bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Centre Study of Progression Factors and Intravesical Recurrence in Patients with Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract
Authors: García-Morales Lucía , Contreras-Matos Francisco Javier , Blanca-Pedregosa Ana , Mellado-Castillero Alejandro , Campos-Hernández Juan Pablo , Lara María Fernanda , Puche-Sanz Ignacio , Gómez-Gómez Enrique
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: A retrospective analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with disease progression and intravesical recurrence (IVR) in a multi-centre cohort of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated surgically between 2015 and 2021. Methods: Progression-free survival (PFS) and IVR-free survival were evaluated using a Kaplan–Meier survival curve and a Log-Rank test. Prognostic factors for progression and IVR were analysed using Cox logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 170 patients were analysed. Up to 32.9% developed progression within 65.64 ± 3.44 months. Multivariate analysis showed that pT (HR 2.9, 95%CI 1.54–5.48, p = 0.01), margin status (HR 2.89, 95%CI 2.88–57.68, p = 0.01), and lymphovascular involvement (HR 7.97, 95% CI 1.43–44.42, p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for PFS. Up to 25.9% of patients presented with IVR at a mean time of 68.33 ± 3.59 months. A previous diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) (HR 3.73, 95% CI 1.24–11.22, p = 0.02) and the non-invasive appearance of the tumour on computed tomography were significant risk factors for IVR (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–0.95, p = 0.03). Conclusions: pT stage, margin involvement, and lymphovascular involvement were independent risk factors for UTUC progression. The main risk factor for presenting with IVR after UTUC was a previous diagnosis of BC.
Racial Disparities in Inpatient Hospital Outcomes of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis in United States: Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Vohra Ishaan , Gopakumar Harishankar , Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Kahaleh Michel , Sharma Neil
Published: November 2024

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an idiopathic cholestatic liver disease that may lead to biliary strictures and destruction. It is associated with p-ANCA positivity and inflammatory bowel disease, typically ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study is to investigate the trends of inpatient healthcare utilization and mortality from 2008 to 2017 in the United States. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was examined to identify adult patients diagnosed with PSC between 2008 and 2017. Data on patient demographics, resource utilization, mortality, and PSC-related complications were collected. STATA version 16.0 was employed to perform forward stepwise multivariate regression analysis, generating adjusted odds ratios for both primary and secondary outcomes. Primary outcomes included the inpatient mortality rate and healthcare resource utilization (length of stay, total charges, and trends over the study period). Secondary outcomes focused on trends in associated comorbidities and malignancies in patients with PSC. Results: The average total charge increased by 32.2% ± 2.12 from USD 61,873 ± 2567 in 2008 to USD 91,262 ± 2961 in 2017. Concurrently, the average length of stay declined from 8.07 ± 0.18 days in 2008 to 7.27 ± 0.13 days in 2017. The APR-DRG severity of illness and risk of death significantly increased (major or extreme) during the study period (2008 to 2017), with severity rising from 73.6% to 82.7% (coefficient: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.13–0.28) and risk of death from 45.3% to 60.9% (coefficient: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.08–0.23). The proportion of patients with HCC increased from 1.3% to 7.9% (coefficient: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.9–2.8). Conversely, the percentage of patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) decreased from 5.1% to 2.8% (coefficient: −0.36, 95% CI: −0.25 to −0.46). Conclusions: There was rising mortality and healthcare resource utilization among patients with PSC from the years 2008 to 2017. These trends were paralleled by increasing rates of decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, and liver transplants. However, the incidence of CCA decreased during this time period. African American patients with PSC had worse inpatient mortality outcomes and healthcare utilization as compared to white patients. Further studies are warranted to investigate a possible causal link amongst these trends.
School Dropout in Italy: A Secondary Analysis on Statistical Sources Starting from Primary School
Authors: Vegliante Rosa , Pellecchia Alfonso , Miranda Sergio , Marzano Antonio
Published: November 2024

This work reports and discusses the results of a secondary analysis on statistical data regarding the phenomenon of school dropout in Italy starting from primary school. The research was conducted as part of Next GenerationEU funded by the European Union. The aim is to highlight any territorial differences in the phenomenon at the European, national, and local level. The data were collected from reliable sources (Eurostat, National Institute of Statistics, Ministry of Education and Merit, Regional School Office of Campania) and are updated to the latest year available. In line with the goals of PRIN, the aim was to photograph the national situation starting from the results of the INVALSI tests recorded in primary and lower secondary schools. The results of the analysis show that the levels of school dropout in Italy are among the highest in EU countries and, within our country, the well-known gap between the North and South remains, with the latter in a worse position. An econometric model is presented that demonstrates a cause–effect relationship that goes from the results of the primary cycle to those of the secondary cycle. This outcome attests to the importance of strengthening and increasing the skills necessary to prevent the possible conditions of school dropout starting from primary school.
Implementing Mastery Grading in Large Enrollment General Chemistry: Improving Outcomes and Reducing Equity Gaps
Authors: Hartman Joshua D. , Eichler Jack F.
Published: November 2024

