bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Mechanical Properties and Basic Elastic Constants of Yunnan Dendrocalamus sinicus Chia et J. L. Sun
Authors: Zhou Fengwei , Wang Xingyu , Wang Yanrong , Li Guofu , Dong Chunlei
Published: November 2024

Yunnan Dendrocalamus sinicus Chia et J. L. Sun (YDS) is a giant bamboo species with a diameter at breast height of up to nearly 40 cm. It is endemic to Yunnan, China, and only a very small portion of it is directly used as load-bearing beams and columns in the dwellings of ethnic minorities, such as in Dai architecture. Due to the structural characteristics of its hollow and thin walls, systematic physical and mechanical property testing of this species faces significant challenges in terms of methods and means. This issue has become one of the main barriers to the realization of its large-scale industrial use. Therefore, this paper systematically tests and studies YDS’s three kinds of strength (tension, compression, and shear), modulus of elasticity, and six Poisson’s ratios with the help of digital image correlation (DIC) technology and self-created material testing methods. The (1) tensile, compressive, and shear strengths and moduli in longitudinal, radial, and chordal directions; (2) tensile strengths and moduli of bamboo green, flesh, and yellow layers in the thickness direction of the bamboo wall; and (3) six Poisson’s ratios under tensile and compressive stresses were obtained for YDS. It was also found that the tensile strength (378.8 MPa) of the green layer of YDS exceeded the yield strength (355 MPa) of 45# steel, making it a potential high-strength engineering material or fiber-reinforced material.
Scenic Influences on Walking Preferences in Urban Forest Parks from Top-View and Eye-Level Perspectives
Authors: Zou Jiahui , Jiang Hongchao , Ying Wenjia , Qiu Bing
Published: November 2024

Urban forest parks offer valuable spaces for walking activities that benefit both physical and mental health. However, trails in current park designs are often underutilised, and the scene layout does not fully meet the preferences of walkers. Therefore, understanding the connection between scene characteristics and walking preferences is essential. This study aimed to develop an ensemble protocol to assess the role of scene characteristics in walking preferences, using Shanghai Gongqing Forest Park as an illustrative example. A walking preference heat map was created using a combination of crowdsourced GPS data. The scene characteristics were quantified using panoramic photographs, drone orthophotos, computer vision, and deep learning techniques. Taking spatial dependence into account, the key findings include the following: (1) From an overhead view, the shortest paths, waterbody density, and recreational facility selection positively influenced walking preferences, while secondary asphalt trails had a negative effect. (2) At the eye level, aesthetically pleasing landscape elements, such as flowers and bridges, attracted more pedestrians, while closed trails were less favoured. (3) Eye-level features explained 43.5% of the variation in walking preference, with a stronger influence on walking preference compared to 22.4% for overhead features. (4) Natural elements were generally more significant than artificial ones; the feature ranking of significant impact was flowers > NACHr1000 > visual perception > water body density > bridge > SVF > retail > entertainment > asphalt. This study proposes a flexible protocol that provides urban forest park managers and planners with practical tools to create a more walker-friendly environment and more accurate trail alignment, as well as a solid empirical basis for assessing the use of urban forest parks.
Developing a Method to Estimate Above-Ground Carbon Stock of Forest Tree Species Pinus densata Using Remote Sensing and Climatic Data
Authors: Luo Kai , Feng Yafei , Liao Yi , Zhang Jialong , Qiu Bo , Yang Kun , Teng Chenkai , Yin Tangyan
Published: November 2024

Forest above-ground carbon stock (AGCS) is one of the primary ecological evaluation indicators, so it is crucial to estimate the AGCS accurately. In this research, we added the climatic and topographic factors to the estimation process by a remote sensing approach to explore their impact and to achieve more precise estimations. We hope to develop a more accurate estimation method for AGCS based on remote sensing data and climate data. The random forest (RF) method has good robustness and wide applicability. Therefore, we modeled and predicted the AGCS by RF based on sixty field sample plots of Pinus densata pure forests in southwest China and the factors extracted from Landsat 8 OLI images (source I), Sentinel-2A images (source II), and combined Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A images (source III). We added the topographic and climatic factors to establish the AGCS estimation model and compared the results. The topographic factors contain elevation, slope, and aspect. Climatic factors contain mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, annual potential evapotranspiration, and monthly mean potential evapotranspiration. It was found that the R2 and RMSE of the model based on source III were better than the R2 and RMSE of the models based on source I and source II. Compared to the models based on source I and source II, the model based on source III improved R2 by up to 0.08, reduced RMSE by up to 2.88 t/ha, and improved P by up to 4.29%. Among the models without adding factors, the model based on source III worked the best, with an R2 of 0.87, an RMSE of 10.81 t/ha, an rRMSE of 23.19%, and a P of 79.71%. Among the models that added topographic factors, the model based on source III worked best after adding elevation, with an R2 of 0.89, an RMSE of 10.01 t/ha, an rRMSE of 21.47%, and a P of 82.17%. Among the models that added climatic factors, the model that added the annual precipitation factor had the best modeling result, with an R2 of 0.90, an RMSE of 9.53 t/ha, an rRMSE of 20.59%, and a P of 83.00%. The prediction result exhibited that the AGCS of the Pinus densata forest in 2021 was 9,737,487.52 t. The combination of Landsat 8 OLI and Sentinel-2A could improve the prediction accuracy of the AGCS. The addition of annual precipitation can effectively improve the accuracy of AGCS estimation. Higher resolution of climate data is needed to enhance the modeling in future work.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of bHLH Gene Family in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Wang Zheng , Yuan Yuan , Rehman Fazal , Wang Xin , Wu Tingkai , Deng Zhi , Cheng Han
Published: November 2024

