bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Oral health as an important milieu for social and mental health”: Perspectives of adolescents emerging from a qualitative study
Authors: Lawal Folake Barakat , Fagbule Omotayo Francis , Lawal Taiwo Akeem , Oke Gbemisola Aderemi
Published: August 2022

Background

Recent evidence showed that the prevalence of oral diseases is still high among adolescents in many developing countries, including Nigeria. It therefore has becomes pertinent to focus on appropriate oral health interventions to promote oral health among them. This necessitates investigating the perspectives of adolescents, who are the major stakeholders, on the importance of oral health as baseline data needed in planning appropriate primary interventions.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives of adolescents on the importance of oral health.

Methods

An explorative qualitative study was conducted among adolescents attending senior secondary school I (grade 10) in the metropolis of Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 12 focus group discussions were conducted among 120 adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. The discussions were transcribed verbatim, and triangulation and organization, as well as thematic analysis, of data were carried out.

Results

Some adolescents had positive perceptions of oral health and valued it as highly important, although some had contrary views and believed oral health was unimportant. Oral health is described as being integral to general health, is associated with eating and communication, is a means of survival and confidence building, and is a prelude to attract the opposite gender. Adolescents perceived the need for oral health education and dental treatment.

Conclusion

Adolescents have mixed perspectives on the importance of oral health; while some valued it as highly important, others believed it was of no significance. Those who valued oral health as important described it as a milieu for general health, human survival, and social and mental health and thus requested for oral health promotion in schools.
Characterizing air source heat pump market segments: A Canadian case study
Authors: Pardy Aaron , Rhodes Ekaterina , Jaccard Mark
Published: August 2022

Electric air source heat pumps (ASHPs) appear to be a key technology for decarbonizing space heating in existing residential buildings, yet their current market share in much of North America remains low. To explore how the potential future ASHP market may differ from the present one, we use a subset of data from the Canadian Home Heating Survey (n = 461) to provide a comprehensive characterization of three market segments of British Columbian homeowners: Pioneers (heat pump owners), Potential Early Mainstream buyers (homeowners currently willing to purchase an ASHP), and Late Mainstream buyers (homeowners currently unwilling to purchase an ASHP). We assess variable associations with market segments according to the Attitude-Behavior-Context theory, which posits that pro-environmental behavior is shaped by attitudinal, contextual, and socio-demographic factors. We also compare how market segmentation changes before and after respondents receive technical information on different home heating systems. Relative to Pioneers and the Potential Early Mainstream (PEM), we find that the Late Mainstream (LM) are generally lower income, lower educated, less environmentally- and technologically-oriented in their lifestyles, less open to change, less familiar with heat pumps and home energy efficiency, more negative in their perceptions about heat pumps, and less aware and supportive of policies aimed at reducing residential emissions. We also find that after respondents read technical information about home heating systems, approximately 10% of heat pump non-owners shift from the LM to the PEM; however, within the PEM, there is little growth in high willingness to adopt.
Participatory land resources planning to promote sustainable landscape management in rainfed areas-Morocco
Authors: Ziadat Feras , Berkat Omar , Ouchna Rochdi , Touami Mouna , Fetsi Theodora , Harari Nicole , Studer Rima Mekdaschi , Schlingloff Stefan
Published: August 2022

Land degradation and desertification affect around one-third of the land used for agriculture, undermining productivity, and farmers' livelihoods, and resilience. People in rainfed and dryland areas are the most vulnerable to the environmental and social impacts of degradation, yet opportunities to expand agricultural areas in order to meet the needs of an ever-growing population are limited and/or not feasible. On the bright side, there are opportunities to avoid, reduce and reverse land degradation (LD), however, it will require identifying areas that are suited to implement sustainable land management (SLM) practices and create an enabling environment that encourages such initiatives. In Morocco, latest available data from 2015 showed that 19 percent of its land over the total land area is degraded. In order to assess the level of degradation in rainfed landscapes of Morocco and identify the appropriate technological solutions in response to the driving forces and pressures, and to come up with a territorial planning strategy, analyses were carried out at different levels to identify the land degradation “hot spots” as well as the SLM “bright spots.” This paper sheds light on the decision support framework, co-developed with partners and applied in Morocco, the findings from national and subnational assessments of LD, as well as the process of participatory planning in selected communities of the Souss-Massa region for evaluation and scaling up of SLM good practices. The process led to the development of a “Territorial Planning Pact” as a tool for land use planning and a 3-year action plan to help decision-makers implement and mainstream SLM in the selected communities and guide similar processes throughout the region. The “Territorial Planning Pact” forms a base for planning and implementing the development program in the region led by key stakeholders. The paper presents the actions taken and concludes by highlighting the importance of integrating both biophysical and socio-economic information in a multi-level participatory process to identify the actions and responsibilities of various stakeholders and ensure sustainable management of limited natural resources and improved livelihoods for all.
Indirect decompression via oblique lumbar interbody fusion is sufficient for treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis
Authors: Tseng Sheng-Chieh , Lin Yu-Hsien , Wu Yun-Che , Shih Cheng-Min , Chen Kun-Hui , Lee Cheng-Hung , Pan Chien-Chou
Published: August 2022

