bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revalorization of Melon By-Product to Obtain a Novel Sparkling Fruity-Based Wine
Authors: Salas-Millán José Ángel , Aguayo Encarna , Conesa-Bueno Andrés , Aznar Arantxa
Published: January 2023

Fresh melons not meeting cosmetic standards were revaluated into sparkling melon-based wine. Firstly, still melon wine was elaborated and bottled into 750 mL bottles, closed with a crown seal, and stored for 10-weeks at 14 °C. The oenological parameters and polar compounds in must, still wine, and during the sparkling process were evaluated during the experiment. The volatile profile was qualified by GC-MS, and the odor activity value (OAV) and relative odor contribution (ROC) were measured for aroma characterization. Results show that sparkling wine resulted in 12% v/v ethanol. Certain amino acids contributed to the transformation and increase of volatile compounds via Ehrlich’s pathway: leucine to isoamyl alcohol; valine to iso-butyl alcohol; and phenylalanine to phenethyl alcohol. The volatile compounds also increased after the first fermentation, principally in acetate and ethyl esters, and higher alcohols. Isoamyl acetate, ethyl decanoate, 3,6-nonadienyl acetate, and (E,Z)-nonadien-1-ol had the highest OAV and ROC values among the volatiles; this contributed to the sweet, fruity, banana, tropical, nutty and melon aroma in this sparkling wine. Sensory evaluation (100 to 40) was evaluated according to International Organisation of Vine and Wine compendium, the final product (10-week) scored 92 points, with great visual, nose, and taste values. This study demonstrates how by-products revalorization can provide new products such as this novel sparkling wine with a characteristic and distinctive aroma, good sensory acceptance and market potential.
Varietal Influence on the Formation of Bioactive Amines during the Processing of Fermented Cocoa with Different Pulp Contents
Authors: Silveira Paulo Túlio de Souza , Glória Maria Beatriz Abreu , Tonin Isabela Portelinha , Martins Marina Oliveira Paraíso , Efraim Priscilla
Published: January 2023

During cocoa processing, there can be the formation of bioactive amines, which are compounds that play relevant roles not only in plant development but also in human health. Thus, we aimed to investigate the presence and levels of bioactive amines during the processing of two important varieties of cocoa (PS 1319 and Parazinho). The seeds were fermented using five different pulp proportions: 100% (E1), 80% (E2), 60% (E3), and 0% (total pulp removal) (E4). The beans were fermented and dried on a farm following traditional procedures. Soon after, they were roasted and processed into chocolates with 60% cocoa in the laboratory. Bioactive amine contents were determined by ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC and fluorometric detection in the samples before, during, and after fermentation, after drying and roasting (nibs), and in the liquor and chocolate. The only amines found before processing in PS 1319 and Parazinho, respectively, in dry weight basis (dwb), were putrescine (pulp, 13.77 and 12.31; seed, 5.88 and 4.58) and serotonin (seed, 2.70 and 2.54). Fermentation was shorter for Parazinho (156 h) compared to PS 1319 (180 h). The changes in amines were affected by the cocoa variety. During drying, the presence of cadaverine stood out, appearing in all treatments of the PS 1319 variety, reaching 17.96 mg/kg dwb, and in two treatments of the Parazinho variety (100 and 60% pulp). During roasting, most of the amines decreased, except for phenylethylamine, which increased up to 2.47 mg/kg dwb for Parazinho and 1.73 mg/kg dwb for PS 1319. Most of the amines formed and built up (e.g., tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine) during fermentation were not available or were at low levels in the nibs. Most of the amines found during processing did not reach the final product (chocolate), except for cadaverine in PS 1319 without pulp (7.54 mg/kg dwb). Finally, we confirmed how pulp content, processing, and variety influence the content of bioactive amines in cocoa and chocolate. These changes can be better demonstrated through a heatmap and principal component analysis.
Identification of a Novel ACE Inhibitory Hexapeptide from Camellia Seed Cake and Evaluation of Its Stability
Authors: Zhu Qiaonan , Xue Jiawen , Wang Peng , Wang Xianbo , Zhang Jiaojiao , Fang Xuezhi , He Zhiping , Wu Fenghua
Published: January 2023

The camellia seed cake proteins (CP) used in this study were individually hydrolyzed with neutral protease, alkaline protease, papain, and trypsin. The results showed that the hydrolysate had the highest ACE inhibitory activity at 67.36 ± 0.80% after four hours of neutral protease hydrolysis. Val-Val-Val-Pro-Gln-Asn (VVVPQN) was then obtained through ultrafiltration, Sephadex G-25 gel chromatography separation, LC-MS/MS analysis, and in silico screening. VVVPQN had ACE inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.13 mg/mL (198.66 μmol/L), and it inhibited ACE in a non-competitive manner. The molecular docking indicated that VVVPQN can combine with ACE to form eight hydrogen bonds. The results of the stability study showed that VVVPQN maintained high ACE-inhibitory activity in weakly acidic and neutral environments and that heat treatment (20–80 °C) and Na+, Mg2+, as well as Fe3+ metal ions had little effect on the activity of VVVPQN. Moreover, it remained relatively stable after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. These results revealed that VVVPQN identified in camellia seed cake has the potential to be applied in functional food or antihypertensive drugs.
Effects of 6-Shogaol on Glucose Uptake and Intestinal Barrier Integrity in Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Jiao Wenya , Sang Yaxin , Wang Xianghong , Wang Shuo
Published: January 2023

