bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Policy Roadmap for the Energy Renovation of the Residential and Educational Building Stock in Italy
Authors: Ruggieri Gianluca , Andreolli Francesca , Zangheri Paolo
Published: January 2023

The building sector is crucial in all of the possible net zero scenarios suggested for the European Union. In this area, the Italian situation is exemplary. Italy suffers from an aging and low-performance building stock and needs to increase its annual rate of energy retrofits in order to achieve its 2030 and 2050 targets. Even though since at least 2007, several different incentives schemes intended to stimulate energy-efficiency interventions have been in place, Italy has not been sufficiently able to promote deep retrofits. In 2020, in order to help the economy recover after the lockdowns that were introduced to face the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the existing incentives were increased to up to 110% of investments for interventions that improved the energy class by at least two grades. This so-called “Superbonus” was also extended to the public social housing sector thanks to a credit assignment scheme. Given the results of this provisional phase, a possible policy roadmap for the energy renovation of the residential and educational building stock in Italy is presented in this paper through an analysis of data related to the implementation of current instruments in terms of number of interventions, investment needed, energy savings and evaluation of potential benefits and costs that can derive from an increase in the current deep-renovation rate. Through definition of a long-term renovation strategy, this paper illustrates how market barriers and other issues in instrument design can be tackled and how policymakers can help to develop a sustainable long-term roadmap for energy-efficient buildings. Beyond the residential sector, public buildings, particularly educational buildings, are taken into consideration as well, as they are places of collective use that represent the social values of fairness and sustainability and can therefore have an exemplary role for private initiatives.
Role of Non-Adiabatic Capillary Tube in Water Cooler Performance
Authors: Di Donato Lea , Mugnini Alice , Polonara Fabio , Arteconi Alessia
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a numerical model of a capillary tube is developed. The considered expansion device is placed against the suction line at the inlet of the compressor. Wrapping the capillary tube around the suction line allows heat to be recovered by superheating the refrigerant leaving the evaporator. This increases the degree to which the fluid is superheated, preventing liquid droplets from entering the compressor and causing damage. The open-source software PYTHON is used for modelling the non adiabatic capillary tube, and the results are validated by comparing them with experimental tests. This study demonstrates that an accurate contact of the capillary tube with the suction line affects the superheating of the compressor inlet fluid by increasing its temperature by up to 5 degrees and produces an increase in COP of 3–4%. On the other hand, the length of the capillary tube affects the flow rate of the refrigerant circulating in the cycle; in particular, it is noted that a 300% increase in the capillary tube length leads to a decrease in the refrigerant flow rate of up to 50–60%.
Effects of Cover Crops and Soil Amendments on Soil CO2 Flux in a Mississippi Corn Cropping System on Upland Soil
Authors: Hu Jing , Miles Dana M. , Adeli Ardeshir , Brooks John P. , Podrebarac Frances A. , Smith Renotta , Lei Fangni , Li Xiaofei , Jenkins Johnie N. , Moorhead Robert J.
Published: January 2023

Agroecosystems, accounting for more than one-third of arable land worldwide, play an essential role in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle. The development of agricultural practices, which maximize soil C sequestration from the atmosphere, is receiving growing attention due to the recognition of agroecosystems’ great potential to serve as sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). In particular, cover crop and soil amendment applications are generating much interest in mitigating climate change and enhancing agricultural ecosystem services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of winter cover crop and soil amendments, including broiler litter (BL), flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum and lignite, on soil CO2 flux from cropping systems in southeastern USA, where related studies were limited. A field study was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in a Mississippi upland corn cropping system with measurements of soil CO2 flux, moisture and temperature during cash crop growing seasons. We observed high temporal variability in soil CO2 flux with flux peaks between late June and early July, which is likely due to the temporal changes in soil moisture. A significant increase in soil CO2 flux was found with BL application (p < 0.05). Co-application of FGD gypsum and lignite with BL-reduced soil CO2 flux by 15–23% but did not fully eliminate the rising effects. Significantly higher soil CO2 flux and lower soil temperature were observed from fields with cover crops than those without cover crops in the third year of this study (p < 0.05), which is likely attributed to the higher organic C content accumulated in soil with cover crops. Future research should assess year-round soil greenhouse gas fluxes in both cash crop and cover crop growing seasons using a high temporal resolution measurement scheme.
Evaluation and Prediction of Water Yield Services in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Li Yanlin , He Yi , Liu Wanqing , Jia Liping , Zhang Yaru
Published: January 2023

