bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to and strategies for early implementation of pharmacy-delivered HIV PrEP services in Kenya: An analysis of routine data
Authors: Nakambale Hilma N. , Roche Stephanie D. , Mogere Peter , Omollo Victor , Kuo Alexandra P. , Stergachis Andy , Baeten Jared M. , Bukusi Elizabeth , Ngure Kenneth , Mugambi Melissa Latigo , Ortblad Katrina F.
Published: February 2023

Background

For individuals who face challenges accessing clinic-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), differentiated service delivery models are needed to expand access and reach. During a pilot study testing a novel pharmacy-delivered oral PrEP model in Kenya, we used routine programmatic data to identify early implementation barriers and actions that providers and study staff took in response to the barriers.

Methods

We trained pharmacy providers at five private pharmacies in Kisumu and Kiambu Counties to initiate and continue clients at risk of HIV acquisition on PrEP for a fee of 300 KES per visit (∼$3 USD) using a prescribing checklist with remote clinician oversight. Research assistants stationed at the pharmacies completed weekly observation reports of pharmacy-delivered PrEP services using a structured template. We analyzed reports from the first 6 month of implementation using content analysis and identified multi-level early implementation barriers and actions taken to address these. We then organized the identified barriers and actions according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

From November 2020 to May 2021, research assistants completed 74 observation reports (∼18/pharmacy). During this period, pharmacy providers screened 496 potential PrEP clients, identified 425 as eligible for pharmacy-delivered PrEP services, and initiated 230 (54%) on PrEP; 125 of 197 (63%) clients eligible for PrEP continuation refilled PrEP. We identified the following early implementation barriers to pharmacy-delivered PrEP services (by CFIR domain): high costs to clients (intervention characteristics), client discomfort discussing sexual behaviors and HIV testing with providers (outer setting), provider frustrations that PrEP delivery was time-consuming and disruptive to their workflow (inner setting), and provider hesitancy to deliver PrEP due to concerns about encouraging sexual promiscuity (characteristics of individuals). To help address these, pharmacy providers implemented a self-screening option for behavioral HIV risk assessment for prospective PrEP clients, allowed flexible appointment scheduling, and conducted pharmacy PrEP trainings for newly hired staff.

Conclusion

Our study provides insight into early barriers to implementing pharmacy-delivered PrEP services in Kenya and potential actions to mitigate these barriers. It also demonstrates how routine programmatic data can be used to understand the early implementation process.
Multi-agent evolutionary game analysis on the implementation of municipal solid waste classification policy
Authors: Yao Nan , Tan Xiwen , Zhang Yuefan , Qu Yunhan , Han Xue , Li Zhi
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of economy and the improvement of people's living standard, the domestic waste is greatly increasing. Based on the multi-agent evolutionary game theory, an evolutionary game model among the recycling industry, urban management officer and government is established to address the environmental issues of rising municipal solid waste production and low recycling utilization rates in China. Through numerical example analysis, the relationship between relevant factors on the evolutionary stable state of the system is studied. The findings demonstrate that when the likelihood of severe oversight by the government and of significant enforcement by urban management officers grows, the recycling industry becomes more ready to select waste separation strategy. Additionally, the government is far more affected by the likelihood of significant enforcement by urban management officers than the recycling industries are. In addition, effective acceleration of waste sorting may be achieved by giving the recycling industries the proper government subsidies and increasing the recycling industries' profits from garbage sorting. Moreover, the government's increased fines for the urban management officers can significantly lower the incidence of bribery between the recycling industries and the urban management officers.
Intracranial pressure elevation post-stroke: Mechanisms and consequences
Authors: Hood Rebecca J. , Beard Daniel J. , McLeod Damian D. , Murtha Lucy A. , Spratt Neil J.
Published: February 2023

Intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation post-stroke has long been thought of as a cause of secondary deterioration after large, malignant infarction, and dramatic ICP elevation is frequently a pre-terminal event. However, there is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that ICP also rises after small stroke, typically within 24 h of the infarct. The timing of this rise suggests that it may play an important role in the collateral failure associated with early infarct expansion. Despite its increasingly recognized importance to patient outcome, very little is currently known about the underlying mechanisms of ICP elevation post-stroke. The traditional understanding suggests ICP elevation occurs solely due to cerebral edema, however this does not seem to be the case in mild-moderate infarction. Instead, recent studies suggest a role for changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume. In this article, we will discuss recent mechanistic observations, as well as the consequences of ICP elevation post-stroke.
Case report: Intra-abdominal aggressive fibromatosis: A rare cause of hyperemesis
Authors: Zou Zilin , Ye Guannan , Xu Saiqun , Liu Wei , Wang Weining
Published: February 2023

Rationale

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare and locally infiltrative monoclonal fibroblastic proliferation with lack of metastatic potential. We describe a rare case of intra-abdominal aggressive fibromatosis on young female with hyperemesis.

Patient concerns

A 23-year-old female was admitted with hyperemesis and loss of weight.