As the main bioactive component in dried ginger, 6-shogaol has potential hypoglycemic activity, but its mechanism is still unclear. The process of carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption is closely related to the enzymatic activity of epithelial brush cells, expression of glucose transporters, and permeability of intestinal epithelial cells. Therefore, this study explored the hypoglycemic mechanism of 6-shogaol from the perspective of glucose uptake, absorption transport, and protection of intestinal barrier function. Based on molecular docking, the binding energy of 6-shogaol and α-glucosidase is −6.24 kcal/mol, showing a high binding affinity. Moreover, a-glucosidase enzymatic activity was reduced (−78.96%) when the 6-shogaol concentration was 500 µg/mL. After 6-shogaol intervention, the glucose uptake was reduced; the relative expression of glucose transporters GLUT2 and SGLT1 were down regulated; and tight junction proteins ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin were up regulated in differentiated Caco-2 cells. This study confirmed that 6-shogaol effectively inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase and has beneficial effects on glucose uptake, protection of intestinal barrier function, and promotion of intestinal material absorption.
Freshness Analysis of Raw Laver (Pyropia yenzoensis) Conserved under Supercooling Conditions
Authors: Lee Hyeonbo , Park Dong Hyeon , Kim Eun Jeong , Choi Mi-Jung
Published: January 2023

Freezing raw laver is unsuitable for the laver industry due to process characteristics and economic problems. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate supercooled storage to extend the storage period without freezing, rather than refrigeration. To compare and analyze the storage ability of supercooling, the experiment was performed under refrigeration (5 °C), constant supercooling (CS, −2 °C), stepwise supercooling (SS, −2 °C), and freezing (−18 °C) conditions for 15 days, and the physicochemical changes according to the treatment and period were investigated. All SS samples, which were designed for stable supercooling, were kept in a supercooled state for 15 days. Two samples among the twelve total subjected to CS were frozen. At 9 days, the drip losses of the CS and SS samples were 6.32% and 6.48%, respectively, which was two times lower than that of refrigeration and three times lower than that of the frozen samples. The VBN of the refrigerated samples was 108.33 mg/100 g at 6 days, which exceeded the decomposition criterion. Simultaneously, the VBN of the other treatments was under the decomposition criterion of 30 mg/100 g. However, the VBN of both supercooling samples at 15 days increased to higher than the decomposition criterion. Regarding appearance, the refrigerated samples showed tissue destruction at 9 days, but tissue destruction of the CS and CC samples was observed at 15 days, and tissue destruction of the frozen samples was not observed until 15 days. Consequently, supercooling did not maintain quality for longer periods than freezing, but it did extend the shelf life more than refrigeration, and effectively preserved the quality for a short period.
A Rapid Immunochromatographic Method Based on Gold Nanoparticles for the Determination of Imidacloprid on Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Suryoprabowo Steven , Wu Aihong , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Chuanlai , Guo Lingling
Published: January 2023

Imidacloprid (IMP) is toxic and a potential carcinogen that is most widely used as an insecticide for pest control and seed treatment. It is important to produce a rapid and sensitive assay for on-site monitoring. We have developed a novel lateral flow assay (LFA) using a sensitive monoclonal antibody (mAb) for monitoring IMP residues on fruits and vegetables. The 50% inhibition concentration result that was found when using the ELISA method was 0.247 ng mL−1, with the cut-off limits using the LFA method the result was 10 ng mL−1 (0.01 M PBS), and in the samples it was 20 ng mL−1 (with a recovery rate of 96–104.7% for Chinese cabbage, cowpea, apple, and pear samples, respectively). All of the results can be determined within seven minutes. The proposed LFA method is a valid, quick, and stable assay for the on-site detection of IMP in large numbers of samples.
Design, Modeling, and Implementation of Dual Notched UWB Bandpass Filter Employing Rectangular Stubs and Embedded L-Shaped Structure
Authors: Basit Abdul , Daraz Amil , Khan Muhammad Irshad , Saqib Najmus , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: January 2023

