bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the Antioxidant Potential of White Tea and Osmanthus Flower: A Novel Polyphenol Liquid Preparation and Its Impact on KM Mice and Their Offspring
Authors: Wang Yisen , Xu Jiaqi , Fan Ziluan , Zhou Xun , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Hua
Published: November 2023

White tea, known for its high polyphenol content, boasts impressive antioxidant properties, but its practical applications remain promising. In this study, we successfully developed a liquid polyphenolic preparation (wtofLPP) using white tea and osmanthus flowers, characterized by its rich antioxidant content and favorable rheological properties. This formulation offers a strong foundation for the creation and utilization of innovative antioxidant-rich food products. Notably, wtofLPP significantly enhanced the activity of certain antioxidant enzymes in both KM mice and their offspring, leading to a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, prolonged swimming endurance, and a marked increase in levels of active antioxidant compounds. Furthermore, our study highlights that fatigue stress can impact offspring mice, suggesting that oxidative damage in parents may influence their offspring, potentially affecting their genetic function.
Functional Foods with Modulating Action on Metabolic Risk Factors
Authors: de Brito Alves José Luiz , Souza Evandro Leite de
Published: November 2023

Health-related metabolic risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure, hyperglycemia, obesity, and dyslipidemia, can lead to metabolic syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death [...]
Novel Approaches in Food Preservation and Their Impact on the Food System
Authors: Tufariello Maria , Iammarino Marco , Licciardello Fabio , Mentana Annalisa
Published: November 2023

The increase in consumer demand for safe, convenient, and fresh food with an extended shelf life is accompanied by an interest in the environmental impacts caused by the food industry [...]
Mathematical Modeling of Breast Cancer Based on the Caputo–Fabrizio Fractal-Fractional Derivative
Authors: Idrees Muhammad , Alnahdi Abeer , Jeelani Mdi
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies affecting the female population and is a prominent contributor to cancer-related mortality. Mathematical modeling is a significant tool that can be employed to comprehend the dynamics of breast cancer progression and dissemination and to formulate novel therapeutic approaches. This paper introduces a mathematical model of breast cancer that utilizes the Caputo–Fabrizio fractal-fractional derivative. The aim is to elucidate and comprehend the intricate dynamics governing breast cancer cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the context of the fractional derivative. The derivative presented herein offers a broader perspective than the conventional derivative, as it incorporates the intricate fractal characteristics inherent in the process of tumor proliferation. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to a novel mathematical model for breast cancer, which incorporates the fractal characteristics of tumor development. The present model possesses the capability to investigate the impacts of diverse treatment strategies on the proliferation of breast cancer, as well as to formulate novel treatment strategies that exhibit enhanced efficacy.
Cellulose-Based Metallogels—Part 3: Multifunctional Materials
Authors: Mikhailidi Aleksandra , Ungureanu Elena , Belosinschi Dan , Tofanica Bogdan-Marian , Volf Irina
Published: November 2023

The incorporation of the metal phase into cellulose hydrogels, resulting in the formation of metallogels, greatly expands their application potential by introducing new functionalities and improving their performance in various fields. The unique antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (Ag, Au, Cu, CuxOy, ZnO, Al2O3, TiO2, etc.), coupled with the biocompatibility of cellulose, allow the development of composite hydrogels with multifunctional therapeutic potential. These materials can serve as efficient carriers for controlled drug delivery, targeting specific cells or pathogens, as well as for the design of artificial tissues or wound and burn dressings. Cellulose-based metallogels can be used in the food packaging industry to provide biodegradable and biocidal materials to extend the shelf life of the goods. Metal and bimetallic nanoparticles (Au, Cu, Ni, AuAg, and AuPt) can catalyze chemical reactions, enabling composite cellulose hydrogels to be used as efficient catalysts in organic synthesis. In addition, metal-loaded hydrogels (with ZnO, TiO2, Ag, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles) can exhibit enhanced adsorption capacities for pollutants, such as dyes, heavy metal ions, and pharmaceuticals, making them valuable materials for water purification and environmental remediation. Magnetic properties imparted to metallogels by iron oxides (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) simplify the wastewater treatment process, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The conductivity of metallogels due to Ag, TiO2, ZnO, and Al2O3 is useful for the design of various sensors. The integration of metal nanoparticles also allows the development of responsive materials, where changes in metal properties can be exploited for stimuli-responsive applications, such as controlled release systems. Overall, the introduction of metal phases augments the functionality of cellulose hydrogels, expanding their versatility for diverse applications across a broad spectrum of industries not envisaged during the initial research stages.
Assessment of a Machine Learning Algorithm Using Web Images for Flood Detection and Water Level Estimates
Authors: Tedesco Marco , Radzikowski Jacek
Published: November 2023

