bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winding process of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tubes with integrated tape production through in-situ roving impregnation and infrared consolidation
Authors: Siegl Marco , Jungbauer Bastian , Gebhardt Jakob , Judenmann Anna , Ehrlich Ingo
Published: March 2024

The present paper takes a novel approach to production of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tubes. The method begins with the raw materials, reinforcing fibre and thermoplastic granulate which are processed to tapes through a newly developed direct impregnation process. It is followed by consolidation of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic tubes using infrared (IR) emitters in the filament winding process. This process employs various angles and utilizes a rotatable consolidation axis. The winding process operates at a constant speed, addressing the challenge of bending the fibre-reinforced tapes in the angle reversal areas near the tube ends. Experiments have confirmed that the process can run at speeds reaching approximately 470 mm/min. The design of the impregnation line takes into account the properties of the thermoplastic and the roving, allowing for a speed of up to 1 m/s.
Acute effects of bolus water intake on post-exercise orthostatic hypotension and cardiovascular hemodynamics
Authors: Tajima Yuki , Komiyama Mayu , Mimura Naoya , Yamamoto Maika , Fukuie Marina , Suzuki Rina , Matsushima Shinya , Hirasawa Ai , Shibata Shigeki
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Water intake is known to be effective to prevent orthostatic hypotension (OH). However, it is unknown whether water intake would be effective in acutely preventing exercise-induced OH.
Methods
Fourteen adults (men/women:7/7, age: 20±8 years old) were recruited. Each subject underwent two protocols with and without 500ml water intake using a randomized crossover design (Water vs. Control). They underwent 30 minutes of cycle ergometry at the 60-70% predicted VO2 max. The OH and hemodynamics were assessed before and after exercise, and immediately (Water 1) and 20 minutes (Water 2) after the water intake. The OH was evaluated with a one-minute standing test as the criteria of SBP<90mmHg. The cross-spectral analysis for RR and SBP variabilities was used to evaluate the cardiac autonomic activity and baroreflex sensitivity.
Results
In both protocols, the incidence of OH increased after the exercise. The incidence of OH was lower in Water than in Control at Water 1 (OR: 0.093, 95% CI: 0.015-0.591). HR was lower and SBP was higher in Water than in Control at Water 1 and 2 (P<0.05). High-frequency power of RR variability and transfer function gains in Water were normalized and higher than in Control at Water 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The ratio of low to high-frequency power of RR variability in Water was normalized and lower in Water than in Control at Water 1 (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that water intake may acutely prevent exerciseinduced OH, accompanied by normalized cardiac autonomic activity and baroreflex sensitivity.
The association between county-level premature cardiovascular mortality related to cardio-kidney-metabolic disease and the social determinants of health in the US
Authors: Cotton Antoinette , Salerno Pedro RVO , Deo Salil V , Virani Salim , Nasir Khurram , Neeland Ian , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Sattar Naveed , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Elgudin Yakov E
Published: March 2024

Cardio-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is defined by the American Heart Association as the intersection between metabolic, renal and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the contemporary estimates of CKM related mortality and recent trends in the US is essential for developing targeted public interventions. We collected state-level and county-level CKM-associated age-adjusted premature cardiovascular mortality (aaCVM) (2010–2019) rates from the CDC Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER). We linked the county-level aaCVM with a multi-component social deprivation metric: the Social Deprivation Index (SDI: range 0–100) and grouped them as follows: I: 0–20, II: 21–40, III: 41–60, IV: 61–80, and V: 81–100. We conducted pair-wise comparison of aaCVM between SDI groups with the multiplicity adjusted Wilcoxon test; we compared aaCVM in men versus women, metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan counties, and non-hispanic white versus non-hispanic black residents. In 3101 analyzed counties in the US, the median CKM associated aaCVM was 61 [interquartile range (IQR): 45, 82]/100 000. Mississippi (99/100 000) and Minnesota (33/100 000) had the highest and lowest values respectively. CKM associated aaMR increased across SDI groups [I – 44 (IQR: 36, 55)/100 000, II- 61 (IQR: 49, 77)/100 000, III- 77 (IQR: 61, 94)/100 000, IV- 85 (IQR: 65, 107)/100 000; all pair-wise p-values < 0.001]. Men had higher rates [85 (64, 112)/100 000] than women [41 (28, 58)/100 000](p-value < 0.001), metropolitan counties [54 (40, 72)/100 000] had lower rates than non-metropolitan counties [66 (49, 89)/100 000](p-value < 0.001), and non-Hispanic Black [110 (86, 137)/100 000] had higher aaMR than non-Hispanic White residents [59 (44, 78)/100 000](p-value < 0.001). In the US, CKM mortality remains high and disproportionately occurs in more socially deprived counties and non-metropolitan counties. Our inability to reduce CKM mortality rates over the study period highlights the need for targeted policy interventions to curb the ongoing high burden.
A counterexample regarding a two-phase problem for harmonic measure in VMO
Authors: Tolsa Xavier
Published: March 2024