Targeting the range defined by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) in 2002 for ultra-passband bandpass filters, i.e., 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, this article presents a simple compact multipoles ultra-wideband bandpass filter (range starting from 2.9 GHz and end at 11.5 GHz with central frequency 7.2 GHz) using parallel coupled microstrip line and multimode resonator with controllable double narrow notched bands at 3.5 GHz and 7.5 GHz by embedded a spur line structure and rectangular stub resonator coupled to the middle section of the multimode resonator to eliminate the interference with the existing radio signals falls in the range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz, respectively. After optimization of the proposed filter, some attractive features were obtained, i.e., a compact size 21 mm × 5.2 mm, simple topology, good reflection coefficient lower than −18 dB, good passband transmission coefficient –1.1 dB over the entire fractional bandwidth of about 119.4%, and four transmission poles at 3.4 GHz, 4.6 GHz, 6.5 GHz, and 10 GHz, respectively, can be seen which improves the performance of the filter. Finally, the fabricated filter was tested, and the results obtained demonstrated an excellent agreement.
Diosmin-Loaded Nanoemulsion-Based Gel Formulation: Development, Optimization, Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Studies
Authors: Anwer Md. Khalid , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Iqbal Muzaffar , Almutairy Bjad K. , Soliman Gamal A. , Aboudzadeh M. Ali
Published: January 2023

The wound-healing process is complex and prone to interruption or failure, which can result in the development of chronic wounds that never heal. This can be overcome by seeking prompt medical attention, which will reduce the likelihood of complications and speed up the healing of the cutaneous wound. It has been established that functionalized engineered biomaterials are a possible strategy for starting skin wound care. The purpose of the current study is to develop a diosmin (DSM)-loaded nanoemulsion (NE)-based gel formulation and to investigate its wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity on rats. The DSM-loaded NEs (F1-F17) were developed and optimized with the help of Box–Behnken Design Expert. The DSM-Nes were developed using lauroglycol 90 (LG90®) as oil, Tween-80 as surfactant and transcutol-HP (THP) as co-surfactant. The optimized Nes showed globule size (41 ± 0.07 nm), polydispersity index (PDI) (0.073 ± 0.008) and percentage of entrapment efficiency (%EE) (87 ± 0.81%). This optimized DSM-loaded NEs (F1) was further evaluated and incorporated into 1% carbopol 940 gel. F1-loaded gel was then characterized for drug content, spreadability, in vitro release, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory studies. The developed gel of DSM was found to show significantly better (p < 0.05) wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activity.
Patients’ Perspectives of Interprofessional Collaboration in Breast Cancer Unit
Authors: Kurniasih Dea Anita Ariani , Setiawati Elsa Pudji , Pradipta Ivan Surya , Subarnas Anas
Published: January 2023

Interprofessional teamwork provides significant benefits for patients. However, qualitative research on interprofessional collaboration in the breast cancer unit is uncommon. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted to assess the perceptions of outpatient breast cancer patients regarding interprofessional collaboration in the breast care unit of an Indonesian referral center hospital. The teamwork involved in the interprofessional collaboration included breast cancer specialists, pharmacists, and nurses. In this study, in-depth interviews were performed with nine breast cancer outpatients. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings were divided into two categories to gather breast cancer patients’ viewpoints on interprofessional collaboration: (1) obstacle components to interprofessional collaboration: incompleteness of health personnel, no justification from health personnel, no knowledge of patients about health professionals, no involvement of patients in the therapy decision making; (2) enabling elements: patient-oriented, patient expectations, collaboration among healthcare personnel, patient participation in interprofessional collaboration, health personnel responsibilities, comprehensive hospital services. Respondents assumed interprofessional collaboration positively. However, several obstacles must be overcome to implement interprofessional collaboration in a breast care setting effectively. The research findings can be utilized to establish interprofessional collaborations aimed at improving quality healthcare in breast cancer units.
Physical Therapists’ Ethical and Moral Sensitivity: A STROBE-Compliant Cross-Sectional Study with a Special Focus on Gender Differences
Authors: Moreno-Segura Noemí , Fuentes-Aparicio Laura , Fajardo Sergio , Querol-Giner Felipe , Atef Hady , Sillero-Sillero Amalia , Marques-Sule Elena
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Healthcare professionals´ clinical practice, their care of patients and the clinical decision-making process may be influenced by ethical and moral sensitivity. However, such outcomes have been scarcely studied in physical therapists. This study aimed to explore ethical sensitivity and moral sensitivity in practicing physical therapists, and to compare both variables by gender. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. 75 physical therapists (58.7% women; average age = 34.56 (8.68) years) were asked to fill in questionnaires measuring ethical sensitivity (Ethical Sensitivity Scale Questionnaire) and moral sensitivity (Revised-Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire). (3) Results: The sample showed high ethical sensitivity (116.14 ± 15.87 over 140) and high moral sensitivity (40.58 ± 5.36 over 54). When comparing by gender, women reported significantly higher ethical sensitivity than men (p = 0.043), as well as higher scores in the following dimensions: Caring by connecting with others (p = 0.012) and Working with interpersonal and group differences (p = 0.028). However, no differences were found in moral sensitivity (p = 0.243). (4) Conclusion: Physical therapists showed high levels of ethical and moral sensitivity, whilst women reported higher ethical sensitivity than men. Understanding physical therapists´ ethical and moral sensitivity is essential to design and implement integrated education programs directed to improve the quality of care of patients in their daily clinical practice.
The Intimate Soul of the Pyres: New Archaeological Data from the Terre di Rogo (Pyre Debris) of Pre-Roman Necropolis in Padua (Northern Italy)
Authors: Corti Cristina , Motella De Carlo Sila , Rampazzi Laura
Published: January 2023