Improving our skills to monitor flooding events is crucial for protecting populations and infrastructures and for planning mitigation and adaptation strategies. Despite recent advancements, hydrological models and remote sensing tools are not always useful for mapping flooding at the required spatial and temporal resolutions because of intrinsic model limitations and remote sensing data. In this regard, images collected by web cameras can be used to provide estimates of water levels during flooding or the presence/absence of water within a scene. Here, we report the results of an assessment of an algorithm which uses web camera images to estimate water levels and detect the presence of water during flooding events. The core of the algorithm is based on a combination of deep convolutional neural networks (D-CNNs) and image segmentation. We assessed the outputs of the algorithm in two ways: first, we compared estimates of time series of water levels obtained from the algorithm with those measured by collocated tide gauges and second, we performed a qualitative assessment of the algorithm to detect the presence of flooding from images obtained from the web under different illumination and weather conditions and with low spatial or spectral resolutions. The comparison between measured and camera-estimated water levels pointed to a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.84–0.87, a maximum absolute bias of 2.44–3.04 cm and a slope ranging between 1.089 and 1.103 in the two cases here considered. Our analysis of the histogram of the differences between gauge-measured and camera-estimated water levels indicated mean differences of −1.18 cm and 5.35 cm for the two gauges, respectively, with standard deviations ranging between 4.94 and 12.03 cm. Our analysis of the performances of the algorithm to detect water from images obtained from the web and containing scenes of areas before and after a flooding event shows that the accuracy of the algorithm exceeded ~90%, with the Intersection over Union (IoU) and the boundary F1 score (both used to assess the output of segmentation analysis) exceeding ~80% (IoU) and 70% (BF1).
Differentiation between Gastric and Colorectal Adenocarcinomas Based on Maspin, MLH1, PMS2 and K-Ras Concentrations Determined Using Stochastic Sensors
Authors: Bratei Alexandru Adrian , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana
Published: November 2023

Background: Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are a worldwide and some of the most important causes of death related to cancers. MLH1, PMS2, and K-Ras are some of the main molecules responsible for the control of cellular proliferation. They are widely used as biomarkers for the evaluation of the features of tumoral processes and the clinicopathological characteristics. They depend on the type of cells implied in the tumoral process, and it can be observed in the concentrations of them in different biological fluids. Maspin, also known as peptidase inhibitor 5 or serpin B5 is a tumor suppressor which inhibits invasion and angiogenesis and also regulates apoptosis, but it can also present oncogenic activity depending on tumor location and histology and on the subcellular maspin localization. Its correlations with gastric and colorectal carcinomas have been emphasized in a series of articles, and in this work, a method is used to quantify the concentrations of maspin in three biological fluids, allowing correlations with pathological features. Methods: Patients with their clinical and pathological features were selected from the database of the project GRAPHSENSGASTROINTES and used accordingly with the Ethics committee approval nr. 32647/2018 awarded by the County Emergency Hospital from Targu-Mures. Three kinds of samples have been analyzed (saliva, whole blood, and urine) using a stochastic method using stochastic microsensors. Results: The results obtained using stochastic sensors were correlated with the location of cancer, and there have been elaborated a series of criteria to differentiate gastric cancers from colorectal ones. Conclusions: There can be differentiation between the two types of cancers by using the concentrations of MLH1, PMS2, and K-Ras in saliva and urine samples or the levels of maspin in whole blood and urine or in whole blood, urine, and saliva. The data analysis led to a series of criteria for evaluation of the cancer location. Using only MLH1 and PMS2 concentrations in one of the two kinds of samples was only indicative and did not cover most cases. The use of the criteria only for MLH1 and PMS2 increased the probability of finding out the location, but the best results require the concentrations of K-Ras in the two kinds of samples as additional criteria.
Mutual Doings: Exploring Affectivity in Participatory Methodologies
Authors: Gunnarsson Karin
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to explore the affective implications of working with participatory methodologies within the context of sexuality education. For this exploration, a feminist posthumanist approach is put to work, building on a relational ontology and the notions of affectivity, assemblage and environmentality. Drawing from a practice-based research project concerning sexuality education conducted together with teachers in Swedish secondary schools, the analysis puts forward how the research assemblage navigates and manages affective conditions in ways that produce, allow and exclude certain feelings. With (dis)trust, uncertainty, frustration, laughter and shame, the assemblage made bodies act and become in specific ways. Thus, the analysis shows how participatory and practice-based research become moulded by power relations and intense flows of desire working together. This raises questions about how participatory methodologies within an ontological view of interdependence afford to manage affective intensities to move in certain directions of socially just sexuality education.
The (Mis)use of Psychotropic Drugs and Addiction to Anxiolytics among Older Adults Living at Home or in Retirement Homes: Implications for Quality of Life
Authors: Kralj Mirjana , Šolić Krešimir , Lovrić Robert
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, the growing number of people aged 65+ has become a global phenomenon. At that age, the most common medical problems are multimorbidity and inappropriate polypharmacy, which have a negative impact on the quality of life in older adults. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine comorbidity, the use of psychopharmaceuticals, and symptoms of addiction to anxiolytics among older adults living at home or in retirement homes, and to examine the differences in quality of life in relation to the use and misuse of psychotropic drugs. The research included 383 people aged 65+ living in the Republic of Croatia (EU). A standardized questionnaire CAGE was used to collect data about the use of psychotropic drugs. Quality of life was examined using the WHOQOL-BREF scale. The average age of respondents was 83 years. There is a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (p = 0.001) in respondents who live at home. Psychopharmaceuticals were used by 218 (56.9%) respondents, equally in both groups of respondents. A total of 77 (20.1%) respondents had been using anxiolytics for more than five years, while 26 (6.8%) of them had significant clinical symptoms of addiction to anxiolytics. All domains and the overall quality of life scale were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in respondents who have clinical symptoms of anxiolytic addiction. The results indicate that the use of psychotropic drugs by respondents is inappropriate. Respondents who inappropriately and excessively use psychotropic drugs have a significantly worse quality of life.
The Challenge of Accessibility to Heritage around the Via Francigena: The Potential of Thermal Heritage for Accessible Tourism
Authors: Gomez-Heras Miguel , González Soutelo Silvia , Castelo Ruano Raquel , García Juan Laura
Published: November 2023

