bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and Efficient Synthesis of Racemic Baloxavir Catalyzed by Strong Solid Acid under Microwave Conditions
Authors: Wang Yiyun , Lv Xiaofang , Meng Zihui , Xu Zhibin , Zheng Zhonghui , Li Jiarong , Xue Min
Published: June 2022

The compound (±)-12aR-12-[(11S)-7,8-difluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-11-yl]-7-hydroxy-3,4,12,12a-tetrahydro-1H-[1,4]oxazino[3,4-c]pyrido[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine-6,8-dione is the intermediate of baloxavir marboxil. In the literature, traditional heating methods and common acid catalysts are used, which result in long reaction times and a low yield. Therefore, finding an efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic route is necessary. In this study, (±)-12aR-12-[(11S)-7,8-difluoro-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin-11-yl]-7-benzyloxy-3,4,12,12a-tetrahydro-1h-[1,4]oxazino[3,4-c]pyrido[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine-6,8-dione (compound 3) was synthesized using a sulfonate resin solid acid catalyst (HND-580) under microwave conditions. The benzyl group was removed without further purification, and an intermediate, racemic baloxavir, was obtained under microwave irradiation. The total yield of the two steps was 78%. This method greatly reduces the reaction time and improves production efficiency.
MolMarker: A Simple Tool for DNA Fingerprinting Studies and Polymorphic Information Content Calculation
Authors: Jahnke Gizella , Smidla József , Poczai Peter
Published: June 2022

Molecular markers and mapping are used to analyze an organism’s genes. They allow the selection of target genetic areas based on marker genotype (and not trait phenotype), facilitate the study of genetic variability and diversity, create linkage maps, and follow individuals or lines carrying certain genes. They may be used to select parental genotypes, remove linkage drag in back-crossing, and choose difficult-to-measure characteristics. Due to a lack of genetic variety in crops, the gene pools of wild crop relatives for future agricultural production have been examined. The invention of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) for linkage mapping allowed for the creation of other traditional approaches such as RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism). Accordingly, the need to describe the polymorphic information content (PIC) of the ideal marker has been raised. Marker selection reliability depends on the marker’s relationship to the genomic area of interest. Although informativeness must be estimated for genetic study design, there are no readily available tools. Earlier, PICcalc was developed to calculate heterozygosity (H) and PIC to simplify molecular investigations. These two values were corrected for dominant and co-dominant markers (binary and allelic data) to determine polymorphism quality. Due to the popularity of PICcalc web, we developed a downloadable version called MolMarker with extra functionality to reduce server maintenance.
Diagnostic Coding Intensity among a Pneumonia Inpatient Cohort Using a Risk-Adjustment Model and Claims Data: A U.S. Population-Based Study
Authors: Mishra Ruchi , Verma Himadri , Aynala Venkata Bhargavi , Arredondo Paul R. , Martin John , Korvink Michael , Gunn Laura H.
Published: June 2022

Hospital payments depend on the Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group’s estimated cost and the set of diagnoses identified during inpatient stays. However, over-coding and under-coding diagnoses can occur for different reasons, leading to financial and clinical consequences. We provide a novel approach to measure diagnostic coding intensity, built on commonly available administrative claims data, and demonstrated through a 2019 pneumonia acute inpatient cohort (N = 182,666). A Poisson additive model (PAM) is proposed to model risk-adjusted additional coded diagnoses. Excess coding intensity per patient visit was estimated as the difference between the observed and PAM-based expected counts of secondary diagnoses upon risk adjustment by patient-level characteristics. Incidence rate ratios were extracted for patient-level characteristics and further adjustments were explored by facility-level characteristics to account for facility and geographical differences. Facility-level factors contribute substantially to explain the remaining variability in excess diagnostic coding, even upon adjusting for patient-level risk factors. This approach can provide hospitals and stakeholders with a tool to identify outlying facilities that may experience substantial differences in processes and procedures compared to peers or general industry standards. The approach does not rely on the availability of clinical information or disease-specific markers, is generalizable to other patient cohorts, and can be expanded to use other sources of information, when available.
Monitoring Protein Denaturation of Egg White Using Passive Microwave Radiometry (MWR)
Authors: Goryanin Igor , Ovchinnikov Lev , Vesnin Sergey , Ivanov Yuri
Published: June 2022

