bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facing the Wildfire Spread Risk Challenge: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Qi Wenwen , Huang Yuandong , Xu Chong , Yang Wentao
Published: June 2023

Wildfire is a sudden and highly destructive natural disaster that poses significant challenges in terms of response and rescue efforts. Influenced by factors such as climate, combustible materials, and ignition sources, wildfires have been increasingly occurring worldwide on an annual basis. In recent years, researchers have shown growing interest in studying wildfires, leading to a substantial body of related research. These studies encompass various topics, including wildfire prediction and forecasting, the analysis of spatial and temporal patterns, the assessment of ecological impacts, the simulation of wildfire behavior, the identification of influencing factors, the development of risk assessment models, techniques for managing combustible materials, decision-making technologies for firefighting, and fire-retardant methods. Understanding the factors that affect wildfire spread behavior, employing simulation methods, and conducting risk assessments are vital for effective wildfire prevention, disaster mitigation, and emergency response. Consequently, it is imperative to comprehensively review and explore further research in this field. This article primarily focuses on elucidating and discussing wildfire spread behavior as a key aspect. It summarizes the driving factors of wildfire spread behavior and introduces a wildfire spread behavior simulation software and its main applications based on these factors. Furthermore, it presents the research progress in wildfire risk assessment based on wildfire spread behavior factors and simulation, and provides an overview of various methods used for wildfire risk assessment. Finally, the article proposes several prospects for future research on wildfire spread: strengthening the dynamic monitoring of wildfires and utilizing comprehensive data from multiple sources, further exploring the differential effects of key factors on wildfire spread, investigating differences in driving factors, improving wildfire models in China, developing applicable software, and conducting accurate and scientific assessments of wildfire risks to protect ecological resources.
Freeze-Dried Banana Slices Carrying Probiotic Bacteria
Authors: Niro Carolina M. , Mendonça Giovana M. N. , Paulino Lucca R. , Soares Viviane F. , Azeredo Henriette M. C.
Published: June 2023

Findings on diet–health relationships have induced many people to adopt healthier diets, including the substitution of energy-dense snacks with healthier items, e.g., those containing probiotic microorganisms. The aim of this research was to compare two methods to produce probiotic freeze-dried banana slices—one of them consisting of impregnating slices with a suspension of probiotic Bacillus coagulans, the other based on coating the slices with a starch dispersion containing the bacteria. Both processes resulted in viable cell counts above 7 log ufc.g−1, although the presence of the starch coating prevented a significant loss in viability during freeze-drying. The coated slices were less crispy than the impregnated ones, according to the shear force test results. However, the sensory panel (with more than 100 panelists) did not perceive significant texture differences. Both methods presented good results in terms of probiotic cell viability and sensory acceptability (the coated slices being significantly more accepted than the non-probiotic control slices).
Towards a Better Understanding of Texturization during High-Moisture Extrusion (HME)—Part II: Characterization of Thermophysical Properties of High-Moisture Meat Analogues
Authors: Högg Elisabeth , Rauh Cornelia
Published: June 2023

It is crucial to determine the thermophysical properties of high-moisture extruded samples (HMESs) to properly understand the texturization process of high-moisture extrusion (HME), especially when the primary objective is the production of high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). Therefore, the study’s aim was to determine thermophysical properties of high-moisture extruded samples made from soy protein concentrate (SPC ALPHA® 8 IP). Thermophysical properties such as the specific heat capacity and the apparent density were experimentally determined and further investigated to obtain simple prediction models. These models were compared to non-HME-based literature models, which were derived from high-moisture foods, such as soy-based and meat products (including fish). Furthermore, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were calculated based on generic equations and literature models and showed a significant mutual influence. The combination of the experimental data and the applied simple prediction models resulted in a satisfying mathematical description of the thermophysical properties of the HME samples. The application of data-driven thermophysical property models could contribute to understanding the texturization effect during HME. Further, the gained knowledge could be applied for further understanding in related research, e.g., with numerical simulation studies of the HME process.
Food System Transformation and Gut Microbiota Transition: Evidence on Advancing Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cancers—A Narrative Review
Authors: Elechi Jasper Okoro Godwin , Sirianni Rosa , Conforti Francesca Luisa , Cione Erika , Pellegrino Michele
Published: June 2023

