bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of short open reading frames in plant genomes
Authors: Feng Yong , Jiang Mengyun , Yu Weichang , Zhou Jiannan
Published: February 2023

The roles of short/small open reading frames (sORFs) have been increasingly recognized in recent years due to the rapidly growing number of sORFs identified in various organisms due to the development and application of the Ribo-Seq technique, which sequences the ribosome-protected footprints (RPFs) of the translating mRNAs. However, special attention should be paid to RPFs used to identify sORFs in plants due to their small size (~30 nt) and the high complexity and repetitiveness of the plant genome, particularly for polyploidy species. In this work, we compare different approaches to the identification of plant sORFs, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and provide a guide for choosing different methods in plant sORF studies.
Productivity, photosynthetic light-use efficiency, nitrogen metabolism and nutritional quality of C4 halophyte Portulaca oleracea L. grown indoors under different light intensities and durations
Authors: He Jie , Gan Jia Hui Shirin , Qin Lin
Published: February 2023

Portulaca oleracea L. (known as purslane), is a nutritious facultative C4 halophyte. Recently, it has been successfully grown indoors under LED lightings by our team. However, basic understanding about the impacts of light on purslanes are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of light intensity and duration on productivity, photosynthetic light use efficiency, nitrogen metabolism and nutritional quality of indoor grown purslanes. All plants were grown in 10% artificial seawater hydroponically under different photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFDs) and durations and thus different daily light integrals (DLI). They are, L1 (240 µmol photon m-2 s-1, 12 h, DLI = 10.368 mol m-2 day-1); L2 (320 µmol photon m-2 s-1, 18 h, DLI = 20.736 mol m-2 day-1); L3 (240 µmol photon m-2 s-1, 24 h, DLI = 20.736 mol m-2 day-1); L4 (480 µmol photon m-2 s-1, 12 h, DLI = 20.736 mol m-2 day-1), respectively. Compared to L1, higher DLI promoted root and shoot growth and thus increased shoot productivity by 2.63-,1.96-, 3.83-folds, respectively for purslane grown under L2, L3, L4. However, under the same DLI, L3 plants (continuous light, CL) had significantly lower shoot and root productivities compared those with higher PPFDs but shorter durations (L2 and L4). While all plants had similar total chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, CL (L3) plants had significantly lower light use efficiency (Fv/Fm ratio), electron transport rate, effective quantum yield of PSII, photochemical- and non-photochemical quenching. Compared to L1, higher DLI with higher PPFDs (L2 and L4) increased leaf maximum nitrate reductase activity while longer durations increased leaf NO3− concentrations and total reduced nitrogen. There were no significant differences in leaf total soluble protein, total soluble sugar and total ascorbic acid concentrations in both leaf and stem regardless of light conditions. However, L2 plants had the highest leaf proline concentration but leaf total phenolic compounds concentration was higher in L3 plants instead. Generally, L2 plants had the highest dietary minerals such as K, Ca, Mg and Fe among the four different light conditions. Overall, L2 condition is the most suitable lighting strategy in enhancing productivity and nutritional quality of purslane.
Transcriptional dynamics of maize leaves, pollens and ovules to gain insights into heat stress-related responses
Authors: Jagtap Ashok Babadev , Yadav Inderjit Singh , Vikal Yogesh , Praba Umesh Preethi , Kaur Navneet , Gill Adeshpal Singh , Johal Gurmukh S.
Published: February 2023

Heat stress (HS) is one of the alarming issues today due to global warming and is the foremost detrimental to crop production. Maize is one of the versatile crops grown over different agro-climatic conditions. However, it is significantly sensitive to heat stress, especially during the reproductive phase. The heat stress tolerance mechanism is yet to be elucidated at the reproductive stage. Thus, the present study focused on identifying transcriptional changes in two inbreds, LM 11 (sensitive to HS) and CML 25 (tolerant to HS), under intense heat stress at 42°C during the reproductive stage from three tissues viz. flag leaf, tassel, and ovule. Samples from each inbred were collected after 5 days of pollinations for RNA isolation. Six cDNA libraries were constructed from three separate tissues of LM 11 and CML 25 and sequenced using an Illumina HiSeq2500 platform. A total of 2,164 (1127 up-regulated and 1037 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with 1151, 451, and 562 DEGs in comparisons of LM 11 and CML 25, corresponding to a leaf, pollen, and ovule, respectively. Functional annotated DEGs associated with transcription factors (TFs) viz. AP2, MYB, WRKY, PsbP, bZIP, and NAM, heat shock proteins (HSP20, HSP70, and HSP101/ClpB), as well as genes related to photosynthesis (PsaD & PsaN), antioxidation (APX and CAT) and polyamines (Spd and Spm). KEGG pathways analyses showed that the metabolic overview pathway and secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathway, with the involvement of 264 and 146 genes, respectively, were highly enriched in response to heat stress. Notably, the expression changes of the most common HS-responsive genes were typically much more significant in CML 25, which might explain why CML 25 is more heat tolerant. Seven DEGs were common in leaf, pollen, and ovule; and involved in the polyamines biosynthesis pathway. Their exact role in maize heat stress response would warrant further studies. These results enhanced our understanding to heat stress responses in maize.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide new insights into the appropriate harvest period in regenerated bulbs of Fritillaria hupehensis
Authors: Duan Yuanyuan , Wu Jiaqi , Wang Fanfan , Zhang Kaiqi , Guo Xiaoliang , Tang Tao , Mu Sen , You Jingmao , Guo Jie
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The bulb of Fritillaria hupehensis, a traditional cough and expectorant medicine, is usually harvested from June to September according to traditional cultivation experience, without practical scientific guidance. Although steroidal alkaloid metabolites have been identified in F. hupehensis, the dynamic changes in their levels during bulb development and their molecular regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, integrative analyses of the bulbus phenotype, bioactive chemical investigations, and metabolome and transcriptome profiles were performed to systematically explore the variations in steroidal alkaloid metabolite levels and identify the genes modulating their accumulation and the corresponding regulatory mechanisms.