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, their identification and insights into the understanding of their role in rubber trees remain largely uncovered. In this study, the bHLH gene family was explored and characterized in rubber trees using systematic bioinformatics approaches. In total, 180 bHLH genes were identified in the rubber tree genome, distributed unevenly across 18 chromosomes, and phylogenetic analysis classified these genes into 23 distinct subfamilies. Promoter regions revealed a high density of cis-elements responsive to light and hormones. Enrichment analysis indicated involvement in numerous biological processes, including growth, development, hormone responses, abiotic stress resistance, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Protein interaction network analysis identified extensive interactions between HbbHLH genes and other functional genes, forming key clusters related to iron homeostasis, plant growth, and stomatal development. Expression profiling of HbbHLH genes have demonstrated varied responses to endogenous and environmental changes. RT-qPCR of eleven HbbHLH genes in different tissues and under ethylene, jasmonic acid, and cold treatments revealed tissue-specific expression patterns and significant responses to these stimuli, highlighting the roles of these genes in hormone and cold stress responses. These findings establish a framework for exploring the molecular functions of bHLH transcription factors in rubber trees.
Integrating Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data for Forest Fire Risk Assessment
Authors: Liu Xinzhu , Zheng Change , Wang Guangyu , Zhao Fengjun , Tian Ye , Li Hongchen
Published: November 2024

Forest fires are a frequent and destructive phenomenon in Southwestern China, posing significant threats to ecological systems and human lives and property. In response to the growing need for effective forest fire prevention, this study introduces an innovative method for predicting and assessing forest fire risk. By integrating multi-source data, including optical and microwave remote sensing, meteorological, topographic, and human activity data, the approach enhances the sensitivity of risk models to vegetation water content and other critical factors. The vegetation water content is derived from both Vegetation Optical Depth and optical remote sensing data, allowing for a more accurate assessment of changes in vegetation moisture that influence fire risk. A time series prediction model, incorporating attention mechanisms, is used to assess the probability of fire occurrence. Additionally, the method includes fire spread simulations based on Cellular Automaton and Monte Carlo approaches to evaluate potential burn areas. This combined approach can provide a comprehensive fire risk assessment using the probability of both fire occurrence and potential fire spread. Experimental results show that the integration of microwave data and attention mechanisms improves prediction accuracy by 2.8%. This method offers valuable insights for forest fire management, aiding in targeted prevention strategies and resource allocation.
A Multi-System Coupling Coordination Assessment to Achieve the Integrated Objectives of Forest Conservation, Marine Governance, and Socioeconomic Development in the Bay Area: A Case Study in the Bay Area of the Fujian River Delta
Authors: Huang Zhixun , Li Yingjie , Chen Xiuzhi , Yu Xiang , Shui Wei
Published: November 2024

The bay area contains terrestrial forests and coastal mangroves with vital ecosystem functions, which provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance. Meanwhile, the bay area usually hosts intensive socioeconomic activities. High-intensity anthropogenic activities in the bay area have threatened the terrestrial ecosystem and marine environment. Harmonizing the relationship between terrestrial ecosystem conservation, marine environmental governance, and socioeconomic development is crucial for realizing the national “coordinated land and marine development” strategy and promoting sustainability in the bay area. This study constructed a coupling coordination assessment system of the terrestrial ecosystem, marine environmental system, and socioeconomic system. Taking the bay area of the Fujian River Delta as a case study, multiple ecological models were integrated to quantify the coupling coordination degree between these three systems and present its spatial distribution characteristics. Furthermore, the constraint types on the coupling coordination degree were spatially revealed in the bay area. The results suggested that there are significant spatial differences in the coupling coordination degree of the three systems in the bay area of the Fujian River Delta. The areas with a relatively low coupling coordination degree are mainly focused on the central part of the Xiamen Bay area and the southeastern part of the Quanzhou Bay area. Regions with high socioeconomic development tend to present weak terrestrial or marine eco-environmental conditions. The critical constraint factor of the coupling coordination degree in the Zhangzhou Bay area is its backward socioeconomic development level. The backwardness of both the terrestrial ecosystem and marine environmental system exists in most districts of the Xiamen Bay area. In addition, the marine environmental conditions in the Xiamen Bay area are worse than those in the Quanzhou Bay Area and the Zhangzhou Bay area.
Study on the Spatial–Temporal Variation of Groundwater Depth and Its Impact on Vegetation Coverage in Ejina Oasis
Authors: Song Dongyang , Pei Xiaolong , Mao Lei , Wang Jiangyulong , Tian Ye , An Xiaoyu , An Hongyan
Published: November 2024

