bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Simulated Nitrogen Deposition on the Soil Seed Bank of a Subtropical Evergreen Broadleaved Forest
Authors: Wang Jun , Huang Yao , Guo Qinfeng , Yang Long , Lu Hongfang , Ren Hai
Published: November 2021

Increased nitrogen (N) deposition may have profound effects on forest ecosystems. However, information on the impacts of elevated N deposition on belowground soil seed bank in forests is lacking. In a field experiment, we added N at 50 and 25 kg N ha−1 year−1 to the canopy (CAN50 and CAN25) and to the understory (UAN50 and UAN25), to determine the effects of N deposition on soil seed bank structure and composition in a subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest. A total of 1545 seedlings belonging to 37 species emerged from the 10 cm-depth soil samples. After 6 years of N addition, soil seed bank density significantly increased at the depth of 0–10 cm under CAN50 treatment relative to the control. N addition did not significantly affect species richness, the Simpson index, Shannon–Wiener index, or Pielou index of the soil seed banks. Seed bank density and species richness were positively correlated with soil organic matter content. For the whole 0–10 cm soil layer, the percentage of total seed abundance and total species richness represented by tree species among the N-addition treatments was ≤9.3% and ≤16.1%, respectively. Soil seed bank composition was similar among UAN25, UAN50, and the control, but canopy N addition and especially CAN50 altered the species composition of the seed bank. Overall, our results indicate that artificial canopy N deposition at 50 kg N ha−1 year−1 but not understory N addition tends to promote seed storage and to change species composition in the soil seed bank. Because of the dominance of shrubs and herbs in the soil seed bank, the potential to regenerate tree species from the soil seed bank is limited in the subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest.
Subpixel Analysis of Primary and Secondary Infrared Emitters with Nighttime VIIRS Data
Authors: Elvidge Christopher D. , Zhizhin Mikhail , Hsu Feng Chi , Sparks Tamara , Ghosh Tilottama
Published: November 2021

Biomass burning is a coupled exothermic/endothermic system that transfers carbon in several forms to the atmosphere, ultimately leaving mineral ash. The exothermic phases include flaming and smoldering, which produce the heat that drives the endothermic processes. The endothermic components include pre-heating and pyrolysis, which produce the fuel consumed by flaming and smoldering. These components can be broadly distinguished from each other based on temperature. For several years, we have researched the subpixel analysis of two temperature phases present in fire pixels detected in nighttime VIIRS data. Here, we present the flaming subtractive method, with which we have successfully derived temperatures and source areas for two infrared (IR) emitters and a cooler background. This is developed as an add-on to the existing VIIRS nightfire algorithm version 3 (VNF v.3) which uses Planck curve fitting to calculate temperatures and source areas for a single IR emitter and background. The flaming subtractive method works with data collected in four spectral ranges: near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR). With sunlight eliminated, the NIR and SWIR radiances can be fully attributed to the primary IR emitter. The analysis begins with Planck curve modeling for the primary emitter based on the NIR and SWIR radiances, yielding temperature, source area and primary emitter radiances in all spectral bands. The primary emitter radiances are subtracted from each spectral band and then the residual radiance is analyzed for a secondary IR emitter and the background. Spurious results are obtained in pixels lacking a discernable secondary emitter. These misfit pixels revert back to the single IR emitter analysis of VNF v.3. In tests run for two California megafires, we found that the primary emitters straddle the temperature ranges for flaming and smoldering, the exothermic portions of biomass burning, which are apparently commingled on the ground. The secondary emitter temperatures span 350–750 K, corresponding to pre-heating and slow pyrolysis. The natural gas flare test case had few numbers of successful secondary emitter retrievals and a wide range of secondary emitter temperatures. The flaming subtractive analysis is the key addition to VNF version 4, which will commence production later in 2021. In 2022, we will seek validation of the VNF v.4 from nighttime Landsat and other data sources.
Food Consumption Patterns in Romania during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dumitras Diana E. , Harun Rezhen , Arion Felix H. , Chiciudean Daniel I. , Kovacs Eniko , Oroian Camelia F. , Porutiu Andra , Muresan Iulia C.
Published: November 2021

Food consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed worldwide as a consequence of the restrictions imposed by law and/or due to the fear of contamination. Although some similarities are found among countries, there are still many particularities for each nation. The present study focused on Romanian consumers and their consumption behavior related to four main food categories: fruits and vegetables, meat and meat products, bread and bakery products, and milk and milk products. Frequency of buying, shopping habits, place of purchase, and concerns related to the place of purchasing food products during the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed in comparison with the pre-COVID-19 period using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics regarding an online survey. Three types of behavior were identified as being related to the frequency of buying and to organizing a shopping list (less often, no change, more often). Two groups of consumers were identified as being related to the place of purchasing food: people with the same habits and people with new habits. Concerns related to the location of the stores and to the choice of buying directly from producers were also investigated using the ordered logistic regression. The empirical study revealed the new consumption patterns with a reflection on future trends.
Potential Use of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) as Natural Colorant and Antioxidant in the Food Industry. A Review
Authors: Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Munekata Paulo E. S. , Santos López Eva María , Rodríguez José Antonio , Barros Lillian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: November 2021

