bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age and Growth of Diaphus brachycephalus in the South China Sea Using Sagittal Otolith Microstructure
Authors: Tian Han , Jiang Yane , Zhang Jun , Xu Shannan , Chen Zuozhi , Zhu Jiangfeng
Published: July 2022

To obtain the growth and age characteristics of Diaphus brachycephalus in the South China Sea (SCS), specimens of D. brachycephalus were collected by a mid-water trawl in January and June 2015. The relationship between standard length (L) and body weight (W) was W = 0.00002699L2.8789, with no significant differences between the two survey stations and the sexes. Microscopic observation of the sagittal otoliths revealed that the daily growth increments in each period were divided into the central zone, middle zone, and external zone. The age was determined by summing the daily growth increments of the three areas. The von Bertalanffy growth curve fitted to the relationship between age and L was shown as: L = 65.6[1 − exp{−0.0132(t − 6.94)}], r2 = 0.935. The growth rate decreased from juvenile to adult, with a maximum rate of 0.436 mm day−1. The back-calculated hatching dates of specimens were speculated to be from March to November, but predominantly occurred from April to May and from September to October.
Spectro 1—A Potential Spectrophotometer for Measuring Color and Myoglobin Forms in Beef
Authors: Stafford Chandler D. , Taylor Mackenzie J. , Dang David S. , England Eric M. , Cornforth Daren P. , Dai Xin , Matarneh Sulaiman K.
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the Color Muse Spectro 1 sensor to the HunterLab MiniScan XE Plus spectrophotometer for evaluating beef color. Color coordinates (lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), and hue (h*)), myoglobin redox forms (metmyoglobin (MMb), deoxymyoglobin (DMb), and oxymyoglobin (OMb)), and metmyoglobin reducing ability (MRA) were measured on beef steaks over a 5-days storage period. The results indicated that L*, b*, C*, MMb%, OMb%, and MRA% values obtained with Spectro 1 were comparable to those of MiniScan. However, Spectro 1 values for a* were overestimated compared to MiniScan (p < 0.05), whereas those for h* and DMb% were underestimated (p < 0.05). Regardless, Spectro 1 had the capability to detect changes in color coordinates, myoglobin forms, and MRA throughout the storage period. Bland–Altman plots demonstrated that L*, b*, and C* are interchangeable between the two instruments, but it was not the case for a*, h*, myoglobin forms, and MRA. Color coordinates measured by Spectro 1 exhibited excellent stability over time, evidenced by the low total color difference (ΔE*ab) values. Collectively, these findings indicate that Spectro 1 is a potential alternative spectrophotometer for studying meat color and myoglobin redox forms.
Improving Effect of the Policosanol from Ericerus pela Wax on Learning and Memory Impairment Caused by Scopolamine in Mice
Authors: Sun Long , Li Xian , Ma Chenjing , He Zhao , Zhang Xin , Wang Chengye , Zhao Min , Gan Jin , Feng Ying
Published: July 2022

Policosanol (PC) is a mixture of long-chain fatty alcohols that exhibits multiple biological activities, such as reducing blood lipid and cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and extenuating liver inflammation. To assess PC’s impact on cognitive behavior and function, PC was prepared from Ericerus pela wax using a reduction method and analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). A total of 60 mice were randomly divided into six groups of 10 animals each: control (0.5% CMC-Na solution, i.g.), model (0.5% CMC-Na solution, i.g.), donepezil (3 mg/kg, i.g.), PC low- (2 g/kg, i.g.), medium (4 g/kg, i.g.), and high- (6 g/kg, i.g.) dose groups. All the groups were administered daily for 28 consecutive days. There were four parameters—escape latency, crossings of platform, swimming distance, and time spent in the target quadrant—that were recorded to evaluate the cognitive performance of mice in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). After MWM testing, the levels of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) that were present in brain tissue were determined using assay kits. The GC data showed that PC consisted of four major components: tetracosanol (14.40%), hexacosanol (48.97%), octacosanol (25.40%), and triacontanol (4.80%). In the MWM test, PC significantly decreased the escape latency (p < 0.05) and increased the crossings of the platform (p < 0.05) and swimming distance (p < 0.05) and time in the target quadrant (p < 0.05) in rodents compared to that in the model group. Moreover, PC increased the levels of ACh, SOD, and GSH; inhibited AChE; and reduced MDA in the brain tissue of the tested animals. This is the first report to evaluate the efficacy of PC for cognitive behavior and function in animals. Our findings demonstrate that PC from E. pela wax is likely to exert an enhancing effect on learning and memory by promoting the cholinergic system and attenuating oxidative stress, which will provide a new insight into the efficacy of PC and expand its application in the food, nutraceutical, and beverage industries.
Storage and Packaging Effects on the Protein Oxidative Stability, Functional and Digestion Characteristics of Yak Rumen Smooth Muscle
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Liu Xiaobo , Ojangba Theodora , Zhang Li , Yu Qunli , Han Ling
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects on protein oxidative stability, functional and digestion characteristics of yak rumen smooth muscle with overwrap packaging using oxygen-permeable film (OWP) and vacuum packaging bag (VP) during storage (0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 84, 168 and 364 days) at −18 °C. The results show that yak rumen smooth muscle was oxidized with frozen storage through the formation of protein carbonyls and disulfide bonds, the loss of total sulfhydryl. The emulsifying activity of yak rumen smooth muscle protein (SMP) under VP began to perform a higher level than that under OWP after 14 days, and the foaming capacity under VP showed the highest level on the 28th day of 111.23%. The turbidity under VP reached the minimum 0.356 on the 28th day as well, followed by significantly increasing on the 56th day compared with OWP. The digestibility of yak rumen SMP under both OWP and VP reached the maximum on the 28th day of frozen storage. Moreover, yak rumen under VP at 28–56 days of frozen storage had good functional properties and high digestibility of SMP, which showed better edible value.
A Fractional Model of Complex Permittivity of Conductor Media with Relaxation: Theory vs. Experiments
Authors: Ciancio Armando , Ciancio Vincenzo , d’Onofrio Alberto , Flora Bruno Felice Filippo
Published: July 2022