Let $\Omega^+\subset\mathbb R^{n+1}$ be a vanishing Reifenberg flat domain such that $\Omega^+$ and $\Omega^-=\mathbb R^{n+1}\setminus\overline {\Omega^+}$ have joint big pieces of chord-arc subdomains and such that the outer unit normal to $\partial\Omega^+$ belongs to $VMO(\omega^+)$, where $\omega^\pm$ is the harmonic measure in $\Omega^\pm$. Up to now it was an open question if these conditions imply that $\log\dfrac{d\omega^-}{d\omega^+} \in VMO(\omega^+)$. In this paper we answer this question in the negative by constructing an appropriate counterexample in $\mathbb R^2$, with the additional property that the outer unit normal to $\partial\Omega^+$ is constant $\omega^+$-a.e.\ in $\partial\Omega^+$.
Simulation of skin cancer by fixed and mobile laser with a complete set of equations
Authors: Minbashi Mehran , Kordbacheh Amirhossein Ahmadkhan , Ghazi Haniyeh Khaksar Kooshk
Published: March 2024

Recently, the prediction of cancer treatment via computer tools has been interesting to researchers. photothermal therapy is the most important non-invasive treatment for cancer therapy. during this method, the overheating problems, and damage to the healthy tissue are very important factors for complete and efficient treatment. here, for overcoming to this issue, we proposed the mobile laser for uniform irradiation on the tumor region embedded with gold nanoparticles. For considering the mobile laser, we have used a two-energy equation and investigated the heat field to understand treatment behavior. By increasing the laser intensity, the temperature of the tumor is increased in two cases of mobile and fixed laser, but the healthy tissue was damaged by the fixed laser. For temperature control, the volume fraction of gold nanoparticles can adjust the thermal absorbed by the tumor. the high values of volume fraction cause more energy absorption and the low values cause the greater depth of light propagation, which leads to a uniform distribution of the heat. Finally, the mobile laser was very efficient for thermal therapy without damaging the healthy tissues.
A comprehensive study on the effects of initial water content, suction magnitude, and drainage zone size on self-weight consolidation and vacuum preloading of soft soils and slurried mine tailings
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Bazaz Jafar Bolouri
Published: March 2024

The self-weight consolidation of deposits consisting of fine-grained materials takes a long time. Using a suitable improvement method such as vacuum preloading can accelerate the consolidation. The first innovation is to experimentally assess the vacuum preloading effectiveness for expediting the settlement process of slurry tailings from the Sungun copper mine located in Iran. A new laboratory set-up is configured for radial and vertical consolidations of slurry samples. Effects of initial water content, suction level, and drainage zone size (i.e., sample relative size and vertical drain dimensions) on the tailings consolidation are evaluated through 272 tests. Previous studies indicate that analytical and numerical approaches are limited to particular assumptions and yield correct predictions only if various parameters during consolidation can be accurately determined. Therefore, as the second novelty, new empirical correlations are derived based on a modified multiple linear regression to simply predict vertical strain versus time curves under self-weight and vacuum consolidations with high accuracy. The data required for the statistical analysis are collected from the experimental results of Sungun tailings and a set of previous studies with a wide range of input values. The formulas proposed in this research are verified through several past in-situ and experimental studies with errors of less than 9%.
Assessment of Groundwater Suceptiability to Nitrate Contamination Using GIS-Based Modified DRASTIC Model in the Rib Watershed, upper Abay Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Fentie Ayalne Yedem , Gedefaw Ababaw Andarge
Published: March 2024

Groundwater is one of the most important sources of freshwater, contributing significantly to domestic, drinking, and irrigation needs around the world. However, its quality is deteriorating over time due to overexploitation and anthropogenic activities. The Rib watershed, located in the Tana sub-basin (Ethiopia), is a heavily cultivated and urbanising area. Therefore, this study attempted to assess groundwater vulnerability to pollution using the GIS-based Modified DRASTIC Model. Hydrogeological parameters and anthropogenic factors (land use/land cover) were used for assessment. The necessary data were collected from the field, downloaded from websites, concerned organizations, and laboratory experiments. The results showed that more than 73.24% of the watershed is under medium to high vulnerability, and highly vulnerable areas (22.48%) were confined to the Southern parts of the watershed (under built-up and cultivated areas. The vulnerability of groundwater in the watershed is highly influenced by aquifer media (24.1%), net recharge (21.75%), land use/land cover (15.1%), and depth of groundwater table (13.6%). Based on the observed data of groundwater quality parameters (turbidity, pH, and nitrate), high-vulnerable areas were more contaminated than medium and low-vulnerable areas. Therefore, the result indicated that the area is vulnerable to contamination calling for appropriate groundwater management. Hence, this finding helps to plan and minimize future contamination of groundwater by considering its vulnerability before high-risk activities are allowed. The investigators recommended that the overall quality of groundwater be investigated and that appropriate groundwater management be designed to reduce groundwater contamination.
Virtual Reality Simulation Training in laparoscopic surgery – does it really matter, what simulator to use? Results of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sparn Moritz B. , Teixeira Hugo , Chatziisaak Dimitrios , Schmied Bruno , Hahnloser Dieter , Bischofberger Stephan
Published: March 2024

