bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transglutaminase-Induced Free-Fat Yogurt Gels Supplemented with Tarragon Essential Oil-Loaded Nanoemulsions: Development, Optimization, Characterization, Bioactivity, and Storability
Authors: Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Altintas Zeynep
Published: August 2022

There is a high demand for designing healthy-functional dairy gels with a newly structured protein network in the food industry. Non-fat yogurt gels enriched with stable tarragon essential oil-nanoemulsions (TEO-NEs) using crosslinking of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) were developed. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that methyl chavicol (85.66%) was the major component in TEO extracted by the hydrodistillation process. The storage-dependent droplet size and physicochemical stability data of samples at room temperature for 30 days revealed that the TEO-NE containing 0.5% tween-80 and 1:2 TEO/sunflower oil had the lowest peroxide value and droplet growth ratio. The response surface methodology-based formulation optimization of free-fat yogurt gels using MTGase (0.15–0.85 U/g) and the best TEO-NE (0.5–3.02%) using the fitted second-order polynomial models proved that the combination of 0.87% TEO-NE and 0.70 U/g MTGase led to the desired pH (4.569) and acidity (88.3% lactic acid), minimum syneresis (27.03 mL/100 g), and maximum viscosity (6.93 Pa s) and firmness (0.207 N) responses. Scanning electron microscopy images visualized that the MTGase-induced crosslinks improved the gel structure to increase the firmness and viscosity with a reduction in the syneresis rate. The optimal yogurt gel as a nutritious diet not only provided the highest organoleptic scores but also maintained its storage-related quality with the lowest mold/yeast growth and free-radical oxidation changes.
Causes and Pathophysiology of Acquired Sideroblastic Anemia
Authors: Rodriguez-Sevilla Juan Jose , Calvo Xavier , Arenillas Leonor
Published: August 2022

The sideroblastic anemias are a heterogeneous group of inherited and acquired disorders characterized by anemia and the presence of ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. Ring sideroblasts are abnormal erythroblasts with iron-loaded mitochondria that are visualized by Prussian blue staining as a perinuclear ring of green-blue granules. The mechanisms that lead to the ring sideroblast formation are heterogeneous, but in all of them, there is an abnormal deposition of iron in the mitochondria of erythroblasts. Congenital sideroblastic anemias include nonsyndromic and syndromic disorders. Acquired sideroblastic anemias include conditions that range from clonal disorders (myeloid neoplasms as myelodysplastic syndromes and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms with ring sideroblasts) to toxic or metabolic reversible sideroblastic anemia. In the last 30 years, due to the advances in genomic techniques, a deep knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms has been accomplished and the bases for possible targeted treatments have been established. The distinction between the different forms of sideroblastic anemia is based on the study of the characteristics of the anemia, age of diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and the performance of laboratory analysis involving genetic testing in many cases. This review focuses on the differential diagnosis of acquired disorders associated with ring sideroblasts.
GIS-Based Virtual Field Trip as a Tool for Remote Education
Authors: Evelpidou Niki , Karkani Anna , Komi Apostolia , Giannikopoulou Aikaterini , Tzouxanioti Maria , Saitis Giannis , Spyrou Evangelos , Gatou Maria-Anna
Published: August 2022

Geoscience courses, such as geology and geomorphology, require not only classroom lessons and laboratory exercises, but field trips as well. However, the COVID-19 restrictions did not allow the execution of most planned field trips, and an alternative needed to be developed. The use of virtual field trips is one such alternative. Through this research, we evaluate the usefulness of virtual field trips as tools for preparatory activities before an actual field trip takes place in the same area, and their contribution in providing a better understanding of geomorphological processes and landscape evolution. We performed a virtual navigation on the island of Naxos, Cyclades (Aegean Sea, Greece) for a series of virtual field trips, which took place during webinars in the framework of Erasmus+ CIVIS. The virtual field trip was also presented to the third-year students of the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in the framework of the obligatory course of Geomorphology. Upon completion, all participating students were asked to fill in a questionnaire in order to evaluate the contribution of virtual field trips to their education regarding geomorphology and state their opinion as to whether they can supplement and/or substitute actual field trips. According to the results, virtual field trips can aid, but not substitute, the actual field trip. Most students mentioned that they would attend another virtual field trip in the future, both as an alternative to classroom lessons and as a means of preparation for an actual field trip, but not in order replace the actual one. Virtual field trips can significantly support the realization of actual ones, by introducing the necessary tectonic, geological and geomorphological background of a particular study area and offering more time for practical activities or field methodologies during the actual field trip.
Investigation of the Factors Controlling the Duration and Productivity of Aftershocks Following Strong Earthquakes in Greece
Authors: Bonatis Pavlos , Karakostas Vasileios G. , Papadimitriou Eleftheria E. , Kaviris George
Published: August 2022

