bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Averaging Principle for Caputo–Hadamard Fractional Stochastic Differential Pantograph Equation
Authors: Mouy Mounia , Boulares Hamid , Alshammari Saleh , Alshammari Mohammad , Laskri Yamina , Mohammed Wael W.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we studied an averaging principle for Caputo–Hadamard fractional stochastic differential pantograph equation (FSDPEs) driven by Brownian motion. In light of some suggestions, the solutions to FSDPEs can be approximated by solutions to averaged stochastic systems in the sense of mean square. We expand the classical Khasminskii approach to Caputo–Hadamard fractional stochastic equations by analyzing systems solutions before and after applying averaging principle. We provided an applied example that explains the desired results to us.
Evaluation of the SWAT Model for the Simulation of Flow and Water Balance Based on Orbital Data in a Poorly Monitored Basin in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Rufino Paulo Ricardo , Gücker Björn , Faramarzi Monireh , Boëchat Iola Gonçalves , Cardozo Francielle da Silva , Santos Paula Resende , Zanin Gustavo Domingos , Mataveli Guilherme , Pereira Gabriel
Published: December 2022

The Amazon basin, the world’s largest river basin, is a key global climate regulator. Due to the lack of an extensive network of gauging stations, this basin remains poorly monitored, hindering the management of its water resources. Due to the vast extension of the Amazon basin, hydrological modeling is the only viable approach to monitor its current status. Here, we used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a process-based and time-continuous eco-hydrological model, to simulate streamflow and hydrologic water balance in an Amazonian watershed where only a few gauging stations (the Jari River Basin) are available. SWAT inputs consisted of reanalysis data based on orbital remote sensing. The calibration and validation of the SWAT model indicated a good agreement according to Nash-Sutcliffe (NS, 0.85 and 0.89), Standard Deviation Ratio (RSR, 0.39 and 0.33), and Percent Bias (PBIAS, −9.5 and −0.6) values. Overall, the model satisfactorily simulated water flow and balance characteristics, such as evapotranspiration, surface runoff, and groundwater. The SWAT model is suitable for tropical river basin management and scenario simulations of environmental changes.
Multi-Component Interventions in Older Adults Having Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)—A Review Article
Authors: Mohanty Madhuchhanda , Kumar Prakash
Published: December 2022

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is one of those significant concerns faced by older individuals. Though it is predominantly self-reported, it is not an event that should be overlooked, considering its significant association with cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and so on. This makes it imperative to find ways to manage the event to enhance the cognitive performance of older adults and/or suppress the rate at which cognitive decline results in impairment. While multiple interventions have been used for SCD, multi-component non-pharmacological interventions are beginning to gain more attention among researchers. This is due to how such interventions have effectively contributed to improved cognitive performance across different outcome domains. Against this backdrop, this literature review has been conducted to explore the different multi-component non-pharmacological interventions utilized in managing SCD. Papers from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO were retrieved, with relevant data being extracted on the subject matter to address the objective of this review.
A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Personal and Professional Resources on Nurses’ Work Engagement: A Comparison of Early-Career and Mid-Later-Career Nurses
Authors: Nagai Satoko , Ogata Yasuko , Yamamoto Takeshi , Fedyk Mark , Bell Janice F.
Published: December 2022