The food industry, in response to current consumer demand for natural and functional foods, is constantly evolving and reformulating traditional products formulations. Thus, during the last decades, multiple natural sources have been investigated to replace the need to add synthetic additives. In addition, the use of natural sources can also increase the nutritional quality of the food. With this in mind, elderberry is used in the food industry for certain purposes. However, its potential is much higher than the number of applications it currently has. Its high content of anthocyanins, as well as other polyphenols and vitamins, means that it can be used by the food industry both as a colorant and as an antioxidant. In addition, the incorporation of these bioactive compounds results in functional foods, with a high antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the inclusion of elderberry products in foods formulation increases their shelf-life, but the correct amount and strategy for adding elderberry to food should be studied to ensure a positive effect on nutritional and technological properties without affecting (or improving) the sensory quality of foods. Therefore, this manuscript aims to review the main bioactive compounds present in elderberries, as well as their potential uses in the food industry.
Reduced Washing Cycle for Sustainable Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) Surimi Production: Evaluation of Bio-Physico-Chemical, Rheological, and Gel-Forming Properties
Authors: Somjid Panumas , Panpipat Worawan , Cheong Ling-Zhi , Chaijan Manat
Published: November 2021

Although dark muscle is currently the most important obstacle in marketing high-quality Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) surimi, reducing washing remains a challenge for long-term surimi production from this species. Herein, the impact of washing cycles (one (W1), two (W2), and three (W3) cycles) with a 1:3 mince to water ratio on the bio-physico-chemical properties, rheology, and gelling ability of mackerel surimi was evaluated. The yield, Ca2+-ATPase activity, TCA-soluble peptide, and myoglobin contents of surimi decreased as the number of washing cycles increased, while lipid removal, reactive SH content, and surface hydrophobicity of surimi increased. Surimi generated by W2 and W3 provided the same rheological patterns and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra as unwashed mince, with the highest gel strength and whiteness, as well as the lowest expressible drip, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and fishy odor. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated the presence of polymerized proteins stabilized by disulfide and other interactions. Using a scanning electron microscope, several concentrated dense areas and distributed pores generated by myofibrillar proteins gel networks were found. Surimi from W2 and W3 appeared to be of similar overall quality, however W2 had a larger yield. As a result of the evaluation of bio-physico-chemical, rheological, and gel-forming capabilities, as well as product yield, W2 may be the best option for producing high-quality surimi from Indian mackerel in a sustainable manner.
Transcriptomics Integrated with Metabolomics Reveals the Effect of Cluster Thinning on Monoterpene Biosynthesis in ‘Muscat Hamburg’ Grape
Authors: Yue Xiaofeng , Ju Yanlun , Fang Yulin , Zhang Zhenwen
Published: November 2021

Monoterpenes are crucial to floral and fruit aromas in grapes and wines. Cluster thinning is a common practice for improving grape quality. Using Vitis vinifera cv. Muscat Hamburg, the effects of three cluster-thinning regimes on the biosynthesis and accumulation of monoterpenes from véraison to harvest were investigated at the transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics levels. It was observed that more intense thinning produced higher concentrations of total monoterpenes, particularly in their bound forms. The numbers of differentially expressed genes among the three treatments were 193, 200, and 238 at the three developmental stages. In total, 10 modules were identified from a weighted gene correlation network analysis, and one module including 492 unigenes was associated with monoterpene metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of the relationship between cluster thinning and monoterpene biosynthesis in Muscat Hamburg grape. Cluster thinning could be carefully considered for its application in production.
Investigating Consumers’ Preference for Acrylamide-Free Cassava Snacks
Authors: Chancharoenchai Kanokwan , Saraithong Wuthiya
Published: November 2021

As potato chips are often found to contain a carcinogen, called acrylamide, less-risky chips can alternatively be made from cassava. This study aims at examining consumers’ preference and the factors determining their marginal willingness to pay for acrylamide-free cassava chips. The study is undertaken based on questionnaire surveys with 1077 respondents from all six regions of Thailand. Various socio-economic characteristics, and behavior and perception on relevant issues are included in the OLS estimations of marginal willingness, acting as independent variables. The study finds that people show their preference for acrylamide-free cassava chips, and are willing to pay a premium price of THB 5.86, on average. The results also statistically present, among others, the positive explanatory power of persons’ perception about food safety, especially the dangers of acrylamide, and the size of family on the preference of cassava chips. Adult consumers and those from the northeastern region surprisingly reveal an unfavorable willingness to pay more for non-acrylamide cassava chips. Moreover, the availability of sale promotion can encourage consumers to pay more for healthier cassava chips. The findings should allow producers to understand consumers’ buying behavior and their preference for cassava chips as a substitute product; in turn, this should help to commercialize these products in the wider market.
Suitability of Data-Collection Methods, Tools, and Metrics for Evaluating Market Food Environments in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Ahmed Selena , Kennedy Gina , Crum Jennifer , Vogliano Chris , McClung Sarah , Anderson Collin
Published: November 2021

