bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein-Stabilized Emulsion Gels with Improved Emulsifying and Gelling Properties for the Delivery of Bioactive Ingredients: A Review
Authors: Xu Yuan , Sun Liping , Zhuang Yongliang , Gu Ying , Cheng Guiguang , Fan Xuejing , Ding Yangyue , Liu Haotian
Published: July 2023

In today’s food industry, the potential of bioactive compounds in preventing many chronic diseases has garnered significant attention. Many delivery systems have been developed to encapsulate these unstable bioactive compounds. Emulsion gels, as colloidal soft-solid materials, with their unique three-dimensional network structure and strong mechanical properties, are believed to provide excellent protection for bioactive substances. In the context of constructing carriers for bioactive materials, proteins are frequently employed as emulsifiers or gelling agents in emulsions or protein gels. However, in emulsion gels, when protein is used as an emulsifier to stabilize the oil/water interface, the gelling properties of proteins can also have a great influence on the functionality of the emulsion gels. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on the role of proteins’ emulsifying and gelling properties in emulsion gels, providing a comprehensive review of the formation and modification of protein-based emulsion gels to build high-quality emulsion gel systems, thereby improving the stability and bioavailability of embedded bioactive substances.
Piperine-Loaded In Situ Gel: Formulation, In Vitro Characterization, and Clinical Evaluation against Periodontitis
Authors: Gopalakrishna Poornima K. , Jayaramu Rajamma Abburu , Boregowda Sateesha Shivally , Eshwar Shruthi , Suresh Nikhil V. , Abu Lila Amr Selim , Moin Afrasim , Alotaibi Hadil Faris , Obaidullah Ahmad J. , Khafagy El-Sayed
Published: July 2023

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder associated with dysbiosis and characterized by microbiologically related, host-mediated inflammation that leads to the damage of periodontal tissues including gingiva, connective tissues, and alveolar bone. The aim of this study was to develop an in situ gel consisting of piperine. Eight in situ gel formulations were designed by varying the concentration of deacylated gellan gum cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate, and poloxamer-407. The prepared gels were evaluated for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, piperine-loading efficiency, and piperine release. Finally, the optimized formula was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effectiveness among human patients during a 14-day follow-up. The optimized in situ gel formulation exhibited a gelation temperature of 35 ± 1 °C, gelling of 36 ± 1 s, excellent syringeability, and piperine loading of 95.3 ± 2.3%. This formulation efficiently sustained in vitro drug release for up to 72 h. In vivo studies revealed an efficient sol-to-gel transformation of optimized in situ gel formulation at physiological conditions, permitting an efficient residence time of the formulation within a periodontitis pocket. Most importantly, a clinical study revealed that treatment with the optimized formulation elicited a significant reduction in the mean plaque score (p = 0.001), gingival index (p = 0.003), and pocket depth (p = 0.002), and exerted a potent anti-inflammatory potential, compared to the control group. Collectively, piperine-loaded in situ gel might represent a viable therapeutic approach for the management of gingival and periodontal diseases.
Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation in a Patient with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Kiraly Peter , Downes Susan M. , Fischer M. Dominik
Published: July 2023

Retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) and other types of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) are very rarely reported in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We present a case report of a 91-year-old patient with an obvious RP phenotype, who presented with a sudden onset of vision worsening and metamorphopsia in the left eye. Genetic testing on the UK inherited retinal disease panel did not identify a pathogenic variant. Multimodal imaging comprising optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography showed a RAP lesion in the left macula. The patient received three treatments of monthly injections of aflibercept, with excellent morphological and functional outcomes. Taking into account the patient’s age at presentation of the RAP lesion, it is not clear whether the RAP was associated or coincidental with RP. This case report highlights the importance of possessing an awareness that RAP lesions can occur in RP. Moreover, due to a good response and potential safety concerns with continuous anti-VEGF injections in RP patients, a pro re nata (PRN) regimen might be the safest option.
PromGER: Promoter Prediction Based on Graph Embedding and Ensemble Learning for Eukaryotic Sequence
Authors: Wang Yan , Tai Shiwen , Zhang Shuangquan , Sheng Nan , Xie Xuping
Published: July 2023