Passive microwave radiometry (MWR) is a measurement technique based on the detection of passive radiation in the microwave spectrum of different objects. When in equilibrium, this radiation is known to be proportional to the thermodynamic temperature of an emitting body. We hypothesize that living systems feature other mechanisms of emission that are based on protein unfolding and water rotational transitions. To understand the nature of these emissions, microwave radiometry was used in several in vitro experiments. In our study, we performed pilot measurements of microwave emissions from egg whites during denaturation induced by ethanol. Egg whites comprise 10% proteins, such as albumins, mucoproteins, and globulins. We observed a novel phenomenon: microwave emissions changed without a corresponding change in the water’s thermodynamic temperature. We also found striking differences between microwave emissions and thermodynamic temperature kinetics. Therefore, we hypothesize that these two processes are unrelated, contrary to what was thought before. It is known that some pathologies such as stroke or brain trauma feature increased microwave emissions. We hypothesize that this phenomenon originates from protein denaturation and is not related to the thermodynamic temperature. As such, our findings could explain the reason for the increase in microwave emissions after trauma and post mortem for the first time. These findings could be used for the development of novel diagnostics methods. The MWR method is inexpensive and does not require fluorescent or radioactive labels. It can be used in different areas of basic and applied pharmaceutical research, including in kinetics studies in biomedicine.
Aggregated Boolean Query Processing for Document Retrieval in Edge Computing
Authors: Qiu Tao , Xie Peiliang , Xia Xiufeng , Zong Chuanyu , Song Xiaoxu
Published: June 2022

Search engines use significant hardware and energy resources to process billions of user queries per day, where Boolean query processing for document retrieval is an essential ingredient. Considering the huge number of users and large scale of the network, traditional query processing mechanisms may not be applicable since they mostly depend on a centralized retrieval method. To remedy this issue, this paper proposes a processing technique for aggregated Boolean queries in the context of edge computing, where each sub-region of the network corresponds to an edge network regulated by an edge server, and the Boolean queries are evaluated in a distributed fashion on the edge servers. This decentralized query processing technique has demonstrated its efficiency and applicability for the document retrieval problem. Experimental results on two real-world datasets show that this technique achieves high query performance and outperforms the traditional centralized methods by 2–3 times.
An Endoscope Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Image Decomposition
Authors: Tan Wei , Xu Chao , Lei Fang , Fang Qianqian , An Ziheng , Wang Dou , Han Jubao , Qian Kai , Feng Bo
Published: June 2022

The visual quality of endoscopic images is a significant factor in early lesion inspection and surgical procedures. However, due to the interference of light sources, hardware, and other configurations, the endoscopic images collected clinically have uneven illumination, blurred details, and contrast. This paper proposed a new endoscopic image enhancement algorithm. The image decomposes into a detail layer and a base layer based on noise suppression. The blood vessel information is stretched by channel in the detail layer, and adaptive brightness correction is performed in the base layer. Finally, Fusion obtained a new endoscopic image. This paper compares the algorithm with six other algorithms in the laboratory dataset. The algorithm is in the leading position in all five objective evaluation metrics, further indicating that the algorithm is ahead of other algorithms in contrast, structural similarity, and peak signal-to-noise ratio. It can effectively highlight the blood vessel information in endoscopic images while avoiding the influence of noise and highlight points. The proposed algorithm can well solve the existing problems of endoscopic images.
Depth Image Denoising Algorithm Based on Fractional Calculus
Authors: Huang Tingsheng , Wang Chunyang , Liu Xuelian
Published: June 2022

Depth images are often accompanied by unavoidable and unpredictable noise. Depth image denoising algorithms mainly attempt to fill hole data and optimise edges. In this paper, we study in detail the problem of effectively filtering the data of depth images under noise interference. The classical filtering algorithm tends to blur edge and texture information, whereas the fractional integral operator can retain more edge and texture information. In this paper, the Grünwald–Letnikov-type fractional integral denoising operator is introduced into the depth image denoising process, and the convolution template of this operator is studied and improved upon to build a fractional integral denoising model and algorithm for depth image denoising. Depth images from the Redwood dataset were used to add noise, and the mask constructed by the fractional integral denoising operator was used to denoise the images by convolution. The experimental results show that the fractional integration order with the best denoising effect was −0.4 ≤ ν ≤ −0.3 and that the peak signal-to-noise ratio was improved by +3 to +6 dB. Under the same environment, median filter denoising had −15 to −30 dB distortion. The filtered depth image was converted to a point cloud image, from which the denoising effect was subjectively evaluated. Overall, the results prove that the fractional integral denoising operator can effectively handle noise in depth images while preserving their edge and texture information and thus has an excellent denoising effect.
WOA (Whale Optimization Algorithm) Optimizes Elman Neural Network Model to Predict Porosity Value in Well Logging Curve
Authors: Sun Youzhuang , Zhang Junhua , Yu Zhengjun , Liu Zhen , Yin Pengbo
Published: June 2022