Ejina, a representative inland river basin situated in the arid region of northwest China, exhibits a delicate ecological environment and its vegetation coverage is intrinsically linked to regional ecological security. Based on MOD13Q1-NDVI data from 2018 to 2023 and groundwater depth monitoring data during the same period, this study analyzed the spatial–temporal variation characteristics of vegetation coverage and its relationship with groundwater depth in Ejina. It is found that the vegetation coverage in Ejina is generally low and mainly distributed along the riverbanks in the form of strips. During the study period, the overall trend of vegetation coverage showed a fluctuating pattern of first increasing and then decreasing, revealing the fragility of the regional ecology. The groundwater depth shows the characteristic of being higher in the east river than the west, and the trend of groundwater depth along the river flow is first increasing and then decreasing. The spatial groundwater depth indicates that the east river is higher than that of the west river, and the groundwater depth along the river flow first increases and then decreases. In terms of inter-annual changes, the groundwater depth experiences a process of first decreasing and then stabilizing. Further analysis indicates that vegetation growth and coverage in Ejina are significantly affected by water conditions, and areas with high Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values are mainly distributed along the riverbanks. In addition, there is a certain degree of correlation between groundwater depth and NDVI. When the depth of groundwater is too deep or too shallow, the positive correlation between NDVI and groundwater depth increases slightly and the negative correlation decreases slightly. The findings of this study are of great significance for understanding and predicting the response of vegetation coverage to groundwater changes in arid areas, and provide a scientific basis for water resources management and ecological protection in Ejina.
Designing a Multitemporal Analysis of Land Use Changes and Vegetation Indices to Assess the Impacts of Severe Forest Fires Before Applying Control Measures
Authors: Muñoz-Gómez Casandra , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: November 2024

Forest fires represent a significant intersection between nature and society, often leading to the loss of natural resources, soil nutrients, and economic opportunities, as well as causing desertification and the displacement of communities. Therefore, the objective of this work is to analyze the multitemporal conditions of a sixth-generation forest fire through the use and implementation of tools such as remote sensing, photointerpretation with geographic information systems (GISs), thematic information on land use, and the use of spatial indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Burned Ratio (NBR), and its difference (dNBR) with satellite images from Sentinel-2. To improve our understanding of the dynamics and changes that occurred due to the devastating forest fire in Los Guájares, Granada, Spain, in September 2022, which affected 5194 hectares and had a perimeter of 150 km, we found that the main land use in the study area was forest, followed by agricultural areas which decreased from 1956 to 2003. We also observed the severity of burning, shown with the dNBR, reflecting moderate–low and moderate–high levels of severity. Health and part of the post-fire recovery process, as indicated by the NDVI, were also observed. This study provides valuable information on the spatial and temporal dimensions of forest fires, which will favor informed decision making and the development of effective prevention strategies.
Rapid Authentication of Intact Stingless Bee Honey (SBH) by Portable LED-Based Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Suhandy Diding , Al Riza Dimas Firmanda , Yulia Meinilwita , Kusumiyati Kusumiyati , Telaumbanua Mareli , Naito Hirotaka
Published: November 2024

Indonesian stingless bee honey (SBH) of Geniotrigona thoracica is popular and traded at an expensive price. Brown rice syrup (RS) is frequently used as a cheap adulterant for an economically motivated adulteration (EMA) in SBH. In this study, authentic Indonesian Geniotrigona thoracica SBH of Acacia mangium (n = 100), adulterated SBH (n = 120), fake SBH (n = 100), and RS (n = 200) were prepared. In short, 2 mL of each sample was dropped directly into an innovative sample holder without any sample preparation including no dilution. Fluorescence intensity was acquired using a fluorescence spectrometer. This portable instrument is equipped with a 365 nm LED lamp as the fixed excitation source. Principal component analysis (PCA) was calculated for the smoothed spectral data. The results showed that the authentic SBH and non-SBH (adulterated SBH, fake SBH, and RS) samples could be well separated using the smoothed spectral data. The cumulative percentage variance of the first two PCs, 98.4749% and 98.4425%, was obtained for calibration and validation, respectively. The highest prediction accuracy was 99.5% and was obtained using principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA). The best partial least square (PLS) calibration was obtained using the combined interval with R2cal = 0.898 and R2val = 0.874 for calibration and validation, respectively. In the prediction, the developed model could predict the adulteration level in the adulterated honey samples with an acceptable ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) = 2.282, and range error ratio (RER) = 6.612.
From Beer to Cheese: Characterization of Caseinolytic and Milk-Clotting Activities of Proteases Derived from Brewer’s Spent Grain (BSG)
Authors: Villegas Maximiliano M. , Silva Johana N. , Tito Florencia R. , Tonón Claudia V. , Muñoz Fernando F. , Pepe Alfonso , Guevara María G.
Published: November 2024

