bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canopy Interception of Different Rainfall Patterns in the Rocky Mountain Areas of Northern China: An Application of the Revised Gash Model
Authors: Qian Yunkai , Shi Changqing , Zhao Tingning , Lu Jinsheng , Bi Biao , Luo Guangtian
Published: October 2022

Canopy interception is an important part of forest ecosystem hydrological processes. It is the first stage of water distribution when rainfall reaches the canopy and has an important impact on nutrient inputs and water exchange. Pinus tabulaeformis is a main tree species in the rocky mountain areas of Northern China, and it is also a primary species for artificial afforestation. In previous studies of canopy interception, applications of the revised Gash model did not take rainfall characteristics into account. Therefore, in this study, rainfall patterns were divided according to the local rainfall characteristics in the rocky mountainous areas of Northern China. Rainfall was divided into three patterns. Rain pattern A was the main rainfall type. Rainfall patterns B and C were two types of rainstorms. Next, the revised Gash model was used to simulate Pinus tabulaeformis plantations under different rainfall patterns. The results showed that the canopy interception rate of Pinus tabulaeformis plantations in this area ranged from 14.7% to 17.9%. The revised Gash model can be used to simulate Pinus tabulaeformis plantations in the rocky mountainous areas of Northern China, with good simulation results for more than 80% of the conventional rainfall patterns. Furthermore, the canopy interception effect of simulated cumulative rainfall events was better than the individual rainfall event. The simulation effect for special rainfall patterns was not good, so it is necessary to improve the model parameters or collect more rainfall samples. These results can be used to explore the applicability of the revised Gash model in Pinus tabulaeformis plantations in the rocky mountain areas of Northern China. They also demonstrate different applicability of the model under different rainfall characteristics.
Chloroplast Genome Variation and Phylogenetic Analyses of Seven Dwarf Ornamental Bamboo Species
Authors: Zhou Binao , Yao Wenjing , Guo Chunce , Bian Lili , Ding Yulong , Lin Shuyan
Published: October 2022

Dwarf ornamental bamboos are a class of low shrub plants with minor interspecific morphological differences and are difficult to distinguish by traditional classification. In order to identify this type of bamboo species at the molecular level, we sequenced the genomes of the chloroplasts in seven species of dwarf ornamental bamboo: Pleioblastus argenteostriatus (Regel) Nakai, Pleioblastus fortunei (Van Houtte) Nakai, Pleioblastus pygmaeus (Miq.) Nakai, Pleioblastus pygmaeus ‘Disticha’, Sasaella glabra (Nakai) Koidz., Sasaella glabra ‘Albostriata’ and Sasaella kongosanensis ‘Aureostriatus’ using high-throughput sequencing. The quadripartite structure of the chloroplast genomes is typical, with sizes ranging from 139,031 bp (P. argenteostriatus) to 139,759 bp (S. kongosanensis ‘Aureostriatus’). The genomes contain 116 genes, including four rRNA genes, 30 tRNA genes and 82 protein-coding genes. Four hotspots, including ndhI-ndhA, trnC-rpoB, petB and ccsA, and a total of 46 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified as potential variable markers for species delimitation and population structure analysis. The phylogenetic analyses of chloroplast genomes of seven dwarf ornamental bamboos indicates that these bamboo species can be classified into three categories: Sasaella I, Pleioblastus II and Pleioblastus III. Except S. kongosanensis ‘Aureostriatus’, the other six species were distributed into two branches, indicating that both S.glabra and S. glabra ‘Albostriata’ belong to Pleioblastus Nakai genus. There are four mutations on the chloroplast genomes of S. glabra and S. glabra ‘Albostriata’, suggesting that the mutations may contribute to their obvious different leaf morphologies. Our study reveals the chloroplast structural variations and their phylogenetic relationship and mutation dynamics in seven dwarf ornamental bamboos and also facilitates studies on population genetics, taxonomy and interspecific identification in dwarf bamboo plants.
Production of Butyric Acid from Hydrolysate of Rice Husk Treated by Alkali and Enzymes in Immobilized Fermentation by Clostridium tyrobutyricum CtΔpta
Authors: Lin Yueying , Sun Wanjing , Wang Geng , Chen Haohan , Pei Xun , Jin Yuyue , Yang Shang-Tian , Wang Minqi
Published: October 2022