Porosity is a vital parameter in reservoir research. In the process of oil exploration, reservoir research is very important for oil and gas exploration. Because it is necessary to take cores for indoor test in order to accurately obtain the porosity value of cores, this process consumes significant manpower and material resources. Therefore, this paper introduces the method of machine learning to predict the porosity by using logging curves. This paper creatively develops a WOA (whale optimization algorithm) optimized Elman neural network model to predict porosity through logging parameters PE, DEN, M2R1, AC, GR, R25, R4 and CNL. Porosity measurement is constructed by taking cores for indoor experiments. It contains a total of 328 sample points. The data is divided into training set and test set. The logging parameters are used as the input parameters of the prediction model, and the porosity measured in the laboratory are used as the output parameter. In order to evaluate the performance of the model, RMSE, R2, MAE and VAF evaluation indexes are introduced to evaluate. This paper also introduces the non-optimized Elman neural network and BP neural network to compare with this optimization model. The research shows that the WOA algorithm optimizes the super parameters of the Elman neural network, so that the performance of the WOA–Elman model is better than the Elman neural network model and the BP neural network model.
Analysis of the Heat Transfer Coefficient, Thermal Effusivity and Mathematical Modelling of Drying Kinetics of a Partitioned Single Pass Low-Cost Solar Drying of Cocoyam Chips with Economic Assessments
Authors: Ndukwu Macmanus , Ibeh Mathew , Ekop Inemesit , Abada Ugochukwu , Etim Promise , Bennamoun Lyes , Abam Fidelis , Simo-Tagne Merlin , Gupta Ankur
Published: June 2022

This study examines the heat and mass transfer coefficient, thermal effusivity, and other thermal properties of solar-dried cocoyam chips, as well as the drying kinetics. The research also assessed the economics of the solar dryer. For these reasons, a solar dryer with a partitioned collector was developed that creates a double airflow travel distance to delay the airflow inside the collector. The partitioning of the collector delays the airflow and helps to create more turbulence for the airflow with increased energy. The solar dryer was locally developed at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and tested during the humid crop harvesting period of September for the worst-case scenario. The obtained drying curves and kinetics for cocoyam drying are subjected to the vagaries of weather conditions. The drying rate showed declining sinusoidal characteristics and took about 25 h to attain equilibrium. Analysis of the airflow velocity showed gravitation between laminar and turbulent flow, ranging from 171.69 to 5152.77. Specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and effusivity declined with moisture content while the thermal diffusivity increased. However, the values of thermal effusivity ranged from 12.2 to 47.94 W·s1/2·m−2·K−1, which is within the range of values for insulators. The heat and mass transfer coefficient varied as a function of the airflow velocity. Fitting the drying curve into semi-empirical models showed that the two-term model was the best-fitted model for the experimental data from drying cocoyam. Using the solar dryer in Nigeria can save $188.63–$1886.13 in running costs with a payback period of 0.059–0.59 years (21.54–215.35 days) at a rate of 10–100% of usage.
Fully Decentralized, Cost-Effective Energy Demand Response Management System with a Smart Contracts-Based Optimal Power Flow Solution for Smart Grids
Authors: Merrad Yaçine , Habaebi Mohamed Hadi , Toha  Siti Fauziah , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Gunawan Teddy Surya , Mesri  Mokhtaria
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in control, communication, and management systems, as well as the widespread use of renewable energy sources in homes, have led to the evolution of traditional power grids into smart grids, where passive consumers have become so-called prosumers that feed energy into the grid. On the other hand, the integration of blockchain into the smart grid has enabled the emergence of decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, where prosumers trade their energy as tokenized assets. Even though this new paradigm benefits both distribution grid operators and end users in many ways. Nevertheless, there is a conflict of interest between the two parties, as on the one hand, prosumers want to maximize their profit, while on the other hand, distribution system operators (DSOs) seek an optimal power flow (OPF) operating point. Due to the complexity of formulating and solving OPF problems in the presence of renewable energy sources, researchers have focused on mathematical modeling and effective solution algorithms for such optimization problems. However, the control of power generation according to a defined OPF solution is still based on centralized control and management units owned by the DSO. In this paper, we propose a novel, fully decentralized architecture for an OPF-based demand response management system that uses smart contracts to force generators to comply without the need for a central authority or hardware.
The Impact of Long-Term Care Home Ownership and Administration Type on All-Cause Mortality from March to April 2020 in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Rico Manuel , Béland François , García-López Fernando J.
Published: June 2022

Our aim is to assess whether long-term care home (LTCH) ownership and administration type were associated with all-cause mortality in 470 LTCHs in the Community of Madrid (Spain) during March and April 2020, the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are eight categories of LTCH type, including various combinations of ownership type (for-profit, nonprofit, and public) and administration type (completely private, private with places rented by the public sector, administrative management by procurement, and completely public). Multilevel regression was used to examine the association between mortality and LTCH type, adjusting for LTCH size, the spread of the COVID-19 infection, and the referral hospital. There were 9468 deaths, a mortality rate of 18.3%. Public and private LTCHs had lower mortality than LTCHs under public–private partnership (PPP) agreements. In the fully adjusted model, mortality was 7.4% (95% CI, 3.1–11.7%) in totally public LTCHs compared with 21.9% (95% CI, 17.4–26.4%) in LTCHs which were publicly owned with administrative management by procurement. These results are a testimony to the fatal consequences that pre-pandemic public–private partnerships in long-term residential care led to during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Community of Madrid, Spain.
Changes in Soil Microbial Community and Carbon Flux Regime across a Subtropical Montane Peatland-to-Forest Successional Series in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chun-Yao , Lai I-Ling , Chang Shih-Chieh
Published: June 2022

