bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretable machine learning for predicting pathologic complete response in patients treated with chemoradiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Du , Lee Sang Ho , Geng Huaizhi , Zhong Haoyu , Plastaras John , Wojcieszynski Andrzej , Caruana Richard , Xiao Ying
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Pathologic complete response (pCR) is a critical factor in determining whether patients with rectal cancer (RC) should have surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Currently, a pathologist's histological analysis of surgical specimens is necessary for a reliable assessment of pCR. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have the potential to be a non-invasive way for identifying appropriate candidates for non-operative therapy. However, these ML models' interpretability remains challenging. We propose using explainable boosting machine (EBM) to predict the pCR of RC patients following nCRT.

Methods

A total of 296 features were extracted, including clinical parameters (CPs), dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters from gross tumor volume (GTV) and organs-at-risk, and radiomics (R) and dosiomics (D) features from GTV. R and D features were subcategorized into shape (S), first-order (L1), second-order (L2), and higher-order (L3) local texture features. Multi-view analysis was employed to determine the best set of input feature categories. Boruta was used to select all-relevant features for each input dataset. ML models were trained on 180 cases from our institution, with 37 cases from RTOG 0822 clinical trial serving as the independent dataset for model validation. The performance of EBM in predicting pCR on the test dataset was evaluated using ROC AUC and compared with that of three state-of-the-art black-box models: extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). The predictions of all black-box models were interpreted using Shapley additive explanations.

Results

The best input feature categories were CP+DVH+S+R_L1+R_L2 for all models, from which Boruta-selected features enabled the EBM, XGB, RF, and SVM models to attain the AUCs of 0.820, 0.828, 0.828, and 0.774, respectively. Although EBM did not achieve the best performance, it provided the best capability for identifying critical turning points in response scores at distinct feature values, revealing that the bladder with maximum dose >50 Gy, and the tumor with maximum2DDiameterColumn >80 mm, elongation <0.55, leastAxisLength >50 mm and lower variance of CT intensities were associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusions

EBM has the potential to enhance the physician's ability to evaluate an ML-based prediction of pCR and has implications for selecting patients for a “watchful waiting” strategy to RC therapy.
Changing the organizational culture to transform the economy: The case of Greece
Authors: Boufounou Paraskevi , Argyrou Maria Despoina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Organizational culture determines the ability of companies to adapt, transform, and innovate, thereby directly affecting their profitability and competitiveness. However, the same applies to the public sector since, now more than ever, it has to be agile in order to shield its society and economy against modern challenges (such as COVID-19, climate change, and digitalization). This article uses the case of Greece as an example to present the need for change in organizational culture to unlock its development and growth potential through transformation, adaptation, and innovation. To support our argument, we combine the findings of the international literature regarding the relationship between organizational culture and the aforementioned elements, as well as empirical evidence from Greece.

Methods

In particular, we assess organizational culture pertaining to the major sector reforms that took place in Greece, as a result of the recent economic and financial crisis, by presenting and evaluating comparative empirical findings on the characteristics of the prevailing and desired future organizational culture.

Results and discussion

Examining and comparing the results of previous studies in Greece that used the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) questionnaire survey in both private (such as banking and telecoms) and public sectors (such as social security, public revenues authority, and hospitals), two interesting results arise: (i) there is a clear distinction between the public sector and the private sector, with the former being mainly characterized by “hierarchy culture,” while the latter by “market culture” and (ii) in both sectors and all industries/services, the desire to prevail in future organizational culture is the “clan culture.” These findings are of immense importance as organizational culture issues play a key role in formulating future strategic plans, enabling the development of key sectors of the Greek economy and enhancing effective governance and social services. Concisely, our results draw useful conclusions for policy implications and academics, implying that there is an emergent need for organizational transformation in both private and public sectors in Greece, which can be achieved through new innovative methods of organization and operation, creating a new more agile, adaptive, and innovative culture.
Interplay of temperature and calcium content in beta-casein solutions: From controlled self-aggregation of micelles in bulk to the design of stable foams
Authors: Fameau Anne-Laure , Houinsou Houssou Bérénice , Riaublanc Alain , Cousin Fabrice
Published: December 2022

