bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Inhibitory Compounds Present in Lignocellulosic Biomass Hydrolysates on the Growth of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: van der Maas Lucas , Driessen Jasper L. S. P. , Mussatto Solange I.
Published: December 2021

This study evaluated the individual and combined effects of inhibitory compounds formed during pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass on the growth of Bacillus subtilis. Ten inhibitory compounds commonly present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates were evaluated, which included sugar degradation products (furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural), acetic acid, and seven phenolic compounds derived from lignin (benzoic acid, vanillin, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and syringaldehyde). For the individual inhibitors, syringaldehyde showed the most toxic effect, completely inhibiting the strain growth at 0.1 g/L. In the sequence, assays using mixtures of the inhibitory compounds at a concentration of 12.5% of their IC50 value were performed to evaluate the combined effect of the inhibitors on the strain growth. These experiments were planned according to a Plackett–Burman experimental design. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that in a mixture, benzoic acid and furfural were the most potent inhibitors affecting the growth of B. subtilis. These results contribute to a better understanding of the individual and combined effects of inhibitory compounds present in biomass hydrolysates on the microbial performance of B. subtilis. Such knowledge is important to advance the development of sustainable biomanufacturing processes using this strain cultivated in complex media produced from lignocellulosic biomass, supporting the development of efficient bio-based processes using B. subtilis.
Energy Portfolio of the Eastern Poland Macroregion in the European Union
Authors: Horzela Izabela , Gromadzki Sławomir , Gryz Jarosław , Kownacki Tomasz , Nowakowska-Krystman Aneta , Piotrowska-Trybull Marzena , Wisniewski Radosław
Published: December 2021

The European Union’s New Green Deal generates changes in the socio-economic development of regions. An element of this change is the transformation of the regional profiles of the energy portfolio towards more pro-ecological ones. The aim of this article is to identify the conditions and reasons for the transformation of the energy portfolio of the Eastern Poland macroregion, and to define the directions of the energy portfolio evolution caused by the need to implement the goals of the European Green Deal by 2030, in order to consequently develop the forecast energy portfolio for the Eastern Poland macroregion. It has been assumed that the energy transformation of the Eastern Poland macroregion will be implemented through gradual transformation of the energy portfolio towards dispersed sources of local and civic energy. The research is based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative research was carried out on the basis of the diagnostic survey method with the use of the proprietary questionnaire as well as with the analysis of the content of strategic documents of the voivodships included in the Eastern Poland macroregion. The basis for the preparation of research questions was the extended PEST method which stands for: political, economic, socio-cultural, technological. Research efforts were focused on developing an energy portfolio for the region using the assumptions of the Boston consulting group matrix (a strategic planning tool). The originality of the conducted research consists in the adaptation of the BCG matrix to the development of the forecast energy portfolio and the preparation of a proposal for the aggregated energy portfolio of the Eastern Poland macroregion. The obtained results indicate that the macroregion’s energy portfolio is diversified, though with the key significance of conventional sources. It is predicted that by 2030, the following sources will change their positions within the portfolio for the Eastern Poland macroregion: solar energy, wind energy and bioenergy. However, it will retain the character of a “youth wallet”.
Efficiency of Implementing Climate/Energy Targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the Structural Diversity between Old and New Member States
Authors: Guzowska Malgorzata Klaudia , Kryk Barbara
Published: December 2021

The most important goals included in the Europe 2020 Strategy are climate/energy targets, which determine not only the achievement of its other goals but also climate neutrality by 2050. This article aims to assess the efficiency of implementing the climate/energy targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy and to analyse changes over time, taking into consideration the structural diversity between the old (EU 15) and new EU members (EU 13) in the period of 2014–2018. The assessment of changes in the efficiency of climate/energy targets over time adds value to the evaluation methods used to date in this area. This was done using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist index. Earlier works usually specified only the level of target achievement, mostly jointly in relation to all of the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The efficiency of their implementation at the macroeconomic level has not been studied. Furthermore, the added value of this paper consists in obtaining additional information concerning the internal structure and character of the studied efficiency of old and new member states. Changes in the efficiency level have been analysed with regard to the key climate/energy indicators used to monitor the Europe 2020 Strategy. Based on the results, the EU countries were divided into six groups with similar levels of efficiency in achieving energy and climate objectives and ranked using the DEA–Malmquist index according to changes in their level over time. This makes it possible not only to assess the performance of countries but also to formulate recommendations for decision-makers.
Policy Implications of the Clean Heating Transition: A Case Study of Shanxi
Authors: Lee Eun Ju , Kim Moon Joon , Lee Jae-Seung
Published: December 2021