Background:
Virtual reality simulation training plays a crucial role in modern surgical training, as it facilitates trainees to carry out surgical procedures or parts of it without the need for training “on the patient”. However, there are no data comparing different commercially available high-end virtual reality simulators.
Methods:
Trainees of an international gastrointestinal surgery workshop practiced in different sequences on LaparoS® (VirtaMed), LapSim® (Surgical Science) and LapMentor III® (Simbionix) eight comparable exercises, training the same basic laparoscopic skills. Simulator based metrics were compared between an entrance and exit examination.
Results:
All trainings significantly improved their basic laparoscopic skills performance, regardless of the sequence in which they used the three simulators. Median path length was initially 830cm and 463 cm on the exit examination (p < 0.001), median time taken improved from 305 to 167 seconds (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
All three commercially available Simulators trained efficiently the same basic surgery skills, regardless of the sequence or simulator used. Virtual reality simulation training, regardless of the simulator used, should be incorporated in all surgical training programs.
Association between 91 inflammatory factors combined with 1400 metabolites and ankylosing spondylitis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Rong Yi-fa , LIANG Xue-Zhen , JIANG Kai , JIA Hai-Feng , LI Han-Zheng , LU Bo-Wen , LI Gang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the joints. A large amount of evidence shows that ankylosing spondylitis is closely related to inflammatory factors and metabolites. However, the causal relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory factors and metabolites is unclear.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential the causal relationships between 91 inflammatory cytokines combined with 1,400 metabolites and ankylosing spondylitis using the Mendelian randomization method.
METHODS: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study was performed using the Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of 91 inflammatory cytokines (n=14,824) and 1,400 serum metabolites (n=8,299) as well as GWAS data of ankylosing spondylitis from the FinnGen R10 database (3,162 cases and 2,947,070 healthy controls) were used. Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted model and simple model were used to examine the causal association between inflammatory cytokines combined with metabolites and ankylosing spondylitis. Sensitivity analysis was used to test whether the results of the Mendelian randomization analysis were reliable.
CONCLUSION: FGF-23 and IL-7 were positively correlated with ankylosing spondylitis while CD244 and FIt3L were negatively correlated based on causal associations. FGF-23 had potential causal relationships with 62 metabolites (p<0.05), IL-7 had potential causal relationships with 68 metabolites (p<0.05), FIt3L had potential causal relationships with 37 metabolites (p<0.05), and CD244 had potential causal relationships with 61 metabolites (p<0.05). The results suggest that CD244, FGF-23, FIt3L, IL-7 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis, and metabolism-related inflammatory cytokines could be important in future explorations of mechanisms and drug target selections for ankylosing spondylitis.
Outcome of Patients with Solid Malignancies Considered for Intensive Care Unit Admission: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: BENGUERFI Soraya , Hirsinger Baptiste , Raimbourg Judith , Agbakou Maïté , Calahorro Reyes Muñoz , Vennier Alice , Javal Théophile Lancrey , Nedelec Paul , Seguin Amélie , Reignier Jean , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Canet Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Purpose
To identify the predictors and outcomes of ICU triage decisions in patients with solid malignancies (SM) and to investigate the usefulness of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score at triage.
Methods
All patients with SM for whom ICU admission was requested between July 2019 and December 2021 in a French university-affiliated hospital were included prospectively.
Results
Of the 6262 patients considered for ICU admission, 410 (6.5%) had SM (age, 66 [58–73] years; metastases, 60.1%; and performance status 0–2, 81%). Of these 410 patients, 176 (42.9%) were admitted to the ICU, including 141 (80.1%) who were discharged alive. Breast cancer, hemoptysis, and pneumothorax were associated with ICU admission; whereas older age, poor general health, metastatic disease, and request at night were associated with denial of ICU admission. The NEWS, and the qSOFA score in patients with suspected infection, determined at triage performed poorly for predicting hospital mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, 0.52 and 0.62, respectively). Poor general health was independently associated with higher 6-month mortality and first-line anticancer treatment with lower 6-month mortality. Hospital mortality was 33.3% in patients admitted to the ICU after refusal of the first request.
Conclusion
Patients with SM were frequently denied ICU admission despite excellent in-ICU survival. Poor chronic health status was associated with ICU admission denial and higher 6-month mortality, but none of the other reasons for denying ICU admission predicted 6-month mortality. Physiological scores had limited usefulness in this setting.
Magnetosensitivity of the Mercerization
Authors: Zlenko Dmitry , Politenkova Galina , Vedenkin Alexander , Usachev Sergey , Gatin Andrey , Arutyunyan Alexander , Oleynikov Ilya , Mikhaleva Mariya , Stovbun Sergey
Published: March 2024