We describe in this study the aggregation behaviour of β-casein micelles from milk in bulk aqueous solution as function of both temperature and calcium content, and its influence on the foaming properties, in order to test if the different aggregation states of β-casein makes possible the design of proteins-based thermoresponsive foams. First, we characterized the morphology of the self-assembled β-casein molecules in solution by coupling turbidity measurements, Dynamic Light Scattering and Small Angle Neutron Scattering. They self-organize into individual micelles at low temperature (20°C) whatever the calcium content, and transit in a reversible way into aggregates of micelles at large temperature in presence of calcium, with a threshold transition that depend both on temperature and calcium content. The micelles aggregation is driven by the calcium through association with serine phosphate groups localized on the hydrophilic part of the β-casein. In the micelles regime, we demonstrated that the addition of calcium tunes the aggregation number of unimers per micelle in the same way than an increase of temperature through a change of hydrophobic interactions. The hydrophilic chains of the corona are however in a good solvent and interact through excluded volume interactions, even when the β-casein micelles aggregates themselves. The internal molecular structure of the micelles is thus not modified by calcium bridges, which explains the complete reversibility of the aggregation process over temperature cycling. Second, we studied the foam stability versus time as a function of the temperature and calcium content by measuring the kinetic evolution of both the foam volume and the liquid fraction. Foams produced by solutions containing only β-casein micelles were stable in terms of foam volume on a timescale of 1 h at 20°C but drained quickly. However, foams become unstable when the temperature was increased above 20°C. In presence of calcium, the aggregation of β-casein micelles inside the foam liquid channels enabled to increase foam stability at larger temperature by acting as a cork, which slows down the drainage. The increase of foam stability by such aggregates is however not sufficient on the long term to allow the design of thermoresponsive foams.
Two chemistries on a single lab-on-chip: Nitrate and orthophosphate sensing underwater with inlaid microfluidics
Authors: Luy Edward , Smith James , Grundke Iain , Sonnichsen Colin , Furlong Arnold , Sieben Vincent
Published: December 2022

Autonomous in situ sensors are required to monitor high-frequency nutrient fluctuations in marine environments on a mass-scale. We present a submersible, dual-chemistry sensor that performs multiple colourimetric assays simultaneously on a fluid sample for multi-parameter in situ analysis. Based on a highly configurable architecture that has been successfully deployed for several multi-month periods, the sensor utilizes 10 solenoid valves, 4 syringes, 3 stepper motors, 2 LEDs, 4 photodiodes, and “inlaid” microfluidics to permit optical measurements of microliter fluid volumes. Fluid pathways are machined into a modular two-layer microfluidic lab-on-chip (LOC) fabricated from poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with two parallel inlaid optical cells of 10.4 mm and 25.4 mm path lengths (1.7 µl and 4 μl, respectively). Different LOC designs can be used to implement a wide variety of colorimetric assays. We demonstrate application of our dual-chemistry sensor towards simultaneous measurement of nitrate and dissolved orthophosphate: two nutrients fundamental to primary production. The performance of the dual-species nitrate and phosphate “NP Sensor” is characterized first in a controlled laboratory environment. Combined nutrient standards containing nitrate and phosphate concentrations ranging from 2.5 µM–100 µM NO3− and 0.25 µM–10 µM PO43− were analyzed, reporting detection limits of 97 nM NO3− and 15 nM PO43−. Calibrations were repeated under 3 fixed temperature conditions, T = 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, to determine the temperature-dependent sensitivity relations for both species needed to calculate concentrations during field deployments. Finally, an 8-day field deployment in Fish Hatchery Park, NS, Canada followed, acquiring a total of 592 nitrate and dissolved orthophosphate measurements. An on-board combined nutrient standard was measured periodically to assess the in situ accuracy of the sensor, with an average relative uncertainty of 15% across the deployment. Measured nitrate and dissolved orthophosphate levels in the river reached as high as 10 µM and 3.6 µM, respectively. Fast Fourier transform analysis suggests a strong out-of-phase relationship between measured phosphate and water level, with a shared frequency peak in both data agreeing within a 3.2% difference. This trend is due to conventional mixing at the river mouth to neighboring Bedford Basin. A spike in the measured nitrate to phosphate (N:P) ratio was also observed, synchronized to a precipitation event and indicative of runoff. The novel sensor will enable high-frequency dual-nutrient monitoring in many aquatic environments.
Gender differences in the determinants of mature entrepreneurship? The case of Germany
Authors: Romeu Gordo Laura , Stypińska Justyna , Franke Annette
Published: December 2022

Mature female entrepreneurs represent a non-traditional model of self-employed workers in both ways: in terms of gender and age. The transition into self-employment for women aged 45 years and older represents a topic of aging research that still tends to be overlooked. Previous studies found ambivalent results for the issue regarding motives and entrepreneurial pathways between former employmen or unemployment–and starting one's own business and the ways in which these entrepreneurial activities are shaped by social differences (such as gender) and biographically accumulated resources and restrictions. This article studies biographical-related factors and motivations that determine what is variously referred to as mature entrepreneurship for men and women aged 45 and above. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), the descriptive analysis explains the main gender differences among people within the target age group who have taken the step into self-employment. The multivariate analysis interrogates the main determinants that govern any increase in the probability of becoming self-employed after the age of 45 and seeks to identify the main differences between women and men in relation to such determinants. The results show substantial gender-based occupational segregation in entrepreneurship patterns in this age group, with men working longer hours on average than women and enjoying higher average earnings. However, the multivariate analysis shows that the main drivers for mature entrepreneurship are similar for both men and women and that necessity represents an important factor for everyone for starting a business.
Efficient identification of pre-flare features in SDO/AIA images through use of spatial Fourier transforms
Authors: Massa Paolo , Emslie A. Gordon
Published: December 2022

