bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Homogalacturonan from Peel of Winter Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao): Characterization and Protective Effects against CCl4-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Sun Shuguang , Lan Wenzhong , Ji Li , Ai Lianzhong , Wu Yan , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2022

A homogalacturonan pectin (HG, designated as WJP-F80) was extracted from the peel of winter jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. Cv. Dongzao) and separated via ethanol-graded precipitation. The structural and conformational features were elucidated through HPAEC-PAD, GC-MS, 2D NMR, and HPSEC-MALLS studies. In vivo assessments were carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of WJP-F80 against CCl4-induced injury of mice. Results showed that WJP-F80 was a linear 1,4-α-galacturonan with partially methyl-esterified at O-6 of GalpA and occasionally acetylation. The Mw of WJP-F80 was determined as 45.3 kDa, the polydispersity was calculated as 1.56, and the Rg was measured as 22.7 nm in 0.1 M NaNO3. The conformational analysis revealed that WJP-F80 exhibited as rigid stiff chain in low Mw range, while aggregation by self-assembly of HG chains lead to high Mw and random coil conformation. In vivo studies indicated that WJP-F80 can protect the livers of mice from acute injury induced via CCl4 by decreasing the serum biochemical markers of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to normal levels. This work provides a theoretical basis for the value-added deep processing of winter jujube.
Effects of Atmospheric Cold Plasma Treatment on the Storage Quality and Chlorophyll Metabolism of Postharvest Tomato
Authors: Jia Sitong , Zhang Na , Ji Haipeng , Zhang Xiaojun , Dong Chenghu , Yu Jinze , Yan Shijie , Chen Cunkun , Liang Liya
Published: December 2022

Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) is a potential green preservation technology, but its preservation mechanism is still unclear, and the effects of different plasma intensities on postharvest tomatoes are little studied. In this study, the effects of different ACP treatments (0 kV, 40 kV, 60 kV, and 80 kV) on the sensory quality, physiological indexes, key enzyme activities, and gene expression related to the chlorophyll metabolism of postharvest tomatoes were investigated during the storage time. The results showed that compared with the control group, the tomatoes in the plasma treatment group had a higher hardness and total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acid (TA) contents, a lower respiratory intensity and weight loss rate, a higher brightness, and a lower red transformation rate, especially in the 60 kV treatment group. In addition, chlorophyll degradation, carotenoid accumulation, and chlorophyllase and pheophorbide a mono-oxygenase (PAO) enzyme activities in the postharvest tomatoes were inhibited in the 60 kV treatment group, and the expressions of three key genes related to chlorophyll metabolism, chlorophyll (CLH1), pheophytinase (PPH), and red chlorophyll catabolic reductase (RCCR) were down-regulated. The results of the correlation analysis also confirmed that the enzyme activity and gene expression of the chlorophyll metabolism were regulated by the ACP treatment, aiming to maintain the greenness of postharvest tomatoes.
Evaluation of the Characteristics of Sheep’s and Goat’s Ice Cream, Produced with UF Concentrated Second Cheese Whey and Different Starter Cultures
Authors: Pires Arona , Gomes David , Noronha João , Díaz Olga , Cobos Angel , Pereira Carlos Dias
Published: December 2022

Second cheese whey (SCW) is the by-product resulting from the manufacture of whey cheeses. In the present work, sheep (S) and goat (G) SCW concentrated by ultrafiltration (UF) were used in the production of ice creams. Concentrated liquid SCW samples with inulin added as a prebiotic were fermented with yoghurt, kefir and probiotic commercial cultures before being frozen in a horizontal frozen yoghurt freezer. The physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of the products were evaluated over 120 days of frozen storage. The products presented significant differences regarding these properties, specifically the higher total solids and protein contents of sheep’s ice creams, which were higher compared to their goat ice cream counterparts. Sheep’s ice creams also presented higher hardness and complex viscosity, which increased with storage. These ice creams also presented higher overrun and lower meltdown rates. The color parameters of the ice creams showed significant differences between formulations resulting from storage time. In all cases, Lactobacilli sp. cell counts were higher than log 6 CFU/g at the first week of storage. In the case of sheep’s ice creams these values were maintained or increased until the 30th day, but decreased until the 60th day. Lactococci sp. counts surpassed log 7 CFU/g in all products, and these values were maintained until the end of storage, except in the case of G-Yoghurt and G-Kefir. Concerning the products containing probiotics, the sum of Lactococci sp. and Lactobacilli sp. counts was of the order log 8–9 CFU/g until the 60th day of storage, indicating that the probiotic characteristics of ice creams were maintained for at least 2 months. All products were well accepted by the consumer panel. Sheep’s SCW ice creams were better rated regarding aroma, taste and texture. However, only the ranking test was able to differentiate preferences among formulations.
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis Tenuifolia L.) Grown under Different Plastic Films and with Different UV-B Radiation Postharvest Treatments
Authors: Romano Raffaele , Pizzolongo Fabiana , De Luca Lucia , Cozzolino Eugenio , Rippa Massimo , Ottaiano Lucia , Mormile Pasquale , Mori Mauro , Di Mola Ida
Published: December 2022