Cold alkaline treatment of cellulose is usually used for wood cellulose enrichment with high-molecular-weight fractions, as they are not soluble even in strong alkali solutions. The processes of the dissolution of hemicelluloses are tightly related to the processes of cellulose structure partial disassembling. Considering recent results on the nature and thermodynamics of the interactions between the chiral and helical molecules and the role of the spin-spin exchange interactions in them, it was very probable that the chemical reactions in the chiral polymer matrix should be magnetosensitive. Trying to verify this assumption and using cold alkaline treatment as an example, we obtained solid experimental confirmations of the magnetosensitivity of this process and found an alternative way of nanocellulose production. The magnetic field as well as other agents promoting the cellulose structure loosening forces the destruction of the polymer at the stage of the supramolecular structure reassembling after removing alkali. The latter leads to the cleavage of the cellulose fibers and nanoscale particles forming. On the other hand, formally, the fraction of the high-molecular-weight components insoluble in strong NaOH solutions decreases, and the repeating treatment with an alkali solution causes a significant loss of mass.
Anandamide Modulates Thermal Avoidance in Caenorhabditis elegans through Vanilloid and Cannabinoid Receptor Interplay
Authors: Abdollahi Marzieh , Salem Jennifer Ben , Castaño Jesus D. , Beaudry Francis
Published: March 2024

Understanding the endocannabinoid system in C. elegans may offer insights into basic biological processes and potential therapeutic targets for managing pain and inflammation in human. It is well established that anandamide modulates pain perception by binding to cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors, regulating neurotransmitter release and neuronal activity. One objective of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of C. elegans as a model organism for assessing the antinociceptive properties of bioactive compounds and learning about the role of endocannabinoid system in C. elegans. The evaluation of the compound anandamide (AEA) revealed antinociceptive activity by impeding C. elegans nocifensive response to noxious heat. Proteomic and bioinformatic investigations uncovered several pathways activated by AEA. Enrichment analysis unveiled significant involvement of ion homeostasis pathways, which are crucial for maintaining neuronal function and synaptic transmission, suggesting AEA's impact on neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Additionally, pathways related to translation, protein synthesis, and mTORC1 signaling were enriched, highlighting potential mechanisms underlying AEA's antinociceptive effects. Thermal proteome profiling identified NPR-32 and NPR-19 as primary targets of AEA, along with OCR-2, Cathepsin B, Progranulin, Transthyretin, and ribosomal proteins. These findings suggest a complex interplay between AEA and various cellular processes implicated in nociceptive pathways and inflammation modulation. Further investigation into these interactions could provide valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of AEA and its targets for the management of pain-related conditions.
Comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of one-year-old and two-year-old Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua
Authors: Wu Liang , Qiu Yuqin , Fang Yuting , Huang Can , Song Dawei , Li Duohui , Zhao Li , Zhao Haiyang , Qi Lamei , Dai Lishang
Published: March 2024

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It is rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids and other medicinal active ingredients, which plays an important role in maintaining human health. Because P. cyrtonema is a perennial plant, the cultivation time may affect the accumulation of functional active ingredients in the body. In purpose to explore the differences in the level of secondary metabolites, we used non-targeted metabolomics (LC-MS) technology to study the root tissues of 1-year-old and 2-year-old P. cyrtonema. Metabolomics results showed that the differential metabolites were enriched into 77 metabolic pathways, and the significantly enriched pathways were related to amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. At the same time, phenylalanine, citric acid, cinnamic acid and other metabolites accumulated more in 2-year-old plants. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 2068 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, 1026 up-regulated genes and 1042 down-regulated genes) were identified, and 102 metabolic pathways were enriched, among which glucose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were highly enriched metabolic pathways. These analysis results display that with the increase of cultivation time, the metabolic pathways of related active substances will be enhanced accordingly. Generally speaking, this study applied multi-omics techniques to show the differences in metabolites and gene levels of P. plants with different growth years, which will provide valuable clues for finding candidate genes involved in the biosynthesis of active substances.
Nano Aerosolized Chemotherapy (NAC) – a technology for generating nanoparticle aerosolized chemotherapy for intraperitoneal application
Authors: Mehta Sanket , Kammar Praveen , Agrawal Palkesh , Garach Niharika , Sukumar Vivek , Mehta Nirav , Bhatt Aditi
Published: March 2024

Background
Ultrasonic technology could be used for aerosol generation for intraperitoneal aerosolized chemotherapy. Current devices or systems for generation of aerosolized chemotherapy generate a polydisperse aerosol with the average droplet size measuring in micrometres. In this manuscript, we describe the functioning of a new device designed to generate nanoparticle-aerosolized chemotherapy for intraperitoneal application. The results of an experimental study looking at the particle size in the aerosol generated using this technology and another experiment evaluating its safety are presented and discussed.
Methods
A drug delivery system called nano-aerosolized chemotherapy (NAC) system was developed indigenously and has two components, a controller unit- Nanosol® and a nozzle – Nanowand®. The system has an accessory for aerosol evacuation, a nano-particle (NP) filter. In an experimental setting, doxorubicin, cisplatin and oxaliplatin were aerosolised using the NAC system. The aerosol that was deposited on a copper grid was studied using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The experiment was repeated 3 times for each of the drugs.
For the safety testing, cisplatin and doxorubicin were aerosolised in an experimental set up. Wipes from the operating table, the floor near it, the surgeon’s gloves and the air duct as well as two air samples were collected and tested for the presence of drug using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The samples were collected with and without laminar air flow. Additional testing was performed to check the performance of the NP filter using a second inline filter.
Results
Nanoparticle aerosol was successfully generated using the NAC system. The average particle size was <65nm for doxorubicin in all three experiments, <66 nm for cisplatin and <63 nm for oxaliplatin. No micrometer sized particles were observed in any of the nine experiments.
In all 8 wipe samples, the platinum levels were below detectable limits of 0.1ppb.
In the 4 air samples and two samples from air filters, the platinum levels were also below detectable limits.
Conclusions
Doxorubicin, cisplatin and oxaliplatin were successfully aerosolized using the NAC system producing a nanoparticle aerosol. Future studies looking at spatial distribution, depth of penetration and tissue concentration will determine the suitability for clinical application.
New horizons on the knowledge of the population during the Middle/Late Pleistocene.
The human remains of
Guattari Cave (S. Felice Circeo, Lt, Italy)
Authors: Rubini Mauro , Zaio Paola , Mario Francesco Di
Published: March 2024

