bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Hypoglycemic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential and Toxicity of Powders from Pulp and by-Products of Ziziphus mistol from Argentina
Authors: Orqueda María Eugenia , Torres Sebastian , Zampini Iris Catiana , Isla María Inés
Published: July 2022

Background: The Ziziphus mistol fruit (vulgar name mistol) is used in northwestern Argentina in traditional food and beverage preparations and popular medicines for liver and respiratory disorders. Aims: The aim of this research was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory activity in pulp powders and sub-products (skin and seeds) of mistol fruit, along with their toxicity. Methods: Powders from mistol seeds, pulp, and skin were obtained. Antioxidant capacity and inhibitory activity against key enzymes involved in metabolic syndrome were determined by in vitro assays. Results: The mistol powders obtained from the different fruit parts reduced glucose bioaccessibility. Before and after simulated gastroduodenal digestion, the polyphenol-enriched extracts (PEE) obtained from mistol powders increased glucose uptake by yeast cells and inhibited the pivotal enzymes of the inflammatory pathway (cyclooxygenase-2, lipooxygenase-1, and phospholipase A2). The analyzed mistol powders did not show acute toxicity or genotoxicity in model organisms and cell cultures. Conclusions: These results evince the potentiality of both the pulp from Z. mistol fruits and residual biomass (seeds and skin) to obtain biofunctional powders to use as supplements for metabolic disorders associated with chronic diseases.
Nonenzymatic Browning of Amorphous Maltose/Whey Protein Isolates Matrix: Effects of Water Sorption and Molecular Mobility
Authors: Wu Yaowen , Ye Haoxuan , Fan Fanghui
Published: July 2022

Nonenzymatic browning (NEB) reactions often affect the nutritional quality and safety properties of amorphous food solids. Developing a proper approach to control the NEB reaction has been of particular interest in the food industry. An NEB reaction in an amorphous maltose/Whey protein isolates (WPI) matrix containing L-lysine and D-xylose as reactants were studied at ambient temperatures aw ≤ 0.44 and 45~65 °C. The results indicated that the presence of NEB reactants barely disturbed the water sorption behavior of the matrix. The Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) constants and Qst values of the studied samples were affected by storage conditions as the migration of sorbed water among monolayers occurred. The rate of color changes and 5-hydoxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) accumulation on the matrix were accelerated at high ambient temperatures aw, reflecting the extent of NEB reaction increases. Since the strength concept (S) could give a measure of molecular mobility, the extent of the NEB reaction was governed by the molecular mobility of the matrix as the activation energy (Ea) of 5-HMF production minimized at solids with high S values. We found that the S concept had a considerable potential usage in controlling the NEB reaction on amorphous sugar–protein solids. This data set has practical significance in the comprehensive understanding of manipulating the diffusion-limited chemical reactions on low-moisture food solids.
Ordered Mesoporous Silica Prepared in Different Solvent Conditions: Application for Cu(II) and Pb(II) Adsorption
Authors: Putz Ana-Maria , Ivankov Oleksandr I. , Kuklin Alexander I. , Ryukhtin Vasyl , Ianăşi Cătălin , Ciopec Mihaela , Negrea Adina , Trif László , Horváth Zsolt Endre , Almásy László
Published: July 2022

In this work, the synthesis of ordered mesoporous silica of MCM-41 type was investigated aimed at improving its morphology by varying the synthesis conditions in a one-pot process, employing different temperatures and solvent conditions. 2-methoxyethanol was used as co-solvent to ethanol. The co-solvent ratio and the synthesis temperature were varied. The pore morphology of the materials was characterized by nitrogen porosimetry and small angle neutron scattering (SANS), and the particle morphology by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultra-small angle neutron scattering (USANS). The thermal behavior was investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) measurements. The SANS and N2 sorption results demonstrated that a well-ordered mesoporous structure was obtained at all conditions in the synthesis at room temperature. Addition of methoxyethanol led to an increase of the pore wall thickness. Simultaneously, an increase of methoxyethanol content led to lowering of the mean particle size from 300 to 230 nm, according to the ultra-small angle scattering data. The ordered porosity and high specific surfaces make these materials suitable for applications such as adsorbents in environmental remediation. Batch adsorption measurements of metal ion removal from aqueous solutions of Cu(II) and Pb(II) showed that the materials exhibit dominantly monolayer surface adsorption characteristics. The adsorption capacities were 9.7 mg/g for Cu(II) and 18.8 mg/g for Pb(II) at pH 5, making these materials competitive in performance to various composite materials.
One-Step Generation of Alginate-Based Hydrogel Foams Using CO2 for Simultaneous Foaming and Gelation
Authors: Ben Djemaa Imene , Andrieux Sébastien , Auguste Stéphane , Jacomine Leandro , Tarnowska Malgorzata , Drenckhan-Andreatta Wiebke
Published: July 2022