Specifications and mastery grading schemes have been growing in popularity in higher education over the past several years, and reports of specifications grading and other alternative grading systems are emerging in the chemistry education literature. The general goal of these alternative grading approaches is to reduce the reliance on high-stakes exams and give students a more transparent pathway to achieving the course learning outcomes. More importantly, relying less on infrequent high-stakes exams may help reduce historical equity gaps in introductory gateway STEM courses. Herein, we describe the implementation of two versions of mastery grading systems in large enrollment general chemistry courses at a public R1 institution. Class-wide course outcomes, equity gaps in performance on a common final exam, and student feedback on their experience navigating these grading schemes are presented. We show that combining mastery grading with interactive courseware tools improved the average performance on a common final assessment for under-represented minority (URM) students by 7.1 percentage points relative to an active control course that used infrequent high-stakes exams.
Navigating Teachers’ Occupational Well-Being in the Tides of Classroom Processes and School Structures
Authors: Nwoko Joy C. , Anderson Emma , Adegboye Oyelola , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O. , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S.
Published: November 2024

The well-being of primary school teachers is vital for fostering effective teaching and learning, yet they face a range of challenges that negatively impact their occupational health. This phenomenological study explores the multifaceted factors influencing teacher occupational well-being, with a focus on classroom processes and school-related factors. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study gathered in-depth insights from Australian primary school teachers through semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from a variety of educational settings to capture diverse experiences and perspectives. Data were thematically analysed to identify key themes impacting teacher well-being. The findings revealed significant challenges impacting teacher well-being, including the demands of individualised student needs, classroom dynamics, the role of school leadership, resource limitations, and the complexities of parental involvement. Teachers expressed a need for more relevant professional development programs and highlighted the importance of supportive leadership and adequate resources. Additionally, workload and the balance between professional and personal life emerged as critical factors influencing teacher well-being. This study underscores the importance of addressing the complex and interconnected factors that contribute to teacher well-being. Implications for educational practice include the need for supportive and communicative leadership, adequate professional development tailored to teachers’ needs, and the provision of sufficient resources to manage classroom diversity and demands. The findings advocate for systemic changes to foster a supportive educational environment that values and nurtures teacher well-being. Future research could explore effective strategies to support primary school teachers in their professional journeys.
Artificial Intelligence Tools for the Agriculture Value Chain: Status and Prospects
Authors: Assimakopoulos Fotis , Vassilakis Costas , Margaris Dionisis , Kotis Konstantinos , Spiliotopoulos Dimitris
Published: November 2024

This article explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools across the agricultural value chain, highlighting their applications, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. With global food demand projected to increase by 70% by 2050, AI technologies—including machine learning, big data analytics, and the Internet of things (IoT)—offer critical solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resource efficiency. The study provides a comprehensive review of AI applications at multiple stages of the agricultural value chain, including land use planning, crop selection, resource management, disease detection, yield prediction, and market integration. It also discusses the significant challenges to AI adoption, such as data accessibility, technological infrastructure, and the need for specialized skills. By examining case studies and empirical evidence, the article demonstrates how AI-driven solutions can optimize decision-making and operational efficiency in agriculture. The findings underscore AI’s pivotal role in addressing global agricultural challenges, with implications for farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and researchers. This article aims to advance the evolving research and discussions on sustainable agriculture, contributing insights that promote the adoption of AI technologies and influence the future of farming.
Mobility-Based Multi-Hop Content Precaching Scheme in Content-Centric Vehicular Networks
Authors: Choi Hyunseok , Nam Youngju , Kim Gayeong , Lee Euisin
Published: November 2024

