bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erratum: Sakhabutdinov et al. Numerical Method for Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations in Few-Mode Fiber. Fibers 2021, 9, 1
Authors: Sakhabutdinov Airat Zh. , Anfinogentov Vladimir I. , Morozov Oleg G. , Burdin Vladimir A. , Bourdine Anton V. , Kuznetsov Artem A. , Ivanov Dmitry V. , Ivanov Vladimir A. , Ryabova Maria I. , Ovchinnikov Vladimir V. , Gabdulkhakov Ildaris M.
Published: November 2021

The authors wish to make a change to the author names (adding a new author—Ildaris M [...]
Environmentally Benign Phytic Acid-Based Nanocoating for Multifunctional Flame-Retardant/Antibacterial Cotton
Authors: Magovac Eva , Vončina Bojana , Budimir Ana , Jordanov Igor , Grunlan Jaime C. , Bischof Sandra
Published: November 2021

Environmentally benign layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition was used to obtain flame-retardant and antimicrobial cotton. Cotton was coated with 8, 10, and 12 phytic acid (PA) and chitosan (CH)-urea bilayers (BL) and then immersed into copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) solution. Our findings were that 12 BL of PA/CH-urea + Cu2+ were able to stop flame on cotton during vertical flammability testing (VFT) with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 26%. Microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) data showed a reduction of peak heat release rates (pHRR) of more than 61%, while the reduction of total heat release (THR) was more than 54%, relative to untreated cotton. TG-IR analysis of 12 BL-treated cotton showed the release of water, methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and aldehydes, while by adding Cu2+ ions, the treated cotton produces a lower amount of methane. Treated cotton also showed no levoglucosan. The intumescent behavior of the treatment was indicated by the bubbled structure of the post-burn char. Antibacterial testing showed a 100% reduction of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, cotton was successfully functionalized with a multifunctional ecologically benign flame-retardant and antibacterial nanocoating, by means of LbL deposition.
Calcium Chloride Treated Highly Elastane Cotton Fabrics as Antibacterial, Comfortable and Environmentally Friendly Materials
Authors: Varan Nilufer Yildiz , Caydamli Yavuz
Published: November 2021

In the paper, the results of experiments on high elastane cotton crochet warp knitting fabrics treated with different calcium chloride solutions by the pad-dry-cure method have been reported. The tests for evaluating the antibacterial activity, thermophysiological comfort properties, physical performance of the samples were performed. In addition, the characterization analyses, including SEM, EDX, FTIR-attenuated total reflectance (ATR), and XRD, afforded indications of the good crosslinking of the CaCl2 onto the cotton/elastane samples. At a higher degree of activity, the calcium-chloride-treated fabrics were rated as having good antibacterial activity, being exceptionally breathable, and being comfortable with good physical properties such as stiffness, handle, and whiteness properties.
Novel Techniques to Measure the Sensory, Emotional, and Physiological Responses of Consumers toward Foods
Authors: Torrico Damir D.
Published: November 2021

Sensory science is an evolving field that has been incorporating technologies from different disciplines [...]
Screening for Innovative Sources of Carotenoids and Phenolic Antioxidants among Flowers
Authors: Meléndez-Martínez Antonio J. , Benítez Ana , Corell Mireia , Hernanz Dolores , Mapelli-Brahm Paula , Stinco Carla , Coyago-Cruz Elena
Published: November 2021

Flowers have been used for centuries in decoration and traditional medicine, and as components of dishes. In this study, carotenoids and phenolics from 125 flowers were determined by liquid chromatography (RRLC and UHPLC). After comparing four different extractants, the carotenoids were extracted with acetone: methanol (2:1), which led to a recovery of 83%. The phenolic compounds were extracted with 0.1% acidified methanol. The petals of the edible flowers Renealmia alpinia and Lantana camara showed the highest values of theoretical vitamin A activity expressed as retinol activity equivalents (RAE), i.e., 19.1 and 4.1 RAE/g fresh weight, respectively. The sample with the highest total phenolic contents was Punica granatum orange (146.7 mg/g dry weight). It was concluded that in most cases, flowers with high carotenoid contents did not contain high phenolic content and vice versa. The results of this study can help to develop innovative concepts and products for the industry.
Development of a Prediction Model to Estimate the Glycemic Load of Ready-to-Eat Meals
Authors: Lee Hosun , Um Mihyang , Nam Kisun , Chung Sang-Jin , Park Yookyoung
Published: November 2021

The glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of a single food item has been used to monitor blood glucose level. However, concerns regarding the clinical relevance of the GI or GL have been raised on their applicability to a combination of several foods consumed as meal. This study aimed to investigate the glycemic response after consuming commercially purchased ready-to-eat meal and to develop the GL prediction formula using the composition of nutrients in each meal. Glycemic responses were measured in healthy adults with various mixed meals comprising approximately 25 g, 50 g, and 75 g of carbohydrates. After fasting, participants consumed test meals, and the glycemic response was measured for a subsequent 120 min. The GI and GL values for mixed meals were calculated as area under curve for each participant. For the prediction formula, 70 mixed meals were analyzed, of which the GI and GL values of 64 participants were used. The prediction formula produced was as follows: GL = 19.27 + (0.39 × available carbohydrate) – (0.21 × fat) – (0.01 × protein2) – (0.01 × fiber2). We hope that this prediction formula can be used as a useful tool to estimate the GL after consuming ready-to-eat meals.
A Multiplex PCR Assay Combined with Capillary Electrophoresis for the Simultaneous Identification of Atlantic Cod, Pacific Cod, Blue Whiting, Haddock, and Alaska Pollock
Authors: Lee Yu-Min , Lee Shinyoung , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: November 2021

