bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Hygiene Evaluation Method in Food Trucks as an Important Factor in the Assessment of Microbiological Risks in Mobile Gastronomy
Authors: Wiatrowski Michał , Rosiak Elżbieta , Czarniecka-Skubina Ewa
Published: February 2023

Street food outlets are characterised by poor microbiological quality of the food and poor hygiene practices that pose a risk to consumer health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the hygiene of surfaces in food trucks (FT) using the reference method together with alternatives such as PetrifilmTM and the bioluminescence method. TVC, S. aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. were assessed. The material for the study consisted of swabs and prints taken from five surfaces (refrigeration, knife, cutting board, serving board, and working board) in 20 food trucks in Poland. In 13 food trucks, the visual assessment of hygiene was very good or good, but in 6 FTs, TVC was found to exceed log 3 CFU/100 cm2 on various surfaces. The assessment of surface hygiene using various methods in the food trucks did not demonstrate the substitutability of culture methods. PetrifilmTM tests were shown to be a convenient and reliable tool for the monitoring of mobile catering hygiene. No correlation was found between the subjective visual method and the measurement of adenosine 5-triphosphate. In order to reduce the risk of food infections caused by bacteria in food trucks, it is important to introduce detailed requirements for the hygiene practices used in food trucks, including techniques for monitoring the cleanliness of surfaces coming into contact with food, in particular cutting boards and work surfaces. Efforts should be focused on introducing mandatory, certified training for food truck personnel in the field of microbiological hazards, appropriate methods of hygienisation, and hygiene monitoring.
Multi-Index Comprehensive Assessment Optimized Critical Flavonoids Extraction from Semen Hoveniae and Their In Vitro Digestive Behavior Evaluation
Authors: Fu Xiaomei , Tan Yan , Shi Meng , Zeng Chaoxi , Qin Si
Published: February 2023

Critical flavonoids from Semen Hoveniae have huge potential bioactivities on hypoglycemic. A multi-index comprehensive assessment based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was performed to optimize the extraction process of flavonoids from Semen Hoveniae, which taking dihydromyricetin, taxifolin, myricetin and quercetin as indexes, and, then, an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion model was established to investigate the changes of flavonoids contents and their antioxidant capacity before and after digestion. The results showed that three influence factors acted significantly with the order of ethanol concentration > solid-liquid ratio > ultrasound time. The optimized extraction parameters were as follows: 1:37 w/v of solid-liquid ratio, 68% of ethanol concentration and 45 min for ultrasonic time. During in vitro digestion, the order of remaining ratio of four flavonoids in the extract was dihydromyricetin > taxifolin > myricetin > quercetin in gastric digestion, and remaining ratio of taxifolin was 34.87% while others were restructured in intestinal digestion. Furthermore, the 1,1-dipheny-2-picryhydrazyl free radical (DPPH ·) scavenging ability and oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC) of extract were more stable in gastric digestion. After an hour’s intestinal digestion, the extract had no DPPH antioxidant capacity, but amazingly, its ORAC antioxidant capacity was retained or increased, which implied that substances were transformed and more hydrogen donors were produced. This study has carried out a preliminary discussion from the perspective of extraction and put forward a new research idea, to improve the in vivo bioavailability of the critical flavonoids from Semen Hoveniae.
Occurrence of Campylobacter in Faeces, Livers and Carcasses of Wild Boars Hunted in Tuscany (Italy) and Evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS for the Identification of Campylobacter Species
Authors: Ziomek Monika , Gondek Michał , Torracca Beatrice , Marotta Francesca , Garofolo Giuliano , Wieczorek Kinga , Michalak Katarzyna , Fratini Filippo , Pedonese Francesca
Published: February 2023

A total of 193 wild boars hunted in Tuscany, an Italian region with a high presence of wild ungulates, were examined to assess the occurrence of Campylobacter species in faeces, bile, liver and carcasses, with the aim of clarifying their contribution to human infection through the food chain. Campylobacter spp. were found in 44.56% of the animals, 42.62% of the faecal samples, 18.18% of the carcass samples, 4.81% of the liver tissues and 1.97% of the bile samples. The Campylobacter species genotypically identified were C. coli, C. lanienae, C. jejuni and C. hyointestinalis. The prevalent species transpired to be C. coli and C. lanienae, which were isolated from all the matrices; C. jejuni was present in faeces and liver, while C. hyointestinalis only in faeces. Identification was carried out by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) on 66 out of 100 isolates identified genotypically, and the technique yielded unsatisfactory results in the case of C. lanienae, which is responsible for sporadic human disease cases. The level of Campylobacter spp. contamination of meat and liver underlines the need to provide appropriate food safety information to hunters and consumers.
Effects of Different Low-Temperature Storage Methods on the Quality and Processing Characteristics of Fresh Beef
Authors: Cao Ruiqi , Yan Lixiu , Xiao Shujian , Hou Bo , Zhou Xingchen , Wang Wei , Bai Ting , Zhu Kaixian , Cheng Jie , Zhang Jiamin
Published: February 2023