In this “Methods” paper, we investigate how to compress SDO/AIA data by transforming the AIA source maps into the Fourier domain at a limited set of spatial frequency points. Specifically, we show that compression factors of one order of magnitude or more can be achieved without significant loss of information. The exploration of data compression techniques is motivated by our plan to train Neural Networks on AIA data to identify features that lead to a solar flare. Because the data is spatially resolved and polychromatic (as opposed to spatially-integrated, such as GOES, or monochromatic, such as magnetograms), the network can be trained to recognize features representing changes in plasma properties (e.g., temperature, density), in addition to temporal changes revealed by Sun-integrated data or physical restructuring revealed by monochromatic spatially-resolved data. However, given the immense size of a suitable training set of SDO/AIA data (more than 1011 pixels, requiring more than one TB of memory), some form of data compression scheme is highly desirable and, in this paper, we propose a Fourier based one. Numerical experiments show that, not only Fourier maps retain more information on the original AIA images compared to straightforward binning of spatial pixels, but also that certain types of changes in source structure (e.g., thinning or thickening of an elongated filamentary structure) may be equally, if not more, recognizable in the spatial frequency domain. We conclude by describing a program of work designed to exploit the use of spatial Fourier transform maps to identify features in four-dimensional data hypercubes containing spatial, spectral, and temporal information of the state of the solar plasma prior to possible flaring activity.
Recent insights into metallic nanoparticles in shelf-life extension of agrifoods: Properties, green synthesis, and major applications
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Kumar Abhishek , Vats Chaman , Sangwan Pooja , Kumar Vikash , Abhineet  , Chauhan Prashant , Chauhan Ravinder S. , Chaudhary Kautilya
Published: December 2022

Nanotechnology emerged as a revolutionary technology in various fields of applied sciences, such as biomedical engineering and food technology. The pivotal roles of nanocompounds have been explored in various fields, such as food protection, preservation, and enhancement of shelf life. In this sequence, metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are proven to be useful in developing products with antimicrobial activity and subsequently improve the shelf life of agrifoods. The major application of MNPs has been observed in the packaging industry due to the combining ability of biopolymers with MNPs. In recent years, various metal nanoparticles have been explored to formulate various active food packaging materials. However, the method of production and the need for risk evaluation are still a topic of discussion among researchers around the world. In general, MNPs are synthesized by various chemical and physical means, which may pose variable health risks. To overcome such issues, the green synthesis of MNPs using microbial and plant extracts has been proposed by various researchers. In this review, we aimed at exploring the green synthesis of MNPs, their properties and characterization, various ways of utilizing MNPs to extend their shelf life, and, most importantly, the risk associated with these along with their quality and safety considerations.
Microbiome-based solutions to address new and existing threats to food security, nutrition, health and agrifood systems' sustainability
Authors: Callens Karel , Fontaine Fanette , Sanz Yolanda , Bogdanski Anne , D‘Hondt Kathleen , Lange Lene , Smidt Hauke , van Overbeek Leo , Kostic Tanja , Maguin Emmanuelle , Meisner Annelein , Sarand Inga , Sessitsch Angela
Published: December 2022

In addition to challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, the sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems worldwide are currently challenged by new threats, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war. Furthermore, the resilience and sustainability of our agrifood systems need to be enhanced in ways that simultaneously increase agricultural production, decrease post-harvest food losses and food waste, protect the climate, environment and health, and preserve biodiversity. The precarious situation of agrifood systems is also illustrated by the fact that overall, around 3 billion people worldwide still do not have regular access to a healthy diet. This results in various forms of malnutrition, as well as increasing number of people suffering from overweight and obesity, and diet-related, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) around the world. Findings from microbiome research have shown that the human gut microbiome plays a key role in nutrition and diet-related diseases and thus human health. Furthermore, the microbiome of soils, plants, and animals play an equally important role in environmental health and agricultural production. Upcoming, microbiome-based solutions hold great potential for more resilient, sustainable, and productive agrifood systems and open avenues toward preventive health management. Microbiome-based solutions will also be key to make better use of natural resources and increase the resilience of agrifood systems to future emerging and already-known crises. To realize the promises of microbiome science and innovation, there is a need to invest in enhancing the role of microbiomes in agrifood systems in a holistic One Health approach and to accelerate knowledge translation and implementation.
Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and excretion of ponazuril in piglets
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Ma Yuqiao , Zhang Yunxiao , Nie Jingjing , Hu Daxing , Yang Weicong , Shen Yue , Cui Xinglong , Ding Huanzhong , Li Li , Huang Xianhui
Published: December 2022