Globalization is transforming food environments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with implications for diets and nutrition. However, most food-environment assessments were developed for use in high-income countries. We evaluated the suitability of 113 data-collection assessments (i.e., methods, tools, and metrics) for eight dimensions of informal and formal market food environments for diverse contexts of LMICs. We used a scoring exercise and a survey of experts (n = 27). According to the scoring exercise, 10 assessments (8 methods, 1 tool, and 1 metric) were suitable without modification for informal markets. Suitability for formal markets was markedly higher, with 41 assessments (21 methods, 14 tools, and 6 metrics) found suitable without modification. Experts considered availability, accessibility, price, and affordability the most important dimensions of market food environments to evaluate in LMICs. Market-basket analysis and vendor audits (which include inventories) were ranked as the most suitable methods to assess multiple dimensions of market food environments, including availability, price, affordability, vendor and product characteristics, marketing, and regulation. Gaps in relevant assessments were found for convenience and desirability. Results demonstrate the need for the development, adaptation, and validation of assessments relevant for informal markets in a diverse range of LMIC contexts to support diets, nutrition, and health globally.
Existence and Kummer Stability for a System of Nonlinear ϕ-Hilfer Fractional Differential Equations with Application
Authors: Mottaghi Fatemeh , Li Chenkuan , Abdeljawad Thabet , Saadati Reza , Ghaemi Mohammad Bagher
Published: November 2021

Using Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem and Arzela–Ascoli theorem, we investigate the existence of solutions for a system of nonlinear ϕ-Hilfer fractional differential equations. Moreover, applying an alternative fixed point theorem due to Diaz and Margolis, we prove the Kummer stability of the system on the compact domains. We also apply our main results to study the existence and Kummer stability of Lotka–Volterra’s equations that are useful to describe and characterize the dynamics of biological systems.
Extreme Multistability of a Fractional-Order Discrete-Time Neural Network
Authors: Almatroud A. Othman
Published: November 2021

At present, the extreme multistability of fractional order neural networks are gaining much interest from researchers. In this paper, by utilizing the fractional ℑ-Caputo operator, a simple fractional order discrete-time neural network with three neurons is introduced. The dynamic of this model are experimentally investigated via the maximum Lyapunov exponent, phase portraits, and bifurcation diagrams. Numerical simulation demonstrates that the new network has various types of coexisting attractors. Moreover, it is of note that the interesting phenomena of extreme multistability is discovered, i.e., the coexistence of symmetric multiple attractors.
Features of Fabrication of Titanium Dioxide Based Coatings for Non-Lithographic Template Electrochemical Synthesis of Micron Metal Particle Arrays
Authors: Arbenin Andrey Yu. , Zemtsova Elena G. , Orekhov Evgeniy V. , Sokolova Daria N. , Baburova Polina I. , Petrov Alexey A. , Gaǐshun Vladimir E. , Smirnov Vladimir M.
Published: November 2021

This work is devoted to the development of non-lithographic template methods of synthesis. These methods have a significant advantage in terms of structure formation: there is no need to design and produce masks, which greatly simplifies the process, and more of them can work with nonplanar substrates. The purpose of this study was to reveal the conditions for the synthesis of titanium dioxide xerogel films of different topologies as well as to develop a technique for non-lithographic template electrochemical synthesis of micron metal particles arrays and to study the structure of the resulting coatings. The films were deposited on the surface of substrates via dip coating. Specific topology of the films was achieved by template sol-gel synthesis. Their structures were analyzed by SEM and XRD. Template synthesis of metal micro particles were realized by pulsed electrochemical deposition of metals into the perforations of xerogel films. Obtained materials were analyzed by SEM and XRD; the element distribution on the surface was determined by the EDS detector of SEM. Based on the analysis results, we suggest the mechanisms of formation of the xerogel topology and proved the efficiency of pulsed electrodeposition for template synthesis of micron particles arrays.
Twenty-Five Years of Geomorphological Evolution in the Gokurakudani Gully (Unzen Volcano): Topography, Subsurface Geophysics and Sediment Analysis
Authors: Gomez Christopher , Shinohara Yoshinori , Tsunetaka Haruka , Hotta Norifumi , Bradak Balazs , Sakai Yuichi
Published: November 2021