Food, a vital component of our daily life, is fundamental to our health and well-being, and the knowledge and practices relating to food have been passed down from countless generations of ancestors. Systems may be used to describe this extremely extensive and varied body of agricultural and gastronomic knowledge that has been gathered via evolutionary processes. The gut microbiota also underwent changes as the food system did, and these alterations had a variety of effects on human health. In recent decades, the gut microbiome has gained attention due to its health benefits as well as its pathological effects on human health. Many studies have shown that a person’s gut microbiota partially determines the nutritional value of food and that diet, in turn, shapes both the microbiota and the microbiome. The current narrative review aims to explain how changes in the food system over time affect the makeup and evolution of the gut microbiota, advancing obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. After a brief discussion of the food system’s variety and the gut microbiota’s functions, we concentrate on the relationship between the evolution of food system transformation and gut microbiota system transition linked to the increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Finally, we also describe sustainable food system transformation strategies to ensure healthy microbiota composition recovery and maintain the host gut barrier and immune functions to reverse advancing NCDs.
Effects of Concentration and Type of Lipids on the Droplet Size, Encapsulation, Colour and Viscosity in the Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilised by Rapeseed Protein
Authors: Kasprzak Mirosław M. , Jarzębski Maciej , Smułek Wojciech , Berski Wiktor , Zając Marzena , Östbring Karolina , Ahlström Cecilia , Ptasznik Stanisław , Domagała Jacek
Published: June 2023

The objective of this study was to extract the rapeseed protein from by-products and further examine the effect of lab-made rapeseed protein on the droplet size, microstructure, colour, encapsulation and apparent viscosity of emulsions. Rapeseed protein-stabilised emulsions with an increasing gradient of milk fat or rapeseed oil (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%, v/v) were fabricated using a high shear rate homogenisation. All emulsions showed 100% oil encapsulation for 30 days of storage, irrespective of lipid type and the concentration used. Rapeseed oil emulsions were stable against coalescence, whereas the milk fat emulsion showed a partial micro-coalescence. The apparent viscosity of emulsions raised with increased lipid concentrations. Each of the emulsions showed a shear thinning behaviour, a typical behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids. The average droplet size was raised in milk fat and rapeseed oil emulsions when the concentration of lipids increased. A simple approach to manufacturing stable emulsions offers a feasible hint to convert protein-rich by-products into a valuable carrier of saturated or unsaturated lipids for the design of foods with a targeted lipid profile.
Psychiatric Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice Barriers to Administering Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) Antipsychotics in Taiwan: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Lin Yao-Yu , Hou Wen-Li , Lin Mei-Ling
Published: June 2023

Long-acting antipsychotic injections require that psychiatric nurses choose the proper injection site and technique to avoid harming patients. This research conducted a mixed-method study to examine the long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) knowledge, practice, and administrative barriers in a sample of 269 psychiatric nurses from 3 public psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Self-report questionnaires showed female nurses exhibiting higher scores and older nurses demonstrating more knowledge. The dorsogluteal (DG) site was the most widely used for injections, with 57.6% of nurses using the Z-track method. Qualitative data analysis was performed on 20 psychiatric nurses who chose the DG site as their preferred injection site. There were two key themes. The first was a gap between the nurses’ knowledge of LAI administration and their actual practice. The second needed more confidence and training in using the ventrogluteal injection site. These results highlight the need for continued education and training to improve LAI practice among psychiatric nurses.
The Size of a Thyroid Nodule with ACR TI-RADS Does Not Provide a Better Prediction of the Nature of the Nodule: A Single-Center Retrospective Real-Life Observational Study
Authors: Scorziello Chiara , Durante Cosimo , Biffoni Marco , Borcea Maria Carola , Consorti Fabrizio , Laca Angelo , Melcarne Rossella , Ventrone Luca , Giacomelli Laura
Published: June 2023

We investigated if thyroid nodule size has a predictive value of malignancy on a par with composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, and echogenic foci, and what would be the consequence of observing the rule of the American College of Radiology (ACR) to perform a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). We conducted a retrospective real-life observational study on 86 patients who underwent surgery after a standardized diagnostic protocol. We divided the TR3, TR4, and TR5 classes into sub-classes according to the size threshold indicating FNAB (a: up to the threshold for no FNAB; b: over the threshold for FNAB suggested). We computed sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the different sub-classes and Youden’s index (Y) for the different possible cutoffs. Each sub-class showed the following PPV (0.67, 0.68, 0.70, 0.78, 0.72), NPV (0.56, 0.54, 0.51, 0.52, 0.59), and Y (0.20, 0.20, 0.22, 0.31, 0.30). In this real-life series, we did not find a significant difference in prediction of malignancy between the sub-categories according to the size threshold. All nodules have a pre-evaluation likelihood of being malignant, and the impact and utility of size thresholds may be less clear than suggested by the ACR TIRADS guidelines in patients undergoing standardized thyroid work up.
A Political Ecology of the Body: Nature in French Anarchist Pedagogy around 1900
Authors: Probst Milo
Published: June 2023

This essay historicizes the concept of nature in French anarchist pedagogy around 1900. I argue that anarchist cosmology was not dualist in the sense that it did not neatly separate the natural from the cultural or social. Nature was rather understood as an ever-evolving realm that encompassed nonhuman and human entities. This example should encourage historical scholarship to look more deeply into what anthropologists sometimes call “naturalist ontology”. Instead of conceiving it as a fixed worldview, we should investigate its genealogy, transformations, and contestations.
Acute Cardiopulmonary Response of High-Intensity Interval Training with Elastic Resistance vs. High-Intensity Interval Training on a Treadmill in Healthy Adults
Authors: Neves Letícia Nascimento Santos , Gasparini-Neto Victor Hugo , Leite Richard Diego , Carletti Luciana
Published: June 2023