This study explores the extraction and characterization of proteolytic enzymes from brewer’s spent grain (BSG) and their potential as sustainable coagulants in the dairy industry. BSG samples from various beer types (Blonde Ale, IPA, Kölsch, Honey, and Porter) were obtained from two artisanal breweries in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Optimization of caseinolytic activity (CA) and protein extraction was conducted using a Plackett–Burman design, followed by a Box–Behnken design. Optimal protein concentration was achieved at intermediate pH and high temperature, while CA peaked at pH 8.0. The specific caseinolytic activity (SCA) varied among the extracts, with BSG3 showing the highest activity (99.6 U mg−1) and BSG1 the lowest (60.4 U mg−1). Protease inhibitor assays suggested the presence of aspartic, serine, metallo, and cysteine proteases. BSG3 and BSG4 showed the highest hydrolysis rates for α-casein (70% and 78%). For κ-casein, BSG1, BSG2, and BSG3 demonstrated moderate activity (56.5%, 49%, and 55.8), while BSG4 and BSG5 exhibited the lowest activity. Additionally, the milk-clotting activity (MCA) of BSG extracts was comparable to plant-based coagulants like Cynara cardunculus and Ficus carica. These findings highlight the potential of BSG-derived proteases as alternative coagulants for cheese production, offering a sustainable link between the brewing and dairy industries.
Runs of Homozygosity Islands in Autochthonous Spanish Cattle Breeds
Authors: Hervás-Rivero C. , Mejuto-Vázquez N. , López-Carbonell D. , Altarriba J. , Diaz C. , Molina A. , Rodríguez-Bermúdez R. , Piedrafita J. , Baro J. A. , Varona L.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Understanding the genetic architecture of autochthonous European cattle breeds is important for developing effective conservation strategies and sustainable breeding programs. Spanish beef cattle, which trace their origins to ancient migrations from the Near East with later admixture from African populations, exhibit a rich genetic diversity shaped by environmental adaptation and selective breeding. Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) are extended stretches of identical genetic material inherited from both parents. They serve as indicators of inbreeding and selection signatures within populations. ROH islands, or regions of the genome where ROH segments are highly concentrated across individuals within a breed, indicate genomic regions under selective pressure. Methods: This study explores the distribution of ROH islands across seven Spanish beef cattle breeds (Asturiana de los Valles, Avileña-Negra Ibérica, Bruna dels Pirineus, Morucha, Retinta, Pirenaica, and Rubia Gallega). By analyzing high-density SNP data, we characterized ROH patterns and identified genomic regions with high levels of homozygosity, which may indicate selection pressures or common ancestry. Results: Our findings revealed breed-specific ROH patterns as well as shared ROH islands, underscoring genetic relationships and differentiation among the breeds. Notably, Morucha displayed the highest number of ROH, while Asturiana de los Valles had the fewest. FROH values, which indicate genomic inbreeding, varied among the breeds, with Morucha and Retinta being associated with higher values. We identified 57 ROH islands, with shared regions among populations that suggest common ancestral selection pressures. Key genes within these regions, like MSTN, are associated with muscle growth, body weight, and fertility. Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights for breeding strategies and conservation efforts, highlighting the genetic diversity and historical background of Spanish cattle breeds.
Comparative and Spatial Transcriptome Analysis of Rhododendron decorum Franch. During the Flowering Period and Revelation of the Plant Defense Mechanism
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Yu Chenghua , Yang Kaiye , Wang Ling , Fan Zhongyu , Mo Xinchun
Published: November 2024

Background: Rhododendron is a globally distributed and extensive genus, comprising over 1000 species. In the southwestern mountains of China, there exists a remarkable diversity of Rhododendron, with Yunnan Province alone harboring more than 600 species. R. decorum Franch. has long been utilized by local communities for its medicinal and edible properties. However, the transcriptional regulation function, medicinal properties, and edibility characteristics of R. decorum Franch. currently lack a solid theoretical basis. Methods: Total RNA was extracted from leaves, corollas and androecium/gynoecium of R. decorum Franch. in Heqing county, followed by the construction of cDNA libraries and the de novo assembly of transcriptomes. Results: A total of 63,050 unigenes were extracted from the flowers and leaf organs of R. decorum Franch. Among these unigenes, 43,517 were predicted to be coding sequences, with 32,690 being effectively annotated. Differential gene expression enrichment was observed among different organs within their respective transcriptomes; notably floral organs exhibited significant defense against plant diseases along with signal transduction functions. Furthermore, during the flower harvesting period, all floral organs exhibited gene enrichment pathways associated with carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, the stamen and pistil displayed flavonoid metabolism pathways, suggesting their potential applications as functional food or medicine. Conclusions: Our results shed light on plant–pathogen defense mechanisms and the molecular bias of flavonoids biosynthesis on flower organs during the flowering period, which might help to understand the consumption of R. decorum Franch. corollas by the Bai nationality of Heqing county.
Dynamics in Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients Following Breast-Conserving Surgery Versus Mastectomy: Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Makhnevych Iryna , Smetanina Darya , Abdelgyoum Mohamed Fatihy Elgasim , Alblooshi Jood Jasem Shaddad , Alhosani Aysha Khamis , Musa Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed , Nimer Anna , Zaręba Kornelia , Younis Tallal , Ljubisavljevic Milos , Statsenko Yauhen
Published: November 2024

