cultivar Bainong 207). The results showed that GSP levels and processing qualities were significantly influenced by nitrogen application (p < 0.01), N240 was the optimal nitrogen rate, and the influence of irrigation was dependent on soil fertility. Optimal GSP levels were obtained under W2 treatment at LF conditions, and the content was increased by 17% and 16% for FDC5 and BN207 compared with W0 under N240 treatment, respectively. While the optimal GSP levels were obtained under W1 treatments at HF conditions, and the content was increased by 3% and 21% for FDC5 and BN207 compared with W0 under N240 treatment, respectively. Irrigation and nitrogen application increased the glutenin content by increasing Bx7 and Dy10 levels in FDC5, and by increasing the accumulation of Ax1 and Dx5 in BN207. Gliadins were mainly increased by enhancing α/β-gliadin levels. Correlation analysis indicated that a higher soil nitrate (NO3-N) content increased nitrogen remobilisation in leaves. Path analysis showed that Dy10, Dx5, and γ-gliadin largely determined wet glutenin content (WGC), dough stability time (DST), dough water absorption rate (DWR), and sedimentation value (SV). Therefore, appropriate irrigation and nitrogen application can improve nitrogen remobilisation, GSP levels, and processing qualities, thereby improving wheat quality and production.
Chance or Chaos? Fractal Geometry Aimed to Inspect the Nature of Bitcoin
Authors: Cabezas-Rivas Esther , Sánchez-Coll Felipe , Tormo-Xaixo Isaac
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to analyse Bitcoin in order to shed some light on its nature and behaviour. We select 9 cryptocurrencies that account for almost 75% of total market capitalisation and compare their evolution with that of a wide variety of traditional assets: commodities with spot and future contracts, treasury bonds, stock indices, and growth and value stocks. Fractal geometry will be applied to carry out a careful statistical analysis of the performance of Bitcoin returns. As a main conclusion, we have detected a high degree of persistence in its prices, which decreases the efficiency but increases its predictability. Moreover, we observe that the underlying technology influences price dynamics, with fully decentralised cryptocurrencies being the only ones to exhibit self-similarity features at any time scale.
Ionizing Spotlight of Active Galactic Nucleus
Authors: Moiseev Alexei V. , Smirnova Aleksandrina A.
Published: December 2023

Ionization cones and relativistic jets give us one of the most large-scale example of active galactic nuclei (AGN) influence on the surrounding gas environment in galaxies and beyond. The study of ionization cones makes it possible not only to test the predictions of the unified model of galactic activity, but also to probe galaxy gas environment and trace how the luminosity of the nucleus changes over time (a light echo). In the external galactic or even extragalactic gas ionization cones create Extended Emission-Line Regions (EELRs) which can span distances from several to hundreds kpc away a host galaxy. We review the recent results of studying the gas kinematics and its ionization properties in EELRs with a special attention to search of fading AGN radiation on the time scale few×(104−105) years.The role of modern narrow-band and integral-field surveys in these researches is also considered.
The Relationship between Subjective Aging and Cognition in Elderly People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernández-Ballbé Óscar , Martin-Moratinos Marina , Saiz Jesus , Gallardo-Peralta Lorena , Barrón López de Roda Ana
Published: December 2023

There is a growing body of evidence on the effects of subjective aging on health, well-being and quality of life. This review aims to synthesize findings about the link between subjective aging and cognition and cognitive decline. Furthermore, it provides an examination of variation sources such as subjective aging construct, cognitive domains, measures employed, age and moderator variables. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, PsychInfo and Web of Science, as well as grey literature searches in Google Scholar, OpenGrey, WorldCat and NDLTD, which resulted in 59 reports being included. Subjective aging is a relevant construct in the explanation and prediction of cognitive aging and cognitive decline in elderly adults. More positive views about own aging and self-perceptions of aging, as well as a younger subjective age, were consistently related to better cognition and lower risk of cognitive decline. However, there were differences due to subjective aging subdimensions and cognitive domains, as well as an effect of age. Additionally, there were concerns about the content validity of some measures employed, such as the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale for subjective aging and the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognition. Further studies should employ longitudinal designs with a process-based approach to cognition and precise subjective aging measures.
Transient Worsening of Dysphagia and Dysarthria after Treatment with Botulinum Toxin in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Lucca Lucia Francesca , Spezzano Luisa , Bono Francesco , Ursino Maria , Cerasa Antonio , Piccione Francesco
Published: December 2023

Although botulinum toxin is widely considered an effective and safe treatment for a variety of neurological conditions (such as disabling spasticity), local or systemic adverse effects have often been reported. This study describes three cases of patients with severe acquired brain injury who were receiving speech therapy for recovering dysphagia and dysarthria but showed worsening of these symptoms after receiving BoNT treatment for motor spasticity. To increase clinicians’ knowledge of these adverse effects, we present our cases and explore their significance to avoid major complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Antifungal Activity of Streptomyces spp. Extracts In Vitro and on Post-Harvest Tomato Fruits against Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Montesdeoca-Flores David Tomás , Hernández-Bolaños Eduardo , León-Barrios Milagros , Hernández-Amador Eduardo , Díaz-González Selene , Abreu-Acosta Néstor , Luis-Jorge Juan Cristo
Published: December 2023