Due to the rapid development of smart vehicles, such as self-driving cars, the demand for mobile data traffic by vehicle users has increased so much that base stations cannot handle it, causing delays in content provision. The burden on the base station can be alleviated through roadside units (RSUs) to distribute the demand. However, outage zones, which fall outside the communication range of RSUs, still exist due to their high deployment cost. Existing schemes for covering outage zones have only considered single-hop precaching vehicles to provide precached content, which is insufficient to reduce outage zones effectively. Therefore, we propose a scheme to reduce outage zones by maximizing the amount of precached content using multi-hop precaching vehicles. The proposed scheme optimally selects precaching vehicles through a numerical model that calculates the amount of precached content. It enhances the process of multi-hop precaching by comparing the connection time of vehicles with the dark area time in the outage zone. To prevent excessive overheads due to frequent precaching vehicle handovers, the proposed scheme limits the selection to vehicles with a longer communication time, based on a precaching restriction indicator in the multi-hop precaching vehicle selection process. The simulation results show that our scheme outperforms representative schemes based on single-hop precaching.
Advancing Pulmonary Nodule Detection with ARSGNet: EfficientNet and Transformer Synergy
Authors: Oumlaz Maroua , Oumlaz Yassine , Oukaira Aziz , Benelhaouare Amrou Zyad , Lakhssassi Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, presents significant challenges in early detection and diagnosis. The effective analysis of pulmonary medical imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT) scans, is critical in this endeavor. Traditional diagnostic methods, which are manual and time-intensive, underscore the need for innovative, efficient, and accurate detection approaches. To address this need, we introduce the Adaptive Range Slice Grouping Network (ARSGNet), a novel deep learning framework that enhances early lung cancer diagnosis through advanced segmentation and classification techniques in CT imaging. ARSGNet synergistically integrates the strengths of EfficientNet and Transformer architectures, leveraging their superior feature extraction and contextual processing capabilities. This hybrid model proficiently handles the complexities of 3D CT images, ensuring precise and reliable lung nodule detection. The algorithm processes CT scans using short slice grouping (SSG) and long slice grouping (LSG) techniques to extract critical features from each slice, culminating in the generation of nodule probabilities and the identification of potential nodular regions. Incorporating shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis further enhances model interpretability by highlighting the contributory features. Our extensive experimentation demonstrated a significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy, with training accuracy increasing from 0.9126 to 0.9817. This advancement not only reflects the model’s efficient learning curve but also its high proficiency in accurately classifying a majority of training samples. Given its high accuracy, interpretability, and consistent reduction in training loss, ARSGNet holds substantial potential as a groundbreaking tool for early lung cancer detection and diagnosis.
A Tunable Microstrip-to-Waveguide Transition for Emergency Satellite Communication Systems
Authors: Xiong Ying , Gao Dawei , Tang Xianfeng
Published: November 2024

A tunable microstrip-to-waveguide transition is proposed for the ground station of emergency satellite communication systems. The proposed transition, consisting of a microstrip, three matched patches, three waveguides, and three metal screws, can not only convert the microstrip’s TEM-dominated mode into the waveguide’s TE mode within the transmitting frequency band, but also possesses the ability to filter out the amplified noise signals within the receiving frequency band around 12.5 GHz. Importantly, by adjusting the screws’ lengths, it is feasible to change the suppression frequency within the receiving frequency band and keep a good match within the transmitting frequency band. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed transition has a return loss of over 10 dB from 14 to 14.5 GHz and an out-of-band suppression of over 20 dB, from 12.25 to 12.7 GHz, with a typical value of −48 dB around 12.55 GHz. This unique feature eliminates the need for additional waveguide filters that prevent the amplified noise signal, thereby contributing to the miniaturization of the ground station.
Position-Guided Multi-Head Alignment and Fusion for Video Super-Resolution
Authors: Gao Yanbo , Cai Xun , Li Shuai , Chai Jiajing , Li Chuankun
Published: November 2024

Video super-resolution (VSR), which takes advantage of multiple low-resolution (LR) video frames to reconstruct corresponding high-resolution (HR) frames in a video, has raised increasing interest. To upsample an LR frame (denoted by a reference frame), VSR methods usually align multiple neighboring frames (denoted by supporting frames) to the reference frame first in order to provide more relevant information. The existing VSR methods usually employ deformable convolution to conduct the frame alignment, where the whole supporting frame is aligned to the reference frame without a specific target and without supervision. Thus, the aligned features are not explicitly learned to provide the HR frame information and cannot fully explore the supporting frames. To address this problem, in this work, we propose a novel video super-resolution framework with Position-Guided Multi-Head Alignment, termed as PGMH-A, to explicitly align the supporting frames to different spatial positions of the HR frame (denoted by different heads). It injects explicit position information to obtain multi-head-aligned features of supporting frames to better formulate the HR frame. PGMH-A can be trained individually or end-to-end with the ground-truth HR frames. Moreover, a Position-Guided Multi-Head Fusion, termed as PGMH-F, is developed based on the attention mechanism to further fuse the spatial–temporal information across temporal supporting frames, across multiple heads corresponding to the different spatial positions of an HR frame, and across multiple channels. Together, the proposed Position-Guided Multi-Head Alignment and Fusion (PGMH-AF) can provide VSR with better local details and temporal coherence. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art VSR networks. Ablation studies have also been conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed modules.
High-Resolution Mapping of Litter and Duff Fuel Loads Using Multispectral Data and Random Forest Modeling
Authors: Chávez-Durán Álvaro Agustín , Olvera-Vargas Miguel , Aguado Inmaculada , Figueroa-Rangel Blanca Lorena , Trucíos-Caciano Ramón , Rubio-Camacho Ernesto Alonso , Xelhuantzi-Carmona Jaqueline , García Mariano
Published: November 2024