Background: Quality of life (QoL) may change in female patients with breast cancer over time due to its dynamic construct. Recent studies have provided statistics on the diverse predictors of QoL in breast cancer patients. Still, the literature findings on the prognostication of QoL are scarce. Objectives: With this meta-analysis, we aim to describe the dynamics of overall QoL and its dimensions: mental status, physical functioning, and social interactions. Methods: To reach this aim, we will systematically evaluate the peer-reviewed literature on QoL of women who have undergone either mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. The proposed study will focus on, but not be limited to, the analysis of BIRS, FACT-B, and EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires, which are most commonly used in the assessment of the quality of life of cancer patients. Then, we will extract the following outcome measures: The participants’ age, time since surgery, type of tumor removal procedure (mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery), breast reconstruction technique, mean value, and standard deviation in a QoL score. A random-effects model will then compute the pooled QoL and construct the trend lines for scores received from each diagnostic tool. The findings will be adjusted according to the reconstruction techniques and tumor removal surgery. Finally, we will model the QoL dynamics with a set of predictors identified in the extracted studies. Conclusions: The study findings may serve as a tool for stratifying female patients with breast cancer by the risk of significant reduction in QoL.
Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Ventilatory Factors Influencing COVID-19 Mortality in the ICU of a Hospital in Colombia
Authors: Perlaza Claudia Lorena , Cruz Mosquera Freiser Eceomo , Moreno Reyes Sandra Patricia , Tovar Salazar Sandra Marcela , Cruz Rojas Andrés Fernando , España Serna Juan Daniel , Liscano Yamil
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, and mortality rates were driven by a complex interaction of patient-specific factors, one of the most important being those related to the scheduling of invasive mechanical ventilation. This study examined the sociodemographic, clinical, and ventilatory factors associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of a hospital in Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving 116 patients over the age of 18 who were admitted to the ICU with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between March 2020 and May 2021. Data were collected from the patients’ medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24®. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, followed by adjustment through binary logistic regression. Results: It was found that 65.5% of the patients were male, with a mean age of 64 ± 14 years, and the overall mortality rate was 49%. Factors significantly associated with higher mortality included male sex (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 1.5–31.7), low oxygen saturation on admission (OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.1–55), and PEEP settings at 96 h (OR: 8, 95% CI: 1.4–45). Mortality was not influenced by socioeconomic status or health system affiliation. Conclusions: This study identified male sex, age over 65 years, PEEP greater than 10 cmH2O at 96 h of mechanical ventilation, and low oxygen saturation as significant factors associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients, while no significant associations were found with socioeconomic status or health system affiliation. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on clinical management and ventilatory strategies in reducing mortality, particularly for high-risk groups, rather than relying on socioeconomic factors as predictors of outcomes.
Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Workers Before and After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Cohort Study in a Primary Care Unit of Brazil
Authors: Torres Ana Cláudia Pinheiro , de Brito Raissa Nogueira , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes , Pedrette Priscilla , Alves Daiani Cristina Cilião , Teixeira Ana Izabel Passarella , Gontijo Carolina Carvalho , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra , Gurgel-Gonçalves Rodrigo , Ramalho Walter Massa
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral surveillance for early detection of COVID-19 is a critical strategy to understand this population’s infection dynamics and prevent transmission. The study examines SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection among HCWs vaccinated against COVID-19 working at a primary healthcare unit serving a disenfranchised community in Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted in Cidade Estrutural, Federal District, Brazil, between February and October 2021. Participants were interviewed and provided samples. A prospective open cohort study was used to analyze the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection, and the vaccine-induced seroconversion. Nasopharyngeal swab specimen was collected from workers presenting with flu-like symptoms and subjected to RT-qPCR. Peripheral blood samples were also collected every 30 ± 2 days for eight months, starting from the day participants received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and submitted to serological testing (IgM and IgG chemiluminescence). The frequencies of infection and reinfection (RT-qPCR positive results 90 days after the infection) were calculated along with their respective confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Of the 128 workers, 61 (47.65%; CI: 39.19–56.25) reported probable SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination and 50 (39.06%; CI: 31.04–47.71) had SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, confirmed by molecular test. Reinfection was identified in seven workers (7/50, 14%; CI: 6.95–26.18) based on the 90-day interval between results. The serological data from the 128 workers during the cohort indicated that 68 (53.12%; CI: 44.5–61.5) had IgG antibodies and 46 had IgM antibodies (35.93%; CI: 28.14–44.54) against SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection was common in 56% of the community health workers (CHWs), 50% of registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses (33%). Following the COVID-19 vaccination, the percentage of infections among HCWs decreased from 47.83% to 4.35%. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that (i) approximately 40% of the workers were infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 and (ii) reinfections confirmed by RT-qPCR occurred in 14% of the HCWs after vaccination. The results provide valuable insights into the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs in a primary care unit serving a minoritized community.
Translation and Cultural Adaptation of the Environmental Protectors Against Hospital Work Stress (ENPROS) Scale to Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Meneguin Silmara , Díaz Paula Astudillo , Osorio-Spuler Ximena , de Morais José Fausto , Pollo Camila Fernandes , de Oliveira Cesar , de Freitas Juliana Pierami
Published: November 2024

