bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Roasting Temperatures on Peanut Oil and Protein Yield Extracted via Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction and Stability of the Oil Body Emulsion
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Chen Yu , Liu Chen , Chen Fusheng , Yin Lijun
Published: November 2023

Oil body emulsions (OBEs) affect the final oil yield as an intermediate in the concurrent peanut oil and protein extraction process using an aqueous enzyme extraction (AEE) method. Roasting temperature promotes peanut cell structure breakdown, affecting OBE composition and stability and improving peanut oil and protein extraction rates. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of pretreatment at different roasting temperatures on peanut oil and protein yield extracted through AEE. The results showed that peanut oil and protein extraction rates peaked at 90 °C, 92.21%, and 77.02%, respectively. The roasting temperature did not change OBE composition but affected its stability. The OBE average particle size increased significantly with increasing temperature, while at 90 °C, the zeta potential peaked, and the interfacial protein concentration hit its lowest, indicating OBE stability was the lowest. Optical microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the average particle size findings. The oil quality obtained after roasting treatment at 90 °C did not differ significantly from that at 50 °C. The protein composition remained unaffected by the roasting temperature. Conclusively, the 90 °C roasting treatment effectively improved the yield of peanut oil extracted using AEE, providing a theoretical basis for choosing a suitable pretreatment roasting temperature.
High Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant, Biofilm-Forming Virulent Clostridium perfringens in Broiler Chicken Retail Points in Northeast India
Authors: Priya Govindarajan Bhuvana , Srinivas Kandhan , Shilla Heiborkie , Milton Arockiasamy Arun Prince
Published: November 2023

In light of the significant public health and food safety implications associated with Clostridium perfringens, this study aimed to isolate and characterize C. perfringens in samples obtained from broiler chicken retail points in Meghalaya, northeastern India. A total of 280 samples comprising meat, intestinal contents, water, and hand swabs were processed to detect contamination by C. perfringens. The isolates were subjected to toxinotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and biofilm-forming ability test. The overall occurrence of C. perfringens was 22.5% (17.74–27.85, 95% CI) with the highest recovery from intestine samples (31%; 22.13–41.03, 95% CI), followed by meat (23%, 15.17–32.49, 95% CI) and water samples (18%, 8.58–31.44, 95% CI). Type A was the predominant toxinotype (71.43%, 58.65–82.11, 95% CI), followed by Type A with beta2 toxin (17.46%, 9.05–29.10, 95% CI), Type C (7.94%, 2.63–17.56, 95% CI), and Type C with beta2 toxin (3.17%, 0.39–11.0, 95% CI). Nearly all (95.24%) isolates were multidrug resistant and 68.25% were biofilm formers. The predominance of multidrug-resistant and virulent Type A and Type C C. perfringens in retail broiler meat and intestines in the tribal-dominated northeastern region of India is of great concern from food safety and public health perspectives.
A Quality Assurance Discrimination Tool for the Evaluation of Satellite Laboratory Practice Excellence in the Context of the European Official Meat Inspection for Trichinella spp.
Authors: Villegas-Pérez José , Navas-González Francisco Javier , Serrano Salud , García-Viejo Fernando , Buffoni Leandro
Published: November 2023

Trichinellosis is a parasitic foodborne zoonotic disease transmitted by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing the first larval stage (L1) of the nematode. To ensure the quality and safety of food intended for human consumption, meat inspection for detection of Trichinella spp. larvae is a mandatory procedure according to EU regulations. The implementation of quality assurance practices in laboratories that are responsible for Trichinella spp. detection is essential given that the detection of this parasite is still a pivotal threat to public health, and it is included in list A of Annex I, Directive 2003/99/EC, which determines the agents to be monitored on a mandatory basis. A Quality Management System (QMS) was applied to slaughterhouses and game handling establishments conducting Trichinella spp. testing without official accreditation but under the supervision of the relevant authority. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the outcomes of implementing the QMS in slaughterhouses and game handling establishments involved in Trichinella testing in southern Spain. Canonical discriminant analyses (CDAs) were performed to design a tool enabling the classification of SLs while determining whether linear combinations of measures of quality-assurance-related traits describe within- and between-SL clustering patterns. The participation of two or more auditors improves the homogeneity of the results deriving from audits. However, when training expertise ensures that such levels of inter-/intralaboratory homogeneity are reached, auditors can perform single audits and act as potential trainers for other auditors. Additionally, technical procedure issues were the primary risk factors identified during audits, which suggests that they should be considered a critical control point within the QMS.
Exploring the Role of Online Courses in COVID-19 Crisis Management in the Supply Chain Sector—Forecasting Using Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) Models
Authors: Nasiopoulos Dimitrios K. , Arvanitidis Dimitrios A. , Mastrakoulis Dimitrios M. , Kanellos Nikos , Fotiadis Thomas , Koulouriotis Dimitrios E.
Published: November 2023

