bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The deubiquitinating enzyme MINDY2 promotes pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by stabilizing ACTN4 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Songbai , Zhu Changhao , Li Yongning , Li Ying , Fei Xiaobin , Hou Junyi , Wang Xing , Pan Yaozhen
Published: May 2023

The pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer (PC) are still not fully understood. Ubiquitination modifications have a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. Yet, the role of MINDY2, a member of the motif interacting with Ub-containing novel DUB family (MINDY), as a newly identified deubiquitinating enzyme, in PC is still unclear. In this study, we found that MINDY2 expression is elevated in PC tissue (clinical samples) and was associated with poor prognosis. We also found that MINDY2 is associated with pro-carcinogenic factors such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammatory response, and angiogenesis; the ROC curve suggested that MINDY2 has a high diagnostic value in PC. Immunological correlation analysis suggested that MINDY2 is deeply involved in immune cell infiltration in PC and is associated with immune checkpoint-related genes. In vivo and in vitro experiments further suggested that elevated MINDY2 promotes PC proliferation, invasive metastasis, and EMT. Meanwhile, actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4) was identified as a MINDY2-interacting protein by mass spectrometry and other experiments, and ACTN4 protein levels were significantly correlated with MINDY2 expression. The ubiquitination assay confirmed that MINDY2 stabilizes the ACTN4 protein level by deubiquitination. The pro-oncogenic effect of MINDY2 was significantly inhibited by silencing ACTN4. Bioinformatics Analysis and Western blot experiments further confirmed that MINDY2 stabilizes ACTN4 through deubiquitination and thus activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, we identified the oncogenic role and mechanism of MINDY2 in PC, suggesting that MINDY2 is a viable candidate gene for PC and may be a therapeutic target and critical prognostic indicator.
Novel targeted drugs for follicular and marginal zone lymphoma: a comprehensive review
Authors: Rivero Andrea , Mozas Pablo , Magnano Laura , López-Guillermo Armando
Published: May 2023

Although mostly incurable, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas (iNHL) are chronic diseases with a median overall survival approaching 20 years. In recent years, important advances in the knowledge of the biology of these lymphomas have led to the development of new drugs, mostly chemotherapy-free, with promising outcomes. With a median age of around 70 years at diagnosis, many patients with iNHL suffer from comorbid conditions that may limit treatment options. Therefore, nowadays, in the transition towards personalized medicine, several challenges lie ahead, such as identifying predictive markers for the selection of treatment, the adequate sequencing of available therapies, and the management of new and accumulated toxicities. In this review, we include a perspective on recent therapeutic advances in follicular and marginal zone lymphoma. We describe emerging data on approved and emerging novel therapies, such as targeted therapies (PI3K inhibitors, BTK inhibitors, EZH2 inhibitors), monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates. Finally, we describe immune-directed approaches such as combinations with lenalidomide or the even more innovative bispecific T-cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, which can achieve a high rate of durable responses with manageable toxicities, further obviating the need for chemotherapy.
Phase I study of intra-osseous co-transplantation of a single-unit cord blood and mesenchymal stromal cells with reduced intensity conditioning regimens
Authors: Wang Jiasheng , Sanati Farhad , Firoozmand Amin , Fu Pingfu , Kolk Merle , Reese-Koc Jane , de Lima Marcos , Boughan Kirsten , Cooper Brenda , Caimi Paolo , Gallogly Molly , Otegbeye Folashade , Tomlinson Benjamin , Metheny Leland
Published: May 2023

Cord blood (CB) is a valuable graft source for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) who lack human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors. However, single-unit CB-HCT is limited by the insufficient cell dose and slow engraftment. To overcome these limitations, we combined a single-unit CB with third-party healthy donors’ bone marrow (BM) derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to improve engraftment and injected intra-osseously (IO) to enhance homing. In this phase I clinical trial, six patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies were enrolled and received allogeneic HCT using reduced intensity conditioning regimens. The primary objective was to determine the engraftment rate at day 42. The median age of enrolled patients was 68 years, and only one patient was in complete remission at the time of HCT. The median CB total nucleated cell dose was 3.2x107/kg. No serious adverse events were reported. Two patients had early deaths due to persistent disease and multi-drug resistant bacterial infection, respectively. Of the remaining four evaluable patients, all had successful neutrophil engraftment in a median of 17.5 days. No grade 3 or higher acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) was observed, and only one patient developed moderate-extensive chronic GvHD. In conclusion, IO co-transplantation of a single-unit CB and MSCs was feasible and resulted in a reasonable engraftment rate in these very high-risk patients.
Identification of novel urine proteomic biomarkers for high stamina in high-altitude adaptation
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Guo Ge , Li Xin , Shen Yanying , Xu Xiang , Chen Yibing , Li Hanlu , Hao Jianxiu , He Kunlun
Published: May 2023

Introduction: We aimed to identify urine biomarkers for screening individuals with adaptability to high-altitude hypoxia with high stamina levels. Although most non-high-altitude natives experience rapid decline in physical ability when ascending to high altitudes, some individuals with high-altitude adaptability continue to maintain high endurance levels.