Promoters are DNA non-coding regions around the transcription start site and are responsible for regulating the gene transcription process. Due to their key role in gene function and transcriptional activity, the prediction of promoter sequences and their core elements accurately is a crucial research area in bioinformatics. At present, models based on machine learning and deep learning have been developed for promoter prediction. However, these models cannot mine the deeper biological information of promoter sequences and consider the complex relationship among promoter sequences. In this work, we propose a novel prediction model called PromGER to predict eukaryotic promoter sequences. For a promoter sequence, firstly, PromGER utilizes four types of feature-encoding methods to extract local information within promoter sequences. Secondly, according to the potential relationships among promoter sequences, the whole promoter sequences are constructed as a graph. Furthermore, three different scales of graph-embedding methods are applied for obtaining the global feature information more comprehensively in the graph. Finally, combining local features with global features of sequences, PromGER analyzes and predicts promoter sequences through a tree-based ensemble-learning framework. Compared with seven existing methods, PromGER improved the average specificity of 13%, accuracy of 10%, Matthew’s correlation coefficient of 16%, precision of 4%, F1 score of 6%, and AUC of 9%. Specifically, this study interpreted the PromGER by the t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) method and SHAPley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value analysis, which demonstrates the interpretability of the model.
Isoflurane Anesthesia’s Impact on Gene Expression Patterns of Rat Brains in an Ischemic Stroke Model
Authors: Shpetko Yana Y. , Filippenkov Ivan B. , Denisova Alina E. , Stavchansky Vasily V. , Gubsky Leonid V. , Limborska Svetlana A. , Dergunova Lyudmila V.
Published: July 2023

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most severe brain diseases. Animal models with anesthesia are actively used to study stroke genomics and pathogenesis. However, the anesthesia-related gene expression patterns of ischemic rat brains remain poorly understood. In this study, we sought to elucidate the impact of isoflurane (ISO) anesthesia on the extent of ischemic brain damage and gene expression changes associated with stroke. Methods: We used the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model under long-term and short-term ISO anesthesia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics. Results: We revealed that the volume of cerebral damage at 24 h after tMCAO was inversely proportional to the duration of ISO anesthesia. Then, we revealed hundreds of overlapping ischemia-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with a cutoff of >1.5; Padj < 0.05, and 694 and 1557 DEGs only under long-term and short-term anesthesia, respectively, using sham-operated controls. Concomitantly, unique DEGs identified under short-term anesthesia were mainly associated with neurosignaling systems, whereas unique DEGs identified under long-term anesthesia were predominantly related to the inflammatory response. Conclusions: We were able to determine the effects of the duration of anesthesia using isoflurane on the transcriptomes in the brains of rats at 24 h after tMCAO. Thus, specific genome responses may be useful in developing potential approaches to reduce damaged areas after cerebral ischemia and neuroprotection.
An Update on Apathy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dolphin Helena , Dyer Adam H. , McHale Cathy , O’Dowd Sean , Kennelly Sean P.
Published: July 2023

Apathy is a complex multi-dimensional syndrome that affects up to 70% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Whilst many frameworks to define apathy in AD exist, most include loss of motivation or goal-directed behaviour as the central feature. Apathy is associated with significant impact on persons living with AD and their caregivers and is also associated with accelerated cognitive decline across the AD spectrum. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted a key role of fronto-striatial circuitry including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), orbito-frontal cortex (OFC) and associated subcortical structures. Importantly, the presence and severity of apathy strongly correlates with AD stage and neuropathological biomarkers of amyloid and tau pathology. Following from neurochemistry studies demonstrating a central role of biogenic amine neurotransmission in apathy syndrome in AD, recent clinical trial data suggest that apathy symptoms may improve following treatment with agents such as methylphenidate—which may have an important role alongside emerging non-pharmacological treatment strategies. Here, we review the diagnostic criteria, rating scales, prevalence, and risk factors for apathy in AD. The underlying neurobiology, neuropsychology and associated neuroimaging findings are reviewed in detail. Finally, we discuss current treatment approaches and strategies aimed at targeting apathy syndrome in AD, highlighting areas for future research and clinical trials in patient cohorts.
Obesity-Status-Linked Affecting Factors of Dyslipidemia in Korean Young-Adult Men: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021)
Authors: Kwon Min , Kim Jinheum , Cha Eunjeong
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of obesity and dyslipidemia among young adult men in South Korea. Therefore, we aimed to identify the obesity-related factors of dyslipidemia among young adult men in Korea using 3-year data (2019–2021) from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included 1559 eligible men aged 19–39 years and examined the association between dyslipidemia and participants’ general characteristics, health-related characteristics, and food intake according to obesity status. Statistical analysis was performed using complex sample analysis with weighted household and individual data. The affecting factors of dyslipidemia included age, body image perception, stress, and waist circumference (WC) in the body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 group and age and WC in the BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 group. To prevent and manage dyslipidemia in young adult men, interventions should be developed separately for the normal, underweight, and obese groups. Effective intervention requires measuring WC and focusing on body fat control. Moreover, regular screening of this population should be performed to ensure early diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia.
Protocol Report on the Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer’s Disease (TRAP-AD) Study
Authors: Iosifescu Dan V. , Song Xiaotong , Gersten Maia B. , Adib Arwa , Cho Yoonju , Collins Katherine M. , Yates Kathy F. , Hurtado-Puerto Aura M. , McEachern Kayla M. , Osorio Ricardo S. , Cassano Paolo
Published: July 2023