Moving from the study of plasmonic materials with relaxation, in this work we propose a fractional Abraham–Lorentz-like model of the complex permittivity of conductor media. This model extends the Ciancio–Kluitenberg, based on the Mazur–de Groot non-equilibrium thermodynamics theory (NET). The approach based on NET allows us to link the phenomenological function of internal variables and electrodynamics variables for a large range of frequencies. This allows us to closer reproduce experimental data for some key metals, such as Cu, Au and Ag. Particularly, our fitting significantly improves those obtained by Rakic and coworkers and we were able to operate in a larger range of energy values. Moreover, in this work we also provide a definition of a substantial fractional derivative, and we extend the fractional model proposed by Flora et al.
Exploring Treatment Options for Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Strossman Nicole , Donovan Katherine , Trovato Alexa , Manem Nihita , Nudelman Nicole , Tadros Micheal , Ashley Christopher
Published: July 2022

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus, has been increasing in incidence over the past several years. Mainstays of treatment include dietary modifications, steroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and endoscopic dilation, with the goal being to control disease progression, promote remission, and alleviate symptoms, such as dysphagia and food impaction. In addition to these well-known treatment options, preliminary studies on new medications that target specific inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of EoE have shown promise in improving symptoms. This review article summarizes and discusses the application and efficacy of long-standing and promising new treatment options for EoE.
Dynamics of the Gut Microbiome and Transcriptome in Korea Native Ricefish (Oryzias latipes) during Chronic Antibiotic Exposure
Authors: Yoon Ju Bin , Hwang Sungmin , Yang Jun Hyeok , Lee Seungki , Bang Woo Young , Moon Ki Hwan
Published: July 2022

Antibiotics have been widely used to inhibit microbial growth and to control bacterial infection; however, they can trigger an imbalance in the gut flora of the host and dysregulate the host gene regulatory system when discharged into the aquatic environment. We investigated the effects of chronic exposure to a low concentration of erythromycin and ampicillin, focusing on gut microbiome and global gene expression profiles from Korea native ricefish (Oryzias latipes). The proportion of Proteobacteria (especially the opportunistic pathogen Aeromonas veronii) was significantly increased in the ricefish under the chronic exposure to erythromycin and ampicillin, whereas that of other bacterial phyla (i.e., Fusobacteria) decreased. In addition, the expression of genes involved in immune responses such as chemokines and immunocyte chemotaxis was significantly influenced in ricefish in the aquatic environment with antibiotics present. These results show that the internal microbial flora and the host gene expression are susceptible even at a low concentration of chronic antibiotics in the environment, supporting the importance of the appropriate use of antibiotic dose to maintain the sustainable and healthy aquaculture industry and water ecosystem.
A Novel MTTK Gene Variant m.8315A>C as a Cause of MERRF Syndrome
Authors: Štufková Hana , Kolářová Hana , Lokvencová Kateřina , Honzík Tomáš , Zeman Jiří , Hansíková Hana , Tesařová Markéta
Published: July 2022

In this study, we report on a novel heteroplasmic pathogenic variant in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The studied patient had myoclonus, epilepsy, muscle weakness, and hearing impairment and harbored a heteroplasmic m.8315A>C variant in the MTTK gene with a mutation load ranging from 71% to >96% in tested tissues. In muscle mitochondria, markedly decreased activities of respiratory chain complex I + III and complex IV were observed together with mildly reduced amounts of complex I and complex V (with the detection of V*- and free F1-subcomplexes) and a diminished level of complex IV holoenzyme. This pattern was previously seen in other MTTK pathogenic variants. The novel variant was not present in internal and publicly available control databases. Our report further expands the spectrum of MTTK variants associated with mitochondrial encephalopathies in adults.
Estimations of Mutation Rates Depend on Population Allele Frequency Distribution: The Case of Autosomal Microsatellites
Authors: Antão-Sousa Sofia , Conde-Sousa Eduardo , Gusmão Leonor , Amorim António , Pinto Nádia
Published: July 2022