The water yield module of the InVEST model was used to estimate the water yield and its temporal and spatial variation characteristics in Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2020. Moreover, the influences of future precipitation changes and land use changes on water yield in Shaanxi Province were discussed in the 2030s and 2050s. The results showed that: (1) from 2000 to 2020, the multi-year average water yields in northern Shaanxi, Guanzhong and southern Shaanxi were 33.23 × 108 m3, 73.75 × 108 m3, and 280.63 × 108 m3, respectively; (2) the spatial pattern of water yield depth displayed a characteristic of gradually increasing from north to south; (3) under the precipitation change scenario, the water yield under different emission scenarios wa s in the order of RCP (Representative Concentration Pathways) 8.5 > RCP2.6 > RCP4.5; under the land use change scenario, the water yield depth of Shaanxi Province as a whole and in the three regions in the 2030s and 2050s showed a decline. The research results can provide scientific support for water ecological security, water resources, and regional high-quality sustainable development in Shaanxi Province.
Fermented Foods: Their Health-Promoting Components and Potential Effects on Gut Microbiota
Authors: Shah Aabid Manzoor , Tarfeen Najeebul , Mohamed Hassan , Song Yuanda
Published: January 2023

Fermented foods play a significant role in the diets of many cultures, and fermentation has been recognized for its many health benefits. During fermentation, the physical and biochemical changes due to microorganisms are crucial to the long-term stability of fermented foods. Recently, fermented foods have attracted the attention of scientists all over the world. Some putative mechanisms that explain how fermented foods affect health are the potential probiotic effects of the microorganisms in fermented foods, bioactive peptides and biogenic amines produced as a result of fermentation, phenolic compounds transformed to bioactive substances, and decreased antinutrients. In addition, increased vitamin content, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities have associated with fermented products. The purpose of this paper is to present various types of fermented foods and the health-promoting components that emerge during the fermentation of major food matrices, as well as the affect of fermented foods on the gut microbiome once they are ingested.
Biomethane Production from the Mixture of Sugarcane Vinasse, Solid Waste and Spent Tea Waste: A Bayesian Approach for Hyperparameter Optimization for Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Alruqi Mansoor , Sharma Prabhakar
Published: January 2023

In this work, sugarcane vinasse combined with organic waste (food and wasted tea) was demonstrated to be an excellent source of biomethane synthesis from carbon-rich biowaste. The discarded tea trash might be successfully used to generate bioenergy. The uncertainties and costs associated with experimental testing were recommended to be decreased by the effective use of contemporary machine learning methods such as Gaussian process regression. The training hyperparameters are crucial in the construction of a robust ML-based model. To make the process autoregressive, the training hyperparameters were fine-tuned by employing the Bayesian approach. The value of R2 was found to be greater during the model test phase by 0.72%, assisting in the avoidance of model overtraining. The mean squared error was 36.243 during the model training phase and 21.145 during the model testing phase. The mean absolute percentage error was found to be under 0.1%, which decreased to 0.085% throughout the model’s testing phase. The research demonstrated that a combination of wasted tea trash, sugarcane vinasse and food waste may be a viable source for biomethane generation. The contemporary methodology of the Bayesian approach for hyperparameters tuning for Gaussian process regression is an efficient method of model prediction despite the low correlation across data columns. It is possible to enhance the sustainability paradigm in the direction of energy security via the efficient usage of food and agroforestry waste.
Improved Fermentation Yield of Doramectin from Streptomyces avermitilis N72 by Strain Selection and Glucose Supplementation Strategies
Authors: Pan Xiaojun , Cai Jun
Published: January 2023

Doramectin is a macrolide antiparasitic that is widely used in the treatment of mammalian parasitic diseases. Doramectin is usually produced by Streptomyces avermitilis fermentation using cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (CHC) as a precursor; however, the growth of S. avermitilis is usually inhibited by CHC, resulting in a low fermentation yield of doramectin. In this study, a high-yielding strain XY-62 was obtained using the S. avermitilis mutant strain S. avermitilis N72 as the starting strain, then combined with a CHC tolerance screening strategy using ultraviolet and nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis, and a 96 microtiter plate solid-state fermentation primary sieving and shake flask fermentation rescreening method. Compared with S. avermitilis N72, the doramectin fermentation yield increased by more than 1.3 times, and it was more adaptable to temperature, pH, and CHC concentration of the culture; additionally, the viability of the mycelial growth was enhanced. In addition, further studies on the high-yielding strain XY-62 revealed that the accumulation of doramectin could be further increased by glucose supplementation during the fermentation process, and the yield of doramectin reached 1068 μg/mL by scaling up the culture in 50 L fermenters; this has the potential for industrial production. Therefore, mutagenesis combined with CHC tolerance screening is an effective way to enhance the fermentation production of doramectin by S. avermitilis. Our strategy and findings can help to improve the production of doramectin in industrial strains of S. avermitilis.
Effect of Microalgal Diets on Sunray Venus Clam (Macrocallista nimbosa) Production and Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Perri Edward , Sturmer Leslie , Wills Paul S. , Baldwin John , Laramore Susan
Published: January 2023

