bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Characterization of the Binding and Release of Hydrophilic, Hydrophobic and Amphiphilic Molecules from Ovalbumin Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Vesković Ana , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica , Arion Vladimir B. , Popović Bijelić Ana
Published: December 2022

Protein-based hydrogels have attracted growing attention for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Ovalbumin (OVA), the hen egg white albumin, possessing good foaming and gelling properties and being widely used in the food industry, has recently been indicated as a potential pharmaceutical vehicle. In this study, the binding and release properties of pure OVA hydrogels were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin labeling. The comparative analysis between OVA and serum albumin (SA) hydrogels revealed the same release kinetics of hydrophilic 3-carbamoyl-proxyl and 3-carboxy-proxyl, suggesting the diffusion-dominated release of small probes from both hydrogel types. The results obtained with the amphiphilic 16-doxylstearate (16-DS) indicate that OVA, unlike SAs, does not possess a specific fatty acid binding site. However, the OVA hydrogels were able to accommodate a two-fold excess of 16-DS, resulting from protein thermally induced conformational changes, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Similarly, the hydrophobic modified paullone ligand HL, which was initially free in the OVA solution, was bound in the hydrogel. The hydrogels were found to retain a significant amount of 16-DS and HL after 7-day dialysis in physiological saline. The observed facilitated binding of amphiphilic/hydrophobic molecules in OVA hydrogels compared to the solution, and their sustained release, demonstrate the applicability of OVA hydrogels in pharmaceutics.
Physicochemical and Fibril Formation Properties of Pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) Skin Collagen from Solvent Extraction in Different Conditions
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Zhou Deqing , Liu Nan , Sun Yong , Sun Guohui
Published: December 2022

Acid-solubilized (ASC) and pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) extracted at 4 °C (ASC-4 and PSC-4), 12 °C (ASC-12 and PSC-12), and 20 °C (ASC-20 and PSC-20) from the skin of farmed pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) was characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and fibril-forming tests. The results indicate that extraction at 12 °C can effectively improve the extraction efficiency of natural collagen compared with extraction at 4 °C. However, extraction at 20 °C results in a decrease in molecular integrity, thus, inducing the resultant collagen to degrade or even lose fibril-forming ability. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed that ASC-4, PSC-4, ASC-12, and PSC-12 can assemble into fibrils with D-periodicities, and ASC-20 associated into molecular aggregates alongside partial D-banded fibrils, while no well-defined fibrils were observed in PSC-20. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the well-defined fibril morphologies of ASC-4, PSC-4, ASC-12, and PSC-12 with imino acid contents between 190.0 and 197.8 residues/1000 residues. The denaturation temperature of ASC-4, PSC-4, ASC-12 and PSC-12 was 30.0, 27.6, 25.9 and 22.7 °C, respectively. This study indicates that ASC and PSC extracted at 4 °C and 12 °C could be alternatives to terrestrial collagens for industrial applications.
Swelling and Antimicrobial Activity Characterization of a GO-Reinforced Gelatin—Whey Hydrogel
Authors: Lopes Pompilia Mioara Purcea , Moldovan Dumitriţa , Fechete Radu , Prodan Doina , Pop Carmen Rodica , Rotar Ancuța M. , Popescu Violeta
Published: December 2022

Whey-based hydrogel samples with increasing concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) were studied, against a control sample (M), for swelling behavior in light of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mathematical models of the diffusion process and for antibacterial activity. Graphene oxide (GO) is an optimal filler for whey-based hydrogels, giving them improved mechanical and swelling properties at low concentrations. Crosslinking induces a certain stiffness of the hydrogels, which is why only the first part of the swelling process (<60%) follows the first-order model, while during the whole time interval, the swelling process follows the second-order diffusion model. The NMR relaxometry results are consistent with the swelling behavior of GO-reinforced whey–gelatin composite hydrogels, showing that higher GO concentrations induce a higher degree of cross-linking and, therefore, lower swelling capacity. Only hydrogel samples with higher GO concentrations demonstrated antibacterial activity.
Java Community Philosophy: More Children, Many Fortunes
Authors: Hasanah Enung
Published: December 2022

In Indonesia, the island of Java is one of the largest and most populous regions. Indonesia’s population was 271.35 million in 2021, of which 271.35 million or 55.19% live on the island of Java. Most families have more than two children because of the traditional philosophy in Javanese society that more children are linked to many fortunes. Many still believe in this philosophy, but others consider it an unsuitable inheritance of the colonial era. Therefore, this ethnographic study aimed to explore the development of the traditional philosophy of “more children, many fortunes” in modern Javanese society. The results showed that parents with more than two children from marginalized and wealthy families lived in cities and were highly educated. Several things support the eternal philosophy of “more children, many fortunes” in the life of the Javanese people. These include: (1) It is against God’s decree to regulate births using contraception. (2) People believe that all children are born with their fortune. Therefore, parents should not worry about meeting the needs of many children. (3) Children are viewed as luck and eternal binders in domestic relationships. In this case, infertility is a potential source of family problems resulting in divorce. Therefore, many adopt children to avoid problems in household relationships.
Analysis of Nuclear DNA Content and Karyotype of Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Kulaz Haluk , Najafi Solmaz , Tuncturk Ruveyde , Tuncturk Murat , Albalawi Marzough Aziz , Alalawy Adel I. , Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab A. , Alasmari Abdulrahman , Poczai Peter , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: December 2022