This study provides empirical evidence of the impact of recentralized governance on environmental performance by examining the implementation of a clean heating transition. It investigated the impact of a centralized clean heating transition on sulfur dioxide (SO2) levels in Shanxi province from January 2015 to March 2021. Using a difference-in-differences approach, this study found that the centralized clean heating transition led to a significant improvement in air quality; however, the excessive response of Shanxi province prevented adequate heating supply for residents. As a result, the Chinese government had to reverse its initial plans for a coal ban and the promotion of gas plants. This outcome implies that recentralization cannot control the autonomy of local governments in responding to and achieving the central targets, even though it may provide incentives to prioritize environmental issues. The recentralization proved to be ineffective, in contrast to what was theoretically anticipated, and even undermined the energy transition efforts.
Power Management Analysis of a Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage-Based Smart Electrical Car Park Providing Ancillary Grid Services
Authors: Wang Yingcheng , Gladwin Daniel
Published: December 2021

Future car parks will require significant power to support electric vehicle (EV) charging as there will be both an increase in the penetration of EVs and a higher demand for charging power as battery packs increase in capacity. The effective management of the charging and local battery storage can be installed to help prevent excessive increases in electrical feeder capacity; however, it is inevitable that car parks will attain significant power capability in the future. There is therefore an opportunity for car park owners to utilise this and generate additional revenue by providing frequency response services to the electrical grid. This paper describes the modelling of a car park that utilises photovoltaic power generation, battery storage, and EV charging management strategies to provide a grid frequency response service. The analysis using simulated car park data shows that it can provide a high availability in terms of service but it is dependent on the capacity of the installed generation and storage.
From Energy Audit to Energy Performance Indicators (EnPI): A Methodology to Characterize Productive Sectors. The Italian Cement Industry Case Study
Authors: Bruni Giacomo , De Santis Alessandra , Herce Carlos , Leto Luigi , Martini Chiara , Martini Fabrizio , Salvio Marcello , Tocchetti Federico Alberto , Toro Claudia
Published: December 2021

In this work, a novel methodology to assess energy performance indicators of productive and economic sectors trough the analysis of the Italian mandatory energy audits database is presented. The updating of sectoral reference energy performance indicators is fundamental for both companies and policy makers—for the formers to evaluate and compare their energy performance with competitors in order to achieve improvements and for the latter to effectively monitor the impact of energy policies. This methodology could be potentially applied to all production sectors, providing key information needed to characterize various production processes from an energy point of view. Awareness of energy efficiency and sectorial benchmarking represent the first necessary steps for companies moving towards energy transition. This paper provides details of the statistical method developed and its application to the NACE 23 division “Manufacturing of other non-metallic mineral products”, with a focus on the cement industry. For this sector, results are presented in terms of specific indicators based on energy source. General results, methodological insights, and validation of the proposed case study are discussed.
Methanol Reforming Processes for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Kappis Konstantinos , Papavasiliou Joan , Avgouropoulos George
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen production through methanol reforming processes has been stimulated over the years due to increasing interest in fuel cell technology and clean energy production. Among different types of methanol reforming, the steam reforming of methanol has attracted great interest as reformate gas stream where high concentration of hydrogen is produced with a negligible amount of carbon monoxide. In this review, recent progress of the main reforming processes of methanol towards hydrogen production is summarized. Different catalytic systems are reviewed for the steam reforming of methanol: mainly copper- and group 8–10-based catalysts, highlighting the catalytic key properties, while the promoting effect of the latter group in copper activity and selectivity is also discussed. The effect of different preparation methods, different promoters/stabilizers, and the formation mechanism is analyzed. Moreover, the integration of methanol steam reforming process and the high temperature–polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) for the development of clean energy production is discussed.
Nonlinear Moving Boundary Model of Low-Permeability Reservoir
Authors: Jiao Xiarong , Jiang Shan , Liu Hong
Published: December 2021

At present, there are two main methods for solving oil and gas seepage equations: analytical and numerical methods. In most cases, it is difficult to find the analytical solution, and the numerical solution process is complex with limited accuracy. Based on the mass conservation equation and the steady-state sequential substitution method, the moving boundary nonlinear equations of radial flow under different outer boundary conditions are derived. The quasi-Newton method is used to solve the nonlinear equations. The solutions of the nonlinear equations with an infinite outer boundary, constant pressure outer boundary and closed outer boundary are compared with the analytical solutions. The calculation results show that it is reliable to solve the oil-gas seepage equation with the moving boundary nonlinear equation. To deal with the difficulty in solving analytical solutions for low-permeability reservoirs and numerical solutions of moving boundaries, a quasi-linear model and a nonlinear moving boundary model were proposed based on the characteristics of low-permeability reservoirs. The production decline curve chart of the quasi-linear model and the recovery factor calculation chart were drawn, and the sweep radius calculation formula was also established. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for the policy-making of development technology in low-permeability reservoirs.
Optimization of Sizing and Operation Strategy of Distributed Generation System Based on a Gas Turbine and Renewable Energy
Authors: Kim Hye-Rim , Kim Tong-Seop
Published: December 2021