Microsatellites (or short-tandem repeats (STRs)) are widely used in anthropology and evolutionary studies. Their extensive polymorphism and rapid evolution make them the ideal genetic marker for dating events, such as the age of a gene or a population. This usage requires the estimation of mutation rates, which are usually estimated by counting the observed Mendelian incompatibilities in one-generation familial configurations (typically parent(s)–child duos or trios). Underestimations are inevitable when using this approach, due to the occurrence of mutational events that do not lead to incompatibilities with the parental genotypes (‘hidden’ or ‘covert’ mutations). It is known that the likelihood that one mutation event leads to a Mendelian incompatibility depends on the mode of genetic transmission considered, the type of familial configuration (duos or trios) considered, and the genotype(s) of the progenitor(s). In this work, we show how the magnitude of the underestimation of autosomal microsatellite mutation rates varies with the populations’ allele frequency distribution spectrum. The Mendelian incompatibilities approach (MIA) was applied to simulated parent(s)/offspring duos and trios in different populational scenarios. The results showed that the magnitude and type of biases depend on the population allele frequency distribution, whatever the type of familial data considered, and are greater when duos, instead of trios, are used to obtain the estimates. The implications for molecular anthropology are discussed and a simple framework is presented to correct the naïf estimates, along with an informatics tool for the correction of incompatibility rates obtained through the MIA.
Genome-Wide Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Encoding Feather Color in Ducks
Authors: Guo Qixin , Jiang Yong , Wang Zhixiu , Bi Yulin , Chen Guohong , Bai Hao , Chang Guobin
Published: July 2022

Comparative population genomics and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) offer opportunities to discover human-driven detectable signatures within the genome. From the point of view of evolutionary biology, the identification of genes associated with the domestication of traits is of interest for the elucidation of the selection of these traits. To this end, an F2 population of ducks, consisting of 275 ducks, was genotyped using a whole genome re-sequence containing 12.6 Mb single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and four plumage colors. GWAS was used to identify the candidate and potential SNPs of four plumage colors in ducks (white, spot, grey, and black plumage). In addition, FST and genetic diversity (π ratio) were used to screen signals of the selective sweep, which relate to the four plumage colors. Major genomic regions associated with white, spotted, and black feathers overlapped with their candidate selection regions, whereas no such overlap was observed with grey plumage. In addition, MITF and EDNRB2 are functional candidate genes that contribute to white and black plumage due to their indirect involvement in the melanogenesis pathway. This study provides new insights into the genetic factors that may influence the diversity of plumage color.
Quality Assessment of DJI Zenmuse L1 and P1 LiDAR and Photogrammetric Systems: Metric and Statistics Analysis with the Integration of Trimble SX10 Data
Authors: Diara Filippo , Roggero Marco
Published: July 2022

This manuscript focuses on a quality assessment of DJI’s new sensors: the Zenmuse L1 and P1, which are LiDAR and photographic payload sensors, respectively, for UAVs/UASs. In particular, metric and statistical analyses aim to evaluate the data obtained from different 3D survey instruments. Furthermore, we compared these sensors with TLS data derived from a Trimble SX10 scanning station. The integration of LiDAR and photogrammetric data was then performed and tested inside a complex architectural context, the medieval Frinco Castle (AT-Italy). Point clouds obtained from aerial and terrestrial instruments were analysed and compared using specific tools to calculate variance/distance between points and cloud alignment (via the ICP algorithm), as well as to perform qualitative estimations (especially roughness analysis). The medieval castle proved crucial for the purpose of analysing different metric data of an extremely complex architecture and achieving more accurate results. The collected dataset and performed analyses are now essential information for the consolidation and restoration programme.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression between Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Their Caregivers: A One-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Lee Yu , Chang Yung-Yee , Chen Ying-Fa , Lin Tsu-Kung , Hung Chi-Fa , Chiou Yu-Jie , Wang Liang-Jen
Published: July 2022

Depression is a common comorbidity in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and in their caregivers. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and risk factors of depression between patients with PD and their caregivers. In total, 113 patients with PD and 101 caregivers were enrolled. Patients with PD were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and Big Five Inventory-10. Caregivers of patients with PD were also assessed using the above-mentioned instruments, with the exception of the UPDRS and ADL. During a 12-month follow-up period, depressive disorders were the most common psychiatric diagnosis of PD patients (27.4%) and their caregivers (17.8%). Depressive disorders were more prevalent in PD patients than in caregivers of PD patients throughout the entire follow-up phase. The severity of fatigue and severity of suicide risk were significantly associated with depression among patients with PD. The severity of pain and severity of anxiety were predictors of depression in caregivers of PD patients. The findings in this study provide references for early detection and treatment of depressive disorders in PD patients and their caregivers.
Giving Meaning to Non-Communicable Illness: Mixed-Method Research on Sense of Grip on Disease (SoGoD)
Authors: Maiello Assunta , Auriemma Ersilia , De Luca Picione Raffaele , Pacella Daniela , Freda Maria Francesca
Published: July 2022