Methods: We divided the study population into two groups: the LC group (low change in endurance from low to high altitude) and HC group (high change in endurance from low to high altitude). We performed blood biochemistry testing for individuals at high altitudes and sea level. We used urine peptidome profiling to compare the HH (high-altitude with high stamina) and HL (high-altitude with low stamina) groups and the LC and HC groups to identify urine biomarkers.

Results: Routine blood tests revealed that the concentration of white blood cells, lymphocytes and platelets were significantly higher in the HH group than in the HL group. Urine peptidome profiling showed that the proteins ITIH1, PDCD1LG2, NME1-NME2, and CSPG4 were significantly differentially expressed between the HH and HL groups, which was tested using ELISA. Urine proteomic analysis showed that LRG1, NID1, VASN, GPX3, ACP2, and PRSS8 were urine proteomic biomarkers of high stamina during high-altitude adaptation.

Conclusion: This study provides a novel approach for identifying potential biomarkers for screening individuals who can adapt to high altitudes with high stamina.
Effects of EMG-based robot for upper extremity rehabilitation on post-stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huo Yunxia , Wang Xiaohan , Zhao Weihua , Hu Huijing , Li Le
Published: May 2023

Objective: A growing body of research shows the promise and efficacy of EMG-based robot interventions in improving the motor function in stroke survivors. However, it is still controversial whether the effect of EMG-based robot is more effective than conventional therapies. This study focused on the effects of EMG-based robot on upper limb motor control, spasticity and activity limitation in stroke survivors compared with conventional rehabilitation techniques.

Methods: We searched electronic databases for relevant randomized controlled trials. Outcomes included Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and activity level.

Result: Thirteen studies with 330 subjects were included. The results showed that the outcomes post intervention was significantly improved in the EMG-based robot group. Results from subgroup analyses further revealed that the efficacy of the treatment was better in patients in the subacute stage, those who received a total treatment time of less than 1000 min, and those who received EMG-based robotic therapy combined with electrical stimulation (ES).

Conclusion: The effect of EMG-based robot is superior to conventional therapies in terms of improving upper extremity motor control, spasticity and activity limitation. Further research should explore optimal parameters of EMG-based robot therapy and its long-term effects on upper limb function in post-stroke patients.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Identifier: 387070.
Gut microbiota composition and gene expression changes induced in the Apis cerana exposed to acetamiprid and difenoconazole at environmentally realistic concentrations alone or combined
Authors: Han Wensu , Ye Zheyuan , Gu Yifan , Zhong Yihai , Gao Jinglin , Zhao Shan , Wang Shijie
Published: May 2023

Apis cerana is an important pollinator of agricultural crops in China. In the agricultural environment, A. cerana may be exposed to acetamiprid (neonicotinoid insecticide) and difenoconazole (triazole fungicide), alone or in combination because they are commonly applied to various crops. At present, our understanding of the toxicological effects of acetamiprid and difenoconazole on honey bee gut microbiomes is limited. The primary objective of this study was to explore whether these two pesticides affect honey bees’ gut microbiota and to analyze the transcriptional effects of these two pesticides on honey bees’ head and gut. In this study, adults of A. cerana were exposed to acetamiprid and/or difenoconazole by contaminated syrup at field-realistic concentrations for 10 days. Results indicated that acetamiprid and/or difenoconazole chronic exposure did not affect honey bees’ survival and food consumption, whereas difenoconazole decreased the weight of honey bees. 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that difenoconazole and the mixture of difenoconazole and acetamiprid decreased the diversity index and shaped the composition of gut bacteria microbiota, whereas acetamiprid did not impact the gut bacterial community. The ITS sequence data showed that neither of the two pesticides affected the fungal community structure. Meanwhile, we also observed that acetamiprid or difenoconazole significantly altered the expression of genes related to detoxification and immunity in honey bees’ tissues. Furthermore, we observed that the adverse effect of the acetamiprid and difenoconazole mixture on honey bees’ health was greater than that of a single mixture. Taken together, our study demonstrates that acetamiprid and/or difenoconazole exposure at field-realistic concentrations induced changes to the honey bee gut microbiome and gene expression.
The molecular conformation, but not disaggregation, of humic acid in water solution plays a crucial role in promoting plant development in the natural environment
Authors: Aranaz Javier , de Hita David , Olaetxea Maite , Urrutia Oscar , Fuentes Marta , Baigorri Roberto , Garnica Maria , Movila Maria , Zamarreño Angel M. , Erro Javier , Baquero Enrique , Gonzalez-Gaitano Gustavo , Alvarez Jose Ignacio , Garcia-Mina Jose M.
Published: May 2023