With an increased consumption of seafood products, food fraud with fish resources has been continuously reported. In particular, codfish has been exploited worldwide as a processed product in fresh, frozen, smoked, canned, or ready-to-eat dish forms. However, it is challenging to identify processed fish products after processing because of their similar morphological characteristics. Substitution and mislabeling of codfish among different species are also happening deliberately or unintentionally. Thus, it is necessary to distinguish cod species to prevent fish adulteration and food fraud. In this study, we developed a multiplex PCR for simultaneously identifying five cod species within Gadidae using capillary electrophoresis. Then, their species-specific primer sets were designed by targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Subsequently, the amplicon sizes obtained were 237 bp, 204 bp, 164 bp, 138 bp, and 98 bp for Atlantic cod, Pacific cod, blue whiting, haddock, and Alaska pollock, respectively. The specificity of each primer was further tested using 19 fish species, and no cross-reactivity was observed. The limit of detection of this multiplex PCR assay was 1 pg. The developed multiplex PCR assay can be applied to 40 commercial food products successfully. This detection method will be efficient for managing seafood authentication by simultaneously analyzing multiple cod species.
Enhance Fruit Ripening Uniformity and Accelerate the Rutab Stage by Using ATP in ‘Zaghloul’ Dates during the Shelf Life
Authors: Lo’ay A. A. , Elgammal Rania E. , Alhaithloul Haifa A. S. , Alghanem Suliman M. , Fikry Mohammad , Abdein Mohamed A. , Hikal Dalia M.
Published: November 2021

The Rutab date involves a physiological process by which the fruit turns completely ripe. The objective of this study was to research the effect of ATP-treated fruit to improve their biologically active compounds of the Rutab process of the ‘Zagloul’ date during shelf-life. Fruits at full color (red) were dipped in 0, 1, 1.5 mmol L−1 ATP solution for 10 min, and then stored at room temperature (27 ± 1 °C) with a relative humidity of (67 ± 4 RH%) for 12 d. We found that ATP treatment, especially at 1.5 mM, enhances the Rutab stage of date fruit, and certain biologically active compounds such as total phenols and flavonoids, in all ATP treatments compared to untreated fruits. ATP enhanced the loss of tannin compounds in fruit but had no impact on the change in fruit moisture percentage of fruit during storage. The treatments did affect the changes in total sugar content and activated the sucrose enzymes, i.e., acid invertase (AI), neutral invertase (NI), sucrose synthase-cleavage (SS-c), and sucrose synthase-synthesis (SS-s) during storage. Interestingly, immersion in 1.5 mM ATP forced the date fruit to reach the Rutab stage during storage. These results indicated that the dose of ATP (1.5 mM) is a new potential tool that pushes the fruits to regular ripening after harvest, thus reducing the losses in the fruits during the production process. A linear model could be satisfactorily used for predicting the properties of the treated date with ATP 1.5 mM at different shelf-life durations.
Comparative Structural and Compositional Analyses of Cow, Buffalo, Goat and Sheep Cream
Authors: Felice Valeria D. , Owens Rebecca A. , Kennedy Deirdre , Hogan Sean A. , Lane Jonathan A.
Published: November 2021

Factors affecting milk and milk fraction composition, such as cream, are poorly understood, with most research and human health application associated with cow cream. In this study, proteomic and lipidomic analyses were performed on cow, goat, sheep and Bubalus bubalis (from now on referred to as buffalo), bulk milk cream samples. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to determine the composition, including protein, lipid and their glycoconjugates, and the structure of the milk fat globules. BLAST2GO was used to annotate functional indicators of cream protein. Functional annotation of protein highlighted a broad level of similarity between species. However, investigation of specific biological process terms revealed distinct differences in antigen processing and presentation, activation, and production of molecular mediators of the immune response. Lipid analyses revealed that saturated fatty acids were lowest in sheep cream and similar in the cream of the other species. Palmitic acid was highest in cow and lowest in sheep cream. Cow and sheep milk fat globules were associated with thick patches of protein on the surface, while buffalo and goat milk fat globules were associated with larger areas of aggregated protein and significant surface adsorbed protein, respectively. This study highlights the differences between cow, goat, sheep, and buffalo milk cream, which can be used to support their potential application in functional foods such as infant milk formula.
Microstructural and Texturizing Properties of Partially Pectin-Depleted Cell Wall Material: The Role of Botanical Origin and High-Pressure Homogenization
Authors: Van Audenhove Jelle , Bernaerts Tom , Putri Novita I. , Okello Erick O. , Van Rooy Luisa , Van Loey Ann M. , Hendrickx Marc E.
Published: November 2021