Low-temperature storage has become the most common way for fresh meat storage because of its lower cost and better preservation effect. Traditional low-temperature preservation includes frozen storage and refrigeration storage. The refrigeration storage has a good fresh-keeping effect, but the shelf life is short. Frozen storage has a long shelf life, but it has a great impact on the quality of meat structure and other qualities, and cannot achieve a complete “fresh-keeping” effect. With the development of food processing storage and freezing technology, two new storage methods, ice temperature storage and micro-frozen storage, have attracted more attention. In this paper, the effects of different low-temperature storage methods on the sensory, physicochemical properties, myofibrillar protein oxidation, microstructure, and processing characteristics of fresh beef were studied. The optimal storage methods under different storage requirements were analyzed to reveal the mechanism and efficacy of ice temperature storage and micro-frozen storage technology, as well as the advantages compared with traditional low-temperature refrigeration. It has practical significance for guiding the application of low-temperature storage of fresh meat. Finally, this study concluded that the longest shelf life could be achieved by frozen storage, and the best preservation effect was achieved during the shelf life of ice temperature storage, and the effect of micro-frozen storage on the myofibrillar protein oxidation and microstructure was the best.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Spherical Date Seed Pills Industrially Fabricated on RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Khalifa Ibrahim , Aldhafiri Fahad K.
Published: February 2023

Dates have been demonstrated to display a variety of bioactivities and are rich in polyphenols. In this work, we assessed the underlying immunomodulatory effects of date seed polyphenol extracts that had been industrially encapsulated and fabricated into commercial pills in RAW264.7 macrophages using the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. The outcomes showed that in RAW264.7 cells, the date seed pills effectively stimulated nuclear translocation of NF-E2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NF-κB, along with downstream cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ), ROS ratios, and SOD activity. It is interesting to note that the encapsulated pills activated Nrf2 nuclear translocation more effectively than the non-encapsulated ones did. Additionally, pills at 50 µg mL−1 improved immunological responses, but pills at 1000 µg mL−1 prevented macrophages from becoming inflamed. These results showed that the immunomodulatory effects were differently impacted by commercial date seed pills, a finding which was related to the large-scale manufacturing of the pills and the incubation concentrations used. These results also shed light on a new trend of using food byproducts as an innovative supplement.
Implementation of the HACCP System for Apple Juice Concentrate Based on Patulin Prevention and Control
Authors: Duan Shuaishuai , Liu Fengjuan , Qin Qiaomei , Jia Qinlan , Cao Xiaoqian , Hua Zhenyu , Fan Yingying , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2023

Patulin (PAT) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp., which acts as a contaminant of most apples and their products. The internationally recognized HACCP system is selected as the theoretical basis to more effectively reduce the PAT in apple juice concentrate (AJC). Through field investigation of apple juice concentrate (AJC) production enterprises, we collected 117 samples from 13 steps of AJC production, including whole apple, apple pulp, and apple juice. PAT contents were analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and compared with samples from the different production processes. The result demonstrated that the PAT content was significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by five processes, receipt of raw apples, sorting of raw apples, adsorption step, pasteurization, and aseptic filling. These processes were determined as the CCPs. Monitoring systems for maintaining CCPs within acceptable limits were established, and corrective actions were proposed in case a CCP was surpassed. Based on the above-identified CCPs, critical limits, and control methods (corrective actions), a HACCP plan related to the production process of AJC was established. This study provided important guidance for juice manufacturers wishing to effectively control the PAT content in their products.
Quantitative Modeling of the Degradation of Pesticide Residues in Wheat Flour Supply Chain
Authors: Ding Zhiqian , Lin Meirou , Song Xuelin , Wu Hua , Xiao Junsong
Published: February 2023

Pesticide residues in grain products are a major issue due to their comprehensive and long-term impact on human health, and quantitative modeling on the degradation of pesticide residues facilitate the prediction of pesticide residue level with time during storage. Herein, we tried to study the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the degradation profiles of five pesticides (carbendazim, bensulfuron methyl, triazophos, chlorpyrifos, and carbosulfan) in wheat and flour and establish quantitative models for prediction purpose. Positive samples were prepared by spraying the corresponding pesticide standards of certain concentrations. Then, these positive samples were stored at different combinations of temperatures (20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C) and relative humidity (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%). Samples were collected at specific time points, ground, and the pesticide residues were extracted and purified by using QuEChERS method, and then quantified by using UPLC-MS/MS. Quantitative model of pesticide residues was constructed using Minitab 17 software. Results showed that high temperature and high relative humidity accelerate the degradation of the five pesticide residues, and their degradation profiles and half-lives over temperature and relative humidity varied among pesticides. The quantitative model for pesticide degradation in the whole process from wheat to flour was constructed, with R2 above 0.817 for wheat and 0.796 for flour, respectively. The quantitative model allows the prediction of the pesticide residual level in the process from wheat to flour.
Surface Defect Detection System for Carrot Combine Harvest Based on Multi-Stage Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Zhou Wenqi , Song Chao , Song Kai , Wen Nuan , Sun Xiaobo , Gao Pengxiang
Published: February 2023