The Via Francigena stands as a European Cultural Route recognized by the Council of Europe, serving as a link between Northern and Southern Europe, extending from Canterbury through France and Switzerland to Rome in Italy. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights underscores the right of all individuals to partake in the cultural life of their communities, which entails ensuring that heritage sites remain accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive or sensory abilities. To achieve this, the ‘rurAllure’ project has been initiated to promote and disseminate the cultural and natural heritage along this pilgrimage route in an inclusive manner. This paper reviews the existing resources regarding accessibility in the Italian segment of the Via Francigena, comparing them to initiatives undertaken on other European Cultural Routes. This serves as an initial step to comprehend the measures required to guarantee that everyone can fully engage with and comprehend these cultural experiences. The analysis revealed that most of the limited accessibility efforts along this route have primarily focused on physical accessibility. Regrettably, cognitive and sensory accessibility has received considerably less attention. In this context, this paper proposes the thermal heritage located along the Val d’Orcia section in Tuscany, Italy, as particularly promising for the development of accessible experiences due to its tactile characteristics. The future efforts to enhance accessibility along this route should consider approaches like Universal Design for Learning and the geography of perception to create resources and new experiences that cater to a wide range of individuals.
Genetic Variation and Association Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Mutant Lines Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS)
Authors: Kim Dong-Gun , Ryu Jaihyunk , Yang Baul , Lee Ye-Jin , Kim Jae Hoon , Kim Juyoung , Kim Woon Ji , Kim Sang Hoon , Kwon Soon-Jae , Kim Jin-Baek , Kang Si-Yong , Lyu Jae Il , Bae Chang-Hyu , Ahn Joon-Woo
Published: November 2023

The concentration of phenolic compounds in rapeseed is important because they are either anti-nutritional compounds or directly related to antioxidant activity. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), and an association study was conducted to investigate phenolic content in 95 rapeseed mutant lines derived from gamma rays and their original cultivar. A total of 3,196,318 SNPs were detected, resulting in the identification of a set of 70,208 union SNPs used to perform association studies. Seven compounds were identified, sinapine being the major phenolic compound (91.2–99.2%) in all genotypes. An association study was conducted for seven compounds and total phenolic content (TPC). It identified 241 SNPs that were significantly associated with these compounds, total sinapine content (TSC), and TPC. Based on the SNP markers detected, BnaC02g20420D was associated with dihexose, BnaC08g30570D with progoitrin, BnaA01g06890D with methyl sinapate, BnaA09g16810D with sinapine(4-O-8′)guaiacyl, BnaCnng39930D with trans-sinapine 1, BnaA07g31720D with trans-sinapine 2, BnaC03g31950D with sinapoyl malate, and BnaAnng27700D with TPC. These were selected as candidate genes that may play a key role in rapeseed. The SNP markers associated with these key phenolic compounds can be used as targets in breeding programs to reduce anti-nutritional components.
Effects of Aircraft Noise on Sleep: Federal Aviation Administration National Sleep Study Protocol
Authors: Basner Mathias , Barnett Ian , Carlin Michele , Choi Grace H. , Czech Joseph J. , Ecker Adrian J. , Gilad Yoni , Godwin Thomas , Jodts Eric , Jones Christopher W. , Kaizi-Lutu Marc , Kali Jennifer , Opsomer Jean D. , Park-Chavar Sierra , Smith Michael G. , Schneller Victoria , Song Nianfu , Shaw Pamela A.
Published: November 2023