In the current study, the texturizing properties of partially pectin-depleted cell wall material (CWM) of apple, carrot, onion and pumpkin, and the potential of functionalization by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) were addressed. This partially pectin-depleted CWM was obtained as the unextractable fraction after acid pectin extraction (AcUF) on the alcohol-insoluble residue. Chemical analysis was performed to gain insight into the polysaccharide composition of the AcUF. The microstructural and functional properties of the AcUF in suspension were studied before HPH and after HPH at 20 and 80 MPa. Before HPH, even after the pectin extraction, the particles showed a cell-like morphology and occurred separately in the apple, onion and pumpkin AcUF and in a clustered manner in the carrot AcUF. The extent of disruption by the HPH treatments at 20 and 80 MPa was dependent on the botanical origin. Only for the onion and pumpkin AcUF, the water binding capacity was increased by HPH. Before HPH, the texturizing potential of the AcUFs was greatly varying between the different matrices. Whereas HPH improved the texturizing potential of the pumpkin AcUF, no effect and even a decrease was observed for the onion AcUF and the apple and carrot AcUF, respectively.
Effects of Long-Term Non-Pruning on Main Quality Constituents in ‘Dancong’ Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves Based on Proteomics and Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Chen Yiyong , Zhou Bo , Li Jianlong , Tang Hao , Zeng Lanting , Chen Qin , Cui Yingying , Liu Jiayu , Tang Jinchi
Published: November 2021

‘Dancong’ tea is a famous traditional Oolong tea. In order to keep the original taste of “ancient tea trees”, most of the ‘Dancong’ tea plants are planted in a single plant pattern without pruning. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of long-term non-pruning on main quality constituents in ‘Dancong’ tea. The results showed that the contents of free amino acids, chlorophylls, and floral-honey aromatic substances in tea leaves of unpruned tea plants were higher than those in every year pruned tea plants, while the catechin content in leaves of pruned tea plants was higher than that in leaves of unpruned tea plants. Quantitative proteomics analysis showed that most enzymes involved in biosynthesis of catechins were downregulated in leaves of unpruned tea plants. Five proteins involved in chlorophyll metabolism and 12 proteins related to photosynthesis were upregulated, and the results suggested that higher chlorophyll content and more efficient photosynthetic energy conversion may be important for the higher accumulation of special quality components in leaves of unpruned tea plants. The findings of this study will advance our understanding of the mechanism of formation of different metabolites in leaves of unpruned and pruned tea plants.
The Garbage Enzyme with Chinese Hoenylocust Fruits Showed Better Properties and Application than When Using the Garbage Enzyme Alone
Authors: Gu Sitong , Xu Dongying , Zhou Fuhui , Chen Chen , Liu Chenghui , Tian Mixia , Jiang Aili
Published: November 2021

Garbage enzyme (GE) is a vinegar or alcohol product derived from fermenting fresh kitchen waste, such as vegetable and fruit residues (peels, cuttings and bits), sugar (brown sugar, jaggery or molasses sugar) and water. Chinese honeylocust fruits (Gleditsia sinensis) have been used in China for at least 2000 years as a detergent. The aim of the study was to investigate the properties and application of Chinese honeylocust garbage enzyme (CHGE), which is produced when equal amounts of Chinese honeylocust fruits and fresh wastes are mixed. The results showed that CHGE had lesser microbial communities and lower surface tension than GE. CHGE also had higher viscosity, foam stability and emulsion stability than GE. Compared with GE, CHGE induced higher enzymatic amylase, cellulase, lipase and protease activities. CHGE had stronger detergency than GE and a 100× dilution of CHGE could significantly remove pesticide residues after a 30 min soaking treatment. The study showed that as a biological detergent, CHGE is safer and more environmentally friendly than GE and has remarkable washing and cleaning power. The preparation method of the detergent is simple: it can be prepared at home using fruit and vegetable waste, which is beneficial to the secondary utilization of waste and the reduction of pollution to the environment and damage to human health.
Freeze-Chilling of Whitefish: Effects of Capture, On-Board Processing, Freezing, Frozen Storage, Thawing, and Subsequent Chilled Storage—A Review
Authors: Erikson Ulf , Uglem Solveig , Greiff Kirsti
Published: November 2021

The current review investigates how whitefish quality is affected by capture at sea, on board handling, freezing, double freezing, frozen storage, thawing, and chilled storage. Packaging of fillets in MAP and vacuum are also covered. The main goal was to evaluate the freeze-chilling concept as a possible method for the fishing industry for all-year-round marketing of fish captured during the relatively short fishing period. The review covers both the effect of each processing step in the supply chain as well as the combined effect of all steps in the chain from sea to consumer, including post-thawing chilled storage, defined as the freeze-chilling method.
Identification and Characterization of New Alu Element Insertion in the BRCA1 Exon 14 Associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Bouras Ahmed , Leone Melanie , Bonadona Valerie , Lebrun Marine , Calender Alain , Boutry-Kryza Nadia
Published: November 2021

