bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub-Regional Variation and Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon Wines in the Eastern Foothills of the Helan Mountain: A Perspective from Phenolics, Visual Properties and Mouthfeel
Authors: Zhao Bing-Yan , Zhang Xin-Ke , Lan Yi-Bin , Duan Chang-Qing , Zhu Bao-Qing , Li De-Mei
Published: March 2023

As one of the most promising wine regions in China, the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountain (EFHM) in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has attracted great attention recently. Geographically, EFHM is divided into six sub-regions, namely Shizuishan, Xixia, Helan, Qingtongxia, Yongning and Hongsipu. However, there have been few reports on the character and differences between wines in the six sub-regions. In this experiment, a total of 71 commercial Cabernet Sauvignon wines from six sub-regions were collected, and their phenolic compounds, visual properties and mouthfeel were investigated. The results showed that wines from the six sub-regions of EFHM showed distinctive phenolic profiles and could be distinguished through the OPLS-DA mode using 32 potential markers. In terms of color, Shizuishan wines showed higher a* values and lower b* values. The sensory evaluation showed that Hongsipu wines had higher astringency strength and lower tannin texture. The overall results implied that the phenolic compounds of wines in different sub-regions were affected by terroir conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a wide coverage of phenolic compounds has been analysed for wines from the sub-regions of EFHM, which could provide valuable information in deciphering the terroir of EFHM.
Effect of Ferulic Acid and Its Derivatives on Cold-Pressed Flaxseed Oil Oxidative Stability and Bioactive Compounds Retention during Oxidation
Authors: Mikołajczak Natalia , Pilarski Wojciech , Gęsiński Krzysztof , Tańska Małgorzata
Published: March 2023

Ferulic acid (FA) is a naturally occurring phenolic antioxidant that is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its low toxicity. Its derivatives also find numerous industrial applications and may have even higher biological activity than ferulic acid. In this study, the effect of the addition of FA and its derivatives—including vanillic acid (VA), dihydroferulic acid (DHFA), and 4-vinylguaiacol (4-VG)—on the oxidative stability of cold-pressed flaxseed oil and the degradation of bioactive compounds during oxidation was investigated. The results showed that FA and its derivatives affected the oxidative stability of flaxseed oil, but their antioxidant activity depended on the concentration (25–200 mg/100 g oil) and temperature of treatment (60–110 °C). Based on Rancimat test results, flaxseed oil oxidative stability predicted at 20 °C increased linearly with ferulic acid concentration, while its derivatives effectively prolonged the induction time at lower concentrations (50–100 mg/100 g oil). The addition of phenolic antioxidants (80 mg/100 g) generally showed a protective effect against polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHFA and 4-VG), sterols (4-VG), tocols (DHFA), squalene, and carotenoids (FA). The exception was VA, which increased the degradation of most bioactive compounds. It is believed that adding properly composed mixtures of FA and its derivatives (DHFA and 4-VG) can extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil and provide nutritional benefits.
Sensory Profile and Consumer Liking of Sustainable Salamis Differing in Wild Boar Meat and Seasoning Ingredients Addition
Authors: Freschi Pierangelo , Braghieri Ada , Pacelli Corrado , Langella Emilia , Riviezzi Amelia Maria , Paolino Rosanna , Cosentino Carlo
Published: March 2023

The production of game meat is a proven way of promoting sustainable food, which is also consistent with the proper management of the expansion of the wild boar population in Italy. In the present study, we investigated consumer response to sensory attributes and consumer preference for ten types of “cacciatore” salamis prepared with different mixtures of wild boar/pork (30/50 or 50/50) and spice ingredients. PCA analysis showed a clear characterization of the salamis based on the first component with the hot pepper powder and fennel types differing from the others. For the second component, salamis without flavorings could be discriminated by those flavored with aromatized garlic wine or with black pepper only. The main findings of the hedonic test revealed that products with hot pepper and fennel seeds received the highest ratings, as well as satisfactory acceptance in the consumer test sensory analysis for eight out of ten products. The panelists and consumers’ ratings were influenced by the flavors used, but not by the ratio of wild boar to pork. This gives us the opportunity to produce more cost-effective and environmentally friendly products, as doughs with a high proportion of wild boar meat can be used without affecting product preference.
Metabolic Profile of Einkorn, Spelt, Emmer Ancient Wheat Species Sourdough Fermented with Strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014
Authors: Șerban Larisa Rebeca , Păucean Adriana , Chiș Maria Simona , Pop Carmen Rodica , Man Simona Maria , Pușcaș Andreea , Ranga Floricuța , Socaci Sonia Ancuța , Alexa Ersilia , Berbecea Adina , Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria , Mureșan Vlad
Published: March 2023