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), whose annual production is 26 million tons worldwide, is one of the main sources of protein and is known as one of the most important food sources. In this study, the karyotype variations and the genome size of four common bean genotypes in Turkey were investigated to determine whether the geographic variables in these regions affected the genome size and the karyotype parameters. In addition, it is known that as that the cytological and chromosomal parameters change under the influence of the climatic conditions of each region, appropriate and stable cytological methods for each plant facilitate and enable the determination of the chromosomal structure and the identification of specific chromosomes in the genotypes of the relevant region. Correct and valuable information such as this enables breeders and researchers to determine the correct shape and actual size of chromosomes. The genome size of the genotypes was measured with a flow cytometer, and chromosome analyses were performed with the squash method. For each genotype, the karyotype parameters, such as the number of somatic chromosomes, the Mean Total Chromosome Length (MTCL), the Mean Centromere Index (MCI), and the Mean Arm Ratio (MAR), were measured. The results showed that the highest and the lowest amounts of DNA per nucleus (3.28 pg and 1.49 pg) were observed in the Bitlis and Elaziğ genotypes. In addition, all genotype chromosome numbers were counted to be 2n = 2x = 22. The Mean Total Chromosome Length varied from 15.65 µm in Elaziğ to 34.24 µm in the Bitlis genotype. The Mean Chromosome Length ranged between 1.42 µm and 3.11 µm in the Elaziğ and Bitlis genotypes. The Hakkari and Van genotypes consist of eleven metacentric chromosomes, while the Bitlis and Elaziğ genotypes consist of ten metacentric chromosomes and one sub-metacentric chromosome. However, the Mean Centromere Index and Arm Ratio differed considerably among the genotypes. The highest (46.88) and the lowest (43.18) values of the Mean Centromere Index were observed in the Hakkari and Elaziğ genotypes, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest (1.15) and the highest (1.36) values of the Mean Arm Ratio were obtained in the Bitlis and Elaziğ genotypes, respectively. Eventually, intraspecies variations in genome size and chromosomal parameters were observed, and it was determined that the changes in nuclear DNA content and different chromosomal parameters among the four Phaseolus genotypes from four different regions of Turkey indicate the effect of climate change in the regions on these parameters. Such information in these areas can be used as useful information for the improvement of this plant and breeding programs.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Eupatorium fortunei: Genome Organization and Comparison with Related Species
Authors: Yan Kan , Ran Juan , Bao Songming , Li Yimeng , Islam Rehmat , Zhang Nai , Zhao Wei , Ma Yanni , Sun Chao
Published: December 2022

Eupatorium fortunei Turcz, a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, is one of the horticultural and medicinal plants used for curing various diseases and is widely distributed in China and other Asian countries. It possesses antibacterial, antimetastatic, antiangiogenic, and antioxidant properties along with anticancer potential. However, the intrageneric classification and phylogenetic relationships within Eupatorium have long been controversial due to the lack of high-resolution molecular markers, and the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequencing has not been reported with new evolutionary insights. In the present study, E. fortunei was used as an experimental material, and its genome was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology. We assembled the complete cp genome, and a systematic analysis was conducted for E. fortunei, acquiring the correspondence of its NCBI accession number (OK545755). The results showed that the cp genome of E. fortunei is a typical tetrad structure with a total length of 152,401 bp, and the genome encodes 133 genes. Analysis of the complete cp genomes of 20 Eupatorieae shows that the number of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) ranged from 19 to 36 while the number of long sequence repeats was 50 in all cases. Eleven highly divergent regions were identified and are potentially useful for the DNA barcoding of Eupatorieae. Phylogenetic analysis among 22 species based on protein-coding genes strongly supported that E. fortunei is more closely related to Praxelis clematidea and belongs to the same branch. The genome assembly and analysis of the cp genome of E. fortunei will facilitate the identification, taxonomy, and utilization of E. fortunei as well as provide more accurate evidence for the taxonomic identification and localization of Asteraceae plants.
Identification of MYB Transcription Factors Involving in Fruit Quality Regulation of Fragaria × ananassa Duch.
Authors: Wang Jianwen , Yin Yujia , Gao Hongsheng , Sheng Lixia
Published: December 2022

The cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is an important horticultural crop. The economic values of strawberry cultivars are decided by their fruit qualities including taste, color and aroma. The important role of MYB transcription factors in fruit quality regulation is recognized increasingly with the identification of MYB genes involved in metabolism. A total of 407 MYB genes of F. × ananassa (FaMYBs) were identified in the genome-wide scale and named according to subgenome locations. The 407 FaMYBs were clustered into 36 groups based on phylogenetic analysis. According to synteny analysis, whole genome duplication and segmental duplication contributed over 90% of the expansion of the FaMYBs family. A total of 101 FaMYB loci with 1–6 alleles were identified by the homologous gene groups on homologous chromosomes. The differentially expressed FaMYB profiles of three cultivars with different fruit quality and fruit ripe processes provided the 8 candidate loci involved in fruit quality regulation. In this experiment, 7, 5, and 4 FaMYBs were screeded as candidate genes involved in the regulation of metabolism/transportation of anthocyanins, sugars or organic acids and 4-hydroxy-2, 5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone, respectively. These results pointed out the key FaMYBs for further functional analysis of gene regulation of strawberry fruit quality and would be helpful in the clarification on ofe roles of MYBs in the metabolism of fruit crops.
Interdisciplinary Overview of Lipopeptide and Protein-Containing Biosurfactants
Authors: Antonioli Júnior Régis , Poloni Joice de Faria , Pinto Éderson Sales Moreira , Dorn Márcio
Published: December 2022

Biosurfactants are amphipathic molecules capable of lowering interfacial and superficial tensions. Produced by living organisms, these compounds act the same as chemical surfactants but with a series of improvements, the most notable being biodegradability. Biosurfactants have a wide diversity of categories. Within these, lipopeptides are some of the more abundant and widely known. Protein-containing biosurfactants are much less studied and could be an interesting and valuable alternative. The harsh temperature, pH, and salinity conditions that target organisms can sustain need to be understood for better implementation. Here, we will explore biotechnological applications via lipopeptide and protein-containing biosurfactants. Also, we discuss their natural role and the organisms that produce them, taking a glimpse into the possibilities of research via meta-omics and machine learning.
Blood Group and Response to Bariatric Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients: A Retrospective Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kazim Albaraa H. , Bamehriz Fahad , Alsubaie Hamad Saud S. , Aldohayan Abdullah , Alamri Hussam , Naser Abdallah Y. , Abdullah Al-bandari Zamil , Jaamour Lamis Mustafa , AlBraithen Ghaida , Bamogaddam Ghada , Mostafa Omar
Published: December 2022

Objectives: To explore the relationship between the blood group of patients and their response to bariatric surgery and to identify predictors of better outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for morbid obesity between 2014 and 2020 at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: This study included 1434 individuals. The mean change in BMI (pre- versus post-BMI) differed statistically significantly between blood groups (p ≤ 0.01). The greatest drop in body weight was seen in individuals with the AB-negative blood type (56.0 (21.4) kg), which corresponds to the greatest percentage of reduction from baseline (47.7% (14.8)). The mean BMI of the patients decreased by 34.7% (9.2) from a mean pre-operation BMI of 45.5 (8.4) kg/m2 to 29.7 (6.1) kg/m2 (p ≤ 0.001). After laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, male patients and those with the B-negative blood type are more likely to see a greater BMI reduction (pre-operation compared to post-operation) (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: For morbidly obese patients, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy demonstrated promising weight loss outcomes. Blood groups may be able to predict the success rate of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients.
Outcome Expectations and Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: Their Exercise Outcome Expectations in Relation to Perceived Health, Self-Efficacy, and Fear of Falling
Authors: Chu Su-Feng , Wang Hsiu-Hung
Published: December 2022

Outcome expectations are a determinant of exercise engagement and adherence. However, the factors that influence outcome expectations for exercise remain poorly understood for people with knee osteoarthritis. In this paper, a cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 211 older adults from three clinics in Southern Taiwan. This study explored older adults with knee osteoarthritis exercise outcome expectations and perceived health, self- efficacy, and fear of falling. The older adults completed the Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (OEES), the pain and physical function subscales of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Perceived Health Status Scale, the Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale (SEE- C), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine associations between outcome expectations for exercise and physical and psychosocial outcomes in the knee OA population. Among the participants of the cross-sectional study, the mean age was 72.04 (SD = 5.53) years, and 71.6% were female. Higher outcome expectations for exercise were associated with higher physical function (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.96–1.99]; p = 0.007), better perceived health (OR = 1.30; 95% CI [1.12–1.51]; p < 0.001), greater self-efficacy (OR =1.03; 95% CI [1.01–1.04]; p = 0.006), and less fear of falling (OR = 3.33; 95% CI [1.21–9.19]; p = 0.020). Thus, the results indicated that outcome expectations for exercise among the participants were significantly associated with physical function, perceived health, self-efficacy, and fear of falling. These findings suggest the importance of personal factors in the design of interventions to promote exercise behavior changes among elderly patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.
The Effects of Abdominal Hollowing and Bracing Maneuvers on Trunk Muscle Activity and Pelvic Rotation Angle during Leg Pull Front Pilates Exercise
Authors: Jung Eun-Joo , Oh Jae-Seop
Published: December 2022