Background: Occupational stress and workplace violence are highly prevalent risk factors among healthcare professionals and can affect not only the psychosocial well-being of workers but also that of patients and healthcare organizations. Objective: The objective of this study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt the ENvironmental PRotectors against hOspital work Stress scale to facilitate future psychometric validation of the instrument. Methods: A methodological study was conducted at the School of Medicine of São Paulo State University (UNESP) in São Paulo, Brazil. This study involved three steps: translation and backtranslation by independent native language speakers, analysis by an expert panel, and a pre-test phase. Ten specialists adjusted and approved the final version for semantic, idiomatic, and cultural accuracy across nine items. Results: The content validity index was satisfactory (CVI ≥ 0.80). The final version was administered to 36 nursing and medical staff at a public hospital in São Paulo. No items were excluded from the instrument. Satisfactory content and face validity were achieved, and the criteria recommended by the literature were met. Conclusions: The Portuguese version of ENPROS is appropriate and culturally adapted for use in Brazil.
The Functional Profile, Depressive Symptomatology, and Quality of Life of Older People in the Central Alentejo Region: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fonseca César , Morgado Bruno , Alves Elisabete , Ramos Ana , Silva Maria Revés , Pinho Lara , João Ana , Lopes Manuel
Published: November 2024

Background: Europe’s aging population presents challenges such as a shrinking labor force, pressure on health services, and increased demand for long-term care. This study assesses the functional profile, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of older adults in the Central Alentejo region of Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of 868 older adults in Portuguese long-term care facilities across the Évora district. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographic data, elderly nursing core set patient information, a health questionnaire with nine responses, and WHO Quality of Life Assessment (short version) scores. Results: Nearly half of the participants needed assistance with care. Women (OR = 1.46) and those with cognitive impairment (OR = 10.83) had higher impaired functionality, while education (OR = 0.52) and being overweight (OR = 0.52) were inversely related to functional dependence. Quality of life scores ranged from 56.4 (physical) to 66.6 (environmental). Moderate depressive symptoms were found in 17.1% of participants, with 9% having moderately severe to severe symptoms. Higher dependence doubled the likelihood of depressive symptoms (OR = 2.18). Discussion and Conclusions: High rates of depression and functional dependence correlate with a low perception of quality of life, highlighting the need for research to promote and protect the health of older adults.
Simulating the Photosynthetic and Annual-Yield Enhancement of a Row-Planted Greenhouse Tomato Canopy Through Diffuse Covering, CO2 Enrichment, and High-Wire Techniques
Authors: Nomura Koichi , Saito Masahiko , Tada Ikunao , Yasutake Daisuke , Kimura Kensuke , Kitano Masaharu
Published: November 2024

In greenhouse horticulture, the potential impacts of different technical interventions on the net canopy photosynthetic rate (Ac) and annual crop yields (FWyear) are often unclear. This study evaluated the impact of three modern greenhouse techniques—diffuse greenhouse coverings, CO2 enrichment, and high-wire cultivation—on Ac using a canopy photosynthesis model that represents a vegetable canopy as rows of cuboid blocks. The model-estimated Ac was consistent with the chamber-measured Ac of a tomato canopy (mean absolute error ≤ 2.3 μmol m−2ground s−1 and the coefficient of determination ≥ 0.91), indicating the validity of the constructed model. Scenario analysis, which assumes typical tomato cultivation in a Japanese greenhouse and uses literature values for carbon-partitioning parameters, indicated that (1) changing greenhouse coverings from clear to diffuse can increase FWyear by 6% (+2.7 kg m−2), (2) doubling the CO2 concentration from 400 μmol mol−1 to 800 μmol mol−1 can increase FWyear by 30% (+12.6 kg m−2), and (3) doubling the canopy height from 1.8 m to 3.6 m can increase FWyear by 12% (+5.4 kg m−2). Combining all these techniques could achieve an FWyear of 59 kg m−2 in Japan. Although there are uncertainties in the model parameters, these provisional estimates offer useful information for stakeholders considering investments in these techniques.
The Applications of Different Glycine Betaine Doses on Young Pear Trees Under Drought Stress Conditions
Authors: Küçükyumuk Cenk , Küçükyumuk Zeliha , İmrak Burhanettin , Çömlekçioğlu Songül
Published: November 2024