The reliable generation of hydrogel foams remains a challenge in a wide range of sectors, including food, cosmetic, agricultural, and medical applications. Using the example of calcium alginate foams, we introduce a novel foam generation method that uses CO2 for the simultaneous foaming and pH reduction of the alginate solution to trigger gelation. We show that gelled foams of different gas fractions can be generated in a simple one-step process. We macroscopically follow the acidification using a pH-responsive indicator and investigate the role of CO2 in foam ageing via foam stability measurements. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of interfacial rheology to provide evidence for the gelation process initiated by the dissolution of the CO2 from the dispersed phase. Both approaches, gas-initiated gelation and interfacial rheology for its characterization, can be readily transferred to other types of gases and formulations.
Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficiency of Graphene Oxide Hydrogels in Wastewater Dye Removal: Application of Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Mouhtady Omar , Obeid Emil , Abu-samha Mahmoud , Younes Khaled , Murshid Nimer
Published: July 2022

Industrial dye wastewater is one of the major water pollution problems. Adsorbent materials are promising strategies for the removal of water dye contaminants. Herein, we provide a statistical and artificial intelligence study to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of graphene oxide-based hydrogels in wastewater dye removal by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This study aims to assess the adsorption quality of 35 different hydrogels. We adopted different approaches and showed the pros and cons of each one of them. PCA showed that alginate graphene oxide-based hydrogel (without polyvinyl alcohol) had better tolerance in a basic medium and provided higher adsorption capacity. Polyvinyl alcohol sulfonated graphene oxide-based hydrogels are suitable when higher adsorbent doses are required. In conclusion, PCA represents a robust way to delineate factors affecting hydrogel selection for pollutant removal from aqueous solutions.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage Genetics
Authors: Ekkert Aleksandra , Šliachtenko Aleksandra , Utkus Algirdas , Jatužis Dalius
Published: July 2022

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke, frequently resulting in unfavorable functional outcomes. Up to 15% of stroke patients experience ICH and approximately half of those have a lethal outcome within a year. Considering the huge burden of ICH, timely prevention and optimized treatment strategies are particularly relevant. Nevertheless, ICH management options are quite limited, despite thorough research. More and more trials highlight the importance of the genetic component in the pathogenesis of ICH. Apart from distinct monogenic disorders of familial character, mostly occurring in younger subjects, there are numerous polygenic risk factors, such as hypertension, neurovascular inflammation, disorders of lipid metabolism and coagulation cascade, and small vessel disease. In this paper we describe gene-related ICH types and underlying mechanisms. We also briefly discuss the emerging treatment options and possible clinical relevance of the genetic findings in ICH management. Although existing data seems of more theoretical and scientific value so far, a growing body of evidence, combined with rapidly evolving experimental research, will probably serve clinicians in the future.
A Novel Hypothesis on Choroideremia-Manifesting Female Carriers: Could CHM In-Frame Variants Exert a Dominant Negative Effect? A Case Report
Authors: Di Giosaffatte Niccolò , Valiante Michele , Tricarico Stefano , Parise Giulia , De Negri Anna Maria , Ricciotti Guido , Florean Lara , Paiardini Alessandro , Bottillo Irene , Grammatico Paola
Published: July 2022

Choroideremia is an X-linked recessive condition presenting in males, with progressive degeneration of retinal and choroidal tissues leading to progressive visual loss. Its pathological mechanism is due to alterations in the CHM gene that encodes for REP1, a protein required for prenylation of Rab by the Rab geranylgeranyl transferase (RGGT). Even though female carriers are predicted to be not affected by the disease, a wide phenotypic spectrum ranging from mild to severe cases has been reported in women. The reason why Choroideremia manifests in female carriers remains elusive. While X chromosome inactivation (XCI) skewing has been proposed as a leading putative mechanism, emerging evidence has shown that CHM could variably escape from XCI. We described a family with an initial clinical suspicion of Retinitis Pigmentosa in which a novel CHM pathogenic splicing variant was found by exome sequencing. The variant, initially found in the 63-year-old female presenting with impaired visual acuity and severe retinal degeneration, segregated in the 31-year-old daughter and the 37-year-old son, both presenting with fundus anomalies. mRNA studies revealed a shorter in-frame CHM isoform lacking exon 10. Molecular modeling of the ternary REP1/Rab/RGGT protein complex predicted significant impairing of REP1/Rab binding without alteration of REP1/RGGT interaction. We suggest that, in our female cases, the biallelic expression of CHM may have led to the production of both the mutant and wild type REP1. The mutant isoform, sequestrating RGGT, could reduce its available amount for Rab prenylation, thus exerting a dominant-negative effect. If confirmed with further studies and in large cohorts of female carriers, the here proposed molecular mechanism could help to explain the complexity of manifestation of Choroideremia in females.
Genome-Wide Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Encoding Beak Color of Duck
Authors: Guo Qixin , Jiang Yong , Wang Zhixiu , Bi Yulin , Chen Guohong , Bai Hao , Chang Guobin
Published: July 2022