Optimization of the sizing and operation strategy of a complex energy system requires a large computational burden because of the non-linear nature of the mathematical problem. Accordingly, using a conventional numerical method with only a physics-based model for complete optimization is impractical. To resolve this problem, this paper adopted an optimization method of using an artificial intelligence scheme that combines an artificial neural network (ANN) and a genetic algorithm (GA). Especially, the ANN was constructed based on results from a physics-based model to obtain a large amount of accurate simulation data in a short time frame. A distributed generation (DG) system based on a gas turbine (GT) and renewable energy (RE) was simulated to demonstrate the usefulness of the optimization method. In consideration of the capacity and partial load performance of the GT, the optimization of the sizing and operation strategy of the DG system was performed for three system design scenarios. The optimization criteria were cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness. The method reduced the calculation time by more than three orders of magnitude while maintaining the same accuracy as the physics-based model. The approach and methodology are expected to be applicable to accurate and fast optimization of various sophisticated energy systems.
Optimal Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management and Active Ageing
Authors: Calabrese Alessia Maria , Calsolaro Valeria , Rogani Sara , Okoye Chukwuma , Caraccio Nadia , Monzani Fabio
Published: December 2021

Type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a chronic condition with increasing prevalence worldwide among the older population. The T2DM condition increases the risk of micro and macrovascular complications as well as the risk of geriatric syndromes such as falls, fractures and cognitive impairment. The management of T2DM in the older population represents a challenge for the clinician, and a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment should always be prioritized, in order to tailor the glycated hemoglobin target according to functional and cognitive status comorbidities, life expectancy and type of therapy. According to the most recent guidelines, older adults with T2DM should be categorized into three groups: healthy patients with good functional status, patients with complications and reduced functionality and patients at the end of life; for each group the target for glycemic control is different, also according to the type of treatment drug. The therapeutic approach should always begin with lifestyle changes; after that, several lines of therapy are available, with different mechanisms of action and potential effects other than glucose level reduction. Particular interest is growing in sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, due to their effect on the cardiovascular system. In this review, we evaluate the therapeutic options available for the treatment of older diabetic patients, to ensure a correct treatment approach.
Diversity, Chemical Composition, and Domestication Potential of Allanblackia parviflora A. Chev. in West Africa
Authors: Kyereh Dennis , Maňourová Anna , Hendre Prasad S. , Muchugi Alice , Kalousová Marie , Choungo Nguekeng Patrick Bustrel , Jawo Tariku Olana , Ofori Daniel Aninagyei , Lojka Bohdan
Published: December 2021

Allanblackia parviflora A. Chev. is an indigenous tree species which is found in West African rainforest zones. It is an underutilized fruit tree species that has been targeted for improvement as part of efforts to domesticate high-value indigenous multi-purpose trees for fruit and seed production in Africa. Allanblackia has several benefits, such as providing shade, timber, and medicine; however, the production of edible oil from its seeds is the economically most important use. There is evidence that the Allanblackia seed oil, which is used for cooking, the production of margarine and the manufacturing of ointments and soap, is being developed as a new agri-business in Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Tanzania. Despite the nutritional and socio-economic importance of A. parviflora, it is still at the early stages of its domestication process. Even though several researchers have explored the biology of this species, there is very limited scientific information available on its morphological and genetic diversity and silvicultural management in West Africa. Therefore, this systematic review presents an up-to-date overview on the uses, seed chemical composition, and morphological and genetic diversity of this fruit tree species, and proposes a way forward for future research towards improvement and domestication.
Comparing the Effects of N and P Deficiency on Physiology and Growth for Fast- and Slow-Growing Provenances of Fraxinus mandshurica
Authors: Zhao Xingtang , Zhang Xu , Liu Zhang , Lv Yipin , Song Tingting , Cui Jinghong , Chen Tianchi , Li Jianxia , Zeng Fansuo , Zhan Yaguang
Published: December 2021

