Short-term wind power forecasting through stacked and bi directional LSTM techniques.

Background: Computational intelligence (CI) based prediction models increase the efficient and effective utilization of resources for wind prediction. However, the traditional recurrent neural networks (RNN) are difficult to train on data having long-term temporal dependencies, thus susceptible to an inherent problem of vanishing gradient. This work proposed a method based on an advanced version of RNN known as long short-term memory (LSTM) architecture, which updates recurrent weights to overcome the vanishing gradient problem. This, in turn, improves training performance. Methods: The RNN model is developed based on stack LSTM and bidirectional LSTM. The parameters like mean absolute error (MAE), standard deviation error (SDE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) are utilized as performance measures for comparison with recent state-of-the-art techniques. Results: Results showed that the proposed technique outperformed the existing techniques in terms of RMSE and MAE against all the used wind farm datasets. Whereas, a reduction in SDE is observed for larger wind farm datasets. The proposed RNN approach performed better than the existing models despite fewer parameters. In addition, the approach requires minimum processing power to achieve compatible results.

An efficient and compromise-resilient image encryption scheme for resource-constrained environments.

The secret keys produced by current image cryptosystems, which rely on chaotic sequences, exhibit a direct correlation with the size of the image. As the image dimensions expand, the generation of extensive chaotic sequences in the encryption and decryption procedures becomes more computationally intensive. Secondly, a common problem in existing image encryption schemes is the compromise between privacy and efficiency. Some existing lightweight schemes reveal patterns in encrypted images, while others impose heavy computational burdens during encryption/decryption due to the need for large chaotic sequences. In this study, we introduce a lightweight image encryption scheme that involves partitioning the image into uniformly sized tiles and generating a chaotic sequence accordingly. This approach diminishes the necessity to create extensive chaotic sequences equal to the tile size, which is significantly smaller than the original image. As a result, it alleviates the processing burden associated with generating sequences equivalent to the original image size. The results confirm that our proposed scheme is lightweight and secure compared to the latest state-of-the-art image encryption schemes. Additionally, sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the proposed image encryption technique, with a UACI value of 33.48 and NPRC value of 99.96, affirms its resistance to differential attacks.

Identification of diagnostic biomarkers used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of quantitative studies.

AIMS: To perform a systematic review of studies that sought to identify diagnostic biomarkers for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM), which could be used in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where there is a lack of diagnostic equipment, treatments and training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Papers were sourced from six databases: the British Nursing Index, Google Scholar, PubMed, Sage, Science Direct and Scopus. Articles published between January 2002 and January 2023 were systematically reviewed by three reviewers and appropriate search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were yielded, as well as 234 diagnostic biomarkers (74 for CVD and 160 for DM). Primary biomarkers for the diagnosis of CVDs included growth differentiation factor 15 and neurogenic locus notch homologue protein 1 (Notch1). For the diagnosis of DM, alpha-2-macroglobulin, C-peptides, isoleucine, glucose, tyrosine, linoleic acid and valine were frequently reported across the included studies. Advanced analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and vibrational spectroscopy, were also repeatedly reported in the included studies and were utilized in combination with traditional and alternative matrices such as fingernails, hair and saliva. CONCLUSIONS: While advanced analytical techniques are expensive, laboratories in LMICs should carry out a cost-benefit analysis of their use. Alternatively, laboratories may want to explore emerging techniques such as infrared, Fourier transform-infrared and near-infrared spectroscopy, which allow sensitive noninvasive analysis.

The inhibitory effects of endophytic metabolites on glycated proteins under non-communicable disease conditions: A review.