Subtropical montane peatland is among several rare ecosystems that continue to receive insufficient scientific exploration. We analyzed the vegetation types and soil bacterial composition, as well as surface carbon dioxide and methane fluxes along a successional peatland-to-upland-forest series in one such ecosystem in Taiwan. The Yuanyang Lake (YYL) study site is characterized by low temperature, high precipitation, prevailing fog, and acidic soil, which are typical conditions for the surrounding dominant Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana forest. Bacterial communities were dominated by Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria. Along the bog-to-forest gradient, Proteobacteria decreased and Acidobacteriota increased while CO2 fluxes increased and CH4 fluxes decreased. Principal coordinate analysis allowed separating samples into four clusters, which correspond to samples from the bog, marsh, forest, and forest outside of the watershed. The majority of bacterial genera were found in all plots, suggesting that these communities can easily switch to other types. Variation among samples from the same vegetation type suggests influence of habitat heterogeneity on bacterial community composition. Variations of soil water content and season caused the variations of carbon fluxes. While CO2 flux decreased exponentially with increasing soil water content, the CH4 fluxes exhibited an exponential increase together with soil water content. Because YYL is in a process of gradual terrestrialization, especially under the warming climate, we expect changes in microbial composition and the greenhouse gas budget at the landscape scale within the next decades.
Phenotypic Variation in Seed Morphochemical and Seedling Traits in Four Chinese Provenances of Xanthoceras sorbifolium
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Wang Kexin , Zhang Zishuo , Ou Lijin , Luo Xiaofei , Zhu Fei , Hirst Peter M. , Ao Yan
Published: June 2022

Variability in seed and seedling traits of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge was evaluated at the population level. Seed samples were collected from four provenances in China and examined for variations in morphometric traits, chemical components, and seedling growth in the nursery stage. There were significant differences in the seed length, width, dry weight, 1000-seed weight, oil concentration, Mg and Cu concentrations, root biomass, and root–stem biomass ratio. The largest seed in terms of size and weight was from Ongniud Banner, Inner Mongolia (OB), but these seeds also had the lowest seed oil concentration. At the end of the first growing season in the nursery, seedlings stopped growing one month earlier in height than in diameter. The provenance difference in height was significant at the first 2 months after sowing but disappeared later. Genotypic variance (Vg) was found to be higher than corresponding environmental (Ve) variance for seed length, seed width, seed dry weight, 1000-seed weight, diameter, and root biomass, indicating that these parameters were strongly inherited and there was ample scope for improvement. Moreover, correlations between seed and seedling traits and climatic and geographical factors were assessed. Some significant intercharacter correlations were found, such as between seed length, width and seed weight, between oil concentration and seed size, and between seedling height, diameter, and root biomass. Combining the seed- and seedling-related parameters, our results indicated that Mulei, Xinjiang (ML) may be used as an ideal material for a further improvement program.
Effects of Rubber Seed Kernel Fermented with Yeast on Feed Utilization, Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Protein Synthesis in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Gunun Nirawan , Ouppamong Thanaporn , Khejornsart Pichad , Cherdthong Anusorn , Wanapat Metha , Polyorach Sineenart , Kaewpila Chatchai , Kang Sungchhang , Gunun Pongsatorn
Published: June 2022

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been used to improve the nutritive value of feedstuffs, especially rubber seed kernel. In the current study, rubber seed kernel was grated and subjected to solid-state fermentation with yeast to enhance the nutritive value. The yeast-fermented rubber seed kernel (YERSEK) was substituted for soybean meal in ruminant diets to evaluate the effect of YERSEK on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in dairy heifers. Five Holstein Friesian crossbred heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 215 ± 20 kg were used in this research. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin squared design and the dietary treatments were five levels of YERSEK at 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg dry matter in concentrate at 1% of BW, with rice straw fed ad libitum. The supplementation with YERSEK reduced rice straw and total DM intake linearly (p < 0.05). The intake of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased linearly (p < 0.05), while ether extract intake increased linearly (p < 0.01) with YERSEK supplementation. The ether extract digestibility tended to be high (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of YERSEK. Supplementation with the YERSEK did not change (p > 0.05) ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen in this study, but ruminal ammonia nitrogen was increased (p < 0.01) in the heifers receiving YERSEK. Increasing the YERSEK levels did not adversely affect the proportion of volatile fatty acids (VFA), which included acetate, propionate and butyrate and the microbial population (p > 0.05). Microbial protein synthesis was similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). The inclusion of YERSEK at 250 g/kg DM in concentrate feed had no effect on the utilization of feed, rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis. The YERSEK could be used as a protein replacement for up to 86% of the soybean meal in feed concentrate for dairy heifers.
6G to Take the Digital Divide by Storm: Key Technologies and Trends to Bridge the Gap
Authors: Suraci Chiara , Pizzi Sara , Montori Federico , Di Felice Marco , Araniti Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has shed light on the urgency of bridging the digital divide to guarantee equity in the fruition of different services by all citizens. The inability to access the digital world may be due to a lack of network infrastructure, which we refer to as service-delivery divide, or to the physical conditions, handicaps, age, or digital illiteracy of the citizens, that is mentioned as service-fruition divide. In this paper, we discuss the way how future sixth-generation (6G) systems can remedy actual limitations in the realization of a truly digital world. Hence, we introduce the key technologies for bridging the digital gap and show how they can work in two use cases of particular importance, namely eHealth and education, where digital inequalities have been dramatically augmented by the pandemic. Finally, considerations about the socio-economical impacts of future 6G solutions are drawn.
Selection and Characterization of DNA Aptamers for Constructing Aptamer-AuNPs Colorimetric Method for Detection of AFM1
Authors: Liu Ruobing , Zhang Fuyuan , Sang Yaxin , Liu Minxuan , Shi Minghui , Wang Xianghong
Published: June 2022