This study aims to describe and compare cardiopulmonary and subjective responses during high-intensity interval training with elastic resistance (EL-HIIT) and traditional high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. Twenty-two healthy adults (27.6 ± 4.4 years) performed an EL-HIIT and a HIIT protocol consisting of 10 × 1 min at ~85% V·O2max prescribed by cardiopulmonary-specific tests. Pulmonary parameters, heart rate (HR), blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during exercise. Paired t-test and Cohen’s d effect size were used to compare peak and average values. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and mixed model with Bonferroni’s post hoc test were used to compare each bout during the session. The EL-HIIT session showed higher peak and average values of HR, ventilation (V·E), relative and absolute oxygen uptake (V·O2), carbon dioxide production (V·CO2), and RPE than HIIT (p < 0.05). The effect size (ES) comparing HIIT and EL-HIIT was large for HR, V·E, and lactate (≥0.8) in peak values. Comparing each bout between HIIT and EL-HIIT, no difference was found in peak values (p > 0.05) during the session (excluding baseline, warm-up, and recovery). EL-HIIT presented a more pronounced cardiopulmonary and subjective response than HIIT.
COVID-19 and Masking Disparities: Qualitative Analysis of Trust on the CDC’s Facebook Page
Authors: Laurent-Simpson Andrea
Published: June 2023

This exploratory paper examines individual levels of risk assessment as impacting institutional trust in the CDC while also contributing to disparities in expressed willingness to mask early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Using both content and thematic analysis of the CDC’s Facebook (FB) page from April 2020 and Gidden’s modern risk society theory, I consider how social media (SM) users retrospectively perceived a dramatic change in public health (PH) advisory—from the CDC advising against masking in February 2020 (Time 1) to advising the use of “do-it-yourself” (DIY) cloth masking in April 2020 (Time 2)—through a lens of prior, self-guided research. Expressed “knowledge” of masking as preventative (or not) yielded unwavering and sometimes increasing distrust in the CDC based on user perception of the “correct” advisory, regardless of the CDC’s position at Time 1 or Time 2. Simultaneously, disparities in masking behaviors appeared to be driven not by CDC guidance but by this same self-guided research. I show this via three themes: (1) claims of ineffectiveness for DIY masking (do not trust CDC now—no masking from the start); (2) conflict between the first and second CDC advisories on masking (do not trust CDC—either already masking anyway or will now); (3) disappointed in the CDC for length of time taken to make a DIY mask recommendation (do not trust CDC—either already masking anyway or will mask now). I discuss the imperative nature of two-way engagement with SM users by PH rather than using SM as a one-way mode of advisory dissemination. This and other recommendations may decrease disparities in preventative behaviors based on individual-level risk assessment as well as increase institutional trust and transparency.
Spatiotemporal Patterns Evolution of Residential Areas and Transportation Facilities Based on Multi-Source Data: A Case Study of Xi’an, China
Authors: Lai Xinyi , Gao Chao
Published: June 2023

The spatiotemporal patterns of residential and supporting service facilities are critical to effective urban planning. However, with growing urban sprawl and congestion, the spatial distribution patterns and evolutionary characteristics of these areas show significant uncertainty. This research was conducted for six phases from 2012 to 2022, incorporating datasets of point of interest (POI) data for residential areas and transportation facilities (RATFs) and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and standard deviation ellipse, we investigated the spatiotemporal patterns and directional characteristics of RATFs in Xi’an, as well as their evolution and underlying causes. The analysis demonstrated that: (1) The spatial distribution of RATFs in Xi’an exhibits non-uniform and gradually evolving patterns, with significant spatial agglomeration characteristics over the past decade. Residential areas (RAs) exhibit a spatial autocorrelation that is high in the middle and low in the surrounding areas, while transportation facilities (TFs) exhibit spatial patterns that are high in the southern and low in the northern areas. (2) Overall, the number of RATFs has continued to increase, and they exhibit significant spatial autocorrelation. Specifically, the trend of RAs concentrating in the central city has become increasingly prominent, while TFs have expanded from the center to the north. (3) Furthermore, from the perspective of supply–demand matching, this study proposes targeted adjustment strategies for the distribution of RATFs. It provides significant references for the optimization of service facilities and provides new ideas and practical experience for urban spatial analysis methods based on multi-source data.
Reducing Redundancy in Maps without Lowering Accuracy: A Geometric Feature Fusion Approach for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping
Authors: Li Feiya , Fu Chunyun , Sun Dongye , Marzbani Hormoz , Hu Minghui
Published: June 2023