To predict and ensure a healthy and high-performing nursing workforce, it is necessary to identify the antecedents that promote work engagement, especially among early-career nurses. To date no study has focused on this. This longitudinal survey, administered to 1204 nurses working in seven general hospitals with 200 or more beds in four prefectures in Japan at two different times in 2019, aims to examine the causal relationship between the personal and professional resources for nurses to work vigorously (PPR-N) and work engagement among nurses in the early stages of their careers, considering time as a key mediating factor. The analysis of structural equation modeling using the cross-lagged effect model supported that PPR-N had significant and positive effects on work engagement after 3 months among early-career nurses with less than 10 years of nursing experience. The PPR-N is a reliable antecedent of work engagement, which is typical of early-career nurses. These results may be provided guidance for managers in overseeing the work environment to ensure a thriving sustainable nursing workforce.
Prescription of Silexan Is Associated with Less Frequent General Practitioner Repeat Consultations Due to Disturbed Sleep Compared to Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists: A Retrospective Database Analysis
Authors: Krüger Tillmann , Becker Eva-Maria , Kostev Karel
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between the prescription of Silexan and the recurrence of general practitioner (GP) repeat consultations because of disturbed sleep versus benzodiazepine receptor agonists including zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon (Z-drugs). This retrospective cohort study was based on data from the IQVIA Disease Analyzer (DA) database. The study included adult patients treated by 1284 GPs in Germany with a documented sleep disorder and their first prescription of Silexan or Z-drug (prescription between January 2010 and October 2020). The recurrence of seeking medical advice because of sleep disorders in the 15–365 days after the first prescription was evaluated. Multivariate regression models were used, adjusted for age, sex, insurance status, and defined co-diagnoses. Data were available for 95,320 (Silexan: 5204; Z-Drug: 90,526) patients. In total, 15.6% of the Silexan patients and 28.6% of the Z-drug patients had a further documented GP consultation because of a sleep disorder. Silexan prescription was associated with significantly lower odds of recurrent sleep disorder diagnosis in the 15–365 days after the index date (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.56; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.51–0.60), although mental burden levels appeared higher in this group. Our study shows that the prescription of Silexan to adult patients consulting GPs for disturbed sleep results in less frequent repeat consultations than Z-drugs. This may support Silexan’s role as an efficacious, self-enabling, well-tolerated, and sustained treatment option. Because Silexan is a proven anxiolytic, its impact in improving undiagnosed anxiety disorders may have had a lasting effect for certain patients.
Hemodynamic Tolerance of Virtual Reality Intradialysis Exercise Performed during the Last 30 Minutes versus the Beginning of the Hemodialysis Session
Authors: García-Testal Alicia , Martínez-Olmos Francisco José , Gil-Gómez Jose Antonio , López-Tercero Víctor , Lahoz-Cano Laura , Hervás-Marín David , Cana-Poyatos Alicia , García-Maset Rafael , Royo-Maicas Pilar , Segura-Ortí Eva
Published: December 2022

Background: Exercise improves the physical function of people suffering from chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (HD). Virtual reality is a new type of intradialysis exercise that has a positive impact on physical function. Intradialysis exercise is recommended during the first 2 h, but its safety in the last part of the dialysis session is unknown. Methods: This was a pilot sub-study of a clinical trial. Several hemodynamic control variables were recorded, including blood pressure, heart rate, and intradialytic hypotensive events. These variables were recorded during three different HD sessions, one HD session at rest, another HD session with exercise during the first two hours, and one HD session with exercise during the last 30 min of dialysis. The intradialysis virtual reality exercise was performed for a maximum of 30 min. Results: During exercise sessions, there was a significant increase in heart rate (6.65 (4.92, 8.39) bpm; p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (6.25 (0.04,12.47) mmHg; p < 0.05). There was no difference in hemodynamic control between the sessions with exercise during the first two hours and the sessions with exercise during the last 30 min. There was no association between intra-dialytic hypotensive events at rest (five events) or exercise at any point (two vs. one event(s), respectively). Conclusion: performing exercise with virtual reality at the end of a hemodialysis session is not associated with hemodynamic instability.
Survival Analysis of Oncological Patients Using Machine Learning Method
Authors: Fryan Latefa Hamad Al , Alazzam Malik Bader
Published: December 2022

Currently, a considerable volume of information is collected and stored by large health institutions. These data come from medical records and hospital records, and the Hospital Cancer Registry is a database for integrating data from hospitals throughout Iraq. The data mining (DM) technique provides knowledge previously not visible in the database and can be used to predict trends or describe characteristics of the past. DM methods can include classification, generalisation, characterisation, clustering, association, evolution, pattern discovery, data visualisation, and rule-guided mining techniques to perform survival analyses that take into account all the patient’s medical record variables. For four of the eleven groups examined, this accuracy was relatively high. The database of patients treated by the Baghdad Teaching Hospital between 2018 and 2021 was examined using a classification of the most crucial variables for event prediction, and a distinctive pattern was found. Machine learning techniques allow a global assessment of the data that is available and produce results that can be interpreted as significant information for epidemiological studies, even in cases where the sample is small and there is a lack of information on several variables.
AI-Powered Blockchain Technology for Public Health: A Contemporary Review, Open Challenges, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Kumar Ritik , Arjunaditya  , Singh Divyangi , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Hu Yuh-Chung
Published: December 2022