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), one of the most toxic mycotoxins, is a feed and food contaminant of global concern. To isolate the ssDNA aptamer of AFM1, synthesized magnetic graphene oxide nanomaterials, 12 rounds of subtractive systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) selection were carried out. As a result, 24 candidate aptamers were selected, and their sequence similarity exceeded 97%. Their binding affinity and specificity were further examined by fluorescence and biofilm interferometry (BLI) methods. One aptamer (Apt-5) against AFM1 with a high affinity and specificity was isolated and demonstrated to be the optimal aptamer, whose dissociation constant reached the nanomolar level, Kd = 8.12 ± 1.51 nM. Additionally, molecular docking studies were used to predict the possible binding sites and mechanisms of the two. Based on Apt-5, an unlabeled aptamer-AuNPs colorimetric method was established to detect AFM1 in milk with a linear range of 0.078–10 ng/mL, and the actual detection limit was 0.078 ng/mL. These results demonstrated that this detection technique could be useful for the quantitative determination of AFM1 in milk and dairy products.
Effect of Apple Consumption on Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in Normal Glucose Tolerance People versus Those with Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Inoue Yutaka , Cormanes Lianne , Yoshimura Kana , Sano Aiko , Hori Yumiko , Suzuki Ryuichiro , Kanamoto Ikuo
Published: June 2022

The present study investigated the effect of apple consumption on postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels in subjects with normal versus impaired glucose tolerance. The study participants were ten healthy subjects with no glucose intolerance (normal subjects) (mean, 24.4 ± 4.8 years) and nine subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (mean, 45.2 ± 11.1 years, including 2 on insulin therapy). The test meal included white rice (148 g) and a Fuji apple (150 g). The normal subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the apple-first group, wherein the subjects consumed white rice 5 min after consuming the apple, and the rice-first group, wherein the subjects consumed an apple 5 min after consuming the white rice. Blood samples were then taken from both groups for 3 h. In addition, the subjects with impaired glucose tolerance received the same treatment as the normal subjects, with the difference being glucose level monitoring according to the order in which the apples were consumed. In the normal subjects, the Cmax of Δblood glucose and Δinsulin levels were 54.0 ± 5.0 mg/dL and 61.9 ± 7.2 µU/dL versus 46.2 ± 5.9 mg/dL and 49.8 ± 8.5 µU/dL in the rice-first and apple-first groups, respectively. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of insulin tended to decrease in the apple-first group. In the impaired glucose tolerance subjects, the Cmax of Δblood glucose was 75.2 ± 7.2 mg/dL in the apple-first group compared to 90.0 ± 10.0 mg/dL in the rice-first group, which was a significant difference (p < 0.05). The iAUC of blood glucose was lower in the apple-first group. Eating an apple before a meal may be a simple and effective strategy for managing the glycaemic response in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance.
Short vs. Long-Distance Avocado Supply Chains: Life Cycle Assessment Impact Associated to Transport and Effect of Fruit Origin and Supply Conditions Chain on Primary and Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Pedreschi Romina , Ponce Excequel , Hernández Ignacia , Fuentealba Claudia , Urbina Antonio , González-Fernández Jose J. , Hormaza Jose I. , Campos David , Chirinos Rosana , Aguayo Encarna
Published: June 2022