The sunray venus (sunray) clam, Macrocallista nimbosa, is an alternative clam species reared in hard clam hatcheries in Florida. Current feeding practices follow those used for hard clam culture. This study aimed to identify whether a hard clam bi-algal Tisochrysis lutea and Chaetoceros neogracile diet was an optimal diet for post-set sunray clams or whether other microalgal dietary combinations could improve production. Six dietary bi-, tri-, or tetra-algal combinations consisting of four microalgae species (Tisochrysis lutea, Diacronema lutheri, Chaetoceros neogracile, and Thalassiosira weissflogii) were fed for 6 weeks; the growth, survival, and fatty acid profiles of post-set clams were evaluated. Clams fed equal proportions of T. lutea, D. lutheri, C. neogracile, and T. weissflogii had higher growth, while those fed equal proportions of T. lutea and C. neogracile had higher survival. The poorest-performing diet consisted solely of diatoms. A contrasting polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) profile was found in post-set clams fed flagellate- or diatom-only diets. Clams fed the bi-algal flagellate diet had a higher percentage of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) but a lower percentage of (n-6) PUFA, whereas those fed the bi-algal diatom diet had a higher percentage of arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but a lower percentage of DHA. The percentages were similar and neither very high nor very low in clams fed the remaining dietary treatments. The results of this study show that sunray venus post-set clams can be successfully produced when fed a typical hard clam bi-algal flagellate and diatom diet, but they indicate that growth may be accelerated by the addition of other microalgae species.
Antioxidant Activity and Cell Protection of Glycosylated Products in Different Reducing Sugar Duck Liver Protein Systems
Authors: Zhan Feili , Luo Jiafeng , Sun Yangying , Hu Yangyang , Fan Xiankang , Pan Daodong
Published: January 2023

Duck liver is an important by-product of duck food. In this study, we investigated the effects of glucose, fructose, and xylose on the antioxidant properties of glycosylated products of duck liver protein and their protective effects on HepG2 cells. The results show that the glycosylation products of the three duck liver proteins (DLP-G, DLP-F, and DLP-X) all exhibit strong antioxidant activity; among three groups, DLP-X shows the strongest ability to scavenge DPPH, ·OH free radicals, and ABTS+ free radicals. The glycosylated products of duck liver protein are not toxic to HepG2 cells and significantly increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in HepG2 cells at the concentration of 2.0 g/L, reducing oxidative stress damage of cells (p < 0.05). DLP-X has a better effect in reducing oxidative damage and increasing cellular activity in HepG2 cells than DLP-G and DLP-F (p < 0.05). In this study, the duck liver protein glycosylated products by glucose, fructose, and xylose were named as DLP-G, DLP-F, and DLP-X, respectively.
Informer-Based Safety Risk Prediction of Heavy Metals in Rice in China
Authors: Lu Ping , Dong Wei , Jiang Tongqiang , Liu Tianqi , Hu Tianyu , Zhang Qingchuan
Published: January 2023

Focused supervision and early warning of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated rice areas can effectively protect people’s livelihood security and maintain social stability. To improve the accuracy of risk prediction, an Informer-based safety risk prediction model for HMs in rice is constructed in this paper. First, based on the national sampling data and residential consumption statistics of rice, we construct a dataset of evaluation indicators that can characterize the level of rice safety risk so as to form a safety risk space. Second, based on the K-medoids clustering algorithm, we classify the rice safety risk space into levels. Finally, we use the Informer neural network model to predict the safety risk indicators of rice in each province so as to predict the safety risk level. This study compares the prediction accuracy of a self-constructed dataset of rice safety risk assessment indicators. The experimental results show that the prediction precision of the method proposed in this paper reaches 99.17%, 91.77%, and 91.33% for low, medium, and high risk levels, respectively. The model provides technical support and a scientific basis for screening the time and area of HM contamination of rice, which needs focus.
The Effect of Co-Fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum HLJ29L2 and Yeast on Wheat Protein Characteristics in Sourdough and Crackers
Authors: Hu Liping , Li Yue , Huang Xiang , Du Chaodong , Huang Dejian , Tao Xiumei
Published: January 2023

Sourdough fermentation has been widely used in food products. However, there has been limited study of the effect of co-fermentation with lactic acid bacteria and yeast on the dough and cracker products. In this study, the influence of co-fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum HLJ29L2 (LP HLJ29L2) and yeast on wheat protein digestibility of cracker was studied, and the mechanism of the protein changes in sourdough during fermentation was further explored. Co-fermentation with LP HLJ29L2 and yeast (DN-1) strongly improved the protein digestibility of cracker. At the same time, the content of free amino acids in DN-1 crackers increased by 20%. Co-fermentation also had significant effect on the sourdough during fermentation. The SDS-soluble protein content in sourdough was increased, and large molecule proteins were significantly reduced in the DN-1 sourdough. This was due to the fact, that LP HLJ29L2 grew rapidly during co-fermentation and produced more organic acids, which led to an increase in protease activity in sourdough and promoted the degradation of protein by proteases. The results of this study provide an important theoretical basis for the application of lactic acid bacteria and yeast co-fermentation in crackers.
On Variable-Order Fractional Discrete Neural Networks: Existence, Uniqueness and Stability
Authors: Almatroud Othman Abdullah , Hioual Amel , Ouannas Adel , Sawalha Mohammed Mossa , Alshammari Saleh , Alshammari Mohammad
Published: January 2023

