bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenolic Profiles and Bioactivities of Ten Original Lineage Beans in Thailand
Authors: Chupeerach Chaowanee , Temviriyanukul Piya , Thangsiri Sirinapa , Inthachat Woorawee , Sahasakul Yuraporn , Aursalung Amornrat , Wongchang Pitthaya , Sangkasa-ad Parichart , Wongpia Aphinya , Polpanit Auytin , Nuchuchua Onanong , Suttisansanee Uthaiwan
Published: December 2022

Legumes and pulses are important food components with various phytochemicals and health benefits. However, the health-related bioactivities of some underutilized species remain uninvestigated. To breed a new bean lineage with particular health-related properties, this study investigated phenolics (specifically, isoflavones) and the in vitro inhibitory activities of the enzyme relevant to some non-communicable diseases in underutilized cultivars of Phaseolus lunatus (lima beans), compared to the commonly consumed P. vulgaris (red kidney bean) and beans in the Glycine and Vigna genera. The results indicated that soybeans in the Glycine genus contained the highest isoflavone contents, especially glycitein (1825–2633 mg/100 g bean) and daidzein (1153–6471 mg/100 g bean), leading to potentially higher enzyme inhibitory activities (25–26% inhibition against α-amylase, 54–60% inhibition against α-glucosidase, 42–46% inhibition against dipeptidyl peptidase IV, 12–19% inhibition against acetylcholinesterase and 20–23% inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase) than those from other genera. Interestingly, lima beans with low isoflavone content (up to 2 mg/100 g bean) still possessed high inhibitory activities against lipase (12–21% inhibition) and β-secretase (50–58% inhibition), suggesting that bioactive compounds other than the isoflavones might be responsible for these activities. Isoflavone contents and enzyme inhibitory activities in Vigna beans were diverse, depending on the particular cultivars. The information gained from this study can be used for further investigation of bioactive components and in-depth health properties, as well as for future breeding of a new lineage of bean with specific health potentials.
Enhance Production of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Improve the Function of Fermented Quinoa by Cold Stress
Authors: Zhang Yucui , Zhang Ming , Li Ting , Zhang Xinxia , Wang Li
Published: December 2022

Quinoa is an excellent source of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a natural four-carbon non-protein amino acid with great health benefits. In this study, the quinoa was treated by cold stress before fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum to enhance the amount of GABA. The best Lactobacillus plantarum for GABA production was selected from sixteen different strains based on the levels of GABA production and the activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Cold stress treatments at 4 °C and at −20 °C enhanced the amount of GABA in the fermented quinoa by a maximum of 1191% and 774%, respectively. The surface of the fermented quinoa flour treated by cold stress showed more pinholes, mucus, faults and cracks. A Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) analysis revealed that cold stress had a violent breakage effect on the -OH bonds in quinoa and delayed the destruction of protein during fermentation. In addition, the results from the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) showed that the cold stress reduced the peak viscosity of quinoa flour. Overall, the cold stress treatment is a promising method for making fermented quinoa a functional food by enhancing the production of bioactive ingredients.
Volatile Compound Abundance Correlations Provide a New Insight into Odor Balances in Sauce-Aroma Baijiu
Authors: Guan Qijie , Meng Lian-Jun , Mei Zilun , Liu Qingru , Chai Li-Juan , Zhong Xiao-Zhong , Zheng Lei , Liu Guangqian , Wang Songtao , Shen Caihong , Shi Jin-Song , Xu Zheng-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Juan
Published: December 2022

Sauce-aroma Baijiu (SAB) is one of the most famous Baijius in China; SAB has more than 500 aroma compounds in it. However, the key aroma compound in SAB flavor remains unclear. Volatiles play an important role in SAB aroma and are highly correlated to SAB quality. In the present study, 63 volatile compounds were quantified among 66 SAB samples using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The authors analyzed odor contributions and volatile compound correlations in two quality groups of SAB samples. Moreover, an odor activity value (OAV) ratio-based random forest classifier was used to explain the volatile compound relationship differentiations between the two quality groups. Our results proved higher quality SABs had richer aromas and indicated a set of fruity-like ethyl valerate, green- and malt-like isobutyraldehyde and malt-like 3-methylbutyraldehyde and sweet-like furfural, had closer co-abundance correlations in higher quality SABs. These results indicated that the aroma and contributions of volatile compounds in SABs should be analyzed not only with compound odor activity values, but also the correlations between different aroma compounds.
Food Acquisition, Hygiene, and Generation of Domestic Waste in an Academic Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Costa Aldiane de Assis , Maciel Bruna Leal Lima , Marchioni Dirce Maria , Rolim Priscilla Moura
Published: December 2022