This experiment was conducted at the Fruit Research Institute, MAREM, Eğirdir-Isparta, Turkey, to detect the effects of different glycine betaine doses in drought stress conditions on young pear trees in 2019. The pear trees used in the study were one-year-old Deveci (Pyrus Comminus L.) variety grafted onto OHxF 333 rootstock. There were three different irrigation treatments in the experiment. Treatments were I100 treatment—available soil water reached field capacity for each irrigation, 100% (control); I50 treatment—irrigated with 50% of the water used in the I100 treatment (50% water deficit, moderate stress); I25 treatment—irrigated with 25% of the water used in the I100 treatment (75% water deficit, severe stress). Four different GB doses were used: GB0: 0, control; GB1: 1 mg L−1; GB5: 5 mg L−1; and GB10: 10 mg L−1. GB was not applied to pear trees in the I100 treatment. That is, there were nine different treatments in this study. GB applications provided a 19% increase in Pn of both the I25 and I50 treatments. According to the results of gsw, gsw increased between 18.0% and 27.8% for GB50 and GB25 treatments, respectively. In total, 10.9% and 14.8% increasing rates in shoot length were detected in GB10 applications in both the 50% and 75% water deficit treatments. The highest trunk diameter and fresh root weight results were determined in 10 mg L−1 GB dose applications under 50% water deficit conditions (I50GB10).
Diabetes-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Exercise and Its Benefits Among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mtshali Nokuthula , Sookan-Kassie Takshita
Published: November 2024

Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on the health outcomes of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, it is still underutilized in developing countries. This study investigated diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward exercise and its benefits among individuals with T2DM. A total of one hundred and ninety-nine participants (male = 21.6% and female = 78.4%) with T2DM, aged between 18 and 75, (43.77 SD± 14.78) years, participated in the study. A validated diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire, evaluated by true/false or unsure, was utilized in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis was used to analyze data with the significance set at p < 0.05. The results demonstrated poor diabetes-related knowledge of exercise (p < 0.001). The majority of the study participants, 163 (81.90%) with T2DM, did not know that physical activity and exercise are different. About 158 (70.40%) of the study participants felt that their regular work was an adequate substitution for exercise. More than 50% of the study participants demonstrated a positive practice towards exercise and its benefits towards T2DM (p < 0.001). The majority of the study participants reported poor knowledge and a negative attitude toward diabetes. However, their diabetes-related practices were satisfactory.
Children’s and Adolescents’ Use of Nature During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Very Green Country
Authors: Gundersen Vegard , Venter Zander , Wold Line Camilla , Junker-Köhler Berit , Selvaag Sofie Kjendlie
Published: November 2024

Play, physical activity, and social interaction with other children in nature are important for healthy and social development in childhood and adolescence. The extent to which lockdown policies during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the way children engaged in outdoor activities remains unclear, especially in a country with free access to abundant nature during the pandemic. We performed a national survey of parents (n = 1002) in Norway in January 2021 to uncover changes in outdoor play for children (6–12 years, n = 396) and adolescents (13–19 years, n = 606) compared with the situation before the lockdown on 12 March 2020. Ten months after the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, 38% of the parents reported that their children played and spent time outside ‘less than usual’ in their neighborhood, compared with 15% who reported ‘more than usual’ time spent outside. Parents indicated that the children’s play activities were highly organized and institutionalized, and when the activities ceased, their children had less motivation to spend time outdoors and tended to engage more in screen-based activities indoors. We conclude that while children and adolescents had many opportunities to be outdoors in natural settings during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, they did so much less than before the lockdown.
What Is the Impact of Leaders with Emotional Intelligence on Proxy Performance Metrics in 21st Century Healthcare?—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Chaudry Aisha , Hussain Parisah Maham , Halari Simran , Thakor Sohini , Sivapalan Aran , Ikar Abdul , Okhiria Terrell , Meyer Edgar
Published: November 2024