Avocado consumption and trade are increasing worldwide, with North America and Europe being the main importing regions. Spain is the major European avocado producer (90% of the production), yet it only supplies 10% of the market. Consequently, more than 90% of the avocados consumed in Europe are imported from overseas, mainly from Chile and Peru. In this work, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) impact associated with the transport of two avocado supply chains (short (Spanish) and long (Chilean)) and the effect of the fruit origin and distance of both chains on primary and secondary metabolites from harvest to edible ripeness were evaluated using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (LC-DAD) based metabolite analysis. The LCA transport impact of the fresh supply chain from production centers in Chile (Quillota) and Spain (Malaga), and then the distribution to several cities in Europe, suggested road export from Spain to European capitals to have the lowest impact (0.14 to 0.22 kg CO2 eq/kg of avocado). When export from Chile was considered, the option of oceanic freight to European ports closer to final destinations was clearly a better option (0.21 to 0.26 kg CO2 eq/kg) than via the Algeciras port in Spain followed by road transport to final destinations in European capitals (0.34 to 0.43 kg CO2 eq/kg), although the situation could be somewhat different if the avocados are transported from the destination ports in northern Europe to long-distance capitals in other European countries. Fruit origin had a significant impact on avocado primary and secondary metabolites. The conditions of the supply chain itself (10 d in cold storage in regular conditions vs. 30 d cold storage + controlled atmosphere conditions) largely influence the fate of some metabolites that certainly affect the pool of metabolites at edible ripeness. The long-assumed hypothesis that the longer the supply chain the more negative impact on nutritional and functional compounds might not hold in this case, as long as transport conditions are adequate in terms of temperature, atmosphere conditions, and time considering distance from origin to destination.
Co-Expression Analysis Reveals Differential Expression of Homologous Genes Associated with Specific Terpenoid Biosynthesis in Rehmannia glutinosa
Authors: Kang Ji-Nam , Han Jong-Won , Yang So-Hee , Lee Si-Myung
Published: June 2022

Terpenoids are naturally occurring compounds involved in respiration, photosynthesis, membrane fluidity, and pathogen interactions and are classified according to the structure of their carbon skeleton. Although most terpenoids possess pharmacological activity, knowledge about terpenoid metabolism in medicinal plants is insufficient. Rehmannia glutinosa (R. glutinosa) is a traditional herb that is widely used in East Asia and has been reported to contain various terpenoids. In this study, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of terpenoid metabolism in R. glutinosa using two RNA sequencing platforms: Illumina and PacBio. The results show that the sterol, saponin, iridoid, and carotenoid pathways are active in R. glutinosa. Sterol and saponin biosynthesis were mevalonate pathway dependent, whereas iridoid and carotenoid biosynthesis were methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway dependent. In addition, we found that the homologous genes of key enzymes involved in terpenoid metabolism were expressed differentially and that the differential expression of these genes was associated with specific terpenoid biosynthesis. The different expression of homologous genes encoding acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, mevalonate kinase, mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, squalene synthase, and squalene epoxidase was associated with sterol and saponin biosynthesis. Homologous genes encoding 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase were also differentially expressed and were associated with carotenoid and iridoid biosynthesis. These results suggest that the biosynthesis of specific terpenoids can be regulated by the homologous of key enzymes involved in plant terpenoid metabolism.
Help-Seeking in Informal Family Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Qualitative Study with iSupport as a Case in Point
Authors: Messina Anna , Amati Rebecca , Albanese Emiliano , Fiordelli Maddalena
Published: June 2022

Supportive measures and training interventions can improve the care of people with dementia and reduce the burden on informal caregivers, whose needs remain largely unmet. iSupport is an evidence-based online intervention developed by the World Health Organization to provide support and self-guided education to informal family caregivers of people with dementia. This qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators in the access and use of supportive measures for family caregivers of people with dementia living in Southern Switzerland (Ticino). We conducted five focus groups and explored experiences, beliefs, and attitudes toward seeking help (SH), and used thematic analysis to identify key themes. Participants (N = 13) reported a general reluctance to SH. We identified four main barriers to SH: high level of burden; sense of duty; fear of being misunderstood by others; and difficulty in reaching information. We also identified facilitators of help seeking behaviors and unveiled the need of caregivers to be assisted by a dementia case manager to facilitate access to support resources. Local services and interventions should be adapted to caregivers’ needs and expectations, with the aim of facilitating the acceptance of, access to, and service integration of existing and future support measures, including iSupport.
A Comparison of the Effects of Short-Term Physical and Combined Multi-Modal Training on Cognitive Functions
Authors: Kardys Claudia , Küper Kristina , Getzmann Stephan , Falkenstein Michael , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: June 2022