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and the closure of universities as a measure to prevent contamination directly affected academic communities. Access to food, though a basic need and a human right, was seriously affected. This study evaluated the locations and frequency of food acquisition; hand, food, and packaging hygiene habits; and household waste generation in an academic community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research was cross-sectional and performed through an online questionnaire. Data (n = 1472) were analyzed using descriptive statistics; statistical tests were also applied, and p values < 0.01 were considered significant. Most of the population continued to purchase food in supermarkets (89.5%). The frequency of product orders from markets by delivery placed by professors and graduate students was also verified (31.7% and 24.2%). There was an increase in packaging hygiene in the studied population, as well as in fruit and vegetable hygiene; however, use of inappropriate methods was noted. This paper highlights important data on the behavior of an academic community dealing with the problem of solid waste generation during the pandemic. Moreover, there were no changes in waste generation during the pandemic, although there was an increase in packaging consumption (44%). Identifying the behavior of the university community regarding hygiene and food acquisition can help societies from the perspective of transforming habits related to food. Therefore, this research provides support for future investigations and interventions in the field of foods and post-pandemic sustainability.
Effect of Storage Time and Floral Origin on the Physicochemical Properties of Beeswax and the Possibility of Using It as a Phase Changing Material in the Thermal Storage Energy Technology
Authors: Al-Shehri Badria M. , Haddadi Thahabh , M. Alasmari Eman , Ghramh Hamed A. , Khan Khalid Ali , Mohammed Mohammed Elimam Ahamed , Sager Alotaibi Mohammed , El-Niweiri Mogbel Ahmed Abdalla , Hamdi Assiri Abdulrahman , Khayyat Maha M.
Published: December 2022

Beeswax is a natural product that is primarily produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. It has many uses in various kinds of industries, including pharmacy and medicine. This study investigated the effect of storage and floral origin on some physicochemical properties of four beeswax samples. The floral origin of the beeswax samples was determined microscopically and the investigated physical properties were the melting point, color, surface characteristics and thermal behavior. The studied chemical constituents were the acid value, ester value, saponification value and the ester/acid ratio. The FT-IR, SEM, EDX, XRD and TGF techniques were applied to meet the objectives of this study. The physical properties of the beeswax were affected by the storage period and floral origin. The melting point of the beeswax samples significantly increased with the increase in the storage time, from 61.5 ± 2.12 °C for the 3 month sample to 74.5 ± 3.54 °C for the 2 year stored sample (p-value = 0.027). The acid values of the 3 month, 6 month, 1 year and 2 years stored samples were 19.57 ± 0.95, 22.95 ± 1.91, 27 ± 1.91 and 34.42 ± 0.95 mgKOH/g, respectively. The increase in the acid value was significant (p-value = 0.002). The ester values of the studied beeswax samples significantly increased with the increase in storage time as follows: 46.57 ± 2.86 mgKOH/g for the 3 month stored sample, 66.14 ± 3.82 mgKOH/g for the 6 month stored sample, 89.77 ± 0.95 mgKOH/g for the one year stored sample and 97.19 ± 1.91 mgKOH/g for the 2 year stored sample (p-value ≤ 0.001). Similarly, the saponification value and the carbon percentages increased with the increase in storage time. Unlike the results of the chemical components, the oxygen percentage decreased with the increase in storage time as follows: 11.24% (3 month), 10.31% (6 month), 7.97% (one year) and 6.74% (two year). The storage and floral origin of beeswax significantly affected its physicochemical properties in a way that qualify it to act as a phase changing material in the thermal storage energy technology.
Emulsion Properties during Microencapsulation of Cannabis Oil Based on Protein and Sucrose Esters as Emulsifiers: Stability and Rheological Behavior
Authors: Zhang Qun , Shi Yan , Tu Zongcai , Hu Yueming , He Chengyan
Published: December 2022

The effects of different emulsifiers, such as soy protein isolate–sucrose ester (SPI-SE) and whey protein isolate–sucrose ester (WPI-SE), on the properties of the emulsion during the microencapsulation of cannabis oil were studied. The influence of SE concentration on the emulsion properties of the two emulsifying systems was analyzed. The results of the adsorption kinetics show that SE can decrease the interfacial tension, particle size and zeta potential of the emulsions. The results of the interfacial protein concentration show that SE could competitively replace the protein at the oil-water interface and change the strength of the interfacial film. The results of the viscoelastic properties show that the emulsion structure of the two emulsion systems results in the maximum value when the concentration of SE is 0.75% (w/v), and the elastic modulus (G’) of the emulsion prepared with SPI-SE is high. The viscosity results show that all emulsions show shear-thinning behavior and the curve fits well with the Ostwald–Dewaele model. The addition of SE in the emulsions of the two emulsion systems can effectively stabilize the emulsion and change the composition and strength of the oil–water interface of the emulsion. The cannabis oil microcapsules prepared with protein-SE as an emulsion system exhibit high quality.
Identification of Genetic Markers for the Detection of Bacillus thuringiensis Strains of Interest for Food Safety
Authors: Fichant Arnaud , Felten Arnaud , Gallet Armel , Firmesse Olivier , Bonis Mathilde
Published: December 2022