Forest fuels are the core element of fire management; each fuel component plays an important role in fire behavior. Therefore, accurate determination of their characteristics and spatial distribution is crucial. This paper introduces a novel method for mapping the spatial distribution of litter and duff fuel loads using data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles. The approach leverages a very high-resolution multispectral data analysis within a machine learning framework to achieve precise and detailed results. A set of vegetation indices and texture metrics derived from the multispectral data, optimized by a “Variable Selection Using Random Forests” (VSURF) algorithm, were used to train random forest (RF) models, enabling the modeling of high-resolution maps of litter and duff fuel loads. A field campaign to measure fuel loads was conducted in the mixed forest of the natural protected area of “Sierra de Quila”, Jalisco, Mexico, to measure fuel loads and obtain field reference data for calibration and validation purposes. The results revealed moderate determination coefficients between observed and predicted fuel loads with R2 = 0.32, RMSE = 0.53 Mg/ha for litter and R2 = 0.38, RMSE = 13.14 Mg/ha for duff fuel loads, both with significant p-values of 0.018 and 0.015 for litter and duff fuel loads, respectively. Moreover, the relative root mean squared errors were 33.75% for litter and 27.71% for duff fuel loads, with a relative bias of less than 5% for litter and less than 20% for duff fuel loads. The spatial distribution of the litter and duff fuel loads was coherent with the structure of the vegetation, despite the high complexity of the study area. Our modeling approach allows us to estimate the continuous high-resolution spatial distribution of litter and duff fuel loads, aligned with their ecological context, which dictates their dynamics and spatial variability. The method achieved acceptable accuracy in monitoring litter and duff fuel loads, providing researchers and forest managers with timely data to expedite decision-making in fire and forest fuel management.
Probiotication of Plum Pulp and Conditions Effects Freeze-Drying in Cell Viability, Functional Properties and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Gregório Mailson , Araújo Morgana , Albuquerque Aline , Rodrigues Thais , Santos Newton C. , Fonseca Maria Tereza , Costa Maria Eduarda da , Tomé Anna , Gomes Josivanda , Gouveia Deyzi , Lisboa Hugo M. , Rocha Ana Paula
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the effects of fermenting plum pulp with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BAL) on its physicochemical and bioactive properties, as well as the optimization of the freeze-drying (FD) process to develop a fruit-based probiotic delivery system. Fermentation significantly reduced the pH and total acidity of the pulp, achieving a cell viability of 11 log CFU/mL. The FD process was optimized using a factorial design, with maltodextrin concentration (3, 5, and 7%) and freezing temperature (−150, −100, and −50 °C) as variables. The P2 experiment, which used 7% maltodextrin and freezing at −150 °C, showed the best results in terms of yield (25.67%), cell viability (8 log CFU/g), and probiotic survival rate (97.66%). Samples P5, P6, and P7, prepared with 5% maltodextrin and freezing at −100 °C, exhibited the highest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity (p < 0.05). During 28 days of storage, all samples maintained cell viability without significant logarithmic reduction. In summary, probiotic plum powders offer an excellent plant-based alternative for probiotic consumption, providing safe levels of beneficial bacteria and bioactive compounds with antioxidant action, meeting health and nutrition needs.
Preliminary Characterization of “Salice Salentino” PDO Wines from Salento (South Italy) Negroamaro Grapes: NMR-Based Metabolomic and Biotoxicological Analyses
Authors: Serio Francesca , Girelli Chiara Roberta , Acito Mattia , Imbriani Giovanni , Sabella Erika , Moretti Massimo , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: A preliminary investigation of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines (red and rosé) produced from Negroamaro grapes—a native Salento (Apulia, Southern Italy) vine that is part of the Salice s.no PDO area—was performed in this work. (2) Methods: 1H-NMR spectroscopy, in combination with multivariate statistical analysis (MVA), was employed to characterize the metabolic profiles of 39 wine samples. Spectrophotometric methods were used to obtain preliminary information on the phenolic composition of wines and the associated antioxidant activity. The HepG2 liver cell line was used to assess the biological activity (effect on cell viability and genotoxicity activity) of wine samples. (3) Results: The NMR spectra analysis revealed the presence of signals ascribable to phenolic compounds such as gallic, hydroxycinnamic, and syringic acids. Relative content of these metabolites has been shown to be higher in red than in rosés wines and related to the wine producers. Interestingly, a similar pattern was observed in biological analyses. Red wines compared to the rosé wines display great variations in antioxidant capacity when evaluated as fresh samples using the DPPH and ORAC methods. Furthermore, all red wines exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease in cellular viability and live cells; this phenomenon is much less pronounced in rosé wines. (4) Conclusions: The resulting findings from this study reveal that winemaking operations could lead to final products with different chemical compositions and related properties. Even when starting from the same crop variety and cultivation region, significant differences were observed in the wine samples NMR-metabolic profiles and in vitro biotoxicological activity.
Anti-Melanogenic Activities of Sargassum fusiforme Polyphenol-Rich Extract on α-MSH-Stimulated B16F10 Cells via PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK Pathways
Authors: Chen Bei , Chen Honghong , Qiao Kun , Xu Min , Wu Jingna , Su Yongchang , Shi Yan , Ke Lina , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Qin
Published: November 2024