Carrots are a type of vegetable with high nutrition. Before entering the market, the surface defect detection and sorting of carrots can greatly improve food safety and quality. To detect defects on the surfaces of carrots during combine harvest stage, this study proposed an improved knowledge distillation network structure that took yolo-v5s as the teacher network and a lightweight network that replaced the backbone network with mobilenetv2 and completed channel pruning as a student network (mobile-slimv5s). To make the improved student network adapt to the image blur caused by the vibration of the carrot combine harvester, we put the ordinary dataset Dataset (T) and dataset Dataset (S), which contains motion blurring treatment, into the teacher network and the improved lightweight network, respectively, for learning. By connecting multi-stage features of the teacher network, knowledge distillation was carried out, and different weight values were set for each feature to realize that the multi-stage features of the teacher network guide the single-layer output of the student network. Finally, the optimal lightweight network mobile-slimv5s was established, with a network model size of 5.37 MB. The experimental results show that when the learning rate is set to 0.0001, the batch size is set to 64, and the dropout is set to 0.65, the model accuracy of mobile-slimv5s is 90.7%, which is significantly higher than other algorithms. It can synchronously realize carrot harvesting and surface defect detection. This study laid a theoretical foundation for applying knowledge distillation structures to the simultaneous operations of crop combine harvesting and surface defect detection in a field environment. This study effectively improves the accuracy of crop sorting in the field and contributes to the development of smart agriculture.
Analysis of the Effect of Mixed Fermentation on the Quality of Distilled Jujube Liquor by Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Flavor Sensory Description
Authors: Zhang Busheng , Sun Zhongguan , Lin Liangcai , Zhang Cuiying , Wei Chunhui
Published: February 2023

Distilled jujube liquor is an alcoholic beverage made from jujube, which has a unique flavor and a sweet taste. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of mixed fermentation on the quality of distilled jujube liquor by comparing the performance of mixed fermentation between S. cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris and Lactobacillus. The results showed that there were significant differences in the quality of the jujube liquor between the combined strains. Moreover, Lactobacillus increased and P. pastoris reduced the total acid content. The results from an E-nose showed that the contents of methyl, alcohol, aldehyde, and ketone substances in the test bottle decreased significantly after decanting, while the contents of inorganic sulfide and organic sulfide increased. Fifty flavor compounds were detected, including nineteen esters, twelve alcohols, seven ketones, six aldehydes, three alkenes, one furan, one pyridine, and one acid. There were no significant differences in the type or content of flavor compounds. However, PLS-DA showed differences among the samples. Eighteen volatile organic compounds with variable importance in projection values > 1 were obtained. There were sensory differences among the four samples. Compared with the sample fermented with only S. cerevisiae, the samples co-fermented with Lactobacillus or with P. pastoris had an obvious bitter taste and mellow taste, respectively. The sample fermented by all three strains had a prominent fruity flavor. Except for the sample fermented with only S. cerevisiae, the jujube flavor was weakened to varying degrees in all samples. Co-fermentation could be a valuable method to improve the flavor quality of distilled jujube liquor. This study revealed the effects of different mixed fermentation modes on the sensory flavor of distilled jujube liquor and provided a theoretical basis for the establishment of special mixed fermentation agents for distilled jujube liquor in the future.
A Highly Effective Bacteriophage-1252 to Control Multiple Serovars of Salmonella enterica
Authors: Tung Chuan-Wei , Alvarado-Martínez Zabdiel , Tabashsum Zajeba , Aditya Arpita , Biswas Debabrata
Published: February 2023

Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) is the most common foodborne pathogen worldwide, leading to massive economic loss and a significant burden on the healthcare system. The primary source of S. enterica remains contaminated or undercooked poultry products. Considering the number of foodborne illnesses with multiple antibiotic resistant S. enterica, new controlling approaches are necessary. Bacteriophage (phage) therapies have emerged as a promising alternative to controlling bacterial pathogens. However, the limitation on the lysis ability of most phages is their species-specificity to the bacterium. S. enterica has various serovars, and several major serovars are involved in gastrointestinal diseases in the USA. In this study, Salmonella bacteriophage-1252 (phage-1252) was isolated and found to have the highest lytic activity against multiple serovars of S. enterica, including Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Newport, Heidelberg, Kentucky, and Gallinarum. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed phage-1252 is a novel phage strain that belongs to the genus Duplodnaviria in the Myoviridae family, and consists of a 244,421 bp dsDNA, with a G + C content of 48.51%. Its plaque diameters are approximately 2.5 mm to 0.5 mm on the agar plate. It inhibited Salmonella Enteritidis growth after 6 h. The growth curve showed that the latent and rise periods were approximately 40 min and 30 min, respectively. The burst size was estimated to be 56 PFU/cell. It can stabilize and maintain original activity between 4 °C and 55 °C for 1 h. These results indicate that phage-1252 is a promising candidate for controlling multiple S. enterica serovars in food production.
Functional Properties of Brewer’s Spent Grain Protein Isolate: The Missing Piece in the Plant Protein Portfolio
Authors: Jaeger Alice , Sahin Aylin , Nyhan Laura , Zannini Emanuele , Arendt Elke
Published: February 2023