Geometric map features, such as line segments and planes, are receiving increasing attention due to their advantages in simultaneous localization and mapping applications. However, large structures in different environments are very likely to appear repeatedly in several consecutive time steps, resulting in redundant features in the final map. These redundant features should be properly fused, in order to avoid ambiguity and reduce the computation load. In this paper, three criteria are proposed to evaluate the closeness between any two features extracted at two different times, in terms of their included angle, feature circle overlapping and relative distance. These criteria determine whether any two features should be fused in the mapping process. Using the three criteria, all features in the global map are categorized into different clusters with distinct labels, and a fused feature is then generated for each cluster by means of least squares fitting. Two competing methods are employed for comparative verification. The comparison results indicate that using the commonly used KITTI dataset and the commercial software PreScan, the proposed feature fusion method outperforms the competing methods in terms of conciseness and accuracy.
Genetic Differentiation of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Areas with High Rates of Infestation in Mid-North Region of Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Luzianny Farias , Sousa Andrelina Alves de , Mendes Júnior Walter Pinheiro , Cardoso e Silva Amanda Caroline , Nascimento Maria Histelle Sousa do , Barros Maria Claudene , Sampaio Iracilda , Fraga Elmary da Costa
Published: June 2023

Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of the arboviruses—yellow fever, dengue virus, chikungunya, and zika virus. Given the epidemiological importance of this mosquito, its capacity to adapt to different habitats, and its resistance to many types of control measures, systematic research into the genetic variability of the populations of this mosquito is one of the most important steps toward a better understanding of its population structure and vector competence. In this context, the present study verified the presence of distinct genetic lineages of Ae. aegypti in areas with high infestation rates, based on the analysis of microsatellite markers. The samples were collected in nine municipalities with high building infestation rates in the Mid-North region of Brazil. Six microsatellite loci were genotyped in the 138 samples, producing a total of 32 alleles, varying from one to nine alleles per locus in each of the different populations. The AMOVA revealed greater within-population genetic differentiation with high fixation rates. The general analysis of population structure, based on a Bayesian approach, revealed K = 2, with two Ae. aegypti lineages that were highly differentiated genetically. These data on the connectivity of the populations and the genetic isolation of the lineages provide important insights for the development of innovative strategies for the control of the populations of this important disease vector.
Eltrombopag for Adults and Children with Immune-Refractory Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Barros Torelli Danielle Francisco Honorato , Oliveira Crystian Bitencourt Soares , Nai Gisele Alborghetti , Trindade Evelinda Marramon , Prestes-Carneiro Luiz Euribel
Published: June 2023

Eltrombopag is an agonist that binds to the membrane-bound domain of the thrombopoietin receptor used in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in adults and children with refractory ITP. Adults who received eltrombopag had a significantly better platelet response (relative risk [RR], 3.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.39–5.55), but there were no differences in the incidence of bleeding (RR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.52–1.22) and adverse effects (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.55–1.78) compared with the placebo. In children, there was no difference between eltrombopag and placebo for a platelet response >50,000/mm3 (RR, 3.93; 95% CI, 0.56–27.79) and the number of adverse events (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.25–1.49); however, a lower incidence of bleeding was observed (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27–0.83). Treatment with eltrombopag protected adults and children from severe disease and death.
Influence of Sociodemographic, Premorbid, and Injury-Related Factors on Post-Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, and Depression after Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bockhop Fabian , Cunitz Katrin , Zeldovich Marina , Buchheim Anna , Beissbarth Tim , Hagmayer York , von Steinbuechel Nicole
Published: June 2023

Psychopathological symptoms are common sequelae after traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading to increased personal and societal burden. Previous studies on factors influencing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) after TBI have produced inconclusive results, partly due to methodological limitations. The current study investigated the influence of commonly proposed factors on the clinical impairment, occurrence, frequency, and intensity of symptoms of PTSD, GAD, and MDD after TBI. The study sample comprised 2069 individuals (65% males). Associations between psychopathological outcomes and sociodemographic, premorbid, and injury-related factors were analyzed using logistic regression, standard, and zero-inflated negative binomial models. Overall, individuals experienced moderate levels of PTSD, GAD, and MDD. Outcomes correlated with early psychiatric assessments across domains. The clinical impairment, occurrence, frequency, and intensity of all outcomes were associated with the educational level, premorbid psychiatric history, injury cause, and functional recovery. Distinct associations were found for injury severity, LOC, and clinical care pathways with PTSD; age and LOC:sex with GAD; and living situation with MDD, respectively. The use of suitable statistical models supported the identification of factors associated with the multifactorial etiology of psychopathology after TBI. Future research may apply these models to reduce personal and societal burden.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Care of Patients with HIV Infection
Authors: Rosas Cancio-Suárez Marta , Alonso Cecilia , Vivancos María , Pérez-Elías María , Cárdenas María , Vélez-Díaz-Pallarés Manuel , Corbacho María , Martín-Pedraza Laura , Muriel Alfonso , Martínez-Sanz Javier , Moreno Santiago
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures have been associated with substantial disruptions to health care services, including screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and management of people living with HIV (PLWH). Data from 3265 patients were examined in a retrospective cohort study. We compared outpatient follow-up for PLWH, the number of new patients, treatment adherence, hospitalizations, and deaths during the “pandemic period” (March 2020 to February 2021), the “pre-pandemic period” (the equivalent time frame in 2019), and the “post-pandemic period” (March to September 2021). During the pandemic period, the number of new patients seen at the HIV clinic (116) as well as the requested viral load tests (2414) decreased significantly compared to the pre-pandemic (204 and 2831, respectively) and post-pandemic periods (146 and 2640, respectively) (p < 0.01 for all the comparisons). However, across the three study periods, the number of drug refills (1385, 1330, and 1411, respectively), the number of patients with undetectable viral loads (85%, 90%, and 93%, respectively), and the number of hospital admissions among PLWH remained constant. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, our findings show stability in the retention of clinical care, adherence to treatment, and viral suppression of PLWH, with no significant impact on hospitalization rates or all-cause mortality.
Ex Vivo Osteogenesis Induced by Calcium Silicate-Based Cement Extracts
Authors: Kato Gabriel , Araújo Rita , Rodrigues Cláudia , Gomes Pedro Sousa , Grenho Liliana , Fernandes Maria Helena
Published: June 2023