Along the coast of southern Lazio (central Tyrrhenian Sea) there is a significant series of multilayered coastal caves, most of which provide abundant evidence of occupation during the Neanderthal time horizon. In one of these caves, Guattari cave an extraordinary discovery of hominin remains dating back to approximately 66-65ka was made in 2019-2022, which places the Guattari cave finds in a specific period within the Neanderthal population of the Italian peninsula. Ongoing studies have demonstrated the presence of a particular morpho-anatomical variability in the population that lived in the Circeo area with plesio- and apomorphic characteristics that could open new evolutionary horizons. Biological variability and affinities that would suggest rather complex unexpected population dispersal scenarios. The particularity of these finds, chronologically very close, allows us to consider Guattari cave as one of the most important sites for the study of the Mediterranean area during the middle and late Pleistocene. We have studied the new finds and the morphology, compared to Circeo1 skull, aligns more with Javanese H. erectus than with Neanderthals. A discovery that identifies this region as a focal point of coexistence of different lineages, H. erectus s.s., H. erectus s.l., proto-Neanderthal, "classical" Neanderthal, and H. sapiens, which could define new and unexpected migratory and evolutionary dynamics towards modern humanity. In a Neanderthal context, such as that of Circeo, the presence of fossil human evidence documenting a mosaic model consisting of a Javanese H. erectus paleodeme associated with primitive and unusual characters could represent the result of a hybridization between archaic and modern humans and a phenomenon of dispersal into Southeast Asia and Australo-Melanesian.
RETRACTED: A new finding on scale deposition inhibitory of an antifoaming agent and PVA on comparison to anti-scalants:
CO2 fixation in seawater as an approach
Authors: Al-Rawajfeh Aiman
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Outdoor air pollution as a risk factor for testing positive for SARS-CoV-2: a nationwide test-negative case-control study in the Netherlands
Authors: Simões Mariana , Zorn Jelle , Hogerwerf Lenny , Velders Guus J. M. , Portengen Lützen , Gerlofs-Nijland Miriam , Dijkema Marieke , Strak Maciek , Jacobs José , Smit Lidwien A.M. , Vermeulen Roel , Mughini-Gras Lapo
Published: March 2024

Air pollution is a known risk factor for several diseases, but the extent to which it influences COVID-19 compared to other respiratory diseases remains unclear. We performed a test-negative case-control study among people with COVID-19-compatible symptoms who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection, to assess whether their long- and short-term exposure to ambient air pollution (AAP) was associated with testing positive (vs. negative) for SARS-CoV-2. We used individual-level data for all adult residents in the Netherlands who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 between June and November 2020, when only symptomatic people were tested, and modelled ambient concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 at geocoded residential addresses. In long-term exposure analysis, we selected individuals who did not change residential address in 2017-2019 (1.7 million tests) and considered the average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 in that period, and different sources of PM (industry, livestock, other agricultural activities, road traffic, other Dutch sources, foreign sources). In short-term exposure analysis, individuals not changing residential address in the two weeks before testing day (2.7 million tests) were included in the analyses, thus considering 1- and 2-week average concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3 before testing day as exposure. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis with adjustment for several confounders, including municipality and testing week to account for spatiotemporal variation in viral circulation, was used. Overall, there was no statistically significant effect of long-term exposure to the studied pollutants on the odds of testing positive vs. negative for SARS-CoV-2. However, significant positive associations of long-term exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 from specifically foreign and livestock sources, and to PM10 from other agricultural sources, were observed. Short-term exposure to PM10 (adjusting for NO2) and PM2.5 were also positively associated with increased odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. While these exposures seemed to increase COVID-19 risk relative to other respiratory diseases, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study reinforces the need to continue to strive for better air quality to support public health.
Pungency and Sugar Changes in lLong-day Onions Due to Different Storage Times and Temperatures
Authors: Patil Bhimanagouda S. , Dean Bill B.
Published: March 2024