Rocket species are rich in nutrients with well-known bioactive activity, but their content depends on several factors, such as plant–UV radiation interaction. In this work, we measured the production of nutritional elements in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) leaves as a function of exposure to UV-B radiation by adopting a combined approach. The wild rocket plants were grown under three greenhouse cover films (A, B, and C) having different transmittivity to UV-B and the fresh-cut leaves were exposed to UV-B in postharvest for 45, 150, 330, and 660 s. The content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and the antioxidant activity were determined. Chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total phenolic content were significantly increased by the combination of Film C and treatment with UV-B for 45 s. The predominant phenolic compounds were kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and quercetin. Film C also elicited an increase in ascorbic acid (the most abundant antioxidant compound in the range 374–1199 per 100 g of dry matter) and antioxidant activity. These findings highlighted an increase in bioactive compound content in the wild rocket when it was cultivated under Film C (diffused light film with a tailored UV-B transmission dose) and treated with UV-B radiation for 45 s postharvest, corresponding to an energy dose of 0.2 KJ m−2.
Health Effects of Whole Grains: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Wei Xun , Yang Wei , Wang Jianhui , Zhang Yong , Wang Yaxuan , Long Yan , Tan Bin , Wan Xiangyuan
Published: December 2022

Whole grains have been recommended in the diet in most countries, with numerous publications focusing on their health effect. A systematic analysis of these publications on different research methods, regions and perspectives will contribute to an understanding of the innovation pattern in this field. This bibliometric study analyzes the global publication characteristics, hotspots and frontiers of whole grain health benefit research, and discusses the trends and prospects of this topic. The overall number of publications is on the rise, with the United States contributing the most publications. The most cited literature shows that observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analysis are the most widely used methods. The main focus in this area is on dietary fiber and bioactive substances, while the latter has received increased attention in recent years in particular. With the increasingly prominent problems of hidden hunger and chronic disease, the development of whole grain foods and their optimum intake have gradually become hot topics. In addition to the need to reveal the mechanism of whole grain health effects, consensus needs to be reached on standards and definitions for whole grain foods, and attention should be paid to the retention of taste and healthy nutrients in processing.
Impact of Flaxseed Gums on the Colloidal Changes and In Vitro Digestibility of Milk Proteins
Authors: Hellebois Thierry , Fortuin Jennyfer , Gaiani Claire , Soukoulis Christos
Published: December 2022

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) mucilage is one of the most studied plant seed gums in terms of its techno-functional and health-promoting properties. Nonetheless, the interplay of flaxseed gum (FG) with other food biopolymers, such as milk proteins, under in vitro digestion conditions remains underexplored. The aim of the present work was to investigate the colloidal interplay between flaxseed gum (golden or brown) and milk proteins (sodium caseinate or whey protein isolate) under simulated in vitro digestion conditions and its relationship with the attained in vitro protein digestibility. The presence of flaxseed gum in the milk protein food models and in the oral food boluses obtained was associated with the occurrence of segregative microphase separation. Flaxseed gum exhibited a prominent role in controlling the acid-mediated protein aggregation phenomena, particularly in the sodium caseinate gastric chymes. The addition of FG in the food models was associated with a higher amount of intact total caseins and β-lactoglobulin at the end of the gastric processing step. Monitoring of the intestinal processing step revealed a very advanced cleavage of the whey proteins (>98%) and caseins (>90%). The degree of the milk protein hydrolysis achieved at the end of the intestinal processing was significantly higher in the systems containing flaxseed gum (i.e., 59–62%) than their gum-free protein counterparts (i.e., 46–47%). It was postulated that the electrostatic milk protein complexation capacity and, to a lesser extent, the thickening effect of flaxseed gum influenced the in vitro digestibility of the milk proteins.
Application of Exogenous Melatonin Improves Tomato Fruit Quality by Promoting the Accumulation of Primary and Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Dou Jianhua , Wang Jie , Tang Zhongqi , Yu Jihua , Wu Yue , Liu Zeci , Wang Junwen , Wang Guangzheng , Tian Qiang
Published: December 2022

Melatonin plays key roles in improving fruit quality and yield by regulating various aspects of plant growth. However, the effects of how melatonin regulates primary and secondary metabolites during fruit growth and development are poorly understood. In this study, the surfaces of tomato fruit were sprayed with different concentrations of melatonin (0, 50, and 100 µmol·L−1) on the 20th day after anthesis; we used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to determine the changes in primary and secondary metabolite contents during fruit development and measured the activity of sucrose metabolizing enzymes during fruit development. Our results showed that 100 µmol·L−1 melatonin significantly promoted the accumulation of soluble sugar in tomato fruit by increasing the activities of sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and acid convertase (AI). The application of 100 µmol·L−1 melatonin also increased the contents of ten amino acids in tomato fruit as well as decreased the contents of organic acids. In addition, 100 µmol·L−1 melatonin application also increased the accumulation of some secondary metabolites, such as six phenolic acids, three flavonoids, and volatile substances (including alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones). In conclusion, melatonin application improves the internal nutritional and flavor quality of tomato fruit by regulating the accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites during tomato fruit ripening. In the future, we need to further understand the molecular mechanism of melatonin in tomato fruit to lay a solid foundation for quality improvement breeding.
Effects of Storage Method on the Quality of Processed Sea Cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus)
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhou Yan , Sun Liming , Wang Yanjie , Song Shuang , Ai Chunqing , Yang Jingfeng
Published: December 2022