Background: Melanin overproduction leads to pigmented skin diseases. Brown algae polyphenols, non-toxic secondary metabolites, exhibit potential bioactivities. Sargassum fusiforme, an edible seaweed, has been underexplored in the field of beauty despite its polyphenol richness. Methods: Polyphenols from S. fusiforme were extracted using macroporous resin (SFRP) and ethyl acetate (SFEP). Their antioxidant and anti-aging properties, tyrosinase inhibitory activities, and mechanisms were assessed. The melanogenesis inhibition effect and mechanism by SFRP was examined in B16F10 melanoma cells. Results: Both SFRP and SFEP demonstrated scavenging activities against DPPH, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals. SFRP showed stronger anti-collagenase and anti-elastase effects. They dose-dependently inhibited mushroom tyrosinase, with IC50 values of 9.89 μg/mL for SFRP and 0.99 μg/mL for SFEP. SFRP reversibly inhibited tyrosinase, while SFEP showed irreversible inhibition. SFRP also suppressed melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells, downregulating the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2 expression through the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signal pathways. Conclusions: S. fusiforme polyphenols, especially SFRP, exhibit promising antioxidant, anti-aging, and melanogenesis inhibitory properties, highlighting their potential application as novel anti-melanogenic agents in cosmetics and the food industry.
Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Intention to Share Information: Word-of-Mouth About Fast-Food Restaurants
Authors: Usiña-Báscones Gabriel , García-Umaña Andrés , Veas-González Iván , Celi-Pinza Doris , Llamo-Burga Mary , López-Pastén Ignacio , Ortiz-Regalado Oscar , Carrión-Bósquez Nelson
Published: November 2024

In a highly competitive market, word-of-mouth (WOM) has become one of the most effective ways to attract new customers, as consumer opinions are seen as reliable and have a direct impact on their consumption habits. Based on this premise, the present study aimed to analyze the factors that influence fast-food restaurant consumers in Chile in their intention to share word-of-mouth information. A quantitative approach was adopted for this analysis, using a cross-sectional and correlational design, which included 739 Chilean fast-food consumers, who were given a 25-item questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed from previous research in the field and validated by a panel of experts in marketing and research. The data analysis was conducted using the statistical software Smart PLS 4, allowing for the evaluation of the model’s convergent and discriminant validity, as well as facilitating hypothesis testing through structural equation modeling. The results showed that the physical atmosphere of the restaurants generates both hedonic and utilitarian value for consumers, which increases their satisfaction and reinforces their intention to recommend these restaurants. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into consumer behavior, offering a solid foundation for strategic decision making that could enhance the positioning of restaurants in the market and create a loyalty cycle among customers.
Advances in Emerging Non-Destructive Technologies for Detecting Raw Egg Freshness: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Atwa Elsayed M. , Xu Shaomin , Rashwan Ahmed K. , Abdelshafy Asem M. , ElMasry Gamal , Al-Rejaie Salim , Xu Haixiang , Lin Hongjian , Pan Jinming
Published: November 2024

Eggs are a rich food source of proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. However, the egg industry faces some challenges such as microbial invasion due to environmental factors, leading to damage and reduced usability. Therefore, detecting the freshness of raw eggs using various technologies, including traditional and non-destructive methods, can overcome these challenges. As the traditional methods of assessing egg freshness are often subjective and time-consuming, modern non-destructive technologies, including near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, computer vision (color imaging), hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and nuclear magnetic resonance, have offered objective and rapid results to address these limitations. The current review summarizes and discusses the recent advances and developments in applying non-destructive technologies for detecting raw egg freshness. Some of these technologies such as NIR spectroscopy, computer vision, and hyperspectral imaging have achieved an accuracy of more than 96% in detecting egg freshness. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the current trends in the state-of-the-art non-destructive technologies recently utilized in detecting the freshness of raw eggs. This review can contribute significantly to the field of emerging technologies in this research track and pique the interests of both food scientists and industry professionals.
Study on the Mechanism of Flavonoid Enrichment in Black Soybean Sprouts by Abscisic Acid/Melatonin Under Slight Acid Treatment
Authors: Xue Jiyuan , Quan Xiaolan , Yang Jia , Fang Weiming , Yin Yongqi
Published: November 2024