Many studies have shown the capacity of soil humic substances (HS) to improve plant growth in natural ecosystems. This effect involves the activation of different processes within the plant at different coordinated molecular, biochemical, and physiological levels. However, the first event triggered by plant root-HS interaction remains unclear. Some studies suggest the hypothesis that the interaction of HS with root exudates involves relevant modification of the molecular conformation of humic self-assembled aggregates, including disaggregation, which might be directly involved in the activation of root responses. To investigate this hypothesis, we have prepared two humic acids. A natural humic acid (HA) and a transformed humic acid obtained from the treatment of HA with fungal laccase (HA enz). We have tested the capacity of the two humic acids to affect plant growth (cucumber and Arabidopsis) and complex Cu. Laccase-treatment did not change the molecular size but increased hydrophobicity, molecular compactness and stability, and rigidity of HA enz. Laccase-treatment avoided the ability of HA to promote shoot- and root-growth in cucumber and Arabidopsis. However, it does not modify Cu complexation features. There is no molecular disaggregation upon the interaction of HA and HA enz with plant roots. The results indicate that the interaction with plant roots induced in both HA and laccase-treated HA (HA enz), changes in their structural features that showed higher compactness and rigidity. These events might result from the interaction of HA and HA enz with specific root exudates that can promote intermolecular crosslinking. In summary, the results indicate that the weakly bond stabilized aggregated conformation (supramolecular-like) of HA plays a crucial role in its ability to promote root and shoot growth. The results also indicate the presence of two main types of HS in the rhizosphere corresponding to those non-interacting with plant roots (forming aggregated molecular assemblies) and those produced after interacting with plant root exudates (forming stable macromolecules).
Reliability and validity study of the Thai adaptation of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey among preclinical medical students at a medical school in Thailand
Authors: Wongtrakul Wasit , Dangprapai Yodying , Saisavoey Nattha , Sa-nguanpanich Naratip
Published: May 2023

Burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of professional efficacy. A considerable proportion of medical students experience burnout syndrome during their educational training. Therefore, this issue has become a major concern in the medical education community. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) is the most widely used assessment of burnout syndrome among college students, including preclinical medical students. Therefore, our objective was to culturally modify and validate the MBI-SS in a Thai context for use with preclinical medical students. The MBI-SS comprises 16 items, including five items for emotional exhaustion, five items for cynicism, and six items for academic efficacy. Four hundred and twenty-six preclinical medical students participated in this study. We randomly divided the samples into two equivalent subsamples of 213 participants. The first subsample was used to calculate McDonald’s omega coefficients to assess internal consistency and to perform exploratory factor analysis. McDonald’s omega coefficients for exhaustion, cynicism, and academic efficacy were 0.877, 0.844, and 0.846, respectively. The scree plot from the unweighted least squares estimation and a direct oblimin rotation, supplemented with Horn’s parallel analysis and the Hull method, revealed three major factors of the Thai MBI-SS. Due to the violation of the multivariate normality assumption in the second subsample, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis with the unweighted least squares with a mean and variance adjusted estimation approach. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed favorable goodness-of-fit indices. Data from 187 out of 426 participants (43.9%), who completed a second questionnaire, were utilized to evaluate test–retest reliability. The correlation coefficients for test–retest reliability with a three-week period between tests were 0.724, 0.760, and 0.769 for the exhaustion, cynicism, and academic efficacy domains, respectively (all p < 0.05). This indicates that the Thai MBI-SS is a valid and reliable instrument to assess burnout syndrome in our Thai preclinical medical student population.
Auditory affective content facilitates time-to-contact estimation of visual affective targets
Authors: Lu Feifei , Li You , Yang Jiajia , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

Reacting to a moving object requires an ability to estimate when a moving object reaches its destination, also referred to as the time-to-contact (TTC) estimation. Although the TTC estimation of threatening visually moving objects is known to be underestimated, the effect of the affective content of auditory information on visual TTC estimation remains unclear. We manipulated the velocity and presentation time to investigate the TTC of a threat or non-threat target with the addition of auditory information. In the task, a visual or an audiovisual target moved from right to left and disappeared behind an occluder. Participants’ task was to estimate the TTC of the target, they needed to press a button when they thought that the target contacted a destination behind the occluder. Behaviorally, the additional auditory affective content facilitated TTC estimation; velocity was a more critical factor than presentation time in determining the audiovisual threat facilitation effect. Overall, the results indicate that exposure to auditory affective content can influence TTC estimation and that the effect of velocity on TTC estimation will provide more information than presentation time.
Promoting children’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning at home through tinkering and storytelling
Authors: Marcus Maria , Solis Graciela , Sellars Shelby , Haden Catherine A.
Published: May 2023