This research aimed to establish an effective storage method to maintain the quality of processed sea cucumbers. In this study, sea cucumbers were stored by various methods including the storage of live sea cucumbers (seawater treatment, oxygen treatment, and ascorbic acid treatment) and the storage of dead sea cucumbers (frozen treatment). The sea cucumber quality was monitored after storage and boiling. The weightlessness rate and WHC of the frozen group increased to 86.96% ± 0.83% and 93.29% ± 0.32%, respectively. Frozen sea cucumbers shrunk with the meat’s textural properties deteriorated. During the live sea cucumber storage, the tissue protein degraded from day 3 to day 7 which led to the promotion of TVB-N. Among these, the oxygen group showed the smallest TVB-N increase from day 0 (3.78 ± 0.60 mg 100 g−1) to day 7 (10.40 ± 0.12 mg 100 g−1). The oxygen group exhibited the most moderate change in weightlessness rate (4.24% ± 0.45%) and the most moderate texture parameters decline, such as the hardness of 32.52%, chewiness of 78.98 ± 5.10 N, and adhesion of 0.84 ± 0.00. The oxygen method showed the best condition of sea cucumber after 5 days of storage.
Drying Characteristics and Quality Analysis of Medicinal Herbs Dried by an Indirect Solar Dryer
Authors: Al-Hamdani Anfal , Jayasuriya Hemanatha , Pathare Pankaj B. , Al-Attabi Zahir
Published: December 2022

Considering the solar radiation status in Oman, a low-cost, indirect, stand-alone, forced-convective solar dryer was developed to dry medicinal herbs, which are sensitive to direct sun. The hot air flow was obtained using a solar-panel-powered blower and air passing through a black-body solar collector. This drying process could extend the shelf life of herbs while preserving their medicinal and nutritional (physicochemical) properties and adhering to food safety and hygiene practices. This study investigated the benefits of an indirect solar drying technique on the retention of quality attributes of mint and basil used in medicinal applications. Herbs used during drying could be subjected to changes in their physicochemical properties such as color, water activity (Aw), total soluble solids (TSS), phenol content, antioxidant capacity, and moisture content (MC), and, thus, results were compared with fresh herb samples. The dryer chamber-maintained temperature and relative humidity regimes of 30–50 °C and 21–95% and the expected final moisture content (wet basis) was 10%. The dryer showed improved physicochemical quality parameters and the retention of green color with parameter ranges of Aw 0.44–0.63, phenol content (increase) 1705–8994 mg/100 g DM, and antioxidant capacity (increase) 0.61–0.67 µmol/g DM, respectively. This study showed the ability of developed solar dryers to preserve the physicochemical properties of medicinal herbs during drying and can extend to other food products.
Citric Acid Induces the Increase in Lenthionine Content in Shiitake Mushroom, Lentinula edodes
Authors: Hong Mengting , Han Dan , Qiao Jinjin , Zhou Xiaolin , Yu Hanshou , Shi Liang
Published: December 2022

Shiitake mushroom, Lentinula edodes, is the second largest edible fungus in the world, with a characteristic aroma. 1,2,3,5,6-pentathioheterocycloheptane, commonly known as lenthionine, is the main source of this aroma. Lenthionine has high commercial value, and if we explore the possible induction mechanism of citric acid in lenthionine synthesis, we can provide a reference for the effective application of citric acid as an inducer. In this paper, the single-factor treatment of Lentinula edodes with variable citric acid concentration and treatment duration showed that the best citric acid concentration for L. edodes was 300 μM, and the best treatment duration was 15 days. Additionally, the optimal design conditions were obtained using the response surface method (RSM); the treatment concentration was 406 μM/L, the treatment duration was 15.6 days, and the lenthionine content was 130 μg/g. γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (LEGGT) and cystine sulfoxide lyase (LECSL) are the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of lanthionine. The expression levels of LEGGT and LECSL genes increased significantly under citric acid treatment. Additionally, the lenthionine content of the silenced strains of LEGGT and LECSL was significantly decreased.
Progress in Extrusion-Based Food Printing Technology for Enhanced Printability and Printing Efficiency of Typical Personalized Foods: A Review
Authors: Teng Xiuxiu , Li Chunli , Mujumdar Arun S. , Zhang Min
Published: December 2022