With the continuous increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) as mineral elements increasingly restrict plant growth. To explore the effect of deficiency of P and N on growth and physiology, Fraxinus mandshurica (hereafter “F. mandshurica”) Rupr. annual seedlings of Wuchang (WC) provenance with fast growth and Dailing (DL) provenance with slow growth were treated with complete nutrition or starvation of N (N-), P (P-) or both elements (NP-). Although P- and N- increased the use efficiency of P (PUE) and N (NUE), respectively, they reduced the leaf area, chlorophyll content and activities of N assimilation enzymes (NR, GS, GOGAT), which decreased the dry weight and P or N amount. The free amino acid content and activities of Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and acid phosphatase enzymes were reduced by N-. The transcript levels of NRT2.1, NRT2.4, NRT2.5, NRT2.7, AVT1, AAP3, NIA2, PHT1-3, PHT1-4 and PHT2-1 in roots were increased, but those of NRT2.1, NRT2.4, NRT2.5, PHT1-3, PHT1-4, PHT2-1 and AAP3 in leaves were reduced by P-. WC was significantly greater than DL under P- in dry weight, C amount, N amount, leaf area, PUE, NUE, which related to greater chlorophyll content, PEPC enzyme activity, N assimilation enzyme activities, and transcript levels of N and P transporter genes in roots and foliage, indicating a greater ability of WC to absorb, transport and utilize N and P under P-. WC was also greater than DL under N- in terms of the above indicators except the transcript levels of N and P assimilation genes, but most of the indicators did not reach a significant level, indicating that WC might be more tolerant to N- than DL, which requires further verification. In summary, WC was identified as a P-efficient provenance, as the growth rate was greater for the genetic type with high than low tolerance to P-.
Live Crown Ratio as an Indicator for Tree Vigor and Stability of Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris L.): A Case Study
Authors: Stăncioiu Petru Tudor , Șerbescu Alexandru Alin , Dutcă Ioan
Published: December 2021

Stability of forests represents a significant objective for climate change mitigation. As stand stability is influenced by the stability of individual trees, promoting stable trees is vital for a sustainable forest management. However, inside stands, trees experience intense competition. As a result, the crown recedes and diameter growth is affected, the trees becoming slender and more susceptible to biotic and abiotic disturbances. Finding effective indicators for tree vigor and stability is therefore important. This study aimed to assess the performance of the live crown ratio as an indicator in deciding the timing of tending operations for obtaining and maintaining vigorous Turkey oak trees. Live crown ratio (LCR) and height to diameter ratio (HDR) were determined for 80 sampled Turkey oak trees. A threshold of 100 for HDR was chosen to classify trees as slender or not slender. Next, conditional inference tree and logistic regression were used to determine the LCR threshold value where trees become slender. As the sample included small trees, using breast height to measure diameter may have affected the results. Therefore, small and large trees were also analyzed separately. For the entire dataset, the methods reached quite different results (LCR threshold of 0.371 for conditional inference tree and of 0.434 for the logistic regression), and relatively high values compared to the literature. For tall trees (height > 12.5 m), the methods reached similar results: 0.386 for the conditional inference tree and 0.382 for the logistic regression. For small trees (height < 12.5 m), the conditional inference tree method could not calculate any LCR threshold estimate, while the one from the logistic regression was unrealistically large (0.628). This confirms that using DBH for small trees to compute slenderness brings systematic errors. The live crown ratio was a good indicator of growth vigor for Turkey oak trees. Therefore, for stable trees (HDR < 100), a LCR of 0.36–0.39 must be maintained and could be used to decide the timing for thinning in Turkey oak stands.
Winter Roosting by Eastern Red Bats in Ozark Mountain Forests of Missouri
Authors: Flinn Joshua R. , Perry Roger W. , Robbins Lynn W.
Published: December 2021

The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis Müller, 1776) is a widespread species that roosts in evergreen or dead foliage suspended in trees during winter but retreats to leaf litter during colder periods. Roosting in leaf litter by eastern red bats makes them vulnerable to prescribed fires in winter. Using radio telemetry, we tracked 33 male eastern red bats to 101 winter (November–February) roosts and quantified roost locations, habitat surrounding roosts, and landscape attributes of roost locations. When roosting in trees, bats preferred oaks but generally avoided other tree species; they used pines in proportion to their availability. During colder periods, bats retreated to roosts in leaf litter where 21% suffered mortality either from predation/scavenging or unknown causes while roosting on the ground. Models of roost selection indicated that southerly aspect was the most important factor determining roost selection, and both tree- and leaf-litter roosts were predominately (≥94%) on upper south-facing slopes. Prescribed burning in late morning/early afternoon on clear days when temperatures under leaf litter are warmest in winter could reduce potential mortality by allowing faster arousal time for hibernating bats.
Reconstruction of a 3D Human Foot Shape Model Based on a Video Stream Using Photogrammetry and Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Shilov Lev , Shanshin Semen , Romanov Aleksandr , Fedotova Anastasia , Kurtukova Anna , Kostyuchenko Evgeny , Sidorov Ivan
Published: December 2021

