bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Poudel Pragya G. , Horan Madeline R. , Brinkman Tara M. , Wang Zhaoming , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Huang I-Chan
Published: September 2023

Background: The majority of adult cancer patients/survivors encounter social challenges (e.g., obtaining social support, maintaining social relationships, feelings of social isolation). This systematic review summarizes intervention studies addressing social integration or social connectedness issues among young- and middle-aged cancer patients/survivors. Methods: We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases (January 2000–May 2021) to identify intervention studies that addressed social integration, social connectedness, social support, and social isolation for cancer patients/survivors in young- and middle-aged adulthood (18–64.9 years) through a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We categorized the interventions as technology-based, non-technology-based, and mixed-type (technology- and non-technology-based). Results: A total of 28 studies were identified. These interventions demonstrated improved social outcomes (e.g., increased social support, decreased loneliness), increased awareness of available cancer-related resources, and better patient-reported outcomes among patients/survivors versus controls. Specifically, the use of internet-based discussion sessions was associated with improved social cohesion and social support. Receiving social support from peers through networking sites was associated with improved physical activity. Additionally, implementing mixed-type interventions led to better social support from peer survivors, less fear of social interactions, and improved social connectedness. Conclusions: Using existing technology- and/or non-technology-based platforms to facilitate social connectedness among cancer patients/survivors in young- or middle-aged adulthood can help them cope with stressful life circumstances and improve quality-of-life. Further interventions targeting social integration (e.g., social network interventions) are needed to improve the complex social integration challenges experienced by cancer patients and survivors.
Isoselenazole Synthesis by Rh-Catalyzed Direct Annulation of Benzimidates with Sodium Selenite
Authors: Xu-Xu Qing-Feng , Nishii Yuji , Miura Masahiro
Published: September 2023

Organoselenium compounds have attracted significant research interest because of their potent therapeutic activities and indispensable applications in the organic chemistry field. The selenation reactions conventionally rely on the use of sensitive Se reagents; thus, new synthetic methods with improved efficiency and operational simplicity have recently been of particular interest. In this manuscript, we report a Rh-catalyzed direct selenium annulation using tractable sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) as the limiting reagent. The selenite species was converted to highly electrophilic SeO(OBz)2 in situ upon treatment with Bz2O, thereby undergoing C–H/N–H double nucleophilic selenation. A series of benzimidates successfully underwent selenation under mild reaction conditions to afford isoselenazole derivatives.
Bladder Neoplasia in Pediatric Patients—A Single-Center Experience Including a Case Series
Authors: Haecker Frank-Martin , Bruder Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

Objective: Bladder lesions like urothelial carcinoma are rare in the first two decades of life. A biopsy of the bladder or urinary cytological examination is seldom required. Gross painless hematuria is the most relevant clinical syndrome. Methods: A retrospective analysis of surgical pathology records collected between 1984 and 2014 at our institution was performed in a search for cases of urothelial neoplasms originating within the urinary bladder in pediatric patients. Diagnoses were confirmed based on pathologic examination using the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. We selected keywords such as bladder neoplasia, bladder lesion, urothelial neoplasia, rhabdomyosarcoma, and children. In addition, we describe clinical presentation and diagnostic procedures as well as treatment and follow-up of two patients. A review of the literature was performed to analyze recommendations concerning diagnostic staging, treatment, and follow-up examinations as well as surveillance of urothelial tumors in the pediatric population. Results: Screening the pathology database of the Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology of the University Hospital Basel between 1988 and 2014 yielded 287 samples involving the urinary bladder, 110 autopsies, 135 biopsies, and 42 cytology specimens. Of these, most samples originated from malformations and inflammation. Only five were tumors: two were urothelial tumors and three were rhabdomyosarcomas. The majority of specimens comprised resections of the diverticula or distal ureter. Our case reports include two patients with a urothelial tumor. Among the urothelial tumors, one was a papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential (PUNLMP). Painless hematuria was the directing clinical symptom. The tumor was investigated by FISH, and a 9p21 deletion was found. The second tumor-like lesion was a fibroepithelial polyp arising from the bladder neck. Conclusions: Bladder tumors in children are rare and mostly consist of urothelial and mesenchymal neoplasms. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignant bladder tumor in childhood. Similar to adult urothelial neoplasms, the loss of 9p21 is also implicated in urothelial neoplasms in childhood. Despite an increasing number of case reports and small series published within the last 2 decades, general treatment protocols including recommendations for staging, tumor markers, and follow-up examinations are still not yet available for this tumor entity in the pediatric population.
Work-Related Hand Eczema in Healthcare Workers: Etiopathogenic Factors, Clinical Features, and Skin Care
Authors: Japundžić Iva , Bembić Massimo , Špiljak Bruno , Parać Ena , Macan Jelena , Lugović-Mihić Liborija
Published: September 2023