This study examined whether connecting storytelling and tinkering can advance early STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning opportunities for children. A total of 62 families with 4- to 10-year-old (M = 8.03) children were observed via Zoom. They watched a video invitation to tinker at home prepared by museum educators prior to tinkering. Then, half of the families were prompted to think up a story before tinkering (story-based tinkering group), whereas the other half were simply asked to begin tinkering (no-story group). Once they had finished tinkering, researchers elicited children’s reflections about their tinkering experience. A subset of the families (n = 45) also reminisced about their tinkering experience several weeks later. The story instructions provided before tinkering engendered children’s storytelling during tinkering and when reflecting on the experience. Children in the story-based tinkering group also talked the most about STEM both during tinkering, and subsequently when reminiscing with their parents about their tinkering experience.
Sex and gender role differences on stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in response to the COVID-19 pandemic over time
Authors: Arcand Maryse , Bilodeau-Houle Alexe , Juster Robert-Paul , Marin Marie-France
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms have been reported during the pandemic, with important inter-individual differences. Past cross-sectional studies have found that sex and gender roles may contribute to the modulation of one's vulnerability to develop such symptoms. This longitudinal study aimed to examine the interaction of sex and psychological gender roles on stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Following the confinement measures in March 2020 in Montreal, stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms were assessed every 3 months (from June 2020 to March 2021) with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale among 103 females and 50 males. Femininity and masculinity scores were assessed with the Bem Sex Role Inventory before the pandemic and were added as predictors along with time, sex, and the interactions between these variables using linear mixed models.

Results

We observed similar levels of depressive symptoms between males and females, but higher levels of stress and anxious symptoms in females. No effects of sex and gender roles on depressive symptoms were found. For stress and anxiety, an interaction between time, femininity, and sex was found. At the beginning of the pandemic, females with high femininity had more stress symptoms than males with high femininity, whereas females with low femininity had more anxiety symptoms 1 year after the confinement measures compared to males with low femininity.

Discussion

These findings suggest that sex differences and psychological gender roles contribute to heterogeneous patterns of stress and anxiety symptoms over time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An integrative model as a step toward increasing the awareness of eating disorders in the general population
Authors: Vasiliu Octavian
Published: May 2023

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a contradictory chapter of clinical psychiatry, i.e., although they are associated with significant prevalence and risks in the long term (including vital risk, especially for anorexia nervosa), the therapeutic resources are minimal and based on low-quality data. Another contradiction arose in the last few decades, i.e., a variety of new EDs have been described, either by clinicians or signaled by mass media, but their systematic exploration is progressing very slowly. Entities like “food addiction,” “orthorexia nervosa,” or “emotional eating disorder” still require intensive exploration in order to find the most accurate diagnostic instruments, diagnosis criteria, prevalence data, vulnerability factors, and therapeutic approaches. This article is focused on integrating into a comprehensive model a variety of EDs not specified or loosely defined by the current international classifications of psychiatric disorders. This framework is intended as an instrument for stimulating clinical and epidemiological research, with potential favorable consequences for therapeutic research. The dimensional model suggested here includes four main categories that accommodate the already recognized EDs (i.e., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder) as well as ten EDs that still need intensive research to find their clinical and pathophysiological characteristics. More good-quality studies are urgently required regarding this topic, based on the mental and physical negative impact these EDs may have in the short and long term, especially in vulnerable populations (e.g., pregnant women, athletes, adolescents, etc.).
The role of resistance training and creatine supplementation on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, muscle strength, and quality of life in older adults
Authors: Amiri Ehsan , Sheikholeslami-Vatani Dariush
Published: May 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of resistance training (RT) with creatine monohydrate supplementation (CS) on serum levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in older adults.

Objectives

This study evaluated the effect of resistance training with creatine monohydrate supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense, muscle strength and quality of life in older adults.

Methods

We examined 45 non-athlete volunteer older men and women (mean, 68.1 ± 7.2  years old), were randomly selected and divided into three groups of 15: RT with creatine supplementation (RT + CS), RT with placebo (RT + P) and control group. RT protocol was performed for 10  weeks, three sessions per week. Creatine supplement was taken daily at a dose of 0.1 g/kg of body weight, while the placebo group consumed the same amount of starch. Fasting blood samples were taken before the start of program and at the end of the RT period.

Results

In the training groups, after 10  weeks of RT, a significant decrease in MDA and 8 - OHDG as well as a significant increase in serum levels of GPX and TAC were observed (in all cases, p =  0.001). In addition, creatinine levels were enhanced in the RT + CS (p =  0.014). Training intervention also improved quality of life and muscle strength in the experimental groups (p =  0.001), although muscle strength changes were more visible in the RT + CS group than in the RT + P group (p <  0/05).

