bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of the Stability of Soil Aggregates and Erodibility to Land Use Patterns in Wetland Ecosystems of Karst Plateau
Authors: Cen Longpei , Peng Xudong , Dai Quanhou
Published: March 2024

The world’s natural wetlands, which have important ecological functions, are being lost at an alarming rate. The erosion and deposition of soil on wetlands is a major cause of wetland conversion to agriculture. An urgent problem to be solved is how to slow down the erosion and deposition of wetlands resulting from land use. Land use patterns affect soil properties, thereby affecting soil aggregate stability and erodibility. Evaluating the effects of land use patterns on soil aggregate stability and erodibility in small watersheds of wetland ecosystems of karst plateau is of great importance. Thus, we compared the soil properties, aggregate stability indicators and soil erodibility of shrubland, grassland, artificial forest land and sloping farmland for evaluating the impact of various land use patterns on soil aggregate stability and erodibility in typical karst plateau wetland ecosystems. Our results showed that the mass fraction of soil aggregates > 0.25 mm was the main component in the four land uses, with greater variation in aggregates > 5 mm; overall, MWD, GMD and WSA0.25 were higher in grassland and shrubland than in sloping farmland and artificial forest land, while K values, PAD and SCAI showed the opposite trend. Correlation analysis showed that effective soil nutrients had a positive effect on soil aggregate stability. In conclusion, the stability of soil aggregates and resistance to soil erosion were strongest under the influence of shrubland. Our study showed that shrubland can better improve soil aggregate stability and erosion resistance, which may provide a guide for protecting and restoring karst plateau wetland ecosystems.
A Combination of Human Activity and Climate Drives Forest Fire Occurrence in Central Europe: The Case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Berčák Roman , Holuša Jaroslav , Trombik Jiří , Resnerová Karolina , Hlásny Tomáš
Published: March 2024

Central Europe is not a typical wildfire region; however, an increasingly warm and dry climate and model-based projections indicate that the number of forest fires are increasing. This study provides new insights into the drivers of forest fire occurrence in the Czech Republic, during the period 2006 to 2015, by focusing on climate, land cover, and human activity factors. The average annual number of forest fires during the study period was 728, with a median burned area of 0.01 ha. Forest fire incidence showed distinct spring (April) and summer (July to August) peaks, with median burned areas of 0.04 ha and 0.005 ha, respectively. Relationships between the predictors (climate data, forest-related data, socioeconomic data, and landscape-context data) and the number of forest fires in individual municipality districts were analyzed using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) on three time scales (annually, monthly, and during the summer season). The constructed GAMs explained 48.7 and 53.8% of forest fire variability when fire occurrence was analyzed on a monthly scale and during the summer season, respectively. On an annual scale, the models explained 71.4% of the observed forest fire variability. The number of forest fires was related to the number of residents and overnight tourists in the area. The effect of climate was manifested on monthly and summer season scales only, with warmer and drier conditions associated with higher forest fire frequency. A higher proportion of conifers and the length of the wildland–urban interface were also positively associated with forest fire occurrence. Forest fire occurrence was influenced by a combination of climatic, forest-related, and social activity factors. The effect of climate was most pronounced on a monthly scale, corresponding with the presence of two distinct seasonal peaks of forest fire occurrence. The significant effect of factors related to human activity suggests that measures to increase public awareness about fire risk and targeted activity regulation are essential in controlling the risk of fire occurrence in Central Europe. An increasing frequency of fire-conducive weather, forest structure transformations due to excessive tree mortality, and changing patterns of human activity on the landscape require permanent monitoring and assessment of possible shifts in forest fire risk.
Characterization of Oscillatory Response of Light-Weight Wind Turbine Rotors under Controlled Gust Pulses
Authors: Ponta Fernando , Farrell Alayna , Baruah Apurva , Yates North
Published: March 2024

Given the industry-wide trend of continual increases in the size of utility-scale wind turbines, a point will come where reductions will need to be made in terms of the weight of the turbine’s blades to ensure they can be as long as needed without sacrificing structural stability. One such technique that may be considered is to decrease the material used for the shell and spar cap. While this will solve the weight issue, it creates a new one entirely—less material for the shell and spar cap will in turn create blades that are more flexible than what is currently used. This article aims to investigate how the oscillatory response of light-weight wind turbine rotors is affected by these flexibility changes. The object of our study is the Sandia National Lab National Rotor Testbed (SNL-NRT) wind turbine, which the authors investigated in the course of a research project supported by SNL. Using a reduced-order characterization (ROC) technique based on controlled gust pulses, introduced by the authors in a previous work, the aeroelastic dynamics of the NRT’s original baseline blade design and several of its flexible variations were studied via numerical simulations employing the CODEF multiphysics suite. Results for this characterization are presented and analyzed, including a generalization of the ROC of the SNL-NRT oscillatory dynamics to larger machines with geometrical similarity. The latter will prove to be valuable in terms of extrapolating results from the present investigation and other ongoing studies to the scale of current and future commercial machines.
Improvement in Muscle Fatty Acid Bioavailability and Volatile Flavor in Tilapia by Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Nutrition Strategy
Authors: Chen Fang , He Yuhui , Li Xinyi , Zhu Hangbo , Li Yuanyou , Xie Dizhi
Published: March 2024