Globalization has gotten increasingly intense in recent years, necessitating accurate forecasting. Traditional supply chains have evolved into transnational networks that grow with time, becoming more vulnerable. These dangers have the potential to disrupt the flow of goods or several planned actions. For this reason, increased resilience against various types of risks that threaten the viability of an organization is of major importance. One of the ways to determine the magnitude of the risk an organization runs is to measure how popular it is with the buying public. Although risk is impossible to eliminate, effective forecasting and supply chain risk management can help businesses identify, assess, and reduce it. As a result, good supply chain risk management, including forecasting, is critical for every company. To measure the popularity of an organization, there are some discrete values (bounce rate, global ranking, organic traffic, non-branded traffic, branded traffic), known as KPIs. Below are some hypotheses that affect these values and a model for the way in which these values interact with each other. As a result of the research, it is clear how important it is for an organization to increase its popularity, to increase promotion in the shareholder community, and to be in a position to be able to predict its future requirements.
General Methods to Synchronize Fractional Discrete Reaction–Diffusion Systems Applied to the Glycolysis Model
Authors: Hamadneh Tareq , Hioual Amel , Saadeh Rania , Abdoon Mohamed A. , Almutairi Dalal Khalid , Khalid Thwiba A. , Ouannas Adel
Published: November 2023

Because they are useful for both enabling numerical simulations and containing well-defined physical phenomena, discrete fractional reaction–diffusion models have attracted a great deal of interest from academics. Within the family of fractional reaction–diffusion models, a discrete form is examined in detail in this study. Furthermore, we investigate the complex synchronization dynamics of a suggested discrete master–slave reaction–diffusion system using the accuracy of linear control techniques combined with a fractional discrete Lyapunov approach. This study’s deviation from the behavior of equivalents with integer orders makes it very fascinating. Like the non-local nature inherent in Caputo fractional derivatives, it creates a memory Lyapunov function that is closely linked to the historical background of the system. The investigation provides a strong basis to the theoretical results.
Asymptotic and Mittag–Leffler Synchronization of Fractional-Order Octonion-Valued Neural Networks with Neutral-Type and Mixed Delays
Authors: Popa Călin-Adrian
Published: November 2023

Very recently, a different generalization of real-valued neural networks (RVNNs) to multidimensional domains beside the complex-valued neural networks (CVNNs), quaternion-valued neural networks (QVNNs), and Clifford-valued neural networks (ClVNNs) has appeared, namely octonion-valued neural networks (OVNNs), which are not a subset of ClVNNs. They are defined on the octonion algebra, which is an 8D algebra over the reals, and is also the only other normed division algebra that can be defined over the reals beside the complex and quaternion algebras. On the other hand, fractional-order neural networks (FONNs) have also been very intensively researched in the recent past. Thus, the present work combines FONNs and OVNNs and puts forward a fractional-order octonion-valued neural network (FOOVNN) with neutral-type, time-varying, and distributed delays, a very general model not yet discussed in the literature, to our awareness. Sufficient criteria expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and algebraic inequalities are deduced, which ensure the asymptotic and Mittag–Leffler synchronization properties of the proposed model by decomposing the OVNN system of equations into a real-valued one, in order to avoid the non-associativity problem of the octonion algebra. To accomplish synchronization, we use two different state feedback controllers, two different types of Lyapunov-like functionals in conjunction with two Halanay-type lemmas for FONNs, the free-weighting matrix method, a classical lemma, and Young’s inequality. The four theorems presented in the paper are each illustrated by a numerical example.
Fabrication and Characterisation of Hydrogels with Reversible Wrinkled Surfaces for Limbal Study and Reconstruction
Authors: Dimmock Ryan L. , Rotherham Michael , El Haj Alicia J. , Yang Ying
Published: November 2023

In the biomedical field, there is a demand for the development of novel approaches for the investigation of optical epithelial anatomical features with biomimetic materials. These materials are not only required to replicate structures but also enable dynamic modelling for disease states such as limbal stem cell deficiency and ageing. In the present study, the effective generation of reversible wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates was undertaken to mimic the undulating anatomy of the limbal epithelial stem cell niche. This undulating surface pattern was formed through a dual treatment with acid oxidation and plasma using an innovatively designed stretching frame. This system enabled the PDMS substrate to undergo deformation and relaxation, creating a reversible and tuneable wrinkle pattern with cell culture applications. The crypt-like pattern exhibited a width of 70–130 µm and a depth of 17–40 µm, resembling the topography of a limbal epithelial stem cell niche, which is characterised by an undulating anatomy. The cytocompatibility of the patterned substrate was markedly improved using a gelatin methacrylate polymer (GelMa) coating. It was also observed that these wrinkled PDMS surfaces were able to dictate cell growth patterns, showing alignment in motile cells and colony segregation in colony-forming cells when using human and porcine limbal cells, respectively.
Transformations: A Personal History of Introducing Complicité into Academic Life and Learning Communities
Authors: Canefe Nergis
Published: November 2023