Conclusion

Regular resistance training can be recommended as a very suitable non-pharmacological approach to strengthen the body’s antioxidant system, muscle strength and quality of life in older adults. There are no definite findings on the role of creatine on the antioxidant system and quality of life in older adults, but the use of this supplement in addition to RT can double the amount of strength gained from resistance training.
Instrumental activities of daily living trajectories and risk of mild cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults: results of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey, 2002–2018
Authors: Yang Jialu , Zhang Yangchang , Shen Shisi , Yu Han , Yang Luran , Zhao Yao , Xiong Yang , Su Jiayi , Wang Lianlian , Lei Xun
Published: May 2023

Background

The association between the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) score and the risk of initial cognitive function impairment is inconclusive. We aimed to identify distinctive IADL trajectories and examine their relationship with the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Chinese older people.

Methods

The study used six-wave longitudinal data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted between 2002 and 2018. It included a total of 11,044 Chinese people aged 65 years or older. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify distinctive trajectories of the IADL score, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore the hazard ratio of various trajectories at the onset of MCI. Interaction analysis was used to analyze individual modification between the IADL trajectories and the onset of MCI. Finally, we adopted four types of sensitivity analysis to verify the robustness of the results.

Results

During a median follow-up of 16 years, the incidence of MCI was 6.29 cases per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.92–6.68). Three distinct IADL trajectory groups were identified: a low-risk IADL group (41.4%), an IADL group with increasing risk (28.5%), and a high-risk IADL group (30.4%). Using the Cox proportional hazards model after adjusting for covariates, we found that compared with the low risk IADL group, the hazard ratio of the IADL group with increasing risk was 4.49 (95% CI = 3.82–5.28), whereas that of the high-risk IADL group was 2.52 (95% CI 2.08–3.05). Treating the IADL group with increasing risk as the reference, the hazard ratio for the high-risk IADL group was 0.56 (95% CI 0.48–0.66). Interaction analyses showed that age and residence were significant moderators (P for interaction <0.05).

Conclusion

A group-based trajectory model was developed to classify older people into three distinct trajectory groups of the IADL score. The IADL group with increasing risk had a greater risk of MCI than the high-risk IADL group. In the IADL group with increasing risk, city residents of ≥80 years were the most likely to develop MCI.
End-to-end dialogue structure parsing on multi-floor dialogue based on multi-task learning
Authors: Kawano Seiya , Yoshino Koichiro , Traum David , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: May 2023

A multi-floor dialogue consists of multiple sets of dialogue participants, each conversing within their own floor. In the multi-floor dialogue, at least one multi-communicating member who is a participant of multiple floors and coordinates each to achieve a shared dialogue goal. The structure of such dialogues can be complex, involving intentional structure and relations that are within or across floors. In this study, We proposed a neural dialogue structure parser with an attention mechanism that applies multi-task learning to automatically identify the dialogue structure of multi-floor dialogues in a collaborative robot navigation domain. Furthermore, we propose to use dialogue response prediction as an auxiliary objective of the multi-floor dialogue structure parser to enhance the consistency of the multi-floor dialogue structure parsing. Our experimental results show that our proposed model improved the dialogue structure parsing performance more than conventional models in multi-floor dialogue.
Measurement-device-independent multi-party quantum key agreement
Authors: Liu Bing-Xin , Huang Rui-Chen , Yang Yu-Guang , Xu Guang-Bao
Published: May 2023

Quantum key agreement (QKA) is an important quantum cryptography primitive. In a QKA protocol, two or more untrusted parties can agree on an identical key in such a way that they equally influence the key and no subset can decide it alone. However, in practical QKA, the imperfections of the participant’s detectors can be exploited to compromise the security and fairness of QKA. To remove all the detector-side-channel loopholes, a measurement-device-independent multi-party QKA protocol is proposed. The protocol exploits the post-selected GHZ states to generate a secure agreement key between legitimate participants, while ensuring the fairness of key agreement. Our protocol provides a new clue for the design of practical QKA protocols.
Decarbonising our food systems: contextualising digitalisation for net zero
Authors: Pearson Simon , Brewer Steve , Manning Louise , Bidaut Luc , Onoufriou George , Durrant Aiden , Leontidis Georgios , Jabbour Charbel , Zisman Andrea , Parr Gerard , Frey Jeremy , Maull Roger
Published: May 2023