Rice husk, as a cellulose-rich by-product in agriculture, has been considered as a low-cost substrate for the production of bioethanol and chemicals. In this study, rice husk was pretreated with an alkali, followed by cellulose and β-glucosidase hydrolysis optimized by an orthogonal experiment and response surface methodology (RSM), respectively. Under the optimal treatment conditions, a hydrolysate containing a high reducing sugar yield (77.85%) was obtained from the rice husk. Then, the hydrolysate was used as a carbon substrate for butyric acid production through Clostridium tyrobutyricum Δpta fermentation. Compared to free-cell fermentation, higher concentrations of butyric acid (50.01 g/L vs. 40.8 g/L and 49.03 g/L vs. 27.49 g/L) were observed in immobilized-cell fermentation for the carbon source of glucose and hydrolysate, respectively. A final butyric acid concentration of 16.91 g/L, a yield of 0.31 g/g, and an overall productivity of 0.35 g/L/h from rice husk hydrolysate were obtained in the repeated-fed-batch mode. Taken together, rice husk hydrolysate can be effectively utilized for the bioproduction of butyrate with immobilized-cell fermentation.
β-Farnesene Production from Low-Cost Glucose in Lignocellulosic Hydrolysate by Engineered Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Bi Haoran , Xv Chenchen , Su Changsheng , Feng Pan , Zhang Changwei , Wang Meng , Fang Yunming , Tan Tianwei
Published: October 2022

β-Farnesene is value-added acyclic volatile sesquiterpene with wide applications in energy, industry, and agriculture. Producing high-value-added compounds from low-cost renewable feedstocks in engineered microbial cell factories is an environmentally friendly and economical process for β-farnesene biosynthesis. In this study, the potential for using engineered Yarrowia lipolytica to produce β-farnesene from lignocellulosic hydrolysate as the carbon source was investigated. An efficient biosynthetic pathway for β-farnesene production was established via iterative enhancement of multiple genes based on the high endogenous acetyl-CoA flux in Yarrowia lipolytica. Overexpression of mevalonate pathway genes and screening of β-farnesene synthase resulted in a β-farnesene titer of 245 mg L−1 in glucose media. Additional copies of mevalonate pathway genes and enhanced expression of HMG-CoA reductase and β-farnesene synthase further increased the titer of β-farnesene to 470 mg L−1. In addition, by combining metabolic engineering strategies using the lignocellulosic hydrolysate utilization strategy, the addition of Mg2+ promoted the production of β-farnesene, and the best-performing strain produced 7.38 ± 0.24 g L−1 β-farnesene from lignocellulosic hydrolysate media in a 2 L fermenter after 144 h. This study shows great potential for the sustainable production of β-farnesene from lignocellulosic biomass via engineered Yarrowia lipolytica.
Effect of Water Area and Waterweed Coverage on the Growth of Pond-Reared Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Tang Yongcheng , Peng Jiao , Chen Jiahao , Zhao Yunlin , Ding Yi , Dai Jingyi , Hu Zhiyuan , Huang Tian , Dong Meng , Xu Zhenggang
Published: October 2022

Water area and waterweed coverage are the key environmental factors for ecological breeding of Eriocheir sinensis in ponds. In order to explore the effects of above two factors on the growth of E. sinensis, three groups of experiments were set up: low coverage small area (C1S1), high coverage small area (C2S1), and high coverage large area (C2S2), and water environmental factors and the growth of E. sinensis were monitored. The results showed that the dissolved oxygen of ponds with different waterweed coverage was significantly different (p < 0.05), and the phosphate in ponds changed significantly from July to October (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that NH3-N and pH were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05). At the same time, there was a significant negative correlation between NH3-N and DO, H3PO4 and pH (p < 0.05). Further analysis of the relationship between surface area, waterweed coverage and environmental factors revealed that the surface area and waterweed coverage were closely related to NH3-N, H3PO4 and DO. From July to October, the differences in morphology and weight of E. sinensis in different ponds became more and more significant. In terms of growth rate, C1S1 with a small area and low coverage had a downward trend, while C2S1 and C2S2 were the opposite. In the final stage of the experiment, C2S2 had the highest yield (0.1311 kg/m2), and C1S1 had the lowest yield (0.0600 kg/m2). Then, the ponds with high waterweed coverage and large area can bring better benefits.
Effects of Fortified Laying Hen Diet with Moringa oleifera Leaves and Goji Berries on Cholesterol and Carotenoid Egg Content
Authors: Maisto Maria , Iannuzzo Fortuna , Schiano Elisabetta , Ciampaglia Roberto , Labanca Angiola , Montesano Domenico , Piccolo Vincenzo , Rossi Pasquale , Tenore Gian Carlo
Published: October 2022