Reconstructed 3D foot models can be used for 3D printing and further manufacturing of individual orthopedic shoes, as well as in medical research and for online shoe shopping. This study presents a technique based on the approach and algorithms of photogrammetry. The presented technique was used to reconstruct a 3D model of the foot shape, including the lower arch, using smartphone images. The technique is based on modern computer vision and artificial intelligence algorithms designed for image processing, obtaining sparse and dense point clouds, depth maps, and a final 3D model. For the segmentation of foot images, the Mask R-CNN neural network was used, which was trained on foot data from a set of 40 people. The obtained accuracy was 97.88%. The result of the study was a high-quality reconstructed 3D model. The standard deviation of linear indicators in length and width was 0.95 mm, with an average creation time of 1 min 35 s recorded. Integration of this technique into the business models of orthopedic enterprises, Internet stores, and medical organizations will allow basic manufacturing and shoe-fitting services to be carried out and will help medical research to be performed via the Internet.
Improving the Extraction of Catechins of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) by Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE) Combined with Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Pretreatment
Authors: Hwang Hee-Jeong , Kim Yu-Gyeong , Chung Myong-Soo
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to find the optimum condition of pulsed electric field (PEF) and intense pulsed light (IPL) for the enhancement of subcritical water extraction (SWE), which is an eco-friendly extraction method, for extracting tea catechins from green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). The leaves were treated with PEF under conditions of electric field strength (1, 2 and 3 kV/cm) during 60 s. Moreover, IPL was applied at various voltages (800, 1000, and 1200 V) for 60 s. The SWE was performed for 5 min at varying temperatures (110, 130, 150, 170, and 190 °C). The maximum yield of total catechin was 44.35 ± 2.00 mg/g dry green tea leaves at PEF treatment conditions of 2 kV/cm during 60 s, as well as the SWE temperature of 130 °C. In the case of IPL treatment, the largest amount of total catechin was 48.06 ± 5.03 mg/g dry green tea leaves at 800 V during 60 s when the extraction temperature was 130 °C. The total catechin content was increased by 15.43% for PEF and 25.09% for IPL compared to the value of untreated leaves. This study verified that PEF and IPL had a positive effect on the enhancement of tea catechins extraction from green tea leaves using SWE.
Development and Characterization of Active Native and Cross-Linked Pearl Millet Starch-Based Film Loaded with Fenugreek Oil
Authors: Dhull Sanju Bala , Bangar Sneh Punia , Deswal Ranjan , Dhandhi Preeti , Kumar Manish , Trif Monica , Rusu Alexandru
Published: December 2021

In this study, cross-linked pearl millet starch and fenugreek oil was used to develop active starch edible films to overcome the limitations of native starch and to substitute artificial preservatives with natural one. The starch was cross-linked at three levels (1%, 3% and 5%) using sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), and physicochemical properties were studied. Moreover, a comparative study was conducted among four samples of films prepared using native starch, cross-linked starch, and native and cross-linked starch loaded with fenugreek oil for physical, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and antibacterial properties. The solubility, swelling, and amylose content of native and modified starch varied from 11.25–12.75%, 12.91–15.10 g/g, and 8.97–16.55%, respectively. The values of these parameters were reduced as the concentration of STMP increased. Cross-linked starch films showed lower moisture, solubility, water vapor permeability(WVP), and elongation at break (EB) values while having higher thickness, opacity, thermal, and tensile strength values. The microscopic images of cross-linked starch films showed smooth surfaces and the absence of ridges, pores, and cracks. The films loaded with fenugreek oil showed different results; the moisture content, water solubility, and tensile strength were decreased while thickness, opacity, WVP, and EB were increased. The onset temperature and peak temperature were lower, while enthalpy of gelatinization was increased to a greater extent than films without oil. The addition of fenugreek oil to films showed a good inhibition area of 40.22% for native+oil films and 41.53% for cross-linked+oil films % against Escherichia coli. This study confirmed the successful utilization of fenugreek oil as a very effective antimicrobial agent in preparing edible films.
Consumption of Sprouts and Perceptions of Their Health Properties in a Region of Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Ruiz Hernández Alan Amado , Ayala Zavala Fernando , Rouzaud Sández Ofelia , Frias Juana , Astiazarán-García Humberto , Robles Sánchez Rosario Maribel
Published: December 2021