Physical training has beneficial effects not only on physical fitness, but also on cognitive functions. The most effective way to improve cognitive functions via physical training as well as the degree to which training effects transfer to untrained cognitive functions is still unclear, however. Here, we investigated the effects of adaptive and multi-modal short-term training interventions on cognitive training gains and transfer effects. Over a period of 12 weeks, 102 employees of a car manufacturing company (age range 20 to 61 years) received trainer-guided exercises, consisting of either two adaptive training interventions, physical (strength) training and multi-modal (motor–cognitive) training, or non-adaptive strength training (active control group). For the multi-modal intervention, the “Agility Board” was employed, a novel, multi-modal training device. Pre- and post-training, psychometric tests were conducted to measure cognitive abilities, such as perceptual speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, inhibition, and mental rotation. In addition, motor–cognitive performance was assessed. Compared with the active control group, both training groups showed enhanced performance at posttest. While multi-modal training yielded performance improvements only in trained tasks, physical training was associated with improvements in untrained working memory updating and immediate recall tasks, suggesting transfer effects to short-term and working memory functioning. In summary, the results demonstrate the importance of adaptive difficulty settings for short-term physical training interventions, at least for the enhancement of working memory.
The Association of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and Liver Injury in US Adults
Authors: Babekir Amani , Mostafa Sayed , Minor Radiah C. , Williams Leonard L. , Harrison Scott H. , Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel
Published: June 2022

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a ubiquitous obligatory intracellular parasite which infects over 40 million Americans and causes toxoplasmosis. Inside the human body, T. gondii can damage tissues and invade vital organs. Methods: This study evaluated the association of T. gondii infection and liver disease using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010, with a sample size of 3371 participants (age 20–80 years). Toxoplasma infection was determined by the level of T. gondii IgG antibody in serum samples. Liver disease was assessed by liver injury biomarkers and the Fatty Liver Index (US-FLI). The evaluation of the association between T. gondii infection and liver disease included the calculation of the Mantel–Haenszel risk ratio (RRMH), Rho-Scott chi-square bivariate analyses, design-based t-tests, and linear and logistic regression models which were adjusted for demographic and anthropometric covariates. Results: Mean levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly more elevated in the T. gondii IgG-positive (IgG+) participants as compared to T. gondii-negative (IgG−) participants, p = 0.0435 and 0.0310, respectively. In linear regression analysis, exposure to T. gondii IgG+ had statistically significant positive associations with AST (p = 0.0211), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p = 0.0221), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.0258) after adjusting for BMI, age, gender, and race. T. gondii exposure was associated with an elevated relative risk of chronic liver disease (CLD) (RRMH = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05–1.51). This association was more pronounced in certain occupations, such as construction, agriculture, forestry, and fishing, where Toxoplasma infection is more common (p = 0.0477). Moreover, Toxoplasma infection increased the odds of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (OR = 6.99, 95% CI = 1.85–26.32, p = 0.0237). Conclusion: T. gondii IgG+ antibody was significantly associated with liver injury biomarkers (ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP) and an increased risk of CLD and NAFLD. Moreover, the association of Toxoplasma with CLD was more evident in specific occupations where the prevalence of Toxoplasma was high. The findings of this study provide insight into utilizing liver biomarkers and US-FLI to assess the health complications of Toxoplasma when imaging tests are not accessible.
Factors Affecting the Risk of Diabetes Development among Brazilian Residents in Japan
Authors: Mizohata Satoko , Uesugi Yuko , Matsuo Hiroya
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to uncover the risk of diabetes and its associated factors among Brazilian residents in Japan. An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among Brazilians living in Japan who were aged >40 years. The questionnaire collected data on the participants’ Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), basic demographics, and health conditions. The analysis was based on the FINDRISC to assess factors affecting the risk of diabetes. Among the 181 participants (mean age, 52.9 years), 77 and 104 were men and women, respectively; 26 (14.3%) people were diagnosed with diabetes. The participants were categorized into high- and low-risk groups based on a FINDRISC value of ≥12 and ≤11, respectively. The high-risk group, 26 [17.7%] patients, contained a significantly higher proportion whose education level was less than elementary school, who were unable to speak Japanese, and whose diets contained little feijoa than the low-risk group. Feijoa is a local Brazilian bean dish that is low in fat and calories but contains high protein content, which helps prevent diabetes. Our findings suggest that increased health literacy is important for controlling chronic diseases, including diabetes.
The Therapeutic Potential of Milk Extracellular Vesicles on Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Babaker Manal A. , Aljoud Fadwa A. , Alkhilaiwi Faris , Algarni Abdulrahman , Ahmed Asif , Khan Mohammad Imran , Saadeldin Islam M. , Alzahrani Faisal A.
Published: June 2022

Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading prevalent cancers in the world and is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer. Unfortunately, the currently utilized chemotherapies fail in selectively targeting cancer cells and cause harm to healthy cells, which results in profound side effects. Researchers are focused on developing anti-cancer targeted medications, which is essential to making them safer, more effective, and more selective and to maximizing their therapeutic benefits. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from camels and cows have attracted much attention as a natural substitute product that effectively suppresses a wide range of tumor cells. This review sheds light on the biogenesis, methods of isolation, characterization, and molecular composition of milk EVs as well as the therapeutic potentials of milk EVs on colorectal cancer.
MCD Diet Rat Model Induces Alterations in Zinc and Iron during NAFLD Progression from Steatosis to Steatohepatitis
Authors: Palladini Giuseppina , Di Pasqua Laura Giuseppina , Cagna Marta , Croce Anna Cleta , Perlini Stefano , Mannucci Barbara , Profumo Antonella , Ferrigno Andrea , Vairetti Mariapia
Published: June 2022