Plant hormones play a critical role in the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of plants, with functions such as regulating the metabolic pathways of secondary metabolite production and alleviating external stresses. In this study, the synthesis of flavonoids in black soybean sprouts was induced by slight acid combined with the plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and melatonin (MT). The results indicated that the contents of daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein in black soybean sprouts treated with slight acid were increased by 10 μM ABA and 75 μM MT, and the total flavonoid content was significantly enhanced. Compared with the slight acid treatment, the H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in black soybean sprouts were increased after ABA treatment, and the black soybean sprouts were further stressed. However, the H2O2 and MDA contents in black soybean sprouts were significantly decreased after MT treatment, indicating that the stress of black soybean sprouts can be alleviated by MT. Under slight acid stress, the genes related to flavonoid synthesis in black soybean sprouts were induced by exogenous ABA, promoting the accumulation of flavonoids; under exogenous MT treatment, the activity of phenylpropanoid metabolism enzymes was significantly increased, the genes related to flavonoid synthesis were upregulated, and flavonoid synthesis was induced. These results suggest that the combination of slight acid and plant hormone treatments promotes the accumulation of flavonoid substances during the germination of black soybeans. This research lays the foundation for improving the growth conditions of black soybeans and promoting the enrichment of flavonoid substances in black soybeans.
Persistent Calcium Inadequacy in Korean Adults over 20 Years: Analysis of the 1998–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ju Seyoung , Kwon Yongseok , Yeum Kyung-Jin
Published: November 2024

Calcium inadequacy in Asian populations has been well documented, but whether it has improved over time remains uncertain. We analyzed dietary calcium intake and its association with osteoporosis prevalence over a 20-year period in 48,653 adults (21,932 men and 26,721 women, aged 19 years and older) in Korea, using data from the first to the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998–2018). Over the past 20 years, Korean adults consistently fell short of the recommended dietary calcium intake, with women and older adults particularly affected, typically consuming only 40–80% of the recommended levels. The 30–49 age group had the highest calcium intake (497–568 mg/day), while those aged 75+ had the lowest (319–457 mg/day). A significant inverse relationship was found between calcium intake and osteoporosis risk, with lower calcium intake associated with higher odds of developing osteoporosis, as determined by both physician diagnoses and bone mineral density measurements (p < 0.001). Notably, over the past 20 years, 68–70% of dietary calcium consistently came from plant-based foods. This study strongly emphasizes the urgent need to enhance calcium-rich food availability and implement targeted interventions to increase calcium intake among those most affected by inadequacy, particularly the elderly and women. Further research with recent data would be valuable for understanding current intake levels and evolving nutritional needs.
Cognitive Functioning Influences Mortality Risk Among Older Adults with COPD
Authors: Banerjee Srikanta , Khubchandani Jagdish , England-Kennedy Elizabeth , McIntyre Rhonda , Kopera-Frye Karen , Batra Kavita
Published: November 2024

Background/Objeectives: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality in the United States (U.S.), with rates varying by disease severity, comorbidities, and sociodemographic factors. Cognitive impairment has been independently associated with increased mortality, but has not been well studied in relation to COPD despite being a frequently overlooked comorbidity in COPD patients. The purpose of this nationwide study was to assess the relationship between low cognitive performance and the risk of mortality among older adults with COPD while adjusting for major sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Methods: This study utilized the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the respiratory mortality data of noninstitutionalized US adults aged over 65 years. Survival curves showing the combined effect of cognitive decline and COPD using the Kaplan–Meier product-limit method to estimate the percent survival of the subject at each point in time were used. Results: The final sample included 2013 older adults, with 39.1% showing low cognitive performance and 12.7% having COPD. Those with low cognitive performance were older, less educated, had lower income, were more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities, and had a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); they were also more likely to have COPD or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The adjusted hazard ratio for respiratory-related mortality risk was highest for individuals with both COPD and low cognitive performance (hazards ratio = 8.53), people with COPD alone also had a higher respiratory-related mortality risk (hazards ratio = 4.92), but low cognitive performance alone did not significantly increase respiratory-related mortality risk. Conclusions: These findings provide clearer insights into how cognitive impairment affects mortality risk in older adults with COPD and we discuss potential strategies to address this dual chronic health challenge effectively.
Space–Time Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Relationship with Socioeconomic and Demographic Variables in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Santana Keila Valente de Souza de , Marino Aluízio , Martins Gabriela Rosa , Lima Pedro Henrique Barbosa Muniz , Mendonça Pedro Henrique Rezende , Rolnik Raquel
Published: November 2024