Blockchain technology has been growing at a substantial growth rate over the last decade. Introduced as the backbone of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, it soon found its application in other fields because of its security and privacy features. Blockchain has been used in the healthcare industry for several purposes including secure data logging, transactions, and maintenance using smart contracts. Great work has been carried out to make blockchain smart, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combine the best features of the two technologies. This review incorporates the conceptual and functional aspects of the individual technologies and innovations in the domains of blockchain and artificial intelligence and lays down a strong foundational understanding of the domains individually and also rigorously discusses the various ways AI has been used along with blockchain to power the healthcare industry including areas of great importance such as electronic health record (EHR) management, distant-patient monitoring and telemedicine, genomics, drug research, and testing, specialized imaging and outbreak prediction. It compiles various algorithms from supervised and unsupervised machine learning problems along with deep learning algorithms such as convolutional/recurrent neural networks and numerous platforms currently being used in AI-powered blockchain systems and discusses their applications. The review also presents the challenges still faced by these systems which they inherit from the AI and blockchain algorithms used at the core of them and the scope of future work.
Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Exercise on Fatigue and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Muñoz-Paredes Inés , Herrero Azael J. , Román-Nieto Natalia , Peña-Gomez Alba M. , Seco-Calvo Jesús
Published: December 2022

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that leads to a great deterioration in the quality of life. Objective: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of two individual programs, one based on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and another based on the effect of physical exercise on fatigue and quality of life in patients with MS. Methods: A total of 12 patients with relapsing–remitting and progressive secondary MS participated. Fatigue and quality of life were assessed before and after intervention. The exercise program and tDCS were carried out over a 4-week period, with a washout period of 5 months. Results: The results show significant improvements in the different quality of life subscales after the application of tDCS, activities of daily living (r = 0.625; p = 0.037) (g = 0.465), psychological well-being (r = 0.856; p = 0.004) (g = 0.727) and coping (r = 0.904; p = 0.18) (g = 0.376), and in those after the application of exercise, activities of daily living (r = 0.853; p = 0.003) (g = 0.570) and psychological well-being (r = 0.693; p = 0.041) (g = 0.417). After the application of both therapies, more than 50% of the subjects did not have a positive fatigue score on the MFIS scale. Conclusion: The major findings suggest that the application of both therapies produces a beneficial effect with significant improvements in the quality of life of this sample.
Maternal Characteristics, Intention, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Social Support, and Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice: Structural Equation Modeling Approaches
Authors: Li Fang , Huang Cailian , Lin Qian , Xi Yue , Xiang Caihong , Yong Cuiting , Deng Jing
Published: December 2022

Breast milk is a perfect food for infants; however, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is low. The relationship between exclusive breastfeeding practices and influencing factors is complex and remains unclear. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Changsha County, China, and 414 mothers were enrolled. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on general information, obstetrics and gynecology characteristics, the initial breastfeeding intention, breastfeeding practice, frequency of attending conventional breastfeeding programs before delivery, the status of breastfeeding self-efficacy, and the status of perceived social support. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to estimate the association between exclusive breastfeeding and potential risk factors of failing to practice exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was 46.1%. The median and interquartile range of the scores for breastfeeding self-efficacy and perceived social support were 51.0 (18.0) and 68.0 (20.0), respectively. Factors that were statistically significant in the univariate analysis were included in the SEM and model fitness was acceptable based on the results. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was directly associated with intention and self-efficacy, while it was indirectly associated with perceived social support and frequency of attending a breastfeeding program. The findings support the recommendation that comprehensive breastfeeding promotion strategies should be implemented to call on the intention and self-efficacy of breastfeeding mothers through various measures, such as education or providing medical and health services.
Public Awareness of the Association between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Disease
Authors: Alsalleeh Fahd , Alhadlaq Abdulmalik S. , Althumiri Nora A. , AlMousa Norah , BinDhim Nasser F.
Published: December 2022