Aircraft noise can disrupt sleep and impair recuperation. The last U.S. investigation into the effects of aircraft noise on sleep dates back more than 20 years. Since then, traffic patterns and the noise levels produced by single aircraft have changed substantially. It is therefore important to acquire current data on sleep disturbance relative to varying degrees of aircraft noise exposure in the U.S. that can be used to check and potentially update the existing noise policy. This manuscript describes the design, procedures, and analytical approaches of the FAA’s National Sleep Study. Seventy-seven U.S. airports with relevant nighttime air traffic from 39 states are included in the sampling frame. Based on simulation-based power calculations, the field study aims to recruit 400 participants from four noise strata and record an electrocardiogram (ECG), body movement, and sound pressure levels in the bedroom for five consecutive nights. The primary outcome of the study is an exposure–response function between the instantaneous, maximum A-weighted sound pressure levels (dBA) of individual aircraft measured in the bedroom and awakening probability inferred from changes in heart rate and body movement. Self-reported sleep disturbance due to aircraft noise is the secondary outcome that will be associated with long-term average noise exposure metrics such as the Day–Night Average Sound Level (DNL) and the Nighttime Equivalent Sound Level (Lnight). The effect of aircraft noise on several other physiological and self-report outcomes will also be investigated. This study will provide key insights into the effects of aircraft noise on objectively and subjectively assessed sleep disturbance.
Cultural Influence on Corporate Sustainability: A Board of Directors Perspective
Authors: Escandon-Barbosa Diana , Salas-Paramo Jairo , Duque José Luis
Published: November 2023

This research aims to analyze the triple moderating effect of the board of directors in the country culture of a firm and its influence on the relationship between organizational innovation and organizational learning in corporate sustainability. A survey of 400 exporting companies of different commercial products from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia was used to carry out this research. We used the structural equations model to explore the analysis of the causal and moderation relationships between the variables under study. As a result, it was found that the influence of the board of directors of a firm is essential for innovation processes because they drive their results to corporate sustainability. This last approach is due to the strategic approach adopted by large companies. In the case of SMEs, it was not possible to demonstrate that the board of directors has such a degree of influence. In the case of the moderating effect of the board of directors on the country’s culture, it was possible to observe that the board of directors becomes a factor in the firm’s performance despite its geographical location, which determines the influence of culture on its operation in corporations such as SMEs.
Effects of Factors Influencing Scar Formation on the Scar Microbiome in Patients with Burns
Authors: Jung Yeongyun , Cui Hui Song , Lee Eun Kyung , Joo So Young , Seo Cheong Hoon , Cho Yoon Soo
Published: November 2023

Skin microbiome dysbiosis has deleterious effects, and the factors influencing burn scar formation, which affects the scar microbiome composition, are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of various factors influencing scar formation on the scar microbiome composition in patients with burns. We collected samples from the burn scar center and margin of 40 patients with burns, subgrouped by factors influencing scar formation. Scar microbiome composition-influencing factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Skin graft, hospitalization period, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, burn degree, sex, age, total body surface area burned (TBSA), time post-injury, transepidermal water loss, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels were identified as factors influencing burn scar microbiome composition. Only TBSA and ICU admission were associated with significant differences in alpha diversity. Alpha diversity significantly decreased with an increase in TBSA and was significantly lower in patients admitted to the ICU than in those not admitted to the ICU. Furthermore, we identified microorganisms associated with various explanatory variables. Our cross-sectional systems biology study confirmed that various variables influence the scar microbiome composition in patients with burns, each of which is associated with various microorganisms. Therefore, these factors should be considered during the application of skin microbiota for burn scar management.
Branched-Chain Amino Acid Assembly into Amyloid-like Fibrils Provides a New Paradigm for Maple Syrup Urine Disease Pathology
Authors: Kreiser Topaz , Sogolovsky-Bard Ilana , Zaguri Dor , Shaham-Niv Shira , Laor Bar-Yosef Dana , Gazit Ehud
Published: November 2023

Inborn error of metabolism disorders (IEMs) are a family of diseases resulting from single-gene mutations that lead to the accumulation of metabolites that are usually toxic or interfere with normal cell function. The etiological link between metabolic alteration and the symptoms of IEMs is still elusive. Several metabolites, which accumulate in IEMs, were shown to self-assemble to form ordered structures. These structures display the same biophysical, biochemical, and biological characteristics as proteinaceous amyloid fibrils. Here, we have demonstrated, for the first time, the ability of each of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that accumulate in maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) to self-assemble into amyloid-like fibrils depicted by characteristic morphology, binding to indicative amyloid-specific dyes and dose-dependent cytotoxicity by a late apoptosis mechanism. We could also detect the presence of the assemblies in living cells. In addition, by employing several in vitro techniques, we demonstrated the ability of known polyphenols to inhibit the formation of the BCAA fibrils. Our study implies that BCAAs possess a pathological role in MSUD, extends the paradigm-shifting concept regarding the toxicity of metabolite amyloid-like structures, and suggests new pathological targets that may lead to highly needed novel therapeutic opportunities for this orphan disease.
Exploring the Effects of Rearing Densities on Epigenetic Modifications in the Zebrafish Gonads
Authors: Valdivieso Alejandro , Caballero-Huertas Marta , Moraleda-Prados Javier , Piferrer Francesc , Ribas Laia
Published: November 2023