Beak color diversity is a broadly occurring phenomenon in birds. Here, we used ducks to identify candidate genes for yellow, black, and spotted beaks. For this, an F2 population consisting of 275 ducks was genotyped using whole genome resequencing containing 12.6 M single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and three beak colors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was used to identify the candidate and potential SNPs for three beak colors in ducks (yellow, spotted, and black). The results showed that 2753 significant SNPs were associated with black beaks, 7462 with yellow, and 17 potential SNPs with spotted beaks. Based on SNP annotation, MITF, EDNRB2, members of the POU family, and the SLC superfamily were the candidate genes regulating pigmentation. Meanwhile, isoforms MITF-M and EDNRB2 were significantly different between black and yellow beaks. MITF and EDNRB2 likely play a synergistic role in the regulation of melanin synthesis, and their mutations contribute to phenotypic differences in beak melanin deposition among individuals. This study provides new insights into genetic factors that may influence the diversity of beak color.
Kundalini Yoga for Post-Treatment Lyme Disease: A Preliminary Randomized Study
Authors: Murray Lilly , Alexander Charles , Bennett Clair , Kuvaldina Mara , Khalsa Gurucharan , Fallon Brian
Published: July 2022

This study examined the adherence to and the potential benefit of Kundalini yoga (KY) for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Participants were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of a KY small-group intervention or a waitlist control (WLC). Adherence was measured as attendance at KY group sessions. Primary outcomes assessed pain, pain interference, fatigue, and global health. Secondary outcomes assessed multisystem symptom burden, mood, sleep, physical and social functioning, cognition, and mindfulness. Linear mixed models were used to test changes in outcomes over time as a function of group assignment; intercepts for participants were modeled as random effects. Although the target sample size was 40 participants, the study concluded with 29 participants due to recruitment challenges. No KY participants dropped out of the study, and participants attended 75% of group sessions on average, but WLC retention was poor (57%). Regarding primary outcomes, there was no significant interaction between group and time. Regarding secondary outcomes, there was a significant interaction between group and time for multisystem symptom burden (p < 0.05) and cognition (p < 0.01); KY participants reported improved multisystem symptom burden and cognition over the course of the study compared to WLC participants. To enhance recruitment and retention, future trials may consider expanding geographic access and including supportive procedures for WLC participants. This preliminary study supports the need for a larger study to determine if KY reduces multisystem symptom burden and enhances cognition among people with PTLDS.
COVID-19 Intensive Care—Evaluation of Public Information Sources and Current Standards of Care in German Intensive Care Units: A Cross Sectional Online Survey on Intensive Care Staff in Germany
Authors: Werner Anne , Popp Maria , Fichtner Falk , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Kranke Peter , Steckelberg Anke , Lühnen Julia , Redlich Lisa Marie , Dickel Steffen , Grimm Clemens , Moerer Onnen , Nothacker Monika , Seeber Christian
Published: July 2022

Backround: In February 2021, the first formal evidence and consensus-based (S3) guidelines for the inpatient treatment of patients with COVID-19 were published in Germany and have been updated twice during 2021. The aim of the present study is to re-evaluate the dissemination pathways and strategies for ICU staff (first evaluation in December 2020 when previous versions of consensus-based guidelines (S2k) were published) and question selected aspects of guideline adherence of standard care for patients with COVID-19 in the ICU. Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey among German intensive care staff from 11 October 2021 to 11 November 2021. We distributed the survey via e-mail in intensive care facilities and requested redirection to additional intensive care staff (snowball sampling). Results: There was a difference between the professional groups in the number, selection and qualitative assessment of information sources about COVID-19. Standard operating procedures were most frequently used by all occupational groups and received a high quality rating. Physicians preferred sources for active information search (e.g., medical journals), while nurses predominantly used passive consumable sources (e.g., every-day media). Despite differences in usage behaviour, the sources were rated similarly in terms of the quality of the information on COVID-19. The trusted organizations have not changed over time. The use of guidelines was frequently stated and highly recommended. The majority of the participants reported guideline-compliant treatment. Nevertheless, there were certain variations in the use of medication as well as the criteria chosen for discontinuing non-invasive ventilation (NIV) compared to guideline recommendations. Conclusions: An adequate external source of information for nursing staff is lacking, the usual sources of physicians are only appropriate for the minority of nursing staff. The self-reported use of guidelines is high.
The Core of Healthcare Efficiency: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Review on Frontier Analysis of Hospitals
Authors: Nepomuceno Thyago Celso Cavalcante , Piubello Orsini Luca , de Carvalho Victor Diogho Heuer , Poleto Thiago , Leardini Chiara
Published: July 2022