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 are found in about 7–10% of all familial breast cancers and 10% of ovarian cancers. Alu elements are the most abundant mobile DNA element in the human genome and are known to affect the human genome by different mechanisms leading to human disease. We report here the detection, by next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis coupled with a suitable bioinformatics pipeline, of an AluYb8 element in exon 14 of the BRCA1 gene in a family with HBOC history first classified as BRCA-negative by Sanger sequencing and first NGS analysis. The c.4475_c.4476insAluYb8 mutation impacts splicing and induces the skipping of exon 14. As a result, the produced mRNA contains a premature stop, leading to the production of a short and likely non-functional protein (pAla1453Glyfs*10). Overall, our study allowed us to identify a novel pathogenic variant in BRCA1 and showed the importance of bioinformatics tool improvement and versioning.
Transcriptome-Based Identification of Genes Responding to the Organophosphate Pesticide Phosmet in Danio rerio
Authors: Vasamsetti Bala Murali Krishna , Chon Kyongmi , Kim Juyeong , Oh Jin-A , Yoon Chang-Young , Park Hong-Hyun
Published: November 2021

Organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are one of the most widely used insecticides. OPPs exert their neurotoxic effects by inhibiting acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Most of the gross developmental abnormalities observed in OPP-treated fish, on the other hand, may not be explained solely by AChE inhibition. To understand the overall molecular mechanisms involved in OPP toxicity, we used the zebrafish (ZF) model. We exposed ZF embryos to an OPP, phosmet, for 96 h, and then analyzed developmental abnormalities and performed whole transcriptome analysis. Phenotypic abnormalities, such as bradycardia, spine curvature, and growth retardation, were observed in phosmet-treated ZF (PTZF). Whole transcriptome analysis revealed 2190 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 822 and 1368 significantly up-and downregulated genes, respectively. System process and sensory and visual perception were among the top biological pathways affected by phosmet toxicity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of metabolic pathways, calcium signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, cardiac muscle contraction, drug metabolism–other enzymes, and phototransduction. Quantitative real-time PCR results of six DEGs agreed with the sequencing data expression profile trend. Our findings provide insights into the consequences of phosmet exposure in ZF, as well as an estimate of the potential risk of OPPs to off-target species.
Comparative RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Potentially Resistance-Related Genes in Response to Bacterial Canker of Tomato
Authors: Pereyra-Bistraín Leonardo I. , Ovando-Vázquez Cesaré , Rougon-Cardoso Alejandra , Alpuche-Solís Ángel G.
Published: November 2021

Tomato is one of the most important crops for human consumption. Its production is affected by the actinomycete Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm), one of the most devastating bacterial pathogens of this crop. Several wild tomato species represent a source of natural resistance to Cmm. Here, we contrasted the transcriptomes of the resistant wild tomato species Solanum arcanum LA2157 and the susceptible species Solanum lycopersicum cv. Ailsa Craig, during the first 24 h of challenge with Cmm. We used three analyses approaches which demonstrated to be complementary: mapping to S. lycopersicum reference genome SL3.0; semi de novo transcriptome assembly; and de novo transcriptome assembly. In a global context, transcriptional changes seem to be similar between both species, although there are some specific genes only upregulated in S. arcanum during Cmm interaction, suggesting that the resistance regulatory mechanism probably diverged during the domestication process. Although S. lycopersicum showed enriched functional groups related to defense, S. arcanum displayed a higher number of induced genes related to bacterial, oomycete, and fungal defense at the first few hours of interaction. This study revealed genes that may contribute to the resistance phenotype in the wild tomato species, such as those that encode for a polyphenol oxidase E, diacyl glycerol kinase, TOM1-like protein 6, and an ankyrin repeat-containing protein, among others. This work will contribute to a better understanding of the defense mechanism against Cmm, and the development of new control methods.
Cloning, Expression, and Tobacco Overexpression Analyses of a PISTILLATA/GLOBOSA-like (OfGLO1) Gene from Osmanthus fragrans
Authors: Zeng Zhanghui , Chen Si , Xu Mingrui , Wang Min , Chen Zhehao , Wang Lilin , Pang Jiliang
Published: November 2021

GLOBOSA (GLO), a B-class MADS-box gene, is involved in floral organ determination but has rarely been studied in Osmanthus fragrans, which is a very popular ornamental tree species in China. Here, the full-length cDNA of a homologous GLO1 gene (named OfGLO1) was cloned from a flower bud of O. fragrans using the RACE technique. The OfGLO1 has a 645 bp open reading frame, encoding 214 amino acids. Similar to other PI/GLO proteins, OfGLO1 has two conserved domains, MADS MEF2-like and K-box, and a 16-amino-acid PI motif in the C terminal region. Our phylogeny analysis classified OfGLO1 as a PI-type member of the B-class MADS-box gene family. The qRT-PCR assay showed that the expression of OfGLO1 in O. fragrans was continuously upregulated from the tight bud stage to the full flowering stage but barely expressed in the pistils, sepals, and non-floral organs, such as root, leaf, and stem. The genetic effect of OfGLO1 was assayed by ectopic expression in tobacco plants. Compared with the wild-type, OfGLO1 transformants showed reduced plant size, earlier flowering, shorter stamens, and lower seed setting rates. Furthermore, some stamens were changed into petal-like structures. These findings indicate that OfGLO1 plays an important role in the regulation of flower development. This study improved our understanding of class B gene function in woody plants.
Bioinformatic and Machine Learning Applications in Melanoma Risk Assessment and Prognosis: A Literature Review
Authors: Ma Emily , Hoegler Karl , Zhou Albert
Published: November 2021

Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma each year in the United States. Despite recent advancements in metastatic melanoma treatment, such as immunotherapy, there are still over 7000 melanoma-related deaths each year. Melanoma is a highly heterogenous disease, and many underlying genetic drivers have been identified since the introduction of next-generation sequencing. Despite clinical staging guidelines, the prognosis of metastatic melanoma is variable and difficult to predict. Bioinformatic and machine learning analyses relying on genetic, clinical, and histopathologic inputs have been increasingly used to risk stratify melanoma patients with high accuracy. This literature review summarizes the key genetic drivers of melanoma and recent applications of bioinformatic and machine learning models in the risk stratification of melanoma patients. A robustly validated risk stratification tool can potentially guide the physician management of melanoma patients and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
The Staphylococcus aureus CC398 Lineage: An Evolution Driven by the Acquisition of Prophages and Other Mobile Genetic Elements
Authors: Laumay Floriane , Benchetrit Hugo , Corvaglia Anna-Rita , van der Mee-Marquet Nathalie , François Patrice
Published: November 2021

Among clinically relevant lineages of Staphylococcus aureus, the lineage or clonal complex 398 (CC398) is of particular interest. Strains from this lineage were only described as livestock colonizers until 2007. Progressively, cases of infection were reported in humans in contact with farm animals, and now, CC398 isolates are increasingly identified as the cause of severe infections even in patients without any contact with animals. These observations suggest that CC398 isolates have spread not only in the community but also in the hospital setting. In addition, several recent studies have reported that CC398 strains are evolving towards increased virulence and antibiotic resistance. Identification of the origin and emergence of this clonal complex could probably benefit future large-scale studies that aim to detect sources of contamination and infection. Current evidence indicates that the evolution of CC398 strains towards these phenotypes has been driven by the acquisition of prophages and other mobile genetic elements. In this short review, we summarize the main knowledge of this major lineage of S. aureus that has become predominant in the human clinic worldwide within a single decade.
Correcting the Estimation of Viral Taxa Distributions in Next-Generation Sequencing Data after Applying Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kohls Moritz , Kircher Magdalena , Krepel Jessica , Liebig Pamela , Jung Klaus
Published: November 2021

Estimating the taxonomic composition of viral sequences in a biological samples processed by next-generation sequencing is an important step in comparative metagenomics. Mapping sequencing reads against a database of known viral reference genomes, however, fails to classify reads from novel viruses whose reference sequences are not yet available in public databases. Instead of a mapping approach, and in order to classify sequencing reads at least to a taxonomic level, the performance of artificial neural networks and other machine learning models was studied. Taxonomic and genomic data from the NCBI database were used to sample labelled sequencing reads as training data. The fitted neural network was applied to classify unlabelled reads of simulated and real-world test sets. Additional auxiliary test sets of labelled reads were used to estimate the conditional class probabilities, and to correct the prior estimation of the taxonomic distribution in the actual test set. Among the taxonomic levels, the biological order of viruses provided the most comprehensive data base to generate training data. The prediction accuracy of the artificial neural network to classify test reads to their viral order was considerably higher than that of a random classification. Posterior estimation of taxa frequencies could correct the primary classification results.
Reservoir Quality of Upper Jurassic Corallian Sandstones, Weald Basin, UK
Authors: Barshep Dinfa Vincent , Worden Richard Henry
Published: November 2021

The Upper Jurassic, shallow marine Corallian sandstones of the Weald Basin, UK, are significant onshore reservoirs due to their future potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen storage. These reservoir rocks, buried to no deeper than 1700 m before uplift to 850 to 900 m at the present time, also provide an opportunity to study the pivotal role of shallow marine sandstone eodiagenesis. With little evidence of compaction, these rocks show low to moderate porosity for their relatively shallow burial depths. Their porosity ranges from 0.8 to 30% with an average of 12.6% and permeability range from 0.01 to 887 mD with an average of 31 mD. The Corallian sandstones of the Weald Basin are relatively poorly studied; consequently, there is a paucity of data on their reservoir quality which limits any ability to predict porosity and permeability away from wells. This study presents a potential first in the examination of diagenetic controls of reservoir quality of the Corallian sandstones, of the Weald Basin’s Palmers Wood and Bletchingley oil fields, using a combination of core analysis, sedimentary core logs, petrography, wireline analysis, SEM-EDS analysis and geochemical analysis to understand the extent of diagenetic evolution of the sandstones and its effects on reservoir quality. The analyses show a dominant quartz arenite lithology with minor feldspars, bioclasts, Fe-ooids and extra-basinal lithic grains. We conclude that little compactional porosity-loss occurred with cementation being the main process that caused porosity-loss. Early calcite cement, from neomorphism of contemporaneously deposited bioclasts, represents the majority of the early cement, which subsequently prevented mechanical compaction. Calcite cement is also interpreted to have formed during burial from decarboxylation-derived CO2 during source rock maturation. Other cements include the Fe-clay berthierine, apatite, pyrite, dolomite, siderite, quartz, illite and kaolinite. Reservoir quality in the Corallian sandstones show no significant depositional textural controls; it was reduced by dominant calcite cementation, locally preserved by berthierine grain coats that inhibited quartz cement and enhanced by detrital grain dissolution as well as cement dissolution. Reservoir quality in the Corallian sandstones can therefore be predicted by considering abundance of calcite cement from bioclasts, organically derived CO2 and Fe-clay coats.
Geomorphology of the Coastal Sand Dune Fields and Their Association with the Palaeolandscape Evolution of Akrotiri Peninsula, Lemesos, Cyprus
Authors: Polidorou Miltiadis , Evelpidou Niki
Published: November 2021