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is a popular technique for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal disease. There are no clear guidelines on whether direct posterior decompression (PD) is necessary after OLIF. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the indirect decompression obtained from OLIF in patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis. We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients who underwent OLIF surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal disease between 1 January 2018, and 30 June 2019. The inclusion criteria included patients who were diagnosed with lumbar foraminal stenosis by preoperative MRI. The exclusion criteria included the presence of central canal stenosis, spinal infection, vertebral fractures, and spinal malignancies. The clinical results, evaluated using the visual analogue scale of back pain (VAS-Back), VAS of leg pain (VAS-Leg), and Oswestry disability index (ODI), were recorded. The radiologic parameters were also measured. The VAS-Back, VAS-Leg, and ODI showed significant improvement in both the PD and non-posterior decompression (Non-PD) groups postoperatively (all, p < 0.05). Patients in the Non-PD group showed better results than those in the PD group in the VAS-Back at 12- and 24 months postoperatively (0.00 vs. 3.00 postoperatively at 12 months, p = 0.030; 0.00 vs. 4.00 postoperatively at 24 months, p = 0.009). In addition, the ODI at 24 months postoperatively showed better improvement in the Non-PD group (8.89 vs. 24.44, p = 0.038). The disc height in both the PD and the Non-PD groups increased significantly postoperatively (all, p < 0.05), but the restoration of foraminal height was significantly different only in the Non-PD group. There was no statistically significant difference in cage position, cage subsidence, fusion grade, or screw loosening between the PD and the Non-PD groups. Indirect decompression via OLIF for lumbar foraminal stenosis showed favorable outcomes. The use of interbody cages and posterior instrumentation was sufficient for relieving symptoms in patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis. Additional direct posterior decompression may deteriorate results in the follow-up period.
Case Report: Fenestration embedded in large vessel occlusion at non-branching site: A catastrophic trap for mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Hua Weilong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yongxin , Zhang Yongwei , Liu Jianmin , Yang Pengfei , Xu Xiaolong , Li Zifu
Published: August 2022

Fenestrations are rare anatomical variants characterized by division of an artery into two channels which join distally to form a single lumen. We here present two acute ischemic stroke patients with occlusion in an arterial segment with fenestration. Both occlusion sites were located at the non-branching site: one in the mid-basilar trunk and one middle cerebral artery trunk. Successful reperfusion was achieved in both patients, but angioplasty was avoided during thrombectomy procedure. The two cases establish that fenestration may be embedded in non-branching site occlusion. Surgeons should take this abnormality into account to prevent angioplasty from causing vessel rupture in the setting of fenestration.
Automatic landmark detection and mapping for 2D/3D registration with BoneNet
Authors: Nguyen Van , Alves Pereira Luis F. , Liang Zhihua , Mielke Falk , Van Houtte Jeroen , Sijbers Jan , De Beenhouwer Jan
Published: August 2022

The 3D musculoskeletal motion of animals is of interest for various biological studies and can be derived from X-ray fluoroscopy acquisitions by means of image matching or manual landmark annotation and mapping. While the image matching method requires a robust similarity measure (intensity-based) or an expensive computation (tomographic reconstruction-based), the manual annotation method depends on the experience of operators. In this paper, we tackle these challenges by a strategic approach that consists of two building blocks: an automated 3D landmark extraction technique and a deep neural network for 2D landmarks detection. For 3D landmark extraction, we propose a technique based on the shortest voxel coordinate variance to extract the 3D landmarks from the 3D tomographic reconstruction of an object. For 2D landmark detection, we propose a customized ResNet18-based neural network, BoneNet, to automatically detect geometrical landmarks on X-ray fluoroscopy images. With a deeper network architecture in comparison to the original ResNet18 model, BoneNet can extract and propagate feature vectors for accurate 2D landmark inference. The 3D poses of the animal are then reconstructed by aligning the extracted 2D landmarks from X-ray radiographs and the corresponding 3D landmarks in a 3D object reference model. Our proposed method is validated on X-ray images, simulated from a real piglet hindlimb 3D computed tomography scan and does not require manual annotation of landmark positions. The simulation results show that BoneNet is able to accurately detect the 2D landmarks in simulated, noisy 2D X-ray images, resulting in promising rigid and articulated parameter estimations.
Application of Blended Controlled-Release and Normal Urea with Suitable Maize Varieties to Achieve Integrated Agronomic and Environmental Impact in a High-Yielding Summer Maize System
Authors: Ma Mengjin , Li Huan , Yan Dongliang , Zhang Yihan , Song Miaomiao , Wang Yongchao , Wang Hao , Shao Ruixin , Guo Jiameng , Yang Qinghua
Published: August 2022