Diagnoses

According to imaging findings and immunohistology findings, a diagnosis of intra-abdominal aggressive fibromatosis was formulated.

Outcomes

After the surgery, no evidence of local recurrence was noted during the 6 months of follow-up.

Lessons

AF may explain why pregnant women may have severe hyperemesis.
Tranexamic acid is associated with improved hemostasis in elderly patients undergoing coronary-artery surgeries in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Enshi , Wang Yang , Li Yuan , Hu Shengshou , Yuan Su
Published: February 2023

Background

More elderly patients undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) than younger patients. Whether tranexamic acid (TA) is still effective and safe in elderly patients undergoing CABG surgeries is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, a cohort of 7,224 patients ≥70 years undergoing CABG surgery were included. Patients were categorized into the no TA group, TA group, high-dose group, and low-dose group according whether TA was administered and the dose administered. The primary endpoint was blood loss and blood transfusion after CABG. The secondary endpoints were thromboembolic events and in-hospital death.

Results

The blood loss at 24 and 48 h and the total blood loss after surgery in patients in the TA group were 90, 90, and 190 ml less than those in the no-TA group, respectively (p < 0.0001). The total blood transfusion was reduced 0.38-fold with TA administration compared to that without TA (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.56–0.68, p < 0.0001). Blood component transfusion was also reduced. High-dose TA administration reduced the blood loss by 20 ml 24 h after surgery (p = 0.032) but had no relationship with the blood transfusion. TA increased the risk of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) by 1.62-fold [p = 0.003, OR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.18–2.22)] but reduced the hospital stay time in patients who were administered TA compared to that of patients who did not receive TA (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

We revealed that elderly patients undergoing CABG surgeries had better hemostasis after TA administration but increased the risk of PMI. High-dose TA was effective and safe compared with low-dose TA administration in elderly patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Epidemiology of Leptospira spp. infection in a beef cattle area of Argentina
Authors: Mazzanti Mariana , Scialfa Exequiel , Rivero Mariana , Passucci Juan
Published: February 2023

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira that affect humans and animals. This disease is complex and non-eradicable in nature. Therefore, the understanding of it is epidemiology in different environments is crucial to implement prevention and control measures. The prevalence of Leptospira infection in beef cattle farms is affected by multiple environmental, management and individual factors. In this study, a cross-sectional serological survey was carried on to estimate the prevalence of Leptospira antibodies in beef cattle in Tandil and Ayacucho Departments (Buenos Aires Province) and to identify risk factors and spatial clusters associated with seropositivity. Using a probabilistic two-stage sampling, 25 farms and 15 animals per farm were selected. The Microagglutination Test was used to analize all serum samples. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Seventy-three out of 375 cows were seropositive, representing a positivity rate of 19.47% (95% CI: 10.51–28.42), with Sejroe and Pomona being the most reactive serogroups: 9.33% (95% CI: 6.26–12.41) and 8.27% (95% CI: 5.35–11.19), respectively. The prevalence in Ayacucho was 23.11% (95% CI: 10.05–36.17), and in Tandil, 14% (95% CI: 3.25–24.75). The animals from Ayacucho presented 2.01 (1.16–3.49) more chances of being positive compared with those from Tandil (p < 0.01). After the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) with random effect of farm-level risk, the presence of lagoons (OR: 7.32, 95% CI: 1.68–31.8, p < 0.05) and undulating terrain (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.74, p < 0.05) were associated with bovine leptospirosis. Four spatial clusters with higher rates of seropositivity were detected. A new GLMM was performed with the significant variables detected in the first GLMM and a new variable, “being inside the spatial cluster,” being the only one that remained significant (OR: 9.58, 95% CI: 3.39–27.08, p < 0.0001). The animals inside the clusters belonged to farms with a greater presence of creeks (OR: 9.03, 95% CI: 3.37–24.18, p < 0.0001), higher accumulated rainfall (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1–1.01, p < 0.0001) and less undulating terrain (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10–0.35, p < 0.0001). We conclude that Leptospira is seroprevalent in beef cattle in Tandil and Ayacucho Departments, especially in the latter, where the largest cattle farms are located. Prevalence of seropositivity animals was associated with selected environmental risk factors.
A 10-year retrospective analysis (2012-2021) of hospitalizations resulting from dog bites in Southern Italy
Authors: Alberghina Daniela , Virga Antonino , Sottile Gianluca , Buffa Sergio Pio , Panzera Michele
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to describe the incidence and characteristics of dog-bite injury hospitalizations (DBIH) in the largest administrative region of Italy (Sicily) over the 10-year period: 2012-2021. Four hundred and forty-nine cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into seven age groups: preschoolers (0–5 years), school-age children (6–12 years), teenagers (13–19 years), young adults (20–39 years), middle-aged adults (40–59 years), old adults (60–74 years), and the elderly (≥75 years). Association among categorical variables (age, gender, principal injury location) was evaluated using chi-square tests, and mean differences for normally distributed variables were assessed using one-way analysis of variance. Finally, a Poisson regression general linear model (GLM) analysis was used to model incidence data. The results revealed that the incidence of DBIH per 100,000 population increased from 0.648 in 2012 (95%CI 0.565–0.731) to 1.162 in 2021 (95%CI 1.078–1.247, P < 0.01). Incidence for both male and female victims also increased over the studied period (P < 0.05). We found an increasing trend of incidence in young and middle-aged adults (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005 respectively). Moreover, the most frequently injured age group by dogs was the preschooler group and, whilst we found a lower risk of being injured for males older than 20 years, no difference with females was observed. The location of lesions depended on the age group (P < 0.001). The number of days of DBIH increased significantly with age (P < 0.01). The increase of DBIH represents a public health problem that requires the development of preventive approaches.
Effects of adding nano-emulsified plant oil and probiotics to drinking water during different periods besides sex on processing characteristics, physicochemical properties, and meat quality traits of broiler chickens
Authors: Suliman Gamaleldin M. , Hussein Elsayed O. S. , Alsagan Ahmed , Al-Owaimer Abdullah N. , Alhotan Rashed , Al-Baadani Hani H. , Ba-Awadh Hani A. , Qaid Mohammed M. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