The food system is undergoing a digital transformation that connects local and global supply chains to address economic, environmental, and societal drivers. Digitalisation enables firms to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs), address climate change and the wider negative externalities of food production such as biodiversity loss, and diffuse pollution. Digitalising at the business and supply chain level through public–private mechanisms for data exchange affords the opportunity for greater collaboration, visualising, and measuring activities and their socio-environmental impact, demonstrating compliance with regulatory and market requirements and providing opportunity to capture current practice and future opportunities for process and product improvement. Herein we consider digitalisation as a tool to drive innovation and transition to a decarbonised food system. We consider that deep decarbonisation of the food system can only occur when trusted emissions data are exchanged across supply chains. This requires fusion of standardised emissions measurements within a supply chain data sharing framework. This framework, likely operating as a corporate entity, would provide the foci for measurement standards, data exchange, trusted, and certified data and as a multi-stakeholder body, including regulators, that would build trust and collaboration across supply chains. This approach provides a methodology for accurate and trusted emissions data to inform consumer choice and industrial response of individual firms within a supply chain.
Sustainability of food side streams: a case study of fermented blends made with sour whey and sunflower press cake powder using the back-slopping technique
Authors: Mangieri Nicola , Rosciano Gerardo , Porcellato Davide , Winther Anja Ruud , De Noni Ivano , Fracassetti Daniela , Foschino Roberto , Vigentini Ileana
Published: May 2023

The exploitation of by-products is a key factor to increase the sustainability of the agri-food chain and fermentation is a simple and eco-friendly process for achieving safe and suitable food materials. In this study, we investigated the possibility to manage a spontaneous fermentation of blends made with different proportions of two food side streams (bovine acid whey and sunflower press cake powder) through the application of a back-slopping technique of the mixed material incubated at 26°C in static conditions. A full-factorial 2-factor 3-level design of experiment was applied to infer the effect of the percent (w/w) of press cake powder in the mixture (20, 25, and 30%) and the rate of back-slopping inoculum (15, 30, and 45%). The pH value, titratable acidity, content of sugars, organic acids, and phenolic acids, enumeration of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds, bacterial contaminants, presumptive Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli were measured for each fermentation step at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h. On the same samples, a metataxonomics analysis, targeted on bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS region, was performed by using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Acidification of the blends (on average, starting pH = 5.45 ± 011, final pH = 4.61 ± 0.11; starting acidity =13.68 ± 1.02 °SH/50 mL, final acidity = 28.17 ± 2.92°SH/50 mL) and high LAB counts (on average, 9.39 log CFU/g ± 0.25) were observed at the end of each refreshment. In all fermented mixtures, B. cereus, E. coli, and molds counts were lower than the detection limit (<2 log CFU/g), whereas bacterial contaminants, overall spore-formers, were always present (3.74 log CFU/g ± 0.27). After 72 h, the dropping of pH value was maximum, yielding significant differences compared to previous fermentation steps (p < 0.01); particularly, the lowest pH (4.45 ± 0.06) was achieved in the central points of DoE (25% of press cake powder and 30% of back-slopping rate), representing the most suitable condition. Results from both culture-dependent and -independent techniques were consistent; although Lactococcus lactis, continuously deriving from the acid whey, was the main LAB, Pediococcus pentosaceus appeared and, in some cases, became the dominant species. Finally, a long-term trial (about 1 month), using the best condition previously pointed out, was performed with an extension of the incubation time to 84 h for each refreshment. The increase in acidity forced the natural selection toward acid-tolerant microbial strains confirming the former results. Although preliminary, these findings can be useful for developing innovative operations to manage these two relevant side streams implementing the circularity of food resources.
Simulation in thoracic surgery—A mini review of a vital educational tool to maximize peri-operative care and minimize complications
Authors: Walji Hasanali David , Ellis Steven Aaron , Martin-Ucar Antonio Eduardo , Hernandez Luis
Published: May 2023

Thoracic surgery is an increasingly expanding field, and the addition of national screening programs has resulted in increasing operative numbers and complexity. Thoracic surgery overall has an approximately 2% mortality and 20% morbidity with common specific complications including persistent air leak, pneumothorax, and fistulas. The nature of the surgery results in complications being unique to thoracic surgery and often very junior members of the surgical team feel underprepared to deal with these complications after very little exposure during their medical school and general surgical rotations. Throughout medicine, simulation is being increasingly used as a method to teach the management of complicated, rare, or significant risk occurrences and has shown significant benefits in learner confidence and outcomes. In this mini review we explain the learning theory and benefits of simulation learning. We also discuss the current state of simulation in thoracic surgery and its potential future in aiding complication management and patient safety.
The current issues and challenges in the management of floating knee injury: a retrospective study
Authors: Kenmegne Guy Romeo , Zou Chang , Lin Yixiang , Yin Yijie , Huang Shengbo , Fang Yue
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The management of floating knee injuries is still controversial and challenging for trauma specialists. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of the floating knee in lower limb trauma, analyzing the challenges in its management, and factors affecting clinical outcomes.

Methods

In this mono-center retrospective study, 36 consecutive patients were included. All individuals were diagnosed with an ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia, managed surgically according to their fracture pattern (Fraser classification), and the severity of the injury. The timing for each operation was determined based on the general condition of the patient and the local physiological condition of soft tissues. The patients’ clinical outcomes were finally evaluated based on their Karlstrom and Olerud scores and were categorized as excellent, good, acceptable, fair, or poor.