Pilates methods use mats for trunk muscles stabilization exercises, and leg pull front (LPF) is one of the traditional Pilates mat exercises. Abdominal hollowing (AH) and Abdominal bracing (AB) maneuvers are recommended to stabilize the trunk muscles and prevent unwanted pelvic movement during motion. This study aimed to explore the effects of AH and AB on electromyography (EMG) activity of the trunk muscles and angle of pelvic rotation during LPF. A total of 20 healthy volunteers participated in the study. AH, AB, and without any condition (WC) were randomly performed during LPF exercise. Each was repeated three times for 5 s. The trunk muscle activities were measured using EMG and rotation of pelvis was measured using a Smart KEMA device. The activities of the transversus abdominis/obliquus internus abdominis (TrA/IO) and right obliquus externus abdominis (EO) muscles were highest in LPF-AH compared to the other conditions. Multifidus (MF) activity was significantly greater in LPF-AH and LPF-AB compared to that of without any condition. The pelvic rotation angle was significantly smaller in LPF-AB. Therefore, AH maneuver during LPF for trunk muscle stabilization exercises is suitable for selective activation of the TrA/IO, and AB maneuver during LPF is recommended for the prevention of unwanted pelvic rotation.
Point-of-Care Screening for Coeliac Disease in Schoolchildren Reveals Higher Disease Prevalence in Croatia
Authors: Mašić Mario , Musil Vera , Petričević Vidović Tatjana , Sičaja Enida , Hojsak Iva , Jadrešin Oleg , Kolaček Sanja , Mišak Zrinjka
Published: December 2022

Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease triggered by dietary gluten and related proteins in genetically predisposed individuals. Point-of-care (POC) methods are non-invasive and easily performed tests, which could help to reduce the diagnostic delay of CD. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of CD using rapid POC test in first-grade schoolchildren in Zagreb, Croatia. A rapid qualitative immunoassay POC test designed for detection of immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG deamidated gliadin antibodies (DGP), as well as total IgA (to identify IgA deficient patients) in whole blood, was used to test healthy children on gluten containing diet. Out of 1404 tested children (51% female), 85 (6.05%) had a positive rapid POC test result and were referred to paediatric gastroenterologist. Finally, 7 children were diagnosed with CD (0.5%). There was no significant difference in children with CD and children with positive POC but negative serology in sex, BMI, or symptoms. However, children diagnosed with CD complained of abdominal pain significantly more often. The prevalence of CD in first-grade schoolchildren was 1:200 (0.5%), higher than in previous studies performed in Croatia. The results imply the possible benefit of IgA and IgG DGP-based POC tests in population screening.
Assessing System Thinking in Senior Pharmacy Students Using the Innovative “Horror Room” Simulation Setting: A Cross-Sectional Survey of a Non-Technical Skill
Authors: Aljuffali Lobna A. , Almalag Haya M. , Alnaim Lamya
Published: December 2022

System thinking is an important competency for all healthcare professionals as it is a required skill to provide safe patient care. However, the literature does not describe how students gain such a skill or the manner in which it is assessed. Purpose: This study aimed to assess pharmacy students’ non-technical skills in the form of system thinking and error detection in a simulated setting. Results were correlated with the number of errors students were able to identify in a team-based simulation activity called the “horror room.” Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered after completion of the “horror room” simulation activity to identify elements of system thinking and error detection. Survey respondents were senior students enrolled in a patient safety course. System thinking elements identified in the survey were then linked to the number of errors reported. Results: Sixty-six students participated in the activity. Their mean grade point average (GPA) was 4.72 (standard deviation (SD) 0.22), and the mean number of errors detected was 8 (SD 2). The average total system thinking score (STS) was 68 (SD 8.4). There was no association between the number of errors detected and STS; however, a positive association was found between GPA and STS (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.27, p = 0.030). The most common type of error detected was a medication safety error (100%). Conclusions: High STS showed that teaching theory is important for students to learn concepts; however, knowing the ideas associated with system thinking does not necessarily translate into practice, as evidenced by the low number of errors students were able to detect.
WIC Staff Views and Perceptions on the Relationship between Food Insecurity and Perinatal Depression
Authors: Tabb Karen M. , Simonovich Shannon D. , Wozniak Jana D. , Barton Jennifer M. , Hsieh Wan-Jung , Klement Claire , Ostrowski Mary Ellen , Lakhani Noreen , Meline Brandon S. , Huang Hsiang
Published: December 2022