The continuous development of bakery products as well as the increased demands from consumers transform ancient grains into alternatives with high nutritional potential for modern wheat species. The present study, therefore, follows the changes that occur in the sourdough obtained from these vegetable matrices fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 during a 24 h. period. The samples were analyzed in terms of cell growth dynamics, carbohydrate content, crude cellulose, minerals, organic acids, volatile compounds, and rheological properties. The results revealed significant microbial growth in all samples, with an average value of 9 log cfu/g but also a high accumulation of organic acids with the increase in the fermentation period. Lactic acid content ranged from 2.89 to 6.65 mg/g, while acetic acid recorded values between 0.51 and 1.1 mg/g. Regarding the content of simple sugars, maltose was converted into glucose, and fructose was used as an electron acceptor or carbon source. Cellulose content decreased as a result of the solubilization of soluble fibers into insoluble fibers under enzymatic action, with percentages of 3.8 to 9.5%. All sourdough samples had a high content of minerals; the highest of which—Ca (246 mg/kg), Zn (36 mg/kg), Mn (46 mg/kg), and Fe (19 mg/kg)—were recorded in the einkorn sourdough.
Study on the Structure, Function, and Interface Characteristics of Soybean Protein Isolate by Industrial Phosphorylation
Authors: Guo Yanan , Liu Caihua , Ma Yitong , Shen Lulu , Gong Qi , Hu Zhaodong , Wang Zhongjiang , Liu Xin , Guo Zengwang , Zhou Linyi
Published: March 2023

The impacts of industrial phosphorylation on the structural changes, microstructure, functional, and rheological features of soybean protein isolate (SPI) were spotlighted. The findings implied that the spatial structure and functional features of the SPI changed significantly after treatment with the two phosphates. Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) promoted aggregation of SPI with a larger particle size; sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) modified SPI with smaller particle size. SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results showed insignificant alterations in the structure of SPI subunits. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and endogenous fluorescence noted a decline in α-helix quantity, an amplification in β-fold quantity, and an increase in protein stretching and disorder, indicating that phosphorylation treatment fluctuated the spatial structure of the SPI. Functional characterization studies showed that the solubility and emulsion properties of the SPI increased to varying degrees after phosphorylation, with a maximum solubility of 94.64% for SHMP-SPI and 97.09% for STP-SPI. Emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsifying steadiness index (ESI) results for STP-SPI were better than those for SHMP-SPI. Rheological results showed that the modulus of G’ and G″ increased and the emulsion exhibited significant elastic behavior. This affords a theoretical core for expanding the industrial production applications of soybean isolates in the food and various industries.
Chinese Consumer Assessment of Australian Sheep Meat Using a Traditional Hotpot Cooking Method
Authors: O’Reilly Rachel A. , Zhao Liping , Gardner Graham E. , Luo Hailing , Meng Qingxiang , Pethick David W. , Pannier Liselotte
Published: March 2023

Hotpot is a widely popular cooking method for sheepmeat in China. This study measured the sensory responses of 720 untrained Chinese consumers to Australian sheepmeat cooked using a hotpot technique with methods based on Meat Standards Australia protocols. Shoulder and leg cuts of 108 lambs and 109 yearlings were scored on tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall liking with linear mixed effects models used to analyse the influence of muscle type and animal factors on these scores. On average, shoulder cuts were more palatable than legs cuts for all sensory traits (p < 0.01) and lambs compared to yearlings (p < 0.05). Intramuscular fat and muscularity were identified as strong drivers of eating quality (p < 0.05), with greater palatability for both cuts as intramuscular fat increased (range 2.5 to 7.5%), and muscularity decreased (as measured through loin weight adjusted for hot carcase weight). Consumers were unable to detect differences between animal sire type and sex in sheepmeat hotpot. These findings suggest shoulder and leg cuts performed comparatively well in hotpot compared to previously tested sheepmeat cooking methods and emphasise the importance of balanced selection for quality and yield traits to ensure that consumer satisfaction is maintained.
Mutation Rate and Spectrum of the Silkworm in Normal and Temperature Stress Conditions
Authors: Han Minjin , Ren Jianyu , Guo Haipeng , Tong Xiaoling , Hu Hai , Lu Kunpeng , Dai Zongrui , Dai Fangyin
Published: March 2023