This study sought to identify clusters of a high and low risk of incidence and mortality from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic period, from 2020 to 2022, in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP), analyzing their relationship with socioeconomic and demographic variables. Spatiotemporal and temporal variations in the clusters were determined using scan statistics, a multidimensional point process that performs multiple tests for each geographic point analyzed, in SaTScan v10.0. Socioeconomic and demographic differences were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Temporal clusters of high incidence and high mortality were observed in May 2020 and March to June 2021. In the spatiotemporal analysis, the clusters of high incidence and high mortality were concentrated in the city of São Paulo and neighboring cities, indicating that the capital was an area of influence and convergence at all times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clusters of low mortality were found in the central region of the capital, which concentrates the highest incomes and the lowest percentages of Black, mixed-race, and Indigenous people in the MRSP. All clusters were identified in densely occupied areas and point to a pattern of disease spread that is related to income and ethnicity, as well as to the circulation dynamics of a metropolitan region.
Emerging Technologies for the Assessment of Natural Killer Cell Activity
Authors: Grab Anna Luise , Nesterov-Müller Alexander
Published: November 2024

Understanding natural killer (NK) cell functionality is essential in developing more effective immunotherapeutic strategies that can enhance patient outcomes, especially in the context of cancer treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of both traditional and novel techniques for evaluating NK cell functionality, focusing on multiparameter assays and spatial methods that illuminate NK cell interactions within their microenvironment. We discuss the significance of standardized assays for assessing NK cell function across various research and clinical settings, including cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases, and transplantation. Key factors influencing NK cell functionality include the origin of the sample, target–effector ratios, the functional state of NK cells, and the impact of pre-treatment conditions and their natural aging effect on NK cell activity. By emphasizing the importance of selecting a suitable technique for reliable measurements, especially for longitudinal monitoring, this review aims to give an overview on techniques to measure NK cell functionality in vitro and show the interaction with their microenvironment cells by spatial imaging. Ultimately, our understanding of NK cell functionality could be critical to biomarker development, drug design, and understanding of disease progression in the field of oncology or infectious disease.
Cycling the Breath in Noninvasive Home Ventilation
Authors: Arnal Jean-Michel , Khirani Sonia
Published: November 2024

Spontaneous/timed (ST) mode is widely used for long-term noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in adults and children. It combines controlled, assisted, and spontaneous breaths. Cycling refers to the switch from inspiration to exhalation. In ST mode, different cycling mechanisms coexist. In spontaneous breathing, cycling is set by the expiratory trigger sensitivity (TgE) based on the inspiratory flow signal, which results in variable inspiratory times (Ti) and appears to be more physiological. In the case of controlled breathing or unintentional leaks, the cycling is time-dependent according to the set backup Ti or Ti max, respectively. Cycling is an important parameter to set adequately to avoid patient–ventilator asynchronies. This article gathers all the information about cycling in long-term NIV, presenting the cycling settings for different devices, addressing cycling issues, and detailing how to set the cycling criteria. Advanced monitoring with statistics and waveforms is discussed to detect early and delayed cycling.
Testing the Safety of Piriformis Dry Needling Interventions: An Observational Study Evaluating the Predictive Value of Anthropometric and Demographic Factors
Authors: Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Varol Umut , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Belón-Pérez Pedro , López-Redondo Mónica , Navarro-Santana Marcos José
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The dry needling of the piriformis muscle (especially in the medial region) is a challenging procedure since there is a high risk of accidentally puncturing the sciatic nerve. This study aimed to explain the variance of the deep limit of the piriformis based on anthropometric and demographic predictors potentially associated with it by exploring if clinicians can select the optimal needle length needed accurately to avoid accidental punctures of the sciatic nerve during palpation-guided dry needling interventions. Methods: An observational study was conducted that included fifty-six patients with piriformis muscle syndrome. We recorded the skin-to-sciatic nerve distance at the location with greatest risk of accidental sciatic puncture (assessed with ultrasound imaging) and demographic (e.g., age, gender, height, weight and body mass index—BMI) and anthropometric (hip circumference) variables. Results: Thirty-four males (n = 34) and twenty-two females (n = 22) were analyzed. Although men presented a significantly greater hip circumference than women (p = 0.007), no skin-to-sciatic nerve distance differences were observed (p > 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed that the sciatic nerve’s depth is associated with weight, BMI and hip perimeter (all, p < 0.01) but not with age or height (p > 0.05). Due to shared variance and multicollinearity, the hip circumference was the only predictor included in the regression model, explaining 37.9% of the piriformis muscle’s deeper fascia depth variance (R2 Adjusted = 0.379). Conclusions: Although the use of landmarks and measuring the hip perimeter may result in greater dry needling accuracy and a lower risk of adverse events derived from accidental sciatic nerve puncture, ultrasound guidance is encouraged as is the safest method for avoiding serious adverse events.
Candida auris: Epidemiology Update and a Review of Strategies to Prevent Spread
Authors: Hayes Justin F.
Published: November 2024