Parametric and non-parametric frontier applications are typical for measuring the efficiency and productivity of many healthcare units. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, hospital efficiency is the center of academic discussions and the most desired target for many public authorities under limited resources. Investigating the state of the art of such applications and methodologies in the healthcare sector, besides uncovering strategical managerial prospects, can expand the scientific knowledge on the fundamental differences among efficiency models, variables and applications, drag research attention to the most attractive and recurrent concepts, and broaden a discussion on the specific theoretical and empirical gaps still to be addressed in future research agendas. This work offers a systematic bibliometric review to explore this complex panorama. Hospital efficiency applications from 1996 to 2022 were investigated from the Web of Science base. We selected 65 from the 203 most prominent works based on the Core Publication methodology. We provide core and general classifications according to the clinical outcome, bibliographic coupling of concepts and keywords highlighting the most relevant perspectives and literature gaps, and a comprehensive discussion of the most attractive literature and insights for building a research agenda in the field.
Research on the Equity and Influencing Factors of Medical and Health Resources Allocation in the Context of COVID-19: A Case of Taiyuan, China
Authors: Wu Xueling , Zhang Ye , Guo Xiaojia
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 has killed millions of people worldwide. As a result, medical and health resources continue to be strained, posing a great threat to people’s safety and economic and social development. This paper built the index system of influencing factors of medical and health resources containing the economy, population and society, and then classified Taiyuan into three types of regions by cluster analysis. The Gini coefficient, Theil index and agglomeration degree were then used to analyze the spatial distribution of medical and health resources allocation, and its influencing factors were studied by grey relational analysis. It was found that the population allocation of medical and health resources in Taiyuan was better than area allocation. Population has the greatest influence on the allocation of medical and health resources, followed by society and the economy. The more developed the regional economy, the more diversified the main influencing factors, and the more adjustment and control choices of medical and health resources allocation. Suggestions for optimal allocation were put forward in order to fully utilize the limited medical and health resources, effectively respond to the epidemic needs, promote the sustainable development of resources, protect the health of residents, and improve social benefits.
The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Neck Pain among Ministry of Health Office Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Alhakami Anas Mohammed , Madkhli Adel , Ghareeb Mohammed , Faqih Abdulaziz , Abu-Shamla Ismail , Batt Tariq , Refaei Fatemah , Sahely Ahmad , Qassim Bassam , Shami Ayman M. , Alhazmi Abdulaziz H.
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Neck pain is the most common type of musculoskeletal problem affecting office workers. Various occupational risk factors have been linked to neck pain. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of neck pain among office workers at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and the participants completed an online questionnaire based on the Standardized Nordic questionnaire and Quality of Life Scale Brief Version to evaluate their neck pain and the physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors that might affect their conditions. A descriptive analysis was conducted for the data and a logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of biodemographic and occupational factors on the likelihood of having neck pain. (3) Results: A total of 413 subjects (176 females and 237 males) participated in our study with an average age of 33.6 ± 8 years. The prevalence of neck pain in our participants was 64% during a twelve-month period. Females were less likely to suffer neck pain than males (OR = 0.52, 95%CI [0.30,0.87]), and age, BMI, level of education, and profession were not associated with likelihood of having neck pain. However, reduced working hours were associated with a reduction in the likelihood of having neck pain (OR = 0.42, 95%CI [0.33,0.53]). (4) Conclusion: Neck pain affects a large proportion of the office workers at the Ministry of Health, and this pain is significantly associated with long working hours and males. Thus, there is a need for future research that can investigate how associated factors can be managed to reduce the long-term impact of neck pain on workers’ lives. Quality improvement approaches might be used to implement effective interventions for the prevention and management of work-related risk factors that can cause neck pain.
The Stressful Memory Assessment Checklist for the Intensive Care Unit (SMAC-ICU): Development and Testing
Authors: Samuelson Karin
Published: July 2022

Stressful or traumatic memories of an intensive care stay may lead to long-term psychological morbidity. Memory assessment is therefore essential to aid in the patients’ recovery process. Acknowledging the large cohort of post ICU patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a simple tool for the evaluation of ICU memories is needed. The aim of this study was, therefore, to develop and test the validity and reliability of a short stressful memory assessment checklist, including a distress intensity rating scale, for intensive care survivors. The consecutive sample consisted of 309 patients attending an intensive care follow-up consultation in Sweden. A methodological design was used consisting of four phases. The first three concerned construct and content validity and resulted in a 15-item checklist of potential stressful memories with a Likert-type scale including five response categories for distress intensity rating. To fill out the checklist, a median of 3 (2–3) minutes was needed. A test–retest approach yielded weighted kappa values between 0.419 and 0.821 for 12 of the single items and just below 0.4 for the remaining three. In conclusion, the stressful memory assessment checklist seems to be valid and reliable and can be used as a simple tool to evaluate the impact of stressful ICU memories.
Cervical Cancer Prophylaxis—State-of-the-Art and Perspectives
Authors: Poniewierza Patryk , Panek Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

Background: Each year 604,127 new cases of cervical cancer (CC) are diagnosed, and 341,831 individuals die from the disease. It is the fourth most common cancer among women and the fourth most common cause of death from female cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of CC is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and consists of several steps involving cell proliferation outside the human body’s control mechanisms. Strategies to prevent CC are based on screening and vaccination. Scope of the Review: The aim of this paper was to collect and analyze the available literature on the issue of CC prevention and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its implementation. For this purpose, PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using keywords, such as “cervical cancer”; “HPV”; “prevention”; “prophylaxis”; “vaccination”; “screening” and “COVID-19” in different variations. Only articles published since 2018 were included in the study. Conclusions: Selected European countries have different CC prevention programs funded by national budgets. This translates into observed differences in the risk of death from CC (age-standardized rate Malta = 1.1, Poland = 5.9). COVID-19 pandemic due to disruption of CC screening may exacerbate these differences in the future. To improve the situation, new screening methods, such as p16/Ki67, HPV self-testing, and the use of artificial intelligence in colposcopic assessment, should be disseminated, as well as free HPV vaccination programs implemented in all countries. The search for new solutions is not without significance and entails ultra-sensitive screening tests for risk groups (mRNA E6/E7, SOX1/SOX14), HPV vaccines with shorter dosing schedules, and new therapeutic pathways using nanotheranostics.
Incidence and Risk of Anti-Resorptive Agent-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw after Tooth Extraction: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shimizu Rieko , Sukegawa Shintaro , Sukegawa Yuka , Hasegawa Kazuaki , Ono Sawako , Nakamura Tomoya , Fujimura Ai , Fujisawa Ayaka , Nakano Keisuke , Takabatake Kiyofumi , Kawai Hotaka , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Furuki Yoshihiko
Published: July 2022