Work-related skin conditions, including work-related irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, rank as the second most prevalent among work-related diseases. The most commonly reported manifestation of these conditions is hand eczema, which develops due to exposure to various substances in the workplace. Understanding the origins and triggers of eczema and contact dermatitis enables healthcare professionals to educate themselves and their patients about effective preventive measures, such as avoiding specific irritants and allergens, using protective equipment, and maintaining proper skincare hygiene. Additionally, this knowledge facilitates the development of new recommendations to enhance skin protection in work-related settings, regulate the use of substances known to cause work-related skin diseases, and provide healthcare practitioners with the necessary training to recognize and manage these conditions. Given that approximately one in every five healthcare workers is considered to have hand eczema, the objective of this study was to review the existing literature regarding the characteristics of eczema in healthcare workers. Furthermore, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate environmental and constitutional factors (including years of work experience involving exposure to skin hazards, frequent glove use, regular handwashing and water contact, frequent use of disinfectants and detergents, and a history of previous allergies and atopic dermatitis) that influence the occurrence and progression of eczema.
Attention-Based Human Age Estimation from Face Images to Enhance Public Security
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashiqur , Aonty Shuhena Salam , Deb Kaushik , Sarker Iqbal H.
Published: September 2023

Age estimation from facial images has gained significant attention due to its practical applications such as public security. However, one of the major challenges faced in this field is the limited availability of comprehensive training data. Moreover, due to the gradual nature of aging, similar-aged faces tend to share similarities despite their race, gender, or location. Recent studies on age estimation utilize convolutional neural networks (CNN), treating every facial region equally and disregarding potentially informative patches that contain age-specific details. Therefore, an attention module can be used to focus extra attention on important patches in the image. In this study, tests are conducted on different attention modules, namely CBAM, SENet, and Self-attention, implemented with a convolutional neural network. The focus is on developing a lightweight model that requires a low number of parameters. A merged dataset and other cutting-edge datasets are used to test the proposed model’s performance. In addition, transfer learning is used alongside the scratch CNN model to achieve optimal performance more efficiently. Experimental results on different aging face databases show the remarkable advantages of the proposed attention-based CNN model over the conventional CNN model by attaining the lowest mean absolute error and the lowest number of parameters with a better cumulative score.
Multi-Robot SLAM Using Fast LiDAR Odometry and Mapping
Authors: Ahmed Jalil Basma , Kasim Ibraheem Ibraheem
Published: September 2023

This paper presents an approach to implem enting centralized multirobot simultaneous localization and mapping (MR-SLAM) in an unknown environment based on LiDAR sensors. The suggested implementation addresses two main challenges faced in MR-SLAM, particularly in real-time applications: computing complexity (solving the problem with minimum time and resources) and map merging (finding the alignment between the maps and merging maps by integrating information from the aligned maps into one map). The proposed approach integrates Fast LiDAR and Odometry Mapping (FLOAM), which reduces the computational complexity of localization and mapping for individual robots by adopting a non-iterative two-stage distortion compensation method. This, in turn, accelerates inputs for the map merging algorithm and expedites the creation of a comprehensive map. The map merging algorithm utilizes feature matching techniques, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), and the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm to estimate the transformation between the maps. Subsequently, the algorithm employs a map-merging graph to estimate the global transformation. Our system has been designed to utilize two robots and has been evaluated on datasets and in a simulated environment using ROS and Gazebo. The system required less computing time to build the global map and achieved good estimation accuracy.
Long-Term Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Gel in Single-Crown Implant Rehabilitation: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: D’Addazio Gianmaria , Manciocchi Eugenio , Tafuri Giuseppe , Schiavone Ruggero , Murmura Giovanna , Mavriqi Luan , Sinjari Bruna , Caputi Sergio
Published: September 2023

Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) has shown the ability to significantly reduce inflammation and marginal bone loss (MBL) at the 1-year follow-up but limited data exist regarding its long-term efficacy in peri-implant stability. The objective was to compare the long-term effects (5 years of follow-up) of a placebo gel (16 patients in Group A) or a 0.20% CHX gel (15 patients in Group B) used at each previous surgical and prosthetic stage. Control visits were conducted in 2022, investigating the long-term effects by biological, radiological, and clinical evaluation. The data were statistically analyzed. The research achieved a 96.7% implant success rate over five years, but 41.9% of patients did not attend annual oral hygiene check-ups. The average MBL was 1.04 ± 0.39 mm, with no significant differences between the two groups. Notably, patients who attended regular periodontal check-ups experienced significantly less MBL than those who did not (p < 0.05). At five years, direct effects of CHX were absent, with both groups showing moderate bone loss. However, the results suggest that early disinfection could enhance both short- and long-term outcomes. In fact, patients with initial minor MBL due to use of CHX, preserve this advantage also after 5 years of follow-up. Additionally, the data underscore the importance of annual check-ups in early detection and management of biological complications.
Supernumerary Tooth Patterns in Non-Syndromic White European Subjects
Authors: Henninger Eva , Friedli Luca , Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A. , Zymperdikas Vasileios F. , Papadopoulos Moschos A. , Kanavakis Georgios , Gkantidis Nikolaos
Published: September 2023