Strong crustal earthquakes in Greece are typically followed by aftershocks, the properties of which are important factors in seismic hazard assessment. In order to examine the properties of earthquake sequences, we prepared an earthquake catalog comprising aftershock sequences with mainshocks of Mw ≥ 5.5 from 1995 to 2021. Regional aftershock parameters were estimated to highlight variations in aftershock decay and productivity among regions with similar seismotectonic characteristics. A statistically based method of estimating aftershock duration and a metric of relative aftershock productivity to examine the variations among the different cases were employed. From the detailed analysis of the selected seismic sequences, we attempt to unravel the physical mechanisms behind deviations in aftershock duration and productivity and resolve the relative contribution of background seismicity, the Omori–Utsu law parameters and the mainshock faulting properties. From our analysis, the duration of aftershock sequences depends upon the rupture process of the mainshock, independently of its magnitude. The same applies to aftershock productivity, however, other tectonic setting (e.g., seismic coupling) or source-related (e.g., focal depth, stress drop) parameters also contribute. The estimated regional parameters of the aftershock rate models could be utilized as initial ones to forecast the aftershock occurrence rates at the early stage following a mainshock.
Parametric Study of Lateral Loaded Blade Pile in Clay
Authors: Li Lin , Sui Guowei , Zhou Jialin , Oh Erwin
Published: August 2022

The study of the mechanical properties between the pile and soil is limited when an enlarged head is added at the bottom of the pile foundation, which acts as anchor stabilization. This study investigates the blade pile foundation used in a solar panel project, which is subjected to lateral wind load action. The parametrical study is performed through the numerical simulation of the blade pile that is embedded in clay soil. The study considers both the soil modulus and the strength parameter of cohesion and concludes that the blade pile foundation capacity has a positive correlation with both. Moreover, when adding blades to a normal circular hollow section (CHS) pile, if the clay cohesion is less than 35 MPa, the capacity improvement rate will be greater. It analyzes the simulated load versus the soil displacement by considering clay in the soil states of very soft, soft, firm, stiff, very stiff and hard. This study finds that the blade application increases the lateral capacity of the pile foundation. In addition, when the soil is very soft to firm, adding blades results in a higher percentage of capacity improvement, which is up to 14.8% for the standard 1.5-m CHS pile with an outside diameter of 76.1 mm.
Wrist Movement Variability Assessment in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nóbrega Lígia Reis , Cabral Ariana Moura , Oliveira Fábio Henrique Monteiro , de Oliveira Andrade Adriano , Krishnan Sridhar , Pereira Adriano Alves
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder represented by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons, it decreases the individual’s motor functions and affects the execution of movements. There is a real need to include quantitative techniques and reliable methods to assess the evolution of PD. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the variability of wrist RUD (radial and ulnar deviation) and FE (flexion and extension) movements measured by two pairs of capacitive sensors (PS25454 EPIC). The hypothesis was that PD patients have less variability in wrist movement execution than healthy individuals. The data was collected from 29 participants (age: 62.13 ± 9.7) with PD and 29 healthy individuals (60.70 ± 8). Subjects performed the experimental tasks at normal and fast speeds. Six features that captured the amplitude of the hand movements around two axes were estimated from the collected signals. (3) Results: The movement variability was greater for healthy individuals than for PD patients (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: The low variability seen in the PD group may indicate they execute wrist RUD and FE in a more restricted way. The variability analysis proposed here could be used as an indicator of patient progress in therapeutic programs and required changes in medication dosage.
Histories of Science Communication
Authors: Nielsen Kristian H.
Published: August 2022

Science communication has been central to our understanding of Modern Europe, and it also plays an important role in other parts of the world. The aim of this article is to present key narratives—histories—about the development of science communication in Modern Europe and beyond. Surveying key contributions, the article identifies two main narratives about science communication in Modern Europe: one about widening gaps between science and the public (informational, epistemological, and moral gaps) and one about building bridges through dialogue, engagement, and participation. Beyond Modern Europe, the same narratives appear but often with important twists. The discussion about science communication in Latin America, for example, includes colonial and postcolonial dimensions, whereas the narrative about science communication (science popularization) in China emphasizes the embeddedness of science communication in national politics. Together, the histories show that science communication is not the diminutive or distorted form of science but rather the sum of social conversations around science.
Morpho-Agronomic Characterization, Sample Size, and Plot Size for the Evaluation of Capsicum chinense Genotypes
Authors: Alves Silfran Rogério Marialva , Lopes Ricardo , Meneses Carlos , Valente Magno Sávio Ferreira , Martins Cibele Chalita , Ramos Santiago Ferreyra , Oliveira Izamara , de Jesus Pinto Fraxe Therezinha , Costa Lucifrancy , Lopes Maria Teresa Gomes
Published: August 2022

