bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shedding Light on Metals Release from Chestnut Wood to Wine Spirit Using ICP-MS
Authors: Catarino Sofia , Thanasi Vasiliki , Morin Gael , Anjos Ofélia , Fernandes Tiago A. , Caldeira Ilda , Fargeton Laurent , Boissier Benjamin , Canas Sara
Published: November 2022

Possible effects caused by mineral elements during wine spirit ageing are diverse. In this study, the evolution of the mineral composition of wine spirit during ageing with chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood was investigated. A wine distillate was aged in 250 L wooden barrels (traditional ageing) and in 50 L glass demijohns with wood staves and micro-oxygenation (alternative ageing). Sampling was performed after 21, 60, 180, 270, and 365 days of ageing. The elemental composition of the wine spirits, including alkaline, alkaline earth metals, and heavy metals, was assessed by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). For most of the elements, no significant differences between wine spirits from distinct ageing modalities were observed. Ageing time had significant effect on most of them, with different trends and distinct magnitude of changes, depending on each specific element. The concentrations of the mineral elements found in the wine spirits were very low, especially those of heavy metals, which is quite positive in terms of quality and food safety. Novel information on metals released from chestnut wood to wine spirits confirms its appropriateness for ageing this beverage.
Differential Expression of Genes Related to Growth and Aflatoxin Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus When Inhibited by Bacillus velezensis Strain B2
Authors: Wu Qiaoyun , Li Huanhuan , Wang Sunxing , Zhang Zhongnian , Zhang Zhipeng , Jin Tuwei , Hu Xiufang , Zeng Guohong
Published: November 2022

Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic soil fungus that infects and contaminates seed crops with the highly carcinogenic aflatoxin, which brings health hazards to animals and humans. In this study, bacterial strains B1 and B2 isolated from the rhizosphere soil of camellia sinensis had significant antagonistic activities against A. flavus. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of 16SrDNA gene sequence, bacterial strains B1 and B2 were identified as Bacillus tequilensis and Bacillus velezensis, respectively. In addition, the transcriptome analysis showed that some genes related to A. flavus growth and aflatoxin synthesis were differential expressed and 16 genes in the aflatoxin synthesis gene cluster showed down-regulation trends when inhibited by Bacillus velezensis strain B2. We guessed that the Bacillus velezensis strain B2 may secrete some secondary metabolites, which regulate the related gene transcription of A. flavus to inhibit growth and aflatoxin production. In summary, this work provided the foundation for the more effective biocontrol of A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination by the determination of differential expression of genes related to growth and aflatoxin synthesis in A. flavus when inhibited by B. velezensis strain B2.
Effects of Storage Temperature, Packaging Material and Wash Treatment on Quality and Shelf Life of Tartary Buckwheat Microgreens
Authors: Yan Huiling , Li Wenfei , Chen Hongxu , Liao Qingxia , Xia Mengying , Wu Dingtao , Liu Changying , Chen Jianxiong , Zou Liang , Peng Lianxin , Zhao Gang , Zhao Jianglin
Published: November 2022

Tartary buckwheat microgreens (TBM) are popular worldwide products but display an extremely short shelf life. Thus, the effects of storage temperature, packaging material, and wash treatment on the quality and shelf life were analyzed. Headspace composition, weight loss, electrolyte leakage, microbial population and sensory quality were investigated during storage. Results showed that shelf life and quality of TBM decreased with the increment of storage temperature when stored at 5–25 °C. During 5 °C storage, LDPE bags were the best packaging materials for preserving the quality of LDPE, PE and HDPE bags. On the basis of 5 °C and LDPE packages, ClO2 + citric acid wash treatment could further inhibit quality deterioration and extend the shelf life. The results demonstrated bioactive constituents and antioxidant capacity were significantly affected by storage time. The study provides insights into developing optimal packaging and storage conditions for TBM.
Numerical Simulations of the Oscillating Second-Grade Fluid through a Rectangular Cross Duct with Fractional Constitution Relationship
Authors: Zhang Bo , Liu Lin , Chen Siyu , Zhang Sen , Liu Lang , Feng Libo , Zhu Jing , Zhang Jiangshan , Zheng Liancun
Published: November 2022

An oscillating second-grade fluid through a rectangular cross duct is studied. A traditional integer time derivative in the kinematic tensors is substituted by a fractional operator that considers the memory characteristics. To treat the fractional governing equation, an analytical method was obtained. To analyze the impact of the parameters more intuitively, the difference method was applied to determine the numerical expression and draw with the help of computer simulation. To reduce the cost of the amount of computation and storage, a fast scheme was proposed, one which can greatly improve the calculation speed. To verify the correctness of the difference scheme, the contrast between the numerical expression and the exact expression—constructed by introducing a source term—was given and the superiority of the fast scheme is discussed. Furthermore, the influences of the involved parameters, including the parameter of retardation time, fractional parameter, magnetic parameter, and oscillatory frequency parameter, on the distributions of velocity and shear force at the wall surface with oscillatory flow are analyzed in detail.
An Analysis of the Fractional-Order Option Pricing Problem for Two Assets by the Generalized Laplace Variational Iteration Approach
Authors: Ampun Sivaporn , Sawangtong Panumart , Sawangtong Wannika
Published: November 2022