Bone-modifying agents (BMA) such as bisphosphonates and denosumab are frequently used for the treatment of bone metastases, osteoporosis, and multiple myeloma. BMA may lead to anti-resorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ). This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for and probabilities of developing ARONJ after tooth extraction in patients undergoing BMA therapy. In this study, the records of 505 target sites of 302 patients undergoing BMA who presented with mandibular fractures at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, from March 2014 to January 2022, were retrospectively analyzed for the onset of ARONJ after tooth extraction. The following variables were investigated as attributes: anatomy, health status, and dental treatment. The correlation coefficient was calculated for the success or failure of endodontic surgery for each variable, the odds ratio was calculated for the upper variable, and the factors related to the onset of ARONJ were identified. The incidence rate of ARONJ was found to be 3.2%. Hypoparathyroidism was an important factor associated with ARONJ development. Thus, systemic factors are more strongly related to the onset of ARONJ after tooth extraction than local factors.
Dof Transcription Factors Are Involved in High CO2 Induced Persimmon Fruit Deastringency
Authors: Jin Rong , Wu Wei , Liu Xiaofen , Chen Kunsong , Yin Xueren
Published: July 2022

High CO2 treatment is a widely used deastringency technology that causes the accumulation of acetaldehyde which precipitates the astringent soluble tannins from persimmon fruit, making them more attractive to consumers. The identification of DkADH1 and DkPDC2 (the key genes for acetaldehyde accumulation) and their regulators (e.g., ERFs), has significantly advanced our understanding of the fruit deastringency mechanism, but other TFs are also involved in the high CO2 response. Here, 32 DkDofs genes were identified from ‘Gongcheng-shuishi’ persimmon, with nine of them shown to differentially respond to high CO2 treatment. Dual luciferase assay indicated that DkDof3 and DkDof6 could repress the promoters of DkADH1 and DkPDC2, respectively. EMSA assay showed that DkDof3 and DkDof6 physically interacted with probes containing T/AAAAG elements from the DkADH1 promoter, whereas they failed to recognize similar elements from the DkPDC2 promoter. The expression of DkDof3 and DkDof6 was also found to be repressed in different persimmon cultivars in response to high CO2 treatment. It is proposed that DkDof3 and DkDof6 were involved in fruit deastringency by regulating the expression of DkADH1 and DkPDC2 in different persimmon cultivars.
Nitrogen Rate, Irrigation Frequency and Volume Differentially Influence Growth, Flowering, and Nutrient Uptake of Container-Grown Rhododendron during the Following Growing Season
Authors: Bi Guihong , Scagel Carolyn F. , Bryla David R.
Published: July 2022

Sustainable nutrient and water management are critical for optimizing the quality and subsequent landscape performance of nursery plants. In this 2-year study, we investigated the influence of different nitrogen (N) rates [N-free fertilizer (0 N) or N-free fertilizer plus 7 (0.5 N) or 14 (1.0 N) mg N per day from NH4NO3] and irrigation frequencies and volumes [once daily to 50% or 100% container capacity (CC) or twice daily with the same total amount of water as 100% CC] on plant growth, flowering, and nutrient uptake of three rhododendron cultivars, including one deciduous cultivar, Rhododendron ‘Gibraltar’ and two evergreen cultivar, Rhododendron ‘P.J.M.’ and Rhododendron ‘Catawbiense Album’. In each case, the plants were grown in soilless media in year 1 and transplanted to soil in year 2. Increasing the N rate in year 1 increased plant biomass and N content in both years and improved flowering performance the following year. Furthermore, in year 1, irrigation once daily to 50% CC or twice daily to 100% CC enhanced the uptake of several nutrients in each cultivar and the growth of the evergreen cultivars. Plants that were irrigated more frequently during year 1 performed better in the landscape the following year, while those irrigated to 50% CC only performed better in the deciduous cultivar. In the evergreen cultivars, lower irrigation volume altered nursery plant qualities, resulting in a trade-off between flower production and growth in year 2. Our results indicate that manipulating N rates and irrigation frequency and volume can be used to alter nursery stock qualities and improve subsequent performance in the landscape.
Changes in Carotenoid Concentration and Expression of Carotenoid Biosynthesis Genes in Daucus carota Taproots in Response to Increased Salinity
Authors: Zhao Yu-Han , Deng Yuan-Jie , Wang Yuan-Hua , Lou Ying-Rui , He Ling-Feng , Liu Hui , Li Tong , Yan Zhi-Ming , Zhuang Jing , Xiong Ai-Sheng
Published: July 2022