Food insecurity and perinatal depression are significant public health concerns for perinatal services, however descriptive research examining their association is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the views and perspectives of staff from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program on the relationship between food insecurity and perinatal depression among their WIC clients. Four, semi-structured focus groups with WIC staff (n = 24) were conducted across four diverse nonmetropolitan public health districts in Midwestern counties in the United States. WIC staff included social workers, nurses, nutritionists and ancillary staff. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and verified, and data were organized using NVivo 11.4.2. Thematic networking analysis was employed as the qualitative analysis to identify organizing themes. Three themes emerged including (1) depression experienced by clients; (2) food insecurity experienced by clients; and (3) barriers preventing clients from accessing services for themselves and their children. Research on food insecurity and perinatal depression is sparse, with fewer studies having included health staff of low-income women. Our findings suggest that the association between food insecurity and mental health needs among WIC clients is a significant public health issue to which policy change and interventions are required.
Etelcalcetide and Paricalcitol in Chronic Kidney Disease: When the Target Is Inflammation
Authors: D’Marco Luis , Checa-Ros Ana , Gamero Dionilux , Soto Carlos , Salazar Juan , Nava Manuel , Bermúdez Valmore , Dapena Fabiola
Published: December 2022

Introduction: secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in those in dialysis. To treat this complication, the current options available include phosphorus restriction, phosphate binders, the inhibition of parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion by the supplementation of vitamin D or VDR activators, or the use of calcimimetics. Beyond the control of PTH, the effects of the treatment of SHP on other biomarkers of risk may represent an additional benefit for this population. In this study, we explore the benefits of current SHP treatment options, mainly paricalcitol and/or etelcalcetide in the inflammatory state of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Results: the study finally included 142 maintenance HD patients (5 patients were excluded) followed for 6 months (dialysis vintage 26 ± 30 months, mean age 70 years old, 73% women, 81% Spanish white, 47% diabetic). In this case, 52 patients were on regular treatment with paricalcitol for SHP and 25 patients were eligible to initiate etelcalcetide. The baseline serum levels of Ca, P, PTH, Ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other variables were measured. We found serum PTH levels showed an improvement after the treatment with etelcalcetide again paricalcitol and no treatment (p < 0.04). Of note, serum levels of CRP were significantly lower in a small group of patients (n = 11) receiving paricalcitol + etelcalcetide compared to paricalcitol or etelcalcetide alone. The proportion of patients with CRP within target ranges (≤1.0 mg/dL) increased significantly after combined treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: etelcalcetide proved to safely reduce the PTH levels without significant adverse events and the possibility of a synergic anti-inflammatory effect with the simultaneous use of Paricalcitol in HD patients.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the KCS Gene Family in Yellow Horn Reveal Their Putative Function on Abiotic Stress Responses and Wax Accumulation
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Zhao Ziquan , Yang Yingying , Xu Huihui , Bi Quanxin , Wang Libing
Published: December 2022

The β-ketoacyl CoA synthase encoded by the KCS genes is a rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA), which catalyzes the VLCFA elongation. Yellow horn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium) is a horticultural tree species known for its kernel oil, which has strong resistance to drought, cold, high temperature, and saline-alkali. The conserved domain FAE1-CUT1-RPPA and ACP-syn-III_C of the KCS gene family were used to search the KCS sequences across the whole genomic sequence of yellow horn; a total of 20 XsKCS genes were identified and divided into four subfamilies. The conserved motif and transmembrane structure analysis revealed that most XsKCSs had a conserved transmembrane domain except XsKCS10 and XsKCS20. The prediction of cis-acting elements of XsKCS genes showed that XsKCS genes contained many stress and hormone response elements, such as ABRE, MBS, and LTR. Furthermore, XsKCS genes exhibited differential expression profiles under abiotic stress and stress-related hormone treatment conditions. Transcriptomic data showed that XsKCS1, XsKCS11, and XsKCS17 had higher expression in yellow horn with high leaf cuticular wax, indicating that they may function in the cuticular wax accumulation and drought response. This study laid a foundation for further functional verification of XsKCS genes in yellow horn stress response.
Priming Watermelon Resistance by Activating Physiological Response and Defense Gene Expression to Alleviate Fusarium Wilt in Wheat-Watermelon Intercropping
Authors: Lv Huifang , Lu Junyang , Huang Yuan , Wang Mingxia , Yan Congsheng , Bie Zhilong
Published: December 2022