Given the recent advances regarding the studies of discrete fractional calculus, and the fact that the dynamics of discrete-time neural networks in fractional variable-order cases have not been sufficiently documented, herein, we consider a novel class of discrete-time fractional-order neural networks using discrete nabla operator of variable-order. An adequate criterion for the existence of the solution in addition to its uniqueness for such systems is provided with the use of Banach fixed point technique. Moreover, the uniform stability is investigated. We provide at the end two numerical simulations illustrating the relevance of the aforementioned results.
Niosomes for Topical Application of Antioxidant Molecules: Design and In Vitro Behavior
Authors: Sguizzato Maddalena , Pepe Alessia , Baldisserotto Anna , Barbari Riccardo , Montesi Leda , Drechsler Markus , Mariani Paolo , Cortesi Rita
Published: January 2023

In the present study, gels based on xanthan gum and poloxamer 407 have been developed and characterized in order to convey natural antioxidant molecules included in niosomes. Specifically, the studies were conducted to evaluate how the vesicular systems affect the release of the active ingredient and which formulation is most suitable for cutaneous application. Niosomes, composed of Span 20 or Tween 20, were produced through the direct hydration method, and therefore, borate buffer or a micellar solution of poloxamer 188 was used as the aqueous phase. The niosomes were firstly characterized in terms of morphology, dimensional and encapsulation stability. Afterwards, gels based on poloxamer 407 or xanthan gum were compared in terms of spreadability and adhesiveness. It was found to have greater spreadability for gels based on poloxamer 407 and 100% adhesiveness for those based on xanthan gum. The in vitro diffusion of drugs studied using Franz cells associated with membranes of mixed cellulose esters showed that the use of a poloxamer micellar hydration phase determined a lower release as well as the use of Span 20. The thickened niosomes ensured controlled diffusion of the antioxidant molecules. Lastly, the in vivo irritation test confirmed the safeness of niosomal gels after cutaneous application.
Evidence for Strand Asymmetry in Different Plastid Genomes
Authors: Ruan Cindy , Morton Brian R.
Published: January 2023

A common genome composition pattern in eubacteria is an asymmetry between the leading and lagging strands resulting in opposite skew patterns in the two replichores that lie between the origin and terminus of replication. Although this pattern has been reported for a couple of isolated plastid genomes, it is not clear how widespread it is overall in this chromosome. Using a random walk approach, we examine plastid genomes outside of the land plants, which are excluded since they are known not to initiate replication at a single site, for such a pattern of asymmetry. Although it is not a common feature, we find that it is detectable in the plastid genome of species from several diverse lineages. The euglenozoa in particular show a strong skew pattern as do several rhodophytes. There is a weaker pattern in some chlorophytes but it is not apparent in other lineages. The ramifications of this for analyses of plastid evolution are discussed.
A Founder Intronic Variant in P3H1 Likely Results in Aberrant Splicing and Protein Truncation in Patients of Karen Descent with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type VIII
Authors: Kantaputra Piranit Nik , Angkurawaranon Salita , Intachai Worrachet , Ngamphiw Chumpol , Olsen Bjorn , Tongsima Sissades , Cox Timothy C. , Ketudat Cairns James R.
Published: January 2023

One of the most important steps in post-translational modifications of collagen type I chains is the hydroxylation of carbon-3 of proline residues by prolyl-3-hydroxylase-1 (P3H1). Genetic variants in P3H1 have been reported to cause autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type VIII. Clinical and radiographic examinations, whole-exome sequencing (WES), and bioinformatic analysis were performed in 11 Thai children of Karen descent affected by multiple bone fractures. Clinical and radiographic findings in these patients fit OI type VIII. Phenotypic variability is evident. WES identified an intronic homozygous variant (chr1:43212857A > G; NM_022356.4:c.2055 + 86A > G) in P3H1 in all patients, with parents in each patient being heterozygous for the variant. This variant is predicted to generate a new “CAG” splice acceptor sequence, resulting in the incorporation of an extra exon that leads to a frameshift in the final exon and subsequent non-functional P3H1 isoform a. Alternative splicing of P3H1 resulting in the absence of functional P3H1 caused OI type VIII in 11 Thai children of Karen descent. This variant appears to be specific to the Karen population. Our study emphasizes the significance of considering intronic variants.
Nature of Paleozoic Basement of the Catalan Coastal Ranges (Spain) and Tectonic Setting of the Priorat DOQ Wine Terroir: Evidence from Volcanic and Sedimentary Rocks
Authors: Kepezhinskas Pavel , Berdnikov Nikolai , Kepezhinskas Nikita , Konovalova Natalia , Krutikova Valeria , Astapov Ivan
Published: January 2023