Results

The results showed that weight, size, and total alkaloid content of the regenerated bulbs reached a maximum at IM03 (post-withering stage, early July), whereas peiminine content reached a maximum at IM02 (withering stage, early June). There were no significant differences between IM02 and IM03, indicating that regenerated bulbs could be harvested appropriately in early June or July. Peiminine, peimine, tortifoline, hupehenine, korseveramine, delafrine, hericenone N-oxide, korseveridine, puqiedinone, pingbeinone, puqienine B, puqienine E, pingbeimine A, jervine, and ussuriedine levels were upregulated in IM02 and IM03, compared with IM01 (vigorous growth stage, early April). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis indicated that the accumulation of steroidal alkaloid metabolites mainly occurred prior to IM02. HMGR1, DXR, CAS1, CYP 90A1, and DET2 may play a positive role in peiminine, peimine, hupehenine, korseveramine, korseveridine, hericenone N-oxide, puqiedinone, delafrine, tortifoline, pingbeinone, puqienine B, puqienine E, pingbeimine A, jervine, and ussuriedine biosynthesis, whereas the downregulation of FPS1, SQE and 17-DHCR may lead to a reduction in peimisine levels. Weighted gene correlation network analysis showed that CYP 74A2-1, CYP 74A2-2, CYP 71A26-1, CYP 71A26-2, and CYP74A were negatively correlated with peiminine and pingbeimine A, whereas CYP R and CYP707A1 were positively correlated. . CYP 74A2-1 and CYP 74A2-2 may play a negative role in peimine and korseveridine biosynthesis, whereas CYP R plays a positive role. In addition, the highly expressed C2H2, HSF, AP2/ERF, HB, GRAS, C3H, NAC, MYB-related transcription factors (TFs), GARP-G2-like TFs, and WRKY may play positive roles in the accumulation of peiminine, peimine, korseveridine, and pingbeimine A.

Discussion

These results provide new insights into scientific harvesting of F. hupehensis.
A holistic perspective to predict yoga tourists’ revisit intention: An integration of the TPB and ECM model
Authors: Leou Eusebio C. , Wang Huiqing
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the pattern of visitors’ revisiting behavioral intention via the innovational approach of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT).

Methods

This research was conducted by data collection with structured questionnaires as its instrument, which was distributed among 420 yoga tourism visitors in two destinations, Mysore and Rishikesh in India. Collected data had been processed by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Results

The data analysis results showed that the behavioral attitude of yoga tourism visitors can mediate the influence of behavioral intention through the satisfaction. The findings of this study include the following points: (1) the components of attitude, subjective norm and destination image apply a direct effect on the cultural and spiritual experiences of yoga tourism visitors; (2) cultural and spiritual experiences have a direct effect on the expectation confirmation and the satisfaction of yoga tourism visitors; (3) Expectation confirmation has a direct effect on the satisfaction and the behavior intention of yoga tourism visitors; and (4) Satisfaction has a direct effect on the behavior intention of yoga tourism visitors.

Discussion

This study contributed by examining the satisfaction and revisit intentions of yoga tourism visitors through an integrated study of planning behavior and expectation confirmation models, which might be refilling the scarcity of research in the tourism literature. The result of this study might offer important implications for scholars, marketers, and tourism industry to better serve this emerging niche market.
The critical role of physical frailty and function on depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Qun , Song Dan , Lin Qiuru , Tao An , Zhang Yao , Li Xilin , Qiu Xichenhui
Published: February 2023