The use of blended controlled-release urea (CRU) with normal urea has appeared to effectively improve grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in summer maize systems. Nevertheless, the environmental impacts based on a life cycle assessment (LCA) and the ecosystem economic benefits with different maize varieties and ratios of CRU and urea remain unclear. In our study, a consecutive two-year field experiment was designed in the North China Plain (NCP) using two nitrogen (N) rates (0 and 180 kg N ha−1), four N resources (urea-N, CRU-N:urea-N = 1:2, CRU-N:urea-N = 2:1 and CRU-N), and two maize varieties (ZD958 and YH988) in 2019 and 2020. The results showed that a once-off application of basal fertilizer in N180C2 (CRU-N:urea-N = 2:1) and N180C1 (CRU-N:urea-N = 1:2) achieved high grain yields in ZD958 and YH988 (11.0–13.5 Mg ha−1 and 11.3–13.2 Mg ha−1), respectively. Compared to treatment N180U, treatment N180C2 reduced reactive N losses through N leaching (−34.6%), ammonia volatilization (−17.1%), and nitrous oxide emissions (−42.0%) in variety ZD958, whereas treatment N180C1 reduced reactive N losses through N leaching (−20.3%), ammonia volatilization (−13.2%), and nitrous oxide emission (−24.2%) in variety YH988. The N180C2 and N180C1 treatments achieved the lowest C footprint (267.4 and 267.9 kg CO2 eq Mg−1) for ZD958 and YH988, respectively. Furthermore, N180C2 and N180C1 achieved the highest ecosystem economic benefits for ZD958 and YH988 of 831 and 1101 $ ha−1, respectively. In summary, the application of the mixture of controlled release urea and standard urea at appropriate N rates not only achieved a high grain yield but also enhanced the ecological economic benefits while mitigating the negative environmental impacts. To sum up, using the correct CRU-N management practices coordinated with suitable genetic varieties is an effective way of achieving sustainable and environmentally friendly maize production in a high-yielding summer maize system.
Assessment of the Effects of Edible Microalgae in a Canine Gut Model
Authors: Delsante Costanza , Pinna Carlo , Sportelli Federica , Dalmonte Thomas , Stefanelli Claudio , Vecchiato Carla G. , Biagi Giacomo
Published: August 2022

Microalgae are a source of bioactive compounds having recently been studied for their possible application as health-promoting ingredients. The aim of the study was to evaluate in an in vitro canine gut model the effects of four microalgae, Arthrospira platensis (AP), Haematococcus pluvialis (HP), Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) and Chlorella vulgaris (CV), on some fecal microbial populations and metabolites. The four microalgae were subjected to an in vitro digestion procedure, and subsequently, the digested biomass underwent colonic in vitro fermentation. After 6 h of incubation, PT increased propionate (+36%) and butyrate (+24%), and decreased total BCFA (−47%), isobutyrate (−52%) and isovalerate (−43%) and C. hiranonis (−0.46 log10 copies/75 ng DNA). After 24 h, PT increased propionate (+21%) and isovalerate (+10%), and decreased the abundance of Turicibacter spp. (7.18 vs. 6.69 and 6.56 log10 copies/75 ng DNA for CTRL vs. PT, respectively); moreover, after 24 h, CV decreased C. coccoides (−1.12 log10 copies/75 ng DNA) and Enterococcus spp. (−0.37 log10 copies/75 ng DNA). In conclusion, the microbial saccharolytic activities and the shift in fecal bacterial composition were less pronounced than expected, based on current literature. This study should be considered as a preliminary assessment, and future investigations are required to better understand the role of microalgae in canine nutrition.
Comparison of Jugular vs. Saphenous Blood Samples, Intrarater and In-Between Device Reliability of Clinically Used ROTEM S Parameters in Dogs
Authors: Vuille-dit-Bille Johanna , Weingand Nicole , Jud Schefer Rahel , Stirn Martina , Adamik Katja-Nicole , Rathmann Justus M. K. , Sigrist Nadja E.
Published: August 2022

Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) allows for the global assessment of hemostasis in whole blood samples. Preanalytical and analytical factors may influence test results, and data about the reliability and reproducibility of lyophilized ROTEM tests are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of blood collection site on ROTEM S parameters and to assess intrarater and in-between device variability. A total of thirty, healthy, staff-owned dogs were included. Blood collection and ROTEM analysis were performed by trained staff according to a standardized protocol. Extrinsically activated (tissue factor; Ex-TEM S), with the addition of cytochalasin for platelet inhibition (Fib-TEM S), and intrinsically activated (In-TEM) analyses were performed. Analysis of our data showed significant variability for various Ex-TEM S and Fib-TEM S parameters from different collection sites and intrarater and in-between device measurements. We conclude that serial monitoring with ROTEM should be performed on the same device, with blood always taken from the same collection site using a standardized blood sampling technique. While In-TEM S, apart from maximum lysis, showed very stable and reliable results, we suggest interpreting especially clotting and clot formation parameters from Ex-TEM S and Fib-TEM S tests with caution and using duplicate measurements to detect outliers and to prevent initiation of incorrect therapies.
Expression of Key Factors of the Hippo Signaling Pathway in Yak (Bos grunniens) Mammary Gland
Authors: Du Peiyan , Lu Bin , Zhao Ling , Yao Ying , Qian Wenjie , Yu Zhen , Cui Yan , Yu Sijiu , Fan Jiangfeng
Published: August 2022