Twenty-four genotypes of `Walla Walla' sweet onion (Allium cepa L.) grown in two locations were evaluated for several characteristics associated with bulb flavor and storage losses. The range of pyruvic acid content in bulbs stored (at 5C and 65–75% RH) for 0, 2, and 4 months were 3.4–7.54, 3.48–18.81, and 3.92–12.61 (μmol·g–1), respectively, among different genotypes. Bulb quality of several genotypes decreased during storage, as indicated by lower total sugar concentration (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) and greater pungency. At 5C after 4 months of storage, the range of marketable bulbs (percent by weight) was 31% to 89% among genotypes; however, at 15C, only two genotypes survived with 60% marketable bulbs. Pungency and sweetness changed independently during storage. Pyruvic acid was not correlated (r = 0.038) with the percentage of marketable bulbs remaining after 4 months of storage. In comparison with the short-day sweet onions (`Vidalia' and `Texas Grano 1015Y), `Walla Walla' sweet onions showed two-fold higher sugar: pungency ratio among genotypes.
Effect of Storage Humidity and Post-storage Handling Temperature on Bruising of CA-stored `McIntosh' Apples
Authors: Prange Robert K. , Harrison Peter A. , DeEll Jennifer R.
Published: March 2024

In a 2-year study, `McIntosh' apples were stored in a CA regime of 4.5% CO2 + 2.5% O2. Within the CA cabinets there were three humidity levels: >75% RH (CaCl2 salt in the chamber), >90% RH (ambient), or >95% RH (distilled water in the chamber). After removal at 4 and 8 months, the fruit were warmed to handling temperatures of 0C, 10C, or 20C and subjected to three levels of impact bruising of 0, 10, or 20 lb with a Ballauf pressure tester with a 1.5 × 1.5-cm tip. The results showed that low-humidity CA storage decreased visible bruising. Although visible shrivel was not observed, the low-humidity treatment may increase the possibility of its occurrence. Respiration, measured as O2 consumption or CO2 production immediately after removal from CA storage, was lowest in low humidity (>75% RH) and highest in ambient humidity (>90% RH) CA storage. The humidity treatments did not affect firmness, soluble solids, titratable acids, or ethylene production. Increasing the temperature during post-storage handling decreased the amount of visible bruising without affecting other variates such as firmness, soluble solids, titratable acids, respiration, or ethylene production.
Potential Relationship between Peach Tree Short Life Symptomology and Aberrant Wood Anatomy
Authors: Werner Dennis , Parker Michael L. , Wheeler Elisabeth
Published: March 2024

Peach tree short life (PTSL), a major disease complex impacting peach culture in the southeastern United States for decades, accounts for millions of dollars of losses annually. In spite of the overwhelming amount of research that has been conducted on PTSL, many uncertainties still exist regarding the factors involved in the syndrome and the true cause of tree death. As a consequence, we examined the wood structure and anatomy of 6-year-old peach trees, some showing the initial visible symptoms of PTSL, and others that appeared unaffected and healthy. Very dramatic differences in wood anatomy were observed between healthy and stricken trees. Stricken trees showed a total lack of vessel formation in some earlywood zones, a decrease in vessel formation in latewood, and a marked increase in ray parenchyma cells. Healthy trees showed normal vessel and ray formation. Preliminary results indicate that in some way PTSL may be associated with increased gum production in the xylem and decreased earlywood vessel production, thereby significantly reducing water conduction, leading to tree death. Results of studies currently in progress to further investigate this hypothesis will also be presented.
GA3, GA4+7, and GA7 Inhibit Flower Bud Formation and Reduce Alternate Bearing in Apple (Malus domestic Borkh.)
Authors: McArtney Steven J. , Hua Li Shao
Published: March 2024

A single spray of either GA3 or GA4+7 at full bloom reduced the severity of the alternate bearing cycle of `Braeburn' apples, measured as the proportion of flowering spurs over the 2 years following treatment. Increasing the concentration of GA3 applied in the light-flowering year linearly reduced the proportion of flowering spurs in the following year and linearly increased the proportion of flowering spurs 2 years after treatment. Application of GA3 or GA4+7 at full bloom inhibited flower bud formation on spurs only, whereas, in a separate experiment, GA3 or GA7 applied later than 8 weeks after bloom inhibited flower bud formation on 1-year wood only. Thus, delayed GA treatments may provide suitable technology for the selective removal of fruit from 1-year wood in apple.
The Earth Box—A Sustainable Production System
Authors: Geraldson C.M.
Published: March 2024

The Earth Box is made of recycled plastic and designed to maintain a water table. A nutritional gradient is initiated with N–K fertilizer applied on the surface of the soil or media contained in the box. The box is designed to facilitate the functioning of a nutritional procedure known as the gradient concept. Basically, the concept synchronizes the nutrient/water input with removal, providing stability and nutritional predictability to the ionic composition of the soil solution. Crop response (yields and, especially, quality) with the Earth Box has been most positive, indicative of an optimal nutritional precision. The positive response is also evident in the field—average tomato yields in Florida more than doubled with the inception of the gradient-mulch system (1970s). the gradient as the dominant nutritional component eliminates the soil (type and/or quantity)–plant–season as nutritional variables. The Earth Box with minimal water, minimal pollution, minimal management, and the potential for a minimal unit cost could be the basis of a globally sustainable production system.
Intermittent CaCl2 Sprays during Rain to Prevent Sweet Cherry Cracking
Authors: Fernandez R. Thomas , Flore James A.
Published: March 2024