This essay documents my three-decade-long journey of connections and resultant transformations between scholarly knowledge and artistic production in my work. In reinvestigating my history with stage and visual arts, I trace the relationship between traditionally ‘alien’ practices and academic understandings of societal and political mass violence and invite the reader to reconsider what academia stands for in order to engage with borderless histories of conflict, violence, and displacement. This essay dwells on how artistic engagement is both a personal and a profoundly political process through which the experience of violence is communicated through thoughts, emotions, hopes, and expressions of trauma. There are also significant ethical concerns present concerning the portrayal of violence, death, and suffering, which the paper discusses under the aegis of ethics of witnessing as responsibility.
Construction and Application of an F1-Derived Doubled-Haploid Population and High-Density Genetic Map for Ornamental Kale Breeding
Authors: Guo Ning , Han Shuo , Zong Mei , Wang Guixiang , Duan Mengmeng , Liu Fan
Published: November 2023

Ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is an attractive ornamental plant with a range of leaf colors and shapes. Breeding new varieties of ornamental kale has proven challenging due to its lengthy breeding cycle and the limited availability of genetic markers. In this study, a F1DH ornamental kale population comprising 300 DH lines was constructed using microspore culture. A high-density genetic map was developed by conducting whole-genome sequencing on 150 individuals from the F1DH population. The genetic map contained 1696 bin markers with 982,642 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning a total distance of 775.81 cM on all nine chromosomes with an average distance between markers of 0.46 cM. The ornamental kale genetic map contained substantially more SNP markers compared with published genetic maps for other B. oleracea crops. Furthermore, utilizing this high-density genetic map, we identified seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that significantly influence the leaf shape of ornamental kale. These findings are valuable for understanding the genetic basis of key agronomic traits in ornamental kale. The F1DH progenies provide an excellent resource for germplasm innovation and breeding new varieties of ornamental kale. Additionally, the high-density genetic map provides crucial insights for gene mapping and unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind important agronomic traits in ornamental kale.
Research Progress in the Mechanisms of Resistance to Biotic Stress in Sweet Potato
Authors: Yang Yinghui , Chen Yanqi , Bo Yuxin , Liu Qingchang , Zhai Hong
Published: November 2023

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is one of the most important food, feed, industrial raw materials, and new energy crops, and is widely cultivated around the world. China is the largest sweet potato producer in the world, and the sweet potato industry plays an important role in China’s agriculture. During the growth of sweet potato, it is often affected by biotic stresses, such as fungi, nematodes, insects, viruses, and bacteria. These stressors are widespread worldwide and have severely restricted the production of sweet potato. In recent years, with the rapid development and maturity of biotechnology, an increasing number of stress-related genes have been introduced into sweet potato, which improves its quality and resistance of sweet potato. This paper summarizes the discovery of biological stress-related genes in sweet potato and the related mechanisms of stress resistance from the perspectives of genomics analysis, transcriptomics analysis, genetic engineering, and physiological and biochemical indicators. The mechanisms of stress resistance provide a reference for analyzing the molecular breeding of disease resistance mechanisms and biotic stress resistance in sweet potato.
Geomorphological and Neotectonic Structures Studied in the Southern Part of the Moesian Platform in Romania
Authors: Stanciu Irina , Ioane Dumitru
Published: November 2023