Candida auris (C. auris) has emerged as a fungal pathogen with great propensity to spread rapidly on a global scale. C. auris infections have also caused significant morbidity and mortality. Strategies to prevent spread and outbreaks are critical. In this review, an update on the epidemiology of C. auris and a discussion of strategies to combat the spread of C. auris are presented. Future directions are also discussed.
Microarchitectural Study of the Augmented Bone Following a Modified Ridge Splitting Technique: Histological and Micro-Computed Tomography Analyses
Authors: Pénzes Dorottya , Szerencse Csilla , Major Martin , Szabó György , Kontsek Endre , Báskay János , Pollner Péter , Szabó Bence Tamás , Dobó-Nagy Csaba , Csete Dániel , Mócsai Attila , Baba Nadim Z. , Németh Orsolya , Kivovics Márton , Mijiritsky Eitan
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The aim of this matched prospective cohort study was to examine the microarchitecture of the augmented bone following a modified alveolar ridge splitting procedure and compare it to that of native bone. Methods: In the test group, patients underwent a modified ridge split osteotomy procedure to restore the width of the posterior segment of the mandible. Patients with sufficient bone width for dental implant placement in the posterior region of the mandible following 3-month-long spontaneous healing after tooth removal were included in the control group. In both study groups, bone biopsy samples were harvested and dental implants were placed. Histomorphometry and micro-CT analysis were performed. Results: Altogether, 15 patients were included in this study (7 patients in the test group, with 14 bone core biopsies harvested, and 8 patients in the control group, with 13 bone core biopsies harvested). Percentage bone volume (BV/TV) in the micro-CT analysis (22.088 ± 8.094% and 12.075 ± 4.009% for the test and control group, respectively) showed statistically significant differences between study groups. Conclusions: Based on histological and micro-CT analyses, the modified ridge splitting procedure with autologous bone block harvested from the retromolar area results in a dental implant recipient bone microarchitecture superior to that of the extraction sockets left to heal undisturbed for a 3-month-long healing period.
Amyloidosis in Childhood: A Review of Clinical Features and Comparison with Adult Forms
Authors: Zamarra Giovanni Battista , Sandu Marina , Caione Nicholas , Di Pasquale Gabriele , Di Berardino Alessio , Di Ludovico Armando , La Bella Saverio , Chiarelli Francesco , Cattivera Valentina , Colella Jacopo , Di Donato Giulio
Published: November 2024

Amyloidosis is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by extracellular accumulation of insoluble fibrils in various organs and tissues. The most common subtype in the pediatric population is systemic reactive amyloidosis, typically developing secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions and resulting in deposition of serum amyloid A protein in association with apolipoprotein HDL3. Clinical presentation is highly variable and is mostly influenced by specific organs involved, precursor protein type, and extent of amyloid deposition, often closely reflecting clinical features of the underlying disease. The most critical determinants of prognosis are cardiac and renal involvement. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy, which remains the gold standard, followed by precise amyloid fibril typing. The primary therapeutic approach is directed towards controlling underlying disease and reducing serum levels of precursor proteins to prevent further amyloid deposition. This study aims to highlight the main clinical characteristics of amyloidosis with onset in childhood, emphasizing the key differences compared to adult form.
Association Between Phosphorylated AXL Expression and Survival in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ho Hua , Cheng Chiao-Yin , Huang Chun-Yen , Chu Sheng-En , Liang Yao-Jen , Sun Jen-Tang , Chen Yen-Lin
Published: November 2024

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, particularly in East Asia. Despite treatment advances, the prognosis remains poor owing to late diagnosis and high metastatic potential. Phosphorylated AXL (pAXL), a receptor tyrosine kinase, promotes cancer progression, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumor growth, and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between pAXL expression and prognosis in patients with GC, focusing on survival outcomes and other biomarkers such as fibronectin and phosphorylated AKT (pAkt). Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of pAXL, fibronectin, and pAkt in 188 GC specimens collected between 2000 and 2013. H-scores were calculated based on staining intensity and percentage. The association between pAXL expression and patient outcomes was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Higher pAXL expression was significantly associated with improved survival, particularly in male patients. pAXL expression positively correlated with fibronectin and pAkt upregulation, suggesting its role in promoting tumor invasion and EMT. Multivariate analysis identified pAXL, fibronectin, and pAkt as significant prognostic indicators, whereas other factors such as age, tumor grade, and tumor size were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study identified pAXL as a valuable prognostic marker in GC, with higher expression levels associated with better survival outcomes, particularly in male patients. pAXL enhanced the invasive potential of GC cells through fibronectin and pAkt regulation, making it a promising therapeutic target. Further research is needed to explore the potential of pAXL-targeted therapies and better understand their role in cancer progression and treatment response.