The Paleozoic volcano-sedimentary rocks within the structural basement of the horst-and-graben system of the Catalan Coastal Ranges (CCR) are composed of black shale, volcaniclastic sediments, lava flows, sills and lithocrystalloclastic tuffs. Paleozoic sediments are depleted in high-field strength elements (HFSE) such as Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti, suggesting their accumulation within the Andean-type active continental margin environment. Volcanic rocks within the Paleozoic CCR sequence belong to shoshonitic and high-K volcanic series and are enriched in Cs, Rb and Ba and depleted in HFSE, which is consistent with their derivation from metasomatized (possibly through deep recycling of pelagic sediments) subduction-related mantle source. The presence of sills (sill-sediment complex) suggests that Paleozoic basement of the CCR was formed within the rifted active continental margin or an arc-back-arc basin system akin to the modern Western Pacific subduction configuration. This complex volcanic terroir hosts world-class wines of the Priorat DOQ region. The presence of framboidal pyrite and magnetite, siderite, sphalerite xenotime, (La–Ce–Nd)-monazite, zircon and baddeleyite, as well as cuprite, tenorite and cupriferous and native silver in volcanic-derived black shale (and consequently in the world-famous “llicorella” soil overlying it) may have had dramatic effects on wine quality and sensory characteristics. These mineral features, together with strong enrichment of Priorat shale in Au, Ag and, to a lesser extent, Pt could have pronounced effects on (1) rates and specific types of chemical reactions; (2) plant metabolism; (3) response to nutrient components and (4) determination of grape flavor. Volcanic wine terroirs, such as the Priorat DOQ region, are special geologic environments for wine growth, capable of producing unique wine aromatic and gustatory characteristics.
Berriasian–Valanginian Geochronology and Carbon-Isotope Stratigraphy of the Yellow Cat Member, Cedar Mountain Formation, Eastern Utah, USA
Authors: Joeckel Robert M. , Suarez Celina A. , McLean Noah M. , Möller Andreas , Ludvigson Gregory A. , Suarez Marina B. , Kirkland James I. , Andrew Joseph , Kiessling Spencer , Hatzell Garrett A.
Published: January 2023

The Early Cretaceous Yellow Cat Member of the terrestrial Cedar Mountain Formation in Utah, USA. has been interpreted as a “time-rich” unit because of its dinosaur fossils, prominent paleosols, and the results of preliminary chemostratigraphic and geochronologic studies. Herein, we refine prior interpretations with: (1) a new composite C-isotope chemostratigraphic profile from the well-known Utahraptor Ridge dinosaur site, which exhibits δ13C features tentatively interpreted as the Valanginian double-peak carbon isotope excursion (the so-called “Weissert Event”) and some unnamed Berriasian features; and (2) a new cryptotephra zircon eruption age of 135.10 ± 0.30/0.31/0.34 Ma (2σ) derived from the CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb analyses of zircons from a paleosol cryptotephra. Our interpretations of δ13C features on our chemostratigraphic profile, in the context of our new radiometric age, are compatible with at least one prior age model for the “Weissert Event” and the most recent revision of the Cretaceous time scale. Our results also support the interpretation that the Yellow Cat Member records a significant part of Early Cretaceous time.
Digital Rock Mechanical Properties by Simulation of True Triaxial Test: Impact of Microscale Factors
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Yang Yongfei , Yang Wendong , Lv Changran , Yang Jiangshan , Song Wenhui , Sun Hai , Zhang Lei , Zhang Kai , Yao Jun
Published: January 2023

Complex fractures and pore structures in the rock strongly influence the mechanical properties, and the process from compression to failure is complicated. Under the action of rock stress, pore structure deformation and fractures close or propagate, easily leading to deterioration in the rock mechanical properties until rock failure. Thus, the effects of microscale factors are critical in mechanical properties such as rock strength, elastic modulus, and stress–strain state under the triaxial stress state. It is difficult for physical and mechanical experiments to obtain the qualitative rules of regular structures, but numerical simulation can make up for this defect. In this work, the accuracy of the model was proven through a comparison with previous experimental results. The true triaxial numerical simulation experiments were conducted on representative rocks and natural pore structures. These simulated results revealed that the pore and throat parameters will change abruptly when the particle model volumetric strain is between 0.0108 and 0.0157. When the fracture angle is between 45° and 75°, the fracture has a great influence on the peak stress. The angle between the natural fracture and the fracturing direction should be less than 45° as much as possible. Clay affects the rock strength by influencing the force chains formed by the rock skeleton. Fracturing is easier when the structural clay content is higher than 25%. It is easier to fracture in a direction parallel to the laminated clay when the clay content is below 27%. This work indicates the effects of rock particles, fractures, and clay on the mechanical parameters, providing key fundamental data for further quantifying the fracturing patterns.
A Molecular and Epidemiological Investigation of a Large SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in a Long-Term Care Facility in Luxembourg, 2021
Authors: Ernst Corinna , Pires-Afonso Yolanda , Bejko Dritan , Huberty Conny , Dentzer Thomas G. , Wienecke-Baldacchino Anke , Hugoson Eric , Alvarez Daniel , Weydert Murielle , Vergison Anne , Mossong Joël
Published: January 2023