The Moesian Platform represents a major tectonic unit of the foreland of the Carpathians and Balkans, spanning across the southern part of Romania and the northern part of Bulgaria. Although the Moesian Platform is considered to be a stable tectonic unit, it has played a significant role in the geological history of the region, influencing the development of the surrounding Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges, making it an area of interest for studying tectonic history, geological structures, and landscape evolution. In the southern part of the Moesian Platform in Romania, delineated to the north and to the east by the steep slopes of the Argeş River valley and to the south by the steep slopes of the Danube River valley, an elevated and W–E promontory-looking geomorphological feature identified by the local inhabitants as “hill” is distinct from the neighbouring flat relief of the Romanian plain. This study is the result of a comprehensive investigation into the geomorphological features and neotectonic structures within this region. An intriguing outcrop displaying a filled fault, cutting and displacing the Quaternary sedimentary formations of the recently named Argeş Promontory, shed light on recent tectonic activities that have influenced the landscape. By integrating field observations, geological, and tectonic data, as well as satellite geodetic data, our results contribute to a better understanding of the study area’s regional geodynamics, emphasizing the significant role of tectonic activity in shaping the present-day landscape.
Linking Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation through Collaborative Governance: Experience from Urban Flooding in Jakarta
Authors: Dwirahmadi Febi , Barnes Paul , Wibowo Arif , Amri Avianto , Chu Cordia
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the challenges of and facilitating strategies for linking disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in addressing urban floods, drawing from Indonesia’s experience. The fragmentation between efforts to implement DRR and CCA leading to unnecessary duplication could increase confusion at both the community and wider governance levels and reduce the effectiveness of urban flood management. Through the lens of collaborative governance, this paper analyzes the barriers for integrating DRR and CCA and options to better align their practices in the context of a megapolitan city, Jakarta, Indonesia. The key findings of this study confirmed that institutional fragmentation, in concert with inconsistent facilitation and collaboration mechanisms, were the strongest barriers to aligning DRR and CCA action. The absence of accountable leadership was a key impediment for successful partnership-building processes to support political and technical collaboration. Leadership in these contexts plays an important role in (1) developing sustainable relationships, (2) convincing potential stakeholders to collaborate, (3) persuading partners to commit to sharing resources, and (4) agreeing/sharing a common vision of the partnership actions needed to mitigate harm and reduce urban vulnerability. These factors are critically important for reducing the direct and indirect impacts of flooding in Jakarta. Such lessons from Indonesia on linking DRR and CCA offer valuable insights to inform the development of policies and strategies to deal with urban floods for global cities faced with similar challenges.
Distal Femur Megaprostheses in Orthopedic Oncology: Evaluation of a Standardized Post-Operative Rehabilitation Protocol
Authors: Andreani Lorenzo , Ipponi Edoardo , Falcinelli Federico , Barderi Sara , Vannucci Lorenzo , Campo Francesco Rosario , D’Arienzo Antonio , Parchi Paolo Domenico
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Megaprostheses are the most used reconstructive approach for patients who have undergone massive resection of their distal femurs due to bone tumors. Although the literature about their outcomes has flourished in recent decades, to date, a consensus on rehabilitative treatment is yet to be established. In this study, we report on our experience with our latest standardized rehabilitation program, evaluating our results in a mid-to-long-term scenario. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the functional results of all our oncologic patients treated between 2016 and 2022 who could follow our standardized post-operative rehabilitative approach, consisting of progressive knee mobilization and early weight-bearing. Results: Sixteen cases were included in our study. The average duration of the patients’ hospitalization was 12.2 days. A standing position was reached on average 4.1 days after surgery, while assisted walking was started 4.5 days after surgery. After a mean post-operative follow-up of 46.7 months, our patients’ mean MSTS score was 23.2 (10–30). Our data suggest that the sooner patients could achieve a standing position (R = −0.609; p = 0.012) and start walking (R = −0.623; p = 0.010), the better their final functional outcomes regarding their MSTS scores. Conclusions: Rehabilitation should be considered a pivotal factor in decreeing the success of distal femur megaprosthetic implants in long-surviving oncologic patients. Correct rehabilitation, focused on early mobilization and progressive weight-bearing, is crucial to maximizing the post-operative functional outcomes of these patients.
The Long-Term Adaptations of a Combined Swimming and Aquatic Therapy Intervention in an Adult Person with High-Functioning Autism (Asperger’s Syndrome): A Case Study
Authors: Koumenidou Maria , Kotzamanidou Mariana C. , Panoutsakopoulos Vassilios , Siaperas Panagiotis , Misailidou Victoria , Tsalis George A.
Published: November 2023

Individuals with High-Functioning Autism present impairments in communication, social interaction, and motor development. A low level of motor skills, namely difficulties in gross and fine mobility, and in motor control, discourage individuals with High-Functioning Autism from being involved in physical activities, resulting in fewer opportunities for social interaction. There is not much evidence available about the effects of regular swimming exercise and/or aquatic therapy on health promotion in adults with High-Functioning Autism. An adult male (22 yrs) diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism participated in a combined 6-month swimming and aquatic therapy program (two sessions/week, 60 min each). The pre- and post-intervention assessments consisted of physical fitness, balance, functional ability, and psychomotor tests. The post-intervention assessments showed improvements in the standing long jump (+100%), hand grip force (+71.7%), bend arm hang test (+123.1%), and the physiological parameters in the 6 min walk test (+10.2%). On the opposite, decrements in the sit-up (−12%) and sit-and-reach test (−6.3%) were observed. It was noted that the participant frequently lost interest and focus quickly, resulting in the abandonment of the exercise. Conclusively, there is a great need for further research on this topic examining a larger adult population.
Psychosocial Occupational Health—A Priority for Middle-Income Countries?
Authors: Siegrist Johannes
Published: November 2023