Introduction

With rapid population aging in China, geriatric depression has imposed a heavy burden on public health and society. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in China. The findings of this study will contribute to the early detection and effective interventions for older adults with depressive symptoms.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among people aged ≥65 years old in urban communities in Shenzhen, China, in 2021. This study assessed depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-5, GDS-5), physical frailty (FRAIL Scale, FS), and physical function (Katz index of independence in the Activities of Daily Living, ADL). Multiple linear regression was used to examine potential predictors of depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 576 participants aged 71.73 ± 6.41 years were included in the analysis. More than half of them were females (53.0%). The average score of GDS-5 was 0.57 ± 1.11, with 78 (13.61%) participants with depressive symptoms (≥2). The mean scores of FS and ADL were 0.80 ± 1.08 and 9.49 ± 1.67, respectively. The final regression model indicated that those who were living alone, less satisfied with their personal life, frailer, and with worse abilities in ADL had a higher level of depression symptoms (R2 = 0.406, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of depressive symptoms is high in this urban community-dwelling older adults in China. Given the critical role of frailty and ADL on depressive symptoms, specific attention to psychological support should be paid to older adults who are living alone and with poor physical conditions.
Prevalence and risk factors of sub-health and circadian rhythm disorder of cortisol, melatonin, and temperature among Chinese midwives
Authors: Chen Xiao-Qian , Jiang Xiu-Min , Zheng Qing-Xiang , Wang Hai-Wei , Xue Heng , Pan Yu-Qing , Liao Yan-Ping , Gao Xiao-Xia
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of sub-health and circadian rhythm disorder among midwives and whether circadian rhythm disorder was associated with sub-health.

Methods

A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among 91 Chinese midwives from six hospitals through cluster sampling. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire, Sub-Health Measurement Scale version 1.0, and circadian rhythm detection. Minnesota single and population mean cosine methods were used to analyze the rhythm of cortisol, melatonin, and temperature. Binary logistic regression, nomograph model, and forest plot were performed to identify variables associated with midwives' sub-health.

Results

There were 65 midwives with sub-health and 61, 78, and 48 midwives with non-validation of circadian rhythms of cortisol, melatonin, and temperature among 91 midwives, respectively. Midwives' sub-health was significantly related to age, duration of exercise, weekly working hours, job satisfaction, cortisol rhythm, and melatonin rhythm. Based on these six factors, the nomogram was presented with significant predictive performance for sub-health. Furthermore, cortisol rhythm was significantly associated with physical, mental, and social sub-health, whereas melatonin rhythm was significantly correlated with physical sub-health.

Conclusion

Sub-health and circadian rhythm disorder were generally common among midwives. Nurse administrators are supposed to pay attention and take measures to prevent sub-health and circadian rhythm disorder among midwives.
Systematic estimation of biological age of in vitro cell culture systems by an age-associated marker panel
Authors: Hartmann Christiane , Herling Luise , Hartmann Alexander , Köckritz Verena , Fuellen Georg , Walter Michael , Hermann Andreas
Published: February 2023

Aging is a process that affects almost all multicellular organisms and since our population ages with increasing prevalence of age-related diseases, it is important to study basic processes involved in aging. Many studies have been published so far using different and often single age markers to estimate the biological age of organisms or different cell culture systems. However, comparability of studies is often hampered by the lack of a uniform panel of age markers. Consequently, we here suggest an easy-to-use biomarker-based panel of classical age markers to estimate the biological age of cell culture systems that can be used in standard cell culture laboratories. This panel is shown to be sensitive in a variety of aging conditions. We used primary human skin fibroblasts of different donor ages and additionally induced either replicative senescence or artificial aging by progerin overexpression. Using this panel, highest biological age was found for artificial aging by progerin overexpression. Our data display that aging varies depending on cell line and aging model and even from individual to individual showing the need for comprehensive analyses.
Rough-set based learning: Assessing patterns and predictability of anxiety, depression, and sleep scores associated with the use of cannabinoid-based medicine during COVID-19
Authors: Ramanna Sheela , Ashrafi Negin , Loster Evan , Debroni Karen , Turner Shelley
Published: February 2023

Recently, research is emerging highlighting the potential of cannabinoids' beneficial effects related to anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders as well as pointing to an increased use of cannabinoid-based medicines since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. The objective of this research is 3 fold: i) to evaluate the relationship of the clinical delivery of cannabinoid-based medicine for anxiety, depression and sleep scores by utilizing machine learning specifically rough set methods; ii) to discover patterns based on patient features such as specific cannabinoid recommendations, diagnosis information, decreasing/increasing levels of clinical assessment tools (CAT) scores over a period of time; and iii) to predict whether new patients could potentially experience either an increase or decrease in CAT scores. The dataset for this study was derived from patient visits to Ekosi Health Centres, Canada over a 2 year period including the COVID timeline. Extensive pre-processing and feature engineering was performed. A class feature indicative of their progress or lack thereof due to the treatment received was introduced. Six Rough/Fuzzy-Rough classifiers as well as Random Forest and RIPPER classifiers were trained on the patient dataset using a 10-fold stratified CV method. The highest overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity measures of over 99% was obtained using the rule-based rough-set learning model. In this study, we have identified rough-set based machine learning model with high accuracy that could be utilized for future studies regarding cannabinoids and precision medicine.
High molecular weight glucose homopolymer of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) stimulates both invertebrate and mammalian immune systems
Authors: Miyashita Atsushi , Kataoka Keiko , Tsuchida Toshio , Ogasawara Akihiko Ano , Nakajima Hiroto , Takahashi Megumu , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: February 2023