Calcium silicate-based cements are used in a variety of clinical conditions affecting the pulp tissue, relying on their inductive effect on tissue mineralization. This work aimed to evaluate the biological response of calcium silicate-based cements with distinct properties—the fast-setting Biodentine™ and TotalFill® BC RRM™ Fast Putty, and the classical slow-setting ProRoot® MTA, in an ex vivo model of bone development. Briefly, eleven-day-old embryonic chick femurs were cultured for 10 days in organotypic conditions, being exposed to the set cements’ eluates and, at the end of the culture period, evaluated for osteogenesis/bone formation by combining microtomographic analysis and histological histomorphometric assessment. ProRoot® MTA and TotalFill® extracts presented similar levels of calcium ions, although significantly lower than those released from BiodentineTM. All extracts increased the osteogenesis/tissue mineralization, assayed by microtomographic (BV/TV) and histomorphometric (% of mineralized area; % of total collagen area, and % of mature collagen area) indexes, although displaying distinct dose-dependent patterns and quantitative values. The fast-setting cements displayed better performance than that of ProRoot® MTA, with BiodentineTM presenting the best performance, within the assayed experimental model.
Unleash Multifunctional Role of miRNA Biogenesis Gene Variants (XPO5*rs34324334 and RAN*rs14035) with Susceptibility to Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Elsalahaty Mohamed I. , Salama Afrah F. , Diab Thoria , Ghazy Medhat , Toraih Eman , Elshazli Rami M.
Published: June 2023

Numerous reports have explored the roles of different genetic variants in miRNA biogenesis mechanisms and the progression of various types of carcinomas. The goal of this study is to explore the association between XPO5*rs34324334 and RAN*rs14035 gene variants and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In a cohort of 234 participants (107 HCC patients and 127 unrelated cancer-free controls) from the same geographic region, we characterized allelic discrimination using PCR-RFLP and performed subgroup analysis and multivariate regression. We found that the frequency of the XPO5*rs34324334 (A) variant was correlated with elevated risk of HCC under allelic (OR = 10.09, p-value < 0.001), recessive (OR = 24.1, p-value < 0.001), and dominant (OR = 10.1, p-value < 0.001) models. A/A genotype was associated with hepatitis C cirrhosis (p-value = 0.012), ascites (p-value = 0.003), and higher levels of alpha-fetoproteins (p-value = 0.011). Carriers of the RAN*rs14035 (T) variant were more likely to develop HCC under allelic (OR = 1.76, p-value = 0.003) and recessive (OR = 3.27, p-value < 0.001) models. Our results suggest that XPO5*rs34324334 and RAN*rs14035 variants are independent risk factors for developing HCC.
Soil Quality Mediates the Corn Yield in a Thin-Layer Mollisol in Northeast China
Authors: Fang Wei , Zhong Xuemei , Peng Xinhua , Li Linyuan , Zhang Shaoliang , Gao Lei
Published: June 2023

Soil quality (SQ) is critical to sustainable agricultural development. It is sensitive to the crop yield, especially in thin-layer black-soil regions, which have experienced severe degradation in recent years. However, how to evaluate the SQ and its influence on land productivity is not clear in regions with thin black-soil coverage. Therefore, an integrated soil quality index (SQI) was constructed using diverse datasets along a 30 km transect in a typical thin-layer black-soil region of China. The results showed that obvious soil degradation was observed in this area. Black-soil thickness (BST), soil organic matter (SOM), and the total nitrogen (TN) content were the most strongly correlated with corn yield among the 13 investigated indexes, with Pearson coefficients of 0.65, 0.39 and 0.34, respectively. The minimum-dataset-based SQI using six soil properties within 0–30 cm was the optimal solution for SQ evaluation in the study area. The good performance of the established SQI using the optimal method was supported by its strong correlation with the corn yield, with a Pearson coefficient and linear R2 of 0.75 and 0.56, respectively. The BST identified by differences in colour across the soil profile provided powerful information for the SQI, the value of which would be underestimated by 8% if this index were ignored. The linear R2 between the SQI and corn yield decreased from 0.56 to 0.49 when the BST index was removed. This study showed the significance of improving the SQ in thin-layer black-soil regions. The core of soil management is to prevent the losses of surface black soil and improve the SOM content in this region. These findings can help farmers and decision makers adopt proper measures to improve SQ and thereby crop yield.
Sustainable Management of Land Resources: The Case of China’s Forestry Carbon Sink Mechanism
Authors: Liu Hongyi , He Tianyu
Published: June 2023