To investigate the modification of muscle quality of farmed tilapia through dietary fatty acid strategies, two diets were formulated. Diet SO, using soybean oil as the lipid source, and diet BO, using blended soybean and linseed oils, each including 0.58% and 1.35% α-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively, were formulated to feed juvenile tilapia for 10 weeks. The muscular nutrition composition, positional distribution of fatty acid in triglycerides (TAGs) and phospholipids (PLs), volatile flavor, lipid mobilization and oxidation were then analyzed. The results showed that there was no distinct difference between the SO and BO groups in terms of the nutrition composition, including crude protein, crude lipid, TAGs, PLs, and amino acid. Although the fatty acid distribution characteristics in ATGs and PLs showed a similar trend in the two groups, a higher level of n-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) and n-3 LC-PUFA (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid) bound to the glycerol backbone of TAGs and PLs was detected in the BO group than the SO group, whereas the opposite was true for n-6 PUFA. Additionally, the muscular volatile aldehyde and alcohol levels were higher in the BO group. Moreover, the expression of enzymatic genes and protein activities related to lipid mobilization (LPL, LPCAT, DGAT) and oxidation (LOX and GPX) was higher in the BO group. The results demonstrate that high-ALA diets may improve the fatty acid bioavailability and volatile flavor of tilapia by improving the lipid mobilization and oxidation, which provides new ideas for the improvement of muscle quality in farmed fish.
Investigating the Role of β-Disodium Glycerophosphate and Urea in Promoting Growth of Streptococcus thermophilus from Omics-Integrated Genome-Scale Models
Authors: Hou Chengjie , Song Xin , Xiong Zhiqiang , Wang Guangqiang , Xia Yongjun , Ai Lianzhong
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of urea and β-GP on the growth of Streptococcus thermophilus S-3, a bacterium commonly used in industrial fermentation processes. Through a series of growth experiments, transcriptome, metabolome, and omics-based analyses, the research demonstrates that both urea and β-GP can enhance the biomass of S. thermophilus, with urea showing a more significant effect. The optimal urea concentration for growth was determined to be 3 g/L in M17 medium. The study also highlights the metabolic pathways influenced by urea and β-GP, particularly the galactose metabolism pathway, which is crucial for cell growth when lactose is the substrate. The integration of omics data into the genome-scale metabolic model of S. thermophilus, iCH502, allowed for a more accurate prediction of metabolic fluxes and growth rates. The study concludes that urea can serve as a viable substitute for β-GP in the cultivation of S. thermophilus, offering potential cost and efficiency benefits in industrial fermentation processes. The findings are supported by validation experiments with 11 additional strains of S. thermophilus, which showed increased biomass in UM17 medium.
Dairy, Plant, and Novel Proteins: Scientific and Technological Aspects
Authors: Liu Yaozheng , Aimutis William R. , Drake MaryAnne
Published: March 2024

Alternative proteins have gained popularity as consumers look for foods that are healthy, nutritious, and sustainable. Plant proteins, precision fermentation-derived proteins, cell-cultured proteins, algal proteins, and mycoproteins are the major types of alternative proteins that have emerged in recent years. This review addresses the major alternative-protein categories and reviews their definitions, current market statuses, production methods, and regulations in different countries, safety assessments, nutrition statuses, functionalities and applications, and, finally, sensory properties and consumer perception. Knowledge relative to traditional dairy proteins is also addressed. Opportunities and challenges associated with these proteins are also discussed. Future research directions are proposed to better understand these technologies and to develop consumer-acceptable final products.
Bifidobacterium Relieved Fluoride-Induced Hepatic and Ileal Toxicity via Inflammatory Response and Bile Acid Transporters in Mice
Authors: Wu Yue , Cheng Ao , Wang Yu , Zhu Qianlong , Ren Xuting , Lu Yiguang , Shi Erbao , Zhuang Cuicui , Wang Jundong , Liang Chen , Zhang Jianhai
Published: March 2024