An option is the right to buy or sell a good at a predetermined price in the future. For customers or financial companies, knowing an option’s pricing is crucial. It is well recognized that the Black–Scholes model is an effective tool for estimating the cost of an option. The Black–Scholes equation has an explicit analytical solution known as the Black–Scholes formula. In some cases, such as the fractional-order Black–Scholes equation, there is no closed form expression for the modified Black–Scholes equation. This article shows how to find the approximate analytic solutions for the two-dimensional fractional-order Black–Scholes equation based on the generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. The generalized Laplace variational iteration method, which incorporates the generalized Laplace transform with the variational iteration method, is the methodology used to discover the approximate analytic solutions to such an equation. The expression of the two-parameter Mittag–Leffler function represents the problem’s approximate analytical solution. Numerical investigations demonstrate that the proposed scheme is accurate and extremely effective for the two-dimensional fractional-order Black–Scholes Equation in the perspective of the generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. This guarantees that the generalized Laplace variational iteration method is one of the effective approaches for discovering approximate analytic solutions to fractional-order differential equations.
Editorial for Special Issue “Fractional Dynamics: Theory and Applications”
Authors: Sandev Trifce
Published: November 2022

The investigation of fluctuations and random processes in complex systems and random environments has been attracting much attention for years [...]
A Missense Mutation (c.1037 G > C, p. R346P) in PAPSS2 Gene Results in Autosomal Recessive form of Brachyolmia Type 1 (Hobaek Form) in A Consanguineous Family
Authors: Mustafa Saima , Hussain Malik Fiaz , Latif Muhammad , Ijaz Maryam , Asif Muhammad , Hassan Mubashir , Faisal Muhammad , Iqbal Furhan
Published: November 2022

Background: Brachyolmia is a skeletal disorder with an autosomal mode of inheritance (both dominant and recessive) in which the patients have a short height, scoliosis and a reduced trunk size. Methods: From the Muzaffargarh District in Pakistan, a consanguineous family with multiple Brachyolmia-affected subjects were enrolled in the present study. Basic epidemiological data and radiographs were collected for the subjects. Whole exome sequencing (WES) which was followed by Sanger sequencing was applied to report the geneticbasic of Brachyolmia. Results: The WES identified a missense mutation (c.1037 G > C, p. R346P) in exon 9 of the PAPSS2 gene that was confirmed by the Sanger sequencing in the enrolled subjects. The mutation followed a Mendalian pattern with an autosomal recessive inheritance mode. Multiple sequence alignment by Clustal Omega indicated that the PAPSS2 mutation-containing domain is highly conserved. The HEK293T whole-cell extract that was transfected with the Myc-tagged PCMV6-PAPSS2 of both the wild and mutant constructs were resolved by SDS-PAGE as well as by a Western blot, which confirmed that there are different PAPSS2 protein expression patterns when they were compared between the control and Brachyolmia patients. This difference between the normal and mutated protein was not evident when the three-dimensional computational structures were generated using homology modeling. Conclusion: We report a missense mutation (c.1037 G > C, p. R346P) in the PAPSS2 gene that caused Brachyolmia in a consanguineous Pakistani family.
Fuzzy Logic as a Strategy for Combining Marker Statistics to Optimize Preselection of High-Density and Sequence Genotype Data
Authors: Ling Ashley , Hay El Hamidi , Aggrey Samuel E. , Rekaya Romdhane
Published: November 2022

The high dimensionality of genotype data available for genomic evaluations has presented a motivation for developing strategies to identify subsets of markers capable of increasing the accuracy of predictions compared to the current commercial single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips. In this simulation study, an algorithm for combining statistics used in the preselection and prioritization of SNP markers from a high-density panel (1.3 million SNPs) into a composite “fuzzy” ranking score based on a Sugeno-type fuzzy inference system (FIS) was developed and evaluated for performance in preselection for genomic predictions. FST scores, and p-values were evaluated as inputs for the FIS. The accuracy of genomic predictions for fuzzy-score-preselected panel sizes of 1–50 k SNPs ranged from −0.4–11.7 and −0.3–3.8% higher than FST and p-value preselection, respectively. Though gains in prediction accuracies using only two inputs to the FIS were modest, preselection based on fuzzy scores yielded more accurate predictions than both FST scores and p-values for the majority of evaluated panel sizes under all genetic architectures. FIS have the potential to aggregate information from multiple criteria that reflect SNP-trait associations and biological relevance in a flexible and efficient way to yield higher quality genomic predictions.
The 22q11.2 Low Copy Repeats
Authors: Vervoort Lisanne , Vermeesch Joris Robert
Published: November 2022