Due to its rich nutritional value, yak milk is an important food source in the alpine pastoral areas. However, yaks have a low milk yield. The Hippo pathway participates in cell proliferation and organ development. We aimed to determine the regulatory mechanism of this pathway in yak mammary cells. A greater understanding of how the expression of its essential genes influence the reproductive cycle could lead to improvements in lactation performance. The expression levels of the key genes MST1, LATS1, YAP1, and TEAD1 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry during the growth, lactation, and dry periods (GP, LP and DP, respectively). The MST1 and LATS1 mRNA and protein expression level was highest during GP and lowest during LP. The YAP1 and TEAD1 mRNA and protein expression level decreased from GP to LP and DP. MST1 and LATS1 were expressed in the cytoplasm whereas YAP1 and TEAD1 were expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. The differential expression of MST1, LATS1, YAP1, and TEAD1 expression in the yak mammary gland during different developmental stages strongly suggests that they play an important role in the regulation of developmental functions under different physiological conditions.
A Compact Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Small Sample Probability Model
Authors: He Zeyu , Zhao Ming , Luo Tie , Yang Yimin
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a compact cat swarm optimization algorithm based on a Small Sample Probability Model (SSPCCSO) is proposed. In the same way as with previous algorithms, there is a tracking mode and a searching mode in the processing of searching for optimal solutions, but besides these, a novel differential operator is introduced in the searching mode, and it is proved that this could greatly enhance the search ability for the potential global best solution. Another highlight of this algorithm is that the gradient descent method is adopted to increase the convergence velocity and reduce the computation cost. More importantly, a small sample probability model is designed to represent the population of samples instead of the normal probability distribution. This representation method could run with low computing power of the equipment, and the whole algorithm only uses a cat with no historical position and velocity. Therefore, it is suitable for solving optimization problems with limited hardware. In the experiment, SSPCCSO is superior to other compact evolutionary algorithms in most benchmark functions and can also perform well compared to some population-based evolutionary algorithms. It provides a new means of solving small sample optimization problems.
Object Composition Identification by Measurement of Local Radio Frequency Magnetic Fields with an Atomic Magnetometer
Authors: Zipfel Jake D. , Santosh Srikant , Bevington Patrick , Chalupczak Witold
Published: August 2022

Proof of principle of object composition identification based on inductive measurements with an atomic magnetometer has been demonstrated in highly engineered laboratory conditions. Progress in the development of portable miniaturised magnetometers has encouraged on the parallel development of the measurement technologies involving this sensor, in particular concepts that would enable operation in complex test scenarios. Here, we explore the problem of material identification in the context of measurements performed with variable distance between the object and the primary radio-frequency field source and sensor. We identify various aspects of the measurement affected by variable distance and discuss possible solutions, based on the signal phase analysis, a combination of frequency and angular signal dependencies and the implementation of a pair of excitation coils.
A Maturity Model Proposal for Industrial Maintenance and Its Application to the Railway Sector
Authors: Errandonea Itxaro , Alvarado Unai , Beltrán Sergio , Arrizabalaga Saioa
Published: August 2022

Maintenance is one of the major concerns of the industrial sector. Acquiring better levels of maintenance maturity is one of the objectives to be achieved. Therefore, prescriptive maintenance is one of the areas of recent research. Current works in literature are focused on specifics of maintenance strategies (from preventive to prescriptive), usually related to a fixed asset. No previous work has been identified regarding the methodology and guidelines to be followed to be able to evolve within the different strategies from a generic perspective. To address the lack of a methodology that shows a more evolutionary path between maintenance strategies, this paper presents Maintenance Maturity Model M3: a maturity model that identifies three areas of action, four levels of maturity, and the activities to be carried out in each of them to make progress in the maturity level of maintenance strategies. The implementation of prescriptive maintenance should be done in a gradual way, starting at the lowest levels. M3 approaches the problem from a broader perspective, analyzing the 18 different domains and the different levels of prior maturity to be considered for prescriptive maintenance. A study has also been carried out on the different maintenance actions and the applicability of the proposed M3 maturity model to the railway infrastructure maintenance is discussed. In addition, this paper also highlights future research lines and open issues.
Seismic Sequence Vulnerability of Low-Rise Special Moment-Resisting Frame Buildings with Brick Infills
Authors: Mahat Pushpa , Pradhan Piyush , Adhikari Rabindra , Furtado Andre , Gautam Dipendra , Rupakhety Rajesh
Published: August 2022