Mutation rate is a crucial parameter in evolutionary genetics. However, the mutation rate of most species as well as the extent to which the environment can alter the genome of multicellular organisms remain poorly understood. Here, we used parents–progeny sequencing to investigate the mutation rate and spectrum of the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) among normal and two temperature stress conditions (32 °C and 0 °C). The rate of single-nucleotide mutations in the normal temperature rearing condition was 0.41 × 10−8 (95% confidence interval, 0.33 × 10−8–0.49 × 10−8) per site per generation, which was up to 1.5-fold higher than in four previously studied insects. Moreover, the mutation rates of the silkworm under the stresses are significantly higher than in normal conditions. Furthermore, the mutation rate varies less in gene regions under normal and temperature stresses. Together, these findings expand the known diversity of the mutation rate among eukaryotes but also have implications for evolutionary analysis that assumes a constant mutation rate among species and environments.
Natural Disease Course in Usher Syndrome Patients Harboring USH2A Variant p.Cys870* in Exon 13, Amenable to Exon Skipping Therapy
Authors: Čadonič Katja , Sajovic Jana , Hawlina Marko , Fakin Ana
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the rate of retinal degeneration in patients with c.2610C>A (p.Cys870*) in USH2A exon 13, amenable to exon skipping therapy. There were nine patients from seven families, three of whom were male (two were homozygous). Seven patients had follow-up data (median of 11 years). Analysis included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, decimal Snellen), visual field (Goldmann perimetry target II/4), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and microperimetry (MP). The median age at the onset of nyctalopia was 20 years (range, 8–35 years of age). At the first exam, at a median age of 42 years, the median BCVA was 0.5 (0.2–1.0), and the median visual field diameter was 23° (5°–114°). Imaging showed a hyperautofluorescent ring delineating preserved foveal photoreceptors in 78% (7/9) of patients, while 22% (2/9) had a hyperautofluorescent patch or atrophy, reflecting advanced disease. Survival analysis predicted that 50% of patients reach legal blindness based on a visual field diameter < 20° at the age of 52 (95% CI, 45–59) and legal blindness based on a BCVA ≤ 0. 1 (20/200) at the age of 55 (95% CI, 46–66). Visual field constriction occurred at the median rate of radial 1.5 deg/year, and hyperautofluorescent ring constriction occurred at the median rate of 34 μm/year. A non-null second allele was found in two patients: p.Thr4315Pro and p.Arg303His; the patient with p.Arg303His had a milder disease. The rates of progression will be useful in the design and execution of clinical trials.
Is It Possible to Predict COVID-19? Stochastic System Dynamic Model of Infection Spread in Kazakhstan
Authors: Koichubekov Berik , Takuadina Aliya , Korshukov Ilya , Turmukhambetova Anar , Sorokina Marina
Published: March 2023

Background: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have begun to actively use models to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the pathogen. The transmission rate, recovery rate and loss of immunity to the COVID-19 virus change over time and depend on many factors, such as the seasonality of pneumonia, mobility, testing frequency, the use of masks, the weather, social behavior, stress, public health measures, etc. Therefore, the aim of our study was to predict COVID-19 using a stochastic model based on the system dynamics approach. Method: We developed a modified SIR model in AnyLogic software. The key stochastic component of the model is the transmission rate, which we consider as an implementation of Gaussian random walks with unknown variance, which was learned from real data. Results: The real data of total cases turned out to be outside the predicted minimum–maximum interval. The minimum predicted values of total cases were closest to the real data. Thus, the stochastic model we propose gives satisfactory results for predicting COVID-19 from 25 to 100 days. The information we currently have about this infection does not allow us to make predictions with high accuracy in the medium and long term. Conclusions: In our opinion, the problem of the long-term forecasting of COVID-19 is associated with the absence of any educated guess regarding the dynamics of β(t) in the future. The proposed model requires improvement with the elimination of limitations and the inclusion of more stochastic parameters.
The Association of Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Factors with the Oral Health Status in School-Age Children from Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moin Maria , Maqsood Afsheen , Haider Muhammad Mohsin , Asghar Hajra , Rizvi Kulsoom Fatima , Shqaidef Abedalrahman , A. Sharif Rania , Suleman Ghazala , Das Gotam , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Ahmed Naseer
Published: March 2023

The data on how lifestyle factors of school-going children affect their oral health are not sufficient; therefore, there is a need to analyze the adverse effects of poor lifestyle habits and the role of mothers’ education on oral health. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with the oral health status of school-going children through a structured questionnaire and oral examination. Ninety-five (26.5%) children were from class 1. One hundred eighty-seven (52.1%) mothers were educated while 172 (47.9%) were uneducated. Two hundred seventy-six (76.9%) children had never visited the dentist. The results indicate that dental health behavior is associated with lifestyle factors as well as socio-demographic variables. Parent education and awareness regarding oral health plays a major role in determining the oral health of children.
Ethnic Minorities’ Experiences of Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Carew Tofani Aiesha , Taylor Elaina , Pritchard Ingrid , Jackson Jessica , Xu Alison , Kotera Yasuhiro
Published: March 2023