Rearing density directly impacts fish welfare, which, in turn, affects productivity in aquaculture. Previous studies have indicated that high-density rearing during sexual development in fish can induce stress, resulting in a tendency towards male-biased sex ratios in the populations. In recent years, research has defined the relevance of the interactions between the environment and epigenetics playing a key role in the final phenotype. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of individuals exposed to confinement remain elucidated. By using zebrafish (Danio rerio), the DNA methylation promotor region and the gene expression patterns of six genes, namely dnmt1, cyp19a1a, dmrt1, cyp11c1, hsd17b1, and hsd11b2, involved in the DNA maintenance methylation, reproduction, and stress were assessed. Zebrafish larvae were subjected to two high-density conditions (9 and 66 fish/L) during two periods of overlapping sex differentiation of this species (7 to 18 and 18 to 45 days post-fertilization, dpf). Results showed a significant masculinization in the populations of fish subjected to high densities from 18 to 45 dpf. In adulthood, the dnmt1 gene was differentially hypomethylated in ovaries and its expression was significantly downregulated in the testes of fish exposed to high-density. Further, the cyp19a1a gene showed downregulation of gene expression in the ovaries of fish subjected to elevated density, as previously observed in other studies. We proposed dnmt1 as a potential testicular epimarker and the expression of ovarian cyp19a1a as a potential biomarker for predicting stress originated from high densities during the early stages of development. These findings highlight the importance of rearing densities by long-lasting effects in adulthood conveying cautions for stocking protocols in fish hatcheries.
Persistent Hypogammaglobulinemia after Receiving Rituximab Post-HSCT Is Not Caused by an Intrinsic B Cell Defect
Authors: Ott de Bruin Lisa M. , Pico-Knijnenburg Ingrid , van Ostaijen-ten Dam Monique M. , Weitering Thomas J. , Berghuis Dagmar , Bredius Robbert G. M. , Lankester Arjan C. , van der Burg Mirjam
Published: November 2023

In the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), Rituximab (RTX) is used for the treatment and prevention of EBV-associated post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease or autoimmune phenomena such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Persistent hypogammaglobulinemia and immunoglobulin substitution dependence has been observed in several patients after RTX treatment despite the normalization of total B cell numbers. We aimed to study whether this is a B cell intrinsic phenomenon. We analyzed four patients with different primary diseases who were treated with myeloablative conditioning and matched unrelated donor HSCT who developed persistent hypogammaglobulinemia after receiving RTX treatment. They all received RTX early after HSCT to treat EBV infection or AIHA post-HSCT. All patients showed normalized total B cell numbers but absent to very low IgG positive memory B cells, and three lacked IgA positive memory B cells. All of the patients had full donor chimerism, and none had encountered graft-versus-host disease. Sorted peripheral blood naïve B cells from these patients, when stimulated with CD40L, IL21, IL10 and anti-IgM, demonstrated intact B cell differentiation including the formation of class-switched memory B cells and IgA and IgG production. Peripheral blood T cell numbers including CD4 follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells were all within the normal reference range. In conclusion, in these four HSCT patients, the persistent hypogammaglobulinemia observed after RTX cannot be attributed to an acquired intrinsic B cell problem nor to a reduction in Tfh cell numbers.
The Significance of Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) in Predicting Severity and Adverse Outcomes in Acute Calculous Cholecystitis
Authors: Serban Dragos , Stoica Paul Lorin , Dascalu Ana Maria , Bratu Dan Georgian , Cristea Bogdan Mihai , Alius Catalin , Motofei Ion , Tudor Corneliu , Tribus Laura Carina , Serboiu Crenguta , Tudosie Mihail Silviu , Tanasescu Denisa , Vancea Geta , Costea Daniel Ovidiu
Published: November 2023

The prediction of severity in acute calculous cholecystitis (AC) is important in therapeutic management to ensure an early recovery and prevent adverse postoperative events. We analyzed the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammatory index (SII) to predict advanced inflammation, the risk for conversion, and postoperative complications in AC. Advanced AC was considered the cases with empyema, gangrene, perforation of the gallbladder, abscesses, or difficulties in achieving the critical view of safety. A 3-year retrospective was performed on 235 patients admitted in emergency care for AC. The NLR was superior to the PLR and SII in predicting advanced inflammation and risk for conversion. The best predictive value was found to be at an NLR “cut-off” value of >4.19, with a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 66.9% (AUC = 0.824). The NLR, SII, and TG 13/18 correlate well with postoperative complications of Clavien–Dindo grade IV (p < 0.001 for all variables) and sepsis. For predicting early postoperative sepsis, TG 13/18 grading >2 and NLR > 8.54 show the best predicting power (AUC = 0.931; AUC = 0.888, respectively), although not significantly higher than that of the PLR and SII. The NLR is a useful biomarker in assessing the severity of inflammation in AC. The SII and PLR may be useful in the prediction of systemic inflammatory response.
Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: Is Age at Onset a Determining Factor in Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Therapy?
Authors: Lendínez-Jurado Alfonso , López-Siguero Juan Pedro , Gómez-Perea Ana , Ariza-Jiménez Ana B. , Becerra-Paz Icía , Tapia-Ceballos Leopoldo , Cruces-Ponce Carmen , Jiménez-Hinojosa José Manuel , Morcillo Sonsoles , Leiva-Gea Isabel
Published: November 2023