High-quality meat is one of the consumer demands. Therefore, several studies have concluded that supplementing broilers with natural additives can improve meat quality. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of nano-emulsified plant oil (Magic oil®) and probiotic (Albovit®) as water additives (at the rate of 1 ml/L and 0.1 g/L, respectively) during different growing periods on processing characteristics, physicochemical properties, and meat quality traits of broilers chickens.

Methods

A total number of 432-day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups according to the growing periods in which magic oil and probiotics were added to drinking water, each with nine replicates and eight birds per replicate (4♂ and 4♀). On day 35, birds' processing characteristics, physicochemical properties, and meat quality traits were examined.

Results and discussion

The results showed that treatments had a significant (P < 0.001) impact on cooking loss, cohesiveness, and chewiness. The male broiler chickens had higher (P ≤ 0.05) initial lightness, initial whiteness index, water holding capacity, shear force, live weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, as well as lower gizzard and neck percentages than females. The interactions between treatments and sex showed a significant (P < 0.001) impact on cooking loss, shear force, hardness, springiness, and chewiness. In conclusion, supplementing male broiler chickens with Magic oil and probiotic, particularly from 0–30 days of age had favorable meat chewiness as a result of lower cohesiveness and hardness higher springiness, and the most convenient cooking loss value. Magic oil and probiotic, especially in males, is advisable to be supplemented in water of growing broilers chicken programs from 0 to 30 days of age. Moreover, further studies under commercial conditions are recommended to locate the most favorable combination of Magic oil/probiotic supplements for the best processing characteristics and meat quality attributes outcomes.
Estimating Yield and Economic Losses Induced by Ozone Exposure in South China Based on Full-Coverage Surface Ozone Reanalysis Data and High-Resolution Rice Maps
Authors: Pei Jie , Liu Pengyu , Fang Huajun , Gao Xinyu , Pan Baihong , Li Haolin , Guo Han , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2023

Surface ozone (O3) pollution is an emerging environmental abiotic stress that poses substantial risks to crop yield losses and food security worldwide, and especially in China. However, the O3-induced detrimental effects on double-season rice have rarely been investigated at large scales and over relatively long temporal spans. In this study, we estimated the crop production reductions and associated economic losses for double-season rice across southern China during 2013–2019, using a high spatial resolution surface ozone reanalysis dataset and rice distribution maps, and county-level production data, in combination with a locally derived exposure-response function for rice. Results show that AOT40 (cumulative hourly O3 exposure above 40 ppb) presented generally increasing trends over growing seasons in 2013–2019, spanning from 4.0 to 7.1 ppm h and 6.1 to 10.5 ppm h for double-early rice and double-late rice, respectively. Moreover, O3-induced relative yield losses ranged from 4.0% to 6.6% for double-early rice and 6.3% to 11.1% for double-late rice. Over the seven years, ambient O3 exposure resulted in crop production losses of 1951.5 × 104 tons and economic losses of 8,081.03 million USD in total. To combat the O3-induced agricultural risks, measures such as stringent precursors emission reductions and breeding O3-resistant cultivars should be continuously implemented in the future.
Different Responses to Adventitious Rhizogenesis under Indole-3-Butyric Acid and Seaweed Extracts in Ornamental’s Cuttings: First Results in Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’
Authors: Loconsole Danilo , Sdao Anna Elisa , Cristiano Giuseppe , De Lucia Barbara
Published: February 2023