Periodontal disease is associated with other non-communicable diseases including diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, hypertension, and respiratory tract infections. This association merits careful study of the general population’s awareness level in order to leverage the current state of science to improve general health and quality of life. This study included 502 residents of Saudi Arabia who received computer-assisted interviews to fill up the survey. Results indicated a low level of awareness among the study population regarding the association of periodontal disease to diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, hypertension, and respiratory tract infections. A higher level of awareness was noticed with individuals with periodontal disease, themselves or a member of their family having a systemic disease, and who have a specialized person or scientific article as their source of information. This observed low level of awareness deserves the attention of public health authorities to prioritize programs that increase the awareness, improve health, and reduce burden of systemic diseases of high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality.
Effectiveness of Vestibular Rehabilitation after Concussion: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Galeno Erasmo , Pullano Edoardo , Mourad Firas , Galeoto Giovanni , Frontani Francesco
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects approximately 740 cases per 100,000 people. Impairments related to mTBI include vertigo, dizziness, balance, gait disorders double or blurry vision, and others. The efficacy on acute or chronic phase and dosage of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in reducing these symptoms is not clearly stated. To clarify these points, we performed a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A systematic literature search was performed from 2015 to 2022 on PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and PEDRO. Eligibility criteria were RCTs which consider VR, participants with mTBI, and no gender or age restriction. Two blinded reviewers independently selected the study, and a third author was contacted in case of disagreements. Risk of bias was independently screened by two authors and successively checked by the other two authors. Results: Thirty-three full articles were read for potential inclusion and seven records met the inclusion criteria. The authors analysed different outcomes considering DHI, a meta-analysis was carried out, statistical difference was observed (p < 0.01), and a mean difference of −6.91 (−9.11, −4.72) in favour of VR was shown. Considering quality of life, the VR group reached a higher score on QOLIBRI. Controversial results were shown about balance and subjective symptoms questionnaire. Differently considering HiMAT, the authors showed a statistically important difference in favour of VR (p = 0.002). Conclusion: VR seems useful to reduce symptoms in patients with concussion; however, a huge heterogeneity of the studies and of the outcomes used were found. Therefore, a larger sample is necessary to assess the efficacy of VR.
Climate Change Effects on Carbonation Process: A Scenario-Based Study
Authors: Bretti Gabriella , Ceseri Maurizio
Published: December 2022

Using a mathematical model of concrete carbonation that describes the variation in porosity as a consequence of the involved chemical reactions, we both validated and calibrated the related numerical algorithm of degradation. Once calibrated, a simulation algorithm was used as a forecasting tool for predicting the effects on the porosity of concrete exposed to increasing levels of CO2 emissions, as well as to rising temperatures. Taking into account future projections of environmental modifications deriving from climate changes, some scenarios were produced numerically by the mathematical algorithm that showed the effects of different pollution levels and global warming on the porosity of Portland cement in a time window of years. Finally, a theoretical study on the effects of pollution levels on the carbonation constant determining the advancement in the carbonation front was carried out for the analyzed scenarios.
Genome–Wide Investigation of the CBL–CIPK Gene Family in Oil Persimmon: Evolution, Function and Expression Analysis during Development and Stress
Authors: Liu Cuiyu , Wang Yanpeng , Yao Jin , Yang Xu , Wu Kaiyun , Teng Guoxin , Gong Bangchu , Xu Yang
Published: December 2022

Ca2+-sensors, calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs), and calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) form a CBL–CIPK complex to regulate signal transduction. This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of the CBL–CIPK gene family in oil persimmon (Diospyros oleifera). Ten DoCBL and 23 DoCIPK genes were identified, and gene duplication among them was mainly attributed to segmental duplication. According to phylogenetic and structural analysis, DoCBLs were clustered into four groups with distinct motifs, namely myristoylation and palmytoylation sites in their N-terminus, and DoCIPKs containing a NAF/FISL domain were clustered into intron-rich and intron-less groups. The expression patterns of DoCBLs and DoCIPKs were tissue- and time-specific in different tissues and at different stages of fruit development. Most CBL–CIPK genes were upregulated under NaCl, drought, and Ca(NO3)2 stress using qRT-PCR analysis. DoCBL5 and DoCIPK05 were both located in the plasma membrane of cells using green fusion proteins (GFP) in tobacco leaves. DoCBL5 and DoCIPK05 might interact with AKT1, PP2C, and SNF to regulate the Ca2+ signals, K+, and ABA homeostasis in cells. In conclusion, these results suggested that the CBL–CIPK family genes might play important roles in oil persimmon growth and stress responses.
Parental Knowledge, Preference and Needs of Child-Rearing Family Programmes: A Case in Chinese Inner Mongolia Minority Region
Authors: Lu Jinjin , Huang Yi , Chen Jian
Published: December 2022

Core parenting knowledge is critical for enhancing children’s physical and mental development throughout the early stages of life, and it is essential to understand parents’ preferences and needs in acquiring core parenting knowledge. In particular, with the launch of the Family Education Law in China, parents, community workers, and early childhood (EC) teachers gather together to engage in scientific and evidence-based programmes. However, Chinese historical and cultural factors, such as parents’ authority, family structure, child rearing, and non-scientific programme support, affect the improvement of parents’ knowledge and understanding of child-rearing programmes. This study used a qualitative research method to investigate parents’ knowledge, preferences, and needs regarding the potential implementation of interdisciplinary child-rearing programmes in the Inner Mongolia region of China. In total, 24 participants volunteered to take part in the study. The results reveal that most participants were positive and eager to acquire knowledge using evidence-based information to assist children’s mental and physical development. However, parents often have mixed opinions on obtaining knowledge and skills to enhance children’s academic and soft skills in the context of traditional Chinese cultural norms. Suggestions and implications are also provided for parents, social workers, EC teachers, and policymakers for future research.
Government Environmental Regulation and Corporate ESG Performance: Evidence from Natural Resource Accountability Audits in China
Authors: Yan Yingzheng , Cheng Qiuwang , Huang Menglan , Lin Qiaohua , Lin Wenhe
Published: December 2022