Wheat intercropping in watermelon could provide relief from the occurrence of Fusarium wilting of watermelon, a severe soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON). The current study aims to investigate the effect of root exudates from three wheat cultivars and one watermelon cultivar on the growth of FON and the responses of Fusarium wilt in watermelon to intercropping with wheat. The results revealed the contrasting effects of root exudates on the mycelial growth of FON; the wheat root exudates inhibited the mycelial growth of FON, and watermelon root exudates promoted the mycelial growth of FON. Watermelon plants suffered less Fusarium wilt in the intercropping system than in the monocropping system. Wheat intercropping reduced the incidence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon, and this effect was associated with the role of wheat root exudates that inhibited the growth of FON. Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased in the intercropping system compared with the monocropping system after FON inoculation. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities, and total phenolics and flavonoid contents in the roots of watermelon in the intercropping system were significantly higher than those in the monocropping system. Real-time PCR analysis showed that ClCAT, ClSOD, ClAPX, and ClPPO defensive enzymes and ClPDF2.1 and ClPDF2.4 defensin-like gene expression were significantly induced during the early stage after FON inoculation in the intercropping system compared to the monocropping system, while peroxidases did not show a significant response to FON infection. It is suggested that intercropping with wheat alleviates Fusarium wilt of watermelon by reducing the population of FON in rhizospheric soil and activating physiological responses and defense gene expression to protect watermelon from FON infection and improve the resistance of watermelon to FON in the intercropping system.
The Main Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutrient Composition during Fruit Ripening of Stauntonia obovatifoliola Subsp. Urophylla (Lardizabalaceae)
Authors: Jia Tianjiao , Feng Chen , Zou Shuaiyu , Gao Puxin
Published: December 2022

Stauntonia obovatifoliola Hayata subsp. urophylla is a novel edible and healthy fruit in China, commonly known as “Jiuyuehuang” (September yellow). The fully ripe fruit of S. obovatifoliola subsp. urophylla has a soft fruit pulp texture, golden flesh, and sweet flavor which is very popular with the locals. In this paper, we have investigated the fruit appearance quality, physiochemical quality, and nutritional quality of S. obovatifoliola subsp. urophylla that was harvested at six stages (S1: 60 DAFB, S2: 90 DAFB, S3: 130 DAFB, S4: 160 DAFB, S5: 190 DAFB, S6: 205 DAFB). An increase in fruit size (including single fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit diameter) was related to the ripeness stage of fruit development. The total soluble solids, firmness, dry matter, sugar and starch showed remarkable changes as the fruit approached ripening (S5–S6 stage). The main sugar components in the fruit were fructose, glucose, and maltose. The contents of fructose, glucose, and total sugars in S. obovatifoliola subsp. urophylla fruit progressively increased from the S1 to the S6 stage while increasing sharply from the S4 to the S5 stage. As for the content of maltose and starch, they both showed an increasing trend from the S1 to the S4 stage but decreased sharply at the S5 stage. The vitamin B, vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and amino acid levels showed an overall downward trend during fruit development. To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the phytochemical characteristics, nutrient composition, and antioxidant content during the different fruit development stages. The results of this study may provide a scientific basis for clarifying the growth and development characteristics of S. obovatifoliola subsp. urophylla fruit and the further utilization of these excellent medicinal and edible germplasm resources.
Biogeochemical Permeable Barrier Based on Zeolite and Expanded Clay for Immobilization of Metals in Groundwater
Authors: Popova Nadezhda , Artemiev Grigoriy , Zinicovscaia Inga , Yushin Nikita , Demina Ludmila , Boldyrev Kirill , Sobolev Denis , Safonov Alexey
Published: December 2022

Groundwater samples contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTE), including metals and nitrate ions, were collected at a depth of 8–10 m from the Siberian Chemical Plant multicomponent waste storage. The possibility of developing a permeable biogeochemical barrier with zeolite and lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) was investigated. The mass fraction and properties of several metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) were determined to investigate their fixation on the chosen materials at the given experimental conditions. It was established that metals in sulfide or phosphate forms can be effectively immobilized via biomineralization on LECA, whereas metals from the non-chalcogen group are primarily retained in the form of phosphates. The formation of biogenic deposits of iron sulfide, which serve as a sorption–precipitation phase during the immobilization of the majority of metals, is an important aspect of the LECA loading process. The use of LECA and zeolite in the form of a two-component barrier is feasible based on the data obtained. It is assumed that metal immobilization processes occur due to sorption mechanisms in the zone of zeolite loading. Microbial nitrate removal and the formation of iron sulfide phases under reducing conditions, which form a geochemical barrier for metals, are expected in the LECA zone.
Suspended Sediments in Environmental Flows: Interpretation of Concentration Profiles Shapes
Authors: Absi Rafik
Published: December 2022