Emotional intelligence (EQ) in healthcare leadership has been a subject of debate regarding its significance in enhancing job performance and patient-centred care. This systematic review investigates the impact of EQ on organisational performance metrics in healthcare leaders. Eleven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified through a comprehensive database search. The findings suggest that EQ positively influences job satisfaction, with emotionally intelligent leaders fostering a positive work environment and commitment among employees. Moreover, EQ correlates negatively with emotional exhaustion, indicating its potential in mitigating burnout rates among healthcare professionals. EQ fosters teamwork, organisational culture and enhances job performance, with higher EQ levels in leaders associated with increased team empowerment and proactivity. Despite the compelling evidence, limitations in the study methodologies and heterogeneity in the reported outcomes challenge the establishment of definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the importance of EQ in healthcare leadership and its potential to improve organisational dynamics and employee wellbeing. This review highlights the need for further research on EQ’s impact on patient satisfaction and calls for the development of EQ training programmes tailored for healthcare leaders.
Exosomal mRNA Signatures as Predictive Biomarkers for Risk and Age of Onset in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bolívar Daniel A. , Mosquera-Heredia María I. , Vidal Oscar M. , Barceló Ernesto , Allegri Ricardo , Morales Luis C. , Silvera-Redondo Carlos , Arcos-Burgos Mauricio , Garavito-Galofre Pilar , Vélez Jorge I.
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. While the precise causes of AD remain unclear, emerging evidence suggests that messenger RNA (mRNA) dysregulation contributes to AD pathology and risk. This study examined exosomal mRNA expression profiles of 15 individuals diagnosed with AD and 15 healthy controls from Barranquilla, Colombia. Utilizing advanced bioinformatics and machine learning (ML) techniques, we identified differentially expressed mRNAs and assessed their predictive power for AD diagnosis and AD age of onset (ADAOO). Our results showed that ENST00000331581 (CADM1) and ENST00000382258 (TNFRSF19) were significantly upregulated in AD patients. Key predictors for AD diagnosis included ENST00000311550 (GABRB3), ENST00000278765 (GGTLC1), ENST00000331581 (CADM1), ENST00000372572 (FOXJ3), and ENST00000636358 (ACY1), achieving > 90% accuracy in both training and testing datasets. For ADAOO, ENST00000340552 (LIMK2) expression correlated with a delay of ~12.6 years, while ENST00000304677 (RNASE6), ENST00000640218 (HNRNPU), ENST00000602017 (PPP5D1), ENST00000224950 (STN1), and ENST00000322088 (PPP2R1A) emerged as the most important predictors. ENST00000304677 (RNASE6) and ENST00000602017 (PPP5D1) showed promising predictive accuracy in unseen data. These findings suggest that mRNA expression profiles may serve as effective biomarkers for AD diagnosis and ADAOO, providing a cost-efficient and minimally invasive tool for early detection and monitoring. Further research is needed to validate these results in larger, diverse cohorts and explore the biological roles of the identified mRNAs in AD pathogenesis.
Comparison Length of Linker in Compound for Nuclear Medicine Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein as Molecular Target
Authors: Hisada Kentaro , Kaneda-Nakashima Kazuko , Shirakami Yoshifumi , Kadonaga Yuichiro , Saito Atsuko , Watabe Tadashi , Feng Sifan , Ooe Kazuhiro , Yin Xiaojie , Haba Hiromitsu , Murakami Masashi , Toyoshima Atsushi , Cardinale Jens , Giesel Frederik L. , Fukase Koichi
Published: November 2024

Novel nuclear medicine therapeutics are being developed by labeling medium-molecular-weight compounds with short-lived alpha-emitting radionuclides. Fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) is recognized as a highly useful molecular target, and its inhibitor, FAPI, is a compound capable of theranostics, both therapeutic and diagnostic, for cancer treatment. In this study, we compared the functions of two compounds that target FAPα: 211At-FAPI1 and 211At-FAPI2. First, in vitro screening procedures are generally accepted because of the low endogenous expression of FAPα. We suggest the usefulness of this 3D culture system for in vitro screening. Second, when FAPIs are used therapeutically, the expected therapeutic effects are often not achieved. Therefore, we compared the accumulation and excretion in tumor tissues and the anti-tumor effects based on the length of the linker in the compounds. The compounds were rapidly labeled using the Shirakami reaction. Doubling the linker length increased tumor retention. Additionally, the excretion pathway was altered, suggesting a potential reduction in toxicity. Although no significant differences were observed in the anti-tumor effects of 211At-FAPI1 and 211At-FAPI2, it was confirmed that the linker length affects the biological half-life.
The J Domain Proteins of Plasmodium knowlesi, a Zoonotic Malaria Parasite of Humans
Authors: Daniyan Michael O. , Singh Harpreet , Blatch Gregory L.
Published: November 2024

Plasmodium knowlesi is a zoonotic form of human malaria, the pathology of which is poorly understood. While the J domain protein (JDP) family has been extensively studied in Plasmodium falciparum, and shown to contribute to malaria pathology, there is currently very limited information on the P. knowlesi JDPs (PkJDPs). This review provides a critical analysis of the literature and publicly available data on PkJDPs. Interestingly, the P. knowlesi genome encodes at least 31 PkJDPs, with well over half belonging to the most diverse types which contain only the signature J domain (type IIIs, 19) or a corrupted version of the J domain (type IVs, 2) as evidence of their membership. The more typical PkJDPs containing other domains typical of JDPs in addition to the J domain are much fewer in number (type IIs, 8; type Is, 2). This study indentifies PkJDPs that are potentially involved in: folding of newly synthesized or misfolded proteins within the P. knowlesi cytosol (a canonical type I and certain typical type IIs); protein translocation (a type III) and folding (a type II) in the ER; and protein import into mitochondria (a type III). Interestingly, a type II PkJDP is potentially exported to the host cell cytosol where it may recruit human HSP70 for the trafficking and folding of other exported P. knowlesi proteins. Experimental studies are required on this fascinating family of proteins, not only to validate their role in the pathology of knowlesi malaria, but also because they represent potential anti-malarial drug targets.