In response to new developments of work and employment in high-income countries (HICs), psychosocial aspects of work and health have received increased attention. In contrast, middle-income countries (MICs) are mainly concerned with severe challenges of noxious- and dangerous-material work environments, poor employment conditions, and deficient social policies, which leaves the psychosocial aspects with a marginal role, at best, in occupational health. More recently, differences between these two worlds were even aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, with economic globalisation and the growing worldwide interconnectivity, the world of work in MICs is being rapidly transformed, starting to share several concerns with the modern Western societies. In this process, psychosocial occupational health will become an increasingly pressing issue. This contribution explores the extent to which psychosocial aspects of work and health are already addressed in research originating from MICs. Using a narrative review approach, a selective focus on recent findings from two regions, Asia Pacific and Latin America, revealed an increasing interest in work stress-related problems, but a restricted impact of the respective research findings. It is hoped that future scientific developments in MICs will enrich the international state of the art in this field.
The Learning Transfer of Dementia Training Program Participants: Its Antecedents and Mediating Effect on the Job Competency of Geriatric Caregivers
Authors: Kim Chulwoo , Lee Jin , Lee Geon
Published: November 2023

This study examined how learning transfer and its antecedents impacted job competency among geriatric caregivers who underwent dementia training. The dementia training program of the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea was selected for this study. The participants included caregivers who provided care to patients with dementia at 3–12 months post-training. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to verify the research model. The results are summarized as follows: First, transfer opportunity and transfer intention were antecedent variables with a statistically significant positive effect on the near transfer of learning. Second, self-efficacy, the instructor’s role, and transfer intention were antecedent variables with a statistically significant positive effect on the far transfer of learning. Third, the near transfer of learning had a statistically significant effect on all six competency variables (communication, problem solving, interpersonal relationships, skills, self-development, and work ethics). Fourth, the far transfer of learning had a statistically significant static effect on all six competency variables, although the size of the influence on competency enhancement was relatively small compared with the near transfer of learning. This study confirmed the effects of various transfer climate-related variables in a training program on job competency, suggesting that the learning transfer of caregivers who underwent dementia training is a significant mediating variable. The limitations of this study and directions for future research are also discussed. The learning transfer of caregivers who underwent this training enhanced their job competencies.
Relationship between Subjective Health, the Engel Coefficient, Employment, Personal Assets, and Quality of Life for Korean People with Disabilities
Authors: Sun Kyung-A , Moon Joonho
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research is to examine the effect of subjective health on the quality of life of Korean people with disabilities. The second goal of this study is to examine the effect of the Engel coefficient on quality of life. Additionally, this study is conducted to inspect the effect of employment and personal assets on quality of life. Further, in this work, the moderating effect of personal assets on the association between employment and quality of life for people with a disability is explored. The Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled served as the source of data. The study period ranges from 2016 to 2018. To test the research hypotheses, this study adopted econometric analyses, namely, ordinary least squares, fixed effect, and random effect models. The results revealed that the quality of life for people with disabilities is positively influenced by subjective health, employment, and personal assets. In contrast, the Engel coefficient exerts a negative impact on quality of life. Plus, the finding indicates that personal assets negatively moderate the relationship between employment and quality of life for people with disabilities. This research is aimed at presenting policy implications for the welfare of people with disabilities.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of E-Cigarettes of Adolescents and Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Doumi Rasha , Khaytan Sahar , Alobaidan Alanoud Suliman , Alqahtany Bashayer Mohammad , Aldosari Norah Mohammed , Almutairi Aljohara Ayed , Alanazi Alaa Askar , Fayed Amel
Published: November 2023

E-cigarettes have gained enormous popularity, and their use has increased drastically worldwide. However, little is known regarding adolescents’ and adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online-modified WHO GATS questionnaire on a convenience sample approach. Data were collected between January and March 2021 after the alleviation of COVID-19 lockdown measures in Saudi Arabia. Univariate and multivariate regression models were developed to identify independent factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Our sample (1335) had a mean age of 26.45 ± 10.5 years; nearly half of the participants had poor knowledge about e-cigarettes. The usage and positive attitude were reported by 18.6% and 19.4%, respectively. Around 43.5% of e-cigarette users reported starting or increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 9.5% of participants would recommend it to others. Logistic regressions showed that older participants were more likely to have poor knowledge (OR = 1.02, 95% C.I. = 1.01–1.03) and positive attitudes (OR = 0.98, 95% C.I. = 0.91–0.96). Male participants and smokers (OR = 3.0, 95% C.I. = 2.3–3.8) were more likely to have a positive attitude. However, younger participants were less likely to go for e-cigarettes (OR = 0.95, 95% C.I. = 0.93–0.97), while males (OR = 2.53, 95% C.I. = 1.65–3.86) and smokers (OR = 4.63, 95% C.I. = 3.47–6.18) were more likely to use them. This study indicated a high level of poor knowledge about e-cigarettes. A considerable proportion of participants reported usage and a positive attitude towards them. Older age, male gender, and being a smoker were the main elicited predictors for e-cigarette use.
Patent and Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Landscape of the Use of Pulse Oximeters and Their Prospects in the Field of Digital Medicine
Authors: Litvinova Olena , Hammerle Fabian Peter , Stoyanov Jivko , Ksepka Natalia , Matin Maima , Ławiński Michał , Atanasov Atanas G. , Willschke Harald
Published: November 2023