The ‘terre di rogo’ (pyre debris) are black-coloured layers resulting from the crematory pyres, placed inside graves within the ritual of secondary deposition and containing different materials, including cremation slags. The characterisation of the slags, until now rarely conducted by chemical techniques, can provide useful data to explain more precisely the protocol of the funeral ritual and to better understand the effects of fire during cremation for the accumulation of pyre debris. In this study, a fast screening method using ATR-mode infrared spectroscopy is proposed, which may highlight the need for further investigations with SEM and XRD. The protocol was tested on the black and irregularly shaped cremation slags from the pyre debris of two Iron Age cremation necropolises in Padua (northern Italy). The results of the analysis identified several types of cremation slags within each individual pyre ground and the presence of bone fragments exposed to different intensities of combustion during cremation.
From the Sea to the Land: An Archaeological Study of Iberian Footwear during the Early Modern Period
Authors: Pinto Carla Alferes , Garcia Ana Catarina , Fragoso Íris
Published: January 2023

The study of Early Modern Iberian footwear is taking its first steps. Both historiography and archaeological research have devoted little attention to this issue and organic remains found in excavation even tend to be discarded. This paper will address the results of DRESS project’s questioning about courtly footwear, whose research benefited from a multidisciplinary team that included archaeologists familiar with the assemblages from which it was still possible to recover remains for analysis. The data provided and analysed starts with the study of the footwear evidence found in the Angra D shipwreck (Azores), a 16th century site. However, we soon noticed that this isolated study did not comprehensively provide information on the subject and two other intertidal archaeological sites were added: assemblages from Santa Clara-a-Velha (Poor Clares) Monastery in Coimbra (late 16th and 17th century), situated on the south bank of the Mondego River, and archaeological remains from the Campo das Cebolas (Old Market), on Lisbon waterfront (16th–17th century). Data from three archaeological sites were collected, drawn, and analysed, and a comparative methodology was applied. In the absence of syntheses for Iberian world, we used both critical bibliographies pertaining to North European collections and visual parallels, resulting on the first typological series of Iberian footwear.
Spatial Form and Conservation Strategy of Sishengci Historic District in Chengdu, China
Authors: Liang Wen , Ahmad Yahaya , Mohidin Hazrina Haja Bava
Published: January 2023

The historic district is a carrier to show the urban landscape, and the analysis of the spatial form of the historic district from human behavioral activities is beneficial to grasp the social and functional attributes of the space. Combining with the spatial layout of the Sishengci historic district, the overall spatial structure of the Sishengci historic district is analyzed in terms of integration, connectivity, control, depth, and intelligibility by using the analysis of the axial lines in space syntax through the relationship diagram and quantitative description of the syntax. Based on the findings, targeted conservation strategies are proposed, namely the conservation of the core area of the district, the shaping of the local spirit, and the reconstruction of the social space, which have a guiding significance for the conservation and renewal of the Sishengci historic district.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Dactylonectria macrodidyma as Causal Agent of a Severe Prunus lusitanica Dieback in Italy
Authors: Pecchia Susanna , Caggiano Benedetta , Da Lio Daniele , Resta Emilio
Published: January 2023

During the summer of 2016, severe dieback was observed on young potted Prunus lusitanica (Portugal laurel) plants in a nursery in the Pistoia province (Tuscany, Italy). Cylindrocarpon-like isolates were consistently recovered from diseased plant tissues. The combination of morphological and molecular traits, including sequence data of histone 3 and β-tubulin genes (HIS3, TUB2) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS), allowed the identification of Dactylonectria macrodidyma (Halleen, Schroers & Crous) L. Lombard & Crous (asexual form Cylindrocarpon macrodidymum) as the causal agent of the disease. Pathogenicity tests reproduced disease symptoms observed in the nursery after six months fulfilling Koch’s postulates. D. macrodidyma is a soilborne plant pathogen and is to be considered of great economic importance on P. lusitanica, especially under favorable conditions such as stress and/or reduction of plant vitality. The increasingly frequent reports of the disease caused by the pathogen in various nurseries suggest that pot cultivation, together with prolonged drought periods, may play a role in favoring infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide of the occurrence of dieback on Prunus lusitanica caused by D. macrodidyma.
Health Consequences of Intensive E-Gaming: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shen Yinhao , Cicchella Antonio
Published: January 2023