LCR22s are among the most complex loci in the human genome and are susceptible to nonallelic homologous recombination. This can lead to a variety of genomic disorders, including deletions, duplications, and translocations, of which the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the most common in humans. Interrogating these phenomena is difficult due to the high complexity of the LCR22s and the inaccurate representation of the LCRs across different reference genomes. Optical mapping techniques, which provide long-range chromosomal maps, could be used to unravel the complex duplicon structure. These techniques have already uncovered the hypervariability of the LCR22-A haplotype in the human population. Although optical LCR22 mapping is a major step forward, long-read sequencing approaches will be essential to reach nucleotide resolution of the LCR22s and map the crossover sites. Accurate maps and sequences are needed to pinpoint potential predisposing alleles and, most importantly, allow for genotype–phenotype studies exploring the role of the LCR22s in health and disease. In addition, this research might provide a paradigm for the study of other rare genomic disorders.
A Novel GCK Large Genomic Rearrangement in a Patient with MODY-2 Detected by Clinical Exome Sequencing
Authors: Concolino Paola , Tartaglione Linda , De Paolis Elisa , Carrozza Cinzia , Urbani Andrea , Minucci Angelo , Pitocco Dario , Santonocito Concetta
Published: November 2022

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare form of non-autoimmune diabetes with an autosomal dominant inheritance. To date, 14 genes have been reported as genetic basis of MODY. GCK gene, encoding the glucokinase enzyme, was the first MODY gene to be identified. GCK heterozygous inactivating variants cause the GCK-MODY or MODY2 subtype. However, partial or whole gene deletions have been rarely identified, showing it to be a rare cause of GCK-MODY. We reported the molecular evaluation of a Ukrainian patient with clinical diagnosis of MODY2. We performed the Next generation sequencing of the clinical exome using the Clinical Exome Solution® kit (SOPHiA Genetics), followed by the design of a 14 genes virtual panel related to the suggestive diagnosis of MODY. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the SOPHiA DDM platform (SOPHiA Genetics). The SALSA MLPA kit for MODY (MRC-Holland) was used for relative quantification of GCK exons. From the molecular evaluation, no pathogenic sequence variants were detected in the investigated genes. Copy Number Variation analysis was able to identify a large deletion involving the last three exons of the GCK gene. This result was confirmed by MLPA. To the best of our knowledge, the identified rearrangement has never been reported in the literature.
Targeted Panel Sequencing Identifies an Intronic c.5225-3C>G Variant of the FBN1 Gene Causing Sporadic Marfan Syndrome with Annuloaortic Ectasia
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwa , Kim Tae Yun , Kim Soon Jin , Cho Yong Gon , Park Joonhong , Jang Woori
Published: November 2022

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a hereditary connective tissue disease whose clinical severity varies widely. Mutations of the FBN1 gene encoding fibrillin-1 are the most common genetic cause of Marfanoid habitus; however, about 10% of MFS patients are unaware of their genetic defects. Herein, we report a Korean patient with MFS and annuloaortic ectasia caused by an intronic c.5225-3C>G variant of the FBN1 gene identified by targeted panel sequencing. The reverse transcription analysis of FBN1 revealed that the intron 43 sequence from positions c.5297-1516 to c.5297-1 was retained at the coding sequence as a consequence of the c.5225-3C>G variant enhancing a cryptic splice acceptor site (c.5297-1518_5297-1517AG) in intron 43. The retained sequence of the part of intron 43 caused the same effect as insertion mutation (NM_000138.5:c.5297_c.5298ins5297-1516_5297-1), resulting in a frameshift mutation resulting in p.Ile1767Trpfs*3. The patient underwent an urgent modified Bentall operation with a 29 mm mechanical valve for annuloaortic ectasia and severe aortic valve regurgitation. This report emphasizes the need for functional investigations into the diagnostic workflows of certain diseases or gene panels with suspected high rates of intronic variants and potential pathogenic effects. Hence, further descriptions of individuals with intronic variants causing alternative splicing expected to have pathogenic effects at different transcript levels are crucial for improving our understanding.
Deep Learning in the Mapping of Agricultural Land Use Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Data
Authors: Singh Gurwinder , Singh Sartajvir , Sethi Ganesh , Sood Vishakha
Published: November 2022

Continuous observation and management of agriculture are essential to estimate crop yield and crop failure. Remote sensing is cost-effective, as well as being an efficient solution to monitor agriculture on a larger scale. With high-resolution satellite datasets, the monitoring and mapping of agricultural land are easier and more effective. Nowadays, the applicability of deep learning is continuously increasing in numerous scientific domains due to the availability of high-end computing facilities. In this study, deep learning (U-Net) has been implemented in the mapping of different agricultural land use types over a part of Punjab, India, using the Sentinel-2 data. As a comparative analysis, a well-known machine learning random forest (RF) has been tested. To assess the agricultural land, the major winter season crop types, i.e., wheat, berseem, mustard, and other vegetation have been considered. In the experimental outcomes, the U-Net deep learning and RF classifiers achieved 97.8% (kappa value: 0.9691) and 96.2% (Kappa value: 0.9469), respectively. Since little information exists on the vegetation cultivated by smallholders in the region, this study is particularly helpful in the assessment of the mustard (Brassica nigra), and berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) acreage in the region. Deep learning on remote sensing data allows the object-level detection of the earth’s surface imagery.
Civil War Song in Black and White: Print and the Representation of the Spirituals
Authors: Wells Jeremy Dwight
Published: November 2022