The Amazon is a center of diversity for Capsicum chinense Jacq., with wide genetic and morphological variability, but little exploration has been performed there to facilitate their improvement. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate C. chinense genotypes for the development of cultivars by determining the optimal size of the experimental plot and the minimum sample size to ensure a precise estimation of yield. A total of 23 genotypes were evaluated, and in multivariate analyses, the plants were characterized by 21 morphological descriptors and eight quantitative traits related to biometry and yield. The recommended sample size for fruit evaluation was defined based on simulations with subsample resampling and evaluation of the semi-amplitudes of the confidence interval of the mean estimate. The optimal plot size was estimated by the modified maximum curvature method. The similarity coefficients among the genotypes ranged from 0.54 to 0.93, indicating that the established clusters contained important information for future crosses. According to the sample size methodologies, 25 to 40 fruits should be sampled for valid evaluations of biometric traits. Experiments with five to eight plants per plot are recommended to test progenies of the species, ensuring good experimental precision combined with high selection accuracy for yield traits.
Peel Essential Oil Composition and Antibacterial Activities of Citrus x sinensis L. Osbeck ‘Tarocco’ and Citrus reticulata Blanco
Authors: Zhang Wenling , Liu Dan , Fu Xun , Xiong Chunmei , Nie Qingyu
Published: August 2022

Oranges and mandarins in Chongqing, China, are mostly processed for juice and their peels are wasted or landfilled. To add value, it is essential to utilize the peels and extract useful materials, such as citrus essential oils (CEOs). Here, we report the metabolome analysis of the peels of Citrus x sinensis (CS) and Citrus reticulata (CR). In total, 793 metabolites were detected in the CS and CR peels, of which 242 were differentially accumulated. The metabolites were grouped into 12 compound classes. Terpenoids were the highest accumulated class of compounds followed by phenols and alcohols in both fruit peels. CR peels were rich in all types of compounds, whereas CS showed a relatively lower content of the detected compounds. The highest accumulated compounds were β-phellandrene, beta-ocimene, 1,3,6-octatriene,3,7-dimethyl, and d-limonene. Overall, CR showed higher compound diversity than CS. The CS and CR peel extracts showed antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. The peel extracts from CR and CS showed similar antibacterial effects against E. coli and B. subtilis, while CS peel extracts were more effective against S. aureus. Overall, our study concludes that both CS and CR peels should not be wasted owing to the CEOs and respective antibacterial activities.
The Pictorial Screening Memory Test (P-MIS) for Adults with Moderate Intellectual Disability and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rodríguez-Hidalgo Emili , García-Alba Javier , Buxó Maria , Novell Ramon , Esteba-Castillo Susana
Published: August 2022

In this study, we examined normative data and diagnostic accuracy of a pictorial screening test to detect memory impairment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Spanish-speaking adults with intellectual disability (ID). A total of 94 volunteers with ID (60 controls, 17 MCI, and 17 AD), were evaluated by neuropsychological tests including the PMIS-ID in a cross-sectional validation study. Discriminative validity between the MCI, AD, and control group was analyzed by the area under the ROC curve. A cut-off score of 4.5 on the immediate recall trial had a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 80% to detect memory impairment (AUC = 0.685; 95% CI = 0.506–0.863) in the AD group. The PMIS-ID is a useful screening test to rule out a diagnosis of memory decline in people with moderate level of ID and AD, and it shows good psychometric properties.
Economic Evaluations of Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Radiotherapy (MRIgRT): A Systematic Review
Authors: Castelluccia Alessandra , Mincarone Pierpaolo , Tumolo Maria Rosaria , Sabina Saverio , Colella Riccardo , Bodini Antonella , Tramacere Francesco , Portaluri Maurizio , Leo Carlo Giacomo
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This review systematically summarizes the evidence on the economic impact of magnetic resonance image-guided RT (MRIgRT). Methods: We systematically searched INAHTA, MEDLINE, and Scopus up to March 2022 to retrieve health economic studies. Relevant data were extracted on study type, model inputs, modeling methods and economic results. Results: Five studies were included. Two studies performed a full economic assessment to compare the cost-effectiveness of MRIgRT with other forms of image-guided radiation therapy. One study performed a cost minimization analysis and two studies performed an activity-based costing, all comparing MRIgRT with X-ray computed tomography image-guided radiation therapy (CTIgRT). Prostate cancer was the target condition in four studies and hepatocellular carcinoma in one. Considering the studies with a full economic assessment, MR-guided stereotactic body radiation therapy was found to be cost effective with respect to CTIgRT or conventional or moderate hypofractionated RT, even with a low reduction in toxicity. Conversely, a greater reduction in toxicity is required to compete with extreme hypofractionated RT without MR guidance. Conclusions: This review highlights the great potential of MRIgRT but also the need for further evidence, especially for late toxicity, whose reduction is expected to be the real added value of this technology.
Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Patient-Reported Outcome Instrument of Health-Related Quality of Life Specific to Patients with Gambling Disorder: The Gambling Quality of Life Scale (GQoLS)
Authors: Bonfils Nicolas A. , Aubin Henri-Jean , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Caillon Julie , Perney Pascal , Limosin Frédéric , Luquiens Amandine
Published: August 2022