When people receive a diagnosis of chronic or non-communicable disease, they need to reorganize their lives to understand and accommodate the changes associated with the new health condition. This reorganization, which involves the activation of a process through which meaning is given to the illness, could be fostered by narrative methods also in the context of Primary Care. The Sense of Grip on Disease (SoGoD) model intends to focus on the role of sense-meaning-making processes in the psychological adjustment to non-communicable illness, emphasizing the patients’ role in managing their own health condition. In this study, the authors propose a mixed-method research method which implies the adaptation of the narrative interview on the Sense of Grip on Disease. The interview was administered to 31 adults suffering from non-communicable diseases and has been analyzed with a theory-driven approach, which aims to explore the modalities of five narrative functions: organization of temporality, integration of illness, expression of emotions, social sharing and orientation to action. Through a Multiple Correspondence Analysis and a Cluster Analysis, the authors have identified two different ‘Grip Profiles’, called “Dynamic Profile” and “Compliant Profile”, representative of different degrees of flexibility, integration and adjustment to disease.
SARIMA Model Forecasting Performance of the COVID-19 Daily Statistics in Thailand during the Omicron Variant Epidemic
Authors: Duangchaemkarn Khanita , Boonchieng Waraporn , Wiwatanadate Phongtape , Chouvatut Varin
Published: July 2022

This study aims to identify and evaluate a robust and replicable public health predictive model that can be applied to the COVID-19 time-series dataset, and to compare the model performance after performing the 7-day, 14-day, and 28-day forecast interval. The seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model was developed and validated using a Thailand COVID-19 open dataset from 1 December 2021 to 30 April 2022, during the Omicron variant outbreak. The SARIMA model with a non-statistically significant p-value of the Ljung–Box test, the lowest AIC, and the lowest RMSE was selected from the top five candidates for model validation. The selected models were validated using the 7-day, 14-day, and 28-day forward-chaining cross validation method. The model performance matrix for each forecast interval was evaluated and compared. The case fatality rate and mortality rate of the COVID-19 Omicron variant were estimated from the best performance model. The study points out the importance of different time interval forecasting that affects the model performance.
Screening Lung Diseases Using Cascaded Feature Generation and Selection Strategies
Authors: Rasheed Jawad , Shubair Raed M.
Published: July 2022

The global pandemic COVID-19 is still a cause of a health emergency in several parts of the world. Apart from standard testing techniques to identify positive cases, auxiliary tools based on artificial intelligence can help with the identification and containment of the disease. The need for the development of alternative smart diagnostic tools to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has become more urgent. In this study, a smart auxiliary framework based on machine learning (ML) is proposed; it can help medical practitioners in the identification of COVID-19-affected patients, among others with pneumonia and healthy individuals, and can help in monitoring the status of COVID-19 cases using X-ray images. We investigated the application of transfer-learning (TL) networks and various feature-selection techniques for improving the classification accuracy of ML classifiers. Three different TL networks were tested to generate relevant features from images; these TL networks include AlexNet, ResNet101, and SqueezeNet. The generated relevant features were further refined by applying feature-selection methods that include iterative neighborhood component analysis (iNCA), iterative chi-square (iChi2), and iterative maximum relevance–minimum redundancy (iMRMR). Finally, classification was performed using convolutional neural network (CNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. Moreover, the study exploited stationary wavelet (SW) transform to handle the overfitting problem by decomposing each image in the training set up to three levels. Furthermore, it enhanced the dataset, using various operations as data-augmentation techniques, including random rotation, translation, and shear operations. The analysis revealed that the combination of AlexNet, ResNet101, SqueezeNet, iChi2, and SVM was very effective in the classification of X-ray images, producing a classification accuracy of 99.2%. Similarly, AlexNet, ResNet101, and SqueezeNet, along with iChi2 and the proposed CNN network, yielded 99.0% accuracy. The results showed that the cascaded feature generator and selection strategies significantly affected the performance accuracy of the classifier.
To Ring or Not to Ring: What COVID-19 Taught Us about Religious Heritage Soundscapes in the Community
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H. R. , Parker Murray
Published: July 2022

Despite church bell ringing being directly influenced by purposive human action, often as a liturgical function, it creates a community soundscape with ascribed heritage values. While general heritage management processes and decisions are informed by heritage professionals with a broader range of experience, we find that church bell ringing is contrary to this process. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how a stochastic disruptive event can dramatically alter soundscapes on a community-wide scale. Here, the effective power over bell ringing often rested with the individual clergy at the local level and is subject to that individual’s personal preferences. This has serious implications to non-traditional forms of heritage, such as intangible sounds and soundscapes. In realizing the value of sound signals and soundmarks, we highlight the need to formally recognize these sounds of religious settings and consider them in heritage frameworks.
Metabolome and Transcriptome Analyses Unravels Molecular Mechanisms of Leaf Color Variation by Anthocyanidin Biosynthesis in Acer triflorum
Authors: Sun Anran , Pei Xiaona , Zhang Shikai , Han Zhiming , Xie Ying , Qu Guanzheng , Hu Xiaoqing , Tigabu Mulualem , Zhao Xiyang
Published: July 2022