Plant protein sources, as a part of developing sustainable food systems, are currently of interest globally. Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is the most plentiful by-product of the brewing industry, representing ~85% of the total side streams produced. Although nutritionally dense, there are very few methods of upcycling these materials. High in protein, BSG can serve as an ideal raw material for protein isolate production. This study details the nutritional and functional characteristics of BSG protein isolate, EverPro, and compares these with the technological performance of the current gold standard plant protein isolates, pea and soy. The compositional characteristics are determined, including amino acid analysis, protein solubility, and protein profile among others. Related physical properties are determined, including foaming characteristics, emulsifying properties, zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, and rheological properties. Regarding nutrition, EverPro meets or exceeds the requirement of each essential amino acid per g protein, with the exception of lysine, while pea and soy are deficient in methionine and cysteine. EverPro has a similar protein content to the pea and soy isolates, but far exceeds them in terms of protein solubility, with a protein solubility of ~100% compared to 22% and 52% for pea and soy isolates, respectively. This increased solubility, in turn, affects other functional properties; EverPro displays the highest foaming capacity and exhibits low sedimentation activity, while also possessing minimal gelation properties and low emulsion stabilising activity when compared to pea and soy isolates. This study outlines the functional and nutritional properties of EverPro, a brewer’s spent grain protein, in comparison to commercial plant protein isolates, indicating the potential for the inclusion of new, sustainable plant-based protein sources in human nutrition, in particular dairy alternative applications.
Effect of Rigor Stage and Pressurisation on Lipid Damage, Total Volatile Amine Formation and Autolysis Development in Palm Ruff Stored on Ice
Authors: Malga José M. , Roco Teresa , Silva Alfonso , Tabilo-Munizaga Gipsy , Pérez-Won Mario , Aubourg Santiago P.
Published: February 2023

The effect of the rigor stage (pre or post) and previous high-pressure processing (HPP; 450 and 550 MPa for 3 min) was checked during the storage on ice of farmed palm ruff (Seriolella violacea). Fish processed in pre-rigor conditions led to higher and lower levels (p < 0.05) of moisture and lipid contents in chilled fish, respectively, when compared to their counterpart samples processed in the post-rigor stage. Pre-rigor fish showed a higher (p < 0.05) quality level than post-rigor samples according to the assessment of the K value (59.0–92.1 and 70.3–96.3 ranges, respectively), fluorescent compounds (0.29–1.11 and 0.37–1.90 ranges, respectively), free fatty acids (FFA) (15.1–188.0 and 33.8–232.5 g·kg−1 lipids ranges, respectively), and total volatile amines (216.3–387.6 and 217.7–412.2 g·kg−1 muscle ranges, respectively). Pressure-treated fish showed higher (p < 0.05) quality retention than non-treated samples according to the formation of fluorescent compounds (0.29–0.86 and 0.85–1.90 ranges, respectively), FFA (15.1–50.6 and 58.9–223.5 g·kg−1 lipids ranges, respectively), and total volatile amines (216.3–250.3 and 351.1–412.2 g·kg−1 muscle ranges, respectively) and the evolution of the K value (59.0–77.2 and 86.9–96.3 ranges, respectively). The use of pre-rigor fish and previous HPP is recommended for the commercialisation of the current species as a fresh product.
Globally Existing Solutions to the Problem of Dirichlet for the Fractional 3D Poisson Equation
Authors: Boev Toshko , Georgiev Georgi
Published: February 2023

A general approach to solving the Dirichlet problem, both for bounded 3D domains and for their unbounded complements, in terms of the fractional (3D) Poisson equation, is presented. Lauren Schwartz class solutions are sought for tempered distributions. The solutions found are represented by a formula that contains the volume Riesz potential and the one-layer potential, the latter depending on the boundary data. Infinite regularity of fractional harmonic functions, analogous to the infinite smoothness of the classical harmonic functions, is also proved in the respective domain, no matter what the boundary conditions are. Other properties of the solutions, that are presumably of interest to mathematical physics, are also investigated. In particular, an intrinsic decay property, valid far from the common boundary, is shown.
Existence Results for Caputo Tripled Fractional Differential Inclusions with Integral and Multi-Point Boundary Conditions
Authors: Awadalla Muath , Manigandan Murugesan
Published: February 2023