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), belonging to the Bacillus cereus (Bc) group, is commonly used as a biopesticide worldwide due to its ability to produce insecticidal crystals during sporulation. The use of Bt, especially subspecies aizawai and kurstaki, to control pests such as Lepidoptera, generally involves spraying mixtures containing spores and crystals on crops intended for human consumption. Recent studies have suggested that the consumption of commercial Bt strains may be responsible for foodborne outbreaks (FBOs). However, its genetic proximity to Bc strains has hindered the development of routine tests to discriminate Bt from other Bc, especially Bacillus cereus sensu stricto (Bc ss), well known for its involvement in FBOs. Here, to develop tools for the detection and the discrimination of Bt in food, we carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 286 complete genomes of Bc group strains to identify and validate in silico new molecular markers specific to different Bt subtypes. The analyses led to the determination and the in silico validation of 128 molecular markers specific to Bt, its subspecies aizawai, kurstaki and four previously described proximity clusters associated with these subspecies. We developed a command line tool based on a 14-marker workflow, to carry out a computational search for Bt-related markers from a putative Bc genome, thereby facilitating the detection of Bt of interest for food safety, especially in the context of FBOs.
Emerging Postharvest Technologies to Enhance the Shelf-Life of Fruit and Vegetables: An Overview
Authors: Palumbo Michela , Attolico Giovanni , Capozzi Vittorio , Cozzolino Rosaria , Corvino Antonia , de Chiara Maria Lucia Valeria , Pace Bernardo , Pelosi Sergio , Ricci Ilde , Romaniello Roberto , Cefola Maria
Published: December 2022

Quality losses in fresh produce throughout the postharvest phase are often due to the inappropriate use of preservation technologies. In the last few decades, besides the traditional approaches, advanced postharvest physical and chemical treatments (active packaging, dipping, vacuum impregnation, conventional heating, pulsed electric field, high hydrostatic pressure, and cold plasma) and biocontrol techniques have been implemented to preserve the nutritional value and safety of fresh produce. The application of these methodologies after harvesting is useful when addressing quality loss due to the long duration when transporting products to distant markets. Among the emerging technologies and contactless and non-destructive techniques for quality monitoring (image analysis, electronic noses, and near-infrared spectroscopy) present numerous advantages over the traditional, destructive methods. The present review paper has grouped original studies within the topic of advanced postharvest technologies, to preserve quality and reduce losses and waste in fresh produce. Moreover, the effectiveness and advantages of some contactless and non-destructive methodologies for monitoring the quality of fruit and vegetables will also be discussed and compared to the traditional methods.
Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Transport of Tebuconazole in Table Grape by Using In Vitro Digestion Models
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Han Ying , Xiao Ouli , Cui Weiye , Chen Jieyin , Dai Xiaofeng , Li Minmin , Kong Zhiqiang
Published: December 2022

In this study, the effects of various digestive models, influencing factors and dietary supplements on the bioaccessibility of tebuconazole in table grapes were compared. The Caco-2 cell model was employed to reveal the transfer behavior of tebuconazole. The results indicated that digestion time is the main factor affecting bioaccessibility. With an increase in time, the tebuconazole in grapes was almost completely dissolved, with bioaccessibility reaching 98.5%, whereas dietary fiber reduced bioaccessibility. Tebuconazole undergoes carrier-free passive transport in permeable cells in the Caco-2 cell model. These findings have practical application value for correctly evaluating the harmful level of pollutants in the matrix to human body.
Techno-Functional Performance of Emmer, Spelt and Khorasan in Spontaneously Fermented Sourdough Bread
Authors: Škrobot Dubravka , Dapčević-Hadnađev Tamara , Tomić Jelena , Maravić Nikola , Popović Nikola , Jovanov Pavle , Hadnađev Miroslav
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to test the suitability of three different ancient wheat varieties (emmer, spelt and khorasan) to produce spontaneously fermented sourdough bread and to evaluate the impact on the dough rheological properties, ultrastructure and baking quality. Modern wheat sourdough bread and bakery yeast fermented bread were used as controls. Sourdoughs produced from modern and ancient wheats exerted different effects on dough viscoelastic properties, bread specific volume, texture, firming rate, colour and sensory properties, while there was no influence on bread water activity. Both khorasan sourdough, being characterised with the highest dough strength and dense gluten protein matrix, and emmer sourdough, with loose and thin gluten strands of low strength, yielded breads characterised by low specific volume and hard crumb texture. Spelt and modern wheat sourdough were characterised by foam-like dough structures with entrapped gas cells leading to breads of similar specific volume and texture. Although the yeast-fermented wheat flour exerted a higher specific volume and the lowest firmness, the sourdough wheat flour bread had a lower firming rate. A comparison of sourdough bread prepared with modern and ancient wheats revealed that breads based on ancient varieties possess a less noticeable sour taste, odour and flavour, thus contributing to more sensory-appealing sourdough bread.
New Perspectives on Sleep Regulation by Tea: Harmonizing Pathological Sleep and Energy Balance under Stress
Authors: Ouyang Jin , Peng Yuxuan , Gong Yushun
Published: December 2022