Supernumerary teeth form at an incidence of about 3% in the population, with differences among races and various clinical consequences. Information on detailed patterns, and especially on white subjects, is scarce in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the patterns of non-syndromic permanent supernumerary teeth in a white European population. A record review was performed in different orthodontic clinics and identified 207 eligible individuals with 258 supernumerary teeth. Approximately 80% of the subjects had one supernumerary tooth, while 15% had two. Supernumerary tooth formation was more often evident in males (male/female: 1.65). However, there was no sexual dimorphism in its severity. The following pattern sequences, with decreasing prevalence order, were observed in the maxilla: 21 > 11 > 12 > 18 > 28 and in the mandible: 34 > 44 > 35 > 45 > 42. Supernumerary teeth were most often unilaterally present, without sexual dimorphism. In the maxilla, they were more often anteriorly present, whereas in the mandible, an opposite tendency was observed. Supernumerary teeth were consistently more often observed in the maxilla than in the mandible; 74% were impacted, 80% had normal orientation (13% horizontal, 7% inverted), and 53% had normal size. The present thorough supernumerary tooth pattern assessment enables a better understanding of this condition with clinical, developmental, and evolutionary implications.
Automated Identification and Classification of Plant Species in Heterogeneous Plant Areas Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Collected RGB Images and Transfer Learning
Authors: Tariku Girma , Ghiglieno Isabella , Gilioli Gianni , Gentilin Fulvio , Armiraglio Stefano , Serina Ivan
Published: September 2023

Biodiversity regulates agroecosystem processes, ensuring stability. Preserving and restoring biodiversity is vital for sustainable agricultural production. Species identification and classification in plant communities are key in biodiversity studies. Remote sensing supports species identification. However, accurately identifying plant species in heterogeneous plant areas presents challenges in dataset acquisition, preparation, and model selection for image classification. This study presents a method that combines object-based supervised machine learning for dataset preparation and a pre-trained transfer learning model (EfficientNetV2) for precise plant species classification in heterogeneous areas. The methodology is based on the multi-resolution segmentation of the UAV RGB orthophoto of the plant community into multiple canopy objects, and on the classification of the plants in the orthophoto using the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) supervised machine learning algorithm. Individual plant species canopies are extracted with the ArcGIS training dataset. A pre-trained transfer learning model is then applied for classification. Test results show that the EfficientNetV2 achieves an impressive 99% classification accuracy for seven plant species. A comparative study contrasts the EfficientNetV2 model with other widely used transfer learning models: ResNet50, Xception, DenseNet121, InceptionV3, and MobileNetV2.
Drone-Based Monitoring to Remotely Assess a Beach Nourishment Program on Lord Howe Island
Authors: Kelaher Brendan P. , Pappagallo Tommaso , Litchfield Sebastian , Fellowes Thomas E.
Published: September 2023

Beach nourishment is a soft engineering technique that is used to combat coastal erosion. To assess the efficacy of a beach nourishment program on the northwest coast of Lord Howe Island, remotely coordinated drone-based monitoring was undertaken at Lagoon Beach. Specifically, hypotheses were tested that beach nourishment could increase the dune height and the width of the beach where the sand was translocated but would not have any long-term impacts on other parts of the beach. During the beach nourishment program, sand was translocated from the north end to the south end of Lagoon Beach, where it was deposited over 2800 m2. Lagoon Beach was monitored using a time series of 3D orthomosaics (2019–2021) based on orthorectified drone imagery. The data were then analysed using a robust before-after-control-impact (BACI) experimental design. Initially, a fully automated drone mapping program and permanent ground control points were set up. After this, a local drone pilot facilitated automated drone mapping for the subsequent times of sampling and transferred data to mainland researchers. As well as being more cost-effective, this approach allowed data collection to continue during Island closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After sand translocation, the south end of Lagoon Beach had a lower dune with more vegetation and a more expansive beach with a gentler slope than the prior arrangement. Overall, drone monitoring demonstrated the efficacy of the beach nourishment program on Lord Howe Island and highlighted the capacity for drones to deliver cost-effective data in locations that were difficult for researchers to access.
Co-Teaching with High School Students for Music Teaching
Authors: Quiñones-Ramírez Félix , Duran David , Viladot Laia
Published: September 2023