In the aftermath of pyroclastic density current-dominated eruptions, lahars are the main geomorphic agent, but at the decadal scale, different sets of processes take place in the volcanic sediment cascade. At Unzen volcano, in the Gokurakudani gully, we investigated the geomorphologic evolution and how the topographic change and the sediment change over time is controlling this transition. For this purpose, a combination of LiDAR data, aerial photography and photogrammetry, ground penetrating radar and sediment grain size analysis was done. The results show choking zones and zones of enlargement of the gully, partly controlled by pre-eruption topography, but also by the overlapping patterns of the pyroclastic flow deposits of 1990–1995. The ground penetrating radar revealed that on top of the typical lahar structure at the bottom of the gully, side wall collapses were trapping finer sandy sediments formed in a relatively low-energy deposition environment. This shows that secondary processes are taking place in the sediment transport process, on top of lahar activity, but also that these temporary dams may be a source of sudden sediment and water release, leading to lahars. Finally, the sediments from the gully walls are being preferentially oozed out of the pyroclastic flow deposit, meaning that over longer period of time, there may be a lack of fines, increasing permeability and reducing internal pore pressure needed for lahar triggering. It also poses the important question of how much of a past event one can understand from outcrops in coarse heterometric material, as the deposit structure can remain, even after losing part of its fine material.
Evaluation of Nine Operational Models in Forecasting Different Types of Synoptic Dust Events in the Middle East
Authors: Karami Sara , Kaskaoutis Dimitris G. , Kashani Saviz Sehat , Rahnama Mehdi , Rashki Alireza
Published: November 2021

This study investigates four types of synoptic dust events in the Middle East region, including cyclonic, pre-frontal, post-frontal and Shamal dust storms. For each of these types, three intense and pervasive dust events are analyzed from a synoptic meteorological and numerical simulation perspective. The performance of 9 operational dust models in forecasting these dust events in the Middle East is qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated against Terra-MODIS observations and AERONET measurements during the dust events. The comparison of model AOD outputs with Terra-MODIS retrievals reveals that despite the significant discrepancies, all models have a relatively acceptable performance in forecasting the AOD patterns in the Middle East. The models enable to represent the high AODs along the dust plumes, although they underestimate them, especially for cyclonic dust storms. In general, the outputs of the NASA-GEOS and DREAM8-MACC models present greater similarity with the satellite and AERONET observations in most of the cases, also exhibiting the highest correlation coefficient, although it is difficult to introduce a single model as the best for all cases. Model AOD predictions over the AERONET stations showed that DREAM8-MACC exhibited the highest R2 of 0.78, followed by NASA_GEOS model (R2 = 0.74), which both initially use MODIS data assimilation. Although the outputs of all models correspond to valid time more than 24 h after the initial time, the effect of data assimilation on increasing the accuracy is important. The different dust emission schemes, soil and vegetation mapping, initial and boundary meteorological conditions and spatial resolution between the models, are the main factors influencing the differences in forecasting the dust AODs in the Middle East.
Effects of Water on Natural Stone in the Built Environment—A Review
Authors: Alves Carlos , Figueiredo Carlos A. M. , Sanjurjo-Sánchez Jorge , Hernández Ana C.
Published: November 2021

The present work reviews studies with information on the effects of water by itself on stones of the built environment both to assess the impact of this substance and to discuss possible implications for conservation. The analysis concerns empirical results from previous publications dealing with the effects, on several rock types, of freeze–thaw, wetting, erosion by running water and substances resulting from the water–stone interaction. Laboratory studies have shown that water freezing can cause physical damage even in low porosity rocks. As far as we know, this is the first review that considers comparative laboratory studies of freeze–thaw and salt crystallization on the same rock specimens, and these point to lower erosive effects than salt weathering, as freeze–thaw can provoke catastrophic cracking. Wetting has shown strong damaging effects on some fine-grained clastic rocks. Erosive features have been reported for rain exposition and for some fountain settings albeit, in these field studies, it could be difficult to assess the contribution of pollutants transported by water (this assessment could have meaningful implications for stone conservation, especially in fountain settings). Water also interacts with stone constituents, namely sulfides and soluble salts, releasing substances that could impact those stones. Sulfides are a relatively frequent issue for slates and granites, and our observations suggest that for this last rock type, this issue is mostly associated with the presence of enclaves and, hence, avoiding the surface exposition of such enclaves could solve the problem.
Factors Contributing to Poor Self-Rated Health in Older Adults with Lower Income
Authors: Byun Mikyong , Kim Eunjung , Ahn Heuijune
Published: November 2021