Ponazuril is a triazine anticoccidial drug which is the main metabolite of toltrazuril in animals, it has excellent activity against many protozoa, including Cystoisospora suis, and has broad application prospects in the control of swine coccidiosis. To evaluate the pharmacokinetic and excretion characteristics of ponazuril, 12 healthy piglets aged 10–14 days were divided into 2 groups for pharmacokinetic studies, which were given 20 mg/kg body weight ponazuril orally and intravenously, respectively. And 6 other piglets were housed individually in metabolic cages and given the same oral dose of ponazuril. After administration, the concentration of ponazuril in plasma, fecal, and urine samples collected was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plasma concentration profiles of ponazuril obtained after intravenous and oral administration were analyzed simultaneously by the nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model. Following the results, the pharmacokinetics of ponazuril exhibited a Michaelis-Menten elimination with Michaelis-Menten constant Km and maximum metabolic rate Vm of 10.8 μg/mL and 0.083 mg/kg/h. The apparent volume of distribution was calculated to be 735 mL/kg, and the final estimated oral bioavailability was 81%. Besides, cumulatively 86.42 ± 2.96% of ponazuril was recovered from feces and 0.31% ± 0.08% from urine during 0–1,020 h after oral administration. These findings indicated a good oral absorption of ponazuril in piglets with nonlinear disposition and slow excretion largely via feces, implying sustained drug concentration in vivo and long-lasting anticoccidial effects.
The Best Closure Technique Without Mesh in Elective Midline Laparotomy Closure
Authors: Fortelny René H.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The risk of developing an incisional hernia after primary elective median laparotomy is reported in the literature as being between 5 and 20 percent. The basic of an optimal outcome after midline incision is the appropriate closure technique with or without a prophylactic mesh. The objective of this paper is to critically examine the various closure techniques and, in particular, to present a detailed comparison of the long stitch and short stitch techniques.

Method: Based on the available literature, the characteristics of the different closure techniques are described in detail, advantages and disadvantages are compared, and the current status of a practicable recommendation is discussed. Special attention is paid to the criteria of the short stitch technique, such as the suture to incision length ratio, number of stitches and distances, as well as suture material.

Results: For elective midline closures, the use of a continuous closure using a slowly absorbable suture material in the small-bites technique with suture to wound ratio of at least 5:1 result in significantly lower risk of complications such as bursting abdomen and less incisional hernia rates compared to the large-bites technique.

Conclusion: Based on the present evidence in midline closure after elective laparotomy the small bites technique can be recommended to significantly reduce the rate of incisional hernia.
Climatic Changes—A Challenge for the Bulgarian Farmers
Authors: Georgieva Veska , Kazandjiev Valentin , Bozhanova Violeta , Mihova Galina , Ivanova Dafinka , Todorovska Elena , Uhr Zlatina , Ilchovska Mima , Sotirov Dimitar , Malasheva Petia
Published: December 2022

Serious economic damages in many regions of the world were caused by the changes in agroclimatic resources during the last 2–3 decades. The Balkan Peninsula is much affected by the temperatures rising, changes in the distribution of precipitation, and the increasing frequency of extreme events—basically, droughts and frosts. Bulgarian agriculture is developed under various agrometeorological conditions. The climate of the country is characterized by the atmosphere and soil moisture deficit in the time of active crop vegetation and yield formation. The aim of this research is to assess the changes in agrometeorological conditions for the growth of the main grain crops and the possibilities for reaction through agro-technologies. Furthermore, the features of contemporary varieties and hybrids of spring and autumn cereals will be taken into account. The next important factor is the specific requirements for hydro-thermal conditions at different phenological phases of agricultural crop development, i.e., sums of the temperatures and precipitations. Agro-technologies react to tendencies in changing agrometeorological conditions. For the adaptation of agro-technologies, the maximum use of natural agroclimatic resources should be included in activities for overcoming unfavorable conditions, as well as the increased frequency of extreme events. A detailed assessment of the agrometeorological conditions is necessary to choose the suitable agro-technology activity. The analysis of the main meteorological elements—temperatures, precipitations, air humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation for thirty years (1986–2015) was used to assess the changes in agrometeorological conditions on agricultural lands in Bulgaria. Appropriate agro-technical activities for growing the main grain crops are proposed in accordance with the observed changes.
Recycling Nutrients Contained in Biomass Bottom Ash from Industrial Waste to Enhance the Fertility of an Amazonian Acidic Soil
Authors: Albuquerque Alan R. L. , Gama Marcos A. P. , Lima Vitória M. N. , Rodrigues Andréia O. , Angélica Rômulo S. , Paz Simone P. A.
Published: December 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of recycling ash from Amazonian biomass on the fertility of a dystrophic Yellow Latosol. For this purpose, a laboratory incubation experiment was performed with Yellow Latosol using four increasing doses of ash (8.75, 17.5, 35, and 70 Mg ha−1), three incubation times (20, 40, and 60 days), two positive treatments (13 Mg ha−1 lime and 2 Mg ha−1 phosphate fertilizer), and one control soil. The chemical analyses of the soil revealed that the application of increasing doses of ash positively affected the pH values and significantly increased the availability of the nutrients P, K, Ca, and Mg, the levels of which were adequate for the soils and main crops of the state of Pará, Brazil. The input of these nutrients and the moderate increase in pH contributed to the increase in base saturation and thus reduced the potential acidity of the soil and neutralized Al3+. Therefore, recycling ash from Amazonian biomasses in agricultural or forest soils may represent a sustainable and integrative alternative that balances the management of industrial waste and the fertility of acidic and nutrient-deficient soils in the state of Pará.
Properties of Recycled Nanomaterials and Their Effect on Biological Activity and Yield of Canola in Degraded Soils
Authors: Elsawy Hany , El-shahawy Asmaa , Ibrahim Mahmoud , El-Halim Abd El-Halim Abd , Talha Naser , Sedky Azza , Alfwuaires Manal , Alabbad Hebah , Almeri Nawa , Mahmoud Esawy
Published: December 2022