There is a lack of information about consumer understanding of functional foods. Sprouts provide beneficial compounds that can help counteract chronic noncommunicable diseases. The population of a region in Northwestern Mexico has a high prevalence of chronic degenerative disease, and there is a need to promote strategies to increase the consumption of foods that provide health benefits, including sprouts. However, there is a lack of information regarding the sale, consumption and perception of sprouts’ healthy properties. A computer-assisted web-based survey (CAWI) was developed and distributed through social media to understand consumer knowledge of these foods’ health effects and their consumption. The survey of people with diverse sociodemographic profiles indicated a 1–3 times per week consumption and they knew the health benefits of consuming sprouts. A total of 82% of respondents were conscious that sprout consumption could prevent chronic diseases, which may be related to education level (χ2: 0.001, p < 0.05). In order to expand on our findings, it is important to investigate the communication strategies used by sprout manufacturers, dieticians, nutritionists and health professionals about the health benefits of sprout products to promote their consumption.
New Mutations in HFE2 and TFR2 Genes Causing Non HFE-Related Hereditary Hemochromatosis
Authors: Hernández Gonzalo , Ferrer-Cortès Xenia , Venturi Veronica , Musri Melina , Pilquil Martin Floor , Torres Pau Marc Muñoz , Rodríguez Ines Hernandez , Mínguez Maria Àngels Ruiz , Kelleher Nicholas J. , Pelucchi Sara , Piperno Alberto , Alberca Esther Plensa , Ricós Georgina Gener , Giró Eloi Cañamero , Pérez-Montero Santiago , Tornador Cristian , Villà-Freixa Jordi , Sánchez Mayka
Published: December 2021

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an iron metabolism disease clinically characterized by excessive iron deposition in parenchymal organs such as liver, heart, pancreas, and joints. It is caused by mutations in at least five different genes. HFE hemochromatosis is the most common type of hemochromatosis, while non-HFE related hemochromatosis are rare cases. Here, we describe six new patients of non-HFE related HH from five different families. Two families (Family 1 and 2) have novel nonsense mutations in the HFE2 gene have novel nonsense mutations (p.Arg63Ter and Asp36ThrfsTer96). Three families have mutations in the TFR2 gene, one case has one previously unreported mutation (Family A—p.Asp680Tyr) and two cases have known pathogenic mutations (Family B and D—p.Trp781Ter and p.Gln672Ter respectively). Clinical, biochemical, and genetic data are discussed in all these cases. These rare cases of non-HFE related hereditary hemochromatosis highlight the importance of an earlier molecular diagnosis in a specialized center to prevent serious clinical complications.
Age-Related Changes of Gene Expression Profiles in Drosophila
Authors: Bordet Guillaume , Lodhi Niraj , Kossenkov Andrew , Tulin Alexei
Published: December 2021

An individual’s gene expression profile changes throughout their life. This change in gene expression is shaped by differences in physiological needs and functions between the younger and older organism. Despite intensive studies, the aging process is not fully understood, and several genes involved in this process may remain to be identified. Here we report a transcriptomic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster using microarrays. We compared the expression profiles of two-day-old female adult flies with those of 45-day-old flies. We identified 1184 genes with pronounced differences in expression level between young and old age groups. Most genes involved in muscle development/maintenance that display different levels of expression with age were downregulated in older flies. Many of these genes contributed to sarcomere formation and function. Several of these genes were functionally related to direct and indirect flight muscles; some of them were exclusively expressed in these muscles. Conversely, several genes involved in apoptosis processes were upregulated in aging flies. In addition, several genes involved in resistance to toxic chemicals were upregulated in aging flies, which is consistent with a global upregulation of the defense response system in aging flies. Finally, we randomly selected 12 genes among 232 genes with unknown function and generated transgenic flies expressing recombinant proteins fused with GFP protein to determine their subcellular expression. We also found that the knockdown of some of those 12 genes can affect the lifespan of flies.
Association between Teenage Pregnancy and Family Factors: An Analysis of the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey 2017
Authors: Tabei Kozue , Cuisia-Cruz Erlinda Susana S. , Smith Chris , Seposo Xerxes
Published: December 2021

Adolescence is a key developmental period in one’s life course; health-related behaviors of adolescents can be linked to lifelong consequences, which affect their future health. Previous studies highlight the role of family and its significant association with adolescents’ health. In East Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines is the only country that is showing an upward trend of teenage pregnancy while other countries in the region have declining teenage pregnancy rates. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the association between teenage pregnancy and family factors, specifically parent structure. Data for the study were extracted from the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey 2017. All adolescent women aged 15–19 years old (n = 5120) were included in the analyses. The dependent variable was teenage pregnancy, while parent structure, defined as a presence or absence of parents in the domicile, was the exposure variable. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized in assessing the association of teenage pregnancy and family factors after adjusting for several potential confounders. Adolescent women were more likely to become pregnant as a teenager when they lived with neither parent (aOR = 4.57, 95% CI = 2.56–8.15), were closer to 19 years of age (aOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.91–2.46), had knowledge of contraception (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.22–1.32) and lived in a big family (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.20). Furthermore, adolescent women who lived with neither parent and belonged to the poorest wealth quintile were more likely to become pregnant as a teenager (aOR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.67–7.55). Conversely, educational attainment higher than secondary education (aOR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.01–0.49) and those who belonged to the richest wealth quintile (aOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.18–0.92) exhibited a statistically inverse association with teenage pregnancy compared with those with no education and from the middle wealth quintile, respectively. Living with neither parent was found as a risk factor for teenage pregnancy. Furthermore, we found that several sociodemographic factors exhibited a non-uniform increment and reduction in the risk of teenage pregnancy.
Physicians’ Knowledge of Clinical Nutrition Discipline in Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldubayan Khalid , Alsamani Alhanouf S. , Aladel Alanoud , Almuhtadi Yara
Published: December 2021