The aim of this review is to examine the links among the different factors that determine harmful or even deadly events in professional and semiprofessional intensive Esports players. Cases of serious injuries or even death in young (<35 years old) male professional Esports players are reported every year. Fatalities and injuries in professional Esports players (PEGS) have only affected male players, and these events have mostly been concentrated in Asia. Studies in the literature have reported several causes and mechanisms of injuries. Links between injuries and previous comorbidities have emerged from the extant literature; obesity and/or metabolic disorders, seizures (associated with overstimulation of the eyes), heart malfunctions, high basal and abrupt increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP), prolonged stress, and poor posture have been associated with injuries. Several clinical signs have been identified and the question emerges whether or not self-regulation by Esports associations or public health authorities is necessary.
Examining the Nonlinear Effects of Residential and Workplace-built Environments on Active Travel in Short-Distance: A Random Forest Approach
Authors: Guo Liang , Yang Shuo , Peng Yuqing , Yuan Man
Published: January 2023

Environmental pollution and health problems caused by the excessive use of motor vehicles have received widespread attention from all over the world. Currently, research lacks attention to the nonlinear effects of the built environment on short-distance active travel choices. It is important to understand these non-linear correlations, because it would be more feasible and necessary to promote a shift from car users to walking and cycling mode choices over short commuting distances. A random forest model was used to analyze the nonlinear effects of residents’ social characteristics and the built environment of their homes and workplaces on their choice of walking and cycling. The results show that the built environment has a greater impact on short-distance active travel than the socio-demographics attributes. Residential and workplace-built environments have equal importance and they have significant non-linear effects on both short-distance walking and cycling. The nonlinear effects of the built environment on walking and cycling differed significantly, and the study specifically revealed these effects.
The Relationship of Artificial Intelligence Opportunity Perception and Employee Workplace Well-Being: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xu Guanglu , Xue Ming , Zhao Jidi
Published: January 2023

Several previous studies have revealed a positive relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) technology development and employees’ employment, income, and job performance. If individuals can seize the opportunity to master the knowledge and skills relevant to the implementation of AI, they could make career progress and improve their workplace well-being (WWB). Based on the transactional theory of stress and resource conservation theory, we constructed a moderated mediation model to explore the relationship between AI opportunity perception and employees’ WWB and examine the mediating factor of informal learning in the workplace (ILW), as well as the moderating factor of unemployment risk perception (URP). Through a survey of 268 employees, our results showed the following: (1) AI opportunity perception was significantly positively correlated with employees’ WWB; (2) ILW played a mediating role in the positive relationship between AI opportunity perception and employees’ WWB; and (3) URP negatively moderated the mediating relationship of ILW between AI opportunity perception and employees’ WWB. Our research results have a guiding significance for enterprises seeking to promote WWB during AI application.
Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde Exposure in “Non-Traditional” Occupational Sectors: Bakeries and Pastry Producers
Authors: Miligi Lucia , Piro Sara , Airoldi Chiara , Di Rico Renato , Ricci Raffaella , Paredes Alpaca Rudy Ivan , De Pasquale Fabrizio , Veraldi Angela , Ranucci Alessandra , Massari Stefania , Marinaccio Alessandro , Stoppa Giorgia , Cenni Anna , Trane Cinzia , Peruzzi Antonio , Aprea Maria Cristina
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Formaldehyde, a colorless and highly irritating substance, causes cancer of the nasopharynx and leukemia. Furthermore, it is one of the environmental mutagens to which humans are most abundantly exposed. Acetaldehyde was recently classified as carcinogen class 1B and mutagen class 2 in Annex VI EC regulation. Occupational exposure to the two aldehydes occurs in a wide variety of occupations and industries. The aim of this study is to deepen exposure to the two aldehydes in the non-traditional productive sectors of bakeries and pastry producers. Methods. The evaluation of exposure to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was conducted in Italy in 2019, in specific tasks and positions of 11 bakeries and pastry producers (115 measures, of which 57.4% were in fixed positions and the rest were personal air sampling). The measurements were performed using Radiello© radial diffusion samplers. A logarithmic transformation of the data was performed, and the correlation between the two substances was calculated. Moreover, linear models considering the log-formaldehyde as the outcome and adjusting for log-acetaldehyde values were used. Results. The study identified high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde exposure in the monitored workplaces. Higher mean values were observed in the leavening phase (8.39 µg/m3 and 3.39 µg/m3 for log-transformed data acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, respectively). The adjusted univariate analyses show statistically significant factors for formaldehyde as the presence of yeast, the presence of type 1 flour, the use of barley, the use of fats, the type of production, the use of spelt, and the presence of type 0 flour. Conclusions. The measurements confirmed the release of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in bakeries and pastry industries, especially in some phases of the work process, such as leavening.
Recent Advances in the Ecology of Bloom-Forming Raphidiopsis (Cylindrospermopsis) raciborskii: Expansion in China, Intraspecific Heterogeneity and Critical Factors for Invasion
Authors: Zheng Ling , Liu Yang , Li Renhui , Yang Yiming , Jiang Yongguang
Published: January 2023