Background: Alzheimer’s disease’s (AD) prevalence is projected to increase as the population ages and current treatments are minimally effective. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates into the cerebral cortex, stimulates the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and increases cerebral blood flow. Preliminary data suggests t-PBM may be efficacious in improving cognition in people with early AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with aMCI and early AD participants, we will test the efficacy, safety, and impact on cognition of 24 sessions of t-PBM delivered over 8 weeks. Brain mechanisms of t-PBM in this population will be explored by testing whether the baseline tau burden (measured with 18F-MK6240), or changes in mitochondrial function over 8 weeks (assessed with 31P-MRSI), moderates the changes observed in cognitive functions after t-PBM therapy. We will also use changes in the fMRI Blood-Oxygenation-Level-Dependent (BOLD) signal after a single treatment to demonstrate t-PBM-dependent increases in prefrontal cortex blood flow. Conclusion: This study will test whether t-PBM, a low-cost, accessible, and user-friendly intervention, has the potential to improve cognition and function in an aMCI and early AD population.
Patient-Reported Outcomes of Liposuction for Lipedema Treatment
Authors: Kirstein Fiona , Hamatschek Matthias , Knors Henning , Aitzetmueller-Klietz Marie-Luise , Aitzetmueller-Klietz Matthias , Wiebringhaus Philipp , Varnava Charalampos , Hirsch Tobias , Kueckelhaus Maximilian
Published: July 2023

Background: Lipedema, as a disabling and consequential disease, is gaining more awareness due to its potential omnipresence. Patients suffering from lipedema show a characteristic painful display of symmetric accumulations of adipose tissue. The combination of swelling, pain and decreased quality of life (QOL) is outstanding for the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of liposuction in terms of the QOL for patients and underline important factors of current and pending research regarding surgical therapy of lipoedema. Methods: Patients suffering from lipedema prior to and after receiving liposuction at our hospital were included in this study. Patients completed a lipedema-specific self-designed 50 item questionnaire: the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). A linear mixed model was used for outcome analysis. Results: In total, 511 patients completed a questionnaire prior to the surgery at primary presentation to the hospital and a total number of 56 patients completed a questionnaire after liposuction. A total of 34 of these patients filled in both questionnaires prior to and after surgery. The general characteristics of the disease, such as daily symptoms and psychological health, pertinently improved after surgery. Conclusions: Liposuction can have a general improving effect on the QOL of patients, both in private and professional life. Liposuction may currently be the most evident and promising method in the treatment of lipedema.
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Child Sleep Problems in ADHD, Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Cano-Crespo Almudena , Moreno-García Inmaculada , Servera Mateu , Morales-Ortiz Manuel
Published: July 2023

The main objective of this study was to analyse the relationship and differential contribution of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) and sleep problems in children in different psychopathological measures. A total of 1133 participants (612 fathers/mothers and 521 children aged 7–13 years in Years 3–6 of Primary Education) completed the scales on CDS, sleep problems, depression (DEP), anxiety (ANX) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Similar and significant correlations were identified in the measures of CDS and sleep problems between fathers and mothers, obtaining a high coefficient between the two parents. However, weak correlations were found between fathers/mothers and children. The scores of CDS and the sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) significantly predicted the internalising measures and ADHD, especially between SDSC and DEP. It was confirmed that sleep problems had a greater presence in the group of children with the highest ADHD scores, and especially in CDS and ADHD jointly. To conclude, the data indicate the importance of sleep problems in understanding CDS and its relationship with other psychopathological measures, especially ADHD, although to a greater extent with internalising symptoms, especially DEP.
Scratch Where It Itches: Electronic Sharing of Health Information and Costs
Authors: Cho Na-Eun , Hong KiHoon
Published: July 2023

The electronic sharing of health information holds the potential to enhance communication and coordination among hospitals and providers, ultimately leading to improved hospital performance. However, despite the benefits, hospitals often encounter significant challenges when it comes to sharing information with external parties. Our study aimed to identify the circumstances under which sharing information with external parties can result in changes in overall hospital costs, with a particular emphasis on various obstacles that hospitals may encounter, including lack of incentives or capabilities essential to facilitate effective information exchange. To achieve this goal, we obtain data from multiple sources, including the American Hospital Association (AHA) annual and IT surveys, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospital compare dataset, and the Census Bureau’s small-area income and poverty estimates. Consistent with previous research, we observed a significant reduction in hospital costs when information was shared internally but not externally. However, our findings also revealed that the sharing of health information can lead to cost savings for hospitals when they encounter challenges such as the absence of incentives and capabilities regardless of whether the information is shared internally or externally. The implication of our study is simple but strong: perseverance and effort yield positive outcomes. Only when hospitals push through challenges related to sharing information can they achieve the anticipated advantages of information sharing. Based on our results, we suggest that policymakers should strategically target hospitals and providers that face challenges in sharing health information rather than focusing on those without obstacles. This targeted approach can significantly increase policy efficiency, and we emphasize the need for policymakers to address the specific areas where hospitals and providers encounter difficulties. By doing so, they can effectively “scratch where it itches” and address the core issues hindering the successful exchange of health information.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Colombian University Students’ Perceptions of Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Repercussions on Academic Achievement
Authors: Camacho-Villa María Alejandra , Díaz-Marín Ingrid Johanna , Paredes Prada Erika Tatiana , De la Rosa Adrián , Niño-Cruz Gloria Isabel
Published: July 2023