Background: Nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and management of diet-related disease. With the absence of clinical nutrition dietitians, physicians are considered responsible for prescribing nutritional support. Identifying weaknesses in nutritional knowledge among Saudi physicians may provide guidance to improve their nutritional knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional study that used an anonymous electronic questionnaire to investigate physicians’ knowledge of the clinical nutrition discipline. In addition to demographics, the questionnaire consisted of 15 questions covering six areas in the clinical nutrition discipline (macro- and micronutrients, nutrition and chronic diseases, nutrition and metabolic diseases, nutrition care process, nutrition support therapy, and research). For continuous variables, independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used. Results: A total of 332 had completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. Most of the physicians were Saudi (87%), male (73.5%), aged between 26 and 35 years (63.3%), and without health problems (56.3%). The mean score of the physicians’ knowledge was 5.3 ± 1.97 out of 15. Physicians who reported that they received some sort of nutritional training or course (M = 5.57, SD = 2.08) scored significantly more than physicians who did not (M = 5.10, SD = 1.86); t(330) = −2.174, p = 0.30. Conclusions: Nutrition should be reinforced as an important component of continuing medical education. There is a need for hiring more dietitians in health care settings in Saudi Arabia as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team delivering medical care services.
Emotions in the Time of COVID-19: Affections and Impacts among the Spanish Primary Care Workforce
Authors: Pulido-Fuentes Montserrat , Flores-Martos Juan Antonio , Abad-González Luisa , Navarta-Sánchez María Victoria , Valera-Oviedo Laura , Cipriano-Crespo Carmen
Published: December 2021

Background: The literature review shows that most studies on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals have focused on hospital staff, with few specifically addressing the primary care workforce. This study aims to explore primary care workers’ verbal accounts of the emotions they experienced. Methods: This is a qualitative study carried out between July and December 2020 in Spain. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with primary care workers. Data were analysed through thematic content analysis. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Results: A total of 53 primary care workers participated in the study, of whom 38 were individually interviewed, and 15 participated in three focus groups. Our analysis revealed themes in two categories: (1) from infection to affection; and (2) affected, but not patients—a discourse based on the acceptance of their experience as part of their work in primary care, creating an ideological construct or “shield” based on emotional self-management. Conclusions: Self-reflection on the emotional impact of COVID-19 is scarce. Examples of emotional affections include an obsessive focus on hygiene, the inability to establish clear boundaries between the personal and the professional spheres, and experiencing—and having to self-manage—emotional strain.
Exploration of Caregiver Experiences of Conservatively Managed End-Stage Kidney Disease to Inform Development of a Psychosocial Intervention: The ACORN Study Protocol
Authors: Carswell Claire , Yaqoob Magdi , Gilbert Patricia , Kuan Ying , Laurente Gladys , McGuigan Karen , McKeaveney Clare , McVeigh Clare , Reid Joanne , Rej Soham , Walsh Ian , Noble Helen
Published: December 2021

Background: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is an overwhelming illness that impacts not just patients, but also their informal carers. Patients who opt for conservative management rather than dialysis experience difficult symptoms and the psychosocial consequences of their condition. Informal carers of patients who choose conservative management can also experience high levels of psychosocial burden, yet there is little guidance on how best to support informal carers, and no evidence on psychosocial interventions to address unmet needs. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences and unmet needs of informal carers of patients with ESKD receiving conservative management in order to inform the development of a psychosocial intervention. Methods: This qualitative study will consist of three stages: (I) semi-structured interviews with informal carers in England and Northern Ireland, (II) focus groups with healthcare professionals and informal carers, and (III) national workshops to refine the components of a psychosocial intervention. Discussion: Informal carers of patients with ESKD who are receiving conservative management experience a high psychosocial burden, but there is limited evidence on how best to provide support, particularly as the patient nears the end of life. To our knowledge this study will be the first to address this gap by exploring the experiences and unmet needs of informal carers, with the aim of informing the development of a psychosocial intervention to support the health and wellbeing of informal carers.
Psychosocial Aspects of Gestational Grief in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Systematic Review of Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence
Authors: de Castro Michelle Herminia Mesquita , Mendonça Carolina Rodrigues , Noll Matias , de Abreu Tacon Fernanda Sardinha , do Amaral Waldemar Naves
Published: December 2021