Protein glycation in human body is closely linked to the onset/progression of diabetes associated complications. These glycated proteins are commonly known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Recent literature has also highlighted the involvement of AGEs in other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular, cancer, and Alzheimer's diseases and explored the impact of plant metabolites on AGEs formation. However, the significance of endophytic metabolites against AGEs has recently garnered attention but has not been thoroughly summarized thus far. Therefore, the objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of endophytic metabolites in combating AGEs under NCDs conditions. Additionally, this review aims to elucidate the processes of AGEs formation, absorption, metabolism, and their harmful effects. Collectively, endophytic metabolites play a crucial role in modulating signaling pathways and enhancing the digestibility properties of gut microbiota (GM) by targeting on AGEs/RAGE (receptor for AGEs) axis. Furthermore, these metabolites exhibit anti-AGEs activities similar to those derived from host plants, but at a lower cost and higher production rate. The use of endophytes as a source of such metabolites offers a risk-free and sustainable approach that holds substantial potential for the treatment and management of NCDs.

Pediatric en bloc kidney transplant from donors <15 kg: An excellent approach to expand the pediatric deceased donor pool.

INTRODUCTION: Most kidneys from small pediatric donors are transplanted to adult recipients because of the perceived risk of surgical complications and graft thrombosis. In this study, we aim to demonstrate our favorable outcomes in transplanting pediatric kidneys from donors <15 k into pediatric recipients. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzes the outcomes of seven pediatric recipients of en block kidney transplants from pediatric donors weighing <15 kg performed at King Fahad Specialist Hospital-Dammam from December 2014 to January 2018. Baseline characteristics of donors and recipients were collected. The incidences of surgical complication, immediate, and intermediate graft function were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: The study included seven recipients monitored for a mean duration of 6.86 ± 1.35. Donors' and recipients' mean weights were 7.4 ± 3.2 kg and 20.7 ± 9.2 kg, respectively. Ureteric stricture occurred in one patient. There was a substantial improvement of 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the 1-week mark (106.7 ± 26.38 mL/min. 1.73 m2 vs. 63.7 ± 22.92 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = .0069). The observed improvement in renal function persisted at the 5-year mark and during the last follow-up, with eGFR of 70.3 ± 40.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 79.8 ± 30.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. There was also increase of 27.9% in the size of the en bloc kidney observed at the 6 months. CONCLUSION: In a specialized transplant center with highly skilled surgeons, the utilization of en bloc kidney transplant from donors weighing less than 15 kg is an effective strategy for expanding the donor pool and ensuring favorable graft outcomes.

Touch or click friendly: Towards adaptive user interfaces for complex applications.

This study evaluated the usability of a direct manipulation device (touchscreen) vs. indirect manipulation devices (mouse and touchpad) on the selected Microsoft (MS) Word tasks as per ISO-9241-11 standard. MS Word was taken as an example of a complex application. The tasks were evaluated in terms of touch-friendly or click-friendly using efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction parameters to propose a customized task menu. The experiment was conducted with fifty-four participants, divided into three MS Word usage-based expertise groups. Each participant performed fifty-six tasks using a mouse, a touchpad, and a touchscreen. To assess task-level usability, individual one-way ANOVAs were performed for each task to gauge both efficiency and effectiveness. It's worth noting that the touchscreen significantly outperformed other input methods in just one specific task regarding effectiveness. Consequently, an ANCOVA was employed, with task completion time as the independent variable and the number of errors as a covariate, to further investigate effectiveness. A total of 19 (34%) of the total tasks were found to be significantly efficient with a mouse, while 21 (37.5%) were significantly efficient with a touchscreen. Based on the results, a customized menu is recommended for MS Word-like applications that combine actions in touch-friendly tasks and mouse-friendly tasks separately.

Dual functional roles of nutritional additives in nutritional fortification and safety of thermally processed food: Potential, limitations, and perspectives.