Fraser’s photinia ‘Red Robin’ (Photinia x fraseri Dress, Rosaceae family) is an important primary ornamental landscaping species with optimal hedge or screen effects and low maintenance, but it is difficult to root when propagated by cuttings, although high concentrations of phytohormones are used to optimize rhizogenesis. To our knowledge, there is currently no feasible enhanced method for photinia vegetative propagation through stem cuttings, using seaweed extract-based biostimulants as root promoters. Given the economic importance of the species, this research aims to assess the effects of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and seaweed extract-based stimulators on the quality of photinia ‘Red Robin’ cuttings, in terms of rooting indicators and ground and aboveground agronomic features. The treatments applied were different concentrations of commercial rooting stimulators compared to an untreated control: C0: distilled water; Rhizopon AA: 1% IBA (R1); Kelpak®: 2 mL L−1 (K2); Kelpak®: 3 mL L−1 (K3); Goteo®: 2 mL L−1 (G2); Goteo®: 3 mL L−1 (G3). The first results showed different responses to adventitious rhizogenesis under IBA and both seaweed extract treatments. At 70 DAC (days after cutting), the seaweed extract stimulated the production of over 80% of cuttings with callus; at 240 DAC, the percentage of rooted cuttings treated under R1 was the highest = 34.3%; the worst results were obtained by both biostimulant treatments at the highest doses: K3 = 21.3% and G3 = 20.7%. Furthermore, R1 produced 3.07 roots per cutting, which was 50% higher than the average of all other treatments. The applications of Kelpak® and Goteo® biostimulants, at both concentrations, resulted in an inhibition of root length with values below the untreated control. Rooted cuttings under R1 showed the highest ground (0.35 g) and aboveground (0.47) dry value. Neither seaweed extract, Kelpak® or Goteo®, at different concentrations, improved both the ground and above-ground weights of rooted cutting, compared to the untreated control, indicating that these natural products are not suitable for Fraser’s photinia ‘Red Robin’ propagation using this methodology. The overall quality of cuttings in IBA treatment was the strongest, with 1%, being the optimum concentration. Further research must be conducted to propose effective agronomic protocols by investigating application methods, doses and number of applications, and to clarify the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of these seaweed extracts.
Accuracy Comparison of YOLOv7 and YOLOv4 Regarding Image Annotation Quality for Apple Flower Bud Classification
Authors: Yuan Wenan
Published: February 2023

Object detection is one of the most promising research topics currently, whose application in agriculture, however, can be challenged by the difficulty of annotating complex and crowded scenes. This study presents a brief performance assessment of YOLOv7, the state-of-the-art object detector, in comparison to YOLOv4 for apple flower bud classification using datasets with artificially manipulated image annotation qualities from 100% to 5%. Seven YOLOv7 models were developed and compared to corresponding YOLOv4 models in terms of average precisions (APs) of four apple flower bud growth stages and mean APs (mAPs). Based on the same test dataset, YOLOv7 outperformed YOLOv4 for all growth stages at all training image annotation quality levels. A 0.80 mAP was achieved by YOLOv7 with 100% training image annotation quality, meanwhile a 0.63 mAP was achieved with only 5% training image annotation quality. YOLOv7 improved YOLOv4 APs by 1.52% to 166.48% and mAPs by 3.43% to 53.45%, depending on the apple flower bud growth stage and training image annotation quality. Fewer training instances were required by YOLOv7 than YOLOv4 to achieve the same levels of classification accuracies. The most YOLOv7 AP increase was observed in the training instance number range of roughly 0 to 2000. It was concluded that YOLOv7 is undoubtedly a superior apple flower bud classifier than YOLOv4, especially when training image annotation quality is suboptimal.
GmSTK12 Participates in Salt Stress Resistance in Soybean
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhou Jingwen , Chen Yun , Yang Xue , Jiao Shuang , Zhang Huimin , Ma Xiaofei , Zhai Hong , Bai Xi
Published: February 2023

Soybean (Glycine max (Linn.) Merr.) is a widely-cultivated crop, the yield of which is markedly affected by adverse environmental conditions. Soil salinization, in particular, has led to the degradation of agricultural land, resulting in poor plant growth and decreased crop yields. In plants, serine/threonine protein kinases (STKs) are involved in the plant response to a variety of abiotic stresses. Our previous study identified a transcription factor (GmWRKY20) involved in plant stress resistance, which can directly regulate the expression of GmSTK12. Here, we investigated the effect of the stress-responsive gene GmSTK12 (Glyma.12g198200), which encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase, on soybean salt tolerance. Overall, the overexpression of GmSTK12 (GmSTK12-OE) resulted in increased salt tolerance. Under salt stress, GmSTK12-OE soybeans exhibited significantly increased chlorophyll and proline (PRO) contents; decreased relative electrical conductivity; decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide anion (O2−) contents; and increased activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD). The nitroblue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) staining experiment further confirmed the reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GmSTK12-OE soybean leaves. We further determined the Na+ and K+ contents in soybean leaves and roots and found that the Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio in GmSTK12-OE soybean leaves and roots were significantly lower than those of WT (williams82) soybeans. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the expression of three SOS pathway genes (GmSOS1, GmSOS2a, and GmSOS2b) was upregulated in GmSTK12-OE soybeans under salt stress. Taken together, the results indicate that GmSTK12 is involved in the mechanism of soybean response to salt stress.
Roles of Essential Oils, Polyphenols, and Saponins of Medicinal Plants as Natural Additives and Anthelmintics in Ruminant Diets: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramdani Diky , Yuniarti Endah , Jayanegara Anuraga , Chaudhry Abdul Shakoor
Published: February 2023