Sleep, a conservative evolutionary behavior of organisms to adapt to changes in the external environment, is divided into natural sleep, in a healthy state, and sickness sleep, which occurs in stressful environments or during illness. Sickness sleep plays an important role in maintaining energy homeostasis under an injury and promoting physical recovery. Tea, a popular phytochemical-rich beverage, has multiple health benefits, including lowering stress and regulating energy metabolism and natural sleep. However, the role of tea in regulating sickness sleep has received little attention. The mechanism underlying tea regulation of sickness sleep and its association with the maintenance of energy homeostasis in injured organisms remains to be elucidated. This review examines the current research on the effect of tea on sleep regulation, focusing on the function of tea in modulating energy homeostasis through sickness sleep, energy metabolism, and damage repair in model organisms. The potential mechanisms underlying tea in regulating sickness sleep are further suggested. Based on the biohomology of sleep regulation, this review provides novel insights into the role of tea in sleep regulation and a new perspective on the potential role of tea in restoring homeostasis from diseases.
Null Controllability of Hilfer Fractional Stochastic Differential Inclusions
Authors: Ahmed Hamdy M. , El-Borai Mahmoud M. , El-Sayed Wagdy , Elbadrawi Alaa
Published: December 2022

This paper gives the null controllability for nonlocal stochastic differential inclusion with the Hilfer fractional derivative and Clarke subdifferential. Sufficient conditions for null controllability of nonlocal Hilfer fractional stochastic differential inclusion are established by using the fixed-point approach with the proof that the corresponding linear system is controllable. Finally, the theoretical results are verified with an example.
MHD Modeling of Mass Transfer Processes in Close Binary Stars
Authors: Zhilkin Andrey , Sobolev Andrey , Bisikalo Dmitry
Published: December 2022

A three-dimensional numerical model has been developed to study the flow structure in close binary systems with a magnetic field. The model uses a system of equations of modified magnetic hydrodynamics, which allows describing all the main dynamic effects associated with the magnetic field. It takes into account the processes of radiation heating and cooling, heating due to current dissipation, as well as magnetic field diffusion. The model allows calculations in a wide range of magnetic field values. Comparison of the calculation results with observational data confirms the reliability and high efficiency of the model. The paper presents the calculation results of the flow structure in a typical intermediate polar. It is shown that an accretion disk is formed in such a binary system, which has the following characteristic features: “hot line”, tidal shock waves, precession density wave, magnetospheric region, and accretion columns. In this case, the magnetic field in the disk is predominantly toroidal. The paper also presents the results of calculations for typical polars. In such systems, instead of an accretion disk, a collimated stream of matter is formed, moving along the magnetic field lines to the magnetic poles of the white dwarf. It is shown that in synchronous polars, variations of the mass transfer rate lead to a change in the spatial configuration of the flow. In asynchronous polars, changes in the flow structure for different phases of the beat period are observed as well as the processes of switching the flow between the magnetic poles of the accretor. Numerical calculations of the asynchronous system are performed under the assumption of the dipole configuration of the magnetic field for different values of the dipole offset relative to the center of the white dwarf. The paper presents a method for estimating this offset from observational light curves.
Nanocellulose-Linked MXene/Polyaniline Aerogel Films for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Liying , Wang Wenxuan , Liu Yu , Liang Daxin
Published: December 2022

In the development of energy supply systems for smart wearable devices, supercapacitors stand out owing to their ability of quick and efficient energy supply. However, their application is limited due to their low energy density and poor mechanical energy. Herein, a strategy for the preparation of flexible supercapacitors is reported, which is based on the fabrication of aerogel films by simultaneously utilising cellulose nanofiber (CNFs) as an MXene intercalation material and polyaniline (PANI) as a template material. CNFs, which can form hydrogen-bonded networks, enhance the mechanical properties of MXene from 44.25 to 119.56 MPa, and the high electron transport properties of PANI endow MXene with a capacitance of 327 F g−1 and a resistance of 0.23 Ω. Furthermore, the combination of CNFs and PANI enables a 71.6% capacitance retention after 3000 charge/discharge and 500 folding cycles. This work provides a new platform for the development of flexible supercapacitors.
De-Identifying the Distressed in the Transgender Community Related to Their Identity Formation and Discrimination in India
Authors: Meher Bandana , Acharya Arun Kumar
Published: December 2022