The Maillard reaction (MR) has been established to be a paramount contributor to the characteristic sensory property of thermally processed food products. Meanwhile, MR also gives rise to myriads of harmful byproducts (HMPs) (e.g., advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and acrylamide). Nutritional additives have attracted increasing attention in recent years owing to their potential to simultaneously improve nutritional quality and attenuate HMP formation. In this manuscript, a brief overview of various nutritional additives (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, dietary fibers, and miscellaneous micronutrients) in heat-processed food is provided, followed by a summary of the formation mechanisms of AGEs and acrylamide highlighting the potential crosstalk between them. The main body of the manuscript is on the capability of nutritional additives to modulate AGE and acrylamide formation besides their traditional roles as nutritional enhancers. Finally, limitations/concerns associated with their use to attenuate dietary exposure to HMPs and future perspectives are discussed. Literature data support that through careful control of the addition levels, certain nutritional additives possess promising potential for simultaneous improvement of nutritional value and reduction of AGE and acrylamide content via multiple action mechanisms. Nonetheless, there are some major concerns that may limit their wide applications for achieving such dual functions, including influence on sensory properties of food products, potential overestimation of nutrition enhancement, and introduction of hazardous alternative reaction products or derivatives. These could be overcome through comprehensive assay of dose-response relationships and systematic evaluation of the diverse combinations from the same and/or different categories of nutritional additives to establish synergistic mixtures.

Groundbreaking Dual-Graft Living Donor Liver Transplant Utilizing Full Right and Left Lateral Lobe Grafts: A Landmark Debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We introduce and documentthe first case of dual-graft living donor liver transplant, at the King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which both a full right lobe and a left lateral segment graft were used. Our patient, a 63-year-old male, was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma involving segment 7 and selected for living donor liver transplant. Donor selection, graft volume assessment, surgical planning, procurement, and implantation of the dual grafts were meticulously executed. The first donor had an estimated right lobe volume of 639 mL, yielding an estimated graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 0.68. A liver biopsy revealed 3% macrosteatosis.The second donor's contribution comprised a left lateral segment volume of 280 mL.The decision was made for dual-graft liver transplant. With both grafts, the volume totaled 919 mL, representing graft-torecipient weight ratio of 0.98. Surgical techniques involved anastomoses of hepatic veins, portal veins, arteries, and biliary reconstruction. Both donors and the recipient were closely monitored posttransplant. After the procedure, both donors recovered swiftly and were discharged 4 days postoperation. The recipient experienced a smooth postoperative course, spending 4 days in the intensive care unit and discharged on day 26 posttransplant. This pioneering dual-graft living donor liver transplant showed successful outcomes and highlighted the potential of this approach to expand the limited donor pool, particularly in regions relying predominantly on living donors, like Saudi Arabia. This innovative surgical technique offers a promising solution to address the growing demand for liver transplants while ensuring safety for individual donors and maintaining acceptable recipient outcomes. Further exploration and adoption of dual-graft liver transplant could significantly affectthe field of livertransplant globally.

Paired Exchange Liver Transplantation Using an Altruistic Living Donor: First Case in Saudi Arabia-A Case Report.

Paired exchange (PE) living donor organ transplantation is an innovation designed to expand the pool of organs available for transplantation. In PE liver transplantation, the donor organs are exchanged between the 2 pairs to overcome blood group incompatibility or volume mismatch. There are ethical and logistic issues surrounding PE. This is the first report of PE liver transplantation in Saudi Arabia using an altruistic donor (AD). The AD may facilitate the exchange because there is no reciprocal expectation of transplantation from the AD. Paired exchange may increase only a small number of donated liver allografts. This may be the only solution for some families and in some countries.

Impact of dispersion media and carrier type on spray-dried proliposome powder formulations loaded with beclomethasone dipropionate for their pulmonary drug delivery via a next generation impactor.