Plant pathogenic fungi are the most important cause of losses in agriculture. In the context of the overuse of synthetic fungicides, natural products are an encouraging alternative to control these plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, we tested the antifungal capacity of four strains of the genus Streptomyces against the plant pathogenic fungi Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. We also investigated the effect of applying the extracts with the highest antifungal activities in a post-harvest setting for the control of B. cinerea on cherry tomato fruits. The results revealed the ability of these strains, especially Streptomyces netropsis A52M, to inhibit in vitro the growth and, in some cases, the sporulation of plant pathogenic fungi. The protective effect of the S. netropsis A52M extracts on post-harvest cherry tomato fruits infected with B. cinerea was demonstrated. In addition, when grown in co-culture, we observed an interesting phenomenon in which the Streptomyces mycelium physically encapsulated the fungal mycelium, contributing to its inhibition. This outcome offers the potential for research into the role of physical microbial interactions in fungal biocontrol. To sum up, the findings outlined here for the interactions between Streptomyces strains and plant pathogenic fungi are a promising, safer, and more sustainable biocontrol alternative to chemicals for agriculture. This is of particular interest in the protection of perishable agricultural products during the post-harvest phase.
Psychopathological Burden among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic Compared to the Pre-Pandemic Period
Authors: Gostoli Sara , D’Oronzo Angelica , Malaguti Carlotta , Guolo Francesco , Balducci Cristian , Subach Regina , Lodi Vittorio , Petio Carmine , Rafanelli Chiara
Published: December 2023

This retrospective observational study on hospital staff requesting an “application visit” (from 2017 to 2022) at the Occupational Medicine department aimed at comparing a “pre-COVID group” (2017–2019) with a “COVID group” (2020–2022) regarding (a) sociodemographic data (i.e., age, sex, occupation, years of employment at the hospital), (b) rate and type of psychiatric diagnoses in both groups and rate of psychiatric diagnoses per subject, and (c) rate of drug/psychotherapeutic prescriptions. Two hundred and five healthcare workers (F = 73.7%; mean age = 50.7 ± 10.33) were visited. Compared with the pre-COVID group, healthcare workers evaluated during COVID-19 were significantly younger and reported fewer years of employment at the hospital. Although rates of primary psychiatric diagnoses were similar in both samples, an increased number of psychopathologies per subject and associated treatment prescriptions in the COVID group was observed. In the COVID group, 61% had one psychiatric diagnosis, and 28% had 2+ psychiatric diagnoses, compared with 83.8% and 6.7% of pre-COVID. Furthermore, 56.2%/1.9% in pre-COVID and 73%/6% in the COVID group were prescribed drugs/psychotherapy, respectively. The findings of the present study highlighted an increase in both younger workers’ requests and psychiatric comorbidities during the pandemic, representing a burden on the Italian healthcare system. It is thus relevant to address the mental health challenges of healthcare workers accordingly.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Model for Studying Human Neurodegenerative Disorders: Viral Capsid Protein Expression
Authors: Bayandina Svetlana V. , Mukha Dmitry V.
Published: December 2023

In this article, we briefly describe human neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and the experimental models used to study them. The main focus is the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an experimental model used to study neurodegenerative processes. We review recent experimental data on the aggregation of human neurodegenerative disease-related proteins in yeast cells. In addition, we describe the results of studies that were designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the aggregation of reporter proteins. The advantages and disadvantages of the experimental approaches that are currently used to study the formation of protein aggregates are described. Special attention is given to the similarity between aggregates that form as a result of protein misfolding and viral factories—special structural formations in which viral particles are formed inside virus-infected cells. A separate part of the review is devoted to our previously published study on the formation of aggregates upon expression of the insect densovirus capsid protein in yeast cells. Based on the reviewed results of studies on NDs and related protein aggregation, as well as viral protein aggregation, a new experimental model system for the study of human NDs is proposed. The core of the proposed system is a comparative transcriptomic analysis of changes in signaling pathways during the expression of viral capsid proteins in yeast cells.
Therapeutic Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium and Extracellular Vesicles in an In Vitro Radiation-Induced Skin Injury Model
Authors: Lin Zhixiang , Shibuya Yoichiro , Imai Yukiko , Oshima Junya , Sasaki Masahiro , Sasaki Kaoru , Aihara Yukiko , Khanh Vuong Cat , Sekido Mitsuru
Published: December 2023

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of three major treatments for malignant tumors, and one of its most common side effects is skin and soft tissue injury. However, the treatment of these remains challenging. Several studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment enhances skin wound healing. In this study, we extracted human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from patients and generated an in vitro radiation-induced skin injury model with HDFs to verify the effect of conditioned medium derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-CM) and extracellular vesicles derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-EVs) on the healing of radiation-induced skin injury. The results showed that collagen synthesis was significantly increased in wounds treated with ADSC-CM or ADSC-EVs compared with the control group, which promoted the expression of collagen-related genes and suppressed the expression of inflammation-related genes. These findings indicated that treatment with ADSC-CM or ADSC-EVs suppressed inflammation and promoted extracellular matrix deposition; treatment with ADSC-EVs also promoted fibroblast proliferation. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of ADSC-CM and ADSC-EVs in the healing of radiation-induced skin injury.
Hepatitis B Virus and microRNAs: A Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Zulian Verdiana , Fiscon Giulia , Paci Paola , Garbuglia Anna Rosa
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, and the identification of viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs) within some viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), has attracted significant attention. HBV infections often progress to chronic states (CHB) and may induce fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of HBV can dysregulate host miRNA expression, influencing several biological pathways, such as apoptosis, innate and immune response, viral replication, and pathogenesis. Consequently, miRNAs are considered a promising biomarker for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response. The dynamics of miRNAs during HBV infection are multifaceted, influenced by host variability and miRNA interactions. Given the ability of miRNAs to target multiple messenger RNA (mRNA), understanding the viral–host (human) interplay is complex but essential to develop novel clinical applications. Therefore, bioinformatics can help to analyze, identify, and interpret a vast amount of miRNA data. This review explores the bioinformatics tools available for viral and host miRNA research. Moreover, we introduce a brief overview focusing on the role of miRNAs during HBV infection. In this way, this review aims to help the selection of the most appropriate bioinformatics tools based on requirements and research goals.