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in academic activities at home negatively impacted mental health, due to significant levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. We investigated the association of depression and anxiety with university students’ academic performance during the COVID-19 lockdown in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey during the lockdown, through the use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the grade-point average. Results: 1090 females, out of 1957 students, with mean age 22.2 ± 5.3 years, participated in the study. The prevalence of low academic performance was higher in men (4.7% p = 0.014). As for mental health, 2.5% of the students were classified as “definite cases” of anxiety and 8.2% were diagnosed with depression. Women with a low academic performance had a greater percentage of being “definite cases” (3.8%) of anxiety as compared to men (1.1%). Regarding depression, in men, 12.2% of those with low academic performance were “definite cases” (6.9% p < 0.05); in females with low academic performance, 10.1% were “definite cases” of depression, according to the Poisson regression analysis. The probability of low performance was 100% higher for women identified as “doubtful cases” of depression (PR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.10–5.18, p = 0.03). Conclusions: A positive association between the severity of anxiety/depression and lower grades, especially in women, was found. Mental health should be a special concern when considering university students, in order to improve their academic performance.
An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Pureed Diet Preparation (KAP DYS-PUREE) among Food Handlers in Malaysian Hospitals for Dysphagia Management
Authors: Azizan Aizul Azri , Shahar Suzana , Manaf Zahara Abdul , Haron Hasnah , Rivan Nurul Fatin Malek , Razalli Nurul Huda
Published: July 2023

This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards pureed diet preparation among food handlers using a newly developed questionnaire for dysphagia management. A descriptive cross-sectional design study with purposive sampling was conducted in three government hospitals in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. A newly developed questionnaire, comprised of 40 quantitative items, was used and distributed to 161 food handlers from three hospitals who were directly involved in preparing pureed diets. The results demonstrated a low to moderate knowledge score among food handlers (57.54 ± 12.33), with scoring at 1.95% (very low), 28.6% (low), and 68.3% (moderate). Only 1.2% scored well in the knowledge section on pureed diet preparation. The attitude among food handlers showed that they were referred to the right source of reference before preparing the pureed diet (3.97 ± 1.35). The findings also clearly showed that the practice of using the right equipment (4.41 ± 1.19) is essential for pureed diet preparation. In conclusion, this study serves as a prognosis for future improvement in knowledge, attitude, and practice among food handlers toward pureed diet preparation. Knowledge among food handlers needs to be enhanced, and a comprehensive guideline and reference module will aid in refining dysphagia management, specifically in food preparation by food handlers.
Korean Version of the Nursing Student Attitudes and Knowledge toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients Scale
Authors: Min Hye-Young , Lee Jungmin , Montegrico James , Jang Hee-Jung
Published: July 2023

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of a Korean version of the Nursing Student Attitudes and Knowledge Toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Patients (K-NAKL) Scale, which measures health and heterosexual attitudes toward LGBT individuals. Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals often face discrimination and a lack of care experience on the part of healthcare professionals. Introduction: In South Korea, the current knowledge and attitude measurement tools for medical staff regarding LGBT individuals are limited, as they only focus on homosexuality and do not account for different sexual orientations. Methods: The participants were 217 nursing college students aged 18–25. The item–total correlations method and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were used to analyze internal consistency reliability. Face validity, content validity, construct validity, and criterion validity testing were conducted to establish scale validity. We made sure to follow STROBE guidelines when carrying out this research. Results: The K-NAKL is a culturally appropriate instrument used to measure the attitudes and knowledge of Korean nursing students when it comes to LGBT health. Discussion: As LGBT health is increasingly gaining social interest, the nursing education curriculum needs to produce culturally competent graduates to meet the health needs of this vulnerable and marginalized population. The current study contributes to that goal. Conclusion: The K-NAKL is a valid and reliable tool with which to measure attitudes and knowledge regarding LGBT health among Korean nursing students. Implications for nursing: The K-NAKL can enable Korean nursing students to increase their knowledge and improve their attitudes when caring for the LGBT population. Implications for nursing policy and health policy: The study highlights the importance of incorporating LGBT-related health education into nursing curricula and developing inclusive policies to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for LGBT individuals.
Sustainable Hybrid Lime Mortars for Historic Building Conservation: Incorporating Wood Biomass Ash as a Low-Carbon Secondary Binder
Authors: Šantek Bajto Jelena , Štirmer Nina , Baričević Ana
Published: July 2023