Acer triflorum Komarov is an important ornamental tree, and its seasonal change in leaf color is the most striking feature. However, the quantifications of anthocyanin and the mechanisms of leaf color change in this species remain unknown. Here, the combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome was performed on green, orange, and red leaves. In total, 27 anthocyanin metabolites were detected and cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and peonidin 3-O-gluside were significantly correlated with the color development. Several structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis process, such as chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), were highly expressed in red leaves compared to green leaves. Most regulators (MYB, bHLH, and other classes of transcription factors) were also upregulated in red and orange leaves. In addition, 14 AtrMYBs including AtrMYB68, AtrMYB74, and AtrMYB35 showed strong interactions with the genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, and, thus, could be further considered the hub regulators. The findings will facilitate genetic modification or selection for further improvement in ornamental qualities of A. triflorum.
Effects of Shading Nets on Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation, Photosynthetic Changes, and Associated Physiochemical Attributes in Promoting Cold-Induced Damage in Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze
Authors: Zaman Shah , Shen Jiazhi , Wang Shuangshuang , Wang Yu , Ding Zhaotang , Song Dapeng , Wang Hui , Ding Shibo , Pang Xu , Wang Mengqi
Published: July 2022

Climate change and extreme weather affect tea growing. A competitive tea market needs quick, short-term solutions. This study evaluates the effects of various shade nets under mild and extreme cold stress on tea leaf physiology, photosynthetic alterations, antioxidant activities, and physiochemical characteristics. Tea plants were treated with SD0 (0% non-shading), SD1 (30% shading), SD2 (60% shading), and SD3 (75% shading). The 30%, 60%, and 75% shade nets shielded tea leaves from cold damage and reduced leaf injury during mild and extreme cold conditions compared with SD0% non-shading. Shading regulates photochemical capacity and efficiency and optimizes chlorophyll a and b, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents. Moreover, carbon and nitrogen increased during mild cold and decreased in extreme cold conditions. Shading promoted antioxidant activity and physiochemical attributes. In fact, under 60% of shade, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ω-3 alpha-linolenic acid were improved compared with SD0% non-shading during both mild and extreme cold conditions. From these findings, we hypothesized that the effect of different shades played an important role in the protection of tea leaves and alleviated the defense mechanism for “Zhong Cha 102” during exposure to a cold environment.
Growth and Mineral Relations of Beta vulgaris var. cicla and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima Cultivated Hydroponically with Diluted Seawater and Low Nitrogen Level in the Nutrient Solution
Authors: Puccinelli Martina , Carmassi Giulia , Botrini Luca , Bindi Antonio , Rossi Lorenzo , Fierro-Sañudo Juan Francisco , Pardossi Alberto , Incrocci Luca
Published: July 2022

There is an increasing interest in the use of seawater in horticulture. The objective of this study was to evaluate Beta vulgaris var. cicla (Swiss chard) and its wild ancestor B. vulgaris spp. maritima (sea beet) as potential crop species for seawater hydroponics or aquaponics. Both species were grown in a floating system for leaf production with recurrent harvests. The nutrient solutions contained different concentrations of nitrate (1 and 10 mM) and a synthetic sea salt (0 and 10 g L−1), in a factorial design, where the saline solution with a low nitrate level intended to mimic the typical nutritional conditions of saltwater aquaponics. In both species, increasing the salinity or reducing the N level in the nutrient solution reduced the crop yield and total dry biomass. In both Swiss chard and sea beet, the use of saline water resulted in a lower leaf concentration of K, Ca, Cu, and Mn, and a greater content of Na and Cl. In Swiss chard, an increase in Na and Cl and a decrease in K leaf content were found in successive harvests. On average, sea beet showed a higher leaf production and accumulation of nitrate than Swiss chard.
Impact of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Inoculation on the Physiological Response and Productivity Traits of Field-Grown Tomatoes in Hungary
Authors: Nemeskéri Eszter , Horváth Kitti Zsuzsanna , Andryei Bulgan , Ilahy Riadh , Takács Sándor , Neményi András , Pék Zoltán , Helyes Lajos
Published: July 2022