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can improve cardiovascular risk factors, decrease cardiac mortality, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours. However, services remain underutilized by groups of ethnic minorities. The purpose of the study was to identify patients’ personal CR experiences to identify the differences CR makes towards minorities’ lifestyle. An initial electronic search was performed in 2021 for papers ranging from 2008–2020 across specific databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Medline. Google Scholar was also used to supplement the search process and to identify studies performed within grey literature. A total of 1230 records were screened, of which 40 were assessed for eligibility. The final sample consisted of seven qualitative design studies that were identified for inclusion in this review. Based on patient personal experiences, this review identified that ethnic minorities continue to remain disadvantaged when accessing healthcare interventions, primarily as a result of cultural behaviours, linguistic barriers, socioeconomic status, religious and fatalistic beliefs, and low physician referral rates. More research is needed to elucidate this phenomenon and address these factors faced by ethnic minorities.
Comparison of the Clinical Results of Platelet-Rich Plasma, Steroid and Autologous Blood Injections in the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Kıvrak Aybars , Ulusoy Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim of our study is to compare the efficacy of PRP, steroids, and autologous blood injection in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Method: A total of 120 patients comprised our study. Three groups of 40 patients each received only one of the following: PRP, steroids, or autologous blood injections. Thereafter, VAS (visual analog scale), DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), and Nirschl scores of those treated were evaluated in the second week, the fourth week, the third month, and the sixth month. Results: The baseline evaluation revealed no significant change in VAS, DASH, and Nirschl scores among the three groups (p > 0.050). At the second week evaluation, patients treated with steroids showed significant improvement compared to patients treated with PRP and autologous blood (p < 0.001). The fourth-week evaluation revealed the VAS, DASH, and Nirschl scores of the patients treated with steroids to have improved more significantly than those of patients treated with PRP and autologous blood (p < 0.001). The third month, when the results of all three groups were compared, revealed similar results (p > 0.050). The sixth-month evaluation, when the results of all three groups were compared, revealed the autologous blood and PRP applications provided significantly better results than the group treated with steroids (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We concluded that steroid administration is effective in the short term, while PRP and autologous blood applications are more effective than steroid administration in the long term.
COVID-19 Vaccination Program Data Analysis Based on Regional Status and Day Type: A Study from West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Ilhami Putri Adilla , Adisasmita Mulya Nurmansyah , Agustian Dwi , Sujatmiko Budi
Published: March 2023

Vaccination is a strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic and holds a crucial impact on global health. A better understanding of factors associated with vaccination is needed to establish a good vaccination program in a population. The purpose of this study is to analyze COVID-19 vaccination program data based on regional status and day type in the West Java Province of Indonesia and contribute to discovering other characteristics of the COVID-19 vaccination program. This study is a cross-sectional study using secondary data (N = 7922) from West Java’s COVID-19 Information and Coordination Center (PIKOBAR) from January to November 2021. Independent t-test with an alternative non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test (p-value < 0.05) is used as a statistical test in this study. The result reported significant differences in vaccination coverage between the city area and the regency area (p < 0.001). Significant differences in vaccination on working day and holiday were also found in both settings (p < 0.001). Vaccination was confirmed to be higher in the city compared to the regency and decreased on holiday compared to the working day. In conclusion, factors linked to regional status and day type must be considered as important factors for developing and accelerating vaccination programs.
Evaluation of the Effect of 1-MCP Treatment on Flesh and Surface Color of Selected European and Asian Plum Fruit Using Machine Vision
Authors: Ha Nga Thi Thanh , Pham Thanh Tung , Mac Hoa Xuan , Nguyen Lien Le Phuong , Horváth-Mezofi Zsuzsanna , Göb Mónika , Nguyen Quang Duc , Baranyai László , Zsom Tamás , Friedrich László Ferenc , Hitka Géza
Published: March 2023

The aim of this work was to evaluate how 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment affects appearance of plum fruit. Fruit of ‘Angeleno’ and ‘Topend’ cultivars were treated with 625 ppb gaseous 1-MCP at 1 °C for 24 h after harvest. Samples without treatment, called control, and those subjected to the treatment were stored at 1 °C for 8 weeks (Topend) and 10 weeks (Angeleno). The subgroup of initial samples and those withdrawn from cold storage were also measured after 7 d storage at 20 °C. According to measured parameters of ethylene, CO2 production, firmness, and total soluble solids content, there was a clear difference between 1-MCP- treated and control samples for both cultivars. Color attributes of hue angle and saturation changed significantly during storage, especially for flesh color measured on fruit cut in half. The comparison revealed that saturation responded more sensitively to changes. Firmness correlated significantly with color attributes, and flesh saturation reached the highest value of Pearson’s correlation of r = 0.608 (p < 0.01) and Spearman’s rank correlation of ρ = 0.636 (p < 0.01). The specific plum color was also evaluated with a normalized blue value, which obtained significant linear correlation with firmness (r = −0.7414, p < 0.001). There was significant difference between cultivars in terms of surface color and its correlation with firmness as Pearson’s correlation obtained r = 0.833 (p < 0.001) for ‘Topend’ and r = 0.556 (p > 0.05) for ‘Angeleno’.
Differential Responses of Cherry Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) to Long-Term Heat Stress
Authors: Park Bo-Mi , Jeong Hyo-Bong , Yang Eun-Young , Kim Min-Kyoung , Kim Ji-Won , Chae Wonbyoung , Lee Oak-Jin , Kim Sang Gyu , Kim Sumin
Published: March 2023