The biofortification of basal laying hen feed with natural matrices can improve the beneficial potential of eggs produced without relying on artificial fortification. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hen diet supplementation with dried Moringa leaves (DML) and goji berries (DGB) on egg functional properties in terms of cholesterol and carotenoid content. Forty Lohman Brown Classic laying hens were randomly divided into four groups. The control group (G1) received the basal poultry diet, group G2 received a diet with 5% DML + 10% DGB, group G3 received a diet with 3% DML + 7% DGB, and group G4 received a diet with 15% DML. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that feed supplementation positively influenced the egg carotenoid content, with a valuable increase in xanthophylls concentration, especially lutein (+333.24% in G4, +258.15% in G2, +189.24% in G3, compared to G1). The same trend was also followed by the β-carotene concentration (+181.38% in G3 and +116.01% in G4, compared to G1). Furthermore, the eggs obtained from G3 showed the lowest cholesterol content (−47.08%). Additionally, the performed antioxidant assays showed maximum activity in G2 (+39.11 compared to G1 for the DPPH test) and in G4 (+31.11 compared to G1 for the ABTS test). In conclusion, the G2 experimental diet could be potentially used in poultry industries to produce “functional eggs”.
Consumer Characterization of Wet- and Dry-Aged Mutton Flavor Profile Using Check-All-That-Apply
Authors: Hastie Melindee , Torrico Damir , Li Zhenzhao , Ha Minh , Warner Robyn
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to assess if consumers could characterize wet- and dry-aged mutton flavor profiles using CATA (check-all-that-apply). A flavor lexicon was developed for mutton, and consumers assessed wet- and dry-aged mutton patties against this lexicon using CATA methodology. Results indicate that consumers most often associated caramel and roasted flavors with dry-aged patties, and “sheepy” and metallic flavors with wet-aged patties. Volatile analysis supported the consumer characterization as there were more Maillard reaction products, including pyrazines, which are associated with roasted and cooked flavors, found in the dry-aged patty volatile profile. More 1-octen-3-one, which is associated with metallic flavors, was found in the wet-aged patty volatile profile. These results provide validation that the lexicon utilized in this study (i) is suitable for the characterization of mutton flavor and (ii) will have applications for future investigations into the flavor components driving consumer liking for mutton.
Apple Flour in a Sweet Gluten-Free Bread Formulation: Impact on Nutritional Value, Glycemic Index, Structure and Sensory Profile
Authors: Beltrão Martins Rita , Nunes Maria Cristiana , Gouvinhas Irene , Ferreira Luís Miguel Mendes , Peres José Alcides , Barros Ana Isabel Ramos Novo Amorim , Raymundo Anabela
Published: October 2022

Baking bread without gluten presents many challenges generally related with poor sensorial and nutritional characteristics, and strategies to overcome this issue are needed. Despite many gluten-free (GF) bread studies, to the best of our knowledge, few are dedicated to sweet GF bread. Sweet breads have traditionally been an important type of food and are still frequently consumed worldwide. Apple flour is naturally GF, and is obtained from apples which do not accomplish market quality requirements and are being wasted. Apple flour was, therefore, characterized in terms of nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The aim of this work was to develop a GF bread with incorporation of apple flour, in order to study its effect on nutritional, technological, and sensory characteristics of sweet GF bread. Additionally, in vitro starch hydrolysis and glycemic index (GI) were also analyzed. Results demonstrated the influence of apple flour in dough’s viscoelastic behavior, increasing G’ and G’’. Regarding bread characteristics, apple flour led to better acceptance by the consumer, with firmness increasing (21.01; 26.34; 23.88 N), and consequently specific volume decreasing (1.38; 1.18; 1.13 cm3/g). In addition, an increase of bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity of the breads were revealed. As expected, the starch hydrolysis index increased, as well as GI. Nevertheless the values were really close to low eGI (56), which is a relevant result for a sweet bread. Apple flour showed good technological and sensory properties as a sustainable and healthy food ingredient for GF bread.
An Investigation on the Optimal Control for Hilfer Fractional Neutral Stochastic Integrodifferential Systems with Infinite Delay
Authors: Johnson Murugesan , Vijayakumar Velusamy
Published: October 2022

The main concern of this manuscript is to study the optimal control problem for Hilfer fractional neutral stochastic integrodifferential systems with infinite delay. Initially, we establish the existence of mild solutions for the Hilfer fractional stochastic integrodifferential system with infinite delay via applying fractional calculus, semigroups, stochastic analysis techniques, and the Banach fixed point theorem. In addition, we establish the existence of mild solutions of the Hilfer fractional neutral stochastic delay integrodifferential system. Further, we investigate the existence of optimal pairs for the Hilfer fractional neutral stochastic delay integrodifferential systems. We provide an illustration to clarify our results.
Characterization of Sugar Reduction in Model Confectionary Gels Using Descriptive Analysis
Authors: McKenzie Elle , Lee Youngsoo , Lee Soo-Yeun
Published: October 2022