Compared to more developed countries, the use of land resources is less efficient in China. China’s vast forest land area gives it a rich and underutilized carbon sink. This is an important way for China to achieve the goals of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality”, which is of great significance to China’s sustainable development. In the past 20 years, China has designed a series of policies to serve the development of forestry carbon sinks, namely the forestry carbon sink mechanism (FCSM). However, the questions of which policy is the most important, and what is the socio-economic value it generates, have not been fully investigated. Accordingly, this paper studied 30 provincial-level regions in China from 2005 to 2020 using the difference-in-differences (DID) model. The conclusions show that: (1) the FCSM does increase the socio-economic value of land resources, thus improving the sustainability of land resources; (2) the FCSM helps to increase forest coverage, forest stock volume and the forest coverage rate, which increases the social value of land resources from the greening path; (3) the FCSM helps to increase the gross forestry product, which increases the economic value of land resources through the path of increasing production value.
Prediction of Pregnancy-Associated Hypertension Using a Scoring System: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Jo Yun Sung , Kim Woo Jeng , Choi Sae Kyung , Kim Su Mi , Shin Jae Eun , Kil Ki Cheol , Kim Yeon Hee , Wie Jeong Ha , Kim Han Wool , Hong Subeen , Ko Hyun Sun
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to develop an early pregnancy risk scoring model for pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH) based on maternal pre-pregnancy characteristics, such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) or neither. The perinatal databases of seven hospitals from January 2009 to December 2020 were randomly divided into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 70:30. The data of a total pregnant restricted population (women not taking aspirin during pregnancy) were analyzed separately. Three models (model 1, pre-pregnancy factors only; model 2, adding MAP; model 3, adding MAP and PAPP-A) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) risk factors model were compared. A total of 2840 (8.11%) and 1550 (3.3%) women subsequently developed PAH and preterm PAH, respectively. Performances of models 2 and 3 with areas under the curve (AUC) over 0.82 in both total population and restricted population were superior to those of model 1 (with AUCs of 0.75 and 0.748, respectively) and the ACOG risk model (with AUCs of 0.66 and 0.66) for predicting PAH and preterm PAH. The final scoring system with model 2 for predicting PAH and preterm PAH showed moderate to good performance (AUCs of 0.78 and 0.79, respectively) in the test set. “A risk scoring model for PAH and preterm PAH with pre-pregnancy factors and MAP showed moderate to high performances. Further prospective studies for validating this scoring model with biomarkers and uterine artery Doppler or without them might be required”.
Population History Shapes Responses to Different Temperature Regimes in Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Erić Katarina , Veselinović Marija Savić , Patenković Aleksandra , Davidović Slobodan , Erić Pavle , Stamenković-Radak Marina , Tanasković Marija
Published: June 2023