This article presents a didactic proposal for teaching musical notation and solfège sight-singing through co-teaching with secondary school students. The goal was to explore the advantages and limitations of using a form of peer learning where students play the role of co-teachers alongside the teacher. We wanted to find out whether this proposal would lead to significant improvements among both co-teachers and tutees, identifying the actions responsible for this progress, and paying particular attention to how students learn in the role of co-teachers. This study was based on a mixed-method explanatory sequential design, where the quantitative data were analyzed first and then the qualitative data. The quantitative results showed statistically significant improvements when comparing the pre-test and post-test results of all the students participating in the didactic proposal. These improvements can be attributed to the personalized support provided by the co-teachers, the opportunities for peer assessment that enabled progress to be monitored and provided feedback, and the possibilities of learning by teaching. In conclusion, the results of this study endorse the viability of student co-teaching in secondary school music education.
Overcoming Obstacles for the Inclusion of Visually Impaired Learners through Teacher–Researcher Collaborative Design and Implementation
Authors: Stylianidou Angeliki , Nardi Elena
Published: September 2023

Teacher preparation to address the needs of disabled learners in mainstream mathematics classrooms is quintessential for the implementation of the inclusive educational policies that governments are often committed to. To identify teacher preparation needs, we draw on data and analyses from the doctoral study of the first author, who endorsed sociocultural and embodied perspectives in an investigation—first exploratory, then interventional—of visually impaired (VI) learners’ experiences and their teachers’ inclusion discourses. Here, we focus on the intertwined contributions of physical and digital resources in the mathematical learning experiences of VI pupils, as these resources co-existed simultaneously in the observed mathematics lessons. We first summarise findings from the exploratory phase that highlighted inclusion issues related to resource use in the mathematics classroom. We then offer a critical account of the circumstantial and systemic obstacles that impeded the successful intertwinement of digital and physical resources and discuss teacher–researcher collaborative design and implementation of classroom tasks (auditory, tactile) in the intervention phase. We conclude by making the case that well-meaning individual teacher–researcher collaboration is a necessary condition for such interventions to succeed but not a sufficient condition for these interventions to be scaled up and have longevity.
Extended Depth-of-Field Imaging Using Multi-Scale Convolutional Neural Network Wavefront Coding
Authors: Zhou Yiran , Wu Yijian , Guo Xiaohu , Gui Wenyong
Published: September 2023

Wavefront encoding (WFC) is a depth-of-field (DOF) extension technology that combines optical encoding and digital decoding. The system extends DOF at the expense of intermediate image quality and then decodes it through an image restoration algorithm to obtain a clear image. Affected by point spread differences, traditional decoding methods are often accompanied by artifacts and noise amplification problems. In this paper, based on lens-combined modulated wavefront coding (LM-WFC), we simulate the imaging process under different object distances, generate a simulation data set of WFC, and train a multi-scale convolutional neural network. The simulation experiment proves that this method can effectively reduce artifacts and improve image clarity. In addition, we used the LM-WFC camera to obtain real scene images with different target distances for experiments. The decoding results showed that the network model can enhance the quality of image restoration and generate clear images that are more in line with human vision, which is conducive to the improvement and practical application of wavefront coding systems.
An Automated Machine Learning Approach towards Energy Saving Estimates in Public Buildings
Authors: Biessmann Felix , Kamble Bhaskar , Streblow Rita
Published: September 2023

Reducing the energy consumption of buildings in the public sector is an important component in our efforts towards reaching our sustainability goals. In this context, a decisive prerequisite for administrations and policy makers is a tool for estimating the effectiveness of measures to reduce energy consumption. Estimating the impact of planned investments in building technology at scale, however, remains challenging, mainly for two reasons. For one, accurate physical modeling requires detailed building data, which can be difficult to obtain. Second, adapting established building models to novel measures aiming at energy consumption reduction is difficult. Hence, modeling building consumption patterns after retrofitting is a non-trivial task, and more research is needed to improve modeling techniques as well as to assess their effectiveness across a wide range of application scenarios. Modeling tools need to be generic enough to enable modeling of a variety of building types, they should ideally require as few input features as possible and they should allow for a high degree of automation in the selection and calibration of building modeling tools. Here, we propose a novel machine learning approach that does not require detailed building data and can automatically adapt to retrofitting measures. We evaluate our method on a data set of 113 public buildings in 4 building categories in Berlin, Germany. The data set contains energy consumption data in the initial state and after implementation of a weather-predictive heating control system. Despite being fully automated and requiring only minimal information about the building, our model can reliably predict the energy consumption of large public buildings better than established methods. All code and data are publicly released.
Quercus robur and pyrenaica: The Potential of Wild Edible Plants for Novel Kombuchas
Authors: Estrada Olaia , Gayoso Lucía , Ortega Gorka , del Noval Blanca
Published: September 2023