Water blooms caused by the invasive cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii occur in many reservoirs in the tropical and subtropical regions of China. In recent decades, this species has spread rapidly to temperate regions. Phenotypic plasticity and climate warming are thought to promote the worldwide dispersion of R. raciborskii. However, investigations into the genetic and phenotypic diversities of this species have revealed significant intraspecific heterogeneity. In particular, competition between R. raciborskii and Microcystis aeruginosa was highly strain dependent. Although the concept of an ecotype was proposed to explain the heterogeneity of R. raciborskii strains with different geographic origins, microevolution is more reasonable for understanding the coexistence of different phenotypes and genotypes in the same environment. It has been suggested that intraspecific heterogeneity derived from microevolution is a strong driving force for the expansion of R. raciborskii. Additionally, temperature, nutrient fluctuations, and grazer disturbance are critical environmental factors that affect the population establishment of R. raciborskii in new environments. The present review provides new insights into the ecological mechanisms underlying the invasion of R. raciborskii in Chinese freshwater ecosystems.
Microbial Profiles of Meat at Different Stages of the Distribution Chain from the Abattoir to Retail Outlets
Authors: Rani Zikhona Theodora , Mhlongo Lindokuhle Christopher , Hugo Arno
Published: January 2023

Meat has been found to be a prime vehicle for the dissemination of foodborne pathogens to humans worldwide. Microbial meat contaminants can cause food-borne diseases in humans. The threat to consumers by microbial meat contaminants necessitates the studying of meat microbial loads to prevent potential illnesses in consumers. Studies investigating the meat microbial loads in South Africa are limited. The objective of this study was to compare microbial contamination of different meat types from low-throughput (LTA) and high-throughput abattoirs (HTA) at three stages of the distribution chain from abattoir to retail outlets. Beef, pork, and mutton (n = 216) carcasses were sampled: during the loading process at the abattoirs, when off-loading at the supply points and during marketing. All samples were subjected to total bacterial count (TBC), coliform count (CC), presumptive Escherichia coli (E. coli) (PEC) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) detection. In mutton, TBC dominated at loading, CC was similar across distribution chain stages, PEC was the predominant microbial contaminant at the offloading stage at the HTA, but TBC was affected at loading, CC was similar across distribution chain stages, PEC was affected at loading, and S. aureus was affected at the display stage at the LTAs. In beef, TBC had similar levels at loading; CC and PEC dominated at the display stage for the HTAs. However, TBC was affected at the display stage; CC was similar across stages; PEC was affected at the offloading stage at the LTAs. In pork, higher contamination levels were discovered at the display stage, CC dominated at the loading stage, with PEC detected at offloading at the HTAs but TBC, CC, PEC and S. aureus were similar across stages at the LTAs. TBC, CC and PEC were affected by the storage period and meat supplier to meat shop distance whereas distance affected the TBC, CC and PEC. Meat supplier to meat shop distance negatively correlated with meat distribution chain stage but positively correlated with TBC, CC and PEC such as temperature. Temperature positively correlated with meat distribution chain stage and shop class. Meat distribution chain stage was negatively correlated with storage period, TBC, CC and PEC but positively correlated with shop class. Shop class negatively correlated with storage period, TBC, CC and PEC. Storage period positively correlated with TB, CC and PEC. TBC and meat type positively correlated with CC and PEC. CC positively correlated with PEC but negatively correlated with S. aureus such as PEC. In conclusion, mutton, pork and beef meat are susceptible to microbial contamination at distribution chain stages in abattoirs.
The Impact of a Recent Concussion on College-Aged Individuals with Co-Occurring Anxiety: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Greenberg Jonathan , Kanaya Millan R. , Bannon Sarah M. , McKinnon Ellen , Iverson Grant L. , Silverberg Noah D. , Parker Robert A. , Giacino Joseph T. , Yeh Gloria Y. , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: January 2023

College-aged individuals with anxiety are vulnerable to developing persistent concussion symptoms, yet evidence-based treatments for this population are limited. Understanding these individuals’ perspectives is critical for developing effective interventions. We conducted qualitative interviews with 17 college-aged individuals (18–24 years old) with a recent (≤10 weeks) concussion and at least mild anxiety (≥5 on the GAD-7 questionnaire) to understand the life impact of their concussion. We identified 5 themes: (1) disruption to daily activities (e.g., reduced participation in hobbies and physical activity); (2) disruption to relationships (e.g., reduced social engagement, feeling dismissed by others, stigma, and interpersonal friction); (3) disruptions in school/work (e.g., challenges participating due to light sensitivity, cognitive or sleep disturbance, and related emotional distress); (4) changes in view of the self (e.g., feeling “unlike oneself”, duller, or more irritable), and (5) finding “silver linings” after the injury (e.g., increased motivation). Concussions impact the lives of college-aged individuals with co-occurring anxiety in a broad range of domains, many of which remain largely neglected in standard concussion clinical assessment and treatment. Assessing and addressing these issues has the potential to limit the negative impact of concussion, promote recovery, and potentially help prevent persistent concussion symptoms in this at-risk population.
Towards Process-Oriented Hospital Structures; Drivers behind the Development of Hospital Designs
Authors: van Wijngaarden Jeroen D. H. , Braam Anoek , Buljac-Samardžić Martina , Hilders Carina G. J. M.
Published: January 2023