Drought-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) may promote plant development under limited water supply conditions, when plant’s water demand is not completely satisfied under rain-fed conditions or when irrigation water availability is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two inoculation treatments (B2: Alcaligenes sp. 3573, Bacillus sp. BAR16, and Bacillus sp. PAR11 strains and B3: Pseudomonas sp. MUS04, Rhodococcus sp. BAR03, and Variovorax sp. BAR04 strains) and compare those to a control (B0) without artificial inoculation on chlorophyll fluorescence, leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value), canopy temperature, and the yield of the processing tomato cultivar H-1015 F1 grown under field conditions. The young seedlings of the hybrid tomato variety H-1015 F1 were immersed in 1% of B2 or B3 products (BAY-BIO, Szeged Hungary) for 5 min. Inoculated and untreated seedlings were grown under three irrigation treatments [regular irrigation (RI), deficit irrigation (DI), and no irrigation (I0)], to reveal the effect of PGPR under different levels of water stress. In the dry year (2018), higher canopy temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) were measured during flowering in plants treated with bacteria than in untreated plants. In the stage of flowering and fruit setting, the B3 treatment led to a significant decrease in the Fv/Fm value, canopy temperature remained high, and the SPAD value was statistically the same in all treatments. Under limited water supply, in most cases, PGPR led to a significantly greater total yield but more unripe green berries compared to untreated plants. Under moderate water shortage (dry year + deficit irrigation), the B3 treatment resulted in 26% more ripe, marketable fruit and 49% less unripe fruit compared to the B2 treatment. On the other hand, in the wet year (2020), the bacterial treatments generally did not affect physiological properties, though the B2 treatment produced a higher marketable yield while the amount of green and diseased fruits did not differ statistically, compared to the B3 treatment under deficit irrigation. Based on our study, we recommend the application of the B3 PGPR product as it positively affected key physiological processes, leading to a higher marketable yield particularly under water shortage.
Antioxidant Capacity of Salix alba (Fam. Salicaceae) and Influence of Heavy Metal Accumulation
Authors: Bajraktari Demush , Bauer Biljana , Zeneli Lulzim
Published: July 2022

In this study, we analyzed and compared the concentrations of selected metals/metalloids and the antioxidant response of Salix alba L. (white willow) bark in the highly polluted area around the Kosovo A and B thermal power plants. The antioxidant capacity of Salix alba bark was evaluated in terms of the total phenolics, flavonoids, chlorophylls, and carotenoids, while the metal content in the soil and willow bark was analyzed by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy). For total antioxidant level assessment, FRAP, DPPH, and CUPRAC assays were conducted. The mean concentrations of selected elements in soil and willow dry mass range from 15,698.4 mg kg−1 dry mass (soil) to 371.1 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Al; 37.676 mg kg−1 (soil) to <2 ppb (willow bark) for As; 14.8 mg kg−1 (soil) to 0.62 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Cd; 24.2 mg kg−1 (soil) to 1.2 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Cr; 58.8 mg kg−1 (soil) to 9.1 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Cu; 16,975.68 mg kg−1 (soil) to 385.4 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Fe; 95.0 mg kg−1 (soil) to 7.9 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Ni; 185.2 mg kg−1 (soil) to <1 ppb (willow bark) for Pb; and 226.7 mg kg−1 (soil) to 87.7 mg kg−1 (willow bark) for Zn. Additionally, the Salix alba bark samples presented mean values of 12,191.6 mg kg−1 for Ca, 1306.0 mg kg−1 for Mg, and 123.1363 mg kg−1 for Mn. The mean phenolic content was 39.292 mg GAE g−1 DW, being 28.222 mg CE g−1 DW for flavonoids, 38.099 mg g−1 FW for CHLa, 49.240 mg g−1 FW for CHLb, and 94.976 mg g−1 FW for CAR. The results of this study indicate that the bark of Salix alba contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds, and strong positive and moderate negative correlations are revealed between total phenolic compounds and iron, and total phenolics and nickel and manganese, respectively.
Psychometric Properties of the Sibling Attachment Inventory in Mexican Young Adults
Authors: Osorio Guzmán Maricela , Sommantico Massimiliano , Romero Carlos Prado , De Rosa Barbara , Parrello Santa
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work was to adapt and validate the Sibling Attachment Inventory (SAI) in Mexican young adults and analyze its psychometric properties. Using an Internet-based survey, data were collected from 307 (64.5% female) Mexican young adults university students (aged 18–30). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to determine the factor structure of the revised Mexican version of the Sibling Attachment Inventory (SAI-RMx). Convergent and predictive validity were verified by carrying out correlations with the parent form of the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA), the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (LSRS), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). Results indicated that the SAI-RMx presents good levels of internal consistency and a monodimensional structure, also providing evidence for convergent, predictive, and construct validity. Furthermore, secure attachments were linked with high levels of self-esteem, as well as with high levels of life satisfaction. The SAI-RMx is expected to be a reliable instrument for measuring the global level and the three components of secure attachment between siblings in the young adult’s Mexican population.
Understanding Migrant Farmworkers’ Health and Well-Being during the Global COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada: Toward a Transnational Conceptualization of Employment Strain
Authors: Vosko Leah F. , Basok Tanya , Spring Cynthia , Candiz Guillermo , George Glynis
Published: July 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada imposed certain international travel bans and work-from-home orders, yet migrant farmworkers, declared essential to national food security, were exempt from such measures. In this context, farm worksites proved to be particularly prone to COVID-19 outbreaks. To apprehend this trend, we engaged an expanded and transnational employment strain framework that identified the employment demands and resources understood from a transnational perspective, as well as the immigration, labour, and public health policies and practices contributing to and/or buffering employment demands during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We applied mixed methods to analyze administrative data, immigration, labour, and public health policy, as well as qualitative interviews with thirty migrant farmworkers employed in Ontario and Quebec. We concluded that the deleterious outcomes of the pandemic for this group were rooted in the deplorable pre-pandemic conditions they endured. Consequently, the band-aid solutions adopted by federal and provincial governments to address these conditions before and during the pandemic were limited in their efficacy because they failed to account for the transnational employment strains among precarious status workers labouring on temporary employer-tied work permits. Such findings underscore the need for transformative policies to better support health equity among migrant farmworkers in Canada.
Characteristics of Patients Who Visited Emergency Department: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in South Korea (2016–2018)
Authors: Hong Seok-In , Kim June-Sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Seo Dong-Woo , Kang Hyunggoo , Kim Su Jin , Han Kap Su , Lee Sung Woo , Kim Won Young
Published: July 2022