Fluoride is a pervasive environmental contaminant. Prolonged excessive fluoride intake can inflict severe damage on the liver and intestines. Previous 16S rDNA sequencing revealed a decrease in ileal Bifidobacterium abundance during fluoride-induced hepatointestinal injury. Hence, this work aimed to investigate the possible mitigating function of Bifidobacterium on hepatointestinal injury caused by fluoride. Thirty-six 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice (equally divided between males and females) were allotted randomly to three groups: Ctrl group (distilled water), NaF group, and NaF + Ba group (100 mg/L NaF distilled water). After 10 weeks, the mice were given 1 × 109 CFU/mL Bifidobacterium solution (0.2 mL/day) intragastrically in the NaF + Ba group for 8 weeks, and the mice in other groups were given the same amount of distilled water. Dental damage, bone fluoride content, blood routine, liver and intestinal microstructure and function, inflammatory factors, and regulatory cholic acid transporters were examined. Our results showed that fluoride increased glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activities, and the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels in serum, liver, and ileum. However, Bifidobacterium intervention alleviated fluoride-induced changes in the above indicators. In addition, Bifidobacterium reduced the mRNA expression levels of bile acid transporters ASBT, IBABP, OST-α, and OST-β in the ileum. In summary, Bifidobacterium supplementation relieved fluoride-induced hepatic and ileal toxicity via an inflammatory response and bile acid transporters in the liver and ileum of mice.
Old Apple Cultivars as a Natural Source of Phenolics and Triterpenoids with Cytoprotective Activity on Caco-2 and HepG2 Cells
Authors: Szymczak Kamil , Zakłos-Szyda Małgorzata , Mietlińska Katarzyna , Eliašová Adriana , Jodłowska Iga , Gruľová Daniela , Hodun Grzegorz , Bonikowski Radosław
Published: March 2024

Apples are among the most consumed fruits worldwide. They serve as an excellent source of compounds that have a positive impact on human health. While new varieties of apples are being developed, numerous varieties have been forgotten. In this article, we present the results of research on 30 old apple cultivars, focusing on both qualitative and quantitative determination of antioxidant properties, and content of total phenolics, phenolic acids, triterpenoids and polyphenols. Our analyses show significant differences in the total content of each group of compounds between apple cultivars, as well as the phytochemical profile. The richest source of antioxidants was revealed to be ‘Reneta Blenheimska’ and ‘Książę Albrecht Pruski’ varieties, but the highest amount of phenolics had ‘James Grieve’ and ‘Kantówka Gdańska’ (KG). Among studied apples KG, ‘Krótkonóżka Królewska’ and ‘Grochówka’ (G) were the richest source of phenolic acids and polyphenols, whereas G, ‘James Grieve’ and ‘Krótkonóżka Królewska’ had the highest level of triterpenoids. Based on these findings, we selected two cultivars, G and KG, for further in vitro cell line-based studies. Based on biological activity analyses, we demonstrated not only antioxidant potential but also proapoptotic and cytoprotective properties within human-originated Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines. In the era of a dynamically growing number of lifestyle diseases, it is particularly important to draw the attention of producers and consumers to the need to choose fruit varieties with the highest possible content of health-promoting compounds and, therefore, with the strongest health-promoting properties.
Assessing the Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on the Natural Microbiota and Quality of Pork during Storage
Authors: Oliinychenko Yelyzaveta K. , Ekonomou Sotirios I. , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Stratakos Alexandros Ch.
Published: March 2024

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel non-thermal technology with significant potential for use in meat processing to prolong shelf life. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of CAP treatment on the natural microbiota and quality traits of pork stored for 8 days at 4 °C. CAP treatment was applied by employing piezoelectric direct discharge technology to treat pork samples for 0, 3, 6, and 9 min. Reductions of approximately 0.8–1.7 log CFU/g were observed in total viable counts (TVC) and Pseudomonas spp. levels for CAP treatments longer than 3 min, immediately after treatment. A storage study revealed that CAP-treated pork (>6 min) had significantly lower levels of TVC, Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacteriaceae throughout storage. Regarding quality traits, CAP application for longer than 3 min significantly increased water retention and yellowness and decreased meat redness compared to untreated pork. However, other parameters such as pH, tenderness, and lightness exhibited no statistically significant differences between untreated and CAP-treated pork. Lipid oxidation levels were higher only for the 9-min treatment compared to untreated pork. Our results revealed that CAP is a promising technology that can extend the microbiological shelf life of pork during refrigeration storage.
Garlic Origin Traceability and Identification Based on Fusion of Multi-Source Heterogeneous Spectral Information
Authors: Han Hao , Sha Ruyi , Dai Jing , Wang Zhenzhen , Mao Jianwei , Cai Min
Published: March 2024