Public awareness on health and safety issues in using antibiotics for livestock production has led many countries to ban the use of all growth-promoting antibiotics (GPA) for livestock feeding. The ban on the utilization of antibiotics in livestock, on the other hand, is an opportunity for researchers and livestock practitioners to develop alternative feed additives that are safe for both livestock and the consumers of animal derived foods. Many feed additives were developed from a number of plants that contain secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins. These secondary metabolites are extracted from various parts of many types of plants for their uses as feed additives and anthelmintics. Recent investigations on using essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins as dietary additives and anthelmintics demonstrate that they can increase not only the production and health of ruminants but also ensure the safety of the resulting foods. There are many publications on the advantageous impacts of dietary plant bioactive components on ruminants; however, a comprehensive review on individual bioactive constituents of each plant secondary metabolites along with their beneficial effects as feed additives and anthelmintics on ruminants is highly required. This current study reviewed the individual bioactive components of different plant secondary metabolites and their functions as additives and anthelmintics to improve ruminant production and health, with respect to safety, affordability and efficiency, using a systematic review procedure.
Establishing an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Sierra Leone: A Report of the Experience of a Low-Income Country in West Africa
Authors: Lakoh Sulaiman , Bawoh Mohamed , Lewis Hannah , Jalloh Ishmael , Thomas Catherine , Barlatt Shuwary , Jalloh Abdulai , Deen Gibrilla F. , Russell James B. W. , Kabba Mustapha S. , Batema Moses N. P. , Borgstein Cecily , Sesay Noah , Sesay Daniel , Nagi Navjeet K. , Firima Emmanuel , Thomas Suzanne
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing global health challenge that threatens to undo gains in human and animal health. Prevention and control of AMR requires functional antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program, which is complex and often difficult to implement in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to describe the processes of establishing and implementing an AMS program at Connaught Hospital in Sierra Leone. The project involved the setting up of an AMS program, capacity building and performing a global point prevalence survey (GPPS) at Sierra Leone’s national referral hospital. Connaught Hospital established a multidisciplinary AMS subcommittee in 2021 to provide AMS services such as awareness campaigns, education and training and review of guidelines. We performed a GPPS on 175 patients, of whom more than half (98, 56.0%) were prescribed an antibiotic: 63 (69.2%) in the surgical wards and 53 (51.2%) in the medical wards. Ceftriaxone (60, 34.3%) and metronidazole (53, 30.3%) were the most common antibiotics prescribed to patients. In conclusion, it is feasible to establish and implement an AMS program in low-income countries, where most hospitalized patients were prescribed an antibiotic.
Protective Effect of Peptides from Pinctada Martensii Meat on the H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injured HepG2 Cells
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wei Mengfen , You Lijun
Published: February 2023

Pinctada martensii is a major marine pearl cultured species in southern China, and its meat is rich in protein, which is an excellent material for the preparation of bioactive peptides. In this study, the peptides from Pinctada martensii meat were prepared by simulated gastrointestinal hydrolysis, and after multistep purification, the structures of the peptides were identified, followed by the solid-phase synthesis of the potential antioxidant peptides. Finally, the antioxidant activities of the peptides were verified using HepG2 cells, whose oxidative stress was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It was shown that the antioxidant peptide (S4) obtained from Pinctada martensii meat could significantly increase the cell viability of HepG2 cells. S4 could also scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. In addition, it could enhance the production of glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) in HepG2 cells, as well as the expression of key genes in the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Three novel antioxidant peptides, arginine–leucine (RL), arginine–glycine–leucine (RGL), and proline–arginine (PR), were also identified. In conclusion, peptides from Pinctada martensii meat and three synthetic peptides (RGL, RL, PR) showed antioxidant activity and could have the potential to be used as antioxidant candidates in functional foods.
Over-Expressed GATA-1S, the Short Isoform of the Hematopoietic Transcriptional Factor GATA-1, Inhibits Ferroptosis in K562 Myeloid Leukemia Cells by Preventing Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Trombetti Silvia , Iaccarino Nunzia , Riccio Patrizia , Sessa Raffaele , Catapano Rosa , Salvatore Marcella , Luka Stelina , de Nicola Sergio , Izzo Paola , Roperto Sante , Maddalena Pasqualino , Randazzo Antonio , Grosso Michela
Published: February 2023