When buildings are exposed to earthquake sequence, damage aggravation is expected to occur. Although several studies report seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings under the mainshock–aftershock sequence, indicating damage aggravation due to aftershock, none, to the best of our knowledge, quantifies seismic vulnerability of buildings under foreshock–mainshock–aftershock sequences. Since foreshock–mainshock–aftershock sequences are also expected in many active seismic regions, we aim to quantify the level of vulnerability under seismic sequences considering the seismically highly active Himalayan region as the case study location. Fragility functions are derived considering foreshock, foreshock–mainshock sequence, and foreshock–mainshock–aftershock sequence for a low-rise special moment-resisting frame (SMRF) building that represents a typical low-rise owner-built construction system in Nepal, one of the most active seismic regions in the world. The results highlight that the foreshock significantly increases seismic vulnerability of the structures with respect to the often-considered case of a mainshock–aftershock sequence.
Multifunctional MEN-Doped Adhesives: Strengthening, Bond Quality Evaluation, and Variations in Magnetic Signal with Environmental Exposure
Authors: Dubon Juliette , Seisdedos Gonzalo , Watring Dillon , Pajon Mauricio , Khizroev Sakhrat , McDaniel Dwayne , Boesl Benjamin
Published: August 2022

Adhesive bonding of polymer matrix composites offers various advantages over traditional fasteners, such as a uniform stress state, reduced weight, and delay of composite delamination. However, adhesive bonding has limited implementation due to challenges in the prediction of durability. This work introduces a new method to monitor an adhesively bonded composite joint by dispersing magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENs) into the polymer precursor and monitoring changes in their surface charge density by evaluating the output magnetic signal under an applied magnetic field. Real-time monitoring of the curing process of a polymer adhesive was performed and corroborated via thermal analysis and mechanical testing. Lap shear and end notch flexure testing showed that adding 1 vol% MENs led to a ~23% increase in shear strength and a ~12% increase in mode II critical energy release rates compared to the undoped adhesive. Adding 5 vol% MENs also increased the adhesive’s peak tensile stress by ~8%. Strengthening mechanisms of the doped adhesive were monitored using in situ electron microscopy. A correlation between water ingression and a change in the magnetic moment was observed. Results show the MENs’ potential as a structural health-monitoring tool for a wide range of materials and applications.
Real-Time Metaheuristic Algorithm for Dynamic Fuzzification, De-Fuzzification and Fuzzy Reasoning Processes
Authors: Jayetileke Hasitha R. , de Mel W. R. , Mukhopadhyay Subhas Chandra
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a systematic approach to designing a dynamic metaheuristic fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to control a piece of non-linear plant. The developed controller is a multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) system. However, with the proposed control mechanism is possible to adapt it to single-input–single-output (SISO) systems as well. During real-time operation, the dynamic behavior of the proposed fuzzy controller is influenced by a metaheuristic particle swarm optimization (PSO) mechanism. Nevertheless, to analyze the performance of the developed dynamic metaheuristic FLC as a piece of non-linear plant, a 1 kW four-wheel independent-drive electric rover is controlled under different road constraints. The test results show that the proposed dynamic metaheuristic FLC maintains the wheel slip ratio of all four wheels to less than 0.35 and a top recorded translational speed of 90 km/h is maintained for a fixed orientation.
Enhancement of Medical Images through an Iterative McCann Retinex Algorithm: A Case of Detecting Brain Tumor and Retinal Vessel Segmentation
Authors: Almalki Yassir Edrees , Jandan Nisar Ahmed , Soomro Toufique Ahmed , Ali Ahmed , Kumar Pardeep , Irfan Muhammad , Keerio Muhammad Usman , Rahman Saifur , Alqahtani Ali , Alqhtani Samar M. , Hakami Mohammed Awaji M. , S Alqahtani Saeed , Aldhabaan Waleed A. , Khairallah Abdulrahman Samir
Published: August 2022

Analyzing medical images has always been a challenging task because these images are used to observe complex internal structures of the human body. This research work is based on the study of the retinal fundus and magnetic resonance images (MRI) for the analysis of ocular and cerebral abnormalities. Typically, clinical quality images of the eyes and brain have low-varying contrast, making it challenge to diagnose a specific disease. These issues can be overcome, and preprocessing or an image enhancement technique is required to properly enhance images to facilitate postprocessing. In this paper, we propose an iterative algorithm based on the McCann Retinex algorithm for retinal and brain MRI. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) region of retinal images and the coronal, axial, and sagittal brain images are enhanced during the preprocessing step. The High-Resolution Fundus (HRF) and MR brain Oasis images databases are used, and image contrast and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) are used to assess the enhancement step parameters. The average PSNR enhancement on images from the Oasis brain MRI database was about 3 dB with an average contrast of 57.4. The average PSNR enhancement of the HRF database images was approximately 2.5 dB with a contrast average of 40 over the database. The proposed method was also validated in the postprocessing steps to observe its impact. A well-segmented image was obtained with an accuracy of 0.953 and 0.0949 on the DRIVE and STARE databases. Brain tumors were detected from the Oasis brain MRI database with an accuracy of 0.97. This method can play an important role in helping medical experts diagnose eye diseases and brain tumors from retinal images and Oasis brain images.
Prognostic Role of Serum Adrenomedullin in Patients with Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Helmy Tamer Abdallah , Tammam Haitham Hamdy , Leuis Michael Ebrahim , Beshey Bassem Nashaat
Published: August 2022