Renewables-based power grid expansion has increased the use of wood biomass as a low-carbon fuel, resulting in the generation of predominantly inorganic wood biomass ash (WBA) as waste during biomass combustion. The conservation of historically valuable, damaged, and energy-inefficient buildings can help downsize carbon emissions and energy consumption, while promoting the use of alternative repair materials, including unavailing materials such as WBA, and implementing zero-waste measures. This study aims to underscore the importance of a proactive approach in managing WBA and its application in artificial hydraulic lime (AHL) mortars. Hybrid lime mortars were prepared by combining natural hydraulic lime (NHL) as the primary binder with fly wood biomass ash (WBA) as the secondary substitute, using different mass ratios of NHL to WBA (100:0, 80:20, and 70:30). The experimental framework encompassed interconnected analytical steps, ranging from binder analysis to paste and mortar preparation. The chemical and mineralogical composition, physical properties, and reactivity of WBA were evaluated to determine the appropriate proportion of WBA for low-carbon AHL binder formulation. Prior to mortar mixing, the water demand, setting time, and soundness of the AHL pastes were assessed. The effects of each AHL binder blend on the mechanical properties of the AHL mortars were analyzed based on compressive and flexural strength measurements after 28 days of curing under different CO2 and moisture conditions (CO2~400 ppm at 70% RH and 95% RH; CO2~30,000 ppm at 60% RH). Additionally, changes in the porous structure were studied. Notwithstanding the greatly prolonged setting time, the results indicate that the mechanical properties of AHL mortars can be enhanced by the addition of WBA in a moderate ratio, empowering the development of environmentally friendly lime mortars suitable for conservation purposes.
What Actually Is a Heritage Conservation Area? A Management Critique Based on a Systematic Review of New South Wales (Australia) Planning Documents
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H. R.
Published: July 2023

While the community of Australian planning professionals is familiar with the identification, interpretation and application of heritage conservation areas, this is not a concept that is familiar to the general public. Yet, none of the official publications issued by the New South Wales state heritage authorities provide a definition of the purpose of heritage conservation areas that goes beyond the declaring them to be a spatially bounded area containing heritage items. It is left to the local planning authorities to provide their own interpretations and definitions. This paper provides a systematic review of the definitions contained in NSW local heritage studies and planning documents. It presents the first ever comprehensive definition of the purpose of heritage conservation areas as well as of the nature and characteristics of an area’s constituent, contributory or detracting components. Based on this, the paper then explores the role of heritage conservation areas as part of the public heritage domain focussing on the importance of isovists and commensurate curtilages when discussing permissible alterations and new developments.
Performance Evaluation of a Cascade Cropping System
Authors: Karatsivou Eleni , Elvanidi Angeliki , Faliagka Sofia , Naounoulis Ioannis , Katsoulas Nikolaos
Published: July 2023

Minimum environmental impact and improved resource efficiency is attainable for soilless cascade systems where the nutrient solution drained from a primary (donor) crop is reused to fertigate a secondary (receiver) crop. However, it is not clear whether the nutrient solution drained from the primary crop can completely satisfy the needs of a secondary crop and if the productivity of the secondary crop is compromised. To test this hypothesis, a prototype soilless cascade system was developed and evaluated. To assess the performance of the system in terms of yield, water and nutrient productivity, a tomato crop was used as the primary crop, while lettuce, spinach and parsley were tested as secondary crops under different drainage management strategies. Measurements of plant growth, crop fresh and dry matter production, leaf chlorophyll and nutrient content, and photosynthesis rate were performed in the secondary crops. In addition, the water productivity and nutrient use efficiency for the fertigation of the primary and secondary crops were recorded. The results showed that the yield of the cascade spinach crop increased by up to 14% compared to the control treatment (monoculture of secondary crop fertigated by standard nutrient solution). The yield of the lettuce and parsley crop was not affected by the reuse of the tomato crop drainage solution. The water productivities of the lettuce, spinach and parsley plants fertigated with pure drainage solution were 50%, 30% and 14% higher than in the control treatment, respectively. The nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency was improved by more than 50% compared to the control treatments.
Grapevine in the Ancient Upper Euphrates: Horticultural Implications of a Bayesian Morphometric Study of Archaeological Seeds
Authors: Valera Javier , Matilla-Seiquer Gonzalo , Obón Concepción , Alcaraz Francisco , Rivera Diego
Published: July 2023