Drug delivery via aerosolization for localized and systemic effect is a non-invasive approach to achieving pulmonary targeting. The aim of this study was to prepare spray-dried proliposome (SDP) powder formulations to produce carrier particles for superior aerosolization performance, assessed via a next generation impactor (NGI) in combination with a dry powder inhaler. SDP powder formulations (F1-F10) were prepared using a spray dryer, employing five different types of lactose carriers (Lactose monohydrate (LMH), lactose microfine (LMF), lactose 003, lactose 220 and lactose 300) and two different dispersion media. The first dispersion medium was comprised of water and ethanol (50:50% v/v ratio), and the second dispersion medium comprised wholly of ethanol (100%). In the first dispersion medium, the lipid phase (consisting of Soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC as phospholipid) and Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP; model drug) were dissolved in ethanol and the lactose carrier in water, followed by spray drying. Whereas in second dispersion medium, the lipid phase and lactose carrier were dispersed in ethanol only, post spray drying. SDP powder formulations (F1-F5) possessed significantly smaller particles (2.89 ± 1.24-4.48 ± 1.20 µm), when compared to SDP F6-F10 formulations (10.63 ± 3.71-19.27 ± 4.98 µm), irrespective of lactose carrier type via SEM (scanning electron microscopy). Crystallinity of the F6-F10 and amorphicity of F1-F15 formulations were confirmed by XRD (X-ray diffraction). Differences in size and crystallinity were further reflected in production yield, where significantly higher production yield was obtained for F1-F5 (74.87 ± 4.28-87.32 ± 2.42%) then F6-F10 formulations (40.08 ± 5.714-54.98 ± 5.82%), irrespective of carrier type. Negligible differences were noted in terms of entrapment efficiency, when comparing F1-F5 SDP formulations (94.67 ± 8.41-96.35 ± 7.93) to F6-F10 formulations (78.16 ± 9.35-82.95 ± 9.62). Moreover, formulations F1-F5 demonstrated significantly higher fine particle fraction (FPF), fine particle dose (FPD) and respirable fraction (RF) (on average of 30.35%, 890.12 µg and 85.90%) when compared to counterpart SDP powder formulations (F6-F10). This study has demonstrated that when a combination of water and ethanol was employed as dispersion medium (formulations F1-F5), superior formulation properties for pulmonary drug delivery were observed, irrespective of carrier type employed.

Perilla frutescens seed meal as a fat substitute mitigates heterocyclic amine formation and protein oxidation and improves fatty acid profile of pan-fried chicken patties.

Fatty acid profile, protein and fatty acid oxidation and flavor profile of pan-fried chicken patties formulated with various levels of Perilla frutescens seed meal (PSM) as a fat substitute was investigated in this study. The formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in the chicken patties was also evaluated. The results showed that pan-fried patties formulated with 20% PSM (PSM4) had the highest ranges of oleic acid and ΣMUFA content and ΣPUFA/ΣSFA ratio. Low to medium levels of PSM (PSM1, 2, and 3 corresponding to 5, 10, and 15% of PSM, respectively) reduced the content of lipid peroxidation products, while high level (PSM4) increased it. All levels of PSM were also found to be effective against elevation in carbonyl content relative to the control. Moreover, the PSM effectively inhibited HCA formation in the chicken patties. The total contents of HCAs in PSM1, PSM2, PSM3, and PSM4 samples were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control sample, corresponding to 31.9, 46.1, 57.2, and 44.8% inhibition, respectively. PSM4, however, had no or very little effect on the formation of PhIP, 4,8-DiMeIQx and AαC, despite a strong inhibitory effect on MeIQx formation. These findings not only support the promising potential of PSM for application as a fat substitute to improve the fatty acid profile and reduce the content of harmful by-products in heat-processed chicken, but also highlight that appropriate addition level is a critical factor in optimizing the functional capacity of this natural agent.

A review on the synthesis of bio-based surfactants using green chemistry principles.

OBJECTIVES: With increasing awareness of the potential adverse impact of conventional surfactants on the environment and human health, there is mounting interest in the development of bio-based surfactants (which are deemed to be safer, more affordable, are in abundance, are biodegradable, biocompatible and possess scalability, mildness and performance in formulation) in personal care products. METHOD: A comprehensive literature review around alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) and sucrose esters (SEs) as bio-based surfactants, through the lens of the 12 green chemistry principles was conducted. An overview of the use of bio-based surfactants in personal care products was also provided. RESULTS: Bio-based surfactants are derived primarily from natural sources (i.e. both the head and tail molecular group). One of the more common types of bio-based surfactants are those with carbohydrate head groups, where alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) and sucrose esters (SEs) lead this sub-category. As global regulations and user mandate for sustainability and safety increase, evidence to further support these bio-based surfactants as alternatives to their petrochemical counterparts is advantageous. Use of the green chemistry framework is a suitable way to do this. While many of the discussed principles are enforced industrially, others have only yet been applied at a laboratory scale or are not apparent in literature. CONCLUSION: Many of the principles of green chemistry are currently used in the synthesis of APGs and SEs. These and other bio-based surfactants should, therefore, be considered suitable and sustainable alternatives to conventional surfactants. To further encourage the use of these novel surfactants, industry must make an effort to implement and improve the use of the remaining principles at a commercial level.