Successful sugar reduction in food products mimics the sensory and functional properties of the full sugar counterpart. The initial step of sugar reduction is to determine how the absence of sugar affects these properties. Descriptive analysis was conducted on four gel types (gelatin, ι-carrageenan, κ-carrageenan, and konjac glucomannan) and a range of sugar concentrations from 0–20% w/v to create a sensory profile of model confectionary gels for comparison to instrumental texture profile analysis data. The sensory descriptive data were analyzed using analysis of variance and principal component analysis. Correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and partial least squares regression (PLS-R) were used to compare and correlate sensory and instrumental data. Regardless of sugar concentration, sensory analysis primarily clustered samples by gelling agent type, such as in the case of konjac glucomannan consistently being characterized as chewy. Cohesion and gumminess were correlated highly with melt-in-mouth and a jiggly texture, while adhesion and fracturability were negatively correlated. In the PLS-R samples biplot, gelatin and iota carrageenan samples were located near these attributes indicating their aptness as descriptors. In conclusion, descriptive analysis provided a more discriminating method for characterizing model confectionary gels.
Identification and Analysis of Immune-Related Gene Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Bingbing , Zhang Guanqi , Liu Yunxun , Wang Jianguo , Jiang Jianxin
Published: October 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originates from the hepatocytes and accounts for 90% of liver cancer. The study intends to identify novel prognostic biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients based on TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts. Methods: Differential analysis was employed to obtain the DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) of the TCGA-LIHC-TPM cohort. The lasso regression analysis was applied to build the prognosis model through using the TCGA cohort as the training group and the GSE14520 cohort as the testing group. Next, based on the prognosis model, we performed the following analyses: the survival analysis, the independent prognosis analysis, the clinical feature analysis, the mutation analysis, the immune cell infiltration analysis, the tumor microenvironment analysis, and the drug sensitivity analysis. Finally, the survival time of HCC patients was predicted by constructing nomograms. Results: Through the lasso regression analysis, we obtained a prognosis model of ten genes including BIRC5 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5), CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4), DCK (deoxycytidine kinase), HSPA4 (heat shock protein family A member 4), HSP90AA1 (heat shock protein 90 α family class A member 1), PSMD2 (Proteasome 26S Subunit Ubiquitin Receptor, Non-ATPase 2), IL1RN (interleukin 1 receptor antagonist), PGF (placental growth factor), SPP1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1), and STC2 (stanniocalcin 2). First, we found that the risk score is an independent prognosis factor and is related to the clinical features of HCC patients, covering AFP (α-fetoprotein) and stage. Second, we observed that the p53 mutation was the most obvious mutation between the high-risk and low-risk groups. Third, we also discovered that the risk score is related to some immune cells, covering B cells, T cells, dendritic, macrophages, neutrophils, etc. Fourth, the high-risk group possesses a lower TIDE score, a higher expression of immune checkpoints, and higher ESTIMATE score. Finally, nomograms include the clinical features and risk signatures, displaying the clinical utility of the signature in the survival prediction of HCC patients. Conclusions: Through the comprehensive analysis, we constructed an immune-related prognosis model to predict the survival of HCC patients. In addition to predicting the survival time of HCC patients, this model significantly correlates with the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we concluded that these ten immune-related genes (BIRC5, CDK4, DCK, HSPA4, HSP90AA1, PSMD2, IL1RN, PGF, SPP1, and STC2) serve as novel targets for antitumor immunity. Therefore, this study plays a significant role in exploring the clinical application of immune-related genes.
A Python Clustering Analysis Protocol of Genes Expression Data Sets
Authors: Agapito Giuseppe , Milano Marianna , Cannataro Mario
Published: October 2022

Gene expression and SNPs data hold great potential for a new understanding of disease prognosis, drug sensitivity, and toxicity evaluations. Cluster analysis is used to analyze data that do not contain any specific subgroups. The goal is to use the data itself to recognize meaningful and informative subgroups. In addition, cluster investigation helps data reduction purposes, exposes hidden patterns, and generates hypotheses regarding the relationship between genes and phenotypes. Cluster analysis could also be used to identify bio-markers and yield computational predictive models. The methods used to analyze microarrays data can profoundly influence the interpretation of the results. Therefore, a basic understanding of these computational tools is necessary for optimal experimental design and meaningful data analysis. This manuscript provides an analysis protocol to effectively analyze gene expression data sets through the K-means and DBSCAN algorithms. The general protocol enables analyzing omics data to identify subsets of features with low redundancy and high robustness, speeding up the identification of new bio-markers through pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, to demonstrate the effectiveness of our clustering analysis protocol, we analyze a real data set from the GEO database. Finally, the manuscript provides some best practice and tips to overcome some issues in the analysis of omics data sets through unsupervised learning.
Characterization of Fungal Melanins from Black Stains on Paper Artefacts
Authors: Melo Daniela , Paiva Tiago G. , Lopes João A. , Corvo Marta C. , Sequeira Sílvia O.
Published: October 2022