Recycling waste, such as rice straw and water treatment residuals, is important to reduce harmful effects on the environment and to improve canola yield and soil quality in degraded soils. Nanotechnology for the production of nanomaterials from biochar and water treatment residues will be a future revolution for improving soil quality and increasing canola yield in degraded soil. Therefore, this study aims to identify the properties of some recycled nanomaterials, such as nanobiochar (nB) and nanowater treatment residue (nWTR), and their effect on the biological activity and productivity of canola in degraded soils. The results showed that the nWTR and nB contain many functional groups and minerals, and they also have high negative zeta potential. The addition of the studied soil amendments significantly improved microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and biological activity, which played a major role in increasing canola yield. The highest dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) activity was found in nWTR-treated soil at 50 mg kg−1, with increases of 32.8% and 566.7% compared to the control, respectively. The addition of nB greatly improved the growth of canola plants in the soil. This was evident from the increase in the weight of seeds, the weight of 1000 grains, the number of pods per plant, and the highest increase was for nB added at the rate of 250 mg per kg−1 soil. The addition of 50 mg kg−1 of nWTR gave the best results in seed yield by 150.64% compared to the control. These results indicate that recycled nWTR and nB are some of the best waste recycling treatments, in addition to good soil health, in increasing soil biology and canola yield in degraded soils. In the future, research on recycled nanomaterials should examine the residual effect they have on yield, soil quality, and soil fauna in the long term.
Community Composition Specificities of Cyanobacteria in Paddy Soil under Different Ecological Conditions
Authors: Song Jian , He Xu , Wang Shuwen , Yang Xue , Wu Lei , Li Siyuan , Wang Dongchao , Yang Meiying , Wu Zhihai
Published: December 2022

In order to explore the distribution of cyanobacteria in paddy soil under different ecological conditions, the composition, diversity, and environmental drivers of soil cyanobacteria communities in rice fields from six regions of Jilin Province (China) were investigated. The results showed that the 16S amplicon high-throughput sequence detected the existence of cyanobacteria of 16 phyla, 33 orders, 60 families, and 113 genera in the soil of rice fields in Jilin Province. The dominant cyanobacteria populations in Jilin Province paddy soils comprised Cyanobium_PCC-6307, Synechocystis_PCC-6803, Planktothrix_NIVA-CYA_15, and Nodosilinea_PCC-7104. Each soil sample included a significant proportion of nitrogen-fixing filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena and Nostoc according to microscopic analysis. The structural properties and diversity of cyanobacteria communities differed by geography, with soil pH and SOC being the main environmental drivers of cyanobacteria community structure. The alkaline soils S1, S2, and S5 displayed greater diversity than the acidic soils S3, S4, and S6, with S5 displaying the greatest cyanobacteria diversity. This research has crucial implications for developing and utilizing local cyanobacteria resources.
Recent Advances in Eco-Friendly and Scaling-Up Bioproduction of Prodigiosin and Its Potential Applications in Agriculture
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hanh , Wang San-Lang , Nguyen Van Bon
Published: December 2022