This article explores how White writers wrote about African American spirituals during and after the Civil War. While these writers tended to view Black speech as deficient, they were willing to regard Black musical expression as simply different, paving the way for its eventual nationalization as “American music”. Noting that White writers were not in the habit of admitting the inadequacies of their preferred modes of representation, the article concludes that the print representation of the spirituals contributed to a transformation of what was meant by the word “American”.
Really, Truly Trans and the (Minor) Literary Discontents of Authenticity
Authors: Hammes Aaron
Published: November 2022

Identity formation, questions of identity, shifting identities, perceived deviant identities, and reactions (social, political, cultural, individual) to them are the stuff of Bildungsroman as well as more “experimental” subgenres of long-form fiction. For minority/minoritized subjects and authors, questions of identity take on a different pallor: their work is expected to engage with questions of identity according to either or both how their subject position confronts marginalization and otherness, and how their subject position conditions every experience they have in the world, both inside and outside community. This inquiry investigates how contemporary transgender minor literature constructs dis/identity through authenticity. Imogen Binnie speculates in her 2013 novel Nevada on the concept of “Really, Truly Trans”, a cipher for identity policing and presumptions of sex–gender authenticity, based on cisnormative characteristics and, occasionally, inter-community phobias and proscriptions. More recently, Torrey Peters challenges measures of trans authenticity through both her titular detransitioner and his former partner in Detransition, Baby. Trans minor literature is an ideal testing ground for phobic public presumptions around “authentic” sex–gender and anti-identitarian strategies of those who are forced to confront purity tests and exclusion or suppression on grounds of authenticity, and each novel presses at phobic majoritarian dictates of authenticity and its presupposed value.
Virtual Reality Combined with Artificial Intelligence (VR-AI) Reduces Hot Flashes and Improves Psychological Well-Being in Women with Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Horesh Danny , Kohavi Shaked , Shilony-Nalaboff Limor , Rudich Naomi , Greenman Danielle , Feuerstein Joseph S. , Abbasi Muhammad Rashid
Published: November 2022

Background and aims: Breast and ovarian cancers affect the lives of many women worldwide. Female cancer survivors often experience hot flashes, a subjective sensation of heat associated with objective signs of cutaneous vasodilatation and a subsequent drop in core temperature. Breast and Ovarian cancer patients also suffer from sleep difficulties and mental health issues. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Bubble, a novel artificial intelligence–virtual reality (AI–VR) intervention for the treatment of hot flashes in female breast or ovarian cancer patients. Methods: Forty-two women with breast and/or ovarian cancer participated in the study. The mean age was 47 years (range: 25–60 years). Patients suffered from hot flashes at different frequencies. They used Bubble, a virtual reality (VR) mobile psychological intervention based on elements from both cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The intervention took place in a VR environment, in a winter wonderland setting called Frosty. Patients were instructed to use Bubble at home twice a day (morning and evening) and when experiencing a hot flash. Participants were asked to use the application for 24 consecutive days. Before and after this 24-day period, patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing hot flashes, general psychiatric distress, perceived stress, illness perception, sleep quality, and quality of life. Results: Between pre- and post-intervention, participants reported a significant reduction in the daily frequency of hot flashes, stress, general psychiatric distress, several domains of QOL, and sleep difficulties, as well as an improvement in illness perception. In addition, they reported very high satisfaction with Bubble. Importantly, both age and baseline levels of psychopathology moderated the effect of Bubble on sleep difficulties. Discussion: This study showed preliminary evidence for the potential of VR interventions in alleviating hot flashes and accompanying mental distress among those coping with breast and ovarian cancer. VR is a powerful therapeutic tool, able to address mind–body aspects in a direct, vivid way. More studies are needed in order to fully understand the potential of this unique intervention.
How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Urban Consumers’ Ways of Buying Agricultural Products? Evidence from Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Zengjin , Zhao Jing , Yu Zhuo , Zhou Zhou , Wang Liyuan , Chen Yusheng
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s consumption behavior and habits. This paper takes Shanghai, China as a case study and uses a questionnaire survey of urban residents in all districts in Shanghai from April to May in 2022. Herein, we empirically analyze the factors affecting shopping modes for agricultural products, describe how things have changed compared to before the outbreak of the pandemic, and explore the underlying mechanism. This paper can provide a policy reference for how to ensure the safety of people’s food supply in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that urban residents pay more attention to the basic attributes of agricultural products such as the quantity guarantee and health safety, and will adjust their consumption modes for agricultural products according to the needs of families and management. Compared with shopping malls and supermarkets, the quantity and quality assurance of community groups and e-commerce platforms can better meet the consumption situation of agricultural products during the pandemic period. The moderating effect of consumer commodity preference in the positive influence of safety evaluation on the transformation of shopping mode is significant. In general, online e-commerce platforms and community group buying have played a significant role in ensuring the acquisition of supplies needed by people during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it remains to be determined whether the changes in the shopping modes for agricultural products of urban consumers brought by the current COVID-19 pandemic are long term or solidified.
Predictors of Internalized Stigma in Patients with Schizophrenia in Northern Chile: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Ponce-Correa Felipe , Urzúa Alfonso , Irarrázaval Matías , Fond Guillaume , Boyer Laurent
Published: November 2022