Three-dimensional printing technology enables the personalization and on-demand production of edible products of individual specifications. Four-dimensional printing technology expands the application scope of 3D printing technology, which controllably changes the quality attributes of 3D printing products over time. The concept of 5D/6D printing technology is also gradually developing in the food field. However, the functional value of food printing technology remains largely unrealized on a commercial scale due to limitations of printability and printing efficiency. This review focuses on recent developments in breaking through these barriers. The key factors and improvement methods ranging from ink properties and printer design required for successful printing of personalized foods (including easy-to-swallow foods, specially shaped foods, and foods with controlled release of functional ingredients) are identified and discussed. Novel evaluation methods for printability and printing precision are outlined. Furthermore, the design of printing equipment to increase printing efficiency is discussed along with some suggestions for cost-effective commercial printing.
Prevalence and Virulence Determinants of Staphylococcus aureus in Wholesale and Retail Pork in Wuhan, Central China
Authors: Zhu Zhihao , Liu Xiaoying , Chen Xingyu , Zou Geng , Huang Qi , Meng Xianrong , Pei Xiaoying , Chen Zhou , Zhou Rui , Hu Dongliang , Liu Mei , Li Shaowen
Published: December 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major foodborne pathogens and can cause serious foodborne illness in humans by foods contaminated with S. aureus enterotoxins. In recent years, livestock-associated S. aureus has been a major public health concern for humans and has emerged in various countries globally. China is one of the largest producers of pigs and pork in the world. However, there are few studies on the detailed genotypic and pathogenic characterization of pork-associated S. aureus in China. In this study, the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus in raw pork in Wuhan, China, were investigated through multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal protein A gene (spa) typing, and whole-genome sequencing analysis. A total of 518 S. aureus isolates (16.9%) were isolated from 3067 retail and wholesale pork samples. The prevalence of S. aureus in retail pork (22.7%) was significantly higher than in wholesale pork (15.1%), while the proportion of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates in wholesale pork (12.9%) was significantly higher than in retail pork (6.2%). Among the isolates, 10.8% were resistant to three or more antibiotics, with higher rates of resistance to penicillin (88.8%) and erythromycin (58.1%). A total of 28 sequence types (STs) were identified in the 518 isolates, and the predominant type was ST7 (57.5%), followed by ST5 (9.1%). In addition, based on the whole-genome sequences of 39 representative strains, 17 spa types were identified among the isolates, of which t899, t091, and t437 were the most common. Furthermore, 19 staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) and SE-like (SEl) toxin genes were detected in the isolates, of which selw was the most common type (100%), followed by sei, sem, seo, seu, and selv (46.2%); sey (35.9%); and sea, seg, and sen (33.3%). This study found for the first time that ST7-t091-selw and ST9-t899-SCCmecXII-selw were the predominant genotypes of S. aureus in pork in China, which indicated the spreading of S. aureus with multiple virulence factors, especially with new SE/SEl types in pigs and pork, is a serious new challenge for food safety. Good hygiene and good production practices to prevent interspecies transmission and cross-contamination of S. aureus in the pig–pork chain are of great significance to public health.
Editorial for Special Issue “Present and Past Submarine Volcanic Activity (1)”
Authors: De Ritis Riccardo , Passaro Salvatore , Pensa Alessandra
Published: December 2022

Over 1 million volcanoes on the Earth surface occur in marine and submarine environments in different geodynamic contexts [...]
Through Thick and Thin: The Meaning of Dementia for the Intimacy of Ageing Couples
Authors: Eskola Päivi , Jolanki Outi , Aaltonen Mari
Published: December 2022

As the population ages, the number of people with dementia increases. An emerging body of research is focusing on living with dementia and understanding the experience of caring and the care burden. There is much less research on the meaning of dementia from the perspective of an older couple’s spousal relationship and related intimacy. This qualitative study explores the meanings of emotional and physical intimacy and the changes brought by dementia in the couplehood of persons with dementia and their spousal carers. The data comprise semi-structured interviews with 35 persons. The interviews were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Four themes describing the meanings of relational intimacy were identified: intimacy as a striving force, intimacy turning into worrisome behaviour, intimacy as physical and emotional dependency, and intimacy turning into one-sided caring for a partner. Dementia changes the intimate relationship in many ways, but shared affection and long-term partnership help maintain the spousal relationship. While dementia may bring about conflicts and behavioural challenges in an intimate relationship, the couple’s shared intimacy and a sense of responsibility for one another may serve as a resource and support the continuity of couplehood.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Galician Version of the Nurse Prescribing Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Franco-Rodríguez Andrea , Domínguez-Martís Eva María , Mosteiro-Miguéns Diego Gabriel , López-Ares David , Cotón-Sánchez Belén , Domínguez-Varela Marta , Novío Silvia
Published: December 2022