Wild edible plants (WEPs) can be utilised as a substrate to develop novel types of fermented beverages. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of incorporating Quercus spp. leaves as a substrate to develop new varieties of kombuchas. The physicochemical properties of kombuchas elaborated with Quercus robur (KQR) and Quercus pyrenaica (KQP) leaves’ infusion were compared with traditional black tea kombuchas (KBT). Total acidity (TA), pH, total soluble solids (TSSs), instrumental colour, total phenolic compounds (TPCs), sucrose, fructose, and glucose were analysed for the three types of infusions and kombuchas at 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 fermentation days. The results revealed that the type of substrate and the fermentation time significantly influenced the biochemical changes that occurred during 14 days. KQP and KQR turned out to be significantly brighter (L*: 53.91 ± 0.12 and 55.66 ± 0.23, respectively) than KBT (L*: 48.79 ± 0.34) and had significantly lower sucrose content (22.06 ± 0.79 g L−1 and 45.69 ± 1.61, respectively) than KBT (59.28 ± 2.25 g L−1). KBT showed significantly higher content of total polyphenols (1.50 ± 0.05 g GAE L−1) than KQR (0.76 ± 0.09 g GAE L−1) and KQP (0.51 ± 0.04 g GAE L−1) after 14 days of fermentation. Regarding the kinetics of sugars, sucrose reduction was significantly lower in KBT samples (11.36 g L−1) than in KQP and KQR samples (47.01 and 28.31 g L−1, respectively) at the end of fermentation. These results suggest that higher content of TPC may slow down the fermentation process. Quercus spp. leaves may be a viable alternative substrate for developing analogues of kombucha with WEPs and for adding gastronomic and sustainable value.
Development of Fermented Camel Milk Incorporating Oats and Sukkari Date Palm Fruit: Nutritional, Physicochemical, Functional, and Organoleptic Attributes
Authors: Algonaiman Raya , Alharbi Hend F.
Published: September 2023

Camel milk-based products have shown significant interest and remarkable growth in recent years. These products are valued as functional items due to their unique nutritional properties and potential health benefits. This study prepared fermented camel milk with the incorporation of unconventional ingredients, oat beverage and date palm fruit. Camel milk was mixed with 10% of Sukkari date paste with different concentrations of oat beverage (0, 25, 50, and 75%). The treatments were then fermented at 42 °C for roughly 3 h using ABT-5 starter culture. Multiple tests were then performed during the storage period to investigate the effects of oats supplementation on the characteristics of the prepared treatments. The results showed that the most favorable treatment was T2 (25% of oat beverage); it showed higher microbial activity by 2–7% compared to the control treatment, leading to a significant increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. An increase in β-glucan content was also observed (0.05 g 100 g−1 DW), although more enhancements are suggested to reach at least 0.1 g 100 g−1 DW if considering β-glucan enrichment. Further, a significant increase in iron content was recorded in only T2 compared to other treatments; a decrease in phytic acid due to increased microbial activity in T2 is a possible explanation. Furthermore, T2 was the most liked treatment regarding taste, color, aroma, and texture. In conclusion, a 25% of oat beverage supplementation in fermented camel milk showed desirable effects and provided an innovative fermented camel milk. Investigating higher concentrations of more than 25% but less than 50% of oat beverages is suggested.
A Consumer Assessment of Fermented Green Coffee Beans with Common Beer/Wine Yeast Strains for Novel Flavor Properties
Authors: Calderon Natalia , Jiang Glycine Zhujun , Gibney Patrick A. , Dando Robin
Published: September 2023

Fermentation is a critical step in the production of coffee when following standard wet processing, one of the most common methods used to remove the mucilage layer from coffee cherries. During this step, the de-pulped coffee cherries undergo fermentation with native yeast that modifies the flavor profile of the resultant coffee. This study aimed to ferment green coffee beans using commercial yeast strains from beer and wine prized for their ability to produce specific flavors, and subsequently evaluate the aroma and flavor of the coffee using coffee consumers. Four Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were used: Belgian Ale, Sourvisiae, 71 B, and Tropical IPA, along with one non-Saccharomyces, Toluraspora delbrueckii (Biodiva), and a non-inoculated control sample. The green coffee beans underwent a controlled wet fermentation for 72 h, followed by roasting, grinding, and brewing. Results showed that flavor profiles varied broadly by yeast strain, suggesting that producing novel flavors in coffee through fermentation is feasible and that these flavors survive the roasting process; however, higher liking scores were still reported for the control sample compared to the fermented samples. Biodiva, a strain used in wine to produce esters and fruity flavors, resulted in coffee with highly fruity notes, and all strains were rated more floral than the control, while the sample fermented with Sourvisiae yeast used in the brewing of sour ales resulted in coffee that was both perceived as more sour and had the lowest pH, likely due to the degree of lactic acid this strain is engineered to produce. Further, there were significant color differences between the samples. In conclusion, fermenting green coffee beans with brewing and winemaking yeast strains strongly impacted the flavor and aroma of the resultant coffee; however, evaluating larger panels of strains or optimizing strain performance may yield flavor profiles more suitable for coffee.
Petrography, Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Serpentinite Rocks Exploited in the Ophiolite Units at the Calabria-Basilicata Boundary, Southern Apennine (Italy)
Authors: Rizzo Giovanna , Buccione Roberto , Dichicco Marilena , Punturo Rosalda , Mongelli Giovanni
Published: September 2023