Transgender people in India hold a dualistic perspective on their identity. In one way, they are considered a disgraceful entity in society and, at the same time, they resemble the “Ardhanareswar” version of the Hindu God Shiva (Ardhanareswar version of Shiva: among Shiv’s many avatars, Ardhanareswar is the only one in which the god embodied both genders in a single amalgamation. That represented both the male and female gender). Also, they have been referred to as derogatory names, which are often used as slang for men who are “not man enough” and more resemble femininity. In the case of the trans women community, they are caught up in the binary status of gender, which completely ignores the third gender, and hence suffer along with the secondary status of womanhood in Indian society. In this perspective, there was and is gradual exclusion and discrimination against the trans women community. Gender identity and available occupational choice influence their occupational decision making. In this regard, the present study tries to explore the identity formation and discrimination faced by the transgender community in Sambalpur, Western Odisha. Furthermore, it tries to understand the construction of their identity through the theory of Othering. It also strives to look at the impact of discrimination on their personal, social, and health prospects in the community and evaluate the impact of the schemes implemented for them. The study is conducted among 45 trans women in the Sambalpur city in Western Odisha. Based on its prejudices, Indian society continues to create transgender identity. To give them proper recognition, government scheme assistance is insufficient at times, and people’s mindsets must be changed.
Quasi-Linear Model of Tsunami Run-Up on a Beach with a Seafloor Described by the Piecewise Continuous Function
Authors: Chugunov Vladimir , Fomin Sergei , Sagdiev Bayazit
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to propose the quasi-linear theory of tsunami run-up and run-down on a beach with complex bottom topography. We begin with the one-dimensional nonlinear shallow-water wave equations, which we consider over a beach of complex geometry that can be modeled by a piecewise continuous function, along with several natural initial and boundary conditions. The primary obstacle in solving this problem is the moving boundary associated with the shoreline motion. To avoid this difficulty, we replace the moving boundary with a stationary boundary by applying a transformation to the spatial variable of the computational domain. A characteristic feature of any tsunami problem is the smallness of the parameter ε=η0/h0, where η0 is the characteristic amplitude of the wave, and h0 is the characteristic depth of the ocean. The presence of this small parameter enables us to effectively linearize the problem by using the method of perturbations, which leads to an analytical solution via an integral transformation. This analytical solution assumes that there is no wave breaking. In light of this assumption, we introduce the wave no-breaking criterion and determine bounds for the applicability of our theory. The proposed model can be readily used to investigate the tsunami run-up and draw-down for different sea bottom profiles. The novel particular solution, when the seafloor is described by the piecewise linear function, is obtained, and the effects of the different beach profiles and initial wave locations are considered.
Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions—Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Divković Anja , Radić Kristina , Sabitović Damir , Golub Nikolina , Rajković Marija Grdić , Rumora Samarin Ivana , Karasalihović Zinaida , Šerak Adnan , Trnačević Emir , Turčić Petra , Butorac Dražan , Vitali Čepo Dubravka
Published: December 2022

Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) is a cytologic diagnosis etiologically related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection that leads to the release of inflammation mediators, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased levels of antioxidants in tissues, which is why antioxidants might be considered effective against SIL progression. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation (600 mg/day) on the regression of low-grade SIL in 100 patients. Low-grade SIL was determined after the cytological screening, colposcopic examination and targeted biopsy and histological confirmation of cytological–colposcopic diagnosis. Inflammation parameters and the presence of HPV were determined by standard laboratory methods. Dietary and lifestyle habits were investigated using a standardized and validated semi-quantitative food questionnaire (FFQ). ALA supplementation significantly reduced the proportion of patients with low-grade cytological abnormalities, in comparison to placebo. Given the obtained level of significance (p < 0.001), the presented results indicate that short-term ALA supplementation shows a clinically significant effect on cervical cytology. Future studies should focus on the use of innovative formulations of ALA that might induce bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency against HPV infection and the investigation of synergistic effects of concurrent dietary/lifestyle modification and ALA supplementation in both low-grade and high-grade SIL.
Assessment of the Use of Patient Vital Sign Data for Preventing Misidentification and Medical Errors
Authors: Maul Jared , Straub Jeremy
Published: December 2022

Patient misidentification is a preventable issue that contributes to medical errors. When patients are confused with each other, they can be given the wrong medication or unneeded surgeries. Unconscious, juvenile, and mentally impaired patients represent particular areas of concern, due to their potential inability to confirm their identity or the possibility that they may inadvertently respond to an incorrect patient name (in the case of juveniles and the mentally impaired). This paper evaluates the use of patient vital sign data, within an enabling artificial intelligence (AI) framework, for the purposes of patient identification. The AI technique utilized is both explainable (meaning that its decision-making process is human understandable) and defensible (meaning that its decision-making pathways cannot be altered, just optimized). It is used to identify patients based on standard vital sign data. Analysis is presented on the efficacy of doing this, for the purposes of catching misidentification and preventing error.
Social Media as a Source of Knowledge about Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Tkaczuk Magdalena , Zakrzewski Dawid M. , Król Maria , Zawadzka Marta , Waszak Przemysław M. , Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska Maria
Published: December 2022