There is widespread interest in the immunostimulatory effects of food-derived substances that are expected to contribute to improving human health. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) has been shown to contain potent polysaccharides for developing food materials with immunomodulatory function. In this study, immunostimulatory activity of previously uncharacterized broccoli polysaccharides was assessed using a silkworm (Bombyx mori) immunological assay (using muscle contraction as an index) across 10 commercial and 17 experimental cultivars of broccoli. For the commercial cultivars, there was a significant variation in specific activity (units/mg, measured by the silkworm-based immunological assay). For the experimental cultivars, a cultivar “winter dome” showed the highest activity. We further purified the immunostimulatory polysaccharides of “winter dome” by gel filtration. Using the silkworm-based assay, we found that the peak fraction (“Fraction II”) contained the active substance with higher specific activity than previously reported active substances (e.g., glucans). The substance appeared a heterogeneous molecular weight of more than 270 kDa. The major sugar composition of Fraction II was glucose, suggesting that glucose homopolymer is responsible for the activity. Further, Fraction II induced cytokine productions both in the silkworm (production of active B. mori paralytic peptide (BmPP) in vivo) and mouse (production of TNFα in vitro) immune system. These results suggest that glucose homopolymer of broccoli induces cytokines both in insect and mammalian immune systems, providing molecular insights to our understanding about how plant-derived substances interact with animal immune system.
The contributing external load factors to internal load during small-sided games in professional rugby union players
Authors: Zanin Marco , Azzalini Adelchi , Ranaweera Jayamini , Weaving Dan , Darrall-Jones Joshua , Roe Gregory
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate which external load variables were associated with internal load during three small-sided games (SSG) in professional rugby union players.

Methods

Forty professional rugby union players (22 forwards, 18 backs) competing in the English Gallagher Premiership were recruited. Three different SSGs were designed: one for backs, one for forwards, and one for both backs and forwards. General linear mixed-effects models were implemented with internal load as dependent variable quantified using Stagno's training impulse, and external load as independent variables quantified using total distance, high-speed (>61% top speed) running distance, average acceleration-deceleration, PlayerLoad™, PlayerLoad™ slow (<2 m·s−1), number of get-ups, number of first-man-to-ruck.

Results

Internal load was associated with different external load variables dependent on SSG design. When backs and forwards were included in the same SSG, internal load differed between positional groups (MLE = −121.94, SE = 29.03,t = −4.20).

Discussion

Based on the SSGs investigated, practitioners should manipulate different constraints to elicit a certain internal load in their players based on the specific SSG design. Furthermore, the potential effect of playing position on internal load should be taken into account in the process of SSG design when both backs and forwards are included.
Determinants of climate change adaptation strategies in South India: Empirical evidence
Authors: Kumar K. N. Ravi , Reddy M. J. Mohan , Reddy K. Viswanatha , Paramesha Venkatesh , Balasubramanian M. , Kumar T. Kiran , Kumar R. Mohan , Reddy D. Damodar
Published: February 2023

The phenomena of climate change pose multifaceted challenges to crop and livestock farming, with severe implications on smallholder farmers' income and livelihoods. Climate change has profound implications (economic, environmental, and social) predominantly on rainfed regions in developing countries like India, where agriculture constitutes the backbone of the economy. In this context, the current study analyzes how farmers perceive climate change in the rainfed ecosystem in India, farmers' adaptation strategies, and their major determinants in addressing climate change. Data were collected from 400 sample farmers in South India. Discriminant and multinomial logit models were employed to identify the adaptation strategies of the farmers. It was evident that the factors such as off-farm income, farm income, and farming experience significantly influenced the adaptation strategies for tackling climate change. Furthermore, access to climate change information and literacy level are vital determinants in different climate change adaptation strategies, including crop diversification, integrated farming system, contingency plans for farm operations, and adoption of soil and water conservation techniques. However, the study highlights the increasing role of institutions (government and private) in future to safeguard the interests of farmers by offering a wide range of policy, research, and technology interventions. In a nutshell, R&D focus on climate-resilient agriculture, application of ICTs in agro-advisory services, and creation off-farm employment opportunities for the farmers is crucial to sustaining their livelihoods as these serve as potential mitigation strategies to impart resilience to climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture in rainfed ecosystems in India or any other countries.
Long-segment common carotid occlusion presenting with limb-shaking transient ischemic attack: Case report
Authors: Jiang Qingjun , Bai Jun , Nie Shaojie , Jin Jie , Qu Lefeng
Published: February 2023

Background

Limb-shaking transient ischemic attack (LS-TIA) is a rare manifestation of carotid artery occlusion. Common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is a relatively rare condition, and both its natural history and recommendations for treatment are still unclear.