A multi-analytical study on serpentinites in the ophiolite units (Calabria-Basilicata boundary, southern Apennines) was carried out on samples collected from a serpentinite quarry, locally called “Pietrapica”, which sitsin the Pollino UNESCO Global Geopark. Optical microscopy observations revealed the petrographic characteristics, ICP-MS was used to assess the chemical composition while EMPA mineral chemistry, Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction and were used altogether to trace the mineral composition of the rocks. Petrography revealed that serpentinites from Pietrapica quarry are essentially composed of serpentine group minerals, amphibole and carbonate minerals with lower abundances of talc and Cr-spinel. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction analysis clearly allowed to establish that carbonate minerals, serpentine and amphibole-like minerals, are the dominant phases, followed by 2:1 phyllosilicate. Electron probe microanalyses were carried out on different minerals in serpentinites samples including serpentine, amphibole, chlorite, clinopyroxene, magnetite, talc, quartz and titanite which are often associated with carbonate veins. Bulk geochemistry is dominated by major oxides SiO2, MgO and Fe2O3 while the most abundant trace elements are Ni and Cr. Chemical analysis showed that some heavy metals in the studied serpentinites such as Ni and Cr, are beyond the maximum admissible limits for Italian normative for public, private and residential green as well as for commercial and industrial use representing a potential environmental concern. Anyway, some of these heavy metals have been recently listed by Europe as critical raw materials and therefore, the Pietrapica abandoned quarry could represent a new resource considering their economic potentiality.
Effects of Continuous and Cycled Annealing on the Physicochemical Properties and Digestibility of Water Caltrop Starch
Authors: Chung Jia-Chen , Lai Lih-Shiuh
Published: September 2023

The effects of treatment time of continuous annealing (ANN) and cycle numbers of cycled ANN on the structural, physicochemical, and digestive properties of water caltrop starch were studied under 70% moisture at 65 °C. It was found that continuous and cycled ANN have no significant effects on the morphology of starch granules. However, the relative crystallinity and content of resistant starch increased pronouncedly, possibly due to crystalline perfection, which also led to the rise in gelatinization temperature and the narrowed gelatinization temperature range of starch. The treatment time in continuous ANN generally showed a pronounced effect on the rheological properties of water caltrop starch. During pasting, the breakdown viscosity and setback viscosity of all treatment decreased, implying that ANN modified starch was less susceptible to the condition in heating and continuous shearing, and less likely to cause short-term retrogradation. In contrast, peak viscosity decreased with increasing treatment time of continuous ANN, indicating crystalline perfection restricted the swelling of starch granules and viscosity development during pasting process, which was consistent with the results of steady and dynamic rheological evaluation. All ANN-modified samples showed pseudoplastic behavior with weak gel viscoelastic characteristic. Under a total annealing time of 96 h, the pasting and rheological properties of water caltrop starch were essentially less affected by annealing cycle numbers. However, multistage ANN showed stronger resistance to enzyme hydrolysis.
Contribution of Village Chickens in Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems for Children along a Rural–Urban Gradient: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mseleku Cresswell , Chimonyo Michael , Slotow Rob , Mhlongo Lindokuhle Christopher , Ngidi Mjabuliseni S. C.
Published: September 2023

Achieving sustainable and healthy food systems in support of human and planetary health is a global challenge. We systematically reviewed papers (n = 2322) showing how village chicken products (meat, eggs, and offal) contribute to sustainable and healthy food systems for children along a rural–urban gradient. A total of 72 articles, representing all different sections covered in this review, were finally included. Production of village chickens contributed positively on livestock-derived food consumption by children. Households who owned chickens were likely to move from medium to high dietary diversity. Children from households that owned chickens had lower odds of anemia (1.07) and higher height-for-age (HAZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) scores. Egg intervention increased HAZ and WAZ for children by 0.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.88] and 0.61 [95% CI, 0.45–0.77], respectively. Village chicken ownership had positive effect on children’s poultry meat and egg consumption. Per capita consumption of chicken by girls and boys combined was 38.2 g/day, where girls had 36.9 g/day and boys had 39.4 g/day. Children from households that owned chickens consumed eggs 2.8 more times per week compared to children from households without chickens. Moving along a rural–urban gradient, village chicken production was less common. Improved production and quality of village chicken products, and policies supporting optimal maternal and child intake these products are required.
Comparison of Check-All-That-Apply (CATA), Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA), Flash Profile, Free Listing, and Conventional Descriptive Analysis for the Sensory Profiling of Sweet Pumpkin Porridge
Authors: Kim DaEun , Kwak HanSub , Lim Manyoel , Lee Youngseung
Published: September 2023