In this study, based on Coitz and Nadler’s fixed point theorem and the non-linear alternative for Kakutani maps, existence results for a tripled system of sequential fractional differential inclusions (SFDIs) with integral and multi-point boundary conditions (BCs) in investigated. A practical examples are given to illustrate the obtained the theoretical results.
On the 1st-Level General Fractional Derivatives of Arbitrary Order
Authors: Luchko Yuri
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the 1st-level general fractional derivatives of arbitrary order are defined and investigated for the first time. We start with a generalization of the Sonin condition for the kernels of the general fractional integrals and derivatives and then specify a set of the kernels that satisfy this condition and possess an integrable singularity of the power law type at the origin. The 1st-level general fractional derivatives of arbitrary order are integro-differential operators of convolution type with the kernels from this set. They contain both the general fractional derivatives of arbitrary order of the Riemann–Liouville type and the regularized general fractional derivatives of arbitrary order considered in the literature so far. For the 1st-level general fractional derivatives of arbitrary order, some important properties, including the 1st and the 2nd fundamental theorems of fractional calculus, are formulated and proved.
HINOTORI and Its Perspectives in the Black-Hole Jet Study
Authors: Tsutsumi Toshihisa , Niinuma Kotaro , Imai Hiroshi , Amari Ryoko , Shimizu Yusuke , Ogawa Hideo , Nishimura Atsushi , Miyazawa Chieko , Oyama Tomoaki , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Nakashima Keisuke , Sawada-Satoh Satoko , Aoki Takahiro
Published: February 2023

Simultaneous multi-band very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations at millimeter wavelengths have huge potential for various science cases. However, there exist difficulties in expanding the scientific targets, as the sensitivity of radio telescopes at millimeter wavelengths is typically lower compared to that at centimeter wavelengths. In order to realize high-sensitivity mm-VLBI observations in the East Asia region, we are promoting the HINOTORI (Hybrid Installation project in NObeyama, Triple-band ORIented) project, which aims to launch the wide-band and simultaneous triple-band (22/43/86 GHz) VLBI system with the Nobeyama 45 m Radio Telescope (NRO45). The simultaneous 22/43 GHz observation mode has already been operated for the open-use program. We have recently completed the performance evaluation of the receiver and observing system at 86 GHz. In addition, a new wide-band VLBI back-end system has been installed on the NRO45 and the performance of this receiving system has been found to be sufficient to meet scientific requirements. Currently, we are performing commissioning observations to establish regular VLBI operation with simultaneous triple-band mode together with the Korean VLBI Network. The participation of the NRO45 is expected to strengthen the mm-VLBI observation network in the East Asia region and to be a very powerful addition with respect to the science of of black hole jets.
Rheological Performance of High-Temperature-Resistant, Salt-Resistant Fracturing Fluid Gel Based on Organic-Zirconium-Crosslinked HPAM
Authors: Xin Hui , Fang Bo , Yu Luyao , Lu Yongjun , Xu Ke , Li Kejing
Published: February 2023

Development of low-cost, high-temperature-resistant and salt-resistant fracturing fluids is a hot and difficult issue in reservoir fluids modification. In this study, an organic zirconium crosslinker that was synthesized and crosslinked with partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) was employed as a cost-effective polymer thickener to synthesize a high-temperature-resistant and salt-resistant fracturing fluid. The rheological properties of HPAM in tap water solutions and 2 × 104 mg/L salt solutions were analyzed. The results demonstrated that addition of salt reduced viscosity and viscoelasticity of HPAM solutions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results indicated that, due to electrostatic interaction, the carboxylate ions of HPAM formed an ionic bridge with metal cations, curling the conformation, decreasing the radius of rotation and thus decreasing viscosity. However, optimizing fracturing fluids formulation can mitigate the detrimental effects of salt on HPAM. The rheological characteristics of the HPAM fracturing fluid crosslinking process were analyzed and a crosslinking rheological kinetic equation was established under small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) test. The results of a large-amplitude oscillation shear (LAOS) test indicate that the heating effect on crosslinking is stronger than the shear effect on crosslinking. High-temperature-resistant and shear-resistant experiments demonstrated good performance of fracturing fluids of tap water and salt solution at 200 °C and 180 °C.
Association between Psychological Resilience and Self-Rated Health in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hsieh Chun-Man , Chiu Aih-Fung , Huang Chin-Hua
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to evaluate whether psychological resilience is an independent factor of self-rated health (SRH) among patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was designed. Patients with doctor-diagnosed KOA were recruited from the orthopedic outpatient departments of a hospital in southern Taiwan. Psychological resilience was measured by the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD–RISC-10), and SRH was measured by three items, including the current SRH, the preceding year-related SRH, and age-related SRH. The three-item SRH scale was categorized as “high” and “low–moderate” groups by terciles. Covariates included KOA history, site of knee pain, joint-specific symptoms measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), comorbidity measured by Charlson Comorbidity Index, and demographic variables (i.e., age, sex, education attainment, and living arrangements). A multiple logistic regression was used to detect the independent variables with significant odds ratios that can predict “high” SRH among participants. Results: In total, 98 patients with KOA (66 women and 32 men) with a mean age (±SD) of 68.3 ± 8.5 years were enrolled and were analyzed. A total of 38.8% (n = 38) of participants were categorized as “high SRH”, while 61.2% (n = 60) were categorized as “low–moderate SRH”. Multiple logistic regression showed that CD–RISC-10 had an increased odds ratio (OR) for high SRH (OR [95% CI] = 1.061 [1.003–1.122]; p = 0.038), whereas bilateral pain (vs. unilateral pain), WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC physical limitation showed a decreased OR for high SRH (0.268 [0.098–0.732], 0.670 [0.450–0.998], and 0.943 [0.891–0.997], respectively). Our findings provide evidence indicating that psychological resilience plays a significant positive role in the SRH in our study sample. Further research is required to extend the growing knowledge regarding the application of psychological resilience on KOA.
Efficacy and Safety of Korean Herbal Medicine for Patients with Post-Accident Syndrome, Persistent after Acute Phase: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hwang Bo-Kyung , Park Kyoung Sun , Ku Seung-Hyeok , Kim Sung-Hyun , Moon Hyun-Woo , Park Mi-So , Baek Hye-Kyung , Namgoong Jin , Hwangbo Seung-Yoon , Seo Ji-Yeon , Lee Yoon Jae , Lee Jinho , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: February 2023