With the increasing global concern for the ecological environment and sustainable development, all countries have proposed environmental regulatory policies to improve the quality of their ecological environments. China has also proposed an environmental regulation policy: Leading an officials’ accountability audit of natural resources (AANR). As the main subject of consuming resources, the sustainability of enterprises has become a focus of all parties. The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metric measures corporate sustainability. As a result, companies’ ESG performance has gained the community’s attention. Based on data from Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2019, this study investigates the role of AANR on the ESG performance of companies via the difference-in-differences (DID) method. This study found that implementing the AANR pilot significantly negatively impacted corporate ESG performance. This result was found to remain robust after passing parallel trend and robustness tests. Further research found that the AANR differed significantly across corporate ownership and regions in corporate ESG performance. First, pilot implementation had a more significant impact on the ESG performance of non-state enterprises. Second, the differences across regions showed that the central region had the most significant impact, followed by the western region, while the eastern region had the most negligible impact. This study will help government departments improve the AANR system and enable companies to focus on their ESG performance.
Efficacy Testing of a Multi-Access Metaverse-Based Early Onset Schizophrenia Nursing Simulation Program: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Yang Sun-Yi , Kang Mi-Kyung
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the effects of a multi-access, metaverse-based early onset schizophrenia nursing simulation program based on Raskin and Rogers’ person-centered therapy. The program’s effectiveness was tested using a nonequivalent control group pre-test/post-test design. A quasi-experimental simulation study with both pre- and post-test designs was adopted. The experimental group (n = 29) used the simulation program, whereas the control group (n = 29) received only an online lecture on schizophrenia nursing. Changes in scores among experimental and control groups were compared using independent t-tests and analyses of covariance with PASW SPSS-WIN 27.0. Post-intervention, the knowledge regarding patients with early onset schizophrenia, critical thinking ability, and the ability to facilitate communication increased significantly in the experimental group compared with the control group. The nursing simulation program for children with early onset schizophrenia using a metaverse improved nursing students’ knowledge, critical thinking ability, and ability to facilitate communication. This training method should be adapted without spatiotemporal constraints by partially supplementing clinical and simulation-based practice. In clinical nursing training, metaverse technical limitations should be identified, and training topics should be selected. Employing EduTech in a metaverse environment can provide clinical education to nurses in psychiatric wards and improve therapeutic communication with their psychiatric patients.
Factors Determining the Agreement between Aerobic Threshold and Point of Maximal Fat Oxidation: Follow-Up on a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Association
Authors: Ferri Marini Carlo , Tadger Philippe , Chávez-Guevara Isaac Armando , Tipton Elizabeth , Meucci Marco , Nikolovski Zoran , Amaro-Gahete Francisco Jose , Peric Ratko
Published: December 2022

Regular exercise at the intensity matching maximal fat oxidation (FATmax) has been proposed as a key element in both athletes and clinical populations when aiming to enhance the body’s ability to oxidize fat. In order to allow a more standardized and tailored training approach, the connection between FATmax and the individual aerobic thresholds (AerT) has been examined. Although recent findings strongly suggest that a relationship exists between these two intensities, correlation alone is not sufficient to confirm that the intensities necessarily coincide and that the error between the two measures is small. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the agreement levels between the exercise intensities matching FATmax and AerT by pooling limits of agreement in a function of three parameters: (i) the average difference, (ii) the average within-study variation, and (iii) the variation in bias across studies, and to examine the influence of clinical and methodological inter- and intra-study differences on agreement levels. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021239351) and ClinicalTrials (NCT03789045). PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for studies examining FATmax and AerT connection. Overall, 12 studies with forty-five effect sizes and a total of 774 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The ROBIS tool for risk of bias assessment was used to determine the quality of included studies. In conclusion, the overall 95% limits of agreement of the differences between FATmax and AerT exercise intensities were larger than the a priori determined acceptable agreement due to the large variance caused by clinical and methodological differences among the studies. Therefore, we recommend that future studies follow a strict standardization of data collection and analysis of FATmax- and AerT-related outcomes.
Risk Assessment of China Rapeseed Supply Chain and Policy Suggestions
Authors: Li Fujia , Guo Kexin , Liao Xiaoyong
Published: December 2022