This study conducted a comprehensive patent and bibliometric analysis to elucidate the evolving scientific landscape surrounding the development and application of pulse oximeters, including in the field of digital medicine. Utilizing data from the Lens database for the period of 2000–2023, we identified the United States, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom as the predominant countries in patent issuance for pulse oximeter technology. Our bibliometric analysis revealed a consistent temporal trend in both the volume of publications and citations, underscoring the growing importance of pulse oximeters in digitally-enabled medical practice. Using the VOSviewer software(version 1.6.18), we discerned six primary research clusters: (1) measurement accuracy; (2) integration with the Internet of Things; (3) applicability across diverse pathologies; (4) telemedicine and mobile applications; (5) artificial intelligence and deep learning; and (6) utilization in anesthesiology, resuscitation, and intensive care departments. The findings of this study indicate the prospects for leveraging digital technologies in the use of pulse oximetry in various fields of medicine, with implications for advancing the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cardio-respiratory pathologies. The conducted patent and bibliometric analysis allowed the identification of technical solutions to reduce the risks associated with pulse oximetry: improving precision and validity, technically improved clinical diagnostic use, and the use of machine learning.
Segmental Rib Index and Spinal Deformity: Scoliogenic Implications
Authors: Grivas Theodoros B. , Jevtic Nikola , Ljubojevic Danka , Pjanic Samra , Golic Filip , Vasiliadis Elias
Published: November 2023

The aim of this report is to evaluate the segmental rib index (RI) from the T1 to T12 spinal levels in mild and moderate idiopathic scoliosis (IS) curves of thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar type by gender. The relationship of segmental RI to the frontal plane radiological deformity presented as the Cobb angle and to the posterior truncal surface deformity presented as the scoliometric readings of Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR) in these patients is also assessed. Any statistically significant relationship between these parameters would be very important for biomechanical relations in rib cage (RC) deformity presented as rib hump deformity (RHD) and deformity in the spine, and would thus provide valuable information about scoliogeny. The segmental rib index (RI) is presented in 83 boys and girls with mild and moderate IS. The measurements include the scoliometric readings for truncal asymmetry (TA), the Cobb angle assessment and the segmental RI from T1-T12. The statistical package SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis. The TA was documented and the Cobb angle is presented by gender and curve type. The segmental RI of thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar curves are presented for the first time. The correlations of the segmental RI to surface deformity presented as rib hump deformity (RHD) in all IS patients, and particularly in thoracic curves, to Cobb angle by gender and age and the comparison of the segmental RI index of asymmetric but not scoliotic children to the scoliotic peers by curve (in thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar curves) in boys and girls are presented. The findings emphasize the significant protagonistic role of thoracic asymmetry in relation to the spinal deformity, mainly in girls for the thoracic and in boys for the thoracolumbar curves. The cut-off point of age of the examined scoliotics was 14 years, which is when the RI shows a stronger correlation with spinal deformity, namely when thoracic deformity is decisively effective in the development of thoracic spinal deformity, in terms of Cobb angle. In summary, the results of this study may provide scoliogenic implications for IS, as far as the role of the thorax is concerned.
The Holy Chalice of the Last Supper Venerated in Valencia, Spain: Answering Historic Questions to Pilgrims as a Basis of Fostering Cultural Tourism
Authors: Zarzo Manuel
Published: November 2023

The Cathedral of Valencia has kept an important relic since 1437: the Holy Chalice of the Last Supper. It consists of an agate cup, a gold stem, and a gemstone foot. According to a pious tradition, this cup is the one used by Jesus of Nazareth to institute the Eucharist. Tourists visiting Valencia Cathedral often doubt its authenticity. There are certain queries that pilgrims wonder about, some of which have not been studied in depth. For example: What is known about the family who owned the chalice? Why would Jesus use a gemstone cup instead of one made of glass, silver, or gold? Aimed at clarifying these concerns, the research methodology was essentially centered on a review of the literature. The main conclusions are the following: (i) The Cenacle belonged to a rich disciple of Jesus, who would have lent him a valuable cup of blessing. Quite likely, it was the family of Saint Mark, who had a close link with Saint Peter. (ii) It is unlikely that Jesus used a cup made of glass because this material was relatively affordable. By contrast, gemstone vessels were highly appreciated. This case study highlights the importance of promoting historic and scientific studies about Christian artworks as a pre-requisite to foster heritage tourism.
Local History and the Development of Heritage Bonds: A Primary Education Intervention
Authors: I’Anson Gutiérrez Sara , Suárez Suárez Miguel Ángel , Calaf Masachs Roser
Published: November 2023