The utilization of the emergency department (ED) has been continuously increasing and has become a burden for ED resources. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, outcomes, common diagnoses, and disease classifications of patients who were referred to the ED. This nationwide epidemiologic study examined the data from adult patients (>18 years) who visited EDs from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. Most EDs in Korea provide data from ED patients to the National Emergency Medical Center (NEMC). The disposition of ED patients was classified as discharge, admission, death, and re-transfer. From 2016 to 2018, the proportion of referred patients out of the total ED visits increased from 7.3% to 7.8%. The referred patients were older (61.1 vs. 50.5 years), had worse vital signs, longer ED lengths of stay (409.1 vs. 153.3 min), and higher admission (62.3 vs. 16.9%) and re-transfer rates (4.4 vs. 1.9%) than the direct-visit patients. Among the referred patients in the 3 years, 62.3% were hospitalized, and the most common disease classification was “disease of the digestive system” (19.8%). The most common diagnosis was pneumonia (6.0%), followed by urinary tract infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatobiliary infection. The number of patients referred to EDs is increasing, and more than 60% of referred patients are hospitalized. Detailed characteristics of these patients will be helpful for improving ED management and the distribution of medical resources.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Adverse Events in Multimorbid Patients in Emergency and Hospitalisation
Authors: Morales-Puerto Marta , Ruiz-Díaz María , Aranda-Gallardo Marta , Morales-Asencio José Miguel , Alcalá-Gutiérrez Purificación , Rodríguez-Montalvo José Antonio , León-Campos Álvaro , García-Mayor Silvia , Canca-Sánchez José Carlos
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: There is currently a global consensus that the quality of comprehensive care for acutely hospitalised elderly people should include addressing functionality and mobility, cognitive status, prevention of pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, falls and delirium, as well as pain control and medication-related problems. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a clinical prediction rule for multimorbid patients admitted to an acute care hospital unit for any of the five adverse events included in our vulnerability pentad: falls, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, pain and delirium. (2) Methods: Longitudinal analytical clinimetric study, with two cohorts. The study population will consist of multimorbid patients hospitalised for acute care, referred from the Emergency Room. A clinical prediction rule will be proposed, incorporating predictive factors of these five adverse outcomes described. This study has received funding, awarded in November 2020 (PI-0107-2020), and was approved in October 2019 by the Research Ethics Committee ″Costa del Sol″. (3) Conclusions: Preventing adverse events in hospitalised patients is particularly important for those with multimorbidity. By applying a clinical prediction rule to detect specific risks, an estimate can be obtained of their probability of occurrence.
Promoting Farmers’ Participation in Rural Settlement Environment Improvement Programmes: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Dan , Gong Qianwen
Published: July 2022

A rural settlement environment improvement programme is a livelihood project involving the vital interests of farmers. However, whether farmers should take the main responsibility for improving the rural settlement environment is an open issue. This study constructs an evaluation index system for farmers’ participation in rural settlement environment improvement on the basis of policy cognition, participation behaviour, and participation awareness. Using survey data from 909 farmers in eight provinces in China, this study empirically analyses farmers’ participation in a rural settlement environment improvement programme. The study’s results indicate that farmers have a high awareness of participation, a low level of policy cognition, and low involvement in the action regarding the rural settlement environment improvement. The participation of farmers in the rural settlement environment improvement is generally low and decreasing in the eastern, western, and central regions, in that order. Farmers’ participation in rural settlement environment improvement decreases in the order of suburban integration villages, characteristic protection villages, agglomeration and upgrading villages, and relocation and evacuation villages. To increase farmers’ participation in rural settlement environment improvement, the government can clarify the tasks in which farmers can participate, and establish an organisation and system to guide farmers’ involvement.
COVID-19 Aftermath: Exploring the Mental Health Emergency among Students at a Northern Italian University
Authors: Patrono Alessandra , Renzetti Stefano , Manco Angela , Brunelli Paola , Moncada Stefanny M. , Macgowan Mark J. , Placidi Donatella , Calza Stefano , Cagna Giuseppa , Rota Matteo , Memo Maurizio , Tira Maurizio , Lucchini Roberto G.
Published: July 2022