Ferroptosis is a recently recognized form of regulated cell death involving lipid peroxidation. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) plays a central role in the regulation of ferroptosis through the suppression of lipid peroxidation generation. Connections have been reported between ferroptosis, lipid metabolism, cancer onset, and drug resistance. Recently, interest has grown in ferroptosis induction as a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance in hematological malignancies. GATA-1 is a key transcriptional factor controlling hematopoiesis-related gene expression. Two GATA-1 isoforms, the full-length protein (GATA-1FL) and a shorter isoform (GATA-1S), are described. A balanced GATA-1FL/GATA-1S ratio helps to control hematopoiesis, with GATA-1S overexpression being associated with hematological malignancies by promoting proliferation and survival pathways in hematopoietic precursors. Recently, optical techniques allowed us to highlight different lipid profiles associated with the expression of GATA-1 isoforms, thus raising the hypothesis that ferroptosis-regulated processes could be involved. Lipidomic and functional analysis were conducted to elucidate these mechanisms. Studies on lipid peroxidation production, cell viability, cell death, and gene expression were used to evaluate the impact of GPX4 inhibition. Here, we provide the first evidence that over-expressed GATA-1S prevents K562 myeloid leukemia cells from lipid peroxidation-induced ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance. Therefore, our results could provide novel potential therapeutic approaches and targets to overcome drug resistance in hematological malignancies.
Characterization of the Superplastic Magnesium Alloy AZ31 through Free-Forming Tests and Inverse Analysis
Authors: Giuliano Gillo , Polini Wilma
Published: February 2023

This work proposes a simple procedure to characterize 1.0 mm thick sheets of superplastic magnesium alloy AZ31. The simplest mathematical function that models the behavior of a superplastic material is a power law between stress and strain rate with two parameters connected to the material: K and m. First, the parameter m (variable with the strain) was defined directly by carrying out free-forming experimental tests at constant pressure and using a simple expression taken from the analytical modeling of the free-forming process. In the second step, an inverse analysis was carried out through a finite element model (FEM) and based on a numerical–experimental comparison between the results of the dimensionless height–time (H–t) curve, which made it possible to identify the variation of the parameter K in the same strain range. Once the m and K parameters were evaluated, it was possible to simulate the free-forming tests at constant pressure in the pressure range used to characterize the material. The proposed procedure to estimate m and K parameters made it possible to best match the numerical with the experimental results in terms of the dimensionless height–time curve. The difference between the forming time estimated by FEM and that measured experimentally along the H–t curve was found to be less than 9%.
Determination of Benefits of the Application of CMMS Database Improvement Proposals
Authors: Stazić Ladislav , Račić Nikola , Stanivuk Tatjana , Dobrota Đorđe
Published: February 2023

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs) are software packages that support or organize the maintenance tasks of assets or equipment. They are found in the background of any ship maintenance operation and are an important part of maintenance planning, spare parts supply, record keeping, etc. In the marine market, there are a number of CMMSs that are competing fiercely to program a better and more modern program that will capture the market, which has been accompanied by published analyses and scientific papers. At the same time, the quality of the data entered into CMMS databases is questionable, a fact that has been ignored in practice and scientific circles; until recently, there were no published analyses and there was no way to measure the quality of the data entered. This article presents two proposals for improving the quality of CMMS databases and calculates their potential benefits. By implementing the first proposal, the evaluation methodology for the ship’s Planned Maintenance System database, between 10% and 15% of databases will have significant financial or safety benefits. This measure will also have an impact on more than 40% of the other databases that can also be improved. The second proposal will have a smaller impact of only 4%. The overall benefit of these proposals is to improve more than 60% of the databases and will result in a significant increase in safety or financial savings.
A State-of-the-Art Review of Non-Destructive Testing Image Fusion and Critical Insights on the Inspection of Aerospace Composites towards Sustainable Maintenance Repair Operations
Authors: Torbali Muhammet E. , Zolotas Argyrios , Avdelidis Nicolas P.
Published: February 2023

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of aerospace structures has gained significant interest, given its non-destructive and economic inspection nature enabling future sustainable aerospace maintenance repair operations (MROs). NDT has been applied to many different domains, and there is a number of such methods having their individual sensor technology characteristics, working principles, pros and cons. Increasingly, NDT approaches have been investigated alongside the use of data fusion with the aim of combining sensing information for improved inspection performance and more informative structural health condition outcomes for the relevant structure. Within this context, image fusion has been a particular focus. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the recent progress and development trends in NDT-based image fusion. A particular aspect included in this work is providing critical insights on the reliable inspection of aerospace composites, given the weight-saving potential and superior mechanical properties of composites for use in aerospace structures and support for airworthiness. As the integration of NDT approaches for composite materials is rather limited in the current literature, some examples from non-composite materials are also presented as a means of providing insights into the fusion potential.
Trajectory Tracking of Autonomous Vehicle Using Clothoid Curve
Authors: Li Jianshi , Lou Jingtao , Li Yongle , Pan Shiju , Xu Youchun
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a clothoid-curve-based trajectory tracking control method for autonomous vehicles to solve the problem of tracking errors caused by the discontinuous curvature of the control curve calculated by the pure pursuit tracking algorithm. Firstly, based on the Ackerman steering model, the motion model is constructed for vehicle trajectory tracking, Then, the position of the vehicle after the communication delay of the control system is predicted as the starting point of the clothoid control curve, and the optimization interval of the curve end point is determined. The clothoid control curves are calculated, and their parameters are verified by the vehicle motion and safety constraints, so as to obtain the optimal clothoid control curve satisfying the constraints. Finally, considering the servo system response delay time of the steering system, the steering angle target control value is obtained by previewing the curvature of the clothoid control curve. The field experiment is conducted on the test road, which consists of straight, right-angle turns and lane-change elements under three sets of speed limitations, and the test results show that the proposed clothoid-curve-based trajectory tracking control method greatly improved the tracking accuracy compared with the pure pursuit method; in particular, the yaw deviation is improved by more than 50%.
Thermomechanical Stresses in Silicon Chips for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Mezzalira Claudia , Conti Fosca , Pedron Danilo , Signorini Raffaella
Published: February 2023