Hospitals have been encouraged to develop more process-oriented designs, structured around patient needs, to better deal with patients suffering from multi-morbidity. However, most hospitals still have traditional designs built around medical specialties. We aimed to understand how hospital designs are currently developing and what the important drivers are. We built a typology to categorize all Dutch general hospitals (61), and we interviewed hospital managers and staff. The inventory showed three types of hospital building blocks: units built around specific medical specialties, clusters housing different medical specialty units, and centers; multi-specialty entities provide the most suitable structure for a process-oriented approach. Only some Dutch hospitals (5) are mainly designed around centers. However, most hospitals are slowly developing towards hybrid designs. Competitive drivers are not important for stimulating these redesigns. Institutional pressures from within the health care sector and institutional ‘mimicking’ are the main drivers, but the specific path they take is dependent on their ‘heritage’. We found that hospital structures are more the result of incremental, path-dependent choices than ‘grand-designs’. Although the majority of the Dutch general hospitals still have a general design built around medical specialties, most hospitals are moving towards a more process-oriented design.
Kaahaajat: Finnish Attitudes towards Speeding
Authors: O’Hern Steve , Vuorio Valtteri , Stephens Amanda N.
Published: January 2023

People driving in excess of the posted speed limit (referred to as speeding in English or Kaahaajat in Finnish) is a common road user behaviour. In Finland, between 2000 and 2020, speeding was identified as the key contributing factor in 41% of fatal motor vehicle collisions. This may be because disregarding speed limits on motorways and on residential roads are the most common violations performed by Finnish drivers. This study identifies factors influencing speeding while driving in Finland. In particular, 703 responses from Finnish drivers of the ESRA2 (E-Survey of Road users’ Attitudes) were analysed to understand the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) factors underpinning speeding behaviours in three road environments: inside built-up areas; outside of built-up areas; and on motorways and freeways. Three binary logistic regression analyses were used to understand which elements of TPB were associated with self-reported speeding in each of these environments. Approximately two thirds of participants reported speeding in each of the three road environments. Attitudes and subjective norms were associated with speeding in built-up areas and on motorways or freeways. In addition, perceived behavioural control and age were significantly associated with speeding outside of built-up areas. The findings highlight how a systematic approach is needed to address speeding considering enforcement, engineering, legislation, and education.
Automatic Detection of Aerobic Threshold through Recurrence Quantification Analysis of Heart Rate Time Series
Authors: Zimatore Giovanna , Serantoni Cassandra , Gallotta Maria Chiara , Guidetti Laura , Maulucci Giuseppe , De Spirito Marco
Published: January 2023

During exercise with increasing intensity, the human body transforms energy with mechanisms dependent upon actual requirements. Three phases of the body’s energy utilization are recognized, characterized by different metabolic processes, and separated by two threshold points, called aerobic (AerT) and anaerobic threshold (AnT). These thresholds occur at determined values of exercise intensity(workload) and can change among individuals. They are considered indicators of exercise capacities and are useful in the personalization of physical activity plans. They are usually detected by ventilatory or metabolic variables and require expensive equipment and invasive measurements. Recently, particular attention has focused on AerT, which is a parameter especially useful in the overweight and obese population to determine the best amount of exercise intensity for weight loss and increasing physical fitness. The aim of study is to propose a new procedure to automatically identify AerT using the analysis of recurrences (RQA) relying only on Heart rate time series, acquired from a cohort of young athletes during a sub-maximal incremental exercise test (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test, CPET) on a cycle ergometer. We found that the minima of determinism, an RQA feature calculated from the Recurrence Quantification by Epochs (RQE) approach, identify the time points where generic metabolic transitions occur. Among these transitions, a criterion based on the maximum convexity of the determinism minima allows to detect the first metabolic threshold. The ordinary least products regression analysis shows that values of the oxygen consumption VO2, heart rate (HR), and Workload correspondent to the AerT estimated by RQA are strongly correlated with the one estimated by CPET (r > 0.64). Mean percentage differences are <2% for both HR and VO2 and <11% for Workload. The Technical Error for HR at AerT is <8%; intraclass correlation coefficients values are moderate (≥0.66) for all variables at AerT. This system thus represents a useful method to detect AerT relying only on heart rate time series, and once validated for different activities, in future, can be easily implemented in applications acquiring data from portable heart rate monitors.
The Effect of a Parent-Directed Program to Improve Infants’ Motor Skills
Authors: Pedersen Marlene Rosager Lund , Ibsen Bjarne , Dinkel Danae , Møller Niels Christian , Hestbæk Lise
Published: January 2023