In this study, we investigated the symptoms of physical and mental health associated with lifestyle changes due to a lockdown among the students of a university in Northern Italy, one of the most affected areas in Europe during the first wave of COVID-19. We examined the psychopathological variations in relation to mental health problems in a young population. The goal was to develop interventions to resolve these new psychosocial problems. From June to July 2020, students participated in an anonymous survey asking about habits and symptoms that emerged during the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. Five health outcomes were assessed: digestive disorders; headaches; fear of COVID-19; panic and anxiety crises; and depression/sadness. The conditions and duration of the social isolation, lifestyle, SARS-CoV-2 infection in the household, financial situation, and productivity were considered in the analysis. A total of 3533 students completed the survey. The participants experienced headaches, depression and sadness, digestive disorders, a fear of COVID-19, and anxiety/panic crises. The duration of isolation was associated with an increased risk of digestive disorders, headaches, and COVID-19 fear. The female gender, medium–intense telephone usage, sleep quality, memory difficulties, and performance reduction were associated with an increased risk of the health outcomes. Future interventions should focus on promoting and implementing different habits with the support of health and university organizations.
What Are Complex Interventions in Suicide Research? Definitions, Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Sadhvi , Mathieu Sharna , Ross Victoria , Armstrong Gregory , Kõlves Kairi
Published: July 2022

It has been argued that effective action towards addressing a complex concern such as suicide requires a combination of evidence-based strategies. While these complex public health approaches have recently gained importance, little is known about their characteristics and what contributes to their complexity. The use of interchangeable terms such as multilevel, multicomponent, community based, and inconsistent definitions of these approaches creates confusion around what it is and what it is not. In practice, this disorder is reflected in a substantial variation in the design, implementation, and evaluation of complex approaches in suicide research. While it is impossible to resolve all existing inconsistencies in terminology, this review explores a range of terms and definitions to connote complex interventions. It aims to unpack multiple meanings of these terms and their diverse usage in suicide literature. The potential implications of this fluidity and plausible pathways to make sense of this complexity for suicide research are also discussed. With a shared understanding of what constitutes a complex intervention, we can expect to see an improved representation of the real-world complexities in our efforts to address suicide. This common language can also contribute toward quality implementation and dissemination and thereby advance our understanding of complex interventions.
Burdening and Protective Organisational Factors among International Volunteers in Greek Refugee Camps—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Josam Isabel , Grothe Sarah , Lüdecke Daniel , Vonneilich Nico , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: July 2022

A majority of the workforce in the humanitarian aid consists of volunteers who partly suffer from health problems related to their voluntary service. To date, only a fraction of the current research focuses on this population. The aim of this qualitative explorative study was to identify burdening and protective organisational factors for health and well-being among humanitarian aid volunteers in a Greek refugee camp. To this end, interviews with 22 volunteers were held on site and afterwards analysed by using qualitative content analysis. We focused on international volunteers working in Greece that worked in the provision of food, material goods, emotional support and recreational opportunities. We identified burdening factors, as well as protective factors, in the areas of work procedures, team interactions, organisational support and living arrangements. Gender-specific disadvantages contribute to burdening factors, while joyful experiences are only addressed as protective factors. Additionally, gender-specific aspects in the experience of team interactions and support systems were identified. According to our findings, several possibilities for organisations to protect health and well-being of their volunteers exist. Organisations could adapt organisational structures to the needs of their volunteers and consider gender-specific factors.
The Prevalence of Teleophthalmology in the Piedmont Region of Italy: Current Situation and Future Perspectives
Authors: Nuzzi Raffaele , Deraco Floriana , Scalabrin Simona
Published: July 2022

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the actual prevalence of telemedicine, with a particular attention to teleophthalmology programs, in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy and investigate the prospects of the discipline, comparing the situation with the rest of Italy. Information about the current teleophthalmological development is important to assess the state-of-the-art of innovation in medicine in different areas of the world so that there can be a healthy comparison and evaluation of progress and backlog. Methods: We sent questionnaires to every Local Healthcare Authority and gathered the answers in five distinct categories. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we collected information by telephone. We investigated five primary areas: what type of telemedicine services are currently in operation, how they are managed, the presence of any evaluation of patient satisfaction and cost-savings, and the prospects of future teleophthalmology programs to be implemented. Results: Only 2% of the total telemedicine programs are in the field of ophthalmology. The greater parts are in the field of cardiology (15%) and endocrinology (13%). Currently, only one program of teleophthalmology exists in the territory, and at least four more projects are waiting to be approved or funded. Surveys about patient satisfaction were not provided and there was no evidence of cost-saving. Conclusions: Teleophthalmology in Piedmont is slowly developing, although there is a lack of a unified network for storing and managing patients’ data. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine usage drastically increased, and there is a need to evaluate this trend to understand its place in the future of medicine.