The growing interest in improving optoelectronic devices requires continuous research of the materials and processes involved in manufacturing. From a chemical point of view, the study of this sector is crucial to optimize existing manufacturing processes or create new ones. This work focusses on the experimental evaluation of residual stresses on samples that are intended to simulate part of the structure of an optoelectronic device. It represents an important starting point for the development of optoelectronic devices with characteristics suitable for future industrial production. Silicon chips, with a thickness of 120 μm, were soldered onto copper and alumina substrates, using different assembly parameters in terms of temperature and pressure. Using Raman spectroscopy, the stress evaluation was estimated in a wide temperature range, from −50 to 180 °C. Silicon chips soldered with AuSn alloy on copper substrates demonstrated at 22 °C a compressive stress, developed in the center of the assembly with a maximum value of −600 MPa, which reached −1 GPa at low temperatures. They present a stress distribution with a symmetric profile with respect to the central area of the chip. The silicon chip assembled on a ceramic substrate without pressure turned out to be extremely interesting. Even in the absence of pressure, the sample did not show a large shift in the Raman position, indicating a low stress.
Visual Exploration of Cycling Semantics with GPS Trajectory Data
Authors: Gao Xuansu , Liao Chengwu , Chen Chao , Li Ruiyuan
Published: February 2023

Cycling—as a sustainable and convenient exercise and travel mode—has become increasingly popular in modern cities. In recent years, with the proliferation of sport apps and GPS mobile devices in daily life, the accumulated cycling trajectories have opened up valuable opportunities to explore the underlying cycling semantics to enable a better cycling experience. In this paper, based on large-scale GPS trajectories and road network data, we mainly explore cycling semantics from two perspectives. On one hand, from the perspective of the cyclists, trajectories could tell their frequently visited sequences of streets, thus potentially revealing their hidden cycling themes, i.e., cyclist behavior semantics. On the other hand, from the perspective of the road segments, trajectories could show the cyclists’ fine-grained moving features along roads, thus probably uncovering the moving semantics on roads. However, the extraction and understanding of such cycling semantics are nontrivial, since most of the trajectories are raw data and it is also difficult to aggregate the dynamic moving features from trajectories into static road segments. To this end, we establish a new visual analytic system called VizCycSemantics for pervasive computing, in which a topic model (i.e., LDA) is used to extract the topics of cyclist behavior semantics and moving semantics on roads, and a clustering method (i.e., k-means ++) is used to further capture the groups of similar cyclists and road segments within the city; finally, multiple interactive visual interfaces are implemented to facilitate the interpretation for analysts. We conduct extensive case studies in the city of Beijing to demonstrate the effectiveness and practicability of our system and also obtain various insightful findings and pieces of advice.
Cytotoxic Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Eco-Friendly Extracted Flavonoids from Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep and Trifolium pratense L. Flowers Using HPLC-DAD-MS/HRMS
Authors: Aboushanab Saied A. , Shevyrin Vadim A. , Melekhin Vsevolod V. , Andreeva Elena I. , Makeev Oleg G. , Kovaleva Elena G.
Published: February 2023