The chemical composition and nutritional content of garlic are greatly impacted by its production location, leading to distinct flavor profiles and functional properties among garlic varieties from diverse origins. Consequently, these variations determine the preference and acceptance among diverse consumer groups. In this study, purple-skinned garlic samples were collected from five regions in China: Yunnan, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu Provinces. Mid-infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectroscopy were utilized to analyze the components of garlic cells. Three preprocessing methods, including Multiple Scattering Correction (MSC), Savitzky–Golay Smoothing (SG Smoothing), and Standard Normalized Variate (SNV), were applied to reduce the background noise of spectroscopy data. Following variable feature extraction by Genetic Algorithm (GA), a variety of machine learning algorithms, including XGboost, Support Vector Classification (SVC), Random Forest (RF), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were used according to the fusion of spectral data to obtain the best processing results. The results showed that the best-performing model for ultraviolet spectroscopy data was SNV-GA-ANN, with an accuracy of 99.73%. The best-performing model for mid-infrared spectroscopy data was SNV-GA-RF, with an accuracy of 97.34%. After the fusion of ultraviolet and mid-infrared spectroscopy data, the SNV-GA-SVC, SNV-GA-RF, SNV-GA-ANN, and SNV-GA-XGboost models achieved 100% accuracy in both training and test sets. Although there were some differences in the accuracy of the four models under different preprocessing methods, the fusion of ultraviolet and mid-infrared spectroscopy data yielded the best outcomes, with an accuracy of 100%. Overall, the combination of ultraviolet and mid-infrared spectroscopy data fusion and chemometrics established in this study provides a theoretical foundation for identifying the origin of garlic, as well as that of other agricultural products.
Evaluation of the Quality Changes in Three Commercial Pastourma Samples during Refrigerated Storage Using Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Image Analyses Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Kritsi Eftichia , Ladika Georgia , Stavropoulou Natalia A. , Oikonomakou Marianna , Ioannou Alexandros-George , Christodoulou Paris , Konteles Spyridon J. , Cavouras Dionisis , Sinanoglou Vassilia J.
Published: March 2024

Despite the inherent stability of dried and cured products, such as pastourma, appropriate refrigeration remains essential for preserving their optimal characteristics. This study explored quality and safety characteristics in lamb, beef, and buffalo pastourma during 16-day refrigeration storage after package opening. The comprehensive approach employed Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, colorimetry, and image analysis, alongside physicochemical and microbiological analyses, to shed light on these alterations. The findings reveal a reduction in textural uniformity and color vibrancy (fading reds and yellows) across all samples during storage, with lamb pastourma exhibiting the most pronounced effects. Notably, image analysis emerged as a powerful tool, enabling the accurate classification of samples based on storage duration. Additionally, significant variations were observed in moisture content, hue angle, firmness, and TBARS levels, highlighting their influence on pastourma quality. The study documented a gradual decrease in lactic acid bacteria and aerobic plate count populations over time. ATR-FTIR spectra’s interpretation revealed the presence of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and water. Protein secondary structures, demonstrably influenced by the meat type used, exhibited significant changes during storage, potentially impacting the functional and textural properties of pastourma. Overall, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of pastourma spoilage during storage, paving the way for the development of improved preservation and storage strategies.
“Everything Is Old”: National Socialism and the Weathering of the Jews of Łódź
Authors: Strauss Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Using the social scientific theory of “weathering”, the case study presented here reveals the broader explanatory power of the theory. Arline Geronimus developed the concept to describe the impact of racist systems on marginalized populations. Based on more than four decades of empirical research, Geronimus posits that the cumulative impact of navigating the structural racism embedded in US institutions results in accelerated declines in health and premature aging. The historical case study of the Łódź ghetto demonstrates that Nazi persecution of the Jews during the Holocaust resulted in a similar process of weathering among Jews. From 1939 to 1945, German authorities systematically dispossessed and uprooted, purposely starved, and exploited for labor the tens of thousands of Jews held captive in the Łódź ghetto. Despite valiant Jewish efforts to ameliorate the hardships of life in the ghetto, the persistent onslaught of racist policies and degradation ultimately resulted in widespread weathering of the population on an individual and communal level. I propose that the concept of “weathering” developed by social scientists has broad interpretative power for understanding the personal and communal impact of white supremacist societies in a historical context. The case of the Łódź ghetto is instructive beyond what it reveals about the particular persecution of the Jews during the Third Reich. The abrupt imposition of a racist system of government, the steady escalation of antisemitic policies from oppression and exploitation to genocide, and the relatively short duration of the ghetto’s existence lays bare the cumulative effects of widespread individual weathering on the vitality of the community itself. In the Łódź ghetto, prolonged exposure to an environment governed by white supremacy also resulted in communal weathering.
Tracing Jewish Ancestry and Beyond—Exploring the Transformative Impact and Possibilities of the Documentation of Jewish Records Worldwide (DoJR) Project
Authors: Sack Sallyann , Kluveld Amanda
Published: March 2024

This article analyses the transformative impact of the Documentation of Jewish Records Worldwide (DoJR) project, launched in 2017, on Jewish genealogy. Jewish genealogy, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition and cultural significance, transcends mere ancestral tracing, embodying a comprehensive exploration of Jewish history and heritage. The DoJR project represents a monumental shift in this field, aiming to compile a comprehensive, freely accessible online catalog, JCat, of every existing document of every Jew who ever lived. This endeavor reshapes our approach to Jewish genealogy and profoundly deepens our understanding of Jewish history. This article delves into the historical context of Jewish genealogy, tracing its evolution from ancient times through various challenges, including the Holocaust’s devastating impact on Jewish genealogical records. It highlights the pioneering efforts in the field and the modern advancements that have facilitated the growth of Jewish genealogy, including DNA testing and digital technologies.
New Empirical Bayes Models to Jointly Analyze Multiple RNA-Sequencing Data in a Hypophosphatasia Disease Study
Authors: Kinsman Dawson , Hu Jian , Zhang Zhi , Li Gengxin
Published: March 2024