With significant progress in the use of rapid descriptive methodologies as alternatives to conventional descriptive analysis (DA), several consumer-based approaches have emerged. In this study, we compared four such methodologies—check-all-that-apply (CATA), rate-all-that-apply (RATA), flash profile (FP), and free listing (FL)—for sensory profiling to DA, using six sweet pumpkin porridges. The DA involved eight trained panelists, whereas each consumer evaluation engaged 60 untrained consumers. Overall, the performance of the consumer methods was similar to the DA, and it could effectively profile differences in consumer perceptions of sensory attributes, as evident from high regressor vector (RV) values (>0.89). RATA exhibited the highest similarity to the DA (Rv = 0.96), featuring quicker and less tedious processes compared with FP or FL. Novel combined methods for sensory characterization using the strengths of these four approaches are warranted. This includes leveraging the simplicity and versatility of CATA or RATA coupled with the capacity of FP or FL to capture spontaneous perceptions of products by consumers.
Liquid Crystalline and Gel Properties of Luminescent Cyclometalated Palladium Complexes with Benzoylthiourea Ligands
Authors: Ilincă Theodora A. , Iliș Monica , Micutz Marin , Cîrcu Viorel
Published: September 2023

The design and development of new luminescent metallogels formed by cyclometalated palladium(II) complexes in protic solvents were investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and rheology. Cyclometalated palladium(II) complexes based on imine ligand and ancillary benzoylthiourea (BTU) ligand showed red emission in solid and gel states. The formation of a lyotropic liquid crystal phase was observed for the complex bearing shorter alkyl groups on the BTU ligand. This complex also behaved as a thermotropic liquid crystal that displays a monotropic smectic A phase (SmA). Dynamic rheology measurements (frequency sweep in the 5–90 °C range) of the 1-decanol solution of palladium(II) complexes highlighted their supramolecular self-association ability to generate 3D networks and form gels as a final result.
Correction: Chiangnoon et al. Antibacterial Hydrogel Sheet Dressings Composed of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Silver Nanoparticles by Electron Beam Irradiation. Gels 2023, 9, 80
Authors: Chiangnoon Rattanakorn , Karawak Pennapa , Eamsiri Jarurattana , Nuchdang Sasikarn , Thamrongsiripak Nuatawan , Neramitmansook Naruemon , Pummarin Siwanut , Pimton Pimchanok , Nilgumhang Kewalee , Uttayarat Pimpon
Published: September 2023

In the original publication [...]
Pharmacologic Stewardship in a Rural Community Pharmacy
Authors: Sardeli Chrysanthi , Athanasiadis Theodoros , Stamoula Eleni , Kouvelas Dimitrios
Published: September 2023

Background: Pharmacotherapy is an essential part of patient care. In order to achieve optimal health outcomes, safe and effective prescribing and administering of medications is crucial, especially since the process of pharmacotherapy can cause serious problems, mainly adverse events and/or interactions, that often pass undetected. Objective(s): To investigate the feasibility of using community pharmacies as checkpoints to detect errors and failures in prescribing, as well as patients’ compliance with pharmacotherapy. To this end, analysis and recording of the prescribing process was carried out and error-prone points were identified. Methods: Patients and caregivers filling prescriptions during the first 4 weeks of November 2017 and February 2018 answered questions in order to evaluate their attendance of regular checkups and their compliance with prescribing instructions. All prescriptions filled at the pharmacy were examined for detection of prescription errors and drug–drug interactions. Statistical analyses, including calculations of the correlation coefficient phi (φ), chi-square, and confidence intervals, were carried out. Detected errors and failures were evaluated by application of the Health Failure Mode Effect Analysis (HFMEA) quality tool. Results: A significant number of patients (16.7%) failed to regularly attend checkups regarding known health problems (95% CI: 10.6–22.7%), a corresponding percentage (16%, 95% CI: 10.1–21.9%) did not comply with prescribed pharmacotherapy, and a significant proportion of patients self-medicated regularly (32%, 95% CI: 24.5–39.5%). A total of 8.6% of prescriptions included medication combinations with a potential for severe drug–drug interactions (95% CI: 7.1–10.2%) while 58.7% of the prescriptions included combinations that could lead to moderate ones (95% CI: 56.1–61.4). The HFMEA indicated that all problems recorded required immediate interventions, except for prescribing errors. Conclusions: Community pharmacies can be potential checkpoints for the detection and evaluation of prescribing errors and pharmacotherapy failures.
Therapeutic Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Enhanced Cardiometabolic Health and Function for Persons with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury in Caregiver/Care-Receiver Co-Treatment: A Study Protocol of a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bigford Gregory E. , Betancourt Luisa F. , Charlifue Susan , Nash Mark S.
Published: September 2023