Protein oxidation in muscle-based products: Effects on physicochemical properties, quality concerns, and challenges to food industry.

Protein oxidation in meat has received immense attention since it significantly affects the quality of meat-based products. This review sheds light on the effects of protein oxidation on the physicochemical properties of meat and meat-based products during processing, and highlights major quality concerns and challenges to the food industry. Protein oxidation is often initiated by oxidative attack by reactive oxygen species and modifications of side chain amino acids, which may result in protein aggregation, carbonylation, alteration of surface hydrophobicity, and perturbation in primary, secondary and tertiary structures. Thus, protein oxidation during processing (especially thermal treatments) has raised serious concerns about the quality of the final products. These adverse consequences usually intensify with increase in processing temperature and time. Protein oxidation may also cause severe deterioration of nutritional value owing to the loss of essential amino acids and resistance of the oxidized protein molecules to the hydrolytic action of digestive enzymes. In addition, it may promote drip loss and decrease water holding capacity that would eventually negatively impact texture. Furthermore, protein oxidation is closely associated with other processing-induced adverse events, in particular lipid oxidation and formation of toxic Maillard reaction products, such as heterocyclic amines and advanced glycation end-products, but the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Several strategies including careful choice of processing methods and use of natural agents, such as polyphenols, hydrocolloids and vitamins alone or in combination have been proposed for the attenuation of protein oxidation and its related undesirable reactions through binding with precursors and/or reactive intermediary compounds.

Evaluation of partial salt-replacement with konjac glucomannan on chicken batters: Edible quality and physicochemical properties of heat-set gel.

The edible quality and gel properties of chicken batter influenced by partial salt-replacement with konjac glucomannan (KGM) (CSK group) were studied. CSK group had higher water/fat retention capacity, but similar gel strength and color distribution compared with normal salt addition. The gels with low salt level manifested decreased hardness and loose structure due to the weak interaction of salt-soluble proteins. CSK promoted the formation of uniform composite gel network by modifying moisture loss channels with the KGM-moisture phase. The relaxation properties illustrated salt provided KGM possibility for the conversion of free water to immobilized water. Additionally, the results of chemical interactions and sulfydryl content reflected KGM alleviated protein denaturation and the interaction of KGM-water was more dominant. Compared with the batters only added with KGM, the relatively low heat-denatured temperature and storage modulus indicated appropriate salt supplement reduced the excessively high viscosity of KGM and accelerated the gel formation.

Overcoming Skin Damage from Pollution via Novel Skincare Strategies.

Urban pollution is one of the main problems encountered worldwide, with a major impact on public health as well as the environment. The health impact of urban pollution is not limited to respiratory conditions but also encompasses major skin problems, including irritation, skin ageing, and skin cancer. Toxic gases and particulate matter are the main pollutants that exhibit extensive local variability. The aforementioned pollutants are small particles that attach to the skin or penetrate it, enhancing free radicals' production inside the inner skin layers. This urges the need to propose cosmetic products that help prevent and/or minimise pollutants' effects on the skin, whether irritation, ageing, and cancer. Furthermore, intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to skin irritation and ageing. Intrinsic factors are within skin factors and include genetic and physiological characteristics of individuals. Moreover, extrinsic factors comprise environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and smoke. Subsequently, active ingredients with anti pollutant properties addressed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors by four mechanisms: free radical neutralisation, film-forming ability, skin barrier enhancement, and fortification. Such ingredients include vitamin A derivatives, vitamin C derivatives, carbohydrates, and plantbased products. Yet, very limited studies have evaluated the effectiveness of the aforementioned active ingredients against irritation or ageing, which should be considered in future work.