The origins of the main cultivar groups of Vitis vinifera, their relationships with wild grapevine populations, and the use of other Vitaceae are relevant issues for the improvement and conservation of Vitis diversity. Morphometric studies, domestication indices, multivariate analyses, and Bayesian hypothesis testing have been used. Eight different seed types have been identified in the 24 samples analyzed from materials from the Upper Euphrates sites of Tell Khâmis and Tell Qara Quzaq (Early Bronze Age to Hellenistic), ranging from highly domesticated to purely wild. We have been able to establish the predominance among the domesticated of Proles orientalis Negrul (three samples, Domestication Index = 1), the existence of and extinct Proles euphratica (six samples, Domestication Index = 0.67–0.83) and numerous intermediates and hybrids (eight samples). We have determined the continued presence throughout the period studied of wild grapevines related to Vitis sylvestris C.C.Gmelin and V. caucasica Vavilov (5 samples, with Domestication Indices = 0.17–0.5). The existence of Ampelopsis seeds was established for three samples. We determined that the oldest Vitaceae seed linked to human presence, in the Acheulense (780 myr), also belongs to Ampelopsis. Finally, “stenosperms” appear associated with Ampelopsis seeds (three samples), suggesting anomalies in seed formation due to intergeneric cross-pollination. Moreover, if isolated, they suggest the presence of “stenospermocarpic” Vitis vinifera raisins of the Sultanina type. Finally, we must reflect on the role that Ampelopsis species may have played and their possible cultivation and domestication almost 4000 years ago.
Microbiological Activity Affects Post-Harvest Quality of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Beans
Authors: Subroto Edy , Djali Mohamad , Indiarto Rossi , Lembong Elazmanawati , Baiti Nur
Published: July 2023

Cocoa beans are the basic ingredient to produce chocolate and its derivatives, including cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceutical products. The quality of cocoa beans is greatly affected by post-harvest handling, especially by microbial activity involved in pre-conditioning after they are harvested, including fermentation, drying, and storage. This review aims to provide various factors that affect each stage of post-harvest cocoa beans, process mechanisms, and various latest technologies that can be used to improve the quality of cocoa beans. Microorganisms could be involved in each post-harvest stage and affect the cocoa beans’ quality. However, fermentation was one of the keys to determining the quality of cocoa beans because fermentation involved various microorganisms, such as yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria, which were interrelated primarily to produce precursor flavor compounds. The drying and storage processes were decisive in maintaining quality, especially in preventing mold growth and other microbial contaminants. Various technologies could improve the quality of cocoa beans during post harvest, especially by adding microbial starters during fermentation. Using several technologies of vacuum drying and a controlled atmosphere during storage could maintain the quality of the cocoa beans. However, many challenges must be faced, especially those related to controlling microbial activity during post-harvest. Therefore, post-harvest technology needs to be continuously developed, especially in controlling microbiological activities to improve the quality of cocoa beans effectively.
Biostimulants-Based Amino Acids Augment Physio-Biochemical Responses and Promote Salinity Tolerance of Lettuce Plants (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Abdelkader Mostafa , Voronina Luidmila , Baratova Lyudmila , Shelepova Olga , Zargar Meisam , Puchkov Mikhail , Loktionova Elena , Amantayev Bekzad , Kipshakbaeva Assemgul , Arinov Bauyrzhan
Published: July 2023

Studying the biostimulation effect of amino acids indicated their possible role in salt stress mitigation. In this investigation, six exogenous amino acids (alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), glutamine (Glu), glycine (Gly), methionine (Met), and proline (Pro)) at 0.5 g/L were sprayed to evaluate their impact on lettuce plants cultivated under simulated salt stress conditions. Photosynthetic pigments, ion absorption, endogenous amino acids contents, catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activities were determined. A significant alleviation of salt stress was noticed when EAAs were used in the stress-induced plants, and applying Gly, Met, and Pro improved the plant status under salt stress conditions. The highest electric conductivity (568 μS/g) was testified from the control treatment (50 mM NaCl), while applying exogenous amino acids reduced electrical conductivity (EC), and the result was located between 469 and 558 μS/g. AAs alleviated Cl- anions in the lettuce leaves by 25% in comparison to control plants. Na+ cations were alleviated when the stress-induced plants were sprayed with amino acids. In contrast, applying amino acids promoted K+ uptake, and Arg presented the highest contents (3226 μg/g). AAs promoted chlorophyll (chl a and chl b) concentrations compared to the control treatment, and Met produced the maximum chl a content, while the carotene (car) contents significantly augmented when Gly, Met, and Pro were applied. AAs were highly generated in non-stressed treatment (Std) compared to the control. Under simulated salinity stress, Met and Pro application enhanced proteinogenic amino acids expression. Compared to Ctl treatment, peroxidase enzyme activities significantly diminished in the other treatments, which fell by over 40% when Gly, Met, and Pro were sprayed.
Correction: Torguet et al. Evaluation of Fungicides and Application Strategies for the Management of the Red Leaf Blotch Disease of Almond. Horticulturae 2022, 8, 501
Authors: Torguet Laura , Zazurca Lourdes , Martínez Guillem , Pons-Solé Gemma , Luque Jordi , Miarnau Xavier
Published: July 2023