Melanins play a fundamental role in the biology and ecology of several fungal species. Unfortunately, this group of amorphous macromolecules also severely (and most times irreversibly) stains cultural heritage objects. Despite efforts made throughout the years, knowledge of the chemical composition and structure of melanins is still insufficient, which hampers the task of safely cleaning these colourants from cultural heritage materials in a targeted way without causing further deterioration. This work aimed therefore to contribute towards enlightening the characteristics of fungal melanins from three fungi that are common paper colonizers: Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum and Cladosporium cladosporioides. The extracted melanins were characterized by FTIR, Raman, UV-vis, Solid-State NMR and MALDI-TOF MS spectroscopies and the effect of inhibitors of DHN-melanin and DOPA-melanin pathways on colony pigmentation and growth was evaluated. Although all the extracted colourants show a predominantly aromatic structure with carbonyl and phenolic groups, some differences between the melanins can be highlighted. Melanins obtained from Ch. globosum and Cl. cladosporioides exhibited similar structures and composition and both presented DHN-melanin characteristics, while A. niger’s melanins revealed a more complex and ordered structure, with a higher prevalence of highly conjugated carbonyls than the others, besides the additional presence of a yellow/green component. These conclusions cannot be overlooked while selecting targeted cleaning methodologies for melanin stains on cultural heritage materials.
Social Stigma and Depression among Asymptomatic COVID-19 Carriers in Shanghai, China: The Mediating Role of Entrapment and Decadence
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Yingjie , Zhang Yinghuan , Wang Zhiqiang , Shi Dake , Liu Jialin , Yang Xiaodong , Xu Lulu , Cai Yong , Hu Fan
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Since the advent of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the coexistence between social stigma and depression symptoms (depression hereafter) in COVID-19 patients has been mentioned, but the mechanisms involved remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how the stigma affects depression during the mid-pandemic period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using non-probability sampling was conducted among asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers in Shanghai, China (April 2022). An online questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics and psychological traits. Logistic regression and path analysis were performed to analyze the depression risk factors and examine the mediation model, respectively. Results: A total of 1283 participants (59.6% men) were involved in this study, in which 44.7% of carriers reported having depression. Univariate analyses found that education level (OR 0.575; 95% CI 0.448–0.737) and doses of vaccine (OR 1.693; 95% CI 1.042–2.750), were significantly associated with depression among asymptomatic carriers. The association between social stigma and depression was fully mediated by their feelings of entrapment and decadence (indirect effect = 0.204, p < 0.001; direct effect = −0.059, p = 0.058). The mediating role of entrapment between stigma and depression was moderated by age group (estimate = 0.116, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Mental health issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are increasingly apparent in China and require urgent attention and responses. These findings provide new perspectives for the early prevention of depression in asymptomatic carriers.
Coagulation and Flocculation before Primary Clarification as Efficient Solutions for Low-Density Microplastic Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Jachimowicz Piotr , Cydzik-Kwiatkowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

Microplastic (MP) removal from wastewater was investigated using various types and doses of commercial coagulants (PIX, PAX) and flocculants (FPM, PEL, FCT) before primary clarification in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Dosing with FPM, PIX, and PEL caused small MPs (180–212 µm) to be transferred mainly to the settled sludge (up to 86.4% of MP at a dose of 5 mL FMP/m3), while dosing of FCT and PAX caused these MPs to be transferred to the floated sludge (up to 64% MP at a dose of 5 mL PAX/m3). The efficiency of MP removal from wastewater was the highest (90%) with 2.5 mL PAX/m3; the generated primary sludge had a low MP content and could be safely managed in subsequent stages of sludge treatment. At the highest doses, PIX significantly increased the removal of P-PO4 (up to 94%) and COD (up to 73%). FPM and FCT resulted in over 40% efficiency of ammonium removal—such disturbance in wastewater composition may negatively affect further biological treatment. Effective removal of MP in the mechanical part of WWTP resulting from coagulation and flocculation enables the safe use of the excess sludge for agricultural purposes.
Effects of a Resistance Training Protocol on Physical Performance, Body Composition, Bone Metabolism, and Systemic Homeostasis in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Amato Alessandra , Baldassano Sara , Vasto Sonya , Schirò Giuseppe , Davì Chiara , Drid Patrik , Dos Santos Mendes Felipe Augusto , Caldarella Rosalia , D’Amelio Marco , Proia Patrizia
Published: October 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairments and it is correlated with loss of bone mineral density. This study aimed to analyze the effects of resistance training on bone metabolism, systemic homeostasis, body composition, and physical performance in people with PD. Thirteen subjects (age 64.83 ± 5.70) with PD diagnosis were recruited. Participants performed neuromuscular tests, body composition assessment, and blood sample analysis at baseline, and after an 11 weeks-training period. Each training session lasted 90 min, three times a week. The participants had significant improvements in the timed up and go (p < 0.01), sit to stand (p < 0.01), dominant peg-board (p < 0.05), dominant foot-reaction time (p < 0.01), and functional reach tests (p < 0.05). They showed better pressure foot distributions in the left forefoot (p < 0.05) and hindfoot (p < 0.05) and increased cervical right lateral bending angle (p < 0.05). The protocol affects bone metabolism markers osteocalcin (p < 0.05), calcium (p < 0.01), PTH (p < 0.01), the C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) (p < 0.01), and vitamin D (p < 0.05). Eleven weeks of resistance training improved manual dexterity, static and dynamic balance, reaction time, cervical ROM, and reduced bone loss in people with PD.
Psychological Resilience and Adverse Mental Health Issues in the Thai Population during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Ruengorn Chidchanok , Awiphan Ratanaporn , Phosuya Chabaphai , Ruanta Yongyuth , Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Thavorn Kednapa , Nochaiwong Surapon
Published: October 2022