Background. Impairment or distress caused by gambling disorder can be subjectively assessed via quality of life. The aim of this study was to develop a new patient-reported outcome instrument to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in gambling disorders, the Gambling quality-of-life scale (GQoLS), and to document its psychometric properties. Methods. A previous qualitative study had been conducted using focus groups of problem gamblers to identify areas of HRQoL impacted by gambling. The seven domains identified served as the basis for the hypothetical structure of GQoLS. Draft items were generated from the patient’s speeches to illustrate each of these domains. Cognitive debriefing interviews were realized to obtain a final hypothetical GQoLS. A validation study was then carried out to determine the final version of GQoLS and its psychometric properties (structural validity, construct validity, internal consistency). Results. The final GQoLS was composed of 21 items, with a total mean score of 38.3 (±13.6). Structural validity found a major dimension and four other minor dimensions. The five dimensions were: “emotion”, “lifestyle”, “loneliness”, “taboo” and “preoccupation”. GQoLS was moderately to strongly correlated with PGSI and EQ-5D visual analogic scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.92. Conclusion. GQoLS is the first HRQoL instrument specific to patients with a gambling disorder and developed from the patient’s perspective. GQoLS presents good psychometric properties. GQoLS can be used in clinical research to demonstrate the effectiveness of an intervention on outcomes that are relevant from the patient’s perspective.
Study on Spatial Geometric Similarity Based on Conformal Geometric Algebra
Authors: Jiang Xiaomin , Huang Yangfei , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2022

The study of spatial geometric similarity plays a significant role in spatial data retrieval. Many researchers have examined spatial geometric similarity, which is useful for spatial analysis and data retrieval. However, the majority of them focused on objects of the same type. Methods to support the spatial geometric similarity computation for different types of objects are rare, a systematic theory index has not been developed yet, and there has not been a comprehensive computational model of spatial geometric similarity. In this study, we conducted an analysis of the spatial geometric similarity computation based on conformal geometric algebra (CGA), which has certain advantages in the quantitative computation of the measurement information of spatial objects and the qualitative judgment of the topological relations of spatial objects. First, we developed a unified expression model for spatial geometric scenes, integrating shapes of objects and spatial relations between them. Then, we established a model for the spatial geometric similarity computation under various geographical circumstances to provide a novel approach for spatial geometric similarity research. Finally, the computation model was verified through a case study. The study of spatial geometric similarity sheds light on spatial data retrieval, which has scientific significance and practical value.
The Identification and Analysis of the Centers of Geographical Public Opinions in Flood Disasters Based on Improved Naïve Bayes Network
Authors: Tang Heng , Xu Hanwei , Rui Xiaoping , Heng Xuebiao , Song Ying
Published: August 2022

The increasing frequency of floods and the lack of protective measures have the potential to cause severe damage. Working from the perspective of network public opinion is an effective way to understand flood disasters. However, the existing research tends to focus on a single perspective, such as the characteristics of the text, algorithm optimization, or spatial location recognition, while scholars have paid much less attention to the impact of social-psychological differences in space on network public opinion. This research is based on the following hypothesis: When public opinions break out, the differences of network public opinions in geography will form spatially different centers of geographical public opinions in flood disasters (CGeoPOFDs). These centers represent the cities that receive the most attention from network public opinion. Based on this hypothesis, this study proposes a new way of identifying and analyzing CGeoPOFDs. First, two optimization strategies were applied to enhance a naïve Bayes network: syntactic parsing, which was used to optimize the selection of feature word vectors, and ensemble learning, which enabled multi-classifier fusion optimization. Social media data were classified through the improved algorithm, and then, various methods (hotspot analysis, geographic mapping, and sentiment analysis) were used to identify CGeoPOFDs. Finally, analysis was performed in terms of spatiotemporal, virtual, and real dimensions. In addition, microblog social data and real disaster data were used to arrive at empirical results. According to the study findings, the identified CGeoPOFDs offered traditional characteristics of network public opinion while also featuring unique spatiotemporal characteristics. Over time, CGeoPOFDs demonstrated spatial aggregation and bias diffusion and an overall positive emotional tendency.
Preparation of Mn/Zn@PG Catalyst for Catalytic Oxidation Treatment of Coal Chemical Wastewater
Authors: Sun Wenquan , Xie Shuqian , Sun Yongjun , Qiu Xiangtao , Zhou Jun
Published: August 2022