Drosophila subobscura is considered a good model species for investigation of a population’s ability to adapt and cope with climate changes. Decade long research has shown that inversion frequencies change in response to environmental factors indicating their role in adaptation to novel environments. The mechanisms behind organisms’ responses to temperature are complex, involving changes in physiology, behavior, gene expression and regulation. On the other hand, a population’s ability to respond to suboptimal conditions depends on standing genetic variation and population history. In order to elucidate the role of local adaptation in population response to the changing temperature, we investigated the response to temperature in D. subobscura individuals originating from two different altitudes by combining traditional cytogenetic techniques with assessing the levels of Hsp70 protein expression. Inversion polymorphism was assessed in the flies sampled from natural populations and in flies reared in laboratory conditions at three different temperatures after five and sixteen generations and Hsp70 protein expression profile in 12th generation flies at the basal level and after heat shock induction. Our results indicate that local adaptation and population history influence population response to the changing temperature.
Pulsed Radiofrequency and Platelet Rich Plasma in Degenerative Joint Arthritis: Two Case Reports and Literature Analyses
Authors: Giaccari Luca Gregorio , Coppolino Francesco , Aurilio Caterina , Pace Maria Caterina , Passavanti Maria Beatrice , Pota Vincenzo , Alicino Dario , Pulito Giuseppe , Sansone Pasquale
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease. The are several therapies available for OA. According to current knowledge, the combination of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) can be applied in the treatment of pain of nociceptive origin due to peripheral tissue damage. (2) Methods: We performed a narrative review identifying the articles by searching electronic databases. A retrospective analysis of patients with OA treated with PRF and PRP in “Vito Fazzi” Hospital (Lecce, Italy) was performed. (3) Results: A total of four publications on the use of PRP and PRF in degenerative joint arthritis were included in our review. In our experience, two patients with OA were treated with PRP and PRF after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Patient pain score, daily activity ability, active range of activity, and muscle strength improved after treatment. Patients reported a higher level of satisfaction. No major adverse events were reported. (4) Conclusions: The goal of the combined application of the two treatments is to make full use of the analgesic effect of PRF and the repairing effect of PRP. At present, the therapeutic potential of PRP and PRF in OA remains unmet.
Biodegradation of Polymers: Stages, Measurement, Standards and Prospects
Authors: Silva Rafael Resende Assis , Marques Clara Suprani , Arruda Tarsila Rodrigues , Teixeira Samiris Cocco , de Oliveira Taíla Veloso
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, sustainable and biodegradable bioplastics are gaining significant attention due to resource depletion and plastic pollution. An increasing number of environmentally friendly plastics are being introduced to the market with the aim of addressing these concerns. However, many final products still contain additives or mix non-biodegradable polymers to ensure minimum performance, which often undermines their ecological footprint. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge about all stages of biodegradation and their accuracy in classifying products as biodegradable. Therefore, this review provides an overview of biodegradable polymers, elucidating the steps and mechanisms of polymer biodegradation. We also caution readers about the growing marketing practice of “greenwashing” where companies or organizations adopt green marketing strategies to label products with more environmental benefits than they have. Furthermore, we present the main standards for evaluating biodegradation, tools, and tests capable of measuring the biodegradation process. Finally, we suggest strategies and perspectives involving concepts of recycling and the circularity of polymers to make them more environmentally friendly and sustainable. After all, “throwing away” plastics should not be an option because there is no outside when there is only one planet.
The Real-World Clinical Outcomes of Favipiravir Treatment with Telemedicine Monitoring in Preventing Disease Progression in Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Patients; A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Siripongboonsitti Taweegrit , Tawinprai Kriangkrai , Cheirsilpa Kunsuda , Ungtrakul Teerapat , Krisorakun Wasanai , Chotipanich Chanisa , Wimolsiri Nat , Noitun Permpen , Srirattana Netnapis , Mahanonda Nithi
Published: June 2023

Background: Favipiravir has complex pharmacokinetics, and varied efficacy has been reported in treating COVID-19. Telehealth and telemonitoring are disruptive challenges used for COVID-19 care during pandemics. Objective: This study aimed to assess the outcome of favipiravir treatment to prevent clinical deterioration in mild to moderate COVID-19 cases with adjunctive telemonitoring during the COVID-19 surge. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of PCR-confirmed mild to moderate COVID-19 cases subjected to home isolation. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed in all cases, and favipiravir was administrated. Results: This study involved 88 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases. In addition, 42/42 (100%) cases were Alpha variants. COVID-19 pneumonia was found in 71.5% of the cases, according to chest X-rays and chest CT on the first visit. Favipiravir started 4 days after symptoms, which was part of the standard of care. The 12.5% of the patients required supplemental oxygen and intensive care unit admission rate was 1.1%; 1.1% required mechanical ventilation, and the rate of all-cause mortality was 1.1%, with a value of 0% of severe COVID-19 deaths. All mild illness cases showed no clinical deterioration or requirement for supplemental oxygen. No significant deterioration in either obesity or diabetes mellitus was observed. Conclusions: Favipiravir treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases in outpatient settings, coupled with telemonitoring, was both safe and effective in preventing clinical deterioration, including the need for oxygen supplementation. This approach proved valuable during surges of COVID-19 cases.
Long-Term Conductivity Stability of Electrolytic Membranes of Scandia Stabilized Zirconia Co-Doped with Ytterbia
Authors: Agarkov Dmitrii , Borik Mikhail , Komarov Boris , Korableva Galina , Kulebyakin Alexey , Kuritsyna Irina , Lomonova Elena , Milovich Filipp , Myzina Valentina , Tabachkova Nataliya
Published: June 2023

The effect of high-temperature aging for 4800 h at a temperature of 1123 K on the crystal structure and the conductivity of (ZrO2)0.90(Sc2O3)0.09(Yb2O3)0.01 and (ZrO2)0.90(Sc2O3)0.08(Yb2O3)0.02 single-crystal membranes were studied. Such membrane lifetime testing is critical to the operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The crystals were obtained by the method of directional crystallization of the melt in a cold crucible. The phase composition and structure of the membranes before and after aging were studied using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The conductivities of the samples were measured using the impedance spectroscopy technique. The (ZrO2)0.90(Sc2O3)0.09(Yb2O3)0.01 composition showed long-term conductivity stability (conductivity degradation not more than 4%). Long-term high-temperature aging of the (ZrO2)0.90(Sc2O3)0.08(Yb2O3)0.02 composition initiates the t″ → t′ phase transformation. In this case, a sharp decrease in conductivity of up to 55% was observed. The data obtained demonstrate a clear correlation between the specific conductivity and the change in the phase composition. The (ZrO2)0.90(Sc2O3)0.09(Yb2O3)0.01 composition can be considered a promising material for practical use as a solid electrolyte in SOFCs.
A Determination of the Influence of Technological Parameters on the Quality of the Created Layer in the Process of Cataphoretic Coating
Authors: Dobránsky Jozef , Gombár Miroslav , Fejko Patrik , Balint Bali Róbert
Published: June 2023