Prodigiosin is a red pigment produced by various microbial strains, of these, Serratia marcescens has been recorded as the major PG-producing strain. This microbial pigment has attracted much attention because it possesses potential applications in various fields. Thus, this active metabolite has been increasingly studied for bioproduction and investigated for its novel applications. Recently, several prodigiosin-related reviews were reported. These studies covered some aspects of the general physicochemical properties, pathway synthesis, production, and applications of prodigiosin in medicine. However, only a few works discussed the eco-friendly production of prodigiosin from organic wastes. Remarkably, the scaling-up of prodigiosin production and its potential applications in agriculture have rarely been reviewed or discussed. This review extensively presents and discusses the green biosynthesis, enhancement, and scaling-up of prodigiosin production from a wide range of organic byproducts/wastes using different methods of fermentation. Notably, this paper highlights the novel and promising applications of prodigiosin in agriculture via in vitro tests, greenhouse tests, and field studies. The action mechanisms related to some potential bioactivities and the toxicology studies of prodigiosin are also discussed. This review thus supplies scientific data for further research and the application of prodigiosin in the future.
Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) Roots to Nitrogen Heterogeneity and Intraspecific Competition: Evidence from a Pot Experiment Using the ‘Root Splitting’ Approach
Authors: Zhou Shiyong , Zhou Feng , Zi Xuejing , Rao Dongyun , Liu Kang , Wu Bozhi
Published: December 2022

A heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the soil and the root interactions of crops coexist in agroecosystems. A ‘root splitting’ approach, i.e., splitting the root system into different nutrient compartments, was used to study nutrient heterogeneity distributions and root interactions. We evaluated root foraging behavior, individual growth, and root development mechanisms in response to soil nitrogen heterogeneity, and intraspecific competition in maize. A heterogeneous distribution of nitrogen increased the foraging precision of roots at flowering and mature stages (Foraging precision > 1), and significantly increased root biomass and surface area on the intraspecific competition and no competition on the high nitrogen side. The heterogeneous distribution had no effect on yield, total root biomass, specific root length, total surface area, or average diameter. Intraspecific competition increased inter-crop competition (RII < 0) and reduced total root biomass, total plant biomass, and the root/shoot ratio. These results inform root trait development studies and provide valid evidence for optimizing and managing fertilizer application in agroecosystems, helping to maximize crop yield and nutrient use efficiency.
Effects of Low Dietary Cation and Anion Difference on Blood Gas, Renal Electrolyte, and Acid Excretions in Goats in Tropical Conditions
Authors: Do Nguyen Dang Khoa , Semsirmboon Sapon , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Thammacharoen Sumpun
Published: December 2022

Goats can suffer from intermittent heat stress in high ambient temperature (HTa) conditions, which causes sporadic respiratory hypocapnia. Obstructive urolithiasis is a common urological problem in goats. Sandy uroliths can be partially relieved by urine acidification with short-term ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) treatment. However, the outcome of urine acidification and the physiological responses to short-term NH4Cl supplementation under respiratory hypocapnia of HTa have rarely been reported. The present study investigated the effect of NH4Cl supplementation that produced a low dietary cation-anion different (l-DCAD) diet on acid-base balance and renal function under HTa conditions. The first experiment investigated the physiological responses to natural HTa to prove whether the peak HTa during the afternoon could induce HTa responses without a change in the plasma cortisol. The partial pressure of CO2 also tended to decrease during the afternoon. The second experiment examined the short-term effect of l-DCAD under HTa conditions. Although the blood pH was within the normal range, there was a clear acid-base response in the direction of metabolic acidosis. The major responses in renal function were an increase in tubular function and acid excretion. With a comparable level of creatinine clearance, the fractional excretions (FE) of chloride and calcium increased, and the FE of potassium decreased. Acid excretion increased significantly in the l-DCAD group. We conclude that under HTa conditions, the tubular excretion of electrolytes and acids was the major response to acid loading without changing the filtration rate. The l-DCAD formulation can be used to acidify urine effectively.
Antimicrobial Natural Products
Authors: Song Fuhang
Published: December 2022

Infectious diseases, resulting from microbial pathogens, are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide [...]
Antibiotics as Adjunctive Therapy in the Non-Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Grusovin Maria Gabriella , Pispero Alberto , Del Fabbro Massimo , Sangiorgi Matteo , Simion Massimo , Stefanini Martina , Varoni Elena Maria
Published: December 2022

The role of antibiotics as adjunctive therapy in the non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis is uncertain. The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to assess the efficacy of antibiotic therapy, local or systemic, as an adjunctive to the non-surgical therapy of peri-implantitis. Primary outcomes were: implant success rate and complications, changes in radiographic bone level, probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and peri-implantitis resolution. Six studies were included: two using topical and four systemic antibiotics. Adjunctive local antibiotics improved PPD (mean difference (MD) = 0.6 mm; 95% CI 0.42–0.78), BOP (MD = 0.15% (95% CI 0.10, 0.19)) and the success rate (risk ratio = 9.89; 95% CI 2.39–40.84). No significant difference in bone level and success rate were found with the use of systemic antibiotics, although they appeared to improve PPD (MD = 1.15 mm; 95% CI 0.31–1.99) and PAL (MD = 1.10 mm; 95% CI 0.13–2.08). Within the limitations of this review, the adjunctive local antibiotics showed improved outcomes in terms of success rate, PPD and BOP, while adjunctive systemic antibiotics improved PPD and PAL only. Peri-implantitis resolution was about 20–30% using adjunctive local antibiotics, whilst it ranged from 2% to 65% with adjunctive systemic antibiotics. Findings are still controversial, since they are based on few studies with high heterogeneity, at the uncertain or high risk of bias and involve few patients. Non-surgical debridement and maintenance periodontal support therapy remain pivotal and the adjunctive use of antibiotics for peri-implantitis cannot be routinely recommended, even considering the increasing concern on antibiotic resistance.
Metabolic Rewiring toward Oxidative Phosphorylation Disrupts Intrinsic Resistance to Ferroptosis of the Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Gotorbe Célia , Durivault Jérôme , Meira Willian , Cassim Shamir , Ždralević Maša , Pouysségur Jacques , Vučetić Milica
Published: December 2022

Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) has been reported as one of the major targets for ferroptosis induction, due to its pivotal role in lipid hydroperoxide removal. However, recent studies pointed toward alternative antioxidant systems in this context, such as the Coenzyme Q-FSP1 pathway. To investigate how effective these alternative pathways are in different cellular contexts, we used human colon adenocarcinoma (CRC) cells, highly resistant to GPX4 inhibition. Data obtained in the study showed that simultaneous pharmacological inhibition of GPX4 and FSP1 strongly compromised the survival of the CRC cells, which was prevented by the ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1. Nonetheless, this could not be phenocopied by genetic deletion of FSP1, suggesting the development of resistance to ferroptosis in FSP1-KO CRC cells. Considering that CRC cells are highly glycolytic, we used CRC Warburg-incompetent cells, to investigate the role metabolism plays in this phenomenon. Indeed, the sensitivity to inhibition of both anti-ferroptotic axes (GPx4 and FSP1) was fully revealed in these cells, showing typical features of ferroptosis. Collectively, data indicate that two independent anti-ferroptotic pathways (GPX4-GSH and CoQ10-FSP1) operate within the overall physiological context of cancer cells and in some instances, their inhibition should be coupled with other metabolic modulators, such as inhibitors of glycolysis/Warburg effect.
Evaluation of Selected Oxidant/Antioxidant Parameters in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Undergoing Disease-Modifying Therapies
Authors: Bizoń Anna , Chojdak-Łukasiewicz Justyna , Kołtuniuk Aleksandra , Budrewicz Sławomir , Pokryszko-Dragan Anna , Piwowar Agnieszka
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate oxidative stress parameters, specifically the concentration of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We also analyzed the relationships between each parameter and selected clinical/laboratory multiple-sclerosis-related parameters. The study group comprised 204 patients with RRMS and 29 healthy, age-matched controls. The concentration of AOPP was significantly higher in the RRMS patients than in controls. ROC analysis showed the ability of AOPP to distinguish between the patients with RRMS and controls (the value of AUC was 94.8%, with a sensitivity of 89.69% and specificity of 89.3%). AOPP and FRAP were significantly higher in male than in female RRMS patients. Correlations were found between AOPP and the laboratory markers of inflammation. AOPP differed in the subgroups of patients treated with particular medications. Our findings indicate an increase in the markers of oxidative stress in the serum of RRMS patients, possibly linked with chronic inflammation. Gender and type of treatment affected the markers of oxidative stress.
Anomaly Detection and Early Warning Model for Latency in Private 5G Networks
Authors: Han Jingyuan , Liu Tao , Ma Jingye , Zhou Yi , Zeng Xin , Xu Ying
Published: December 2022

Different from previous generations of communication technology, 5G has tailored several modes especially for industrial applications, such as Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). The industrial private 5G networks require high performance of latency, bandwidth, and reliability, while the deployment environment is usually complicated, causing network problems difficult to identify. This poses a challenge to the operation and maintenance (O&M) of private 5G networks. It is needed to quickly diagnose or predict faults based on high-dimensional data of networks and services to reduce the impact of network faults on services. This paper proposes a ConvAE-Latency model for anomaly detection, which enhances the correlation between target indicators and hidden features by multi-target learning. Meanwhile, transfer learning is applied for anomaly prediction in the proposed LstmAE-TL model to solve the problem of unbalanced samples. Based on the China Telecom data platform, the proposed models are deployed and tested in an Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) application scenario. The results have been improved compared to existing research.
Configuration Design and Kinematic Performance Analysis of a Novel Spatial 8R Hip Joint Rehabilitation Mechanism
Authors: Jia Zengyu , Li Ruiqin , Wang Yuan , Liu Juan , Liang Hailong
Published: December 2022