Social media is one of the most common sources of medical information. We aimed to evaluate the information contained on websites, including social media and descriptions of fundraisers, in terms of the reliability of knowledge about SMA and gene therapy with onasemnogen abeparvovec. We used a set of available online links found using the Newspointtool. Initially, 1525 texts were included in the study, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 112 texts were qualified for analysis using the DISCERN scale and the set of questions prepared by the authors. We observed that most of the texts had poor (48.65%) and medium (27.03%) reliability in the final reliability assessment. All the texts selected for the study were related to gene therapy, although few contained key information about it. In addition, the authors of the entries used various words and phrases that influenced the readers’ perceptions of the text. Of the analyzed sources, 68.8% had an emotional component. Social media is a poor source of information about gene therapy for SMA in Poland. The analyzed texts do not provide a full and complete description of the SMA problem. However, it is important to remember that the Internet is a changing source of information and will hopefully contain more relevant entries in the future.
Undertreatment and Underachievement of LDL-C Target among Individuals with High and Very High Cardiovascular Risk in the Malaysian Community
Authors: Razman Aimi Zafira , Baharudin Noorhida , Mohd Kasim Noor Alicezah , Al-Khateeb Alyaa , Ismail Zaliha , Nawawi Hapizah
Published: December 2022

Dyslipidaemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of dyslipidaemia subtypes, the proportions of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) use, and the achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment targets for high-risk (HR) and very high-risk (VHR) Malaysians. This cross-sectional study involves 5279 participants across 11 states in Malaysia. The data were obtained through a standardised questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, venous glucose and lipid profile. The participants with existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes with at least one of the other major risk factors (smoking, hypertension or dyslipidaemia) were grouped into the VHR category. Other participants were risk-categorised using the Framingham General CVD Risk Score (FRS-CVD). The prevalence of elevated LDL-C, LLT use and LDL-C target were set according to respective risk categories. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to test the difference in the proportions. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 41.1 ± 14.8 years, and 62.2% (3283/5279) of the group were females. Within the participant group, 51.5% were found to have elevated total cholesterol, 28.8% had low HDL-C, and 33.8% had high triglyceride. As for elevated LDL-C, 9.8% were in VHR, 8.6% in HR, 5.8% in MR and 34.9% in LR categories. Among the VHR group, 75.8% were not on LLT, and only 15.9% achieved the LDL-C target. As for the HR category, 87.7% were not on LLT, and only 16.1% achieved the LDL-C target. Dyslipidaemia is highly prevalent among Malaysians. The majority of VHR and HR participants were not on LLT and did not achieve LDL-C treatment targets. Proactive programs are warranted to combat dyslipidaemia-associated CVD events in these groups.
Impact of Two Resuscitation Sequences on Alveolar Ventilation during the First Minute of Simulated Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Suppan Laurent , Jampen Laurent , Siebert Johan N. , Zünd Samuel , Stuby Loric , Ozainne Florian
Published: December 2022

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation regularly publishes a Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommendations, but guidelines can nevertheless differ when knowledge gaps persist. In case of pediatric cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association recommends following the adult resuscitation sequence, i.e., starting with chest compressions. Conversely, the European Resuscitation Council advocates the delivery of five initial rescue breaths before starting chest compressions. This was a superiority, randomized cross-over trial designed to determine the impact of these two resuscitation sequences on alveolar ventilation in a pediatric model of cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was alveolar ventilation during the first minute of resuscitation maneuvers according to the guidelines used. A total of 56 resuscitation sequences were recorded (four sequences per team of two participants). The ERC approach enabled higher alveolar ventilation volumes (370 mL [203–472] versus 276 mL [140–360], p < 0.001) at the cost of lower chest compression fractions (57% [54;64] vs. 66% [59;68], p < 0.001). Although statistically significant, the differences found in this simulation study may not be clinically relevant. Therefore, and because of the importance of overcoming barriers to resuscitation, advocating a pediatric-specific resuscitation algorithm may not be an appropriate strategy.
Increasing Trends in Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Romanian Children and Adolescents—Retrospective Study
Authors: Luca Alina-Costina , Curpan Alexandrina-Stefania , Braha Elena Emanuela , Ţarcă Elena , Iordache Alin-Constantin , Luca Florin-Alexandru , Adumitrachioaiei Heidrun
Published: December 2022

Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue and its assessment is essential, as an obese child is a future overweight or obese adult. Obesity is no longer a matter of exercising more and eating less, with several factors coming into play and dictating the pattern of fat accumulation and the ease/difficulty of reducing it. In the current paper, we aimed to analyze the cardiovascular impact of obesity in a large number of patients alongside the paraclinical changes that occur due to weight gain, and to perform an analysis on the increase in prevalence throughout our research. The main cardiovascular conditions identified were hypertension (15.36%), septal or concentric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (11.15%), atherosclerosis risk (13.04%), and hypercholesterolemia (20.94%). We have used echocardiography to measure the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue (useful for assessing the patient’s cardiovascular risk), and we observed that it was greater in children with moderate and severe obesity alongside diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in the whole group, without any connection with hypertension or coronary impairment. Obese children will be affected by increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in adulthood and they may experience early cardiovascular dysfunction. We want to strongly underline the importance and necessity of programs for the early detection and prevention of obesity and its complications, especially since interesting phenomena such as the “obesity paradox” exist and prove that obesity is far less understood than it is at a first glance.
Effects of Ego-Resiliency on Interpersonal Problems among Nursing Students: The Mediating Effects of Aggression
Authors: Lee Sona , Ahn Hye Young , Choi Hye Seon
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Despite that nursing college students are more diverse than those in other majors, many nurses experience interpersonal problems and difficulties in the process of forming relationships and contacting various people. The purpose of this study is to understand the mediating effects of aggression on the process of ego-resilience in interpersonal problems in nursing college students. (2) Methods: The subjects of this study were 182 nursing college students attending university in D metropolitan city. Data were collected from 23 October to 9 November 2018. The measurements were carried out using the Ego-Resiliency Scale, the Aggression Questionnaire—Korean Version (AQ-K), and the short form of the KIIP Complex Scale (KIIP-SC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. The methods of Baron and Kenny were used to verify the significance of the mediating effect. (3) Results: There were significant correlations among ego-resiliency, aggression, and interpersonal problems. Aggression had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between ego-resiliency and interpersonal problems, and aggression was explained to a level of 23%. (4) Conclusions: To lower interpersonal problems among nursing students, it is necessary to develop education and programs to improve ego-resiliency and to control aggression.
SfM Photogrammetric Techniques Applied in the Building Archaeology Works of the Old Cloister of the Monastery of San Francisco from the 16th Century (Cazalla de la Sierra, Seville)
Authors: León-Bonillo Manuel José , Mejías-García Juan Carlos , Martínez-Álvarez Rubén , Pérez-Romero Antonio Miguel , León-Ortíz Cristina , Marín-Buzón Carmen
Published: December 2022

The cloister from the old monastery of San Francisco (Cazalla de la Sierra, Seville) has been suffering a series of remodeling transformations from its original construction in the 16th century to the current day. Thus, a study of building archaeology needed to be accomplished by using photogrammetric techniques by SfM (Structure from Motion) and laser scanning or TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning), which ensure the geometric exactitude and high resolution of the facings surveying. For that, over 500 images were taken for the 4 existing facings (about 78 lineal meters) from which a photogrammetric model was obtained of over 50 million polygons, as well as a cloud of over 40 million points from the laser scanning. It can be concluded that by using the techniques of SfM, the task of documenting, analyzing and studying the facings of the historical building in order to establish its evolutional process gains not only precision and exactitude but also opens the possibility to go further by obtaining products that are capable of helping us conserve, restore and protect the historical heritage, as well as generate the 3D virtualizations planned for the diffusion.
Impact of Blue Light on Plant Growth, Flowering and Accumulation of Medicinal Flavones in Scutellaria baicalensis and S. lateriflora
Authors: Costine Blake , Zhang Mengzi , Pearson Brian , Nadakuduti Satya Swathi
Published: December 2022

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Baikal skullcap) and S. lateriflora (American skullcap) are two ethnobotanical medicinal plants used to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, and inflammatory disorders, in addition to demonstrated anti-cancer properties. The predominant bioactive compounds produced in these species are unique 4′-deoxyflavones, in roots of S. baicalensis and leaves of S. lateriflora, making these two species suitable to study the effects of light quality on flavone accumulation in aerial and underground tissues. Light emitting diodes were used to study the impact of blue-dominated spectrum on the accumulation of bioactive flavones. Eight major flavones, including 4′-deoxyflavones baicalein, wogonin, baicalin, wogonoside and chrysin, along with 4′-hydroxyflavones scutellarein, scutellarin and apigenin, were quantified using HPLC in high flavone accumulating tissues. Aerial tissues directly exposed to blue light in S. lateriflora showed an increase in the concentrations of scutellarein by 18.7%, scutellarin by 296%, and baicalin by 31.6%. While the roots in S. baicalensis also had significant increases in baicalein by 154% and wogonin by 76% in response to blue light, there was a slight reduction in their respective glycosides baicalin and wogonoside as well as a decrease in total flavone content. Blue light resulted in compact skullcap plants with early flowering and modified flavone profiles.
Evaluation of Color, Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Mulberry Fruit (Morus alba L.) during Ripening
Authors: Saensouk Surapon , Senavongse Rattanavalee , Papayrata Chanakran , Chumroenphat Theeraphan
Published: December 2022