Two well-developed late Pleistocene dune fields have been identified on the western and eastern side of Akrotiri promontory (Lemesos, Cyprus). The dune fields extend immediately from the low level of their source beaches onto higher ground (>48 m amsl). Geomorphic observations supported by OSL dating and sedimentological data provided evidence of the dune development and for the palaeogeographic reconstruction of the area. Relative sea level changes and wave action during the upper Pleistocene and Holocene played an important role into the development of the palaeolandscape and affected the formation of the dunes. From the collected data the development of the western dune field started at 56.2 ± 5.5 ka when the relative sea level was at approximately −60 m and contributed to the development of the western tombolo of the area whereas the eastern dune field developed in the late Holocene, after the formation of the eastern spit that resulted in the formation of the Akrotiri Salt lake.
Persistence and Transfer of Foodborne Pathogens to Sunflower and Pea Shoot Microgreens during Production in Soil-Free Cultivation Matrix
Authors: Deng Wenjun , Misra Gina M. , Baker Christopher A. , Gibson Kristen E.
Published: November 2021

Microgreens are an emerging salad crop with properties similar to those of sprouted seeds and lettuce. This study aimed to determine bacterial pathogen persistence during microgreen cultivation and transfer from soil-free cultivation matrix (SFCM) to mature microgreens. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Javiana and Listeria monocytogenes were inoculated onto biostrate mats as well as peat SFCM and sampled (day 0). Next, sunflower and pea shoot seeds were planted (day 0) and grown in a controlled environment until the microgreen harvest (day 10). On day 10, SFCM and microgreens were sampled to determine the pathogen levels in the SFCM and the pathogen transfer to microgreens during production. Salmonella Javiana log CFU/g were significantly higher than L. monocytogenes in SFCM on day 10 in both planted and unplanted regions (p < 0.05). Significant differences in pathogen transfer (log CFU/g) were observed between the pea shoot and sunflower microgreens, regardless of the pathogen or SFCM type (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, pathogen transfer to the pea shoot and sunflower microgreens from the biostrate was 1.53 (95% CI: −0.75–3.81) and 5.29 (95% CI: 3.01–7.57) mean log CFU/g, respectively, and transfer from the peat was 0.00 (95% CI: −2.28–2.28) and 2.64 (95% CI: 0.36–4.92) mean log CFU/g, respectively. Results demonstrate that pathogen transfer to microgreens during production is influenced by SFCM and microgreen variety.
The Mental Health and Syndemic Effect on Suicidal Ideation among Migrant Workers in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Kechun , Xu Chen , Zhang Yinghuan , Wang Rongxi , Yu Xiaoyue , Hu Tian , Chen Yaqi , Wang Zixin , Cao Bolin , Chen Hui , Liu Yujie , Liu Shangbin , Zou Huachun , Cai Yong
Published: November 2021

Background: Migrant workers are in a socially disadvantaged position and thus suffer from more stress and mental health disorders, resulting in a high risk of suicidal ideation. This study aimed to explore the association between psychosocial problems and suicidal ideation, and the syndemic effect of concurrent psychosocial problems on suicidal ideation among migrant workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited 1805 migrant workers in Shenzhen, China. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire to report sociodemographic information and mental health status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the association between psychosocial variables and suicidal ideation, and their syndemic effect on suicidal ideation. Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation among migrant workers was 7.5%. All selected psychosocial variables were independently associated with suicidal ideation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that three psychosocial variables were associated with suicidal ideation: anxiety (ORm: 1783, 95% CI: 1.089–2.920), entrapment (ORm: 2.064, 95% CI: 1.257–3.388), and defeat (ORm: 2.572, 95% CI: 1.612–4.103). Various mental health issues can exist simultaneously to increase the risk of suicidal ideation (AOR: 5.762, 95% CI: 3.773–8.802). Workers with more psychosocial problems were more likely to have suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The association between poor mental health and suicidal ideation should not be overlooked among migrant workers. The co-occurring or syndemic effect of psychosocial problems may increase the risk of suicidal ideation.
Plasma Cotinine Is Positively Associated with Homocysteine in Smokers but Not in Users of Smokeless Tobacco
Authors: Söderström Elisabet , Nilsson Torbjörn K. , Schneede Jörn , Ueland Per-Magne , Midttun Øivind , Gylling Björn , Johansson Ingegerd , Hultdin Johan
Published: November 2021

Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk marker, and smoking is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is unclear if the effect of smoked tobacco on homocysteine is mediated by nicotine or other combustion products in smoked tobacco. Snus (moist smokeless tobacco) is high nicotine-containing tobacco, and little is known about the effect of snus on plasma homocysteine. Therefore, we studied, in a cross-section of subjects (n = 1375) from the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, with strictly defined current smokers (n = 194) and snus users (n = 47), the impact of tobacco exposure on tHcy, assessed by self-reported tobacco habits and plasma cotinine concentrations. The snus users had higher cotinine concentrations than the smokers. Cotinine, creatinine, methylmalonic acid, and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype (MTHFR) T allele were positively associated with tHcy among the smokers, but not among the snus users. No association was observed between tHcy and the number of cigarettes/day. There was a positive association between cotinine and tHcy in the smokers, but not among the snus users. This indicates that substances other than nicotine in tobacco smoke could be responsible for the differential effects on homocysteine status. Self-reported smoking should be complemented by a cotinine assay whenever possible.
The Effect of Sleep Quality on Pain in Chilean Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Bascour-Sandoval Claudio , Belmar-Arriagada Hellen , Albayay Javier , Lacoste-Abarzua Claudia , Bielefeldt-Astudillo Diego , Gajardo-Burgos Rubén , Vidal-Torres Mirko , Gálvez-García Germán
Published: November 2021

Poor sleep quality (SQ) negatively affects pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). As the level of economic development of a country determines its sanitary conditions, these can influence the sleep–pain relationship; therefore, it is relevant to generate evidence in the population with MSD in developing countries. This cross-sectional study sought to determine the effect of poor SQ on pain in Chilean individuals with MSD, controlling for sex and duration of pain (in months). Method: A total of 228 individuals were included. SQ was measured with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), pain (intensity, interference and distress relative to pain) was measured with visual analog scales. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze the effect of SQ on pain. Results: A high frequency of poor SQ was present in the studied group, and was more prevalent in women. The SEM model evidenced that poor SQ predicts greater pain. Sex influences sleep quality and pain, but not pain duration. Conclusions: These findings indicate that poor SQ predicts higher pain in MSD and that women exhibit worse SQ and more significant pain than men. Our findings support that SQ should be considered in the comprehensive approach to pain in individuals with MSD.
Diet Quality and Incident Non-Communicable Disease in the 1946–1951 Cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Authors: Hlaing-Hlaing Hlaing , Dolja-Gore Xenia , Tavener Meredith , James Erica L. , Hodge Allison M. , Hure Alexis J.
Published: November 2021

Diet quality indices (DQIs) can be useful predictors of diet–disease relationships, including non-communicable disease (NCD) multimorbidity. We aimed to investigate whether overall diet quality (DQ) predicted NCD, multimorbidity, and all-cause mortality. Women from the 1945–51 cohort of the Australia Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) were included if they: responded to S3 in 2001 and at least one survey between 2004 (S4) and 2016 (S8), and had no NCD history and complete dietary data at S3. DQ was summarized by the Healthy Eating Index for Australian Adults-2013 (HEIFA-2013), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010). Outcomes included each NCD (diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension (HT), asthma, cancer (except skin cancer), depression and/or anxiety) independently, multimorbidity, and all-cause mortality. Repeated multivariate logistic regressions were used to test associations between DQIs and NCD outcomes across the 15 years of follow-up. The mean (±sd) of DQIs of participants (n = 5350) were 57.15 ± 8.16 (HEIFA-2013); 4.35 ± 1.75 (MDS), and 56.01 ± 10.32 (AHEI-2010). Multivariate regressions indicated that women reporting the highest quintile of AHEI-2010 had lower odds of DM (42–56% (S5–S8)), HT (26% (S8)), asthma (35–37% (S7, S8)), and multimorbidity (30–35% (S7, S8)). The highest quintile of HEIFA-2013 and MDS had lower odds of HT (26–35% (S7, S8); 24–27% (S6–S8), respectively) and depression and/or anxiety (30% (S6): 30–34% (S7, S8)). Our findings support evidence that DQ is an important predictor of some NCDs and a target for prevention in middle-aged women.
Development and Evaluation of a Preceptor Education Program Based on the One-Minute Preceptor Model: Participatory Action Research
Authors: Jeong Hye Won , Ju Deok , Choi Myoung Lee , Kim Suhyun
Published: November 2021