The study aim was to longitudinally assess internalized stigma in a sample of patients from Northern Chile with a diagnosis of schizophrenia along with indicators of patient recovery, including quality of life, psychotic symptomatology, social cognition, premorbid adjustment, and years of untreated psychosis. The 10-year follow-up of stigma measures and predictors were assessed at public outpatient mental health centers in the city of Arica, Chile, during the months of March–July 2012. A total of 26 patients successfully completed the evaluation. The results revealed that, with the exception of the self-stigma subdimension, no clinically significant changes were seen in the trajectories of internalized stigma ratings between baseline and 10-year follow-up, underscoring the importance of assessing global components such as quality of life and premorbid adjustment during the process of internalizing stigma.
Patient-Specific 3D-Print Extracranial Vascular Simulators and Infrared Imaging Platform for Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography Training
Authors: Wu Te-Chang , Weng Jui-Yu , Lin Chien-Jen , Tsui Yu-Kun , Kuo Jinn-Rung , Chen Pei-Jarn , Wang Jhi-Joung
Published: November 2022

Tortuous aortic arch is always challenging for beginner neuro-interventionalists. Herein, we share our experience of using 3D-printed extracranial vascular simulators (VSs) and the infrared imaging platform (IRIP) in two training courses for diagnostic cerebral angiography in the past 4 years. A total of four full-scale patient-specific carotid-aortic-iliac models were fabricated, including one type I arch, one bovine variant, and two type III arches. With an angiography machine (AM) as the imaging platform for the practice and final test, the first course was held in March 2018 had 10 participants, including three first-year residents (R1), three second-year residents (R2), and four third-year residents (R3). With introduction of the IRIP as the imaging platform for practice, the second course in March 2022 had nine participants, including 3 R1s, 3 R2s, and 3 R3s. The total manipulation time (TMT) to complete type III aortic arch navigation was recorded. In the first course, the average TMT of the first trial was 13.1 min. Among 3 R1s and 3 R2s attending the second trial, the average TMT of the second trial was 3.4 min less than that of the first trial. In the second course using IRIP, the average TMT of the first and second trials was 6.7 min and 4.8 min, respectively. The TMT of the second trial (range 2.2~14.4 min; median 5.9 min) was significantly shorter than that of the first trial (range 3.6~18 min; median 8.7 min), regardless of whether AM or IRIP was used (p = 0.001). Compared with first trial, the TMT of the second trial was reduced by an average of 3.7 min for 6 R1s, which was significantly greater than the 1.7 min of R2 and R3 (p = 0.049). Patient-specific VSs with radiation-free IRIP could be a useful training platform for junior residents with little experience in neuroangiography.
Pre-Hispanic Periods and Diet Analysis of the Inhabitants of the Quito Plateau (Ecuador): A Review
Authors: Ordoñez-Araque Roberto , Ruales Jenny , Vargas-Jentzsch Paul , Ramos-Guerrero Luis , Romero-Bastidas Martha , Montalvo-Puente Carlos , Serrano-Ayala Sthefano
Published: November 2022

In all of the different historical periods during its development, the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the Quito plateau and its valleys used the flora and fauna for food and the development of their society. The objective of this study is to review the chronological periods that correspond to the territory of the current city of Quito, as well as the possible diet, and the toxic substances to which the inhabitants could be exposed. The main archeological sites in the territory of Quito are as follows: (1) 11000–1500 BC (Preceramic): El Inga-Rancho Bajo; (2) 1500–500 BC (Formative): Rancho Bajo-Cotocollao-Tajamar; (3) 500 BC–500 AD (Regional Development): Jardín del Este; (4) 500–1500 AD (Integration): La Florida–Rumipamba-Chillogallo-Chilibulu and; (5) 1500–1534 AD (Inca period): Quito, which is today’s historic center and urban area. The probable main vegetable foods that were consumed were corn, potato, quinoa, beans, chili, and oca, while the main meat foods were rabbit, guinea pig, deer, guanta, and llama. The possible toxic substances to which the inhabitants could be exposed by consuming contaminated foods were glycoalkaloids (α-solanine and α-chaconine), tropane alkaloids, and heavy metals. The analysis of biomolecules in archeological remains is feasible, and some physicochemical analytical techniques are capable of using small samples. Moreover, the possible application of spectroscopic methods, supported by quantum chemistry, in order to predict the occurrence of molecules in the past cannot be ruled out.
Use of Irrigation Device for Duct Dilatation during Sialendoscopy
Authors: Pagliuca Giulio , Clemenzi Veronica , Stolfa Andrea , Martellucci Salvatore , Greco Antonio , de Vincentiis Marco , Gallo Andrea
Published: November 2022