Fruit of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) crack during or after rain due, in part, to absorption of water through the fruit surface driven by the water potential gradient. In 1972, J. Vittrup-Christensen suggested that overhead misting of calcium salts during precipitation may be an effective way to prevent cherry cracking by reducing the water potential gradient. We tested this hypothesis by designing a computer-controlled irrigation system to intermittently spray a 10% CaCl2 solution on trees during rain events. Spray emitters were placed in the middle and at the top of the canopy. The program turned the system on for 90 s at each 0.3 mm of rain and monitored daily rainfall and accumulated mist times. Two `Emperor Francis' and two `Ulster' were treated with equal number of controls. Intact and cracked cherries were counted on four branches per tree at three times when cherries were susceptible to cracking. Overall, cracking was reduced from 33% to 11% by the CaCl2 spray at the end of the experiment. Treated `Ulster' had 9% cracked fruit, while control had 43% cracked fruit. Differences for `Emperor Francis' were not significant. Phytotoxicity was estimated at about 15 % of leaf area. This system will be reevaluated in 1995 with the added objective of quantifying and reducing phytotoxicity.
Elevated CO2 Atmosphere for Storage of Mature-green and Tree-ripe `Tommy Atkins' Mangoes
Authors: Bender R.J. , Brecht J.K.
Published: March 2024

Mangoes for long-distance markets are harvested at the mature-green stage and shipped in refrigerated containers. Shipment under controlled atmosphere is still tentative, and the CO2 concentrations used are relatively low (maximum 10%), although mangoes have been reported as being less-sensitive to elevated CO2 than other tropical fruits. In the present study, CO2 concentrations of 10%, 15%, 25%, 35%, and 45% combined with 5% O2 were used to store mangoes. Mature-green `Tommy Atkins' were stored for 21 days at 12C, followed by air storage at 20C for 5 days. Tree-ripe mangoes were stored at 8 or 12C under the same conditions. Ethanol production rates increased along with increasing CO2 concentrations. However, only 35% and 45% CO2 atmospheres inflicted damage. Color development was severely inhibited under those treatments. Lower CO2 treatments, up to 25% in the storage atmosphere, inhibited skin color development and ethylene biosynthesis but, after 5 days in air at 20C, skin color and ethylene production reached control levels. Fruit flesh firmness did not differ among treatments at 12C. Tree ripe mangoes stored in CA at 8C were only significantly firmer than control fruit at transfer from CA to air.
Towards a Sustainable Fruit Industry in Europe: Research and Strategies
Authors: Sansavini S.
Published: March 2024

The European Union's fruit industry is currently beset by marked surplus output, formidable market competition from non-EU countries, and strong consumer demanded for enhanced quality. This latter issue is particularly complex because it involves not only the fruit's genetic, esthetic, sensory, and taste characters, but also pre- and postharvest produce management practices and their impact on the environment and human health. The main thrust of the response to the challenges posed by these quality factors is integrated fruit production (IFP), a policy sustainable crop growing that the EU can support financially. Research has been directly involved in IFP and the directions in which it is moving. It has developed the first EU guidelines (OILB-ISHS), which initially covered pome crops and were later extended to cover all fruits, and the field, harvest, handling, storage, and market monitoring and quality-control techniques needed to implement them. These methods include biological and integrated disease and pest control, the introduction of plant material resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, the development of field management practices to enhance plant defense and cropping-control mechanisms, the use of energy-saving irrigation and nutrient input techniques, the modeling of plantations, training systems and tree-bearing control, and advanced fruit storage, packaging, and transport methods. The updated advances in these areas are reported and discussed.
Fruiting and Ripening Characteristics of Actinidia arguta Hardy Kiwi
Authors: Kempler Chaim , Kabaluk J.T.
Published: March 2024

In 1989, 2-year-old A. arguta varieties Geneva, Annaysana, Dumburton Oaks, Fairchild, National Arboretum, 74-7', 74-8, and the self-fertile variety Issai, were planted in Agassiz, B.C., on a well-drained soil site. The plants were grown with a single trunk to 1.8-m with permanent cordons, and fruiting laterals trained on a 2.1-m-wide winged T-bar trellis support. Plant spacing was 2.75 m within the row and 4.8 m between rows. Staminate varieties (Meader and 74-6) were planted at a 1:6 ratio of male: female for pollination. Fruiting canes were renewed every 2 years by winter pruning. All plants began to bear harvestable yields by 1991. A. arguta vine required 622 heat units from bud break to full bloom and the average flowering date was 29 May. Fruit begin to mature during September, depending on the variety. `Geneva', `Annaysana', and `Issai' were the most suitable for commercial production. In 1993, they produced a yield of 26, 38, and 26 kg/vine, with average fruit weight of 7.7, 6.3, and 4.8 g, respectively. `Geneva' was the earliest to mature, followed by `Annaysana' and `'Issai'. A. arguta ripen very unevenly and, at harvest, a certain proportion of the fruit are over-ripe. Fruit are best harvested early when they are firm. Storing the fruit at 1C improved ripening uniformity.
Peanut Production using Recirculating Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Authors: Mackowiak C.L. , Wheeler R.M. , Stutte G.W. , Yorio N.C.
Published: March 2024