As global warming increases day/night temperatures as well as frequencies of heat waves, studying physiological responses in long-term heat stress is required for sustainable yield production in the future. In this study, effects of long-term heat stress on photosynthetic, morphological, and yield parameters of three cherry tomato accessions, HR17, HR22, and HR24, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted under two temperature greenhouse conditions, where temperature set-point for ventilation was 30 °C and 35 °C during the day for 57 days, respectively. Plants were harvested on the 35th days and 57th days after heat treatments, and their physiological and morphological characteristics and yield traits were measured. Under control conditions, HR17 and HR22 had 0.5–0.6 harvest index, while HR24 had 0.3 harvest index. On 35th days after heat treatment, although yield loss percentage of HR17 was high (43%), it produced the highest fruit yield among all three accessions. However, after longer heat treatment, HR24 produced the highest fruit yields among all accessions with the smallest yield loss (34%). Furthermore, yield loss was highly associated with reductions in nitrogen use efficiency and water content in plant body under heat stress. The results of this study will provide breeders with a new insight into selecting heat-tolerant genotypes in cherry tomatoes.
Effects of Different Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Fertilization on the Physicochemical and Bioactive Characteristics of onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Barrales-Heredia Susana Marlene , Grimaldo-Juárez Onécimo , Suárez-Hernández Ángel Manuel , González-Vega Ricardo Iván , Díaz-Ramírez Jairo , García-López Alejandro Manelik , Soto-Ortiz Roberto , González-Mendoza Daniel , Iturralde-García Rey David , Dórame-Miranda Ramón Francisco , Del-Toro-Sánchez Carmen Lizette
Published: March 2023

The availability of water and nitrogen in the soil affect the metabolism of onion bulbs. The synthesis of metabolites and bioactive compounds are the most affected, along with the quality of the onion bulbs However, it is necessary to know the effects of different water levels and nitrogen fertilization to optimize the quality of the onion. The objective of this research was to study the effects of the different conditions of hydric stress and nitrogen fertilization during the development of onion (Allium cepa L.) crop, regarding its physicochemical and bioactive properties. Onions were grown using four available irrigation regimes (25, 50, 75 and 100%) and four doses of nitrogen fertilization (100, 150, 200 and 250 kg N ha−1). Onion without any treatment was considered as a control. The treatments low in irrigation and nitrogen fertilization increased the pH level (5.7 to 5.9) and bulb coloration in bright white/yellowish tones. An increase was observed compared to control in titratable acidity (0.13%) just in the nitrogen content, ascorbic acid (46%) and antioxidant capacity with DPPH (12.3%) and ABTS (93.7%). A decrease was shown in soluble solids (14.6%), firmness (3.5 kg cm−2), dry matter (6.6%), total phenols (50%) and FRAP (33.2%) values. Pyruvic acid remained constant (1.5 µmol g−1 FW). The onion bulb extracts showed an erythroprotective effect with a hemolysis inhibition percentage higher than 95%. Finally, the onions had low pungency, and were soft and extra sweet. The treatments with 25% usable humidity and nitrogen fertilization of 150 and 250 kg ha−1, favored the physical, chemical and bioactive quality of the onion bulb.
Estimation of Nitrate Background Value in Groundwater under the Long-Term Human Impact
Authors: Buškulić Patricia , Parlov Jelena , Kovač Zoran , Nakić Zoran
Published: March 2023

This study demonstrates an approach to estimate the background value of nitrate as a basis for better groundwater management and protection in areas under long-term human impact. The aim was to determine the ambient background value (ABV) of nitrate in the catchment area of the Velika Gorica well field, a hydrogeologically homogeneous area within the Zagreb aquifer. ABVs are determined using four well-known model-based objective methods (the iterative 2-σ technique, IT; the calculated distribution function, CDF; the cumulative frequency curve, CFC; and the probability plot, PP), while simultaneously testing the reliability of the results of each method. If the results are not statistically significant, data selection is performed. The results show that using data without selection can lead to statistically non-significant ABVs, but with the additional selection of data, a statistically non-significant result became a statistically significant one. In summary, all final ABVs must be statistically significant and determined using as large a data set as possible. Reducing the size of the data set is acceptable only in the case of a statistically non-significant result.
Wildfires as a Source of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soil: A Case Study from Campania Region (Italy)
Authors: Pacifico Lucia Rita , Pizzolante Antonio , Guarino Annalise , Iannone Antonio , Esposito Mauro , Albanese Stefano
Published: March 2023

The worldwide increase in fire events has attracted global attention, as potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have been widely recognised within the produced ash. Ash is transported, dispersed by wind, and deposited into the soil and surficial waters even far from fires. Considering that their composition can be enriched in PTEs, they represent a potential hazard for humans and other animals exposed to airborne particles and, afterwards, to resuspended matter, even at a considerable distance from the source. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact of fire events that occurred during the 2017 summer season at two different sites in the Campania region (Southern Italy). One of the fires affected a waste disposal site west of Caserta, and one involved a forest on the slopes of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, a few kilometres southeast of Naples, the regional capital. Changes to the PTE concentration in the topsoil in the surroundings of both sites, after the fire events, were investigated. Enrichment factors (EFs) of a selection of PTEs were determined by comparing geochemical data from two sampling campaigns, one completed before and one after the fire events. A combined application of multivariate statistics (based on robust principal component analysis; RPCA) and geospatial analysis was used to determine the materials affected by the fire on the slopes of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, and roughly locate their place. Specifically, a statistically significant enrichment of Hg was identified in the topsoil of both study areas. In addition, in soil samples collected at Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, more PTEs showed significant changes in their concentration. For both areas, Hg enrichments were related to the deposition of ash proceeding from waste burning; furthermore, as regards the soil of the Vesuvian area, Cr and Cd enrichments were associated with the fallout of ash generated during biomass combustion, and the increase in Cu and Zn concentrations was linked to the burning of crops on cultivated lands. Apart from the specific results obtained, concerning the examined case studies, the methods applied can be seen as a reliable option to determine the compositional characteristics of materials burned during a fire event, even with the prospect of improving the eventual assessment process of the related environmental hazards.
The Impact of Health Education on the Quality of Life of Patients Hospitalized in Forensic Psychiatry Wards
Authors: Fojcik Joanna , Górski Michał , Borowska Agnieszka , Krzystanek Marek
Published: March 2023