In this study, Mn/Zn@palygorskite (PG) catalysts with developed pores and good salt tolerance were prepared and applied to the treatment of coal chemical wastewater. A doping ratio of metal elements, calcination temperature, and calcination time was used to optimize the preparation conditions and determine the optimal preparation conditions of the Mn/Zn@PG catalysts. The catalysts, obtained under various preparation conditions, were characterized and analyzed by XRD, SEM, EDS, BET, XRF, XPS, and other techniques. Results showed that the Zn and Mn elements in the Mn/Zn@PG catalyst existed as ZnO and MnO2, respectively. The optimal working conditions of the Mn/Zn@PG catalyst for catalytic oxidation treatment of coal chemical wastewater, obtained through the optimization of working conditions, are the following: reaction time 60 min, wastewater pH = 9.28, ozone ventilation rate 0.2 L/min, catalyst filling ratio 20%. The height-to-diameter ratio of the tower was 6:1. The abrasion resistance and catalytic performance of the Mn/Zn@PG catalyst after repeated use were investigated, and the mechanism of the loss of active components of the Mn/Zn@PG catalyst was explored. The coal chemical wastewater, before and after treatment, was analyzed by UV–vis spectroscopy and 3D fluorescence spectroscopy. The hierarchical–principal component comprehensive evaluation system (AHP–PCA) was established to evaluate the catalytic ozonation process of coal chemical wastewater, so that the overall evaluation of the process performance can be achieved.
Spatiotemporal Correlation Analysis of Hydraulic Fracturing and Stroke in the United States
Authors: Hu Chuanbo , Liu Bin , Wang Shuo , Zhu Zhenduo , Adcock Amelia , Simpkins James , Li Xin
Published: August 2022

Hydraulic fracturing or fracking has led to a rapid growth of oil and gas production in the United States, but the impact of fracking on public health is an important but underresearched topic. We designed a methodology to study spatiotemporal correlations between the risk of fracking and stroke mortality. An annualized loss expectancy (ALE) model is applied to quantify the risk of fracking. The geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model is used to analyze spatiotemporal correlations of stroke mortality, fracking ALE, and nine other socioeconomic- and health-related factors. The analysis shows that fracking ALE is moderately correlated with stroke mortality at ages over 65 in most states of fracking, in addition to cardiovascular disease and drug overdose being positively correlated with stroke mortality. Furthermore, the correlations between fracking ALE and stroke mortality in men appear to be higher than in women near the Marcellus Shale, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, while stroke mortality among women is concentrated in the Great Plains, including Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Lastly, within two kilometers of the fracking mining activity, the level of benzene in the air was found to be significantly correlated with the fracking activity in Colorado.
Some Considerations about Pornography Watching in Early Adolescence
Authors: Cerniglia Luca , Cimino Silvia
Published: August 2022

Adolescence is a time of significant transition because of the rapid acceleration of bodily changes [...]
Human Personality Is Associated with Geographical Environment in Mainland China
Authors: Xu Liang , Luo Yanyang , Wen Xin , Sun Zaoyi , Chao Chiju , Xia Tianshu , Xu Liuchang
Published: August 2022

Recent psychological research shown that the places where we live are linked to our personality traits. Geographical aggregation of personalities has been observed in many individualistic nations; notably, the mountainousness is an essential component in understanding regional variances in personality. Could mountainousness therefore also explain the clustering of personality-types in collectivist countries like China? Using a nationwide survey (29,838 participants) in Mainland China, we investigated the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and mountainousness indicators at the provincial level. Multilevel modelling showed significant negative associations between the elevation coefficient of variation (Elevation CV) and the Big Five personality traits, whereas mean elevation (Elevation Mean) and the standard deviation in elevation (Elevation STD) were positively associated with human personalities. Subsequent machine learning analyses showed that, for example, Elevation Mean outperformed other mountainousness indicators regarding correlations with neuroticism, while Elevation CV performed best relative to openness models. Our results mirror some previous findings, such as the positive association between openness and Elevation STD, while also revealing cultural differences, such as the social desirability of people living in China’s mountainous areas.
Surveillance of WHO Priority Gram-Negative Pathogenic Bacteria in Effluents from Two Seafood Processing Facilities in Tema, Ghana, 2021 and 2022: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Agyarkwa Meldon Ansah-koi , Azaglo Godfred Saviour Kudjo , Kokofu Henry Kwabena , Appah-Sampong Ebenezer Kwabena , Nerquaye-Tetteh Esi Nana , Appoh Emmanuel , Kudjawu Jewel , Worlanyo Ebenezer , Batong Mariam Fuowie , Akumwena Amos , Labi Appiah-Korang , Osei Mary-Magdalene , Satyanarayana Srinath , Terry Robert Fraser , Manzi Marcel , Opintan Japheth A.
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in effluents from seafood processing facilities can contribute to the spread of AMR in the natural environment. In this study conducted in Tema, Ghana, a total of 38 effluent samples from two seafood processing facilities were collected during 2021 and 2022, as part of a pilot surveillance project to ascertain the bacterial load, bacterial species and their resistance to 15 antibiotics belonging to the WHO AWaRe group of antibiotics. The bacterial load in the effluent samples ranged from 13–1800 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL. We identified the following bacterial species: E. coli in 31 (82%) samples, K. pneumoniae in 15 (39%) samples, Proteus spp. in 6 (16%) samples, P. aeruginosa in 2 (5%) samples and A. baumannii in 2 (5%) samples. The highest levels of antibiotic resistance (100%) were recorded for ampicillin and cefuroxime among Enterobacteriaceae. The WHO priority pathogens—E. coli (resistant to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and carbapenem) and K.pneumoniae (resistant to ceftriaxone)—were found in 5 (13%) effluent samples. These findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance to identify the source of AMR and multi-drug resistant bacteria and an adoption of best practices to eliminate these bacteria in the ecosystem of the seafood processing facilities.
Sequential Multiple Imputation for Real-World Health-Related Quality of Life Missing Data after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Sun Sun , Luo Nan , Stenberg Erik , Lindholm Lars , Sahlén Klas-Göran , Franklin Karl A. , Cao Yang
Published: August 2022