Studying the changes of carotenoids in the taproot of carrots under salt treatment is helpful to probe the salt stress response mechanism of carrots. The carotenoid concentration and the expression profiles of 10 carotenoid-related genes were determined in two carrot cultivars with different taproot colors. Under salt stress, the biosynthesis of carotenoids in the taproot of both ‘KRD’ and ‘BHJS’ was activated. RT-qPCR manifested that the expression levels of DcPSY1, DcPSY2, DcZDS1, DcCRT1 and DcCRT2 increased significantly in both ‘KRD’ and BHJS’ under salt stress, but DcCHXE transcripts decreased and DcPDS transcripts maintained a basal level compared to that of the control. In the taproot of ‘KRD’, the expression level of DcLCYB, DcLCYE and DcCHXB1 climbed dramatically. However, there was no significant change in the taproot of ‘BHJS’. The study showed that salt stress can stimulate the biosynthesis of carotenoids. The accumulation of lutein in the taproots of ‘KRD’ and ‘BHJS’ may be mainly attributed to the variation in DcLCYE and DcCHXB1 transcripts. The increase in β-carotene accumulation is speculated to increase salt tolerance.
The Apple Lipoxygenase MdLOX3 Regulates Salt Tolerance and ABA Sensitivity
Authors: Chen Xixia , Wang Daru , Zhang Chunling , Wang Xun , Yang Kuo , Wang Yongxu , Wang Xiaofei , You Chunxiang
Published: July 2022

Various abiotic stresses, particularly salinization, restrict plant growth and yield around the world. Lipoxygenases play essential functions in coping with various stresses. In the present study, we found an apple (Malus domestica) homolog of Arabidopsis lipoxygenase3, named MdLOX3. MdLOX3 has a typical conserved lipoxygenase domain. MdLOX3 was expressed in all tissues of apple and was highly expressed in the root and flesh tissues by a qRT-PCR analysis. In addition, the promoter of MdLOX3 consists of multiple response elements. Various abiotic stresses and ABA treatment can induce the expression of MdLOX3. The overexpression of MdLOX3 in apple calli enhanced the ability to tolerate salt stress, and the heterotopic expression of MdLOX3 in Arabidopsis elevated salt stress tolerance via enhancing the ability of scavenging ROS. Furthermore, the overexpression of MdLOX3 in transgenic plants significantly reduced the sensitivity to ABA. Through the above, this work demonstrated that MdLOX3 played an active position in salt resistance and decreased the sensitivity to ABA, providing a theoretical reference for studying the role of MdLOX3 in abiotic stresses in apple.
A Comparison of Ensemble and Deep Learning Algorithms to Model Groundwater Levels in a Data-Scarce Aquifer of Southern Africa
Authors: Gaffoor Zaheed , Pietersen Kevin , Jovanovic Nebo , Bagula Antoine , Kanyerere Thokozani , Ajayi Olasupo , Wanangwa Gift
Published: July 2022

Machine learning and deep learning have demonstrated usefulness in modelling various groundwater phenomena. However, these techniques require large amounts of data to develop reliable models. In the Southern African Development Community, groundwater datasets are generally poorly developed. Hence, the question arises as to whether machine learning can be a reliable tool to support groundwater management in the data-scarce environments of Southern Africa. This study tests two machine learning algorithms, a gradient-boosted decision tree (GBDT) and a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM-NN), to model groundwater level (GWL) changes in the Shire Valley Alluvial Aquifer. Using data from two boreholes, Ngabu (sample size = 96) and Nsanje (sample size = 45), we model two predictive scenarios: (I) predicting the change in the current month’s groundwater level, and (II) predicting the change in the following month’s groundwater level. For the Ngabu borehole, GBDT achieved R2 scores of 0.19 and 0.14, while LSTM achieved R2 scores of 0.30 and 0.30, in experiments I and II, respectively. For the Nsanje borehole, GBDT achieved R2 of −0.04 and −0.21, while LSTM achieved R2 scores of 0.03 and −0.15, in experiments I and II, respectively. The results illustrate that LSTM performs better than the GBDT model, especially regarding slightly greater time series and extreme GWL changes. However, closer inspection reveals that where datasets are relatively small (e.g., Nsanje), the GBDT model may be more efficient, considering the cost required to tune, train, and test the LSTM model. Assessing the full spectrum of results, we concluded that these small sample sizes might not be sufficient to develop generalised and reliable machine learning models.
Exposure to Traffic Density during Pregnancy and Birth Weight in a National Cohort, 2000–2017
Authors: Canto Marcelle Virginia , Guxens Mònica , Ramis Rebeca
Published: July 2022