The authors wish to add the following statement to the Acknowledgments section of article [...]
Investigation of Different Load Characteristics, Component Dimensioning, and System Scaling for the Optimized Design of a Hybrid Hydrogen-Based PV Energy System
Authors: Möller Marius C. , Krauter Stefan
Published: July 2023

The realization of a carbon-neutral civilization, which has been set as a goal for the coming decades, goes directly hand-in-hand with the need for an energy system based on renewable energies (REs). Due to the strong weather-related, daily, and seasonal fluctuations in supply of REs, suitable energy storage devices must be included for such energy systems. For this purpose, an energy system model featuring hybrid energy storage consisting of a hydrogen unit (for long-term storage) and a lithium-ion storage device (for short-term storage) was developed. With a proper design, such a system can ensure a year-round energy supply by using electricity generated by photovoltaics (PVs). In the energy system that was investigated, hydrogen (H2) was produced by using an electrolyser (ELY) with a PV surplus during the summer months and then stored in an H2 tank. During the winter, due to the lack of PV power, the H2 is converted back into electricity and heat by a fuel cell (FC). While the components of such a system are expensive, a resource- and cost-efficient layout is important. For this purpose, a Matlab/Simulink model that enabled an energy balance analysis and a component lifetime forecast was developed. With this model, the results of extensive parameter studies allowed an optimized system layout to be created for specific applications. The parameter studies covered different focal points. Several ELY and FC layouts, different load characteristics, different system scales, different weather conditions, and different load levels—especially in winter with variations in heating demand—were investigated.
Monitoring Scour at Bridge Piers in Rivers with Supercritical Flows
Authors: San Martin Camilo , Rifo Cristian , Guerra Maricarmen , Ettmer Bernd , Link Oscar
Published: July 2023

Bridges crossing rivers wider than 50 m are typically supported by piers. In a mobile riverbed, scour occurs around bridge piers, and it is the main cause of bridge collapses worldwide, especially during floods. While bridge pier scour has been extensively studied, there is still a lack of measuring systems for scour monitoring in the field. In this paper, we present existing devices for scour measurement and analyze their comparative advantages and disadvantages. A study case with a scoured bridge pier in supercritical flow is presented. Results show that supercritical flow patterns previously reported at the laboratory scale also occur in the field. The measured scour supports the hypothesis that supercritical flows, even when having high flow speeds, do not produce higher scour than subcritical flows. A possible explanation linked with the sediment sizes of rivers with supercritical flows is discussed. Further, field measurements of scour around bridge piers are needed to enhance our understanding of this complex and nearly unexplored situation.
Integration of Heterogeneous Sensor Systems for Disaster Responses in Smart Cities: Flooding as an Example
Authors: Hong Jung-Hong , Shi Yi-Tin
Published: July 2023

Smart cities represent a new perspective on modern urban development. They involve an information infrastructure environment with application intelligence to improve operational efficiency and welfare effectively. However, understanding how to overcome the barriers of data fragmentation and heterogeneity to exploit the strengths of existing resources and create integration effects remains a key challenge in smart city development. This research focuses on the effective management of heterogeneous sensor systems across different domains to improve quick disaster responses. Metadata serve as the core of this proposed framework, which is designed to not only describe the common and unique characteristics of various IoT-based devices and services, but also to provide necessary information to support the searching, requesting, and updating of required sensors and observation, as well as responding to the upcoming disaster. A workflow consisting of four list types was proposed and used to guide the response procedure. This research specifically aims to enable heterogeneous sensor systems available to all public or private stakeholders to be integrated in a collaborative fashion. While a flooding response was chosen for demonstration in this research, the proposed standard-based framework can be further promoted for other types of smart city applications, not limited to disaster response. The study’s results and implications underscore the importance of effective management of heterogeneous sensor systems and the role of metadata in enabling disaster responses in smart cities.
The Impact of Mild Chronic Stress and Maternal Experience in the Fmr1 Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Subashi Enejda , Lemaire Valerie , Petroni Valeria , Pietropaolo Susanna
Published: July 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a pervasive developmental disorder and the most common monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Female heterozygous (HET) carriers play a major role in the transmission of the pathology and present several FXS- and ASD-like behavioral alterations. Despite their clear genetic origins, FXS symptoms are known to be modulated by environmental factors, e.g., exposure to chronic stress, especially during critical life periods, such as pregnancy. Pregnancy, together with pups’ care, constitutes maternal experience, i.e., another powerful environmental factor affecting several neurobehavioral functions in females. Here we investigated the impact of maternal experience on the long-term effects of stress in Fmr1-HET female mice. Our findings demonstrated that the behavioral abnormalities of HET females, i.e., hyperactivity and memory deficits, were unaffected by stress or maternal experience. In contrast, stress, independently of maternal experience, induced the appearance of cognitive deficits in WT mice. Maternal experience increased anxiety levels in all mice and enhanced their corticosterone levels, concomitantly promoting the effects of stress on social communication and adrenal glands. In translational terms, these results advance our understanding of the environmental modulation of the behavioral alterations observed in FXS female carriers and highlight the long-term impact of maternal experience and its interactions with chronic stress.
Synthesis and Anti-Proliferative Activity of 5-Benzoyl and 5-Benzylhydroxy Derivatives of 3-Amino-2-Arylcarboxamido-Thieno[2-3-b]Pyridines
Authors: Morphet Bailey , Rees Shaun W. P. , Haverkate Natalie A. , Aziz Hamid , Leung Euphemia , Pilkington Lisa I. , Barker David
Published: July 2023