Background: Continuous irrigation of the duct with isotonic saline is one of the fundamental stages of a successful sialendoscopic procedure. It allows for an adequate luminal distension for the removal of debris and mucous plugs and for the conservative treatment of strictures. This procedure, which commonly involves the use of a medical syringe, can be laborious, and it is often necessary to interrupt irrigation during surgery due to the high resistance to saline. Setting: Academic university hospital. Method: We propose the use of an irrigation device which consists of a high-pressure syringe barrel, an ergonomic piston handle, and a gauge used to monitor the inflation and deflation of balloon catheters. The system allows for a simple and safe dilation, ensuring good visualization of the salivary duct lumen during sialendoscopy. Conclusions: The irrigation system described can be widely used to perform a diagnostic or interventional sialendoscopy more effectively than with a typical manual irrigation procedure.
Accelerometer Cut-Points for Physical Activity Assessment in Adults with Mild to Moderate Huntington’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Multicentre Study
Authors: Simón-Vicente Lucía , Rivadeneyra-Posadas Jéssica , Soto-Célix María , Raya-González Javier , Castillo Daniel , Calvo Sara , Collazo Carla , Rodríguez-Fernández Alejandro , Fahed Vitoria S. , Mariscal Natividad , García-Bustillo Álvaro , Aguado Laura , Cubo Esther
Published: November 2022

Accelerometers can estimate the intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity in healthy adults. Although thresholds to distinguish varying levels of activity intensity using the Actigraph wGT3X-B have been established for the general population, their accuracy for Huntington’s disease (HD) is unknown. We aimed to define and cross-validate accelerometer cut-points for different walking speeds in adults with mild to moderate HD. A cross-sectional, multicentre, case-control, observational study was conducted with a convenience sample of 13 symptomatic ambulatory HD participants. The accelerometer was placed around the right hip, and a heart monitor was fitted around the chest to monitor heart rate variability. Participants walked on a treadmill at three speeds with light, moderate and vigorous intensities. Correlation and receiver operation curve analyses were performed between the accelerometer magnitude vector with relative oxygen and heart rate. Optimal cut-points for walking speeds of 3.2 km/h were ≤2852; 5.2 km/h: >2852 to ≤4117, and in increments until their maximum velocity: >4117. Our results support the application of the disease-specific cut-points for quantifying physical activity in patients with mild to moderate HD and promoting healthy lifestyle interventions.
Reversing Years for Global Food Security: A Review of the Food Security Situation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Authors: Wudil Abdulazeez Hudu , Usman Muhammad , Rosak-Szyrocka Joanna , Pilař Ladislav , Boye Mortala
Published: November 2022

All around the world, inequalities persist in the complex web of social, economic, and ecological factors that mediate food security outcomes at different human and institutional scales. There have been rapid and continuous improvements in agricultural productivity and better food security in many regions of the world during the past 50 years due to an expansion in crop area, irrigation, and supportive policy and institutional initiatives. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is inverted. Statistics show that food insecurity has risen since 2015 in Sub-Saharan African countries, and the situation has worsened owing to the Ukraine conflict and the ongoing implications of the COVID-19 threat. This review looks into multidimensional challenges to achieving the SDG2 goal of “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture” in Sub-Saharan Africa and the prosper policy recommendations for action. Findings indicate that weak economic growth, gender inequality, high inflation, low crop productivity, low investment in irrigated agriculture and research, climate change, high population growth, poor policy frameworks, weak infrastructural development, and corruption are the major hurdles in the sustaining food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Promoting investments in agricultural infrastructure and extension services together with implementing policies targeted at enhancing the households’ purchasing power, especially those in rural regions, appear to be essential drivers for improving both food availability and food access.
Spatial-Temporal Characteristics and Influence Factors of Carbon Emission from Livestock Industry in China
Authors: Hao Dequan , Wang Rui , Gao Chaojie , Song Xinyan , Liu Wenxin , Hu Guangyin
Published: November 2022