This participatory action research study was conducted to confirm the implementation process and effect of developing and applying a preceptor education program based on the One-Minute Preceptor Model to foster the competence of preceptor clinical nurses. The study was conducted for eight weeks from March 2020 on 30 preceptor nurses in South Korea. Nursing standards were developed for two weeks and six cycles (comprising four stages) were performed. Data collection was integrated using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. For quantitative data, the Clinical Core Competency of Preceptor (CCCP) and General Communication Competence Scale (GICC-15) results were collected from preceptor nurses through questionnaires. Reflection journals of nurses’ experiences were also analyzed through content analysis and frequency of keywords using WordClouds. There was no significant change in CCCP or GICC-15 results among preceptor nurses. However, nurses’ experiences were associated with the growth and development of competencies such as evidence-based practice, quality feedback, and self-reflection. The program was effective in developing nurse competencies. Therefore, it is necessary to encourage One-Minute Preceptor Model activities among preceptors through an action research approach and to actively support research and practice in clinical settings, as well as to provide organizational and systematic support.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study Exploring Associations between Child Sleep Problems, Child Factors and Parent Factors
Authors: Papadopoulos Nicole , Emonson Chloe , Martin Christina , Sciberras Emma , Hiscock Harriet , Lewis Samantha , McGillivray Jane , Rinehart Nicole
Published: November 2021

Sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, few studies have undertaken group comparisons of sleep profiles and factors associated with poorer sleep between children with ASD without intellectual disability (ID; hereafter referred to as ASD) and ASD with co-occurring ID (hereafter referred to as ASD + ID). This study aimed to (1) compare child (sleep problems and emotional and behavioural problems (EBPs)) and parent factors (parenting stress and mental health) for children with ASD compared to children with ASD + ID, and (2) examine the associations between sleep problems and child and parent factors in both groups. Parents of 56 children with ASD (22 ASD, 34 ASD + ID) aged 6–13 years took part in the study. No statistically significant differences in sleep problems were found between children with ASD compared to children with ASD + ID. However, total EBPs were independently associated with child sleep problems in both groups. Further, ‘Self-Absorbed’ and ‘Communication Disturbance’ EBPs were significantly greater in the ASD + ID compared to the ASD group. Overall treatment outcomes for children with ASD may be further improved if consideration is given to the specific types of EBPs being experienced by the child and their association with sleep problems.
Effects of a 12-Week Recreational Skiing Program on Cardio-Pulmonary Fitness in the Elderly: Results from the Salzburg Skiing in the Elderly Study (SASES)
Authors: Niederseer David , Walser Roman , Schmied Christian , Dela Flemming , Gräni Christoph , Bohm Philipp , Müller Erich , Niebauer Josef
Published: November 2021

Objectives: To investigate whether recreational alpine skiing in the elderly can improve cardio-pulmonary fitness. Design: Randomized controlled study with pre–post repeated measurements. Methods: A total of 48 elderly participants (60–76 years) were randomly assigned to either participate in a 12-week guided recreational skiing program (intervention group, IG, average of 28.5 ± 2.6 skiing days) or to continue a sedentary ski-free lifestyle (control group, CG). Cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and pulmonary function testing were performed in both groups before (PRE) and after (POST) the intervention/control period to compare parameters PRE vs. POST CPET. Results: At baseline, IG and CG did not differ significantly with respect to CPET and pulmonary function parameters. At POST, several measures of maximal exercise capacity and breathing economy were significantly improved in IG as compared to CG: maximal oxygen capacity (IG: 33.8 ± 7.9; CG: 28.7 ± 5.9 mL/min/kg; p = 0.030), maximal carbon dioxide production (IG: 36.2 ± 7.7; CG: 31.8 ± 6.5 mL/min/kg; p = 0.05), maximal oxygen pulse (IG: 16.8 ± 4.2; CG: 13.2 ± 4 mL/heart beat; p = 0.010), maximal minute ventilation (IG: 96.8 ± 17.8; CG: 81.3 ± 21.9 l/min; p = 0.025), and maximal metabolic equivalent of task (METs, IG: 9.65 ± 2.26; CG: 8.19 ± 1.68 METs; p = 0.029). Except for oxygen pulse, these significant changes could also be observed at the anaerobic threshold. Maximal heart rate and pulmonary function parameters remained essentially unchanged. Conclusion: Regular recreational skiing improves cardio-pulmonary fitness along with breathing economy and thus can contribute to a heart-healthy lifestyle for the elderly.
How Does Psychological Distress Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Internet Addiction and Instagram Addiction in Emerging Adults?
Authors: Ballarotto Giulia , Marzilli Eleonora , Cerniglia Luca , Cimino Silvia , Tambelli Renata
Published: November 2021

International research has underlined a worrying increase in Internet and Instagram addiction among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the role played by alexithymia and psychological distress due to COVID-19 has been evidenced, no study has explored their complex relationship in predicting emerging adults’ Internet and Instagram addiction. The present study aimed to verify whether peritraumatic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic mediated the relationship between emerging adults’ alexithymia and their Internet/Instagram addiction, in a sample composed of n = 400 Italian emerging adults. Results showed that females had higher peritraumatic distress due to COVID-19 than males, whereas males had higher externally oriented thinking and higher levels of Internet addiction than females. Emerging adults’ psychological distress due to COVID-19 significantly mediated the effect of alexithymia on Internet and Instagram addiction. Our findings supported the presence of a dynamic relationship between individual vulnerabilities and the co-occurrence of other psychological difficulties in predicting emerging adults’ Internet and Instagram addiction during the pandemic, with important clinical implications.