Lower limb movement disorders caused by various reasons are an important public health problem currently facing the world. To solve this problem, a novel spatial 8R mechanism with a stable structure and motion performance for human hip joint rehabilitation is proposed. Since the human body mainly performs coronal and sagittal plane movements, a spatial 8R mechanism with 2-DOF was designed to assist patients in rehabilitation training considering their actual circumstances. Based on the analysis of the Jacobian matrix and its condition number, the kinematics model and kinematics equation of the 8R mechanism in space were established. The mechanism has complete isotropic kinematics in single abduction and adduction, forward flexion and backward extension, and good dexterity and operability within the scope of the workspace; the correctness of the kinematics equation of the spatial 8R mechanism was verified by using the ADAMS software and theoretical calculation, and the regular variations of the mechanism’s movement in one period under different motions were obtained. We concluded that the spatial 8R mechanism has a stable performance and can move smoothly.
The Influence of Subcritical Water Extraction Parameters on the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Bark Extracts
Authors: Kamiński Piotr , Tyśkiewicz Katarzyna , Fekner Zygmunt , Gruba Marcin , Kobus Zbigniew
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the impact of subcritical water extraction parameters on the polyphenols and flavonoids content in extracts made of the bark of walnut (Juglans regia L.), as well as antioxidant activity measured using the DPPH and FRAP methods. The total polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) were determined using the spectrophotometric (UV-Vis) method. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the yield of bioactive compounds. On the basis of developed model, the highest polyphenols (192.2 mg (GAE)/100 g (dry mass)) (GAE—gallic acid equivalent), flavonoids (88.3 mg(QE)/100 g (dry mass)) (QE—quercetin equivalent) contents and antioxidant activity (21.3 × 10−6 MTE/1 g (dry mass)) (TE-Trolox equivalent) were obtained under the following extraction conditions: temperature 131.6 °C, raw material fraction size 0.9 mm and process time 10 min. The greatest impact on the extraction yield was observed in the case of the temperature, whereas the raw material fraction size and the process time had a secondary impact. Obtained results indicate that a smaller particle size and a shorter time may improve the process; however, a reduction in particle size can be challenging for a pressure cell filtration system and consequently increase the cost of the raw material pretreatment process. With the reduction in the process time, a lower cost of extract production can be achieved. This study confirmed the importance of a proper selection of extraction parameters to obtain the demanded extract composition.
Human Centred Design Considerations for the Development of Sustainable Public Transportation in Malaysia
Authors: Kuys Jo , Melles Gavin , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Thompson-Whiteside Scott , Kuys Blair
Published: December 2022

The growing trend of private car ownership in Malaysia is increasing traffic congestion. As part of a solution, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) chose to develop technologies for an electric bus system in Kuala Lumpur and initiated a project to design and engineer an electric bus system with a focus on Human Centred Design (HCD) principles. In order to fulfil this a total of 28-hours of user observation was conducted in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. Alongside this field research an online questionnaire study of future users (n = 102, Age 21–35) was conducted to further substantiate findings. As a result, we address the need for HCD considerations to be included in sustainable public transport systems in Malaysia. User observation revealed six key issues associated with the daily routine of a commuter which were then used to inform the questionnaire survey. Alarmingly, the survey revealed that over 60 per cent of respondents had never used the bus system in Kuala Lumpur stating problems such as frequency, comfort, driver attitude and bus shelter access. This provided a necessary platform for improvement resulting in eight key recommendations ranked by importance with the aim to increase bus usage in Malaysia.
Research on the Effects of Two-Sided Ground Surcharge/Unloading on Existing Shield Tunnels
Authors: Wei Gang , Xiang Pengfei , Jiang Haibo , Sun Di , Xu Fengjun , Guo Huifang
Published: December 2022

For the effect of two-sided sudden surcharge/unloading on existing shield tunnels, an indoor dimensional reduction model test was conducted at a scale of 1:15.5, measuring the ground settlement, lateral convergence of the shield tunnel, and additional surrounding pressure after changing the location and soil quality of surcharge/unloading, and an analysis was carried out. The results showed that the location of the maximum transverse convergence value of the existing shield tunnel is related to the position of the surcharge; when surcharging on both sides of the tunnel, as the position of the left surcharge’s offset increases from 0.2 m to 0.6 m, the transverse convergence value of the tunnel first increases and then becomes smaller; the ground settlement value of each measurement point in the unloading process also increases and then becomes smaller. The settlement value of each measurement point first increases and then decreases, and the alleviation effect of unloading on ground settlement is not obvious; after surcharge on one side of the tunnel, if the other side continues to surcharge, it will lead to a continued increase in the surrounding pressure. Unloading can effectively reduce the additional surrounding pressure of the tunnel, but the additional surrounding pressure cannot be immediately and completely eliminated; compared with dry sand, the maximum value of lateral convergence of the tunnel in wet sand is significantly decreased, and the peak value of ground settlement on both sides is not significant; when both sides are surcharged to 172 kg, the additional soil pressure of the tunnel’s subsoil shows three peaks, one of which occurs at measurement point 4 at the bottom of the tunnel, which may be due to the occurrence of stress concentration at the location.