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. More severe and early onset cases present symptoms of muscle weakness, diminished motor coordination, and epileptic seizures. These neurological manifestations are poorly characterized. Thus, it is urgent to discover novel differentially expressed genes for investigating the genetic mechanisms underlying the neurological manifestations of hypophosphatasia. RNA-sequencing data offer a high-resolution and highly accurate transcript profile. In this study, we apply an empirical Bayes model to RNA-sequencing data acquired from the spinal cord and neocortex tissues of a mouse model, individually, to more accurately estimate the genetic effects without bias. More importantly, we further develop two integration methods, weighted gene approach and weighted Z method, to incorporate two RNA-sequencing data into a model for enhancing the effects of genetic markers in the diagnostics of hypophosphatasia disease. The simulation and real data analysis have demonstrated the effectiveness of our proposed integration methods, which can maximize genetic signals identified from the spinal cord and neocortex tissues, minimize the prediction error, and largely improve the prediction accuracy in risk prediction.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes Controlling Seed Dormancy in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Ai Jiaqi , Wang Wuhong , Hu Tianhua , Hu Haijiao , Wang Jinglei , Yan Yaqin , Pang Hongtao , Wang Yong , Bao Chonglai , Wei Qingzhen
Published: March 2024

Seed dormancy is a life adaptation trait exhibited by plants in response to environmental changes during their growth and development. The dormancy of commercial seeds is the key factor affecting seed quality. Eggplant seed dormancy is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs), but reliable QTLs related to eggplant dormancy are still lacking. In this study, F2 populations obtained through the hybridization of paternally inbred lines with significant differences in dormancy were used to detect regulatory sites of dormancy in eggplant seeds. Three QTLs (dr1.1, dr2.1, and dr6.1) related to seed dormancy were detected on three chromosomes of eggplant using the QTL-Seq technique. By combining nonsynonymous sites within the candidate regions and gene functional annotation analysis, nine candidate genes were selected from three QTL candidate regions. According to the germination results on the eighth day, the male parent was not dormant, but the female parent was dormant. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of nine candidate genes, and the Smechr0201082 gene showed roughly the same trend as that in the phenotypic data. We proposed Smechr0201082 as the potential key gene involved in regulating the dormancy of eggplant seeds. The results of seed experiments with different concentrations of gibberellin A3 (GA3) showed that, within a certain range, the higher the gibberellin concentration, the earlier the emergence and the higher the germination rate. However, higher concentrations of GA3 may have potential effects on eggplant seedlings. We suggest the use of GA3 at a concentration of 200–250 mg·L−1 to treat dormant seeds. This study provides a foundation for the further exploration of genes related to the regulation of seed dormancy and the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of eggplant seed dormancy and germination.
The Association between Functional Health Patterns and Frailty in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients
Authors: Hiriscau Elisabeta Ioana , Cauli Omar , Donca Valer , Marinescu Luminita-Aurelia , Macarie Antonia-Eugenia , Avram Lucretia , Cancel Oana-Gabriela , Donca Steliana , Buzdugan Elena-Cristina , Crisan Dana-Alina , Bodolea Constantin
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the association between the Functional Health Pattern Assessment Screening Tool (FHPAST) and frailty in hospitalized geriatric patients. One hundred and forty patients (mean age 78.2 years, age range 65–90) were screened for frailty using the Frail Scale during hospitalization in the geriatric unit. Among them, 57 patients were identified as prefrail (40.7%), and 83 were identified as frail (59.3%). A comparative analysis between groups in terms of the FHPAST components covering health risk, general well-being, and health promotion was performed. Correlations between FHAPST components, socio-demographic data, frailty criteria, as well as logistic regression to identify variables that better predict frailty were also sought. Frailty was mainly associated with difficulty urinating, limitations in performing activities of daily living and walking, physical discomfort, less positive feelings in controlling one’s own life, lower compliance with recommendations from the healthcare provider, and engagement in seeking healthcare services. Patients with difficulty urinating and walking had a probability of 4.38 times (OR = 4.38, CI 95% [1.20–15.94]), p = 0.025) and 65.7 times (OR = 65.7, CI 95% [19.37–223.17], p < 0.001) higher of being frail rather than prefrail. The relationship between frailty and prefrailty in hospitalized geriatric patients and components of nursing Functional Health Patterns (FHP) has yet to be explored. This study provides evidence of the most prevalent needs of frail geriatric patients in hospital settings.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Children’s Dental Care Programs: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Park Soo-Auk , Lim Ji-Na , Lee Jae-Young
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of children’s dental care programs on children and adolescents to reduce oral health inequalities. It measured and assessed the improvement effects of children’s dental care programs on the oral health of children and adolescents as part of the efforts to decrease oral health disparities in this age group. It included 406 individuals who participated in student and children’s dental care program between 2013 and 2019 at screening facilities in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. A frequency analysis was conducted for demographic characteristics, and a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing the prevalence of dental caries as the dependent variable. The data were analyzed using PASW Statistics with the statistical significance level set at α = 0.05. Regarding oral health status based on the frequency of participation in children’s dental care program for children and adolescents, participants with seven or more sessions had lower prevalence rates of dental caries, malocclusion, and periodontal disease than those with only one session. Second, when comparing oral health status in children’s dental care program between primary and adolescent age groups, individuals under continuous oral health care showed a decrease in permanent teeth affected by dental caries, dental caries prevalence, and malocclusion prevalence (excluding primary school age). Third, a binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant influences (p < 0.05) of the developmental stage and frequency of program participation on dental caries prevalence. Children’s dental care programs are essential for alleviating oral health inequalities among children and adolescents and preventing oral diseases. Furthermore, the developmental stage of children and the frequency of program participation are crucial factors in preventing oral conditions, such as dental caries.
Correction: Mabunda et al. Development, Objectives and Operation of Return-of-Service Bursary Schemes as an Investment to Build Health Workforce Capacity in South Africa: A Multi-Methods Study. Healthcare 2023, 11, 2821
Authors: Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A. , Durbach Andrea , Chitha Wezile W. , Bodzo Paidamoyo , Angell Blake , Joshi Rohina
Published: March 2024