One of the main challenges for the successful implementation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments is missing data. The current study examined the feasibility and validity of a sequential multiple imputation (MI) method to deal with missing values in the longitudinal HRQoL data from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. All patients in the SOReg who received bariatric surgery between 1 January 2011 and 31 March 2019 (n = 47,653) were included for the descriptive analysis and missingness pattern exploration. The patients who had completed the short-form 36 (SF-36) at baseline (year 0), and one-, two-, and five-year follow-ups were included (n = 3957) for the missingness pattern simulation and the sequential MI analysis. Eleven items of the SF-36 were selected to create the six domains of SF-6D, and the SF-6D utility index of each patient was calculated accordingly. The multiply-imputed variables in previous year were used as input to impute the missing values in later years. The performance of the sequential MI was evaluated by comparing the actual values with the imputed values of the selected SF-36 items and index at all four time points. At the baseline and year 1, where missing proportions were about 20% and 40%, respectively, there were no statistically significant discrepancies between the distributions of the actual and imputed responses (all p-values > 0.05). In year 2, where the missing proportion was about 60%, distributions of the actual and imputed responses were consistent in 9 of the 11 SF-36 items. However, in year 5, where the missing proportion was about 80%, no consistency was found between the actual and imputed responses in any of the SF-36 items. Relatively high missing proportions in HRQoL data are common in clinical registries, which brings a challenge to analyzing the HRQoL of longitudinal cohorts. The experimental sequential multiple imputation method adopted in the current study might be an ideal strategy for handling missing data (even though the follow-up survey had a missing proportion of 60%), avoiding significant information waste in the multivariate analysis. However, the imputations for data with higher missing proportions warrant more research.
The Effect of Subjective Exercise Experience on Exercise Behavior and Amount of Exercise in Children and Adolescents: The Mediating Effect of Exercise Commitment
Authors: He Linghui , Li Yan , Chen Zhenhuai
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To explore the influencing factors that restrict the exercise behavior of children and adolescents, investigate the effect of subjective exercise experience on exercise behavior, and reveal the mediating effect of exercise commitment between subjective exercise experience and exercise behavior so as to promote children and adolescents to maintain good health exercise habits and improve their physical and mental health. Methods: The Subjective Exercise Experience Scale (SEES), Exercise Commitment Scale (ECC), and Physical Exercise Rating Scale (PARS-3) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 600 children and adolescents in Chongqing, China, and SPSS21.0 and AMOS21.0 statistical analysis software was used to carry out statistics and analyses on the questionnaires. Results: (1) Among children and adolescents, boys’ exercise commitment and exercise behavior were significantly higher than girls’, and there was no significant gender difference in subjective exercise experience. The exercise behavior of children and adolescents aged 9–12 was significantly higher than that of children and adolescents aged 13–15, and there was no significant age difference in subjective exercise experience and exercise commitment. (2) There was a significant correlation between the subjective exercise experience, exercise commitment, and exercise behavior of children and adolescents, and subjective exercise experience could directly and positively predict exercise commitment (β = 0.63) and exercise behavior (β = 0.57)—exercise commitment could also directly and positively predict exercise behavior (β = 0.52). (3) The exercise commitment of children and adolescents has a partial mediating effect between subjective exercise experience and exercise behavior (accounting for 37.50% of the total effect), and has a mediating effect between different exercise amounts, with the strongest mediating effect being on high exercise amount (32.10% of the total effect). Conclusions: The exercise behavior of children and adolescents was not only directly affected by subjective exercise experience, but also affected by the mediating effect of exercise commitment, and maintaining a good exercise experience and commitment was an effective way to effectively improve exercise behavior and amount of exercise in children and adolescents.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical (In)Activity Behavior in 10 Arab Countries
Authors: Al Sabbah Haleama , Taha Zainab , Qasrawi Radwan , Assaf Enas A. , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Al Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Hoteit Maha , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Tayyem Reema , Bawadi Hiba , AlKhalaf Majid , Bookari Khlood , Kamel Iman , Dashti Somaia , Allehdan Sabika , Alalwan Tariq A. , Hammouh Fadwa , Waly Mostafa I. , Al-Halawa Diala Abu , Mansour Rania , Abu Farha Allam ,   The Regional Corona Cooking Survey Group
Published: August 2022