Case description

A 67-year-old female suffered from transient episodes of unilateral limb shaking. Computer tomographic angiography (CTA) showed long-segment occlusion of the right common carotid artery. Computer tomographic perfusion (CTP) demonstrated hypoperfusion of the corpus striatum, which suggests that hemodynamic failure is a potential mechanism underlying the LS-TIA secondary to common carotid artery occlusion. The occlusion was successfully recanalized by retrograde common carotid endarterectomy, and the episodes of left limb shaking disappeared after surgery.

Conclusions

The occlusion was successfully recanalized by retrograde common carotid endarterectomy, and the episodes of left limb shaking disappeared after surgery. Hypoperfusion of the corpus striatum might be a potential mechanism underlying the LS-TIA secondary to common carotid occlusion.
Impact of the K-line in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: Analysis of sagittal cervical curvature changes and surgical outcomes
Authors: Tang Zhongxin , Chen Tailong , Tan Jun , Zhang Huafeng
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of the K-line with sagittal cervical curvature changes and surgical outcomes in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 84 patients with OPLL who underwent posterior cervical single-door laminoplasty. The patients were divided into a K-line-positive (+) group and a K-line-negative (−) group. Perioperative data, radiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Of 84 total patients, 50 patients were in the K (+) group and 29 patients were in the K (–) group. Neurological function improved in both groups after laminoplasty. The C2–7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, and C2–7 sagittal vertical axis were significantly changed in the K(−) group compared with those in the K (+) group before the operation and at the 3-month and final follow-ups.

Conclusion

Neurological function was recovered in both groups, and the clinical effect on the K (+) group was better than that on the K (−) group. The cervical curvature in patients with OPLL tends to be anteverted and kyphotic after laminoplasty and is an important factor in reducing the clinical effect.
Investigation of canine caudal articular process dysplasia of thoracic vertebrae using computed tomography: Prevalence and characteristics
Authors: Ban Jiyoung , Park Jihyeon , Kim Hyesung , Yoon Kwangyong , Oh Miju , Lee Yooyoung , Lee Minju , Chang Jinhwa , Kim Byungjin , Kim Jongman , Chang Dongwoo
Published: February 2023

Caudal articular process (CAP) dysplasia is a congenital vertebral malformation that results from the failure of ossification center of articular process located in vertebrae, which includes aplasia or hypoplasia. In previous studies, it was reported to be common in small and chondrodystrophic dogs however, investigated in limited breeds. So we aimed to confirm the prevalence and the characteristics of CAP dysplasia in various breeds, and also to investigate the association of CAP dysplasia and spinal cord myelopathy in neurologically abnormal dogs. In this multicenter, retrospective study, the clinical records and thoracic vertebral column computed tomographic (CT) images of 717 dogs between February 2016 and August 2021 were included and 119 dogs which also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were evaluated. Overall, 337 of 717 dogs (47.0%) had at least one thoracic CAP dysplasia and the prevalence of CAP dysplasia was significantly higher in dogs with a lower body weight (P < 0.0001). A total of 66.4% of toy breeds, 39.0% of small breeds, 20.2% of medium breeds, and 6.0% of large breeds were affected by at least one CAP dysplasia. The most affected vertebra was T4 in toy (48.1%) and small breeds (20.8%), and T5 in medium (20.8%) and large breeds (5.0%). In all groups, prevalence of CAP dysplasia between T1 and T9 was higher than post-diaphragmatic vertebrae (T10–T13). Fifty nine of 119 dogs which underwent both CT and MRI examination had symptoms of spinal cord myelopathy of T3-L3 and twenty-five of 59 dogs (42.3%) had at least one thoracic CAP dysplasia. In that 25 neurologically abnormal dogs, 41 sites of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) were detected. However, only one dog had both CAP dysplasia and herniated disc at the same level. Also, CAP dysplasia associated non-compressive spinal myelopathy at the same level was found in the other dog. Association CAP dysplasia with spinal myelopathy is speculated but is not confirmed by this study.
Psychological Distress Among Older Adults During the First Wave of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Shahaj Orjola , Ksinan Jiskrova Gabriela , Bobák Martin , Pikhart Hynek , Ksinan Albert J.
Published: February 2023

Objective: To investigate the individual and country-level characteristics associated with the presence and worsening of psychological distress during the first wave of the pandemic among the elderly in Europe.

Methods: In June-August 2020, 52,310 non-institutionalized people aged 50+ in 27 SHARE participating countries reported whether feeling depressed, anxious, lonely, and having sleep problems. For this analysis, we combined these symptoms into a count variable reflecting psychological distress. Binary measures of the worsening of each symptom were used as secondary outcomes. Multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial and binary logistic regressions were used to assess the associations.

Results: Female sex, low education, multimorbidity, fewer social contacts, and higher stringency of policy measures were associated with increased distress. The worsening of all 4 distress symptoms was associated with younger age, poor health, loss of work due to the pandemic, low social contact, and high national mortality rates from COVID-19.