This is a pragmatic, two-armed, parallel, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial for comparative evaluation between the effectiveness of integrated Korean medicine (IKM) and herbal medicine treatment with that of IKM monotherapy (control) for post-accident syndrome persistent after the acute phase. Participants were randomized into Herbal Medicine (HM, n = 20) and Control groups (n = 20) to receive the allocated treatment of 1–3 sessions/week for 4 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. The Difference of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) change of overall post-accident syndromes from baseline to week 5 for the two groups was 1.78 (95% CI: 1.08–2.48; p < 0.001). Regarding secondary outcomes, a significant decrease compared to the baseline values was confirmed for NRS of musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric complaints and general symptoms of post-accident syndromes. In a survival analysis based on the recovery criteria of “patients with a reduction in the NRS of overall post-accident syndromes of ≥50%,” the HM group showed a shorter time to recovery than the control group during the 17-week study period (p < 0.001 by the log-rank test). IKM combined with herbal medicine treatment significantly improved the quality of life by relieving somatic pain and alleviating the overall post-accident syndrome persistent after the acute phase; this effect was maintained for at least 17 weeks.
Development and Application of an Educational-Training Programme for Infection Control Practitioners in Long-Term Care Hospitals
Authors: Jeong Sun Young , Kim Og Son
Published: February 2023

Elderly persons are at risk of infection due to underlying diseases and weak immune systems. All elderly persons do not require hospitalization in LTCHs, even if have chronic illness or weakened immune systems, but they require care in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) that have well-trained infection control practitioners (ICPs). This study aimed to develop an educational-training programme for ICPs working in LTCHs using the Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) method. Based on the results of the literature review and the DACUM committee workshop, 12 duties and 51 tasks of ICPs were identified. A total of 209 ICPs participated in the survey, rating 12 duties and 51 tasks on a 5-point scale in terms of frequency, importance, and difficulty. An educational-training programme consisting of five modules was developed, focusing on tasks higher than the mean for each of frequency (2.71 ± 0.64), importance (3.90 ± 0.05), and difficulty (3.67 ± 0.44). Twenty nine ICPs participated in a pilot educational-training programme. The mean programme satisfaction level was 93.23 (standard deviation: ±3.79 points) out of 100 points. The average total knowledge and skill scores were significantly higher after the programme (26.13 ± 1.09, 24.91 ± 2.46, respectively) than before the programme (18.89 ± 2.39, 13.98 ± 3.56, respectively) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). This programme will improve the knowledge and skills of ICPs, and thereby contribute to the reduction in healthcare-associated infections in LTCHs.
The Role of Nurse on the Treatment Decision Support for Older People with Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Komatsu Hiroko , Komatsu Yasuhiro
Published: February 2023

Background: The number of older adults with cancer is increasing worldwide. The role of nurses in supporting patients’ decision-making is expanding, as this process is fraught with complexity and uncertainty due to comorbidities, frailty, cognitive decline, etc., in older adults with cancer. The aim of this review was to examine the contemporary roles of oncology nurses in the treatment decision-making process in older adults with cancer. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: Of the 3029 articles screened, 56 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 13 were included in the review. We identified three themes regarding nurses’ roles in the decision-making process for older adults with cancer: accurate geriatric assessments, provision of available information, and advocacy. Nurses conduct geriatric assessments to identify geriatric syndromes, provide appropriate information, elicit patient preferences, and communicate efficiently with patients and caregivers, promoting physicians. Time constraints were cited as a barrier to fulfilling nurses’ roles. Conclusions: The role of nurses is to elicit patients’ broader health and social care needs to facilitate patient-centered decision-making, respecting their preferences and values. Further research focusing on the role of nurses that considers diverse cancer types and healthcare systems is needed.
Effect of Lower Limb Venous Dilation on the Autonomic Cardiac Response among Healthy Young Men
Authors: Fujita Daisuke , Kubo Yusuke , Tagawa Tatsuya
Published: February 2023