Background: The integration of continuous glucose monitoring systems with insulin infusion pumps has shown improved glycemic control, with improvements in hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, Hb1Ac, and greater autonomy in daily life. These have been most studied in adults and there are currently not many articles published in the pediatric population that establish their correlation with age of debut. Methods: Prospective, single-study. A total of 28 patients (mean age 12 ± 2.43 years, 57% male, duration of diabetes 7.84 ± 2.46 years) were included and divided into two groups according to age at T1D onset (≤4 years and >4 years). Follow-up for 3 months, with glucometric variables extracted at different cut-off points after the start of the closed-loop (baseline, 1 month, 3 months). Results: Significant improvement was evidenced at 1 month and 3 months after closed-loop system implantation, with better glycemic control in the older age group at baseline at TIR (74.06% ± 6.37% vs. 80.33% ± 7.49% at 1 month, p < 0.003; 71.87% ± 6.58% vs. 78.75% ± 5.94% at 3 months, p < 0.009), TAR1 (18.25% ± 4.54% vs. 14.33% ± 5.74% at 1 month, p < 0.006; 19.87% ± 5.15% vs. 14.67% ± 4. 36% at 3 months, p < 0.009) and TAR2 (4.75% ± 2.67% vs. 2.75% ± 1.96% at 1 month, p = 0.0307; 5.40% ± 2.85% vs. 3% ± 2.45% at 3 months, p < 0.027). Conclusions: the use of automated systems such as the MiniMedTM780G system brings glucometric results closer to those recommended by consensus, especially in age at T1D onset >4 years. However, the management in pediatrics continues to be a challenge even after the implementation of these systems, especially in terms of hyperglycemia and glycemic variability.
Towards a Near-Real-Time Protocol Tunneling Detector Based on Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Sobrero Filippo , Clavarezza Beatrice , Ucci Daniele , Bisio Federica
Published: November 2023

In the very recent years, cybersecurity attacks have increased at an unprecedented pace, becoming ever more sophisticated and costly. Their impact has involved both private/public companies and critical infrastructures. At the same time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the security perimeters of many organizations expanded, causing an increase in the attack surface exploitable by threat actors through malware and phishing attacks. Given these factors, it is of primary importance to monitor the security perimeter and the events occurring in the monitored network, according to a tested security strategy of detection and response. In this paper, we present a protocol tunneling detector prototype which inspects, in near real-time, a company’s network traffic using machine learning techniques. Indeed, tunneling attacks allow malicious actors to maximize the time in which their activity remains undetected. The detector monitors unencrypted network flows and extracts features to detect possible occurring attacks and anomalies by combining machine learning and deep learning. The proposed module can be embedded in any network security monitoring platform able to provide network flow information along with its metadata. The detection capabilities of the implemented prototype have been tested both on benign and malicious datasets. Results show an overall accuracy of 97.1% and an F1-score equal to 95.6%.
Managing Lower Limb Muscle Reinjuries in Athletes: From Risk Factors to Return-to-Play Strategies
Authors: Palermi Stefano , Vittadini Filippo , Vecchiato Marco , Corsini Alessandro , Demeco Andrea , Massa Bruno , Pedret Carles , Dorigo Alberto , Gallo Mauro , Pasta Giulio , Nanni Gianni , Vascellari Alberto , Marchini Andrea , Lempainen Lasse , Sirico Felice
Published: November 2023

Muscle injuries and subsequent reinjuries significantly impact athletes, especially in football. These injuries lead to time loss, performance impairment, and long-term health concerns. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of muscle reinjuries, delving into their epidemiology, risk factors, clinical management, and prevention strategies. Despite advancements in rehabilitation programs and return-to-play criteria, reinjury rates remain alarmingly high. Age and previous muscle injuries are nonmodifiable risk factors contributing to a high reinjury rate. Clinical management, which involves accurate diagnosis, individualized rehabilitation plans, and the establishment of return-to-training and return-to-play criteria, plays a pivotal role during the sports season. Eccentric exercises, optimal loading, and training load monitoring are key elements in preventing reinjuries. The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting and preventing reinjuries offers a promising avenue, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing these injuries. While current strategies offer some mitigation, there is a pressing need for innovative solutions, possibly leveraging AI, to reduce the incidence of muscle reinjuries in football players. Future research should focus on this direction, aiming to enhance athletes’ well-being and performance.
Detecting Deceptive Dark-Pattern Web Advertisements for Blind Screen-Reader Users
Authors: Kodandaram Satwik Ram , Sunkara Mohan , Jayarathna Sampath , Ashok Vikas
Published: November 2023