Conclusion: The pandemic exacerbated distress symptoms for socially disadvantaged older adults and those who were already struggling with mental health. The death toll of COVID-19 in a country played a role in symptom worsening.
Aktywność poselska liderów ugrupowań politycznych Sejmu RP w VIII kadencji (2015–2019)
Authors: Piękoś Karol
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the leaders of political groups because they determine the direction of a political group and create government policy. The media also play an important role in the portrayal of leading politicians and their activities. The responsibility that political leaders bear is multidimensional, including issues related to their mandate as MPs. This article analyses the work of MPs who simultaneously headed political groups represented in the Sejm of the 8th term. The research may serve as a basis for a broader discussion on the role of group leaders in parliament.
Dynamic Response Analysis of an Immersed Electrothermally Actuated MEMS Mirror
Authors: Liu Tailong , Pan Teng , Qin Shuijie , Zhao Hui , Xie Huikai
Published: February 2023

MEMS mirrors have a wide range of applications, most of which require large field-of-view (FOV). Immersing MEMS mirrors in liquid is an effective way to improve the FOV. However, the increased viscosity, convective heat transfer and thermal conductivity in liquid greatly affect the dynamic behaviors of electrothermally actuated micromirrors. In this paper, the complex interactions among the multiple energy domains, including electrical, thermal, mechanical and fluidic, are studied in an immersed electrothermally actuated MEMS mirror. A damping model of the immersed MEMS mirror is built and dimensional analysis is applied to reduce the number of variables and thus significantly simplify the model. The solution of the fluid damping model is solved by using regression analysis. The dynamic response of the MEMS mirror can be calculated easily by using the damping model. The experimental results verify the effectiveness and accuracy of these models. The difference between the model prediction and the measurement is within 4%. The FOV scanned in a liquid is also increased by a factor of 1.6. The model developed in this work can be applied to study the dynamic behaviors of various immersed MEMS actuators.
Preliminary Design and Simulation of a Thermal Management System with Integrated Secondary Power Generation Capability for a Mach 8 Aircraft Concept Exploiting Liquid Hydrogen
Authors: Ferretto Davide , Viola Nicole
Published: February 2023

This paper introduces the concept of a thermal management system (TMS) with integrated on-board power generation capabilities for a Mach 8 hypersonic aircraft powered by liquid hydrogen (LH2). This work, developed within the EU-funded STRATOFLY Project, aims to demonstrate an opportunity for facing the challenges of hypersonic flight for civil applications, mainly dealing with thermal and environmental control, as well as propellant distribution and on-board power generation, adopting a highly integrated plant characterized by a multi-functional architecture. The TMS concept described in this paper makes benefit of the connection between the propellant storage and distribution subsystems of the aircraft to exploit hydrogen vapors and liquid flow as the means to drive a thermodynamic cycle able, on one hand, to ensure engine feed and thermal control of the cabin environment, while providing, on the other hand, the necessary power for other on-board systems and utilities, especially during the operation of high-speed propulsion plants, which cannot host traditional generators. The system layout, inspired by concepts studied within precursor EU-funded projects, is detailed and modified in order to suggest an operable solution that can be installed on-board the reference aircraft, with focus on those interfaces impacting its performance requirements and integration features as part of the overall systems architecture of the plane. Analysis and modeling of the system is performed, and the main results in terms of performance along the reference mission profile are discussed.
Effect of Various Drying Methods on Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties of Quince Fruit (Cydonia oblonga Mill.)
Authors: Najman Katarzyna , Adrian Sylwia , Hallmann Ewelina , Sadowska Anna , Buczak Krzysztof , Waszkiewicz-Robak Bożena , Szterk Arkadiusz
Published: February 2023

The quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), due to its valuable bioactive properties and high health-promoting potential, is becoming more and more popular for the prevention of many free radical diseases. Due to the high hardness of the flesh and its bitterness and astringency, quinces are rarely eaten in the form of fresh fruit, and much more often in the form of various preserves, or in the form of dried additives, e.g., to the tea. Heat treatment (including drying) affects not only the content of bioactive compounds, but also the antioxidant activity and organoleptic characteristics. Therefore, this study examined the physicochemical properties of quinces (including the content of dry matter, soluble solids (°Brix), water activity (aw), pH, total acidity and color changes (in the L*a*b* space)), fresh and dried by various methods, i.e., freeze-drying and convection at 50 °C and 70 °C. In addition, the effect of various drying conditions on the content of selected bioactive compounds, i.e., tannins, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and total polyphenols, was assessed, as well as the antioxidant properties of fresh quinces and quinces dried under different conditions. Based on the research, it can be concluded that the applied processes of the dehydration of quinces significantly changed both the physicochemical properties and the content of biologically active ingredients and antioxidant properties, while both fresh and dried fruit provide nutritionally valuable bioactive ingredients and show high antioxidant potential. Considering the great taste and bioactive qualities of the common quince, introducing it to the daily diet, whether in a traditional form (dried fruit, fruit preserves) or in the form of dietary supplements, can be an important element in the prevention of many civilization diseases.
Highly Efficient Adsorption Characteristics and Mechanism of Nutshell Biochars for Aromatic Organophosphorus Insecticides
Authors: Zhang Genrong , Fang Liancheng , Cheng Zechao , Shi Taozhong , Ma Xin , Li Qing X. , Hua Rimao
Published: February 2023