Background: Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly accelerates morbidity and mortality, partly due to the increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), including neurogenic obesity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose metabolism. While exercise and dietary interventions have shown some transient benefits in reducing CMD risk, they often fail to improve clinically relevant disease markers and cardiovascular events. Moreover, SCI also places caregiving demands on their caregivers, who themselves experience health and functional decline. This underscores the need for more substantial interventions that incorporate appropriate physical activity, heart-healthy nutrition, and behavioral support tailored to the SCI population. Objectives: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) protocol will (1) assess the health and functional effects, user acceptance, and satisfaction of a 6-month comprehensive therapeutic lifestyle intervention (TLI) adapted from the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for individuals with chronic SCI and (2) examine the impact of a complementary caregiver program on the health and function of SCI caregivers and evaluate user acceptance and satisfaction. Caregivers (linked with their partners) will be randomized to ‘behavioral support’ or ‘control condition’. Methods: Dyadic couples comprise individuals with SCI (18–65 years, >1-year post-injury, ASIA Impairment Scale A-C, injury levels C5-L1) and non-disabled SCI caregivers (18–65 years). Both groups undergo lock-step circuit resistance training, a calorie-restricted Mediterranean-style diet, and 16 educational sessions focused on diet/exercise goals, self-monitoring, psychological and social challenges, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. The outcome measures encompass the cardiometabolic risks, cardiorespiratory fitness, inflammatory stress, multidimensional function, pain, life quality, independence, self-efficacy, program acceptance, and life satisfaction for SCI participants. The caregiver outcomes include multidimensional function, pain, quality of life, independence, and perceived caregiver burden. Discussion/Conclusions: This study evaluates the effects and durability of a structured, multi-modal intervention on health and function. The results and intervention material will be disseminated to professionals and consumers for broader implementation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02853149 Registered 2 August 2016.
Oryza sativa L. Indica Seed Coat Ameliorated Concanavalin A—Induced Acute Hepatitis in Mice via MDM2/p53 and PKCα/MAPK1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhao Zhiye , Li Ye , Guo Shancheng , Chen Yuxu , Yin Haiaolong , Li Yaxian , Cheng Guiguang , Tian Lei
Published: September 2023

Acute hepatitis (AH) is a common liver disease with an increasing number of patients each year, requiring the development of new treatments. Hence, our work aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Oryza sativa L. indica (purple rice) seed coat on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced AH and further reveal its potential mechanisms. Purple rice seed coat extract (PRE) was extracted with hydrochloric acid ethanol and analyzed through a widely targeted components method. We evaluated the effects of PRE on AH through histopathological examination, liver function, gut microbiota composition, and the intestinal barrier. The potential targets of PRE on AH were predicted by bioinformatics. Western blotting, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining, and corresponding kits were used to investigate PRE effects on predicting targets and associated signaling pathways in AH mice. In AH model mice, PRE treatment increased transformed mouse 3T3 cell double minute 2 (MDM2) expression to inhibit apoptosis; it also markedly downregulated protein kinase C alpha (PKCα), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1 (PTGS1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) activity to alleviate inflammation. Thus, PRE treatment also recovered the intestinal barrier, decreased the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels of plasma and the liver, enhanced liver function, and improved the composition of intestinal microbiota. In general, PRE targeting MDM2, PKCα, MAPK1, and PTGS1 ameliorated ConA-induced AH by attenuating inflammation and apoptosis, restoring the intestinal barrier, enhancing the liver function, and improving the gut microbiota, which revealed that the purple rice seed coat might hold possibilities as a therapeutic option for AH.
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Kim Yerin , Yang Hyung-In , Kim Kyoung-Soo
Published: September 2023

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most serious extra-articular complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which increases the mortality of RA. Because the pathogenesis of RA-ILD remains poorly understood, appropriate therapeutic strategies and biomarkers have not yet been identified. Thus, the goal of this review was to summarize and analyze the reported data on the etiology and pathogenesis of RA-ILD. The incidence of RA-ILD increases with age, and is also generally higher in men than in women and in patients with specific genetic variations and ethnicity. Lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of RA-ILD include smoking and exposure to pollutants. The presence of an anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, high RA disease activity, and rheumatoid factor positivity also increase the risk of RA-ILD. We also explored the roles of biological processes (e.g., fibroblast–myofibroblast transition, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immunological processes), signaling pathways (e.g., JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt), and the histopathology of RA involved in RA-ILD pathogenesis based on published preclinical and clinical models of RA-ILD in animal and human studies.