In spring 2021, a long-term care facility (LTCF) of 154 residents in Luxembourg experienced a large severe, acute respiratory-syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak a few days after a vaccination campaign. We conducted an outbreak investigation and a serosurvey two months after the outbreak, compared attack rates (AR) among residents and staff, and calculated hospitalization and case-fatality rates (CFR). Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to detect variants in available samples and results were compared to genomes published on GISAID. Eighty-four (55%) residents and forty-five (26%) staff members tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; eighteen (21%) residents and one (2.2%) staff member were hospitalized, and twenty-three (CFR: 27%) residents died. Twenty-seven (21% of cases) experienced a reinfection. Sequencing identified seventy-seven cases (97% of sequenced cases) with B.1.1.420 and two cases among staff with B.1.351. The outbreak strain B.1.1.420 formed a separate cluster from cases from other European countries. Convalescent and vaccinated residents had higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody concentrations than vaccinated residents without infection (98% vs. 52%, respectively, with >120 RU/mL, p < 0.001). We documented an extensive outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in an LTCF due to the presence of a specific variant leading to high CFR. Infection in vaccinated residents increased antibody responses. A single vaccine dose was insufficient to mitigate the outbreak.
Ancient Sites and Modern People: Raising Awareness of Iron Age Heritage in Central Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Jesús , Álvarez-Sanchís Jesús R. , Maté-González Miguel Ángel , Díaz-Sánchez Carlos , Fernández-Barrientos M. Sheila , Ruiz-Zapatero Gonzalo
Published: January 2023

In the last 30 years, considerable effort has been invested in the public presentation of archaeological sites and, in general, in the dissemination of the heritage bequeathed to us by the pre-Roman communities of the western Iberian Peninsula. In this paper, we critically analyse the most outstanding measures implemented in this area by the different administrations and specialists involved. Similarly, we present the main initiatives undertaken in this regard in recent years by our research team within the framework of the REFIT and VETTONIA projects. Finally, we put forward ten essential proposals for future actions to achieve a more effective dissemination and management of Iron Age heritage.
Widely Targeted Metabolomics Provides New Insights into the Flavonoid Metabolism in ‘Kyoho’ Grapes under a Two-Crop-a-Year Cultivation System
Authors: Cheng Guo , Zhou Sihong , Liu Jinbiao , Feng Qiyan , Wei Rongfu , Yu Huan , Wang Bo , Zhang Ying , Bai Xianjin
Published: January 2023

The establishment and application of a two-crop-a-year cultivation system depends on the particularity of climatic conditions in subtropical regions. The different temperature, light, and water conditions throughout the growing season of summer and winter grapes are the fundamental reasons for differences in primary and secondary metabolites. We performed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS)-based metabolomics on ‘Kyoho’ grapes under a two-crop-a-year cultivation system. In total, 1062 metabolites were identified and classified into 10 different categories, while flavonoids were the largest group, with 285 metabolites. Moreover, 876 metabolites were different among the four developmental stages, and 551 were different between the summer and winter grapes during the same growth period. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) clearly distinguished developmental and growth-season differences based on the detected metabolites. Of note, flavonoids were the most important compounds responsible for the differences in berry composition during the growth and developmental seasons. The content of most flavonoids was higher in the winter grapes, but some were also found at higher levels in summer grapes, such as kaempferol-4′-O-glucoside, leucocyanidin, and cyanidin-3-O-glucosylglucoside. Additionally, myricetin-3-O-arabinoside was consistently higher in winter grapes than in summer grapes during all four developmental stages. The extreme high temperature and higher relative humidity were important reasons for the lower flavonoid content in the summer grapes than in the winter grapes. Moreover, the stronger light intensity in the early development of the winter grapes had a positive effect on the accumulation of flavonoids, especially flavonols and flavan-3-ols. This study provides new insights into the metabolism of flavonoids in grapes under a two-crop-a-year cultivation system and explores the climatic causes of the differences in the metabolites in the two crops of grapes.
Infestation of Oriental House Rat (Rattus tanezumi) with Chigger Mites Varies along Environmental Gradients across Five Provincial Regions of Southwest China
Authors: Chen Yan-Ling , Guo Xian-Guo , Ding Fan , Lv Yan , Yin Peng-Wu , Song Wen-Yu , Zhao Cheng-Fu , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Fan Rong , Peng Pei-Ying , Li Bei , Chen Ting , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: January 2023

Chigger mites are the exclusive vector of scrub typhus. Based on field investigations of 91 survey sites in 5 provincial regions of Southwest China, this paper reported variations of chigger infestation on the oriental house rat (Rattus tanezumi) along various environmental gradients. A total of 149 chigger species were identified from 2919 R. tanezumi in the 5 provincial regions, and Leptotrombidium deliense (a major vector of scrub typhus in China) was the first dominant chigger species, followed by Ascoschoengastia indica and Walchia ewingi. Rattus tanezumi had a stable overall prevalence (PM = 21.10%), mean abundance (MA = 7.01), and mean intensity (MI = 33.20) of chiggers with the same dominant mites in the whole Southwest China in comparison with a previous report in Yunnan Province, but chigger infestations on R. tanezumi varied along different environmental gradients. Rattus tanezumi in mountainous landscape had a higher infestation load of chiggers with higher species diversity than in flatland landscape. The infestation was higher at lower altitudes and latitudes. A high intensity of vegetation coverage was associated with high infestations. The results reflect the environmental heterogeneity of chiggers on the same host species. Warm climate and high relative humidity are beneficial to chigger infestation on R. tanezumi.
An Agenda for Research of Uncovered Epidemiological Patterns of Tick-Borne Pathogens Affecting Human Health
Authors: Estrada-Peña Agustín , Fernández-Ruiz Natalia
Published: January 2023