Low self-efficacy has been identified as one of the factors that could hinder the prescribing competence of nurses. No valid and reliable existing instruments assess Galician nurses’ confidence to prescribe. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the Galician version of the Nurse Prescribing Self-Efficacy Scale (G-NP-SES, 19 items). The study was conducted in two phases: the translation and adaptation to the Galician version of the NP-SES, and the assessment of its psychometric properties. G-NP-SES was sent to nurses working in primary healthcare centers in Galicia (Spain) between March and June of 2022. Its content, construct and discriminant validity, and internal consistency reliability were examined. A total of 193 people participated in the study. As the original scale, G-NP-SES also had three dimensions (% of cumulative variance = 80.82%). It showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) = 0.90, with each factor ranging from 0.86 to 0.89), high content validity (scale’s content validity index = 0.92, with item-content validity index ranged from 0.87 to 1), and good discriminant validity. G-NP-SES is an instrument with good psychometric properties which could be used to accurately assess Galician nurses’ self-efficacy to prescribe and consequently to improve their job performance.
Most Common Long COVID Physical Symptoms in Working Age Adults Who Experienced Mild COVID-19 Infection: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kokolevich Zoe Mass , Crowe Melissa , Mendez Diana , Biros Erik , Reznik Jacqueline Elise
Published: December 2022

Background: One-third of patients who recover from COVID-19 present with long COVID. Their symptoms are broad, affecting their physical functioning and, ultimately, their quality of life. Many of those individuals who develop long COVID, possibly from a mild COVID-19 infection, are in the 18–65 age group. This prolongation of malaise directly influences national workforce economies. Objectives: To summarise the commonly reported physical symptoms of long COVID in order to inform potential adjustments in healthcare for the employable population. Methods: The Embase, CINAHL, Medline, SCOPUS, and WHO COVID-19 databases were searched. The study selection process was based on the PRISMA guidelines. The extracted data were synthesised and presented narratively. Results: 7403 studies were accessed, comprising 60 cohort studies and 10 case series/studies, representing 289,213 patients who met our criteria. The most frequently reported physical symptoms were fatigue (92%), shortness of breath (SOB) (81.8%), muscle pain (43.6%), and joint pain (34.5%). Conclusions: The range of reported physical symptoms was broad and varied; the main ones being fatigue, breathlessness/SOB, and pain. Similarities observed between long COVID and other post-acute infection syndromes may help formulate protocols to manage and promote recovery for long COVID patients. Inconsistencies were evident, particularly with a lack of adherence to the standardised definitions of long COVID.
Recovering Sicilian Silk Heritage through Digital Technologies: The Case of Piraino’s Collection
Authors: Lo Cicero Georgia , Seidita Valeria , Vitella Maurizio , Alba Ester , Gaitán Mar , Sebastián Jorge , Fernández Marcos , Portalés Cristina
Published: December 2022

Textile conservation has given rise to small and medium-sized museums, usually with scarce resources. In Sicily, the little evidence that remains of silk production and opulent imports by the rich and powerful local aristocracy is kept in museums, parishes, and other cultural institutions. The documentation, dissemination, and enhancement of such a fragile heritage is today possible by means of technological tools that provide novel means to preserve, analyze, and exploit digital information. In this paper, we present some outcomes of the SILKNOW project, a project that applies computing research to the needs of diverse users (museums, educational institutions, the tourism industry, creative industries, media, etc.) and preserves the tangible and intangible heritage associated with silk. We show the methodology followed to build end users’ needs into the Virtual Loom, a tool that deals with the 3D reconstruction of silk fabrics at the yarn level. We also provide a real example of how to integrate it at the museum level, specifically, at Piraino’s Collection. The results demonstrate how small and medium-sized museums can access tools that will help them to carry out their daily tasks.
The Potential Roles of the N and P Supplies on the Internal Browning Incidence in Sweet Cherries in the Southern Chile
Authors: Palacios-Peralta Cristóbal , Reyes-Díaz Marjorie , González-Villagra Jorge , Ribera-Fonseca Alejandra
Published: December 2022

Southern Chile has experienced a strong increase in sweet cherry production in recent years. However, there are climatic gaps that negatively reduce the fruit quality and yield of exportable fruit, such as the high incidence of rains during flowering and pre-harvest. The use of roof covers has become an agronomic solution that offers protection from weather events, such as rain, which will significantly increase the exportable fruit. However, the use of plastic covers can cause negative impacts on the fruit, such as a loss of firmness and acidity. Currently, the incidence of internal (pulp) browning has reduced the quality of cherries produced in Southern Chile, although research on this subject is largely under explored. Some studies reported that a high content of antioxidants in the fruit, both phenolic and non-phenolic (e.g., ascorbic acid), could reduce the incidence of the physiological disorder of browning. The soils of Southern Chile are characterized by the high content of organic matter, which implies high levels of available nitrogen (N) and a high phosphorus (P) content. Some studies, however, have shown that fertilization with N and P would significantly improve the postharvest quality, shelf life, and the accumulation of antioxidant compounds in fruits, even better than other strategies, including selenium and chitosan applications. However, there needs to be more detailed information on this aspect of the sweet cherry fruit production. The quality attributes and postharvest life of cherries are closely associated with the antioxidant levels of fruits, which could be related to either the soil acidity level of the Chilean Andisols or the levels of P and N in soil or plant tissues. Therefore, the objective of this review was to discuss the role of the N and P supply on the internal browning incidence in sweet cherries and relate it to what is known in other fruits.
Comparison of Wild and Introduced Dracocephalum jacutense P.: Significant Differences of Multicomponent Composition
Authors: Razgonova Mayya P. , Okhlopkova Zhanna M. , Rozhina Zoya G. , Egorova Polina S. , Ercisli Sezai , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: December 2022