In environmental flows, field and laboratory measurements of suspended sediments show two kinds of concentration profiles. For coarse sediments, a near-bed upward convex profile is observed beneath the main upward concave profile. In this study, we consider two 1-DV models, namely, the classical advection–diffusion equation (ADE) based on the gradient diffusion model, and the kinetic model. Both need sediment diffusivity, which is related to the eddy viscosity, and an y-dependent β-function (i.e., the inverse of the turbulent Schmidt number). Our study shows that the kinetic model reverts to the classical ADE with an “apparent” settling velocity or sediment diffusivity. For the numerical resolution of the ADE, simple and accurate tools are provided for both the sediment diffusivity and hindered settling. The results for the concentration profiles show good agreement with the experimental data. An interpretation of the concentration profiles is provided by two “criteria” for shapes. The main for steady open-channel flows shows that the shape of the concentration profiles in the Cartesian coordinate depends on the vertical distribution of the derivative of R (the ratio between the sediment diffusivity and the settling velocity of the sediments): dR/dy > −1 for the upward concave concentration profile while dR/dy < −1 for the near-bed upward convex profile. A generalization is proposed for oscillatory flows over sand ripples, where the time-averaged concentration profiles in the semi-log plots are interpreted by a relation between the second derivative of the logarithm of the concentration and the derivative of the product between the sediment diffusivity and an additional parameter related to the convective sediment entrainment process.
Behavioral and Cultural Insights, a Nationwide Study Based on Repetitive Surveys of WHO Behavioral Insights Tool in Greece Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Acceptance
Authors: Prezerakos Panagiotis , Dadouli Katerina , Agapidaki Eirini , Kravvari Christina-Maria , Avakian Ioanna , Peristeri Athanasia-Marina , Anagnostopoulos Lemonia , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Fountoulakis Konstantinos N. , Koupidis Sotirios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: December 2022

Monitoring behavioral and cultural insights during the pandemic is a useful tool to identify factors related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and confront the pandemic’s vast impact. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed according to the “survey tool and guidance” provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). Surveys were conducted by a market research company for five consecutive months, with a sample of 1000 individuals recruited per survey. Vaccination acceptance increased from 55.2% to 67.2%, while the percentage of undecisive individuals decreased from 16.3% to 10.6%. The proportion of vaccine resistant participants remained relatively steady (25–30%). Knowledge about the pandemic and compliance with preventive measures was high (>90%). Factors associated with vaccination included: Increased age, male gender, influenza vaccination, following authorities’ recommendations, being informed by HCWs or formal information sources, care for others, concern about the country’s economic recession and health system overload. Pandemic fatigue was reflected across the surveys, indicated by a decrease in the intention to self-isolate and remain at home when ill. Despite the decrease of undecisive individuals, a firm core of vaccine resistant individuals may be responsible for the relatively lower vaccine coverage compared to northern EU countries. Study results could be useful for developing approaches tailored to a reluctant population.
Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Training Program on Physical Performance and Muscle Quality in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Labata-Lezaun Noé , Canet-Vintró Max , López-de-Celis Carlos , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Aiguadé Ramón , Cuadra-Llopart Leonor , Jovell-Fernández Esther , Bosch Joan , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: December 2022

Aging is associated with a decrease in functional capacity, manifested by a loss of strength, physical performance and muscle quality. Multicomponent training (MCT), characterized by the combination of at least three types of training, could be a good strategy to counteract these changes. To date there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of MCT in improving both physical performance and muscle quality simultaneously. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes produced by an MCT program on both physical performance and muscle quality in a population of healthy older adults. Sixteen healthy older adults were recruited to perform a 15-session multicomponent training intervention. Physical performance was assessed by different functional tests, and muscle quality was assessed by tensiomyography and myotonometry. The main results of this study show some improvement in functional tests, but not in muscle quality parameters, except for vastus lateralis stiffness. MCT is able to generate improvements in the physical performance of older adults, but these improvements are not reflected in muscle quality parameters measured by tensiomyography and myotonometry.
Fine-Scale Monitoring of Industrial Land and Its Intra-Structure Using Remote Sensing Images and POIs in the Hangzhou Bay Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Huang Lingyan , Xiang Shanshan , Zheng Jianzhuang
Published: December 2022

China has experienced rapid industrial land growth over last three decades, which has brought about diverse social and environmental issues. Hence, it is extremely significant to monitor industrial land and intra-structure dynamics for industrial land management and industry transformation, but it is still a challenging task to effectively distinguish the internal structure of industrial land at a fine scale. In this study, we proposed a new framework for sensing the industrial land and intra-structure across the urban agglomeration around Hangzhou Bay (UAHB) during 2010–2015 through data on points of interest (POIs) and Google Earth (GE) images. The industrial intra-structure was identified via an analysis of industrial POI text information by employing natural language processing and four different machine learning algorithms, and the industrial parcels were photo-interpreted based on Google Earth. Moreover, the spatial pattern of the industrial land and intra-structure was characterized using kernel density estimation. The classification results showed that among the four models, the support vector machine (SVM) achieved the best predictive ability with an overall accuracy of 84.5%. It was found that the UAHB contains a huge amount of industrial land: the total area of industrial land rose from 112,766.9 ha in 2010 to 132,124.2 ha in 2015. Scores of industrial clusters have occurred in the urban-rural fringes and the coastal zone. The intra-structure was mostly traditional labor-intensive industry, and each city had formed own industrial characteristics. New industries such as the electronic information industry are highly encouraged to build in the core city of Hangzhou and the subcore city of Ningbo. Furthermore, the industrial renewal projects were also found particularly in the core area of each city in the UAHB. The integration of POIs and GE images enabled us to map industrial land use at high spatial resolution on a large scale. Our findings can provide a detailed industrial spatial layout and enable us to better understand the process of urban industrial dynamics, thus highlighting the implications for sustainable industrial land management and policy making at the urban-agglomeration level.
Abutment Pressure Distribution Law and Support Analysis of Super Large Mining Height Face
Authors: Zhang Libo , Shen Wenlong , Li Xuelong , Wang Yabo , Qin Qizhi , Lu Xutao , Xue Tianxi
Published: December 2022