Rapeseed, as the most important oil crop in the world, not only affects national food security but also affects energy security and environmental security. It is very important to conduct a risk assessment of China’s rapeseed supply chain and put forward suggestions to construct a safe, effective, and accessible supply chain. In order to accurately evaluate the safety of the rapeseed supply chain from 2010 to 2020, we applied fuzzy multiconnection theory and analytic hierarchy process model (AHP). A comprehensive risk assessment model for the rapeseed supply chain with two primary indicators and 10 secondary indicators was constructed. By establishing the rapeseed risk evaluation model, we quantitatively analyzed the risk of China’s rapeseed supply chain. The domestic risk of production is still high, and the international risk under the high import dependence is alarming. We put forward risk prevention and countermeasures for China’s rapeseed supply chain. The results show that China has a large demand for rapeseed products, but the increase in China production is limited and the import from other countries is unstable. The proposed suggestions are designed to optimize and enhance the stability of the rapeseed product’s supply chain. It is recommended to continue to consolidate and deepen the cooperation with traditional trading partners such as Germany, Spain, the United States, and Brazil; expand other import sources to build a more diversified and efficient rapeseed product import network and extend the supply chain of rapeseed products. This research can be a basis for making decisions for promoting the sustainable and efficient development of the rapeseed supply chain.
Ethical Aspects of Personalized Research and Management of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in Children
Authors: Groff Elisa , Orzechowski Marcin , Schuetz Catharina , Steger Florian
Published: December 2022

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a life-threatening condition with nonspecific symptoms. Because of that, defining a targeted therapy against SIRS in children and adults remains a challenge. The identification of diagnostic patterns from individualized immuneprofiling can lead to development of a personalized therapy. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze ethical issues associated with personalized research and therapy for SIRS in pediatric populations. We conducted an ethical analysis based on a principled approach according to Beauchamp and Childress’ four bioethical principles. Relevant information for the research objectives was extracted from a systematic literature review conducted in the scientific databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. We searched for pertinent themes dealing with at least one of the four bioethical principles: “autonomy”, “non-maleficence”, “beneficence” and “justice”. 48 publications that met the research objectives were included in the thorough analysis, structured and discussed in a narrative synthesis. From the analysis of the results, it has emerged that traditional paradigms of patient’s autonomy and physician paternalism need to be reexamined in pediatric research. Standard information procedures and models of informed consent should be reconsidered as they do not accommodate the complexities of pediatric omics research.
Associations between Maternal Education and Child Nutrition and Oral Health in an Indigenous Population in Ecuador
Authors: Chinnakotla Bharathi , Susarla Sita Manasa , Mohan Deepika Chandra , Turton Bathsheba , Husby Hannah M. , Morales Cecilia Paz , Sokal-Gutierrez Karen
Published: December 2022

The global nutrition transition has increased the prevalence of childhood dental caries. Greater understanding is needed of the impact of social determinants—including maternal education—on child oral health. This is a cross-sectional analysis of a convenience sample of families of 458 indigenous Ecuadorian children aged 6 months through 6 years from 2011–2013. Data was collected by mother interviews and child dental and anthropometric examinations. Multivariate logistic and Zero-Inflated-Poisson regression analyses assessed associations between years of maternal education and maternal-child oral health practices and child oral health outcomes. Each additional year of maternal education was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with some healthier practices including greater likelihood of mothers and children drinking milk daily (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.08, 1.34); and less healthy practices including greater likelihood of bottle-feeding children with sugary liquids (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.06, 1.22) and to older age, giving children sweets daily, calming children with a bottle or sweets, and less likelihood of helping brush their children’s teeth (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88, 0.98). Each year of maternal education had a small but statistically non-significant influence on increasing the odds of children being among those who are cavity-free (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.92, 1.16). Interventions to improve health outcomes should focus not just on maternal education but also address social and commercial determinants of health through nutrition and oral health education, as well as policies to reduce sugar and ensure universal access to oral health care.
Quantifying Social Interventions for Combating COVID-19 via a Symmetry-Based Model
Authors: Zhang Lei , She Guang-Hui , She Yu-Rong , Li Rong , She Zhen-Su
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed new features in terms of substantial changes in rates of infection, cure, and death as a result of social interventions, which significantly challenges traditional SEIR-type models. In this paper we developed a symmetry-based model for quantifying social interventions for combating COVID-19. We found that three key order parameters, separating degree (S) for susceptible populations, healing degree (H) for mild cases, and rescuing degree (R) for severe cases, all display logistic dynamics, establishing a novel dynamic model named SHR. Furthermore, we discovered two evolutionary patterns of healing degree with a universal power law in 23 areas in the first wave. Remarkably, the model yielded a quantitative evaluation of the dynamic back-to-zero policy in the third wave in Beijing using 12 datasets of different sizes. In conclusion, the SHR model constitutes a rational basis by which we can understand this complex epidemic and policymakers can carry out sustainable anti-epidemic measures to minimize its impact.
Compound Optimization of Territorial Spatial Structure and Layout at the City Scale from “Production–Living–Ecological” Perspectives
Authors: Ou Menglin , Li Jingye , Fan Xin , Gong Jian
Published: December 2022