Purpose: An original health education program, developed for a group of patients of forensic psychiatry wards, was the basis for conducting a study on the impact of educational influences on the quality of life of patients long-term isolated from their natural environment. The main aim of the study was to answer the question: Does health education affect the quality of life of patients in forensic psychiatry wards and is educational activity effective? Methods: The study was conducted at the State Hospital for Mental and Nervous Diseases in Rybnik, Poland, in the forensic psychiatry wards, and lasted from December 2019 to May 2020. During the study, patients gained knowledge in the field of broadly understood health education. The study group consisted of 67 men, aged 22–73, diagnosed with schizophrenia. The method of double measurements (before and after the health education cycle) was applied, using the WHOQOL-BREF scale of quality of life and the first author’s questionnaire of patients’ knowledge, from the educational program used. Results: Health education does not significantly affect the overall quality of life of patients staying in forensic psychiatry wards, but it does affect their somatic condition. The proprietary health education program is effective because the patients’ knowledge has significantly improved. Conclusions: The quality of life of interned patients with schizophrenia is not significantly related to educational activities, however, psychiatric rehabilitation through educational activities effectively increases the level of patients’ knowledge.
The Impact of Carbon Trading Pilot Policy on Carbon Neutrality: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Cities
Authors: Zhang Ke , Qian Jing , Zhang Zhenhua , Fang Shijiao
Published: March 2023

As one of a number of crucial policies for achieving the goal of “double carbon”, it is crucial to investigate the “carbon neutral” effect of the carbon trading market (CTM) in the pilot phase, which is an essential reference for the development of a future CTM. Based on panel data of 283 cities in China in the period from 2006 to 2017, this paper examines the impact of the Carbon Trading Pilot Policy (CTPP) on the achievement of the “carbon neutrality” target. The study shows that the CTPP market can promote an increase in regional net carbon sinks and further accelerate the achievement of the “carbon neutrality” goal. The findings of the study remain valid after a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analysis finds that the CTPP can help achieve the carbon neutrality target through three mechanisms: the effect on concern for the environment, the effect on urban governance, and the effect on energy production and consumption. Further analysis reveals that enterprises’ willingness and productive behavior, as well as the internal elements of the market, have a positive moderating effect on the achievement of the carbon neutrality target. In addition, there is heterogeneity among regions with different technological endowments, CTPP regions, and regions with different shares of state-owned assets in the CTM. This paper provides important practical references and empirical evidence that can help China to better achieve the “carbon neutrality” target.
Empowerment and Knowledge as Determinants for Quality of Life: A Contribution to a Better Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management
Authors: Ferreira Pedro L. , Morais Carminda , Pimenta Rui , Ribeiro Inês , Amorim Isabel , Alves Sandra Maria
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess how knowledge and empowerment impact the quality of life (QoL) of a person with type 2 diabetes, leading to better communication and disease management. We conducted a descriptive and observational study of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form (DES-SF), Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT), and EQ-5D-5L were used, in addition to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Evaluating the variability in the DES-SF and DKT in relation to the EQ-5D-5L and identifying possible sociodemographic and clinical determinants were conducted using univariate analyses followed by a multiple linear regression model to test whether the factors significantly predicted QoL. A total of 763 individuals were included in the final sample. Patients aged 65 years or older had lower QoL scores, as well as patients who lived alone, had less than 12 years of education, and experienced complications. The insulin-treated group showed higher scores in DKT than the non-insulin-treated group. It was also found that being male, being under 65 years of age, having no complications present, and having higher levels of knowledge and empowerment predicted higher QoL. Our results show that DKT and DES are still determinants of QoL, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Therefore, literacy and empowerment are important for the improvement of the QoL of people with diabetes, by enabling them to manage their health conditions. New clinical practices focused on education, increasing patients’ knowledge, and empowerment may contribute to better health outcomes.
Radiotherapy Plus Cetuximab for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity: A Multicenter Retrospective Study of 79 Patients in Japan
Authors: Otsuru Mitsunobu , Yanamoto Souichi , Yamada Shin-ichi , Nakashiro Kohichi , Harazono Yosuke , Kohgo Tomoyuki , Nakamura Moriyoshi , Nomura Takeshi , Kasamatsu Atsushi , Tanaka Susumu , Kirita Tadaaki , Kioi Mitomu , Ogawa Masaru , Sasaki Masashi , Ota Yoshihide , Umeda Masahiro
Published: March 2023