Lower household income is associated with poorer self-reported health status, especially in the elderly. Considering the importance of subjective health in this fragile population, it would be worthwhile to explore the physical and mental health factors that may help to predict good or poor self-rated health (SRH) status. We first described three main categories (individual, physical, and psychological) between low-income seniors with good and poor SRH. Next, statistically significant physical and mental health factors affecting poor SRH were identified. In this study, original data from the 2017 National Survey of Older Persons in South Korea were analyzed. People aged 65 years and over with low household income were eligible. A total of 1405 men and 2945 women (n = 4350) were enrolled, and less than half of participants (47.5%, n = 2066) belonged to the poor SRH cohort. We applied individual variable-adjusted models and found that poor SRH was significantly associated with ADL limitation (odds ratio (OR): 2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11–4.01), IADL limitation (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.52–2.13), malnutrition (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.53–2.04), and depression (OR: 3.65, 95% CI: 3.10–4.31) on logistic regression analysis. Our findings suggest that limited ADL/IADL, poor nutrition, and depression need to be emphasized to improve subjective health status in low-income adults. Early recognition and timely intervention might help them to live better and happier, ultimately relieving social healthcare burdens.
Surveillance of Parenting Outcomes, Mental Health and Social Support for Primiparous Women among the Rural-to-Urban Floating Population
Authors: Zhu Jiemin , Ye Ziwen , Fang Qiyu , Huang Lingling , Zheng Xujuan
Published: November 2021

China has the largest population of floating rural-to-urban women worldwide, most of whom are of childbearing age. However, few studies have been conducted to monitor the changing trends in parenting outcomes, mental health and social support for these women in the early postpartum period. In this quantitative longitudinal study, 680 primiparous women among the floating population were recruited in Shenzhen, China. Face-to-face collection of socio-demographic questionnaires was completed by researchers in maternity wards on the third postnatal day. Follow-up electronic questionnaires were dispatched to women via email or WeChat at 6 weeks and 12 weeks following childbirth, including the Self-efficacy in Infant Care Scale (SICS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Postnatal Social Support Scale (PSSS), to measure maternal self-efficacy (MSE), postpartum depression (PPD) and social support, respectively. The mean scores of MSE for these floating women were 67.16 (14.35) at 6 weeks postpartum and slightly increased to 68.71 (15.00) at 12 weeks postpartum. The mean scores of EPDS remained almost stable, from 11.19 (4.89) to 11.18 (5.34) at the two time points. The prevalence of mild and severe PPD among floating women at 6 and 12 weeks after childbirth decreased from 54.4% to 40.1% and from 50.6% to 35.4%, respectively. The mean score of social support was 37.04 (10.15) at 6 weeks postpartum and slightly improved to 38.68 (10.46) at 12 weeks postpartum. Primiparous women among the rural-to-urban migrant population had an obviously negative status of parenting outcomes and mental health; and there was a lack of social support after childbirth. In future, tailored evidence-based interventions are highly needed to promote floating women’s parenting outcomes, mental wellbeing and social support in the early stages of motherhood. As a higher-risk group of PPD, primiparous women among the floating population require effective and accessible mental health care after childbirth, such as early PPD screening and timely therapeutic methods.
Agent-Based Simulation of Virus Testing in Certain-Exposure Time through Community Health Service Centers’ Evaluation—A Case Study of Wuhan
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Zhao Jie , Zheng Duanya , Yu Yang , Liu Lingbo
Published: November 2021

Short-term and large-scale full-population virus testing is crucial in containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. However, the uneven distribution of health service facilities in terms of space and size may lead to prolonged crowding during testing, thus increasing the chance of virus cross-infection. Therefore, appropriate control of crowd exposure time in large-scale virus testing should be an important goal in the layout of urban community health facilities. This paper uses the Quanta concept and Wells-Riley model to define the “certain-exposure time” under low cross-infection rate. Then, an agent-based simulation model was used to simulate the reasonable screening efficiency of community health service facilities during certain-exposure time at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and under different screening processes. Eventually, the screening efficiency was evaluated for all community health service centers in Wuhan. During the early period of the pandemic, 23.13% of communities failed to complete virus testing of community residents within 2 h of certain-exposure time, leaving approximately 56.07% of the population unscreened; during the later period of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 53% of communities and 75% of residents could not be screened. The results can pinpoint the distribution of community health service centers with inadequate screening capacity, facilitate targeted policymaking and planning, and effectively curb COVID-19 cross-infection during screening.
Body Surface Potential Mapping: Contemporary Applications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bergquist Jake , Rupp Lindsay , Zenger Brian , Brundage James , Busatto Anna , MacLeod Rob S.
Published: November 2021