The wide use of the insecticide profenofos in crop production has led to serious ecological water problems in agricultural fields. With the increasing global production of nuts, a large amount of nutshell waste has a serious impact on the environment. Turning nutshell waste into biochar to remove high levels of profenofos in water is a cost-effective treatment method. In this study, biochars made from nutshell waste are investigated for the adsorption of aromatic organophosphorus insecticide profenofos. The adsorption amount of nutshell biochar was 13-fold higher than crop stalk biochar in removing profenofos from water. The results indicated that the adsorption of profenofos by nutshell biochar was specific. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed that nutshell biochars had a larger specific surface area and more microporous structures. Meanwhile, nutshell biochars could exhibit a stable adsorption capacity at different initial concentrations of profenofos (10–40 mg/L), temperature (298–318 K), and pH (3–7). Desorption and reuse experiments showed that profenofos was firmly bound to nutshell biochars in water and could be extracted from the biochars with acetonitrile. Within 10 times of recycling, nutshell biochar had a stable and strong adsorption capacity for profenofos. The adsorption process of profenofos by nutshell biochar was pore diffusion and surface adsorption, which is consistent with the pseudo second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm model. Elemental and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses showed that the adsorption mechanism of profenofos on nutshell biochar was mainly through π-π and hydrophobic interactions. Nutshell biochar also showed strong adsorption capacity for other aromatic organophosphorus pesticides, and the adsorption rates of methyl parathion, isocarbophos and 2-chloro-4-bromophenol were 85%, 73% and 73%, respectively. Nutshell biochar can serve as an excellent material for removing aromatic organophosphorus insecticide pollution from water.
Land Suitability Analysis of Six Fruit Tree Species Immune/Resistant to Xylella fastidiosa as Alternative Crops in Infected Olive-Growing Areas
Authors: Alhajj Ali Salem , Vivaldi Gaetano Alessandro , Garofalo Simone Pietro , Costanza Leonardo , Camposeo Salvatore
Published: February 2023

Olive agro-ecosystems in southern Italy have been heavily damaged due to Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp). Replacing the Xfp-infected olive-growing areas with economically viable fruit tree species is thought to be a practical control measure. A land suitability analysis can provide an appropriate evaluation of a crop’s suitability in these areas. We evaluate the suitability of almond (Prunus dulcis B.), fig (Ficus carica L.), hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis P.), pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) as fruit tree species immune/resistant to Xfp to be planted within the Xfp-infected olive-growing areas in the Apulia region to compensate for economic and environmental losses. Climate and soil data were used to carry out the land suitability analysis. We combined information for each parameter to obtain the overall suitability maps for the six proposed fruit tree crops using GIS (Geographic Information System). The analysis showed that the Xfp-infected olive-growing areas are suitable for the plantation of most of the proposed fruit tree crops, with different suitability levels as the climate and soil conditions vary among the study areas. In particular, large olive-growing areas are suitable for the cultivation of pomegranate (268,886 ha), fig (103,975 ha), and almond (70,537 ha), followed by kiwifruit (43,018 ha) and pistachio (40,583 ha). Hazelnut, with just 2744 ha of suitable land, was the species with fewer suitable areas in these semi-arid environments. This is the first study to provide practical containment measures against the diffusion of Xfp in southern Italy. Our results can help in the selection of the right immune/resistant tree species for replanting in Xfp-infected zones, therefore providing guidelines within the decision-making process to encourage the planting of some underrepresented fruit tree crops with viable economic values as well.
Apple–Soybean Mixed Stand Increased Fine Root Distribution and Soil Water Content with Reduced Soil Nitrate Nitrogen
Authors: Shen Lei , Wang Xiuyuan , Liu Tingting , Wei Wenwen , Zhang Shuai , Zhu Yun , Tuerti Tayir , Li Luhua , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