Dracocephalum jacutense is endemic to eastern Siberia of Russia and is accepted in the rare and endangered category. The plant was first collected by K.S. Baikov in 1985 in the vicinity of the village Sangar (Kobyaysky district, Yakutia) and then described by G.A. Peshkova in “Flora of Siberia” in 1997. D. jacutense has been introduced in the Botanical Garden of Yakutia since 2009. The aim of this work is to conduct a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of aerial parts (leaves, inflorescences, stems) of D. jacutense Peschkova collected both in controlled conditions (the Botanical Garden of Yakutia) and in a natural-grown area (the vicinity of the village of Sangar, Kobyaysky district of Yakutia). A total of 156 bioactive compounds were successfully characterized in extracts of D. jacutense based on their accurate MS (Mass Spectrometry) fragment ions by searching online databases and the reported literature. The detailed study of the composition by tandem mass spectrometry revealed a significant difference in the polyphenol composition of the samples. Wild-grown plant samples had a higher number of polyphenolic compounds (92 compounds) than plant samples grown in the Botanical Garden (56 compounds), which were not previously described in the genus Dracocephalum. In addition, a total of 37 compounds of other chemical groups were identified that were not previously identified in the genus Dracocephalum. In general, the extract of D. jacutense, which was grown in wild conditions, was found to be a richer source of flavones, flavanols, flavan-3-ols, phenolic acids, and anthocyanidins compared to plants grown in controlled conditions in the Botanical Garden. Our results build on the current understanding of the biochemical richness of wild-grown samples over controlled-grown ones and preserve a rare and endangered D. jacutense in the flora of Yakutia. We proposed to be preserved on the basis of the development of an in vitro micropropagation protocol in our lab in the near future.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) for Simultaneous Determination of Individual Phenolic Compounds in 15 Dried Edible Flowers
Authors: Briliantama Asadin , Oktaviani Nurul Mutmainah Diah , Rahmawati Sitti , Setyaningsih Widiastuti , Palma Miguel
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, dried edible flowers have become one of the eating habits of a healthy lifestyle. The most common way to consume dried flowers is via infused water (tisane). A number of studies on dried edible flowers have reported antioxidant activities mainly due to their phenolic compounds. This work has developed a new extraction method using ultrasound technology to determine phenolic compounds in 15 widely consumed edible flowers. Several extraction factors including pulse duty cycle (0.2, 0.6, 1.0 s−1), temperature (10, 40, 70 °C), solvent-to-sample ratio (10:1, 20:1, 30:1 mL of solvent g −1 of sample), and solvent composition (0, 25, 50% methanol in water) have been optimized based on a Box–Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology. UPLC-PDA has been employed to quantify 12 major phenolic compounds (2,4,6-trihydroxy benzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, quercetin-3-rutinose, iso-ferulic acid, and quercetin-3-glucoside) in the extracts. The optimum extraction conditions for a 1 g sample were 30 mL of solvent (28% methanol in water) at 42 °C with 1.0 s−1 of pulse duty cycle. Based on the kinetic study, the optimal extraction time was 10 min. The method was validated with high precision (CVs of repeatability and intermediate precision were lower than 7%) and high accuracy (recovery higher than 90%). Additionally, the proposed ultrasound-assisted extraction was successfully applied in the determination of phenolic compounds in 15 dried edible flowers.
Impact Factors in Chinese Construction Enterprises’ Carbon Emission-Reduction Intentions
Authors: Wang Bo , Huang Chunyan , Wang Huaming , Liao Fangwei
Published: December 2022

The reduction in carbon emissions in the construction industry plays an important role in the realization of the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, especially in China. Construction enterprises’ personnel’s intentions to reduce their carbon emissions are closely related to low-carbon behavior. However, the research on the impact factors of carbon emission-reduction intention (CERI) is still limited. In order to understand the factors that affect the intentions of construction enterprises’ personnel to reduce carbon emissions, and to put forward valuable suggestions for reducing construction enterprises’ carbon emissions, it is necessary to explore the impact factors in carbon emission-reduction intention through empirical tests. This study adopted the theory of planned behavior (TPB) based on the three impact factors of behavioral attitude (BA), subjective norms (SNs) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), introduced the two potential impact factors of moral obligation (MO) and government supervision (GS), and also uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the impact factors in construction enterprises’ personnel’s carbon emission-reduction intention. The results show that BA, MO and GS have a significant positive impact on carbon emission-reduction intention (CERI). Among them, BA plays an intermediary role between MO and CERI, and BA and MO play a chain intermediary role between GS and CERI. The research conclusions will help to provide a theoretical reference for governments and construction enterprises to implement carbon emission-reduction development strategies and policies.
Chemical Elements, Flavor Chemicals, and Nicotine in Unused and Used Electronic Cigarettes Aged 5–10 Years and Effects of pH
Authors: Williams Monique , Luo Wentai , McWhirter Kevin , Ikegbu Omeka , Talbot Prue
Published: December 2022