In the original publication [...]
Proficiency and Practices of Nursing Professionals in Meeting Patients’ Spiritual Needs within Palliative Care Services: A Nationwide, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Košanski Tina , Neuberg Marijana
Published: March 2024

Spirituality and spiritual needs are integral parts of the human experience, but they are often particularly important for palliative care patients. Spirituality has numerous positive effects, especially for those dealing with serious illness. Nevertheless, the spiritual dimension is sometimes overlooked in patient care. This study aims to determine the frequency of addressing the spiritual needs of palliative care patients in Croatia and to investigate the self-perceived confidence of caregivers in this task. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 194 nurses in specialised palliative care services across Croatia. A specially developed and validated questionnaire was used for this study. The most common intervention undertaken by respondents was “promoting hope and optimism in patients” (88.4%), while the least common intervention was “reading books and other publications to patients” (13.9%). No statistically significant differences were found in the frequency of spiritual care in relation to the respondent’s level of education, professional experience and nursing environment. Approximately two-thirds of the surveyed nurses stated that they “often” or “always” provided some kind of spiritual care to palliative care patients. However, study participants who indicated that they had received sufficient formal instruction in addressing spiritual needs and spiritual care interventions demonstrated a statistically significant tendency to engage in these practices, as well as greater confidence in their knowledge and skills in this area compared to those who lacked such training. The study suggests that there is a need to identify existing barriers to the provision of spiritual care and to develop strategies to overcome them. By placing emphasis on the spiritual needs and preferences of patients, nursing professionals and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to elevate the standard of holistic care and foster a sense of comfort and dignity among patients.
The Effect of Resistance Training with Outdoor Fitness Equipment on the Body Composition, Physical Fitness, and Physical Health of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Marcos-Pardo Pablo J. , Espeso-García Alejandro , Vaquero-Cristóbal Raquel , Abelleira-Lamela Tomás , González-Gálvez Noelia
Published: March 2024

This study examined the effect of outdoor-fitness-equipment-based resistance training on the health parameters of middle-aged and older adults, as well as analyzing the effect of age on the results found. A total of 149 volunteers were randomly assigned to the training (TG) and control (CG) groups. The TG performed two weekly sessions of resistance training for 8 weeks using outdoor fitness equipment, while the CG continued with their regular daily activities. Body composition was measured using DXA, and the maximal isometric voluntary contraction in knee extension, elbow flexion, and hand grip were assessed, along with the 4 m walk test, the Timed Up and Go Test, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. The TG showed a significant increase in the lean mass index (p = 0.002) and maximal isometric voluntary contraction in both legs (p < 0.001) and arms (p < 0.001), as well as in physical functioning (p < 0.001) and the role physical dimension (p = 0.006) of the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire, compared to the CG, which showed a decrease in all these variables. In addition, the TG showed a greater decrease in fat mass (p < 0.001), fat mass index (p = 0.003), and the Timed Up and Go Test (p < 0.001) than the CG. Age conditioned the evolution of most of the variables analyzed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, resistance training with outdoor fitness equipment may be useful for improving the health of middle-aged and older adults, although age is a factor that could influence the adaptations found.
Partial Splenic Embolization in a Patient with Hemophilia A and Severe Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report
Authors: Nakamura Tomofumi , Uchiba Mitsuhiro , Nakata Hirotomo , Mizumoto Takao , Beppu Toru , Matsushita Shuzo
Published: March 2024