3-Amino-2-arylcarboxamido-thieno[2-3-b]pyridines have been previously described as having potent anti-proliferative activity against MDA-MB-231 and HCT116 cancer cell lines. The mechanism by which these molecules prevent cancer cell growth is proposed to be through interfering with phospholipid metabolism via inhibition of PI-PLC, along with other cellular processes. Previously, 5-cinnamyl derivatives of these thieno[2-3-b]pyridines have been shown to have enhanced anti-proliferative activity compared to compounds lacking this moiety, indicating a tethered aromatic ring is important for this western region of the pharmacophore. Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a library of 40 novel thieno[2-3-b]pyridine analogues containing shorter benzoyl or secondary benzyl alcohol tethers at the 5-position, in addition to various substituents on the two phenyl rings present on the molecule. Compounds bearing alcohol functionality had improved efficacy compared to their benzoyl counterparts, in addition to a 2-methyl-3-halogen substitution on the 2-arylcarboxamide ring being important for maximising anti-proliferative activity. The most potent molecules 7h and 7i demonstrated IC50 concentrations of 25–50 nM against HCT116 and MDA-MB-231 cells, a similar level of activity as previous thienopyridine compounds bearing cinnamyl moieties, suggesting that these novel derivatives with shorter tethers were able to maintain potent anti-proliferative activity, while allowing for a more concise synthesis.
Combining 16S rRNA Sequencing and Metabolomics Data to Decipher the Interactions between Gut Microbiota, Host Immunity, and Metabolites in Diarrheic Young Small Ruminants
Authors: Wang Xinlu , Niu Lili , Wang Yaxuan , Zhan Siyuan , Wang Linjie , Dai Dinghui , Cao Jiaxue , Guo Jiazhong , Li Li , Zhang Hongping , Zhong Tao
Published: July 2023

Diarrhea is associated with gut microbiota, immunity, and metabolic alterations in goat kids and lambs. This study used 28 lambs (11 healthy and 17 diarrheic) and 20 goat kids (10 healthy and 10 diarrheic) to investigate the association between diarrhea occurrence and changes in gut microbiota, metabolism, and immunity in goat kids and lambs. The results revealed that Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in goat kids and lambs. In addition, Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae families were identified in both diarrheic goat kids and lambs. Furthermore, functional prediction of microbiota showed that it was involved in cell motility and cancer pathways. The identified differential metabolites were implicated in the bile secretion pathway. Lambs had significant differences in immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) compared to goat kids. IgG and IL-1β were positively correlated to Patescibacteria, Clostridiaceae, and unclassified_Muribaculaceae in both diarrheic goat kids and lambs. In addition, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that the MEgreen module was positively associated with IgG, IgM, IL-1β, TNF-α, and triglyceride (TG). In conclusion, our results characterized the gut microbiota, metabolism, and immune status of lambs and goat kids suffering from diarrhea.
Bioreactor Technologies for Enhanced Organoid Culture
Authors: Licata Joseph P. , Schwab Kyle H. , Har-el Yah-el , Gerstenhaber Jonathan A. , Lelkes Peter I.
Published: July 2023

An organoid is a 3D organization of cells that can recapitulate some of the structure and function of native tissue. Recent work has seen organoids gain prominence as a valuable model for studying tissue development, drug discovery, and potential clinical applications. The requirements for the successful culture of organoids in vitro differ significantly from those of traditional monolayer cell cultures. The generation and maturation of high-fidelity organoids entails developing and optimizing environmental conditions to provide the optimal cues for growth and 3D maturation, such as oxygenation, mechanical and fluidic activation, nutrition gradients, etc. To this end, we discuss the four main categories of bioreactors used for organoid culture: stirred bioreactors (SBR), microfluidic bioreactors (MFB), rotating wall vessels (RWV), and electrically stimulating (ES) bioreactors. We aim to lay out the state-of-the-art of both commercial and in-house developed bioreactor systems, their benefits to the culture of organoids derived from various cells and tissues, and the limitations of bioreactor technology, including sterilization, accessibility, and suitability and ease of use for long-term culture. Finally, we discuss future directions for improvements to existing bioreactor technology and how they may be used to enhance organoid culture for specific applications.