Objective: Ventilator associated pneumonia is a common type of sepsis that occurs to about 9–27% of all mechanically ventilated patients and 20–50% of them develop septic shock. Several clinical, laboratory, and radiological methods have been used for diagnosing VAP. Adrenomedullin (ADM) has been found to be elevated in the plasma of septic patients. The study aim was to explore the prognostic role of ADM in the VAP patients. Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: Intensive Care Department of Alexandria University Hospitals. Patients: A total of 140 patients with proven VAP after medical ICU admission were consecutively enrolled. Methods: APACHE II score, SOFA score, CRP, lactate, and serum ADM were measured at day 0 of VAP diagnosis and 5 days later. The results were correlated with the outcomes of patients. Results: APACHE II, lactate, and serum ADM on day 0 could predict an unfavorable outcome. ADM prediction power was significantly higher than APACHE II and lactate. Day 5 readings of all tested parameters could predict occurrence of the unfavorable outcome. ADM on day 0 showed the highest sensitivity (96.25%). Conclusions: Serum adrenomedullin when measured at days 0 and 5 of VAP diagnosis may serve as an early predictor of unfavorable outcome.
Reactive Species-Activatable AIEgens for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Kang Xiaoying , Li Yue , Yin Shuai , Li Wen , Qi Ji
Published: August 2022

Precision medicine requires highly sensitive and specific diagnostic strategies with high spatiotemporal resolution. Accurate detection and monitoring of endogenously generated biomarkers at the very early disease stage is of extensive importance for precise diagnosis and treatment. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have emerged as a new type of excellent optical agents, which show great promise for numerous biomedical applications. In this review, we highlight the recent advances of AIE-based probes for detecting reactive species (including reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), reactive sulfur species (RSS), and reactive carbonyl species (RCS)) and related biomedical applications. The molecular design strategies for increasing the sensitivity, tuning the response wavelength, and realizing afterglow imaging are summarized, and theranostic applications in reactive species-related major diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and vascular diseases are reviewed. The challenges and outlooks for the reactive species-activatable AIE systems for disease diagnostics and therapeutics are also discussed. This review aims to offer guidance for designing AIE-based specifically activatable optical agents for biomedical applications, as well as providing a comprehensive understanding about the structure–property application relationships. We hope it will inspire more interesting researches about reactive species-activatable probes and advance clinical translations.
Predictive Modelling in Clinical Bioinformatics: Key Concepts for Startups
Authors: Pais Ricardo J.
Published: August 2022

Clinical bioinformatics is a newly emerging field that applies bioinformatics techniques for facilitating the identification of diseases, discovery of biomarkers, and therapy decision. Mathematical modelling is part of bioinformatics analysis pipelines and a fundamental step to extract clinical insights from genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes of patients. Often, the chosen modelling techniques relies on either statistical, machine learning or deterministic approaches. Research that combines bioinformatics with modelling techniques have been generating innovative biomedical technology, algorithms and models with biotech applications, attracting private investment to develop new business; however, startups that emerge from these technologies have been facing difficulties to implement clinical bioinformatics pipelines, protect their technology and generate profit. In this commentary, we discuss the main concepts that startups should know for enabling a successful application of predictive modelling in clinical bioinformatics. Here we will focus on key modelling concepts, provide some successful examples and briefly discuss the modelling framework choice. We also highlight some aspects to be taken into account for a successful implementation of cost-effective bioinformatics from a business perspective.
Current Evidence of a Deintensification Strategy for Patients with HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Sung Soo-Yoon , Kim Yeon-Sil , Kim Sung Hwan , Lee Seung Jae , Lee Sea-Won , Kwak Yoo-Kang
Published: August 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer differs from HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer in terms of etiology, epidemiology, and prognosis. Younger and lower comorbidity patient demographics and favorable prognosis allow HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer patients to anticipate longer life expectancy. Reducing long-term toxicities has become an increasingly important issue. Treatment deintensification to reduce toxicities has been investigated in terms of many aspects, and the reduction of radiotherapy (RT) dose in definitive treatment, replacement of platinum-based chemotherapy with cetuximab, response-tailored dose prescription after induction chemotherapy, and reduction of adjuvant RT dose after transoral surgery have been evaluated. We performed a literature review of prospective trials of deintensification for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. In phase II trials, reduction of RT dose in definitive treatment showed comparable survival outcomes to historical results. Two phase III randomized trials reported inferior survival outcomes for cetuximab-based chemoradiation compared with cisplatin-based chemoradiation. In a randomized phase III trial investigating adjuvant RT, deintensified RT showed noninferior survival outcomes in patients without extranodal extension but worse survival in patients with extranodal extension. Optimal RT dosage and patient selection require confirmation in future studies. Although many phase II trials have reported promising outcomes, the results of phase III trials are needed to change the standard treatment. Since high-level evidence has not been established, current deintensification should only be performed as part of a clinical study with caution. Implementation in clinical practice should not be undertaken until evidence from phase III randomized trials is available.
Neurotransmitters: Potential Targets in Glioblastoma
Authors: Huang Qiqi , Chen Lishi , Liang Jianhao , Huang Qiongzhen , Sun Haitao
Published: August 2022