The variation on birth weight is associated with several outcomes early on in life and low birth weight (LBW) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Some environmental exposures during pregnancy, such as particulate matters and other traffic-related pollutants can have a significant effect on pregnant women and fetuses. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of exposure to traffic density during pregnancy over birth weight in Spain, from 2000–2017. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study using the information from Spain Birth Registry Statistics database. The traffic density was measured using the Annual average daily traffic. Multivariate linear regression models using birth weight and traffic density were performed, as well as a logistic regression model to estimated Odds ratios for LBW and GAM models to evaluate the non-linear effect. Our findings showed that increases in traffic density were associated with reduction of birth weight and increases of LBW risk. Moreover, exposure to high and very-high traffic-density during pregnancy were associated with reduction of birth weight and increase on LBW risk comparing with exposure to low number of cars trespassing the neighborhoods. The results of this study agree with previous literature and highlights the need of effective policies for reducing traffic density in residential neighborhoods of cities and towns.
Strategic Management in Healthcare: A Call for Long-Term and Systems-Thinking in an Uncertain System
Authors: Huebner Claudia , Flessa Steffen
Published: July 2022

Strategic management is becoming increasingly important for sustainable management in healthcare. The reasons for this can be seen in the increasing complexity, dynamics and uncertainty of the system’s regimes and the resulting need for strategic thinking in a long-term period. The scientific discussion of this issue is the aim of the present analytical framework. The starting point is the definition of the term strategic management itself, followed by a reflection on the requirements resulting from the changes in the political, social and economic value systems of our post-industrial society. In this context, Dynaxity Zone III is used to explain the long-term perspective, the high levels of complexity and uncertainty and the responsibility of strategic management as important parameters. For a practical illustration, we demonstrate two selected applications (German hospital financing systems and development process of implants) and how the implementation of strategic management in the health care system shows success.
Rationing Care, Job Satisfaction, Fatigue and the Level of Professional Burnout of Nurses in Urology Departments
Authors: Jarosz Katarzyna , Zborowska Agnieszka , Młynarska Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

The problem of rationing nursing care is common and present all over the world, which is a direct threat to the health and life of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the level of rationing care, fatigue, job satisfaction and occupational burnout and to assess the relationship between them and age, length of service and the number of jobs. A survey was performed among 130 Polish nurses in urology departments using the following questionnaires: Link Burnout Questionnaire, Job Satisfaction Scale, Nursing Care Rationing Scale and Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. Nursing care is rarely rationed—1.11 points; the experience of fatigue ranges between sometimes and often—52.58 points; and job satisfaction is at an average level—17.23 points. The level of rationing nursing care in urology departments is similar to that in other departments. This requires minor changes to the work of nurses to reduce the workload. Employers should develop implementation programs for young workers in order to avoid burnout and also invest in factors increasing nurses’ satisfaction, such as the atmosphere at work.
The Considerable Water Evaporation Induced by Human Perspiration and Respiration in Megacities: Quantifying Method and Case Study in Beijing
Authors: Liu Chuang , Liu Jiahong , Shao Weiwei , Lu Jiahui , Gao Han
Published: July 2022

The water cycle in urban areas is called the natural-social dualistic water cycle, and it is driven not only by natural forces, but also by human activities. As the drivers of the social water cycle, human perspire continuously, and this is often overlooked as a contributing factor to the water cycle. This paper proposes a method for quantifying the water evaporation induced by human perspiration and respiration in megacities. A calculation based on the sweating prediction model was applied to the city of Beijing to evaluate the evaporation from the human body. The results show that the greatest volume of evaporation produced by human occurs in summer, and the least in spring. The total evaporation produced by human was converted to the evaporation on unit area of the city and reached 5075.2 m3/km2 in the six core districts of Beijing. According to the calculation, the total volume was considerable and reached 14.0 million m3 in 2020, which was equivalent to the annual evapotranspiration from an area of 104.9 km2 of Acer truncatum forest (15 cm diameter at breast height, afforestation density 800 plants/hm2), and even twice the annual total water use in Tartu, Estonia. The results of the study provide a reference for dualistic water cycle research and water cycle flux calculation in urban areas.
The Use of Interdental Care Products in Korean Adults Aged 30 Years and Older and Factors Affecting Their Use: 4th to 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Han Su-Jin
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to review the use of interdental care products (ICPs) among adults in Korea, reconfirm their relevance to periodontal health, and identify factors affecting the use of ICPs. Data from 2007 to 2018 from the National Health Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) were used, and 43,069 adults (18,412 men, 24,657 women) aged 30 years or older were included. The frequency and percentage of ICP use according to the characteristics of the subjects are presented. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the factors affecting ICP use. The ICP usage rate of participants in the KNHANES phase gradually increased to 22.8% in the 4th, 26.4% in the 5th, and 38.0% in the 6th phase and then decreased to 36.3% in the 7th phase. The adjusted OR values for periodontal health in ICP users were 0.721 for gingivitis and 0.642 for periodontitis, confirming that ICP was associated with a lower prevalence of these conditions. Sex, age, educational level, household income, toothbrushing, and dental check-ups were related to ICP use in all phases. ICP was associated with improved periodontal health, but its use rate was very low. Therefore, oral health professionals should educate adults on the use of ICP, particularly interdental brushing.
The Post-Traumatic Growth Journey of Women Who Have Survived Intimate Partner Violence: A Synthesized Theory Emphasizing Obstacles and Facilitating Factors
Authors: Bryngeirsdottir Hulda S. , Arnault Denise Saint , Halldorsdottir Sigridur
Published: July 2022