Body surface potential mapping (BSPM) is a noninvasive modality to assess cardiac bioelectric activity with a rich history of practical applications for both research and clinical investigation. BSPM provides comprehensive acquisition of bioelectric signals across the entire thorax, allowing for more complex and extensive analysis than the standard electrocardiogram (ECG). Despite its advantages, BSPM is not a common clinical tool. BSPM does, however, serve as a valuable research tool and as an input for other modes of analysis such as electrocardiographic imaging and, more recently, machine learning and artificial intelligence. In this report, we examine contemporary uses of BSPM, and provide an assessment of its future prospects in both clinical and research environments. We assess the state of the art of BSPM implementations and explore modern applications of advanced modeling and statistical analysis of BSPM data. We predict that BSPM will continue to be a valuable research tool, and will find clinical utility at the intersection of computational modeling approaches and artificial intelligence.
The Effect of Foliar Application of Magnetic Water and Nano-Fertilizers on Phytochemical and Yield Characteristics of Fennel
Authors: Faridvand Shahin , Amirnia Reza , Tajbakhsh Mehdi , El Enshasy Hesham Ali , Sayyed R. Z.
Published: November 2021

Environmental factors, especially nutrients, can influence the production of medicinal plants. Thus, the present study assessed the response of some morphological and physiological characteristics of fennel ecotypes to the foliar application (magnetic water, organic and chemical fertilizers). The study was a factorial experiment based on the randomized complete block design, with three replications and 25 treatments at the research farm of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of West Azerbaijan province, Iran, in the spring and summer of two consecutive years, 2014–2015 and 2015–2016. The first factor was assigned to fennel landraces (Gaziantep, Hamedan, Urmia, Yazd, and Shiraz) and the second factor to the foliar application (nitrogen nano-fertilizer, magnetic water, urea, chicken manure, and the control). Results showed that interaction of fertilizer treatment and landrace increased fresh and dry weight, biological yield, and seed yield significantly. In the first year, the highest fresh weight (166 g) and dry weight (35.5 g) were observed in the Gaziantep landrace fertilized with chicken manure. The highest anethole and fenchone contents (81.75% and 7.92%, respectively) were observed in the landraces treated with chicken manure. Based on the percentages, the Urmia landrace had the highest anethole percentage (83.2%), and the Shiraz landrace had the lowest one (77.5%). The highest fenchone contents (9.61%) and the lowest (2.18%) were observed in the Yazd and Urmia landraces. Due to the positive effect of application of chicken manure on improving the studied traits of fennel, it is recommended to include chicken manure inputs to enhance the efficiency of crops, reduce environmental pollution, and move toward sustainable agriculture.
Parental Psychological Flexibility as a Mediating Factor of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children after Hospitalization or Surgery
Authors: Ben-Ari Amichai , Aloni Roy , Ben-David Shiri , Benarroch Fortu , Margalit Daniella
Published: November 2021

Background: Illness, surgery, and surgical hospitalization are significant stressors for children. Children exposed to such medical events may develop post-traumatic medical syndrome (PMTS, pediatric medical traumatic stress) that could slow their physical and emotional recovery. Objective: This study examined the relationship between the level of parental psychological resilience and the development of PMTS in young children. Method: We surveyed 152 parents of children aged 1–6 who were admitted to the pediatric surgery department. Parents completed questionnaires in two phases. In the first phase, one of the parents completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-ll) and the Parental Psychological Flexibility (PPF) Questionnaire. In the second phase, about three months after discharge, the same parent completed the Young Child PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Checklist (YCPC) and the UCLA (Los Angeles, CA, USA) PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5 Parent/Caregiver Version for Children Age 6 Years and Younger Evaluating Post-traumatic Disorder. In addition, the parent completed a Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) questionnaire to assess the existence of post-traumatic symptoms in the parents. Results: The findings indicate that (1) a parent’s psychological flexibility is significantly associated with the level of personal distress (r = −0.45, p < 0.001), (2) a parents’ level of distress is significantly correlated with the child’s level of PTMS, and (3) a parent’s level of psychological flexibility is a significant mediating factor between the level of parental post-traumatic distress and the child’s level of PTMS. Conclusions: A parent’s psychological flexibility may act as a protective factor against the development of the child’s mental distress after hospitalization or surgery.
Do CEO Duality and Ownership Concentration Impact Dividend Policy in Emerging Markets? The Moderating Effect of Crises Period
Authors: El Ammari Anis
Published: November 2021

Despite developments of recent theoretical and numerous empirical studies on the policies effectively adopted by companies, the dividend distribution policy (DDP) remains largely unexplained. In this regard, the main purpose of the current study is to empirically examine the effects of both CEO duality and ownership concentration on DDP during a crisis period. Furthermore, we test, using an interaction variable, the moderating effect of the crisis period on the association between both the degree of CEO duality and the ownership concentration on the DDP by analyzing panel data on selected listed firms in an emerging economy, namely, Tunisia. Based on a sample made up of 576 firm-year observations over the period 1996–2019, the findings of this research indicate that the crisis period plays an important role in mitigating the positive effect of both CEO duality and ownership concentration on DDP. The findings confirm furthermore that the crisis period on the one hand and both CEO duality and ownership concentration on the other represent two competing forces influencing DDP. Our results also support the agency theory on which DDP depends, among other things, family ownership, board and company size, and ROE.
Comparing Nanohydroxyapatite Graft and Other Bone Grafts in the Repair of Periodontal Infrabony Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Saad , Zafar Muhammad Sohail , Alnazzawi Ahmad
Published: November 2021