Cataphoresis varnishing enables an organic coating to form on an aluminum substrate, thus increasing its corrosion resistance and durability. Cataphoresis varnishing is known to ensure a high adhesion of the created cataphoresis layer and a good homogeneity of this layer, even on surfaces with complex geometry. This paper aimed to optimize the deposition process and to analyze and evaluate the thickness of a cataphoresis layer formed on an aluminum substrate from AW 1050—H24 material. In total, 30 separate samples were created in accordance with the Design of Experiments methodology, using a central composite plan. The independent input factors in the study were: the electrical voltage (U) and deposition time in the cataphoresis varnishing process (tKTL) at the polymerization times of 15 min, 20 min, and 25 min, respectively. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the voltage accounted for 33.82% of the change in the thickness of the created layer and the deposition time contributed 28.67% to thi change. At the same time, the interaction of the voltage and deposition time (p < 0.0001) accounted for 20.25% of the change in the thickness of the layer under formation. The regression model that was constructed showed a high degree of prediction accuracy (85.8775%) and its use as a function for nonlinear optimization provided a maximum layer thickness th of max = 26.114 µm, at U = 240 V and tKTL = 6.0 min, as was proven under experimental conditions.
Production of Saffron Apocarotenoids in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants Genome-Edited to Accumulate Zeaxanthin Precursor
Authors: Demurtas Olivia Costantina , Sulli Maria , Ferrante Paola , Mini Paola , Martí Maricarmen , Aragonés Verónica , Daròs José-Antonio , Giuliano Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Crocins are glycosylated apocarotenoids with strong coloring power and anti-oxidant, anticancer, and neuro-protective properties. We previously dissected the saffron crocin biosynthesis pathway, and demonstrated that the CsCCD2 enzyme, catalyzing the carotenoid cleavage step, shows a strong preference for the xanthophyll zeaxanthin in vitro and in bacterio. In order to investigate substrate specificity in planta and to establish a plant-based bio-factory system for crocin production, we compared wild-type Nicotiana benthamiana plants, accumulating various xanthophylls together with α- and β-carotene, with genome-edited lines, in which all the xanthophylls normally accumulated in leaves were replaced by a single xanthophyll, zeaxanthin. These plants were used as chassis for the production in leaves of saffron apocarotenoids (crocins, picrocrocin) using two transient expression methods to overexpress CsCCD2: agroinfiltration and inoculation with a viral vector derived from tobacco etch virus (TEV). The results indicated the superior performance of the zeaxanthin-accumulating line and of the use of the viral vector to express CsCCD2. The results also suggested a relaxed substrate specificity of CsCCD2 in planta, cleaving additional carotenoid substrates.
HIV RNA/DNA Levels at Diagnosis Can Predict Immune Reconstitution: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Basoulis Dimitrios , Pantazis Nikos , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Iliopoulos Panos , Papadopoulou Martha , Akinosoglou Karolina , Hatzakis Angelos , Daikos George L. , Psichogiou Mina
Published: June 2023

Background: HIV DNA mirrors the number of infected cells and the size of the HIV viral reservoir. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-cART HIV DNA levels as a predictive marker of immune reconstitution and on the post-cART CD4 counts trends. Methods: HIV DNA was isolated from PBMCs and quantified by real-time PCR. Immune reconstitution was assessed up to four years. Piecewise-linear mixed models were used to describe CD4 count changes. Results: 148 people living with HIV (PLWH) were included. The highest rate of immune reconstitution was observed during the first trimester. There was a trend showing that high HIV RNA level resulted in greater increase in CD4 count, especially during the first trimester of cART (difference above vs. below median 15.1 cells/μL/month; 95% CI −1.4–31.5; p = 0.073). Likewise, higher HIV DNA level would predict greater CD4 increases, especially after the first trimester (difference above vs. below median 1.2 cells/μL/month; 95% CI −0.1–2.6; p = 0.071). Higher DNA and RNA levels combined were significantly associated with greater CD4 increase past the first trimester (difference high/high vs. low/low 2.1 cells/μL/month; 95% CI 0.3–4.0; p = 0.024). In multivariable analysis, lower baseline CD4 counts predicted a greater CD4 rise. Conclusions: In successfully treated PLWH, pre-cART HIV DNA and HIV RNA levels are predictors of immune reconstitution.