In light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the enormous amount of uncertainty caused by it, mental health issues have become a great concern. Evidence regarding the effects of psychological resilience on the Thai population is scarce. We evaluated psychological resilience during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with the risk of mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and health-related well-being. This cross-sectional study was a part of the HOME-COVID-19 project, which conducted an online survey of 4004 members of the general population in Thailand using the Brief Resilience Coping Scale. Logistic regression was performed to identify the association between psychological resilience and mental health issues and well-being. Groups with prevalence rates of 43.9%, 39.2%, and 16.9% were classified as low, moderate, and high resilient copers, respectively. Using high resilient copers as a reference group, the low resilient copers had a higher chance of having mental health adversities. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–2.56; p < 0.001) for depression, 2.13 (95% CI, 1.45–3.14; p < 0.001) for anxiety, 4.61 (95% CI, 3.30–6.45; p < 0.001) for perceived stress, and 3.18 (95% CI, 2.31–4.38; p < 0.001) for low well-being. For the medium resilient copers, only low well-being was found to be statistically significant (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.16–2.20; p = 0.004). It is important that resilience be considered in the development of strategies for managing the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent or reduce adverse mental health outcomes.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use by Rural–Urban Residence among Women in Nigeria, 2016–2018
Authors: Ujah Otobo I. , Kirby Russell S.
Published: October 2022

This study examined temporal trends in the association between rural–urban residence and the use of LARCs among women using a method of contraception. A secondary objective was to examine whether the association varied over time. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected by the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) project from Nigeria among women aged 15–49 in 2016 (N= 11,054), 2017 (N= 11,380), and 2018 (N = 11,106). Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses examined the association between place of residence and the likelihood of LARC (overall and specific type) utilization. Using weighted multivariable logistic regression, we show that, of the 6488 women who were using a method of contraception, the rates of LARC utilization in urban areas were significantly lower than in rural areas (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.38–0.73), attributed mainly to the high utilization rates of implants. Women in urban areas were more likely to use intrauterine devices (IUDs) (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.09–3.30) compared to those in rural areas. Conversely, the use of implants was significantly lower among women in urban areas (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.28–0.54). Adjusting for all predictors, we observed a reduction, albeit not significantly different, in odds in overall LARC, IUD, and implant use in urban compared to rural areas. The use of LARCs increased between 2016 and 2018 and the association between LARC use and place of residence also differed by the PMA survey year. There is a need for programs and policies to close gaps in the disparities in overall and specific LARC utilization rates based on place of residence.
Traumatic Dental Injuries among 12-Year-Old Schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hashim Raghad , Alhammadi Hebah , Varma Sudhir , Luke Alexander
Published: October 2022

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the factors related to traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors of 12-year-old children in the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Methods: A sample of 1008 12-year-old children (510 boys and 498 girls) participated in this study. A multi-stage randomized sampling technique was used to select children from public schools for their inclusion in the sample population. An oral examination was completed by a calibrated examiner after receiving training for traumatic dental injury (TDI) to permanent incisor teeth utilizing a modified version of Ellis’s classification. Data that were related to sociodemographic factors, TDI causes, and where the TDI took place were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of all of the children that were examined, 9.8% of them had experienced dental trauma. The difference in TDI prevalence between boys (15.9%) and girls (3.9%) was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The children whose mothers had low levels of education experienced a higher prevalence of TDI (p = 0.001). The children with incisal overjets that were greater than 5 mm or with inadequate lip coverage tended to have experienced dental injuries (p < 0.01). The main causes of injury to permanent incisors were collision against an object or person (53.5%) and falling (42.4%). Most of the accidents happened at home (58.6%) and school (25.3%). The most prevalent injuries were enamel fractures (58.7%) and enamel-dentine fractures (34.3%). Conclusions: This research highlighted many predisposing factors for traumatic dental injuries among children. There is an urgent need to initiate detailed public health policies to decrease the prevalence of dental trauma cases, especially in the identified risk group.
Can Non-Economic Incentives Improve the Incentive Effect of Relocating Immigrants? Evidence from Wuwei City, Located at the Northern Foothills of the Qilian Mountains
Authors: Wang Ya , Zhou Lihua
Published: October 2022