Objective: To compare the results of periodontal infrabony lesions treated using nanohydroxyapatite (NcHA) graft with other bone grafts (BGs). Methods: Four electronic databases were searched including PubMed (NLM), Embase (Ovid), Medline, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences (EBSCO). The inclusion criteria included randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs). The clinical results of NcHA were compared with other BGs. For clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, probing pocket depth (PPD) decrease, and gingival recession (REC) change, weighted averages and forest plots were computed. Results: Seven RCTs fulfilled the selection criteria that were included. When NcHA was compared to other BGs, no clinically significant differences were found in terms of each outcome assessed, except the REC change for synthetic BGs as compared to NcHA. Conclusions: The use of an NcHA graft showed equivalent results compared to other types of BGs. To further validate these findings, future studies are required to compare the NcHA and various BGs over longer time periods and in furcation deficiencies.
Adaptive Responses of Citrus grandis Leaves to Copper Toxicity Revealed by RNA-Seq and Physiology
Authors: Wu Fenglin , Huang Huiyu , Peng Mingyi , Lai Yinhua , Ren Qianqian , Zhang Jiang , Huang Zengrong , Yang Lintong , Rensing Christopher , Chen Lisong
Published: November 2021

Copper (Cu)-toxic effects on Citrus grandis growth and Cu uptake, as well as gene expression and physiological parameters in leaves were investigated. Using RNA-Seq, 715 upregulated and 573 downregulated genes were identified in leaves of C. grandis seedlings exposed to Cu-toxicity (LCGSEC). Cu-toxicity altered the expression of 52 genes related to cell wall metabolism, thus impairing cell wall metabolism and lowering leaf growth. Cu-toxicity downregulated the expression of photosynthetic electron transport-related genes, thus reducing CO2 assimilation. Some genes involved in thermal energy dissipation, photorespiration, reactive oxygen species scavenging and cell redox homeostasis and some antioxidants (reduced glutathione, phytochelatins, metallothioneins, l-tryptophan and total phenolics) were upregulated in LCGSEC, but they could not protect LCGSEC from oxidative damage. Several adaptive responses might occur in LCGSEC. LCGSEC displayed both enhanced capacities to maintain homeostasis of Cu via reducing Cu uptake by leaves and preventing release of vacuolar Cu into the cytoplasm, and to improve internal detoxification of Cu by accumulating Cu chelators (lignin, reduced glutathione, phytochelatins, metallothioneins, l-tryptophan and total phenolics). The capacities to maintain both energy homeostasis and Ca homeostasis might be upregulated in LCGSEC. Cu-toxicity increased abscisates (auxins) level, thus stimulating stomatal closure and lowering water loss (enhancing water use efficiency and photosynthesis).
An Insight into the Role of Postmortem Immunohistochemistry in the Comprehension of the Inflammatory Pathophysiology of COVID-19 Disease and Vaccine-Related Thrombotic Adverse Events: A Narrative Review
Authors: Stassi Chiara , Mondello Cristina , Baldino Gennaro , Cardia Luigi , Asmundo Alessio , Ventura Spagnolo Elvira
Published: November 2021

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic due to the spread of COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, causing high mortality rates all over the world. The related disease, which mainly affects the lungs, is responsible for the onset of Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD) and a hypercoagulability state, frequently leading to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and multiorgan failure, particularly in old and severe-critically ill patients. In order to find effective therapeutic strategies, many efforts have been made aiming to shed light on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease. Moreover, following the late advent of vaccination campaigns, the need for the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the fatal, although rare, thrombotic adverse events has become mandatory as well. The achievement of such purposes needs a multidisciplinary approach, depending on a correct interpretation of clinical, biochemical, biomolecular, and forensic findings. In this scenario, autopsies have helped in defining, on both gross and histologic examinations, the main changes to which the affected organs undergo and the role in assessing whether a patient is dead “from” or “with” COVID-19, not to mention whether the existence of a causal link exists between vaccination and thrombotic adverse events. In the present work, we explored the role of postmortem immunohistochemistry, and the increasingly used ancillary technique, in helping to understand the mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of both COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse and rare effects.
Stem Cell Therapy Enhances Motor Activity of Triceps Surae Muscle in Mice with Hereditary Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Govbakh Iryna , Kyryk Vitalii , Ustymenko Alina , Rubtsov Volodymyr , Tsupykov Oleg , Bulgakova Nataliya V. , Zavodovskiy Danylo O. , Sokolowska Inna , Maznychenko Andriy
Published: November 2021