Suffering intimate partner violence (IPV) is a devastating personal experience and post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a positive, psychological change in a person, following trauma such as IPV. There is a gap in the literature when it comes to theories on PTG after surviving IPV. The aim of this theory development was to synthesize an approach to understanding the PTG journey of female IPV survivors. According to our theory, their PTG journey includes eight main components: 1. The women’s early experience of trauma, 2. The consequences of that trauma, 3. Their experiences of IPV, 4. The consequences of IPV, 5. The facilitating factors to PTG, 6. The hindering factors to PTG, 7. Their experience of PTG, and 8. The lingering effects of IPV. According to our findings, PTG is a real possibility for female IPV survivors, and it is likely to improve their mental health, well-being, and quality of life, as well as that of their children, loved ones, and communities, thereby decreasing the damaging effects of IPV. The theory can be useful for professionals when guiding female survivors of IPV to promote their recovery and healing. Due to the lack of research in this field, additional research is needed to further develop this theory.
Development and Evaluation of the Clinical Trial HEalth Knowledge and Beliefs Scale (CHEKS)
Authors: Chung Alicia , Donley Tiffany , Hays Ron D. , Robbins Rebecca , Seixas Azizi , Jean-Louis Girardin
Published: July 2022

Patient health literacy is vital to clinical trial engagement. Knowledge and beliefs about clinical trials may contribute to patient literacy of clinical trials, influencing engagement, enrollment and retention. We developed and assessed a survey that measures clinical trial health knowledge and beliefs, known as the Clinical trial HEalth Knowledge and belief Scale (CHEKS). The 31 survey items in CHEKS represent knowledge and beliefs about clinical trial research (n = 409) in 2017. We examined item-scale correlations for the 31 items, eliminated items with item-scale correlations less than 0.30, and then estimated internal consistency reliability for the remaining 25 items. We used the comparative fit index (CFI) and the root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) to evaluate model fit. The average age of the sample was 34 (SD = 15.7) and 48% female. We identified 6 of the 31 items that had item-scale correlations (corrected for overlap) lower than 0.30. Coefficient alpha for the remaining 25 items was 0.93 A one-factor categorical confirmatory factor analytic model with 16 correlated errors was not statistically significant (chi-square = 10011.994, df = 300, p < 0.001) but fit the data well (CFI = 0.95 and RMSEA = 0.07). CHEKS can assess clinical trial knowledge and beliefs.
Gender and Context Matter: Behavioral and Structural Interventions for People Who Use Alcohol and Other Drugs in Africa
Authors: Wechsberg Wendee M. , van der Drift Isa , Howard Brittni N. , Myers Bronwyn , Browne Felicia A. , Bonner Courtney Peasant , Carney Tara , Ndirangu Jacqueline , Washio Yukiko
Published: July 2022

Heavy alcohol consumption and other drug use are prominent across Africa and increase the risk of exposure to violence, HIV acquisition, and other life-threatening injuries. This review synthesizes evidence on alcohol and other drug (AOD) interventions in Africa; evaluates the differences between interventions that do and do not specifically target populations that use AODs; and highlights the impact of comprehensive vs. brief interventions and those that address syndemic issues from a gender and contextualized lens. Literature searches were conducted to identify research outcomes of randomized interventions published between January 2010 and May 2022 that address AOD use in Africa. Thirty-five full-text articles were included in this review. Most of the identified research studies were concentrated in a few countries. Most studies were conducted in South Africa. Many of the studies comprised brief interventions. However, the most comprehensive interventions were the most effective for AOD outcomes. Several studies indicated the importance of addressing AOD use alongside gender-based violence, mental health needs, gender roles, and other social determinants that affect health outcomes. Intervening on AOD use and addressing social determinants from a gender and contextually relevant perspective is essential to ensuring the long-term health and well-being of people in Africa.
“I Think That’s the Most Beneficial Change That WIC Has Made in a Really Long Time”: Perceptions and Awareness of an Increase in the WIC Cash Value Benefit
Authors: Duffy Emily W. , Vest Daniele A. , Davis Cassandra R. , Hall Marissa G. , De Marco Molly , Ng Shu Wen , Taillie Lindsey Smith
Published: July 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables increased by roughly USD 25/month/person. We sought to understand WIC participant perceptions of this change and barriers and facilitators to using the CVB. We conducted 10 virtual focus groups (5 rural, 5 urban/suburban) with WIC participants (n = 55) in North Carolina in March 2022. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed. We open-coded the content and used thematic analysis to uncover consistencies within and between sampled groups. Participants expressed favorable perceptions of the CVB increase and stated the pre-pandemic CVB amount was insufficient. Barriers to using the increased CVB were identifying WIC-approved fruits and vegetables in stores and insufficient supply of fruits and vegetables. Barriers were more pronounced in rural groups. Facilitators of CVB use were existing household preferences for fruits and vegetables and the variety of products that can be purchased with CVB relative to other components of the WIC food package. Participants felt the CVB increase allowed their families to eat a wider variety of fruits and vegetables. The CVB increase may improve fruit and vegetable intake, particularly if made permanent, but barriers to CVB and WIC benefit use may limit the potential impact.