Venous occlusion of the lower limbs, which simulates edema, can alter heart rate variability (HRV) by increasing feedback information from group III/IV sensory fibers. Our aim was to quantify this effect among healthy young men. The study group included 13 men (mean age, 20.4 years). Venous occlusion of the lower limbs was induced using a pressure cuff around both thighs. The effect of occlusion on autonomic cardiac response was quantified under occlusion pressures of 20, 60, and 100 mmHg. Compression was applied for 5 min. HRV was evaluated from changes in the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) power of the electrocardiogram and the resulting LF/HF balance. Near-infrared spectroscopy of the leg was used to quantify the effects of occlusion on deoxyhemoglobin, measured as the area under the curve (HHb-AUC). The occlusion pressure of 100 mmHg induced a significant increase in the LF/HF ratio, compared to the baseline (p < 0.05). HHb-AUC was highest for the 100 mmHg occlusion pressure compared with the 20 and 60 mmHg pressures (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that venous dilation may elicit a shift towards sympathetic dominance in the autonomic balance.
Descriptive Study of Attitudes towards Corporal Expression in Physical Education Students in a Region of Spain
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Mayordomo-Pinilla Noelia , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Adsuar José C. , Mendoza-Muñoz David Manuel , Galán-Arroyo Carmen
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding the factors that determine students’ attitudes and interest in learning. The information that can be extracted from students’ attitudes is essential for teachers to plan their classes to capture their attention and promote learning. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether there were significant differences between the genders in the perception of students from Extremadura towards Corporal Expression (CE) in Physical Education (PE) classrooms. (2) Methods: A single-measure descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 889 PE students in the Compulsory Secondary Education (CSE) stage from public schools in Extremadura, Spain, participated in the study; the subject had a mean age of 14.58 (SD = 1.47) and a BMI of 20.63 (SD = 3.46). Variables related to gender, age, height, and weight of the participants and a questionnaire on attitudes towards Corporal Expression were included. (3) Conclusions: Girls showed a more positive perception of the CE contents of the PE subject than boys; the latter showed a greater indifference to and a lower preference for these contents compared to other contents of the subject. On a general level, participants valued CE with a certain degree of positivity regarding its formative and educational usefulness and the expression of feelings and emotional self-management, and the pupils agreed with the methods and means used by the teacher to transmit the learning of CE.
Benzodiazepine-Receptor Agonist Utilization in Outpatients with Anxiety Disorder: A Retrospective Study Based on Electronic Healthcare Data from a Large General Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Liu Denong , Zhang Qingyu , Zhao Zhijia , Chen Mengjia , Hou Yanbin , Wang Guanjun , Shen Haowei , Zhu Huaqiang , Ji Yunxin , Ruan Liemin , Lou Zhongze
Published: February 2023

Benzodiazepine-receptor agonists (BZRAs), including benzodiazepines (BZDs) and drugs related to BZDs (Z-drugs), are commonly used for anxiety, but often have side effects. We retrospectively investigated the utilization and prescription characteristics of BZRAs for patients with anxiety disorders in a large tertiary care general hospital between 2018 and 2021, based on electronic healthcare records. We also examined the pattern of simultaneous consumption of multiple BZRA drugs, and the diseases coexisting with anxiety that are associated with this. The numbers of patients and BZRA prescriptions increased over the 4 years. Moreover, 7195 prescriptions from 694 patients contained two or more BZRAs, of which 78.08% contained both BZDs and Z-drugs, 19.78% contained multiple BZDs, and 2.14% contained multiple Z-drugs. For anxiety patients with concomitant Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, and dyslipidemia, they were more likely to consume multiple BZRAs simultaneously, whereas patients with concomitant insomnia, depression, hypertension, diabetes, or tumors were less likely to consume multiple BZRAs (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, older patients who consume multiple BZRAs simultaneously may have higher probabilities of long-term drug use. Better interventions supporting standardized BZD utilization may be needed to minimize the side effects of inappropriate BZRA administration.
Diagnosis of Osteoporosis by Quantifying Volumetric Bone Mineral Density of Lumbar Vertebrae Using Abdominal CT Images and Two-Compartment Model
Authors: Hsu Po-Chieh , Luzhbin Dmytro , Shih Tia-Yu , Wu Jay
Published: February 2023

With the aging population, osteoporosis has become an important public health issue. The purpose of this study was to establish a two-compartment model (TCM) to quantify the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) of the lumbar spine using abdominal computed tomography (CT) images. The TCM approach uses water as the bone marrow equivalent and K2HPO4 solution as the cortical bone equivalent. A phantom study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of vBMD estimation at 100 kVp and 120 kVp. The data of 180 patients who underwent abdominal CT imaging and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) within one month were retrospectively collected. vBMD of L1–L4 vertebrae were calculated, and the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish the diagnostic thresholds for osteoporosis and osteopenia in terms of vBMD. The average difference between the measured vBMD following TCM and the theoretical vBMD of the self-made phantom was 0.2%, and the maximum difference was 0.5%. vBMD of lumbar vertebrae obtained from TCM and aBMD obtained by DXA had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.655 to 0.723). The average diagnostic threshold for osteoporosis was 0.116 g/cm3. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 95.7%, 75.6.5%, and 80.0%, respectively. The average diagnostic threshold for osteopenia was 0.126 g/cm3. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 81.3%, 82.5%, and 82.7%, respectively. The aforementioned threshold values were used to perform the diagnostics on a test cohort, and the performance was equivalent to that in the experimental cohort. From the perspective of preventive medicine, opportunistic screening of bone mineral density using abdominal CT images and the TCM approach can facilitate early detection of osteoporosis and osteopenia and, with in-time treatment, slow down their progression.
Complex Study of a Painted Gypsum XVIII Century Bas-Relief by Optoelectronic Methods to Develop a Combined Cleaning Technique
Authors: Vasilieva Anastasia , Kareva Arina , Zhankasheva Gulsina , Danilovich Dmitry , Parfenov Vadim
Published: February 2023