Women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment without being able to become pregnant, and experiencing pregnancy loss after assisted reproduction, are triggering factors for prolonged grief and mourning. This review aims to investigate the psychosocial aspects of gestational grief among women who have undergone infertility treatment. We searched the databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Lilacs for works published up to 5 March 2021. The outcomes analyzed were negative and positive psychosocial responses to gestational grief among women suffering from infertility and undergoing assisted human reproduction treatment. Eleven studies were included, which yielded 316 women experiencing infertility who were undergoing treatment. The most frequently reported negative psychosocial manifestations of grief response were depression (6/11, 54.5%), despair or loss of hope/guilt/anger (5/11, 45.5%), anxiety (4/11, 36.4%), frustration (3/11, 27.3%), and anguish/shock/suicidal thoughts/isolation (2/11, 18.2%). Positive psychosocial manifestations included the hope of becoming pregnant (4/6, 66.6%) and acceptance of infertility after attempting infertility treatment (2/6, 33.3%). We identified several negative and positive psychosocial responses to gestational grief in women experiencing infertility. Psychological support before, during, and after assisted human reproduction treatment is crucial for the management of psychosocial aspects that characterize the grief process of women experiencing infertility who become pregnant and who lose their pregnancy. Our results may help raise awareness of the area of grief among infertile women and promote policy development for the mental health of bereaved women.
Building a Runway to Subjective Happiness: The Role of Fashion Modeling Classes in Promoting Seniors’ Mental Well-Being
Authors: Seon Joon-Ho , Jung Sun-Ok , Lee Kyu-Hye
Published: December 2021

This study focuses on senior citizens who are participating in fashion modeling classes. Modeling classes are one of the most prominent educational leisure activities that has recently garnered the attention of the elderly population. The effect of flow experience in modeling classes on perceived happiness in life was considered. Since the activities related to modeling classes are related to fashion and appearance, the mediating roles of confidence in fashion and appearance satisfaction were included as hypotheses. Survey data of 168 women aged 50 years or older were analyzed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS and SmartPLS. Flow experience was found to have a positive effect on subjective happiness, confidence in fashion, and appearance satisfaction. However, confidence in fashion had a significant impact on appearance satisfaction but not on subjective happiness. Appearance satisfaction also had a significant effect on subjective happiness. Appearance satisfaction had a significant mediation effect from flow experience to subjective happiness, but confidence in fashion did not have significant influence in the process. However, the serial multiple mediation effect through confidence in fashion and appearance satisfaction was detected to be significant from flow experience to subjective happiness. The results are expected to help establish the direction of leisure education programs for seniors and bring progress to the research agenda on the impact of fashion confidence and appearance satisfaction on senior citizens.
Quality of Life in Adults with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Hwang Tae-In , Han A-Lum
Published: December 2021

The aims of this study were as follows: to investigate the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), to evaluate whether stress perception and mental health among patients with MAFLD affect HRQoL, and to identify the underrated burden on MAFLD patients. Nationwide data from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V, 2010 to 2012) were used. MAFLD was defined by a fatty liver index (FLI) of ≥60, and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) was used to assess HRQoL. Logistic regression analysis and odds ratios (ORs) were used to determine the associations of MAFLD with stress, mental health, and HRQoL. Previous suicidal impulse was not found to be significantly associated with HRQoL. The risk of MAFLD increased 1.265-fold with an increase in stress levels based on the stress perception rate (confidence index (CI): 1.046–1.530; p < 0.05), while it increased 1.091-fold with a 1-point decrease in the EQ-5D score (CI: 1.019–1.169; p < 0.05). HRQoL impairment and stress levels are associated with MAFLD. It is important to evaluate stress levels among MAFLD patients and implement stress management and HRQoL improvement strategies.
Relationships between Socioeconomic Indicators and Motor Performance of Schoolchildren in Slovakia
Authors: Peric Tomas , Ruzbarsky Pavel , Tufano James J.
Published: December 2021

Physical inactivity is currently a significant problem in Western societies. Among the many factors that affect the amount of physical activity in children, socioeconomic status, the type of school, and the area where they live can play a major role in physical development. A total of 31,620 children (6.3 ± 0.53 years; 15,726 boys; 15,893 girls), representing 55.6 % of the entire Slovak population of first graders, participated in eight motor performance (MP) tests, the results of which were correlated with somatic parameters (body height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI)) and socioeconomic indicators (SEIs) within the children’s respective territorial regions. The largest correlations were observed between MP and unemployment rate (r = −0.802) and between MP and economically active population with primary education (r = −0.807). Other correlations between MP and SEIs were also found at the level of self-governing regions (r = 0.995) and districts (r = 0.551). SEIs and MP were strongly correlated, indicating that children who grow up in better socioeconomic environments display greater MP. Therefore, national and local governments should provide tangible and intangible resources to enable the proper development of children’s MP.