Impaired motor and sensory functions are the main features of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) therapy is one of the possible treatments for this disease. It was assumed that MSCs therapy can improve the contractile properties of the triceps surae (TS) muscles in mice with hereditary peripheral neuropathy. Murine adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) were obtained for transplantation into TS muscles of FVB-C-Tg(GFPU)5Nagy/J mice. Three months after AD-MSCs transplantation, animals were subjected to electrophysiological investigations. Parameters of TS muscle tension after intermittent high frequency electrical sciatic nerve stimulations were analyzed. It was found that force of TS muscle tension contraction in animals after AD-MSCs treatment was two-time higher than in untreated mice. Normalized values of force muscle contraction in different phases of electrical stimulation were 0.3 ± 0.01 vs. 0.18 ± 0.01 and 0.26 ± 0.03 vs. 0.13 ± 0.03 for treated and untreated animals, respectively. It is assumed that the two-fold increase in TS muscle strength was caused by stem cell therapy. Apparently, AD-MSCs therapy can promote nerve regeneration and partial restoration of muscle function, and thus can be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies.
iTRAQ-Based Proteomics Analysis of Response to Solanum tuberosum Leaves Treated with the Plant Phytotoxin Thaxtomin A
Authors: Liu Lu , Hao Liaoyang , Liu Ning , Zhao Yonglong , Zhong Naiqin , Zhao Pan
Published: November 2021

Thaxtomin A (TA) is a phytotoxin secreted by Streptomyces scabies that causes common scab in potatoes. However, the mechanism of potato proteomic changes in response to TA is barely known. In this study, the proteomic changes in potato leaves treated with TA were determined using the Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) technique. A total of 693 proteins were considered as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) following a comparison of leaves treated with TA and sterile water (as a control). Among the identified DEPs, 460 and 233 were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. Based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, many DEPs were found to be involved in defense and stress responses. Most DEPs were grouped in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and secondary metabolism including oxidation–reduction process, response to stress, plant–pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction. In this study, we analyzed the changes in proteins to elucidate the mechanism of potato response to TA, and we provided a molecular basis to further study the interaction between plant and TA. These results also offer the option for potato breeding through analysis of the resistant common scab.
Tks5 Regulates Synaptic Podosome Formation and Stabilization of the Postsynaptic Machinery at the Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Pęziński Marcin , Maliszewska-Olejniczak Kamila , Daszczuk Patrycja , Mazurek Paula , Niewiadomski Paweł , Rędowicz Maria Jolanta
Published: November 2021

Currently, the etiology of many neuromuscular disorders remains unknown. Many of them are characterized by aberrations in the maturation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) postsynaptic machinery. Unfortunately, the molecular factors involved in this process are still largely unknown, which poses a great challenge for identifying potential therapeutic targets. Here, we identified Tks5 as a novel interactor of αdystrobrevin-1, which is a crucial component of the NMJ postsynaptic machinery. Tks5 has been previously shown in cancer cells to be an important regulator of actin-rich structures known as invadosomes. However, a role of this scaffold protein at a synapse has never been studied. We show that Tks5 is crucial for remodeling of the NMJ postsynaptic machinery by regulating the organization of structures similar to the invadosomes, known as synaptic podosomes. Additionally, it is involved in the maintenance of the integrity of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters and regulation of their turnover. Lastly, our data indicate that these Tks5 functions may be mediated by its involvement in recruitment of actin filaments to the postsynaptic machinery. Collectively, we show for the first time that the Tks5 protein is involved in regulation of the postsynaptic machinery.
A Novel Isogenic Human Cell-Based System for MEN1 Syndrome Generated by CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
Authors: Klementieva Natalia , Goliusova Daria , Krupinova Julia , Yanvarev Vladislav , Panova Alexandra , Mokrysheva Natalia , Kiselev Sergey L.
Published: November 2021

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare tumor syndrome that manifests differently among various patients. Despite the mutations in the MEN1 gene that commonly predispose tumor development, there are no obvious phenotype–genotype correlations. The existing animal and in vitro models do not allow for studies of the molecular genetics of the disease in a human-specific context. We aimed to create a new human cell-based model, which would consider the variability in genetic or environmental factors that cause the complexity of MEN1 syndrome. Here, we generated patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines carrying the mutation c.1252G>T, D418Y in the MEN1 gene. To reduce the genetically determined variability of the existing cellular models, we created an isogenic cell system by modifying the target allele through CRISPR/Cas9 editing with great specificity and efficiency. The high potential of these cell lines to differentiate into the endodermal lineage in defined conditions ensures the next steps in the development of more specialized cells that are commonly affected in MEN1 patients, such as parathyroid or pancreatic islet cells. We anticipate that this isogenic system will be broadly useful to comprehensively study MEN1 gene function across different contexts, including in vitro modeling of MEN1 syndrome.