Mulberry fruits are used for food, cosmetics and medicine. Several phytochemical and bioactive compounds in mulberry fruits are widely used for health benefits. During the ripening stage of mulberry fruits, different phytochemicals are present. This study investigates color, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in mulberry fruit during seven ripening stages. The results indicate that the color changes from green to purple. The green stage contains high levels of vitamin c (12 mg/gDW), while the purple stage has the highest sugar levels, particularly fructose (241 mg/gDW) and glucose (171 mg/gDW). Trends of amino acids, anthocyanin and vitamin C increased initially, peaking in M6 and then declined in the final ripening stage (M7). Phenolic acid, flavonoids and γ-aminobutyric increased when the ripening level increased. The antioxidants activity was analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. It was found to have the highest contents in M7 at 19 mgTE/gDW (DPPH) and 22 mg FeSO4/gDW (FRAP), which were positively correlated with the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. This study provides information on mulberry fruit during ripening that should be helpful in designing products while maintaining its high antioxidant content, excellent bioactivity and quality for use in food, cosmetics and medicine.
Wetland Vulnerability Metrics as a Rapid Indicator in Identifying Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigate Coastal Flooding
Authors: Pricope Narcisa , Shivers Greer
Published: December 2022

Flood mitigation in low-gradient, tidally-influenced, and rapidly urbanizing coastal locations remains a priority across a range of stakeholders and communities. Wetland ecosystems act as a natural flood buffer for coastal storms and sea level rise (SLR) while simultaneously providing invaluable benefits to urban dwellers. Assessing the vulnerability of wetlands to flood exposure under different SLR scenarios and vegetation responses to climatic variability over time allows for management actions, such as nature-based solutions, to be implemented to preserve wetland ecosystems and the services they provide. Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are a type of green infrastructure that can contribute to flood mitigation through the management and restoration of the ecosystems that provide socio-environmental benefits. However, identifying the flood mitigation potential provided by wetlands and the suitability for NBS implementation depends on the ecological condition and environmental exposure. We propose that wetland vulnerability assessments can be used as a rapid method to quantify changes in ecosystem dynamics and flood exposure and to prioritize potential locations of NBSs implementation. We quantified exposure risk using 100- and 500-year special flood hazard areas, 1–10 ft of sea level rise scenarios, and high-tide flooding and sensitivity using timeseries analyses of Landsat 8-derived multispectral indices as proxies for wetland conditions at subwatershed scales. We posit that wetland areas that are both highly vulnerable to recurrent flooding and degrading over time would make good candidate locations for NBS prioritization, especially when they co-occur on or adjacently to government-owned parcels. In collaboration with local governmental agencies responsible for flood mitigation in the coastal sub-watersheds of the City of New Bern and New Hanover County, North Carolina, we conducted field verification campaigns and leveraged local expert knowledge to identify optimal NBS priority areas. Our results identified several government-owned parcels containing highly vulnerable wetland areas that can be ranked and prioritized for potential NBS implementation. Depending on the biophysical characteristics of the area, NBS candidate wetland types include brackish and freshwater marshes and riverine swamp forests, even though the predominant wetland types by area are managed loblolly pinelands. This study underscores the critical importance of conserving or restoring marshes and swamp forests and provides a transferable framework for conducting scale-invariant assessments of coastal wetland condition and flood exposure as a rapid method of identifying potential priority areas for nature-based solutions to mitigate coastal flooding.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Energy-Related Pro-Environmental Behaviour of Employees in Hospitality Industry
Authors: Zhang Huan , Omhand Khaoula , Li Huaizheng , Ahmad Aqeel , Samad Sarminah , Gavrilut Darie , Badulescu Daniel
Published: December 2022

Tourism and hospitality are at a crossroads. The growth and developmental potential of these industries indicate the economic benefits for an associated nation at one end. However, the environmental issues related to tourism and hospitality create challenges for the administration at another end. In most cases, a sheer amount of carbon emission in hospitality lies with energy consumption, especially electrical energy. However, past studies on environmental management have mainly focused on the supply side of energy (production) and left the terrain of the demand side (consumption by individuals) unattended. Recently, behavioral scientists have indicated that corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions of a firm can promote sustainable behavior among individuals, including employees. We tend to spark this discussion from an energy consumption perspective by investigating the relationship between CSR and energy-related pro-environmental behavior of employees (EPB) in the hospitality sector of a developing country (Pakistan). To understand the underlying mechanism of this relationship, this study proposes the mediating role of green intrinsic motivation (GIM) and the moderating role of human emotions, e.g., employee admiration (ADM). We developed a theoretical model for which the data were gathered from different hotel employees with the help of a questionnaire. We used structural equation modeling for hypotheses testing. The empirical evidence indicated that CSR significantly predicts EPB, and there is a mediating role of GIM. The study also confirmed that ADM moderates this relationship. The findings of this study will be helpful for hotel administration to understand the profound importance of CSR-based actions to promote energy-related sustainable behavior among employees, e.g., EPB. Other implications for theory and practice have been highlighted in the main text of this draft.