Results

In this study, the mean follow-up period was 51.39 ± 16.02 months (11–130 months). Incidence of the floating knee was 2.32% in all lower limb traumas. From this number, 16 patients suffered from floating knee injury in the left lower extremity, and 18 in the right lower limb, while in 2 patients the condition was bilateral. The most common injury mechanism was road traffic accidents, accounting for 28 (77.78%) cases. The outcome was as follows; Excellent to good results in 22 (61.11%) cases, acceptable results in 2 (5.56%) cases, and fair to poor results in 12 (33.33%) cases according to the Karlström–Olerud scoring system. The most frequent early complications were wound infection and deep venous thrombosis in 5 (13.88%) of the cases. The most common late complication was common peroneal nerve palsy recorded in 2 (5.56%) cases.

Conclusion

The presence of important concomitant injuries to the floating knee together with poor soft tissue conditions constituted important factors influencing possible management options and may have led to poorer clinical outcomes.
Functional assessment using 3D movement analysis can better predict health-related quality of life outcomes in patients with adult spinal deformity: a machine learning approach
Authors: Mekhael Elio , El Rachkidi Rami , Saliby Renee Maria , Nassim Nabil , Semaan Karl , Massaad Abir , Karam Mohamad , Saade Maria , Ayoub Elma , Rteil Ali , Jaber Elena , Chaaya Celine , Abi Nahed Julien , Ghanem Ismat , Assi Ayman
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is classically evaluated by health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires and static radiographic spino-pelvic and global alignment parameters. Recently, 3D movement analysis (3DMA) was used for functional assessment of ASD to objectively quantify patient's independence during daily life activities. The aim of this study was to determine the role of both static and functional assessments in the prediction of HRQoL outcomes using machine learning methods.

Methods

ASD patients and controls underwent full-body biplanar low-dose x-rays with 3D reconstruction of skeletal segment as well as 3DMA of gait and filled HRQoL questionnaires: SF-36 physical and mental components (PCS&MCS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. A random forest machine learning (ML) model was used to predict HRQoL outcomes based on three simulations: (1) radiographic, (2) kinematic, (3) both radiographic and kinematic parameters. Accuracy of prediction and RMSE of the model were evaluated using 10-fold cross validation in each simulation and compared between simulations. The model was also used to investigate the possibility of predicting HRQoL outcomes in ASD after treatment.

Results

In total, 173 primary ASD and 57 controls were enrolled; 30 ASD were followed-up after surgical or medical treatment. The first ML simulation had a median accuracy of 83.4%. The second simulation had a median accuracy of 84.7%. The third simulation had a median accuracy of 87%. Simulations 2 and 3 had comparable accuracies of prediction for all HRQoL outcomes and higher predictions compared to Simulation 1 (i.e., accuracy for PCS = 85 ± 5 vs. 88.4 ± 4 and 89.7% ± 4%, for MCS = 83.7 ± 8.3 vs. 86.3 ± 5.6 and 87.7% ± 6.8% for simulations 1, 2 and 3 resp., p < 0.05). Similar results were reported when the 3 simulations were tested on ASD after treatment.

Discussion

This study showed that kinematic parameters can better predict HRQoL outcomes than stand-alone classical radiographic parameters, not only for physical but also for mental scores. Moreover, 3DMA was shown to be a good predictive of HRQoL outcomes for ASD follow-up after medical or surgical treatment. Thus, the assessment of ASD patients should no longer rely on radiographs alone but on movement analysis as well.
Bovine Staphylococcus aureus: a European study of contagiousness and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Nemati Ghazal , Romanó Alicia , Wahl Fabian , Berger Thomas , Rojo Laura Vazquez , Graber Hans Ulrich
Published: May 2023

In dairy herds managements, mastitis is the leading cause of economic losses. One of the most important pathogens responsible for intra-mammary infections is Staphylococcus aureus. The genetic properties of S. aureus have a strong influence on its pathogenicity and contagiousness. In this study, we aimed to obtain a comprehensive overview of the key bovine S. aureus clinical properties, such as contagiousness and antimicrobial resistance, present in European strains. For this, 211 bovine S. aureus strains from ten European countries that were used in a previous study were used in this study. Contagiousness was assessed using qPCR for the detection of the marker gene adlb. Antimicrobial resistance was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay and mPCR for the detection of genes involved in penicillin resistance (blaI, blaR1, and blaZ). It was found that adlb was present in CC8/CLB strains; however, in Germany, it was found in CC97/CLI and in an unknown CC/CLR strains. CC705/CLC strains from all countries were found to be susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Major resistance to penicillin/ampicillin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin and tetracycline was detected. Resistance to oxacillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and cephalosporins was rarely observed. In addition, contagiousness and antibiotic resistance seem to correlate with different CCs and genotypic clusters. Hence, it is recommended that multilocus sequence typing or genotyping be utilized as a clinical instrument to identify the most appropriate antibiotic to use in mastitis treatment. Actualization of the breakpoints of veterinary strains is necessary to address the existing antibiotic resistance of the bacteria involved in veterinary mastitis.
Exploiting the Internet Resources for Autonomous Robots in Agriculture
Authors: Emmi Luis , Fernández Roemi , Gonzalez-de-Santos Pablo , Francia Matteo , Golfarelli Matteo , Vitali Giuliano , Sandmann Hendrik , Hustedt Michael , Wollweber Merve
Published: May 2023