There are a few reports that focus on radiotherapy (RT) and cetuximab (CET) therapy exclusively for oral cancer. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of RT and CET therapy for locally advanced (LA) or recurrent/metastatic (R/M) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Seventy-nine patients from 13 hospitals who underwent RT and CET therapy for LA or R/M OSCC between January 2013 and May 2015 were enrolled in the study. Response, overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and adverse events were investigated. The completion rate was 62/79 (78.5%). The response rates in patients with LA and R/M OSCC were 69% and 37.8%, respectively. When only completed cases were examined, the response rates were 72.2% and 62.9%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year OS were 51.5% and 27.8%, respectively (median, 14 months), for patients with LA OSCC, and 41.5% and 11.9% (median, 10 months) for patients with R/M OSCC. The 1- and 2-year DSS were 61.8% and 33.4%, respectively (median, 17 months), for patients with LA OSCC, and 76.6% and 20.4% (median, 12 months) for patients with R/M OSCC. The most common adverse event was oral mucositis (60.8%), followed by dermatitis, acneiform rash, and paronychia. The completion rate was 85.7% in LA patients and 70.3% in R/M patients. The most common reason for noncompletion was an inadequate radiation dose due to worsening general conditions in R/M patients. Although the standard treatment for LA or R/M oral cancer is concomitant RT with high-dose cisplatin (CCRT) and the efficacy of RT and CET therapy for oral cancer is not considered to be as high as that for other head and neck cancers, it was thought that RT and CET therapy could be possible treatments for patients who cannot use high-dose cisplatin.
Efficacy and Risk Factors of Interferon-Gamma Release Assays among HIV-Positive Individuals
Authors: Qin Huifang , Wang Yiting , Huang Liwen , Huang Yan , Ye Jing , Liang Guijin , Zhou Chongxing , Liang Dabin , Liang Xiaoyan , Zhao Yanlin , Lin Mei
Published: March 2023

Latent tuberculosis is prevalent in HIV-infected people and has an impact on the progression of AIDS. The aim of this study is to match a more accurate IGRA method for the better detection of latent tuberculosis infection in HIV patients. All 2394 patients enrolled were tested using three IGRA methods. The positive rate consistency of pairwise comparison and risk factors were analyzed. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of T-SPOTTB. The positive rates of the three methods were statistically different (p < 0.001). The CD4+ T cell number statistically impacted the QuantiFERON and Wan Tai tests after the analysis with univariate logistic regression, while no statistical difference was observed in T-SPOT.TB. Additionally, there was a better sensitivity and specificity of T-SPOT.TB if the positive cut-off value of ESAT-6 and CFP-10 was 4.5 and 5.5, respectively. This study provides an insight into the IGRA methods and demonstrated that the positive response detected via QuantiFERON declined with decreased CD4+ T cells in the HIV-infected population; T-SPOT.TB functions independently of the CD4+ T cell level and Wan Tai was affected in some cases. This will be useful in the diagnosis of LTBI in the HIV-infected population, which will be a key step toward TB elimination in China.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Veneto Region: Analysis of Hospital Discharge Records from 2007 to 2021
Authors: Cocchio Silvia , Prandi Gian Marco , Furlan Patrizia , Venturato Giovanni , Saia Mario , Marcon Thomas , Tremolada Giulia , Baldo Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a known cause of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and young children. The present study aims to analyze the temporal trends and characteristics of hospitalization related to RSV in the Veneto region (Italy) in the period between 2007 and 2021. The analysis is performed on all the hospital discharge records (HDRs) of public and accredited private hospitals corresponding to hospitalizations occurring in the Veneto region (Italy). HDRs are considered if they included at least one of the following ICD9-CM codes: 079.6—Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV); 466.11—acute bronchiolitis due to RSV; and 480.1—pneumonia due to RSV. Total annual cases, sex, and age-specific rates and trends are evaluated. Overall, an increasing trend in the number of hospitalizations due to RSV was observed between 2007 and 2019, with a slight drop in RSV seasons 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. From March 2020 to September 2021, almost no hospitalization was registered, but in the last quarter of 2021, the number of hospitalizations reached its highest value in the series. Our data confirm the preponderance of RSV hospitalizations in infants and young children, the seasonality of RSV hospitalizations, and acute bronchiolitis as the most frequent diagnosis. Interestingly, the data also show the existence of a significant burden of disease and a non-negligible number of deaths also in older adults. The present study confirms RSV is associated with high rates of hospitalization in infants and sheds light on the burden in the 70+ age group in which a considerable number of deaths was observed, as well as the parallelism with other countries, which is consistent with a wide underdiagnoses issue.
Application of Parameter Optimization Methods Based on Kalman Formula to the Soil—Crop System Model
Authors: Guo Qinghua , Wu Wenliang
Published: March 2023