In this work, a painted gypsum bas-relief from the facades of the inner courtyard of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts building was examined using UV and visible light photography and optical and electron scanning microscopy, which showed the heterogeneous layers of white painting on the surface of the bas-relief that covered the historical ones. These undesirable layers should be removed during the restoration work, but it was found that the traditional method of removing surface layers of painting with the help of chemical solvents and mechanical cleaning does not solve the problem to the full extent. A cross-section of all the painting layers was prepared to investigate the stratigraphy of the paint layers. These studies were conducted using optical and electron scanning microscopy in order to determine the structure of the paint layers more properly and study the chemical composition of every layer. After this study, a complex cleaning technique was developed. This technique combines chemical and laser cleaning, making it possible to effectively remove the upper dense layers of paint without damaging the historical paint layers.
Comparative Analysis of Morphological, Physiological, Anatomic and Biochemical Responses in Relatively Sensitive Zinnia elegans ‘Zinnita Scarlet’ and Relatively Tolerant Zinnia marylandica ‘Double Zahara Fire Improved’ under Saline Conditions
Authors: Yasemin Sara , Koksal Nezihe
Published: February 2023

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses in plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of salinity on relatively sensitive Zinnia elegans Jacq. ‘Zinnita Scarlet’ and relatively tolerant Zinnia marylandica D.M. Spooner et al. ‘Double Zahara Fire Improved’ through a comparative analysis of morphological, physiological, anatomic, and biochemical traits. Plants were irrigated at five levels of salt concentrations (0 [control], 50, 100, 150, 200 mM NaCl) for three weeks at one-day intervals in pots under greenhouse conditions. The effects of salinity stress on plant growth parameters, ion leakage, the loss of turgidity, minimum fluorescence (FO’), plant nutrient elements, leaf anatomic parameters, stoma response to the application of light and abscisic acid perfusion, proline content, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content were investigated. Differences in the stages and levels of plant response in the relatively sensitive and relatively tolerant cultivar were determined. Proline accumulation appeared to be higher in Double Zahara Fire Improved (D.Za.F.I.) than Zinnita Scarlet (Zi.S.) in the low concentration of salinity. After the application of abscsic acid perfusion to intact leaf surfaces, the stomata of the relatively tolerant cultivar D.Za.F.I. closed earlier (7 min) than Zi.S. (29 min). Ion leakage (32.3%) and Na accumulation (0.9%) in the aerial parts increased dramatically for Zi.S in the 50 mM NaCl treatment. Moreover, values of plant growth parameters, minimum fluorescence (FO’), photosynthetic pigments, and plant nutrient elements all showed a greater decreasing percentage in Zi.S. compared to D.Za.F.I. Stomatal densities for both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaf decreased in parallel with the increase in salt stress. Palisade parenchyma cell height and leaf thickness values decreased in Zi.S. as salinity increased. In D.Za.F.I., leaf thickness increased by up to 100 mM NaCl while the height of palisade parenchyma cells decreased under high salt stress conditions (100 mM and above). Recommendations for future research include molecular-level evaluations and the study of how to increase salt tolerance in these potentially valuable ornamental cultivars.
Low Nitrogen Stress Promotes Root Nitrogen Uptake and Assimilation in Strawberry: Contribution of Hormone Networks
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Zhang Ting , Zhang Jia , Lei Weiwei , Zhao Lin , Wang Shuai , Shi Mengyun , Wei Meng
Published: February 2023

Low nitrogen stress severely impedes crop growth and productivity. There has been substantial research on root adaptation to low nitrogen conditions in many plant species. However, the mechanism underlying the morphological response of the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) root to low-NO3− or low-NH4+ stress remains poorly understood. Strawberry plants were hydroponically cultivated under 1 mM NO3−, 1 mM NH4+, and control (15 mM NO3−) conditions to assess the physiological responses of their roots to low nitrogen stress. As a result, low nitrogen stresses increased the fresh weight of root, lateral root density, and root surface area, as well as enhanced the accumulation of indole-3-acetic acid and jasmonic acid while significantly reducing salicylic acid in the roots. Correspondingly, low nitrogen stresses increased PM H+-ATPase activity. Low-NO3− stress enhanced the activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, whereas low-NH4+ treatment led to higher glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthase activities. Collectively, the present results demonstrate that low nitrogen stresses enhance nitrogen uptake of strawberry roots by regulating hormones (indole-3-acetic acid, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid) and thereby mediating PM H+-ATPase activity, while promoting nitrogen metabolism by upregulating the activities of nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthase. In conclusion, low nitrogen conditions may facilitate more efficient acquisition of available N from the soil by strawberry root system.