Evaluation of ultrasound-assisted L-histidine marination on beef M. semitendinosus: Insight into meat quality and actomyosin properties.

This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-assisted L-histidine marination (UMH) on meat quality and actomyosin properties of beef M. semitendinosus. Our results found that UMH treatment effectively avoided excessive liquid withdrawal, and disrupted myofibril integrity by modifying the water distribution and weakening connection of actin-myosin with increased muscle pH. The ultrasound-treated sample provided more opportunity for the filtration of L-histidine to intervene the isoelectric point and conformation of muscle protein. The activated caspase-3 and changes of ATPase activity in UMH-treated meat accelerated the postmortem ageing, and L-histidine might competitively inhibit the actin-myosin binding by the imidazole group. UMH decreased the surface hydrophobicity by shielding hydrophobic area and unfolding the actomyosin structure. In addition, the increased actomyosin solubility with smaller particle size enhanced the SH content for better cross-linking of myosin tail, and formation of heat-set gelling protein structure. Therefore, UMH treatment manifested the potential to improve beef quality.

Mitigation of heterocyclic amines by phenolic compounds in allspice and perilla frutescens seed extract: The correlation between antioxidant capacities and mitigating activities.

The effect of different levels of allspice and perilla frutescens seed extract (ASE and PSE) on the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in pan-fried chicken meat patties and the bioactive components found in ASE and PSE that contribute to the mitigation of HCAs were investigated in this study. DPPH radical scavenging activity was evaluated and the results indicated that APSE (ASE + PSE) showed the highest capacity to scavenge free radicals, and the most effective inhibition of HCAs formation. Furthermore, Single and mixed phenolic compounds exhibited a positive effect in scavenging free radicals and mitigating HCAs. The radical scavenging activity and HCAs inhibition effect of single phenolic compounds were highly correlated, whereas mixed phenolic compounds exhibited poor correlation. PCA analysis indicated that phenolic compounds had the maximum inhibitory effect on IQ, followed by Norharman and harman and the minimal effect on PhIP and 7,8-DiMeIQx.

Heterocyclic amines in cooked meat products, shortcomings during evaluation, factors influencing formation, risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

At this point in time, the evidence of a link between well-done meat intake and the incidence of cancer is stronger than it was 20 years ago. Several cohort and case-control studies have confirmed this evidence, and have shown a higher odd ratio and increased exposure to heterocyclic amines (HCAs) among those who frequently consume red meat. However, in most epidemiological studies, dietary assessment, combined with analytical data, is used to estimate the intake of HCAs, which has many inconsistencies. In addition, there is a lack of findings indicating a substantial correlation between various factors, like types of raw meat, types of meat products, and cooking methods that directly or indirectly influence the occurrence of cancer. Although numerous mitigation strategies have been developed to reduce HCAs levels in meat, there is still a high prevalence of carcinogenesis caused by HCAs in humans. The aim of this review is to summarise conflicting reports, address shortcomings and identify emerging trends of cutting-edge research related to HCAs.

En Bloc Transplantation of Horseshoe Kidney from Deceased Donor: An Unusual Transplantation Utilizing Kidneys with Congenital Fusion Abnormality.

Transplanting horseshoe kidneys is challenging and has higher complication rates due to the unusual anatomy of the vascular and urinary collecting systems. Most centers avoid using these kidneys for transplantation. However, if chosen carefully, these organs can be used successfully to reduce organ shortage. In this paper, we will describe the technique of procurement of horseshoe kidneys from cadaveric donors, back table preparation, and its successful implantation in a recipient. With good planning and skillful surgical techniques, horseshoe kidneys can be successfully transplanted in suitable recipients. If properly selected, these kidneys can be used to reduce the organ scarcity and diminish waitlist morbidity and mortality.