In dryland agroecosystems, intercropping fruit trees with legumes is often an important option for maintaining and improving soil N quality and fertility. The relationships of fine root length density (FRLD), soil water content (SWC), and soil NO3−-N content (SNC) in agroforestry systems is essential for optimal orchard management. Our objective was to understand the temporal and spatial dynamics of FRLD, SWC, and SNC in an apple–soybean intercropping system and competition between species for ecological niches. We established an orchard with soybean and apple, including monoculture apple (MA), monoculture soybean (MS), and apple–soybean intercrop (AS) treatments. We collected data on the distribution of FRLD, SWC, SNC, and productivity under the MA, AS, and MS from 2020 to 2021. This study showed that AS had more FRLD compared to MA, and intercropping apple (IA) FRLD increased at 20–60 cm soil depth at 50 and 100 cm from the tree and decreased at 0–40 cm soil depth at 150 and 200 cm from the tree. Intercropping increased the SWC of the system and decreased the SNC, and the effect of intercropping was concentrated in the soybean cover area. The competition between apple and soybean reached its maximum at soybean seed filling stage, with competition occurring mainly at 100 cm from the tree and at 0–20 cm soil depth. Intercropping affected soybean growth and also reduced soybean yield with a land equivalent ratio = 1.45. By understanding the dynamics of subsoil resources in the apple–soybean intercropping system and interspecific competition, we can provide a theoretical basis for exploring the potential of sustainable intensification of agroforestry systems.
Optimization of an Aqueous Enzymatic Method and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction for Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. Seed Oil Production Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Qin Hongwei , Hu Yanying , Cheng Dongdong , Li Fujia , Han Xiaolong , Sun Jinyue
Published: February 2023

Peony seed oil, a type of tree nut oil, has attracted the attention of nutritionists for its rich nutritional content. The aim of this study was to extract oil from the peony seed utilizing green and efficient methods. Specifically, aqueous enzymatic extraction was optimized using the Plackett–Burman design combined with the mixture design to extract the optimal enzyme ratio of peony seed oil. When the dosage of enzymes was 10 mg protein/g peony seed, the optimal ratios of the dosages of papain, cellulase, and pectinase were 16.15%, 31.33%, and 52.53%, respectively. Subsequently, central composite design was adopted to optimize supercritical CO2 extraction to identify the process parameters of extracting residual oil from the residue of the aqueous enzymatic extraction. Almost 6.30% of peony seed oil could be obtained from the residue using continuous extraction for 1.58 h at 49.41 °C and 59.75 Mpa. After mixing the peony seed oil extracted by the two processes, its physicochemical indices were measured. Compared with commercial peony seed oil extracted based on the organic solvent leaching method, the elative density and iodine value were higher based on our approach, whereas the other indices showed no significant differences. Thus, the two-step strategy combining the aqueous enzymatic method and supercritical CO2 extraction can be effectively applied to peony seed oil production.
Impacts of Adiposity on Exercise Performance in Horses
Authors: Pratt-Phillips Shannon , Munjizun Ahmad
Published: February 2023

There is ample research describing the increased risk of health concerns associated with equine obesity, including insulin dysregulation and laminitis. For athletes, the negative effect of weight carriage is well documented in racing thoroughbreds (i.e., handicapping with weight) and rider weight has been shown to impact the workload of ridden horses and to some degree their gait and movement. In many groups of competitive and athletic horses and ponies, obesity is still relatively common. Therefore, these animals not only are at risk of metabolic disease, but also must perform at a higher workload due to the weight of their adipose tissue. Excess body weight has been documented to affect gait quality, cause heat stress and is expected to hasten the incidence of arthritis development. Meanwhile, many equine event judges appear to favor the look of adiposity in competitive animals. This potentially rewards horses and ponies that are at higher risk of disease and reinforces the owner’s decisions to keep their animals fat. This is a welfare concern for these animals and is of grave concern for the equine industry.
Synergy between Human Peptide LL-37 and Polymyxin B against Planktonic and Biofilm Cells of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ridyard Kylen E. , Elsawy Mariam , Mattrasingh Destina , Klein Darien , Strehmel Janine , Beaulieu Carole , Wong Alex , Overhage Joerg
Published: February 2023

The rise in antimicrobial resistant bacteria is limiting the number of effective treatments for bacterial infections. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are two of the pathogens with the highest prevalence of resistance, and with the greatest need for new antimicrobial agents. Combinations of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and antibiotics that display synergistic effects have been shown to be an effective strategy in the development of novel therapeutic agents. In this study, we investigated the synergy between the AMP LL-37 and various classes of antibiotics against E. coli and P. aeruginosa strains. Of the six antibiotics tested (ampicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, aztreonam, and polymyxin B (PMB)), LL-37 displayed the strongest synergy against E. coli MG1655 and P. aeruginosa PAO1 laboratory strains when combined with PMB. Given the strong synergy, the PMB + LL-37 combination was chosen for further examination where it demonstrated synergy against multidrug-resistant and clinical E. coli isolates. Synergy of PMB + LL-37 towards clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa varied and showed synergistic, additive, or indifferent effects. The PMB + LL-37 combination treatment showed significant prevention of biofilm formation as well as eradication of pre-grown E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilms. Using the Galleria mellonella wax worm model, we showed that the PMB + LL-37 combination treatment retained its antibacterial capacities in vivo. Flow analyses were performed to characterize the mode of action. The results of the present study provide proof of principle for the synergistic response between LL-37 and PMB and give novel insights into a promising new antimicrobial combination against gram-negative planktonic and biofilm cells.