Increasing prospective phytochemical investigations and biological activities on Pueraria lobata and Trifolium pratense flowers exhibited their nutritional (food industry) pharmaceutical (anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, etc.) potentials. Previous studies paid great attention to the screening of isoflavones profile from phytochemicals. This study, in contrast, aimed at identifying the flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flowers or kudzu flower (KF) and Trifolium pratense flowers or red clover (RC) flowers and determining their cytotoxic activities on normal; (HEK-293) and cancer cell lines; human glioblastoma (A-172), osteosarcoma (HOS), embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (Rd), lung carcinoma (A-549) and liver carcinoma (HepG2). The phytochemical screening using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF/MS) showed that 15 flavonoids, including isoflavones, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones, were identified in KF and 8 flavonoids, including isoflavones and flavonols, were found in RC. Nevertheless, the majority of flavonoid chemical constituents in KF or RC were found to be isoflavones (66.6%) and (62.5%), respectively. HPLC-DAD analysis following eco-friendly extraction of phytochemicals showed that KF contains mainly daidzein and genistein, while RC contains primarily formononetin and biochanin A. Cytotoxic activities evaluated according to IC50 values exhibited the most pronounced dose-dependent antiproliferative effect of KF and RC extracts were against HOS and Rd cancer cell lines, respectively. Accordingly, the morphological observation carried out using acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Giemsa stains revealed apoptotic activities and cell death in HOS and Rd cell lines when subjected to KF or RC extracts. Cytotoxic activities and apoptotic changes were pronounced among all cancer cell lines except for the control cells (HEK-293). Additionally, various polyphenols and flavonoids were identified and quantified in KF and RC extracts and exhibited potent radical scavenging activities. Overall, this study suggests that KF and RC could be valuable edible sources of flavonoids. The comprehensive flavonoid profiles for KF and RC may explain their remarkable biological activities and contribution to inducing antioxidant and cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines.
Changes in Air Pollution Control Policy Instruments: Based on a Textual Analysis for Southwest China 2010–2021
Authors: Yan Ting , Wu Min , Zhan Yong , Hu Zihan
Published: February 2023

An important task in the construction of China’s ecological civilization, the selection and implementation of policy instruments fully reflect the actual effectiveness of the government’s efforts to control air pollution. Based on the content analysis method, this study examines the changing process of air pollution control policy instruments in southwest China from 2010 to 2021 in terms of implementation, synergy, and integration of policy instruments. The results show that, in terms of the degree of mandatory, the frequency of using policy instruments generally increased with time, but the overall balance of the instrument portfolio was poor. In terms of the degree of synergy, a gradual shift occurred from government-led to government-society governance. However, the concept and modes of inter-governmental linkage and cross-regional collaborative governance need to be improved. As for the degree of systemic, a clear trend of instrument integration and more frequent information interaction was found. Emergency-oriented characteristics appear strong, but a regular governance mechanism is lacking. Therefore, this paper provides policy suggestions and academic considerations for further improving the effectiveness of air pollution management in southwest China from three aspects: optimizing the policy tool system, deepening the regional joint prevention and control mechanism of air pollution, and promoting intelligent air pollution management.
Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up on Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cirino Carolina , Marostegan Anita B. , Hartz Charlini S. , Moreno Marlene A. , Gobatto Claudio A. , Manchado-Gobatto Fúlvia B.
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to systematically review the literature to examine the effects of inspiratory-muscle warm-up (IMW) on the inspiratory, metabolic, respiratory and performance parameters of a main exercise performed by athletes and healthy and active individuals. Methods: This systematic review included randomized studies in English based on the criteria of the PICOS model. The exclusion criteria adopted were studies that applied inspiratory exercise to: i. promote long-term adaptations through inspiratory training (chronic responses); ii. obtain acute responses to inspiratory load (overload) during and in breaks from physical effort and in an inspiratory-exercise session (acute training effect); iii. evaluate the effects of IMW on participants with cardiorespiratory and/or metabolic disease. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, MedLine, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar (until 17 January 2023). Results: Thirty-one studies were selected. The performance and respiratory parameters were the most investigated (77% and 74%, respectively). Positive effects of IMW were reported by 88% of the studies that investigated inspiratory parameters and 45% of those that evaluated performance parameters. Conclusions: The analyzed protocols mainly had positive effects on the inspiratory and performance parameters of the physical exercises. These positive effects of IMW are possibly associated with the contractile and biochemical properties of inspiratory muscles.
Skeletal Markers of Physiological Stress as Indicators of Structural Violence: A Comparative Study between the Deceased Migrants of the Mediterranean Sea and the CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection
Authors: Biehler-Gomez Lucie , Palamenghi Andrea , Baudu Marie , Caccia Giulia , Lanza Attisano Giuseppe , Gibelli Daniele , Mazzarelli Debora , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: February 2023

Structural violence is an indirect form of violence that can lead to physiological consequences. Interestingly, these physiological disruptions may affect the skeletons and can therefore provide relevant information on violence and way of life in the analysis of skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that migrants who died in the Mediterranean Sea would present physiological cranial stress markers such as cribra orbitalia (CO), porotic hyperostosis (PH), and linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) more frequently and more severely than Italians of the 20th century. With this intent, a total of 164 crania were examined: 139 from deceased migrants recovered from a shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea in 2015, aged between 16 and 35 years old, and 25 of the same age from the CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection. Both presence and severity of CO, PH, and LEH were evaluated. The data obtained were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and independence Chi-squared tests to compare the results between the two samples and to test whether there was an association between the sample of migrants and the occurrence of lesions. As a result, CO and PH appeared more frequently and more severely in the migrant sample. In addition, migrants were significantly associated with CO, PH, and LEH (p-values < 0.05). Although this does not imply in any way that CO, PH, and LEH are specific to migration, they should be regarded as indicators of structural violence.