Advertisements have become commonplace on modern websites. While ads are typically designed for visual consumption, it is unclear how they affect blind users who interact with the ads using a screen reader. Existing research studies on non-visual web interaction predominantly focus on general web browsing; the specific impact of extraneous ad content on blind users’ experience remains largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we conducted an interview study with 18 blind participants; we found that blind users are often deceived by ads that contextually blend in with the surrounding web page content. While ad blockers can address this problem via a blanket filtering operation, many websites are increasingly denying access if an ad blocker is active. Moreover, ad blockers often do not filter out internal ads injected by the websites themselves. Therefore, we devised an algorithm to automatically identify contextually deceptive ads on a web page. Specifically, we built a detection model that leverages a multi-modal combination of handcrafted and automatically extracted features to determine if a particular ad is contextually deceptive. Evaluations of the model on a representative test dataset and ‘in-the-wild’ random websites yielded F1 scores of 0.86 and 0.88, respectively.
A Deep Learning-Based Decision Support Tool for Plant-Parasitic Nematode Management
Authors: Pun Top Bahadur , Neupane Arjun , Koech Richard
Published: November 2023

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), especially sedentary endoparasitic nematodes like root-knot nematodes (RKN), pose a significant threat to major crops and vegetables. They are responsible for causing substantial yield losses, leading to economic consequences, and impacting the global food supply. The identification of PPNs and the assessment of their population is a tedious and time-consuming task. This study developed a state-of-the-art deep learning model-based decision support tool to detect and estimate the nematode population. The decision support tool is integrated with the fast inferencing YOLOv5 model and used pretrained nematode weight to detect plant-parasitic nematodes (juveniles) and eggs. The performance of the YOLOv5-640 model at detecting RKN eggs was as follows: precision = 0.992; recall = 0.959; F1-score = 0.975; and mAP = 0.979. YOLOv5-640 was able to detect RKN eggs with an inference time of 3.9 milliseconds, which is faster compared to other detection methods. The deep learning framework was integrated into a user-friendly web application system to build a fast and reliable prototype nematode decision support tool (NemDST). The NemDST facilitates farmers/growers to input image data, assess the nematode population, track the population growths, and recommend immediate actions necessary to control nematode infestation. This tool has the potential for rapid assessment of the nematode population to minimise crop yield losses and enhance financial outcomes.
Spring-like Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Monitoring Body Vibration State of the Ship Power Equipment
Authors: Lin Fang , Shi Wenqing , Fan Cunying
Published: November 2023

In the navigation process, monitoring the running state of ship power plant equipment is crucial. In bad weather, when the critical equipment is abnormal, it is especially necessary to find out the root cause of the failure as soon as possible. In this case, it is required to use rapid detection equipment to detect and judge the key parameters. This paper proposes a vibration sensor (VS-TENG) of triboelectric nanogenerators based on spring vibration. The sensor adopts the spring structure inside and vibrates with the ship power equipment to collect the low-frequency vibration energy. This paper uses the VS-TENG sensors of two different spring parameters to study the electrical signal output under the excitation conditions of varying vibration frequencies. The results show that in the frequency range of 3–500 Hz, the efficient processing of different vibration excitation frequency signals can be realized, and the vibration frequency can be accurately identified. The error of medium-high frequency identification in VS-TENG is less than 1%. Especially at the resonant frequency, the maximum voltage output value can be achieved. On the PT500 Mini test bench, VS-TENG can reasonably identify the motor frequency and shutdown state. Therefore, VS-TENG can be applied to the condition monitoring of the vibration of the ship’s power plant and has a broad application prospect.
Estimation of Continuous Distribution of Iterated Fission Probability Using an Artificial Neural Network with Monte Carlo-Based Training Data
Authors: Tuya Delgersaikhan , Nagaya Yasunobu
Published: November 2023

The Monte Carlo neutron transport method is used to accurately estimate various quantities, such as k-eigenvalue and integral neutron flux. However, in the case of estimating a distribution of a desired quantity, the Monte Carlo method does not typically provide continuous distribution. Recently, the functional expansion tally (FET) and kernel density estimation (KDE) methods have been developed to provide a continuous distribution of a Monte Carlo tally. In this paper, we propose a method to estimate a continuous distribution of a quantity in all phase-space variables using a fully connected feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) model with Monte Carlo-based training data. As a proof of concept, a continuous distribution of iterated fission probability (IFP) was estimated by ANN models in two distinct fissile systems. The ANN models were trained on the training data created using the Monte Carlo IFP method. The estimated IFP distributions by the ANN models were compared with the Monte Carlo-based data that include the training data. Additionally, the IFP distributions by the ANN models were also compared with the adjoint angular neutron flux distributions obtained with the deterministic neutron transport code PARTISN. The comparisons showed varying degrees of agreement or discrepancy; however, it was observed that the ANN models learned the general trend of the IFP distributions from the Monte Carlo-based training data.
Regulatory Mechanism of Peroxisome Number Reduction Caused by FgPex4 and FgPex22-like Deletion in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Liu Chunjie , Bi Zhuoyu , Xu Hao , Zhang Renjie , Wang Jiayi , Liang Yuancun , Zhang Li , Yu Jinfeng
Published: November 2023