The Roman Baths of Valduno (Spain) possess significant educational potential, as recognized by visitors in a previous study, even though the facilities have not been maintained properly or have not been given enough publicity , which has resulted in their neglect. Through participation in a school project, a specific intervention is planned, following the ideas of community archaeology, regarding the study and dissemination of the Baths by following the ideas of community archaeology throughout. This study aims to analyse the impact this intervention has on 16 students regarding their knowledge of heritage and the bonds forged and reinforced concerning the site, as well as to identify the difference in historical knowledge acquired after a classroom explanation of the Baths and an open guided tour focused on the interests of the students. A case study was designed following the educational ethnography method, as it facilitates daily attendance as well as close observation of the case in question. The instruments developed (a register for participant observation and a semi-structured interview) reveal that symbolic appropriation of the site occurs as interaction and related knowledge increase. Furthermore, open guided tours facilitate greater significant learning in contrast to a classroom explanation on a heritage site. Educational experiences that embrace experimental, transdisciplinary, and participative methodologies contribute to a holistic understanding of heritage.
Effect of Drying Post-Harvest on the Nutritional Compounds of Edible Flowers
Authors: Machado Jean Santos , Pieracci Ylenia , Carmassi Giulia , Ruffoni Barbara , Copetta Andrea , Pistelli Laura
Published: November 2023

The post-harvest techniques are the most critical point to ensure the quality of edible flowers (EFs) and to keep the bioactive metabolites available for human nutrition. The different species of EFs also represent a problem in improving their consumption with safety. The present study focused on the description of the effects of the commonly used drying treatments in the phytonutritional composition of four species of EFs, Callianthe megapotamica, Callianthe striata, Nemesia strumosa and Salvia elegans. The bioactive metabolites and antioxidant activity were determined after freeze-drying (FD) and hot-air-drying (HA) treatments in comparison to fresh flowers. All EFs showed different mineral/trace compositions with potassium as the main element and 70–86% water loss. Both post-harvest treatments increased all the metabolites and antioxidant activity in each species. C. striata with FD treatment had the highest content of primary and secondary metabolites. N. strumosa has the highest ascorbic acid content with the HA treatment. All species had significant antioxidant activity, increasing with FD for C. striata while HA is more recommended for the other species. The post-harvest techniques are able to preserve and increase the bioactive metabolites and must be chosen according to each EF species.
Urban Road Lane Number Mining from Low-Frequency Floating Car Data Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhang Yun , Xiang Longgang , Wu Tao
Published: November 2023

Lane-level road information is especially crucial now that high-precision navigation maps are in more demand. Road information may be obtained rapidly and affordably by mining floating vehicle data (FCD). A method is proposed to extract the number of lanes on urban roads by combining deep learning and low-frequency FCD. Initially, the FCD is cleaned using the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) clustering technique. Then, the FCD is split into three categories based on the typical urban road types: one-way one-lane, one-way two-lane, and one-way three-lane, and the deep learning sample data is created using segmentation, rotation, and gridding. Lastly, the number of urban road lanes is obtained by training and predicting the sample data using the LeNet-5 model. The number of urban road lanes was effectively identified from the low-frequency FCD with a detection accuracy of 92.7% through the cleaning and classification of Wuhan FCD. Urban roads can be efficiently covered by the FCD on a regular basis, and lane information can be efficiently collected using deep learning techniques. This method can be used to generate and update lane number information for high-precision navigation maps.
Reverse Onco-Cardiology: What Is the Evidence for Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Boutas Ioannis , Kontogeorgi Adamantia , Kalantaridou Sophia N. , Dimitrakakis Constantine , Patsios Panagiotis , Kalantzi Maria , Xanthos Theodoros
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent significant global health challenges, with CVD being the leading cause of mortality and breast cancer, showing a complex pattern of incidence and mortality. We explore the intricate interplay between these two seemingly distinct medical conditions, shedding light on their shared risk factors and potential pathophysiological connections. A specific connection between hypertension (HTN), atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), and breast cancer was evaluated. HTN is explored in detail, emphasizing the role of aging, menopause, insulin resistance, and obesity as common factors linking HTN and breast cancer. Moreover, an attempt is made to identify the potential impact of antihypertensive medications and highlight the increased risk of breast cancer among those women, with a focus on potential mechanisms. A summary of key findings underscores the need for a multisystem approach to understanding the relationship between CVD and breast cancer is also explored with a highlight for all the gaps in current research, such as the lack of clinical observational data on MI and breast cancer in humans and the need for studies specifically designed for breast cancer. This paper concludes that there should be a focus on potential clinical applications of further investigation in this field, including personalized prevention and screening strategies for women at risk. Overall, the authors attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate connections between breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the importance of further research in this evolving field of cardio-oncology.
MiR-138-5p Upregulation during Neuronal Maturation Parallels with an Increase in Neuronal Survival
Authors: Barreda-Manso María Asunción , Soto Altea , Muñoz-Galdeano Teresa , Reigada David , Nieto-Díaz Manuel , Maza Rodrigo M.
Published: November 2023