Insufficient physical activity is considered a strong risk factor associated with non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physical (in)activity behavior in 10 Arab countries before and during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study using a validated online survey was launched originally in 38 different countries. The Eastern Mediterranean regional data related to the 10 Arabic countries that participated in the survey were selected for analysis in this study. A total of 12,433 participants were included in this analysis. The mean age of the participants was 30.3 (SD, 11.7) years. Descriptive and regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between physical activity levels and the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, watching TV, screen time, and computer usage. Physical activity levels decreased significantly during the lockdown. Participants’ country of origin, gender, and education were associated with physical activity before and during the lockdown (p < 0.050). Older age, watching TV, and using computers had a negative effect on physical activity before and during the lockdown (p < 0.050). Strategies to improve physical activity and minimize sedentary behavior should be implemented, as well as to reduce unhealthy levels of inactive time, especially during times of crisis. Further research on the influence of a lack of physical activity on overall health status, as well as on the COVID-19 disease effect is recommended.
Parental Practices and Environmental Differences among Infants Living in Upper-Middle and High-Income Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fioroni Ribeiro da Silva Carolina , Menici Valentina , Tudella Eloisa , Beani Elena , Barzacchi Veronica , Battini Roberta , Orsini Alessandro , Cioni Giovanni , Sgandurra Giuseppina
Published: August 2022

Parental practices and environmental factors can impact a child’s development and, consequently, functionality. The objective is to assess the parental practices and environmental differences in healthy and at-risk infants at 3–6 months of age living in upper-middle (Brazil) and high-income (Italy) countries. A total group of 115 infants was identified and classified into four groups: healthy Italian infants (H_IT); Italian infants exposed to biological risk factors (R_IT); healthy Brazilian infants (H_BR); and Brazilian infants exposed to environmental risk factors (L_BR). The dependent variables were parental practices and environmental factors, which were assessed through a semi-structured interview and the “variety of stimulation dimension” from the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development—Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) questionnaire. Descriptive analyses, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and correlation tests were applied. Regarding the environment and parental practices, the mother’s age, maternal and paternal education, civil status, and variety of stimulation showed significant differences among the infants living in Brazil or in Italy. There were strong dissimilarities in parental practices and environmental factors among infants living in low/upper-middle and high-income countries. Since the home environment is the main stimulus for infant growth and development, our results are meaningful for providing knowledge about these two different cultures.
Photosynthetic Characteristics and Chloroplast Ultrastructure Responses of Citrus Leaves to Copper Toxicity Induced by Bordeaux Mixture in Greenhouse
Authors: Lu Fei , Hu Pingping , Lin Meilan , Ye Xin , Chen Lisong , Huang Zengrong
Published: August 2022

Bordeaux mixture (Bm) is a copper (Cu)-based pesticide that has been widely used for controlling citrus scab and citrus canker. However, frequent spraying of Bm is toxic to citrus. To our knowledge, few studies are available that discuss how the photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of citrus leaves are affected by Cu toxicity induced by excessive Bm. In the study, two-year-old seedlings of Citrus grandis (C. grandis) and Citrus sinensis (C. sinensis), which were precultured in pots, were foliar-sprayed with deionized water (as control) or Bm diluted 500-fold at intervals of 7 days for 6 times (4 times as recommended by the manufacturer) to investigate the leaf Cu absorption, photosynthesis, chloroplast ultrastructure and antioxidant enzymatic activities. Bm foliar-sprayed 6 times on citrus seedlings increased the leaf Cu content, decreased the photosynthetic pigments content and destroyed the chloroplast ultrastructure, which induced leaf chlorosis and photosynthetic inhibition. A lower Cu absorption, a higher light photon-electron transfer efficiency, a relative integrity of chloroplast ultrastructure and a promoted antioxidant protection contributed to a higher photosynthetic activity of C. grandis than C. sinensis under excessive spraying of Bm. The present study provides crucial references for screening and selecting citrus species with a higher tolerance to Cu toxicity induced by excessive Bm.
Polygenic Risk of Hypertriglyceridemia Is Modified by BMI
Authors: Esteve-Luque Virginia , Fanlo-Maresma Marta , Padró-Miquel Ariadna , Corbella Emili , Rivas-Regaira Maite , Pintó Xavier , Candás-Estébanez Beatriz
Published: August 2022

Background: Genetic risk scores (GRSs) have partially improved the understanding of the etiology of moderate hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), which until recently was mainly assessed by secondary predisposing causes. The main objective of this study was to assess whether this variability is due to the interaction between clinical variables and GRS. Methods: We analyzed 276 patients with suspected polygenic HTG. An unweighted GRS was developed with the following variants: c.724C > G (ZPR1 gene), c.56C > G (APOA5 gene), c.1337T > C (GCKR gene), g.19986711A > G (LPL gene), c.107 + 1647T > C (BAZ1B gene) and g.125478730A > T (TRIB gene). Interactions between the GRS and clinical variables (body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, age and gender) were evaluated. Results: The GRS was associated with triglyceride (TG) concentrations. There was a significant interaction between BMI and GRS, with the intensity of the relationship between the number of alleles and the TG concentration being greater in individuals with a higher BMI. Conclusions: GRS is associated with plasma TG concentrations and is markedly influenced by BMI. This finding could improve the stratification of patients with a high genetic risk for HTG who could benefit from more intensive healthcare interventions.
A Review of Signaling Transduction Mechanisms in Osteoclastogenesis Regulation by Autophagy, Inflammation, and Immunity
Authors: Tong Xishuai , Yu Gengsheng , Fu Xiaohui , Song Ruilong , Gu Jianhong , Liu Zongping
Published: August 2022