We report a patient with hemophilia A who underwent partial splenic embolization (PSE) for severe thrombocytopenia secondary to portal hypertension-induced splenomegaly, resulting in a stable long-term quality of life. The patient was diagnosed with hemophilia A and unfortunately contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) from blood products. He subsequently developed progressive splenomegaly due to portal hypertension from chronic HCV, resulting in severe thrombocytopenia. PSE was performed because he had occasional subcutaneous bleeding and needed to start interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) treatment for curing his HCV infection at that time. His platelet counts increased, and no serious adverse events were observed. Currently, he continues to receive outpatient treatment, regular factor VIII (FVIII) replacement therapy for hemophilia A, and antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. Vascular embolization has been reported to be an effective and minimally invasive treatment for bleeding in hemophilia patients. PSE also provided him with a stable quality of life without the side effects of serious infections and thrombocytopenia relapses. We conclude that PSE is a promising therapeutic option for patients with hemophilia A.
Silicon Improves Soil Environment and Promotes Crop Growth under Compound Irrigation via Brackish Water and Reclaimed Water
Authors: Liu Chuncheng , Cui Bingjian , Huang Pengfei , Hu Chao , Zhao Jieru , Li Zhongyang , Wang Juan
Published: March 2024

Not only is solving freshwater resource shortages effective but also an important measure for realizing the sustainable development of agriculture through the development and use of unconventional water resources. This pot experiment investigated the role of exogenous silicon in the risk of secondary soil salinization and the growth physiology of Lvxiu pakchoi cabbage under irrigation by using brackish water alone (BW), reclaimed water alone (RW), and compound irrigation with brackish water and reclaimed water at a ratio of 1:1, as well as the distribution of silicon in a soil–crop system. The results showed that with the extension of the spraying period of silicon fertilizer, the electrical conductivity (EC) decreased under 1:1 compound irrigation. The pH values in all treatments ranged from 7.95 to 8.10 without a potential risk of alkalization. Spraying silicon fertilizer had a positive effect on increasing the ratio of exchangeable potassium to sodium in soil. Spraying silicon fertilizer significantly reduced the percentage of exchangeable sodium (ESP) and the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) in soils irrigated using BW, and increased the soil ESP and SAR under compound irrigation and RW irrigation, but these factors did not exceed the threshold of soil salinization. The proper application of silicon fertilizer had no significant effect on the total silicon content in the soil but increased the total silicon content in the plants to some extent. In addition, the yield was improved through proper silicon fertilizer application. In summary, exogenous silicon has positive effects on soil physical and chemical properties and crop growth, and relieves secondary salinization risk under compound irrigation via brackish water and reclaimed water.
Effects of Plant Essential Oil Treatment on the Growth of Pathogenic Fungi and the Activity of Defense-Related Enzymes of Fungi-Inoculated Blueberry
Authors: Ji Yaru , Hu Wenzhong , Guan Yuge , Saren Gaowa
Published: March 2024

Fungal decay is one of the most significant causes of postharvest losses of blueberries, with Botrytis rot caused by Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria rot caused by Alternaria alternata being the two most destructive fungal diseases. Plant essential oil has attracted the extensive attention of scholars due to its natural antifungal and anti-corrosion effects. In this study, the effects of fumigation treatment with plant essential oils on the growth of pathogenic fungi in blueberry fruits in vitro and the activity of defense-related enzymes of fungi-inoculated blueberry were evaluated. The results showed that, of the six natural plant essential oils of cinnamon, oregano, clove, tea tree, pomelo peel, and rosemary, oregano essential oil had the most efficient inhibitory effect on Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata in PDA. After fumigating inoculated blueberry fruits with concentration gradients of 0, 30, 60, and 90 μL/L of oregano essential oil, it was found that the activity of defense-related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), chitinase (CHI), and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU) in the inoculated blueberry fruits was induced and enhanced to varying degrees throughout the entire storage period, effectively enhancing the resistance of blueberry fruits to pathogenic fungi and reducing the postharvest decay caused by Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata. The optimal concentration for the fumigation treatment with oregano essential oil is 60 μL/L. This study provides a theoretical basis for the postharvest application of oregano essential oil in blueberries and other fruits and vegetables.
Sugar Receding in Aril Benefits the Recalcitrant Seeds of Litchi (Litchi chinensis) and Longan (Dimocarpus longan) to Cope with Dry Spells after Maturation
Authors: Guo Zeli , He Maoxin , Yang Chunping , Liu Bin , Fang Fang , Pang Xuequn , Zhang Zhaoqi
Published: March 2024