Neuronal maturation is a process that plays a key role in the development and regeneration of the central nervous system. Although embryonic brain development and neurodegeneration have received considerable attention, the events that govern postnatal neuronal maturation are less understood. Among the mechanisms influencing such neuronal maturation processes, apoptosis plays a key role. Several regulators have been described to modulate apoptosis, including post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs. This study aimed to analyze endogenous expression changes of miR-138-5p, as well as its main validated pro-apoptotic target caspase3, during the maturation of neuronal cultures and their response under apoptotic challenge. Our results point out that the observed opposite expression of miR-138-5p and its target caspase3 might modulate apoptosis favoring neuronal survival at distinct maturation stages. The unchanged expression of miR-138-5p in mature neurons contrasts with the significant downregulation in immature neurons upon apoptotic stimulation. Similarly, immunoblot and individual cellular assays confirmed that during maturation, not only the expression but processing of CASP-3 and caspase activity is reduced after apoptotic stimulation which results in a reduction of neuronal death. Further studies would be needed to determine a more detailed role of miR-138-5p in apoptosis during neuronal maturation and the synergistic action of several microRNAs acting cooperatively on caspase3 or other apoptotic targets.
Trends and Applications in Computationally Driven Drug Repurposing
Authors: Pinzi Luca , Rastelli Giulio
Published: November 2023

Drug repurposing is a widely used approach originally developed to aid in the identification of new uses of already existing drugs outside the scope of the original medical indication [...]
Interaction of TSG101 with the PTAP Motif in Distinct Locations of Gag Determines the Incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into the Retroviral Virion
Authors: Maeda Yosuke , Monde Kazuaki , Terasawa Hiromi , Tanaka Yuetsu , Sawa Tomohiro
Published: November 2023

Human T-cell tropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is known to be mainly transmitted by cell-to-cell contact due to the lower infectivity of the cell-free virion. However, the reasons why cell-free HTLV-1 infection is poor remain unknown. In this study, we found that the retrovirus pseudotyped with HTLV-1 viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) was infectious when human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was used to produce the virus. We found that the incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into virus-like particles (VLPs) was low when HTLV-1 Gag was used to produce VLPs, whereas VLPs produced using HIV-1 Gag efficiently incorporated HTLV-1 Env. The production of VLPs using Gag chimeras between HTLV-1 and HIV-1 Gag and deletion mutants of HIV-1 Gag showed that the p6 domain of HIV-1 Gag was responsible for the efficient incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into the VLPs. Further mutagenic analyses of the p6 domain of HIV-1 Gag revealed that the PTAP motif in the p6 domain of HIV-1 Gag facilitates the incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into VLPs. Since the PTAP motif is known to interact with tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) during the budding process, we evaluated the effect of TSG101 knockdown on the incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into VLPs. We found that TSG101 knockdown suppressed the incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into VLPs and decreased the infectivity of cell-free HIV-1 pseudotyped with HTLV-1 Env. Our results suggest that the interaction of TSG101 with the PTAP motif of the retroviral L domain is involved not only in the budding process but also in the efficient incorporation of HTLV-1 Env into the cell-free virus.
Pentadentate and Hexadentate Pyridinophane Ligands Support Reversible Cu(II)/Cu(I) Redox Couples
Authors: Blade Glenn , Wessel Andrew J. , Terpstra Karna , Mirica Liviu M.
Published: November 2023

Two new ligands were synthesized with the goal of copper stabilization, N,N′-(2-methylpyridine)-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane (PicN4) and N-(methyl),N′-(2-methylpyridine)-2,11-diaza[3,3](2,6)pyridinophane (PicMeN4), by selective functionalization of HN4 and TsHN4. These two ligands, when reacted with various copper salts, generated both Cu(II) and Cu(I) complexes. These ligands and Cu complexes were characterized by various methods, such as NMR, UV-Vis, MS, and EA. Each compound was also examined electrochemically, and each revealed reversible Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox couples. Additionally, stability constants were determined via spectrophotometric titrations, and radiolabeling and cytotoxicity experiments were performed to assess the chelators relevance to their potential use in vivo as 64Cu PET imaging agents.