Land-use optimization, as an important resource-allocation method, can be defined as the process of allocating various activities to different geographic units. How to manage and control land expansion has become an urgent issue, leading a series of problems such as environmental damage and a sharp decrease in cultivated land, leading to unfavorable phenomena such as excessive urban expansion, occupation of cultivated land and important ecological spaces, and overheating of real estate development. Based on the land-use data of Wuhan city in 2020, a coupling MOP (Multi-Objective Programming) and FLUS (Future Land-Use Simulation) model was used to examine the national spatial structure and the optimization of the spatial layout. Our results showed that (1) in terms of quantitative optimal allocation, the ecological space and urban space increased, while the agricultural space greatly decreased under the three development scenarios. (2) In the simulation of spatial layout, the urban space mainly expanded vertically in the north–south direction. In the ecological space scenario, the ecological space occupied part of the cultivated land in the northeast of the city, resulting in a high degree of landscape fragmentation, which is not conducive to large-scale agricultural management. However, under optimal comprehensive benefit, part of the fragmented ecological space in the western part of Wuhan was transformed into an agricultural space. (3) A combination of the MOP and FLUS models could effectively determine land-use structure and address spatial layout optimization problems and can project space in the future urban resource configuration mode. This finding can provide a reference for the optimization of the spatial structure and layout of similar cities.
Pilot Outreach Program in Remedis—The Promising Step toward HCV Elimination among People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Krekulová Laura , Damajka Tomáš , Krumphanslová Zuzana , Řehák Vratislav
Published: December 2022

The global effort to eliminate HCV infection requires new approaches to accessing and testing the affected population in a setting with as low of a threshold as possible. The focus should be on socially marginalized people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and who are not willing or able to visit standard medical services. With this vision, we established an outreach service—a testing point in an ambulance in the park in front of the Main Railway Station of the capital city of Prague—to provide bloodborne disease testing and treatment. The service was available every week on Wednesday afternoon. Over the initial two years of our experience, 168 unique people were tested. Of them, 82 (49%) were diagnosed with chronic HCV infection and were eligible for treatment with antivirals. Of these, 24 (29%) initiated antiviral treatment over the study period, and 17 (71%) of these individuals achieved a documented sustained virological response. Offering medical services in PWIDs’ neighborhoods helps overcome barriers and increase the chances that they will become patients and begin HCV treatment. The described outcomes appear promising for reaching the vision of linkage to the care of such a hard-to-reach population and can serve as a feasible model of care for further expansion.
A Simple Protocol for Sample Preparation for Scanning Electron Microscopic Imaging Allows Quick Screening of Nanomaterials Adhering to Cell Surface
Authors: Minuti Anca Emanuela , Labusca Luminita , Herea Dumitru-Daniel , Stoian George , Chiriac Horia , Lupu Nicoleta
Published: December 2022

Preparing biological specimens for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be difficult to implement, as it requires specialized equipment and materials as well as the training of dedicated personnel. Moreover, the procedure often results in damage to the samples to be analyzed. This work presents a protocol for the preparation of biological samples to evaluate the adherence of nanomaterials on the cell surface using SEM. To this end, we used silicon wafers as a substrate to grow cells and replaced difficult steps such as the critical point drying of the samples in order to make the method quicker and easier to perform. The new protocol was tested using two different types of cells, i.e., human osteosarcoma cells and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and it proved that it can grossly preserve cell integrity in order to be used to estimate nanomaterials’ interaction with cell surfaces.
Influence of Bone Substitutes on Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in an Inflammatory Microenvironment
Authors: Shanbhag Siddharth , Rana Neha , Suliman Salwa , Idris Shaza Bushra , Mustafa Kamal , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: December 2022