Autonomous robots in the agri-food sector are increasing yearly, promoting the application of precision agriculture techniques. The same applies to online services and techniques implemented over the Internet, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing, which make big data, edge computing, and digital twins technologies possible. Developers of autonomous vehicles understand that autonomous robots for agriculture must take advantage of these techniques on the Internet to strengthen their usability. This integration can be achieved using different strategies, but existing tools can facilitate integration by providing benefits for developers and users. This study presents an architecture to integrate the different components of an autonomous robot that provides access to the cloud, taking advantage of the services provided regarding data storage, scalability, accessibility, data sharing, and data analytics. In addition, the study reveals the advantages of integrating new technologies into autonomous robots that can bring significant benefits to farmers. The architecture is based on the Robot Operating System (ROS), a collection of software applications for communication among subsystems, and FIWARE (Future Internet WARE), a framework of open-source components that accelerates the development of intelligent solutions. To validate and assess the proposed architecture, this study focuses on a specific example of an innovative weeding application with laser technology in agriculture. The robot controller is distributed into the robot hardware, which provides real-time functions, and the cloud, which provides access to online resources. Analyzing the resulting characteristics, such as transfer speed, latency, response and processing time, and response status based on requests, enabled positive assessment of the use of ROS and FIWARE for integrating autonomous robots and the Internet.
A Case Study toward Apple Cultivar Classification Using Deep Learning
Authors: Krug Silvia , Hutschenreuther Tino
Published: May 2023

Machine Learning (ML) has enabled many image-based object detection and recognition-based solutions in various fields and is the state-of-the-art method for these tasks currently. Therefore, it is of interest to apply this technique to different questions. In this paper, we explore whether it is possible to classify apple cultivars based on fruits using ML methods and images of the apple in question. The goal is to develop a tool that is able to classify the cultivar based on images that could be used in the field. This helps to draw attention to the variety and diversity in fruit growing and to contribute to its preservation. Classifying apple cultivars is a certain challenge in itself, as all apples are similar, while the variety within one class can be high. At the same time, there are potentially thousands of cultivars indicating that the task becomes more challenging when more cultivars are added to the dataset. Therefore, the first question is whether a ML approach can extract enough information to correctly classify the apples. In this paper, we focus on the technical requirements and prerequisites to verify whether ML approaches are able to fulfill this task with a limited number of cultivars as proof of concept. We apply transfer learning on popular image processing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) by retraining them on a custom apple dataset. Afterward, we analyze the classification results as well as possible problems. Our results show that apple cultivars can be classified correctly, but the system design requires some extra considerations.
Influence of Seasonality and Culture Stage of Farmed Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with Monogenean Parasitic Infection
Authors: Bertaglia Elisabeth de Aguiar , Furtado William Eduardo , Silva e Souza Ângela Teresa , Fernandes Manoela Clemente , Pereira Scheila Anelise , Brasil Elenice Martins , Mouriño José Luiz Pedreira , Jerônimo Gabriela Tomas , Martins Maurício Laterça
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to observe how abiotic and biotic factors in a tropical region influence the rate of monogenean parasitism in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that are farmed in net cages. A total of 240 sexually reversed fish were analyzed, and 20 from each culture stage were collected during each sampling month. Overall, 60 fish were sampled in April (autumn), 60 in August (winter), 60 in November (spring), and 60 in February (summer). Fish were collected from a commercial fish farm located in Capivara Reservoir in the lower Paranapanema River region of Paraná, Brazil. In total, 3290 monogenean parasites were collected from fish gills of the following species: Cichlidogyrushalli, C. thurstonae, Scutogyruslongicornis, C. cirratus, C. sclerosus, and C. tilapiae. Higher parasitological indices were observed in colder seasons with lower precipitation. Autumn had the highest parasitic infection values compared to the other seasons. The occurrence of monogenean parasites showed a negative correlation with season, in contrast to the culture stage, in which there was a positive correlation. These results may provide a means for establishing adequate fish farm management to predict periods of high monogenean infestation.