Under the condition of the shallow coal seam, the laws of roof activity after large mining height longwall face mining and prevention measures for large-area roof weighting are problems that need to be solved urgently. In the background of the super large mining height working face in the upper 108 working face of Jinjitan Coal Mine 12-2, the spatial distribution characteristics of the development and change of the mining-induced abutment pressure and the related support design in the 8.2 m super large mining height and fully mechanized mining face were conducted. It reveals the distribution characteristics of the dynamic stress field and internal and external stress fields. The influence range of the abutment pressure of the super high mining height working face was measured on site. The numerical simulation is carried out, the roadway support structure is analyzed, and the improvement measures are proposed. The research results demonstrate that: The influence range of abutment pressure is 234 m, the obvious influence range of the leading pressure is 47–60 m, and the peak position of the influence of the leading pressure is 15–20 m. The 5 m range is the lateral inward stress field of the coal pillar, the 10–15 m range is the outward stress field of the coal pillar, and the 20 m range is the original rock stress field of the coal pillar. Therefore, it is proposed that the reasonable size of the coal pillar for roadway protection is 20–22 m. Adjusting the distance between screw steel and FRP bolts from 1000 mm to 1200 mm, the length of the roof prestressed anchor cable should be appropriately reduced to 5.5–6 m according to the lithology of the roof.
Personal and Household Hygiene Measures for Preventing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections among Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices
Authors: Leung Man-Wai , O’Donoghue Margaret , Suen Lorna Kwai-Ping
Published: December 2022

Personal and household hygiene measures are important for preventing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and other infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An online survey recruited 414 eligible parents in Hong Kong to study their hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding the prevention of URTIs among their children. The average knowledge score was high (10.2/12.0), but some misconceptions were identified. The majority of the participants agreed that good personal hygiene (93.5%) and good environmental hygiene (92.8%) can prevent URTIs. The average score for hand hygiene practices was high (3.78/4.00), but only 56.8% of the parents always performed hand hygiene before touching their mouths, noses, or eyes. In terms of environmental hygiene, only some household items were disinfected with disinfectants (door handles in 69.8% of the households, toilet seats in 60.4% of the households, the floor in 42.8% of the households, dining chairs in 24.2% of the households, and dining tables in 20.5% of the households). A higher knowledge score was associated with parents having tertiary educational levels or above, working as healthcare professionals, living in private residential flats or staff quarters, or having household incomes of HKD 70,000 or above. The results of multiple regression analyses also indicated that parents who were healthcare professionals and with higher household income had a better parental knowledge of hygiene measures after adjusting the attitude score. For hand hygiene, parents who achieved higher attitude scores obtained higher practice scores. Under the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, there were some misconceptions regarding hygiene among parents. Any health promotion program should target parents regarding taking proper personal and household hygienic measures, especially for those who had relatively lower socio-economic status and/or from a non-healthcare background. Motivating attitudes toward hand hygiene can lead to better practices.
Why do Social Workers Leave? A Moderated Mediation of Professionalism, Job Satisfaction, and Managerialism
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Wong Hung , Liu Jifang
Published: December 2022

Turnover has been a serious concern to social service organizations. A lack of committed social workers is a risk to organizational performance and service quality. Therefore, it is vital to better understand the leaving process of social work practitioners. The study constructed a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating role of job satisfaction between employees’ professionalism and turnover intention and the moderating role of the perceived level of managerialism in the context of social work organizations. A total of 667 participants from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai in China were recruited to complete the survey. Results presented that job satisfaction plays a full mediation role in the relationship between professionalism and turnover intention. In addition, the positive relationship between professionalism and job satisfaction, as well as the negative relationship between professionalism and turnover intention were moderated by managerialism. The findings enrich knowledge about turnover among social workers in the context of China and inspire to foster professionalism among service workers to improve job satisfaction and alleviate turnover intention and actual turnover as well as to apply management techniques and structures properly to strengthen the effect of professionalism on promoting job satisfaction and on preventing turnover intention.