Peroxisomes are single-membrane-bound organelles that play critical roles in eukaryotic cellular functions. Peroxisome quantity is a key factor influencing the homeostasis and pathogenic processes of pathogenic fungi. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the reduction in number of peroxisomes in Fusarium graminearum consequent to FgPex4 and FgPex22-like deletion. The number of peroxisomes decreased by 40.55% and 39.70% when FgPex4 and FgPex22-like, respectively, were absent. Peroxisome biogenesis-related proteins, as well as inheritance- and division-related dynamin-like proteins were reduced at the transcriptional level in the mutant strains. In addition, the degree of pexophagy was intensified and the accumulation of ubiquitinated FgPex5 was also increased in F. graminearum when FgPex4 or FgPex22-like was absent. The findings suggest that FgPex4 and FgPex22-like influence the number of peroxisomes by influencing peroxisome biogenesis and pexophagy.
Diagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Clinical, Radiological or Laboratory?
Authors: Barac Aleksandra , Vujovic Ankica , Drazic Ana , Stevanovic Goran , Paglietti Bianca , Lukic Katarina , Stojanovic Maja , Stjepanovic Mihailo
Published: November 2023

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a chronic progressive lung disease associated with a poor prognosis and a 5-year mortality rate of approximately 40–50%. The disease is characterized by slowly progressive destruction of the lung parenchyma, in the form of multiple cavities, nodules, infiltrates or fibrosis. CPA can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms and similarities with other respiratory conditions combined with the poor awareness of the medical community about the disease. This can result in delayed treatment even for years and worsening of the patient’s condition. Serological tests certainly play a significant role in diagnosing CPA but cannot be interpreted without radiological confirmation of CPA. Although many data are published on this hot topic, there is yet no single definitive test for diagnosing CPA, and a multidisciplinary approach which involves a combination of clinical picture, radiological findings, microbiological results and exclusion of other mimicking diseases, is essential for the accurate diagnosis of CPA.
Unveiling the Potential of Bacillus safensis Y246 for Enhanced Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Zhu Xing-Cheng , Xu Shu-Gang , Wang Yu-Ru , Zou Meng-Ting , Mridha Mohammed Amin Uddin , Javed Khadija , Wang Yong
Published: November 2023

Rhizoctonia solani is a significant pathogen affecting various crops, including tobacco. In this study, a bacterial strain, namely Y246, was isolated from the soil of healthy plants and exhibited high antifungal activity. Based on morphological identification and DNA sequencing, this bacterial strain was identified as Bacillus safensis. The aim of this investigation was to explore the antifungal potential of strain Y246, to test the antifungal stability of Y246 by adjusting different cultivation conditions, and to utilize gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to predict the volatile compounds related to antifungal activity in Y246. In vitro assays demonstrated that strain Y246 exhibited a high fungal inhibition rate of 76.3%. The fermentation broth and suspension of strain Y246 inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani by 66.59% and 63.75%, respectively. Interestingly, treatment with volatile compounds derived from the fermentation broth of strain Y246 resulted in abnormal mycelial growth of R. solani. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed bent and deformed mycelium structures with a rough surface. Furthermore, the stability of antifungal activity of the fermentation broth of strain Y246 was assessed. Changes in temperature, pH value, and UV irradiation time had minimal impact on the antifungal activity, indicating the stability of the antifungal activity of strain Y246. A GC-MS analysis of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by strain Y246 identified a total of 34 compounds with inhibitory effects against different fungi. Notably, the strain demonstrated broad-spectrum activity, exhibiting varying degrees of inhibition against seven pathogens (Alternaria alternata, Phomopsis. sp., Gloeosporium musarum, Dwiroopa punicae, Colletotrichum karstii, Botryosphaeria auasmontanum, and Botrytis cinerea). In our extensive experiments, strain Y246 not only exhibited strong inhibition against R. solani but also demonstrated remarkable inhibitory effects on A. alternata-induced tobacco brown spot and kiwifruit black spot, with impressive inhibition rates of 62.96% and 46.23%, respectively. Overall, these findings highlight the significant antifungal activity of B. safensis Y246 against R. solani. In addition, Y246 has an excellent antifungal stability, with an inhibition rate > 30% under different treatments (temperature, pH, UV). The results showed that the VOCs of strain Y246 had a strong inhibitory effect on the colony growth of R. solani, and the volatile substances produced by strain Y246 had an inhibitory effect on R. solani at rate of 70.19%. Based on these results, we can conclude that Y246 inhibits the normal growth of R. solani. These findings can provide valuable insights for developing sustainable agricultural strategies.