We evaluate the effects of the methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet on serum and hepatic zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) and their relationships with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their modulators (TIMPs and RECK) as well as hepatic fatty acids using male Wistar rats fed 2-, 4- and 8-week MCD diets. Serum and hepatic Zn decrease after an 8-week MCD diet. Serum Fe increases after an 8-week MCD diet and the same occurs for hepatic Fe. An increase in hepatic MMP activity, associated with a decrease in RECK and TIMPs, is found in the MCD 8-week group. Liver Fe shows a positive correlation versus MMPs and RECK, and an inverse correlation versus TIMPs. A positive correlation is found comparing liver Zn with stearic, vaccenic and arachidonic acids, and an inverse correlation is found with linolenic and docosatetraenoic acids. An opposite trend is found between liver Fe versus these fatty acids. During NAFLD progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis, MCD rats exhibit an increase in Zn and a decrease in Fe levels both in serum and tissue associated with alterations in hepatic MMPs and their inhibitors, and fatty acids. The correlations detected between Zn and Fe versus extracellular matrix modulators and fatty acids support their potential role as therapeutic targets.
Effects of Oral Health Interventions in People with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Remijn Lianne , Sanchez Fabiola , Heijnen Bas J. , Windsor Catriona , Speyer Renée
Published: June 2022

People with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) are at risk of developing aspiration pneumonia. However, there is no “best practice” for oral health interventions to improve swallowing-related outcomes, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia, and oral health in people with OD. Systematic literature searches were conducted for oral health interventions in OD in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO until July 2021. Original articles published in English and reporting pre- and post-intervention measurements were included. The methodology and reporting were guided by the PRISMA checklist. The methodological quality of the eight included studies was rated using the QualSyst critical appraisal tool. The oral health interventions in people with OD were diverse. This study shows little evidence that regular oral care and the free water protocol or oral disinfection reduced the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in people with OD. Oral cleaning, twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste in combination with intraoral cleaning or the free water protocol, proved to be the most promising intervention to improve oral health. The effect of improved oral health status on swallowing-related outcomes could not be established. Increasing awareness of the importance of oral health and implementing practical oral care guidelines for people involved in the daily care of people with OD are recommended.
Unexplained Left Ventricular Hypertrophy with Symptomatic High-Grade Atrioventricular Block in Elderly Patients: A Case Report
Authors: Yu Tzu-Ping , Chen Ju-Yi
Published: June 2022

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common among older adults. Amidst all causes, Fabry disease (FD) should be considered when LVH occurs with family history, specific clinical manifestations, or cardiac alert signs. Here, we report a case of a 76-year-old male who presented late onset concentric LVH with symptomatic high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block. After dual-chamber pacemaker implantation, interrogation revealed frequent right ventricular (RV) pacing with a wide QRS duration. The patient developed heart failure symptoms with rapid deterioration of LV systolic function. Pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) was suspected, and the pacemaker was upgraded to biventricular pacing. Further FD surveys were performed, including biochemical examinations, cardiac biopsies, and genetic sequencing, and the patient was ultimately diagnosed with a cardiac variant of FD. Particularly, we strongly suggest that physiologic pacing should be initially considered for patients with FD who have symptomatic high-grade AV block, rather than traditional RV pacing to prevent PICM.
Evaluating a Novel Treatment Adapting a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Approach for Sexuality Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Case Design with Nonconcurrent Multiple Baselines
Authors: Fraser Elinor E. , Downing Marina G. , Haines Kerrie , Bennett Linda , Olver John , Ponsford Jennie L.
Published: June 2022

There has been little progress in development of evidence-based interventions to improve sexuality outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an individualised intervention using a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) framework to treat sexuality problems after TBI. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline single-case design with 8-week follow-up and randomisation to multiple baseline lengths (3, 4, or 6 weeks) was repeated across nine participants (five female) with complicated mild–severe TBI (mean age = 46.44 years (SD = 12.67), mean post-traumatic amnesia = 29.14 days (SD = 29.76), mean time post-injury = 6.56 years (median = 2.50 years, SD = 10.11)). Treatment comprised eight weekly, individual sessions, combining behavioural, cognitive, and educational strategies to address diverse sexuality problems. Clinical psychologists adopted a flexible, patient-centred, and goal-orientated approach whilst following a treatment guide and accommodating TBI-related impairments. Target behaviour was subjective ratings of satisfaction with sexuality, measured three times weekly. Secondary outcomes included measures of sexuality, mood, self-esteem, and participation. Goal attainment scaling (GAS) was used to measure personally meaningful goals. Preliminary support was shown for intervention effectiveness, with most cases demonstrating sustained improvements in subjective sexuality satisfaction and GAS goal attainment. Based on the current findings, larger clinical trials are warranted.