The panorama of ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBP) is complex due to the many interactions among vertebrates, vectors, and habitats, occurring at different scales. At a broad spatial range, climate and host availability regulate most tick processes, including questing activity, development, and survival. At a local scale, interactions are obscured by a high indeterminacy, making it arduous to record in field surveys. A solid modelling framework could translate the local/regional empirical findings into larger scales, shedding light on the processes governing the circulation of TBP. In this opinion paper, we advocate for a re-formulation of some paradigms in the research of these outstanding cycles of transmission. We propose revisiting concepts that faced criticisms or lacked solid support, together with the development of a conceptual scheme exploring the circulation of TBP under a range of conditions. We encourage (i) an adequate interpretation of the niche concept of both ticks and vertebrate/reservoir hosts interpreting the (a)biotic components that shape the tick’s niche, (ii) an assessment of the role played by the communities of wild vertebrates on the circulation of pathogens, and (iii) the development of new approaches, based on state-of-the-art epidemiological concepts, to integrate findings and modelling efforts on TBP over large regions.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Different Subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Balke Julius , Bohner Lauren , Köppe Jeanette , Jackowski Jochen , Oelerich Ole , Hanisch Marcel
Published: January 2023

This study assessed differences in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). For statistical analysis, participants were divided according to their subtype: classical EDS (cEDS), hypermobile EDS (hEDS), and vascular EDS (vEDS). All other subtypes were descriptively analyzed. Free-text questions and the German short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) were used. Finally, 295 questionnaires were included, representing 10 different EDS subtypes. The mean OHIP score of all participants was 19.6 points (standard derivation (SD) ± 12.3). The most predominant subtypes showed similar reduced OHRQoL, with 18.0 (cEDS, ±12.9), 19.5 (hEDS, ±12.0), and 15.2 (vEDS, ±11.6) OHIP points. For all other subtypes, the OHIP values varied. Participants waited an average of 21.8 years (±12.8) for their diagnosis. However, within the predominant subtypes, vEDS patients waited a noticeably shorter period of 13.3 years (±13.0; p = 0.004) compared to participants with hEDS. Additionally, this study showed no difference in OHRQoL for the predominant subtypes regardless of whether a participant was a self-help group member (18.8, ±12.0) or not (19.4, ±12.1; p = 0.327).
Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Sports Performance and Performance-Related Features in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Di Dio Mirella , Calella Patrizia , Pelullo Concetta Paola , Liguori Fabrizio , Di Onofrio Valeria , Gallè Francesca , Liguori Giorgio
Published: January 2023

This review aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance and performance-related conditions in athletes by evaluating randomized controlled studies from the MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO) databases. From a total of 2304 relevant articles, 13 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies concern endurance athletes, one to rugby players, three refer to non-specified athletes, one to badminton players, and one involves baseball players. The evidence suggests that the integration of athletes’ diets with some bacterial strains and also the consumption of multi-strain compounds may lead to an improvement in performance and can positively affect performance-related aspects such as fatigue, muscle pain, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, the type of supplementation and sport is very variable among the studies examined. Therefore, to obtain more solid evidence, further controlled and comparable studies are needed to expand the research regarding the possible repercussions of probiotics use on athletes’ performance.
Medical Telemonitoring for the Management of Hypertension in Older Patients in Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Sheppard James P. , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi , McManus Richard J.
Published: January 2023

Hypertension is the most frequent modifiable risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Even in older people, strict blood pressure (BP) control has been recommended to reduce CVD event risks. However, caution should be exercised since older hypertensive patients have increased physical vulnerability due to frailty and multimorbidity, and older patients eligible for clinical trials may not represent the general population. Medical telemonitoring systems, which enable us to monitor a patient’s medical condition remotely through digital communication, have become much more prevalent since the coronavirus pandemic. Among various physiological parameters, BP monitoring is well-suited to the use of such systems, which enable healthcare providers to deliver accurate and safe BP management, even in the presence of frailty and/or living in geographically remote areas. Furthermore, medical telemonitoring systems could help reduce nonadherence to antihypertensive medications and clinical inertia, and also enable multi-professional team-based management of hypertension. However, the implementation of medical telemonitoring systems in clinical practice is not easy, and substantial barriers, including the development of user-friendly devices, integration with existing clinical systems, data security, and cost of implementation and maintenance, need to be overcome. In this review, we focus on the potential of medical telemonitoring for the management of hypertension in older people in Japan.
Is the Increase in Record of Skin Wounds in Hospitalized Patients in Internal Medicine Units a Side Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Nieto-García Leticia , Carpio-Pérez Adela , Moreiro-Barroso María Teresa , Rubio-Gil Francisco Javier , Ruiz-Antúnez Emilia , Nieto-García Ainhoa , Alonso-Sardón Montserrat
Published: January 2023