Animal husbandry is an important source of carbon emissions. As a large country, China must measure the carbon emissions from animal husbandry to reveal the spatial and temporal characteristics and determine the influencing factors to realize low-carbon animal husbandry and carbon emission reduction. In this paper, the carbon emissions of the livestock industry in each province of China were calculated with the emission coefficient method, considering the temperature change factor. The spatial and temporal characteristics and influencing factors of livestock industry carbon emissions were analyzed using the kernel density model, the spatial autocorrelation model, and the Tobit model. The results indicated that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, carbon emissions from the livestock industry in China experienced four stages: rapid rise, rapid decline, slow rise, and fluctuating decline, with an overall downward trend. Carbon emissions in the eastern and central regions showed a downward trend, while carbon emissions in the western regions showed an upward trend. (2) In terms of time, the relative gap in carbon emissions among the provinces narrowed first and then widened; the spatial agglomeration of carbon emissions from livestock farming in China increased, gradually forming the characteristics of “high agglomeration, low agglomeration”, and showing a gradually decreasing pattern from northwest to southeast. (3) Nationwide, industrial structure, population, and farmers’ income levels have had significantly promoting effects on animal husbandry carbon emissions, and the urbanization and agricultural mechanization levels have had significant inhibitory effects on carbon emissions. Finally, based on the above factors, it can be concluded that recognizing the location conditions, promoting the upgrading of industrial structures, and adopting differentiated strategies will help to promote the reduction in carbon emissions in animal husbandry and achieve its high-quality development.
Impact of Digital Economy Development on Carbon Emission Efficiency: A Spatial Econometric Analysis Based on Chinese Provinces and Cities
Authors: Liu Liang , Zhang Yuhan , Gong Xiujuan , Li Mengyue , Li Xue , Ren Donglin , Jiang Pan
Published: November 2022

In the realistic context of the development of China’s digital economy and carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, to efficiently achieve high-quality economic and green and low-carbon transformation, this paper investigates the impact of digital economy development on the carbon emission efficiency of 30 Chinese provinces and cities from 2011–2019. In this paper, firstly, the digital economy development index and carbon emission efficiency are calculated by the entropy method and the Super-SBM-Undesirable Model. Secondly, the Spatial Lag Model (SAR) and the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) are respectively constructed under the adjacency matrix and the geographic distance matrix to empirically test the spatial impact of the digital economy on carbon emission efficiency. The results show that: the digital economy development and carbon emission efficiency of Chinese provinces and cities both show the spatial distribution characteristics of stronger in the East and weaker in the Middle and West; the digital economy development in Chinese provinces and cities has a significantly positive direct and spatial spillover effect on carbon emission efficiency; there are differences in the direct and spatial spillover effects of various dimensions of the digital economy development on the carbon emission efficiency in Chinese provinces and cities; the direct effect of the digital economy development on the carbon emission efficiency in Chinese provinces and cities has significant regional heterogeneity among eastern, central, and western regions. This paper provides new empirical evidence for developing countries such as China to proactively develop a digital economy to promote energy conservation and emission reduction to realize green and low-carbon transformation.
Longitudinal Associations between Teacher-Student Relationships and Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence: The Mediating Role of Basic Need Satisfaction
Authors: Wu Guoqiang , Zhang Lijin
Published: November 2022

The quality of teacher-student relationships has been shown to relate to adolescents’ prosocial behavior, but the motivational mechanisms underlying this association remained unclear. Based on relationships motivation theory (RMT), we examined whether the associations between teacher-student relationships (closeness and conflict) and prosocial behavior are bidirectional, and the mediating role of basic psychological need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness need satisfaction) in these links. Data were collected from a sample of 438 secondary school students who completed a survey at two-time points over eight months. The cross-lagged autoregressive model revealed that the relation between close teacher-student relationship and prosocial behavior was bidirectional over time. Moreover, relatedness need satisfaction mediated the positive effect of close teacher-student relationship and the negative effect of teacher-student relationship conflict on adolescents’ prosocial behavior. This study highlights the importance of close teacher-student relationship and relatedness need satisfaction to foster adolescents’ prosocial behavior.
The Incidence of Falls and Related Factors among Chinese Elderly Community Residents in Six Provinces
Authors: Wang Kun , Chen Meijun , Zhang Xiaoyue , Zhang Lanchao , Chang Chun , Tian Yu , Wang Xiaofeng , Li Zhijing , Ji Ying
Published: November 2022

This cross-sectional study classified the factors related to falls among residents ≥ 60 years old in China in order to provide evidence for the prevention of falls in the elderly. A total of 2994 participants were enrolled, and the correlations between social demography, physical health, self-health management awareness, family support, and fall risk were analyzed. Factors influencing falls were classified by location, cause, and the activity during falls. Suffering from osteoarthropathy (OR = 1.761, 95% CI: 1.234–2.513, p < 0.05), depression or anxiety (OR = 1.896, 95% CI: 1.331–2.700, p < 0.001), household size > 2 (OR = 1.806, 95% CI: 1.042–3.130, p < 0.05), and poor self-assessed health (OR = 1.478, 95% CI: 1.107–1.972, p < 0.01) were risk factors. Higher participation in community health programs (OR = 0.522, 95% CI: 0.298–0.912, p < 0.05) and spousal support (OR = 0.909, 95% CI: 0.841–0.981, p < 0.05) were protective factors. Falls were divided into the following categories: stairs/hallway (vision, attention problems), bath/toilet (vision, attention problems, slipping), indoor housework (dizziness, leg weakness), and outdoor activities (attention, surface problems). While acknowledging that the personal physical and mental health of the elderly may lead to falls, community support, accelerated transformation of housing, and the construction of barrier-free environments play an important role in reducing the risk of falls.
Real-Life Testing of the Prescription Opioid Misuse Index in French Primary Care
Authors: Laporte Catherine , Fortin Frédéric , Dupouy Julie , Quirin Aurélie , Pereira Bruno , Chenaf Chouki , Delorme Jessica , Maynié-François Christine , Rat Cédric , Birebent Jordan , Rambaud Jacques , Duale Christian , Kerckhove Nicolas , Delage Noémie , Authier Nicolas
Published: November 2022