Soil–crop system models are effective tools for optimizing water and nitrogen application schemes, saving resources and protecting the environment. To guarantee model prediction accuracy, we must apply parameter optimization methods for model calibration. The performance of two different parameter optimization methods based on the Kalman formula are evaluated for a parameter identification of the soil Water Heat Carbon Nitrogen Simulator (WHCNS) model using mean bias error (ME), root-mean-square error (RMSE) and an index of agreement (IA). One is the iterative local updating ensemble smoother (ILUES), and the other is the DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis with Kalman-inspired proposal distribution (DREAMkzs). Our main results are as follows: (1) Both ILUES and DREAMkzs algorithms performed well in model parameter calibration with the RMSE_Maximum a posteriori (RMSE_MAP) values were 0.0255 and 0.0253, respectively; (2) ILUES significantly accelerated the process to the reference values in the artificial case, while outperforming in the calibration of multimodal parameter distribution in the practical case; and (3) the DREAMkzs algorithm considerably accelerated the burn-in process compared with the original algorithm without Kalman-formula-based sampling for parameter optimization of the WHCNS model. In conclusion, ILUES and DREAMkzs can be applied to a parameter identification of the WHCNS model for more accurate prediction results and faster simulation efficiency, contributing to the popularization of the model.
Real-Time Blink Detection as an Indicator of Computer Vision Syndrome in Real-Life Settings: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lapa Inês , Ferreira Simão , Mateus Catarina , Rocha Nuno , Rodrigues Matilde
Published: March 2023

With the increase in the number of people using digital devices, complaints about eye and vision problems have been increasing, making the problem of computer vision syndrome (CVS) more serious. Accompanying the increase in CVS in occupational settings, new and unobstructive solutions to assess the risk of this syndrome are of paramount importance. This study aims, through an exploratory approach, to determine if blinking data, collected using a computer webcam, can be used as a reliable indicator for predicting CVS on a real-time basis, considering real-life settings. A total of 13 students participated in the data collection. A software that collected and recorded users’ physiological data through the computer’s camera was installed on the participants’ computers. The CVS-Q was applied to determine the subjects with CVS and its severity. The results showed a decrease in the blinking rate to about 9 to 17 per minute, and for each additional blink the CVS score lowered by 1.26. These data suggest that the decrease in blinking rate was directly associated with CVS. These results are important for allowing the development of a CVS real-time detection algorithm and a related recommendation system that provides interventions to promote health, well-being, and improved performance.
Effect of Work-to-Rest Cycles on Cardiovascular Strain and Maximal Oxygen Uptake during Heat Stress
Authors: Mulholland Anne M. , Yoder Hillary A. , Wingo Jonathan E.
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular drift—a progressive increase in heart rate (HR) and decrease in stroke volume (SV) during prolonged exercise—is exacerbated by heat stress and thermal strain, and often accompanied by a decrease in work capacity (indexed as maximal oxygen uptake [V.O2max]). To attenuate physiological strain during work in the heat, use of work:rest ratios is recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that during moderate work in hot conditions, utilizing the recommended 45:15 min work:rest ratio would result in cardiovascular drift ‘accumulating’ over consecutive work:rest cycles and accompanying decrements in V.O2max. Eight people (5 women; (mean ± SD) age = 25 ± 5 y; body mass = 74.8 ± 11.6 kg; V.O2max = 42.9 ± 5.6 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed 120 min of simulated moderate work (201–300 kcal·h−1) in hot conditions (indoor wet-bulb globe temperature = 29.0 ± 0.6 °C). Participants completed two 45:15 min work:rest cycles. Cardiovascular drift was evaluated at 15 and 45 min of each work bout; V.O2max was measured after 120 min. On a separate day, V.O2max was measured after 15 min under identical conditions for comparison before and after cardiovascular drift occurred. HR increased 16.7% (18 ± 9 beats·min−1, p = 0.004) and SV decreased 16.9% (−12.3 ± 5.9 mL, p = 0.003) between 15 and 105 min, but V.O2max was unaffected after 120 min (p = 0.14). Core body temperature increased 0.5 ± 0.2 °C (p = 0.006) over 2 h. Recommended work:rest ratios preserved work capacity but did not prevent the accumulation of cardiovascular and thermal strain.
The Impact of School Closures on Service Utilization in School-Based Health Centers
Authors: Richards Eleanor Castine , Allen Madelyn R. , Weiss Margaret Danielle
Published: March 2023

Background: The pandemic was followed by a severe mental health crisis in youth with both an increase in the prevalence of mental health problems and a decrease in requests for and access to care. Methods: data were extracted from the school-based health center records in three large public high schools that include under-resourced and immigrant communities. Data from 2018/2019 (pre-pandemic), 2020 during the pandemic, and then in 2021 after the return to in-person school were compared regarding the impact of in-person, telehealth, and hybrid care. Results: Despite the increase in mental health needs globally, there was a dramatic decrease in referrals, evaluations, and the total number of students seen for behavioral health care. The time course of this decrease in care was specifically associated with the transition to telehealth, although treatment did not return to pre-pandemic levels, even after in-person care became available. Conclusions: Despite ease of access and increased need, these data suggest that telehealth has unique limitations when delivered in school-based health centers.