Wound care is an important public health challenge that is present in all areas of the healthcare system, whether in hospitals, long term care institutions or in the community. We aimed to quantify the number of skin wounds reported after and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive longitudinal retrospective study compared of wound records in patients hospitalized in the internal medicine service during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (from 1 March 2020, to 28 February 2021) and previous-year to the outbreak (from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2019). A sample of 1979 episodes was collected corresponding to 932 inpatients, 434 from the pre-pandemic year and 498 from the first year of COVID-19 pandemic; 147 inpatients were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection (3.2%). The percentage of wound episodes in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than the pre-pandemic year, 17.9% (1092/6090) versus 15% (887/5906), with a significant increase in the months with the highest incidence of COVID cases. This study shows an increase in the burden of wound care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it could be attributable to the increase in the number of patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection in internal medicine units.
Evaluation of Meat Safety Practices and Hygiene among Different Butcheries and Supermarkets in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Siluma Bridget Jabulile , Kgatla Ephraim Tsietsi , Nethathe Bono , Ramashia Shonisani Eugenia
Published: January 2023

Good hygienic practices are required to reduce the risk of microbial contamination during meat processing. We evaluated good hygiene and meat safety practices among different village butcheries (6), commercial butcheries (8), and supermarkets (18) through direct personal observations. The supermarkets and commercial butcheries wore personal protective equipment (PPE) and used proper waste procedures. Moreover, there were pest control devices, a safe water supply, and staff handling money away from meat. At village butcheries, wearing hairnets and aprons, and the display of raw meat being separate from offal were identified as good practices. The irregular washing of hands (67%), less use of gloves (83%), wearing of open sandals (67%) and jewelry (33%), use of the same coat for different activities (100%), lack of paper towels (100%) and pest control devices (67%) and mismanagement of waste (33%) were practices that led to unsafe meat handling. Our study identified good meat safety practices at supermarkets. A combination of good and unhygienic meat handling practices were identified at commercial and village butcheries. These findings suggest a need for intervention through training on food safety in order to improve the hygienic practices of meat handling along the beef supply chain, more especially in commercial and village butcheries.
Comparison of Functional Outcomes between Supervised Rehabilitation and Telerehabilitation in Female Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Shin Ki Hun , Lee Gyu Bin , Son Seiwook , Jang Ki-Mo
Published: January 2023

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common cause of anterior knee pain, and therapeutic exercises are recommended. During the COVID-19 pandemic, despite recommendations on the importance of telerehabilitation, insufficient studies have investigated functional outcomes between supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in patients with PFPS. This study aimed to compare the muscle strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes between supervised rehabilitation and telerehabilitation in female patients with PFPS. A total of 61 patients (supervised, n = 30; telerehabilitation, n = 31) participated. Muscle strength and activation time of the quadriceps and hamstrings were measured using an isokinetic device. Hip muscle strength was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Patient-reported outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) for functional ability, and Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK-11). No significant differences were found in muscle strength, muscle activation time, or patient-reported outcomes of the involved knees between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, the rate of change in all parameters did not significantly differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). Telerehabilitation, such as a home-exercise program supervised by physical therapists, may be as effective as supervised rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes in female patients with PFPS.
“Compassionate City” in Patients with Advanced Illnesses and at the End of Life: A Pilot Study
Authors: Librada-Flores Silvia , Pérez-Solano Vázquez María , Lucas-Díaz Miguel , Rodríguez Álvarez-Ossorio Zacarías , Herrera-Molina Emilio , Nabal-Vicuña María , Guerra-Martín María
Published: January 2023

Objectives: To evaluate, in a Compassionate City pilot experience (Sevilla), the impact results on health in a population of people with advanced illness and at the end of life. Methods: The project was undertaken in Sevilla, Spain, between January 2019 and June 2020. A longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted using a longitudinal cohort design with two cross-sectional measurements, pre and post intervention. All patients who entered the program on the start date were included. The networks of care around people with advanced illness and at the end of life, palliative care needs, quality of life, loneliness, anxiety, depression, caregivers’ burden and family satisfaction were evaluated. The interventions were conducted by community promoters assigned to the “Sevilla Contigo, Compassionate City” program. Results: A total of 83 people were included in the program. The average number of people involved in care at the beginning of the evaluations was 3.6, increasing to 6.1 at the end of the interventions. The average number of needs detected at the beginning was 15.58, and at the end of interventions, it was 16.56 out of 25. The unmet needs were those related to last wishes (40.7%), emotional relief (18.5%), entertainment (16%), help to walk up and down stairs (8.6%) and help to walk (6.2%). A total of 54.2% showed improved loneliness in the final evaluation. Out of 26 people evaluated for pre and post quality of life, 7 (26.9%) improved their quality of life in the general evaluation and 5 (19.2%) displayed improved anxiety/depression. A total of 6 people (28.6%) improved their quality-of-life thermometer scores. A total of 57.7% of caregivers improved their burden with a mean score of 17.8.