Towards the long-term sustainable development of the northern foothills of the Qilian Mountains, the design of migration motivation mechanisms is a key issue. Considering motivation perspectives and social exchange theories, a framework and measurement scale were constructed to analyze the influence of government incentives on Wuwei’s relocated immigrants. ANOVA and generalized linear regression models were employed to analyze the differences among regions and groups, along with the influence of various incentives. The results of the study indicate: (1) In Wuwei City, non-economic incentive factors were rated higher than economic incentives. The overall evaluation value for the negative behavior of immigrants was 0.369, and the incentive effect score was 0.633, with significant regional variation. (2) Based on cultural types, Wuwei City was found to have a high percentage of hierarchists, egalitarians and individualists, comprising 39.22%, 23.85% and 21.54%, respectively. Among cultural types, motivation factors and the incentive effect of the government made no difference except for the index of communication and opportunistic behavior. (3) Immigrants’ negative behavior was significantly affected by their cultural types. An economic incentive from the government increased the likelihood that immigrants would adopt negative behavior, whereas a participation incentive effectively eliminated those behaviors. (4) The government’s economic incentives appear significantly better at promoting the incentive effect than non-economic incentives, but in dispelling the negative behavior of immigrants, non-economic incentives have played a significantly greater role than economic incentives. Incentives associated with relocation provide a new objective basis for determining a policy scheme for the relocation of migrants in the Qilian Mountains, and departments can formulate corresponding incentive models and support policies accordingly as a consequence.
The Influence of Parental Environmental Exposure and Nutrient Restriction on the Early Life of Offspring Growth in Gambia—A Pilot Study
Authors: Bajinka Ousman , Barrow Amadou , Mendy Sang , Jallow Binta J. J. , Jallow Jarry , Barrow Sulayman , Bah Ousman , Camara Saikou , Colley Modou Lamin , Nyabally Sankung , Joof Amie N. , Qi Mingming , Tan Yurong
Published: October 2022

Background: The role of the germline in epigenetic transgenerational inheritance starts with environmental factors, acting on the first generation of a gestating mother. These factors influence the developing second-generation fetus by altering gonadal development, thereby reprogramming the primordial germ cell DNA methylation and leading to consequences that might be seen along generations. Objective: Despite these epigenetic factors now surfacing, the few available studies are on animal-based experiments, and conducting a follow-up on human intergenerational trials might take decades. To this response, this study aimed to determine the influence of parental energy, toxicant exposure, age, and nutrient restriction on the early life of offspring growth in Gambia. Method: This pilot study was based on population observation and combined both maternal and paternal factors across the country between August and October 2021. It captures the lifestyle and health detailed account of 339 reproductive parents and their last born (child under 5 years) using a structured interview questionnaire performed by nurses and public health officers. Results: This study showed that parents who worked in industrial areas were more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. In addition, mothers who are exposed to oxidative stress and high temperatures are more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. Mothers who consume a high-protein diet were almost three times more likely to have infants with good psychosocial skills in their offspring. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between maternal stress during pregnancy and the psychosocial skills of offspring. Conclusion: This study was able to ascertain if the maternal diet during gestation, toxicant exposure, maternal stress, and parental smoking habits have an influence on the early life of offspring. While the study recommends a large sample size study to eliminate selection bias, there should be an increased level of awareness of mothers of their offspring’s health and their husbands’ lifestyles that might influence the adulthood health of their offspring.
Increased Rates of Health Management and Health Education on Hypertension and Diabetes in Inner Mongolia, China: 10-Year Population Level Trends (2009–2018)
Authors: Li Daxu , Luo Meixuan , Liu Yu , Dong Jing , Geng Wei , Li Xiaoliu , Yang Lijun , Wang Jin , Cao Peihua
Published: October 2022

Health management and health education are two important tasks in the national basic public health service project with a wide audience, large service volume, and high accessibility. From 2009 to 2018, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China launched the basic public health service (BPHS) project comprehensively. The implementation of health management and health education was supported and instructed actively. This study aimed to document population-level trends in health management and health education on chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in Inner Mongolia, China. We collected monthly and annual reports on the implementation progress of the BPHS project in Inner Mongolia, China. A two-stage random sampling method was used to investigate health management and health education for hypertension and diabetes patients. The rate of standard health management for both hypertension and diabetes has significantly increased. The blood pressure control rate and glycemic control rate have also improved. This work provides the most comprehensive evidence to date regarding the upward trends in health management and health education on chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes in Inner Mongolia, China.
The Impact of the Nutritional Knowledge of Polish Students Living Outside the Family Home on Consumer Behavior and Food Waste
Authors: Nicewicz Robert , Bilska Beata
Published: October 2022