The concentrations of elements/metals, nicotine, flavor chemicals and acids were compared in the e-liquids of unused and used first-generation electronic cigarettes (ECs) that were stored for 5–10 years. Metal analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy; nicotine and flavor chemical analyses were performed using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Of the 22 elements analyzed, 10 (aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, selenium, silicon, tin, zinc) were often found in the e-liquids. Five elements had the highest average concentrations: copper (1161.6 mg/L), zinc (295.8 mg/L), tin (287.6 mg/L), nickel (71.1 mg/L), and lead (50.3 mg/L). Nicotine concentrations were always lower than label concentrations indicated. Of the 181 flavor chemicals analyzed, 11 were detected in at least one sample, with hydroxyacetone being present in all samples. In used products, some flavor chemicals appeared to be by-products of heating. E-liquids with the highest concentrations of acids and the lowest pH levels also had the highest concentrations of elements/metals. Metal concentrations in e-liquids increased after use in some products, and some metal concentrations, such as nickel, were high enough to be a health concern. Leachates from discarded ECs could contribute toxic metals/chemicals to the environment, supporting the need for better regulation of atomizer design, composition, and disposal.
Communication of the Diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy in the Views of Patients and Family Members, a Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Fernandes Isabella Araujo Mota , Menezes Renata Oliveira Almeida , Rego Guilhermina
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Communicating the diagnosis of a genetic and neurodegenerative disease, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), requires a transmission centered on the patient and/or the family caregiver, ensuring autonomy to those involved and strengthening the doctor–patient relationship. Objective: Analyzing the communication of the SMA diagnosis from the perspective of patients and family members. Methods: This qualitative study was developed through semi-structured interviews, via teleconsultation. The analysis was developed by systematically condensing the answers and synthesizing them into four thematic axes (clarification of the diagnosis, communication of the prognosis, affective memory related to the event, and advice to physicians). Results and discussion: Twenty-nine patients with SMA and 28 family caregivers of people with this condition, from all regions of Brazil, reported that individualized, clear, honest, and welcoming communication, emphasizing positive aspects, in the presence of family members and with the possibility of continuous monitoring, was important to meeting their communication needs. A lack of empathy, monitoring and guidance, and estimating life expectancy resulted in negative experiences. Conclusions: The communication needs of patients and family members described during the clarification of the diagnosis and prognosis of SMA predominantly involve empathic factors related to the attitude of the attending physician throughout the evolution of the disease. Future research evaluating other neurodegenerative diseases and the development of research protocols are important to improving communication between physicians, patients, and family members.
Digital Finance and Green Development: Characteristics, Mechanisms, and Empirical Evidences
Authors: Zhuang Rulong , Mi Kena , Zhi Menglu , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: December 2022

As the emergence of digital finance is relatively short, research results on digital finance mainly focus on products, services, coverage, policies, etc. The mechanism and role of digital finance in influencing green development are still lacking attention. In the above context, this paper used spatial analysis methods to describe spatiotemporal characteristics in detail, and empirically tested the mechanism and path of digital finance affecting green development through spatial econometric models and intermediary models. The results showed that: (1) During the study period, digital finance and green development have been improved to varying degrees, but the inter-provincial differences are still obvious. (2) The spatial trends of digital finance and green development are similar, and the overall performance is “high in the east, low in the west, high in the south, and low in the north”. (3) The empirical tests found that digital finance is an effective force to reduce energy consumption per unit of GDP and improve the level of green development. It validates Hypothesis 1. Meanwhile, the Heterogeneity effect is noteworthy due to different regions, types, and levels. (4) The promotion of green development by digital finance is mainly concentrated in the local region and has not yet shown a significant green spillover effect for surrounding areas. It validates Hypothesis 2. (5) Energy structure, industrial upgrading, and technological progress are three paths for digital finance affecting green development. Hypothesis 3 is verified. Finally, the innovation of this paper lies in the design of the research framework, diversity of research methods, and policy implications. The main contribution is to enrich and expand the environmental finance theory and provide detailed empirical evidence. In addition, we put forward effective measures and suggestions including local governments, financial institutions, and enterprises based on the empirical results. Local governments should pay attention to policy implementation and operation effects, financial institutions constantly need to strengthen the supply of advanced digital financial products and services, and enterprises should attach importance to the use of digital financial tools to achieve green and low-carbon development in the future.
Worry about Radiation and Its Risk Factors Five to Ten Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster
Authors: Fukasawa Maiko , Umeda Maki , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Horikoshi Naoko , Yasumura Seiji , Yabe Hirooki , Suzuki Yuriko , Bromet Evelyn J. , Kawakami Norito
Published: December 2022