Osteoclastogenesis is an ongoing rigorous course that includes osteoclast precursors fusion and bone resorption executed by degradative enzymes. Osteoclastogenesis is controlled by endogenous signaling and/or regulators or affected by exogenous conditions and can also be controlled both internally and externally. More evidence indicates that autophagy, inflammation, and immunity are closely related to osteoclastogenesis and involve multiple intracellular organelles (e.g., lysosomes and autophagosomes) and certain inflammatory or immunological factors. Based on the literature on osteoclastogenesis induced by different regulatory aspects, emerging basic cross-studies have reported the emerging disquisitive orientation for osteoclast differentiation and function. In this review, we summarize the partial potential therapeutic targets for osteoclast differentiation and function, including the signaling pathways and various cellular processes.
Tuning of Liver Sieve: The Interplay between Actin and Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Regulates Fenestration Size and Number in Murine Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zapotoczny Bartlomiej , Szafranska Karolina , Lekka Malgorzata , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh , McCourt Peter
Published: August 2022

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) facilitate the efficient transport of macromolecules and solutes between the blood and hepatocytes. The efficiency of this transport is realized via transcellular nanopores, called fenestrations. The mean fenestration size is 140 ± 20 nm, with the range from 50 nm to 350 nm being mostly below the limits of diffraction of visible light. The cellular mechanisms controlling fenestrations are still poorly understood. In this study, we tested a hypothesis that both Rho kinase (ROCK) and myosin light chain (MLC) kinase (MLCK)-dependent phosphorylation of MLC regulates fenestrations. We verified the hypothesis using a combination of several molecular inhibitors and by applying two high-resolution microscopy modalities: structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We demonstrated precise, dose-dependent, and reversible regulation of the mean fenestration diameter within a wide range from 120 nm to 220 nm and the fine-tuning of the porosity in a range from ~0% up to 12% using the ROCK pathway. Moreover, our findings indicate that MLCK is involved in the formation of new fenestrations—after inhibiting MLCK, closed fenestrations cannot be reopened with other agents. We, therefore, conclude that the Rho-ROCK pathway is responsible for the control of the fenestration diameter, while the inhibition of MLCK prevents the formation of new fenestrations.
Arginine 125 Is an Essential Residue for the Function of MRAP2
Authors: Fullone Maria Rosaria , Maftei Daniela , Vincenzi Martina , Lattanzi Roberta , Miele Rossella
Published: August 2022

MRAP2 is a small simple transmembrane protein arranged in a double antiparallel topology on the plasma membrane. It is expressed in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, where it interacts with various G protein-coupled receptors, such as the prokineticin receptors, and regulates energy expenditure and appetite. The aim of this work was to analyze the functional role of the specific arginine residue at position 125 of MRAP2, which affects protein conformation, dimer formation, and PKR2 binding. Results obtained with the MRAP2 mutants R125H and R125C, which are found in human patients with extreme obesity, and mouse MRAP2, in which arginine 125 is normally replaced by histidine, were compared with those obtained with human MRAP2. Understanding the mechanism by which MRAP2 regulates G protein-coupled receptors helps in elucidating the metabolic pathways involved in metabolic dysfunction and in developing new drugs as specific targets of the MRAP2-PKR2 complex.
MMP-9 Levels in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Chilean Rosacea Patients
Authors: Fernández Javier , Jiménez Constanza , Benadof Dafna , Morales Paulina , Astorga Jessica , Cáceres Felipe , Hernández Marcela , Fernández Alejandra , Valenzuela Fernando
Published: August 2022

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose prevalence rates remain unknown in Chile. Laboratory benchmark testing for this disease is not useful, therefore, we aimed to evaluate the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of extracellular metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 as novel rosacea biomarkers. We designed a cross-sectional study with a control group. Participants were systemically healthy adults (n = 20) and persons with rosacea (n = 18). We performed a periodontal evaluation and collected gingival crevicular fluid to measure MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels. Analysis showed mean and standard deviation of MMP-9 concentrations in the GCF for patients with rosacea was 764.52 ± 569.83 pg/mL; for healthy patients, it was 260.69 ± 170.43 pg/mL (p < 0.05). The diagnosis of rosacea was responsible for the levels of MMP-9 in the GCF (p < 0.05), as opposed to periodontitis, smoking, and age (p > 0.05). The Area under ROC for MMP-9 was 0.869 (95%, C.I: 0.719–0.956), with a sensitivity of 72.22% and specificity of 81.58% for the diagnosis of rosacea. We conclude that the quantification of MMP-9 in the GCF could be used as a biomarker of rosacea. Also, rosacea was responsible for increasing the levels of MMP-9 in the GCF independent of periodontal status.