As part of NASA's effort with bioregenerative life support systems, the growth of candidate crops is being investigated in controlled environments. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was selected for the high oil and protein content of its seed. Peanut cvs. Pronto and Early Bunch were grown from seed, using recirculating nutrient film technique (NFT) in 6-cm-deep, trapazoidal culture trays. The trays were fitted with slotted covers, which allowed developing pegs to reach the root zone. Use of a separate moss-filled pegging compartment above the root zone (tray within a tray) had little effect on seed yield, but resulted in a 60% increase in the nitric acid requirements for pH control. Yields from both cultivars were equivalent to field values on an area basis; however, harvest indices were lower than field values due to the luxuriant canopy growth under controlled environment conditions. Proximate analysis of seeds was similar to field values, with the exception of fat, which was ≈15% lower, and ash, which was ≈30% greater under controlled environment conditions, regardless of cultivar.
Consumer Evaluation as an Adjunct to F1 Hybrid Seed Development of Hexaploid Chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelv.)
Authors: Anderson Neil O. , Ascher Peter D. , Luby James J.
Published: March 2024

The change from asexual to sexual propagation for annual and perennial bedding plants has been successfully accomplished for floral crops, e.g., Pelargonium. Seed-propagated cultivars do not necessarily possess the clonal uniformity of vegetatively propagated cultivars. In the development of F1 hybrid garden chrysanthemums, this lack of uniformity was assessed with the use of consumer sensory evaluations. Seedlings (n = 10–20 plants/cross) were transplanted for field trials in St. Paul and five Minnesota branch stations each year during 1988–94 to test for G × E. Early flowering F1 hybrids, developed from inbred parents with general combining ability, were evaluated for flowering earliness, plant uniformity, and a general rating. Consumer rankings of top performers were not significantly different (5% level) from mum breeders. The top performers for all three ratings were selected each year for repeat evaluation the next year. The two highest performing F1 hybrids were submitted for All American Selection Trials in 1995.
Storage Studies with Virus-infected Blueberries
Authors: Ahmedullah M. , Bristow P.
Published: March 2024

Concord blueberries treated with biocontrol fungi (Trichoderma and Gliocaladium) both at 1 and 2x rates and with fungicides benlate + captan + B 1956 and Tween for controlling botrytis flower blight were stored at 32F. Trichoderma (2x)-treated fruit was 71% without infection; Gliocaladium (2x)-treated fruit 69%, compared to 57% from untreated control. Momentum Transfer Generator (MTG) readings indicating fruit firmness ranged from 474 to 494 for the above treatments, indicating that fruit firmness was not affected by the treatments. Concord blueberries from bushes infected with blueberry scorch carla virus showed no difference in fruit firmness compared to healthy berries either before or after 7 weeks of storage at 32F.
Varietal Improvement of Pepper in Cote d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouamé Christophe N. , Djidji Hortense A. , Goli Koffi
Published: March 2024

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important component of various cropping systems and dishes in Cote d'Ivoire. The need to meet local market demand has prompted the development of high-yielding hot pepper varieties. Three local selections and 20 AVRDC-introduced breeding lines were evaluated in a three-replicate randomized complete block design. Data were collected on fruit and plant characteristics as well as on fruit yield and yield components. Large variations were found in all studied variables. Date of 75% flowering occurred between 52 and 77 days after sowing. First harvest date varied from 99 to 134 days after sowing, while plant height at first harvest ranged from 42 to 92 cm. Fruit size and fruit form were quite diverse. Maximum total fresh fruit weight (5490 g/plot) was about 10 times higher than that of the lowest-yielding (557 g/plot) entry. Selection within those lines has potential to contribute to the improvement of pepper productivity in Cote d'Ivoire.
The Influence of Storage Duration on the Performance of Hydrocooled and Packaged Broccoli under Simulated Shelf Conditions
Authors: Toivonen P.M.A.
Published: March 2024

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., cv. Mariner) was harvested and the crop divided into four treatments; 1) “hydrocooled + no wrap”, 2) “hydrocooled + wrap”, 3) “not hydrocooled + no wrap”, and 4) “not hydrocooled + wrap.” Microperforated film (SM60, CryoVac) was used for the wrapped treatments. The broccoli was then placed in 1C storage. On day 3, samples of each of the four treatments were removed from storage and placed into a 13C room to simulate shelf conditions. Visual quality, weight loss, and respiration were monitored over 5 days at 13C. This shelf evaluation was repeated with broccoli samples that had been stored for 10 and 17 days at 1C. Hydrocooling had the greatest effect on shelf performance when broccoli was held in storage for only a few days. However, after a week or more of storage, wrap had the greatest effect on shelf performance. The shelf performance of the “hydrocooled + wrap” treatment was similar for all three shelf evaluations (i.e., after 3, 10, and 17 days of storage). The shelf performance of the other three treatments had significantly deteriorated by the 1st or 2nd week of storage. Broccoli in the “hydrocooled + wrap” treatment maintained the greatest firmness and the lowest respiration and water loss rates. Yellowing was not found to be a problem until a high degree of wilting had occurred. These results show that, with hydrocooling and wrapping, poststorage shelf performance of broccoli is stable for at least 2 weeks of storage at 1C.