For decades, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of the most lethal brain tumor, has remained a formidable challenge in terms of its treatment. Recently, many novel discoveries have underlined the regulatory roles of neurotransmitters in the microenvironment both physiologically and pathologically. By targeting the receptors synaptically or non-synaptically, neurotransmitters activate multiple signaling pathways. Significantly, many ligands acting on neurotransmitter receptors have shown great potential for inhibiting GBM growth and development, requiring further research. Here, we provide an overview of the most novel advances concerning the role of neurotransmitters in the normal neural and the GBM microenvironments, and discuss potential targeted drugs used for GBM treatment.
Ni–Co–Te Nanocomposites with Multi-Dimensional Hierarchical Structure for Electrochemical Acetaminophen Sensing
Authors: Ye Jin-Jia , Wang Zhi-Yuan , Chang Han-Wei , Tsai Yu-Chen
Published: August 2022

In this study, Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites with multi-dimensional hierarchical structure were successfully prepared using a hydrothermal method. Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites used as electrode materials afford enhanced electroactive properties for electrochemical acetaminophen sensing. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the morphological and structural properties to boost their further promotion in acetaminophen sensing. The electrochemical performance of Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites was characterized by electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)). The lower electronegativity of the telluride atom and unique structural features of Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites endow the materials with promising performance in acetaminophen sensing (including linear range from 2.5 to 1000 μM, sensitivity of 0.5 μAμM−1cm−2, limit of detection of 0.92 μM, and excellent selectivity). The results indicated that Ni–Co–Te nanocomposites can serve as promising electrode materials for practical application in electrochemical acetaminophen sensing.
Machining of Carbon Steel under Aqueous Environment: Investigations into Some Performance Measures
Authors: Ali Mushtaq , Ratlamwala Tahir Abdul Hussain , Hussain Ghulam , Shehbaz Tauheed , Muhammad Riaz , Aamir Muhammad , Giasin Khaled , Pimenov Danil Yurievich
Published: August 2022

In this study, a new machining approach (aqueous machining) is applied for mill machining and its performance is compared with traditional wet machining. AISI 1020 steel is employed as the test material and Taguchi statistical methodology is implemented to analyze and compare the performance of the two machining approaches. The cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut were the machining parameters used for both types of machining, while the selected response variables were surface roughness and hardness. Temperature variations were also recorded in aqueous machining. Compared with wet machining, aqueous machining resulted in lower surface roughness (up to 13%) for the same operating conditions and about 14% to 16% enhancement in hardness due to the formation of finer pearlite, as revealed by the microstructure analysis. Compared to the parent unmachined surface, the hardness of machined surfaces was 24% to 31% higher in wet machining and 44% to 51% higher in aqueous machining. Another benefit of aqueous machining was the energy gain, which ranged from 718 to 8615.96 J. This amount of heat energy can be used as waste heat for preheating domestic hot water, running the organic Rankine cycle with waste heat and preheating the inlet saline water for desalination, vacuum desalination, etc. If successfully implemented in the future, this idea will provide a step towards achieving sustainable machining by saving lubricants and toxic wastes in addition to saving energy for secondary applications.
Integrative Approach of MAP and Active Antimicrobial Packaging for Prolonged Shelf-Life of Composite Bottle Gourd Milk Cake
Authors: Chawla Rekha , Shanmugam Sivakumar , Bedi Jasbir Singh , Selvamuthukumaran Selvamuthukumaran , Yadav Deep N. , Anurag Rahul
Published: August 2022

The current research explored the integrative effect of antimicrobial edible films and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality parameters and shelf-life of bottle gourd burfi, which is a heat-desiccated composite Indian confection. The edible antimicrobial films prepared using a combination of nisin and natamycin (NANIF) were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity as the first line of defense against Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus niger. The product was wrapped in developed films, which was followed by flushing of the altered environment employing MAP in a closed PP box and evaluation during refrigerated storage at 4 ± 2 °C, comparing the product with the control counterpart. During this period, the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological status of the product was assessed. Results indicated a significant (p ≤ 0.05) variance between the two kinds of samples wherein the antimicrobial film produced excellent results in terms of being less supportive toward microbial growth, thereby extending the life of film-treated samples beyond 35 days compared to the control (21 days). In addition, the product conformed to the legal standards of microbiological count well under the permissible limits laid by the FSSAI. Furthermore, the sensory characteristics of the product did not change much, illustrating the significance of the integrative approach.
Dissolution Behavior of Different Alumina Phases within Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings
Authors: Simchen Frank , Morgenstern Roy , Clauß Steffen , Mehner Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: August 2022