Food waste remains a major problem for the world and food security. Despite the fact that consumers are significant producers of food waste, little research attention has been paid to young people who are in college and living away from the family home. The present study aimed to assess food waste among college students living away from the family home, taking into account the nutritional knowledge acquired during college. In addition, the goal was to compare how nutritional knowledge affects food waste and consumer behavior in the study group. Descriptive statistics were performed on behaviors with food management at home, as well as shopping planning and self-shopping at the store, for the total respondents, students with nutritional knowledge and students without such knowledge. A chi-square test was performed to show whether the field of study influences the frequency of food throwing away and the appropriate management of excess food. Spearman’s rank correlations were calculated for the frequency of food discarding, the frequency and amount of shopping and the field of study. The results indicate that the field of study determined food discarding and appropriate food management (p < 0.05), while it was found that fermented dairy beverages, fruits and vegetables and bread were the most frequently discarded foods in both study groups (p < 0.05). Students with nutritional knowledge were less likely to throw away food compared to students without nutritional knowledge and were better at managing excess food.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Land Surface Temperature and Its Spatially Heterogeneous Response in the Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Xueling , Kasimu Alimujiang , Liang Hongwu , Wei Bohao , Aizizi Yimuranzi
Published: October 2022

An in-depth study of the influence mechanism of oasis land surface temperature (LST) in arid regions is essential to promote the stable development of the ecological environment in dry areas. Based on MODIS, MYD11A2 long time series data from 2003 to 2020, the Mann–Kendall nonparametric test, the Sen slope, combined with the Hurst index, were used to analyze and predict the trend of LST changes in the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. This paper selected nine influencing factors of the slope, aspect, air temperature, normalized vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation (P), nighttime light index (NTL), patch density (PD), mean patch area (AREA_MN), and aggregation index (AI) to analyze the spatial heterogeneity of LST from global and local perspectives using the geodetector (GD) model and multi-scale geo-weighted regression (MGWR) model. The results showed that the average LSTs of the urban agglomeration on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains in spring, summer, autumn, and winter were 31.53 °C, 47.29 °C, 22.38 °C, and −5.20 °C in the four seasons from 2003 to 2020, respectively. Except for autumn, the LST of all seasons showed an increasing trend, bare soil and grass land had a warming effect, and agricultural land had a cooling effect. The results of factor detection showed that air temperature, P, and NDVI were the dominant factors affecting the spatial variation of LST. The interaction detection results showed that the interaction between air temperature and NDVI was the most significant, and the two-factor interaction was more effective than the single-factor effect on LST. The MGWR model results showed that the effects of PD on LST were positively correlated, and the impact of AREA_MN and AI on LST were negatively correlated, indicating that the dense landscape of patches has a cooling effect on LST. Overall, this study provides information for managers to carry out more targeted ecological stability regulations in arid zone oases and facilitates the development of regulatory measures to maintain the cold island effect and improve the environment.
Sustainable or Not? Insights on the Consumption of Animal Products in Poland
Authors: Mazur-Włodarczyk Katarzyna , Gruszecka-Kosowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

Animal products are one of the main constituents of the human diet. They are the main source of energy, proteins, microelements, and bioactive substances. The most popular negative health impacts linked with the consumption of animal products are obesity, atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and cancer. Apart from human health, consuming animal products is also controversial lately, due to farm animals’ well-being and environmental protection issues. Thus, within the context of sustainability, the consumption trends of animal products were investigated through our on-line questionnaire surveys. The following animal products were involved in the survey: unprocessed meat (pork, beef, lamb, veal, mutton, chicken, duck, goose, turkey), processed meat (cold-cuts, sausages, pates), fish products, and eggs. Our research concluded that consumption among respondents with higher education was unsustainable for both unprocessed and processed meat, as eating habits in terms of type and quantity of consumed meat indicated respondents’ unawareness. The consumption of fish products was also revealed as unsustainable regarding the quantity of fish consumed in terms of its beneficial nutritional values. Egg consumption was revealed as the most sustainable among the investigated animal products. However, insignificant egg consumption among the respondents showed the actual need of social education in terms of the current knowledge regarding the beneficial aspects of eggs.
Public Health Workforce Gaps, Impacts, and Improvement Strategies from COVID-19
Authors: Kirkland Chelsey , Oldfield-Tabbert Kari , Karnik Harshada , Orr Jason , Martin Skky , Leider Jonathon P.
Published: October 2022

The public health workforce has been instrumental in protecting residents against population health threats. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the public health workforce and exposed gaps in the workforce. Public health practitioners nationwide are still coming to understand these gaps, impacts, and lessons learned from the pandemic. This study aimed to explore Minnesota’s local public health practitioners’ perceptions of public health workforce gaps, the impacts of these workforce gaps, and the lessons learned in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted seven concurrent focus groups with members of the Local Public Health Association of Minnesota (LPHA; n = 55) using a semi-structured focus group guide and a survey of the local agencies (n = 70/72 respondents, 97% response rate). Focus group recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding (in vivo coding, descriptive coding), followed by thematic analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analyses and were integrated with the qualitative data. Participants indicated experiencing many workforce gaps, workforce gaps impacts, and described improvement strategies. Overall, many of the workforce gaps and impacts resulting from COVID-19 discussed by practitioners in Minnesota are observed in other areas across the nation, making the findings relevant to public health workforce nationally.