Worry about radiation persists long after nuclear power plant accidents. Young age, low socioeconomic status, being married, and disaster-related experiences are known to be associated with greater worry about radiation. This study explored the duration of the effects of these risk factors on worry about radiation after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, using the longitudinal data of randomly sampled non-evacuee community residents who were followed five to ten years after the accident. Questionnaire surveys were conducted five times with 1825 respondents (37.2% of the 4900 initial targets). We examined the interaction of time and risk factors of worry about radiation using a mixed model. Fear or anxiety immediately after the accident had effects on worry about radiation that continued even after 10 years, though it slightly attenuated with time. Family problems stemming from the disaster retained their effects. While direct damage and evacuation experience were significantly associated with worry about radiation in the early phase, their effects diminished and became non-significant during the study period. Being under the age of 65, having low educational attainment, and being married were significantly associated with worry about radiation, although the association with age weakened over time. Individuals who experience intense fear or anxiety post-nuclear power plant accidents or disaster-related family problems may need continuous monitoring for their worry about radiation even 10 years after such accidents.
Assessing the Impacts of Creating Active Schools on Organisational Culture for Physical Activity
Authors: Helme Zoe E. , Morris Jade L. , Nichols Joanna , Chalkley Anna E. , Bingham Daniel D. , McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Bartholomew John B. , Daly-Smith Andrew
Published: December 2022

Background: National and international guidance recommends whole-school approaches to physical activity, but there are few studies assessing their effectiveness, especially at an organisational level. This study assesses the impact of the Creating Active School’s (CAS) programme on organisational changes to physical activity provision. Methods: In-school CAS leads completed a 77-item questionnaire assessing school-level organisational change. The questionnaire comprised 19 domains aligned with the CAS framework and COM-B model of behaviour change. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests assessed the pre-to-nine-month change. Results: >70% of schools (n = 53) pre-CAS had inadequate whole-school physical activity provision. After nine months (n = 32), CAS had a significant positive effect on organisational physical activity. The positive change was observed for: whole-school culture and ethos, teachers and wider school staff, academic lessons, physical education (PE) lessons, commute to/from school and stakeholder behaviour. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that CAS is a viable model to facilitate system-level change for physical activity in schools located within deprived areas of a multi-ethnic city. To confirm the results, future studies are required which adopt controlled designs combined with a holistic understanding of implementation determinants and underlying mechanisms.
Typical Sulfonamide Antibiotics Removal by Biochar-Amended River Coarse Sand during Groundwater Recharge
Authors: Liu Rui , Yu Hechun , Hou Xiaoshu , Liu Xiang , Bi Erping , Wang Wenjing , Li Miao
Published: December 2022

The high porosity of medium-coarse sand (MCS) layers in groundwater recharge areas presents a high environmental risk. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP) are two common sulfonamide antibiotics in surface water that have a high propensity to migrate into groundwater. In this study, four biochars were prepared and biochar-amended soil aquifer treatment (SAT) columns were constructed to remove SMX and TMP. Batch experiments demonstrated that the sorption isotherms conformed to the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorptions of biochars prepared at 700 °C were 54.73 and 67.62 mg/g for SMX and 59.3 and 73.38 mg/g for TMP. Electrostatic interaction may be one of the primary mechanisms of adsorption. The column experiments showed that the SMX and TMP removal rate of the biochar-amended SAT was as high as 96%, while that of the MCS SAT was less than 5%. The addition of biochar greatly improved the retention capacity of the pollutants in the MCS layer in the groundwater recharge area and effectively reduced environmental risk.
Reduction in COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Seoul according to Age, Sex, and Symptoms: A Test-Negative Case-Control Study
Authors: Gim Hyerin , Oh Soyoung , Lee Heeda , Lee Seul , Seo Haesook , Park Yumi , Park Jae-Hyun
Published: December 2022

Background: We evaluated vaccine effectiveness (VE) against infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, having the highest population density in the country, under real-world conditions. Methods: We evaluated the reduction in the effectiveness of mRNA and viral-vector COVID-19 vaccines against infection by the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in a subpopulation from April 2021 to July 2021 who visited screening clinics in Seoul using a test-negative case-control study design. Moreover, we conducted a case-control study matching the ten-year-old age group, sex, healthcare workers, and five districts of Seoul, which are considered confounding factors. Results: The full VE in the pre-delta-dominant period was 95.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.2–97.2); however, it decreased to 61.1% (95% CI: 53.2–67.6) during the delta-dominant period. Notably, we found that COVID-19 VE was significantly decreased in individuals aged ≥80 years (52.9%, 95% CI: −9.9–79.8), men (50.6 %, 95% CI: 39.4–59.8), and asymptomatic individuals (49.8%, 95% CI: 36.5–60.3) during the widespread SARS-CoV-2 delta variant circulation. Conclusions: Vaccine-mediated protection drastically declined during the delta-dominant period and in vulnerable groups. This study suggests the requirement for additional countermeasures, such as the administration of a booster vaccine, in vulnerable groups based on age, sex, and symptomatic manifestation.