The influence of chemical redissolution in the PEO layer-growth equilibrium on aluminum is evaluated differently in literature. In order to estimate whether and to what extent various alumina modifications could be affected by redissolution processes during PEO, immersion experiments were carried out on PEO coatings in model electrolytes of different alkalinity and silicate concentration. Their composition was determined spectroscopically before and after the experiments. The layers were characterized by XRD before and after the tests and examined at affected and unaffected zones using SEM, EDX, and EBSD. The results show that chemical oxide dissolution can only be observed at the layer/substrate interface and that primarily amorphous alumina is affected. This process is intensified by higher alkalinity and inhibited by silicate additives. The crystalline Al2O3 modifications show no significant attack by the electrolytes used. Transferring these observations to plasma electrolytic oxidation, they allow the conclusion that the electrochemically active zone in the pore ground of discharge channels interacts with the electrolytic and electrical process parameters throughout the entire PEO procedure. Influences of bath alkalinity and silicate content on layer growth rates are to be understood as impact on the passivation processes at the layer/substrate interface rather than chemical redissolution.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Ag3PO4/Mn-ZnO Nanocomposite for the Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Alam Mir , Azam Hamida , Khalid Nadeem , Naeem Sumaira , Hussain Muhammad , BaQais Amal , Farhan Mohd , Souayeh Basma , Zaidi Noushi , Khan Kaffayatullah
Published: August 2022

Using sustainable photocatalysts, photocatalytic degradation has emerged as one of the viable strategies to combat water pollution through eco-friendly and cost-effective means. Visible-light-active Ag3PO4/Mn-ZnO nanocomposite photocatalysts were produced in this study using a simple hydrothermal method and varied concentrations of Ag3PO4 to Mn-ZnO ranging from 0 to 5 wt percent. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microcopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectrophotometer, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to examine the structural, morphological, and optical properties of synthesized materials. Visible light was used to test the photocatalytic activity of produced Ag3PO4/Mn-ZnO photocatalysts for the breakdown of tetracycline (TC) hydrochloride. In comparison to the other samples, the 3% Ag3PO4/Mn-ZnO nanocomposite exhibited superior activity as a result of improved visible light absorption and suppressed charge carrier recombination. In addition, this sample demonstrated good stability of TC in an aqueous environment after five consecutive cycles. This research will enhance the scope of photocatalysis for environmental applications.
Identification of Novel AXL Kinase Inhibitors Using Ligand-Based Pharmacophore Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Nagamalla Lavanya , Kumar J. V. Shanmukha , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Sanjay Chintakindi , Alsamhan Ali M. , Kasim Mohsin Ahmed , Alwarthan Abdulrahman
Published: August 2022

AXL kinase is a promising target in novel drug discovery for cancer. A ligand-based pharmacophore model was generated with the Pharmit web server. Its inbuilt PubChem molecule database was screened and led to 408 candidate molecules. Docking of the AXL kinase active sites with the identified list of candidate molecules was carried out with Autodock Vina docking software. This resulted in four compounds selected for further investigation. Molecular dynamics simulation of two ligands (PubChem-122421875 and PubChem-78160848) showed considerable binding with AXL kinase. From the MM-PBSA binding free energies investigation, the PubChem-122421875 (G = −179.3 kJ/mol) and PubChem-78160848 (G = −208.3 kJ/mol) ligands had favorable protein-ligand complex stability and binding free energy. Hence, PubChem-122421875 and PubChem-78160848 molecules identified in this work could be a potent starting point for developing novel AXL kinase inhibitor molecules.
Nematicidal Activity of Inorganic Food Additives
Authors: Boyko Olexandra , Brygadyrenko Viktor
Published: August 2022

The food industry is not the only sphere of human activity where inorganic food additives are globally used. In certain concentrations, they are safe for people and agricultural animals. Nonetheless, they impose a negative impact on other classes of living organisms. Therefore, our objective was to determinine the influence of some inorganic food additives (alkalis, acids, salts) on the vitality of nematode larvae that parasitize agricultural animals: Strongyloides papillosus, Haemonchus contortus and Muellerius capillaris. We studied the effects of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, boric acid, phosphoric acid, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bisulfite, sodium bisulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, calcium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, copper sulfate pentahydrate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium triphosphate, sodium borate decahydrate and talc. In in vitro experiments, the strongest effects were produced by alkalis sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. In 24 h, 1% solutions of those substances killed 69% of larvae of S. papillosus, H. contortus and M. capillaris of various development stages. Sodium sulfate was effective against all stages of larvae of S. papillosus, and also against first-age M. capillaris. Nematocidal properties only against all stages of S. papillosus were exerted by copper sulfate pentahydrate. Non-invasive stages of S. papillosus nematodes were affected only by phosphoric acid, ammonium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, sodium nitrite, calcium sulfate, potassium metabisulfite, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium triphosphate and the same stages of M. capillaris—by phosphoric acid, sodium bisulfite and potassium nitrite.