Analgesic opioid (AO) misuse by patients ranges from 0% to 50%. General practitioners are the first prescribers of AO. Our objective was to validate the Prescription Opioid Misuse Index (POMI) in primary care. We conducted a psychometric study in patients with chronic pain who had been taking AOs for at least 3 months and were followed in general practice. Patients responded to the POMI at inclusion and after 2 weeks. The reference used was the DSM-V. Sixty-nine GPs included 160 patients (87 women, 54.4%), mean age 56.4 ± 15.2 years. The total POMI score was 1.50 ± 1.27, and 73/160 (45.6.0%) had a score ≥ 2 (misuse threshold). Internal validity was measured with the Kuder–Richardson coefficient, which was 0.44. Correlations between each item and the total score ranged from 0.06 to 0.35. Test–retest reliability was determined from 145 patients: Lin’s concordance coefficient was 0.57 [0.46, 0.68]. Correlation with the DSM-V (Spearman’s coefficient) was 0.52. The POMI does not have sufficient psychometric properties to be recommended as a tool to identify the misuse of AOs in primary care. This study clearly showed that there is a need to create a monitoring tool specific to primary care.
Psychometric Analysis of the Quarantine Coping Strategies Scale (Q-COPE) in the Spanish Language
Authors: Cunza-Aranzábal Denis Frank , Morales-García Wilter C. , Saintila Jacksaint , Huancahuire-Vega Salomón , Ruiz Mamani Percy G.
Published: November 2022

The possibility of facing an epidemic or pandemic resulting in mandatory isolation or quarantine has become a relevant construct for comparing and evaluating coping strategies under such conditions. The objective of this research was to develop and analyze the psychometric properties of a scale to assess quarantine coping strategies (Q-COPE). This was an instrumental study and 1110 Peruvian adults (M = 26.9 years; SD = 9.77) participated in the context of social isolation. For the construction of the scale, qualitative and quantitative procedures were followed. The internal structure was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The content analysis by expert judges supports the representativeness of the items related to the construct. EFA and CFA allowed the establishment of five factors: Emotional regulation, Information, Accommodation, Social support, and Altruism. The first-order model presents adequate goodness-of-fit indices: χ2 = 489.048, df = 220, χ2/df = 2.223, SRMR = 0.025, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.047. Likewise, the second order model presented similar values: χ2 = 499.674, df = 225, χ2/df = 2.221, SRMR = 0.026, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.047. The 23-item version was consistent with the proposed theory, obtained adequate fit indices and acceptable factor loadings (>0.70), and presented good internal consistency indexes evaluated by Cronbach’s α, ordinal α, omega (ω), and H coefficient. It is concluded that the Q-COPE scale presents good psychometric properties that justify its use in an adult population and allows the assessment of the coping strategies that people use in the face of a quarantine situation.
The Association between Resilience and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jeamjitvibool Thanakrit , Duangchan Cherdsak , Mousa Andria , Mahikul Wiriya
Published: November 2022

This study examined the association between resilience and psychological distress in healthcare workers, the general population, and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and Nursing and Allied Health databases. Included articles examined healthcare workers (e.g., physicians and nurses), the general population, and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies of exposure to other infectious diseases related to epidemics or pandemics (e.g., SARS and MERS) were excluded. This study was performed following the Cooper matrix review method and PRISMA guidelines, followed by a meta-analysis of study results using R version 4.1.2. A random effect model was used for the pooled analysis. This study was registered with PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42021261429). Based on the meta-analysis, we found a moderate negative relationship between overall resilience and psychological distress (r = −0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.45 to −0.38, p < 0.001). For the subgroup analysis, a moderately significant negative relationship between overall resilience and psychological distress was found among healthcare workers (r = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.33, p < 0.001), which was weaker than in the general population (r = −0.45, 95% CI: −0.50 to −0.39, p < 0.001) and in patients (r = −0.43; 95% CI: −0.52 to −0.33; p < 0.001). This association was robust, although the heterogeneity among individual effect sizes was substantial (I2 = 94%, 99%, and 74%, respectively). This study revealed a moderate negative relationship between resilience and psychological distress in healthcare workers, the general population, and patients. For all these populations, interventions and resources are needed to improve individuals’ resilience and ability to cope with psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future disease outbreaks.