Poor motor skills are associated with several factors that might delay children’s development. Therefore, early programs to promote a child’s motor development are essential. Within the first year of life, parents have a critical role in promoting their infant’s motor development. However, little research has explored parent-directed programs that promote infant development in a Scandinavian context. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a parent-directed program to improve infant motor development. Methods: Parents of infants received a parent-directed program that included guidance from health visitors on ways to promote motor development, videos with motor development activities and a bag with related materials. Two municipalities in Denmark took part in the study (one intervention, one control). Health visitors in both municipalities measured the infants’ age-appropriate motor skills once when the infants were between 9–11 months of age. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. Results: No difference was detected in motor development over time in the two municipalities regarding the proportion of children with age-appropriate motor skills. Conclusions: A parent-directed program in which parents were guided to play and encourage motor development with their infant showed no effect on infants’ age-appropriate motor skills at 9–11 months.
Cancer Care Team’s Management of Clinical Alerts Generated by Electronically Collected Patient Reported Outcomes: We Could Do Better
Authors: Rincones Orlando , Bamgboje-Ayodele Adeola , Arnold Anthony , Delaney Geoff P. , Durcinoska Ivana , Avery Sandra , Sandell Tiffany , Della-Fiorentina Stephen A. , Pearson Joanne ,   The PROMPT-Care Co-Authorship Group, Girgis Afaf
Published: January 2023

Electronically administered patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) are effective digital health tools for informing clinicians about cancer patients’ symptoms and facilitating timely patient-centred care. This paper describes the delivery of healthcare activities supported by the PROMPT-Care model, including ePROMs generated clinical alerts, cancer care team (CCT) response to alerts, and patients’ perceptions of the CCT response and ePROMs system. This mixed-methods study includes cancer patients from four cancer therapy centres in New South Wales, Australia. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected regarding clinical alert activity, CCT response, and patient perceptions of the CCT responses and ePROMs system. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Of the 328 participants whose care was informed by the digital health tool, 70.8% (n = 233) generated at least one alert during the trial period, with 877 alerts generated in total. Although 43.7% (n = 383) were actioned by the CCT, at least 80% of participants found follow-up CCT phone calls beneficial, with multiple benefits confirmed in interviews. The cancer care delivery arm of the PROMPT-Care trial involving clinical alerts to the CCT was positively perceived by most participants, resulting in a diverse range of benefits. However, further work is required, informed by implementation science, to improve the percentage of actioned clinical alerts.
Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI): Study Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study for a Multidimensional Assessment of Mental Health and Its Determinants
Authors: Catalini Alessandro , Mazza Clara , Cosma Claudia , Minutolo Giuseppa , De Nicolò Valentina , Gallinoro Veronica , Caminiti Marta , Ancona Angela , Stacchini Lorenzo , Berselli Nausicaa , Ferrari Eleonora , Cedrone Fabrizio , Gianfredi Vincenza ,   on behalf of the Working Group on “Public Mental Health” of the Medical Residents’ Assembly of the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a severe psychosocial crisis affecting patients, their relatives, friends, and healthcare professionals. In Italy, public health residents (PHRs) remain essential to the national response to the pandemic. To assess their mental sphere, the “Public Mental Health” working group of the medical residents’ Assembly of the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine has designed the Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI). This is a nation-wide cross-sectional study based on an 88-item self-administered voluntary survey that evaluates how sociodemographic variables are associated with mental issues, including wellness, eating disorders, sleeplessness, alcohol misuse, depression, and anxiety. Data will be gathered by disseminating a Google Forms link across the Assembly network of medical residents. All PHRs enrolled in a four-year program in one of the Italian postgraduate schools of public health will be qualified as participants. PHRASI aims to draw a comprehensive and detailed picture of the mental health state of Italian PHRs. PHRs are a significant group of healthcare professionals that may serve as a future benchmark for developing and enacting regulations intended to support the mental health of healthcare professionals.
Parental and Adolescent Educational Expectations and Adolescent Problem Behaviors: The Role of Deviant Peer Affiliations
Authors: Ouyang Yanwen , Ouyang Zirui , Xu Xizheng
Published: January 2023

The comprehensive theory model of problem behaviors proposed that expectations are important factors affecting adolescent problem behaviors. The purpose of this study is to explore the association between educational expectations (in this study, this includes parental educational expectations and adolescent selfeducational expectations) and problem behaviors based on the framework of the CTMPB to provide empirical support for the prevention and intervention of adolescent problem behaviors. This study used cross-sectional data from the 2014–2015 academic year of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) conducted by the China survey and data center at the Renmin University of China. A nationwide representative sample of 9936 junior high school students was selected. Among them, 4870 (52.2%) were female, and the average age was 14.52 years (SD = 0.67 years). The results revealed that adolescent selfeducational expectations and deviant peer affiliations played a contributory mediating role in the association between parental educational expectations and adolescent problem behaviors. Both parental educational expectations and adolescent selfeducational expectations are protective factors against adolescent problem behaviors, and enhancing the two factors can decrease the likelihood of adolescent engagement in problem behaviors. In addition, deviant peer affiliations are risk factors for adolescent problem behaviors and represent a mediating factor between educational expectations and adolescent problem behaviors. However, this study was only based on cross-sectional data, requiring further support by longitudinal or experimental studies.