Litchi and longan are tropic/subtropic fruits harboring recalcitrant seeds that are covered with sugar-rich arils as the edible part. A rapid sugar content decline, called sugar receding, in the arils after the fruit maturation largely reduces the fruit quality, however, the mechanism is unclear. Litchi and longan fruits grow and mature in a hot and rainy season with dry spells between rainfalls. Here, we found that the seed maturation was around 2 weeks earlier than the fruit maturation, after which the sugar contents of the arils significantly decreased, while the fruits could stay on the tree for 1–2 months with high seed vigor. A continuously low-level fruit drop after the seed maturation resulted in continuous seed germination and seedling establishment in around 2–3 months. Blocking assimilate supply by storage of detached fruits or on-tree girdling-plus-defoliation for 7 days, the aril sugar contents of the treated fruits significantly decreased, while the sugar levels and vigor of the seeds increased, implying that the arils are sugar sources to maintain or even enhance the seed vigor and suggesting that sugar receding in arils benefits the recalcitrant seeds of litchi and longan to cope with dry spells after maturation.
Olive Escudete (Dalmatian Disease) Caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea as a Result of Fly–Midge–Fungus Interaction
Authors: Aldebis Hani K. , Santos-Rufo Antonio , Eldesouki-Arafat Ibrahim , Vargas-Osuna Enrique , Moral Juan , Trapero Antonio , López-Escudero Francisco Javier
Published: March 2024

Escudete, which is caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea, is a disease that is widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin, but is of little general importance. Nevertheless, serious attacks have been observed on occasion, which have caused a considerable reduction in the quality of table olives. The incidence of the pathogen has been associated with damage caused by the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) and the presence of a possible vector agent, i.e., the midge Prolasioptera berlesiana, whose larvae can feed on fly eggs (although the role the midge may play in the spread of this disease is not well known). Therefore, it is necessary to clarify these interactions to adopt appropriate disease control measures. Studies were conducted in olive orchards planted with the Gordal Sevillana, Picudo, and Hojiblanca olive cultivars. Field surveys were carried out in order to sample their fruits for laboratory analysis, and several bioassays were also performed. Moreover, the population of B. oleae adults was monitored using traps that were baited with food attractants. The results indicated that the three agents developed and evolved in parallel under field conditions. Thus, the midges were attracted by the oviposition punctures caused in fruits by olive fruit flies, regardless of whether the punctures contained eggs. All the investigated olive fruits in which midges were present inside punctures created by olive fruit flies exhibited typical symptoms of escudete, which is necessary for the development of this disease. Forty-eight hours after fly punctures were artificially simulated in the olive fruits, 48.0% of them contained a midge, whereas no midges appeared in the artificially created shapeless wounds in the fruits. This indicates that an olive fly egg is not required for the development of midges; however, they do prefer punctures made by B. oleae. Moreover, when the olive fruits were incubated in a humid chamber, the B. dothidea fungus only appeared in those fruits that contained midges, thus indicating a close relationship between these two agents. Additionally, the midges were able to complete their entire development from egg to adult under controlled conditions, and they fed on the pure cultures of the B. dothidea fungus. Furthermore, although no pathogens were present in the immature midges, some of the pathogens could have been isolated from the inner tissues of the adult female midges. The fact that mycangia is present in the abdomen of P. berlesiana supports the hypothesis that their relationship with B. dothidea may be mutualistic and that they may act as a vector for the fungus.
Prevalence of Contagious Mastitis Pathogens in Bulk Tank Milk from Dairy Farms in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Kortstegge Jan , Krömker Volker
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Streptococcus (Sc.) agalactiae, Prototheca spp., Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, and especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus as well as Myco-plasmopsis (M.) spp. and M. bovis in bulk tank milk (BTM) on dairy farms in Lower Saxony, Germany. BTM samples were collected in January 2023 from 208 selected dairy farms. The samples were quantitatively culturally analyzed for S. aureus and Prototheca spp. Presumptive S. aureus colonies were further confirmed by MALDI-TOF. Presumptive Prototheca spp. colonies were confirmed by light microscopy. Sc. agalactiae and Mycoplasmopsis spp. were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR). Sc. agalactiae was detected in two herds (1% (Confidence Interval 95% (CI) 0.3–3.4)). S. aureus was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) in 38 herds (18.3% (CI 13.6–24.1)), assuming a threshold of >10 cfu/mL milk. A total of 154 isolates identified as S. aureus by MALDI-TOF were transferred to agar with added oxacillin for resistance testing, of which 19 isolates (12.3% (CI 8–18.5)) showed growth. The 19 isolates came from eight different farms (3.8% (2–7.4)). Prototheca spp. were identified in 13 herds (6.3% (CI 3.7–10.4)). Mycoplasmopsis spp. were detected by PCR in 18 herds (8.7% (CI 5.5–13.3)). Of these, M. bovis was present in three herds (1.4% (0.5–4.2)). The herd prevalence of Sc. agalactiae in BTM appears to be at low levels in the sampled area. The prevalence of Mycoplasmopsis spp. in the herds was higher than expected compared to previous studies. It is interesting to note that the percentage of M. bovis in the total Mycoplasmopsis spp. was only 16.7%.