Bone regeneration is driven by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) via their interactions with immune cells, such as macrophages (MPs). Bone substitutes, e.g., bi-calcium phosphates (BCPs), are commonly used to treat bone defects. However, little research has focused on MSC responses to BCPs in the context of inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether BCPs influence MSC responses and MSC–MP interactions, at the gene and protein levels, in an inflammatory microenvironment. In setup A, human bone marrow MSCs combined with two different BCP granules (BCP 60/40 or BCP 20/80) were cultured with or without cytokine stimulation (IL1β + TNFα) to mimic acute inflammation. In setup B, U937 cell-line-derived MPs were introduced via transwell cocultures to setup A. Monolayer MSCs with and without cytokine stimulation served as controls. After 72 h, the expressions of genes related to osteogenesis, healing, inflammation and remodeling were assessed in the MSCs via quantitative polymerase chain reactions. Additionally, MSC-secreted cytokines related to healing, inflammation and chemotaxis were assessed via multiplex immunoassays. Overall, the results indicate that, under both inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions, the BCP granules significantly regulated the MSC gene expressions towards a pro-healing genotype but had relatively little effect on the MSC secretory profiles. In the presence of the MPs (coculture), the BCPs positively regulated both the gene expression and cytokine secretion of the MSCs. Overall, similar trends in MSC responses were observed with BCP 60/40 and BCP 20/80. In summary, within the limits of in vitro models, these findings suggest that the presence of BCP granules at a surgical site may not necessarily have a detrimental effect on MSC-mediated wound healing, even in the event of inflammation.
Boosting the Photoelectrochemical Performance of Au/ZnO Nanorods by Co-Occurring Gradient Doping and Surface Plasmon Modification
Authors: Güler Ali Can , Antoš Jan , Masař Milan , Urbánek Michal , Machovský Michal , Kuřitka Ivo
Published: December 2022

Band bending modification of metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructures requires low-cost and effective designs in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. To this end, it is evinced that gradient doping of Au nanoparticles (NPs) inwards the ZnO nanorods (NRs) through thermal treatment facilitated faster transport of the photo-induced charge carriers. Systematic PEC measurements show that the resulting gradient Au-doped ZnO NRs yielded a photocurrent density of 0.009 mA/cm2 at 1.1 V (vs. NHE), which is 2.5-fold and 8-fold improved compared to those of Au-sensitized ZnO and the as-prepared ZnO NRs, respectively. The IPCE and ABPE efficiency tests confirmed the boosted photoresponse of gradient Au-incorporated ZnO NRs, particularly in the visible spectrum due to the synergistic surface plasmonic effect of Au NPs. A gradient Au dopant profile promoted the separation and transfer of the photo-induced charge carriers at the electrolyte interface via more upward band bending according to the elaborated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy analyses. Therefore, this research presents an economical and facile strategy for preparing gradient plasmonic noble NP-incorporated semiconductor NRs, which have excellent potential in energy conversion and storage technologies.
Transcriptome-Based Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Gene Expression in Goji Fruit Fly (Neoceratitis asiatica Becker) under Developmental Stages and Five Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Wei Hongshuang , Qiao Haili , Liu Sai , Yuan Xueqin , Xu Changqing
Published: December 2022

Goji fruit fly, Neoceratitis asiatica, is a major pest on the well-known medicinal plant Lycium barbarum. Dissecting molecular mechanisms of infestation and host selection of N. asiatica will contribute to the determination of best management practices for pest fly control. Gene expression normalization by Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) requires the selection and validation of appropriate reference genes (RGs). Hence, 15 candidate RGs were selected from transcriptome data of N. asiatica. Their expression stability was evaluated with five algorithms (∆Ct, Normfinder, GeNorm, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) for sample types differing in the developmental stage, sex, tissue type, and in response to five different abiotic stresses. Our results indicated that the RGs β-Actin + GST for sex, RPL32 + EF1α for tissue type, RPS13+ EF1α for developmental stages along with odor stimulation, color induction, and starvation-refeeding stresses, EF1α + GAPDH under insecticide stress, RPS13 + RPS18 under temperature stress, respectively, were selected as the most suitable RGs for qPCR normalization. Overall, RPS18 and EF1α were the two most stable RGs in all conditions, while RPS15 and EF1β were the least stable RGs. The corresponding suitable RGs and one unstable RG were used to normalize a target odorant-binding protein OBP56a gene in male and female antennae, different tissues, and under odor stimulation. The results of OBP56a expression were consistent with transcriptome data. Our study is the first research on the most stable RGs selection in N. asiatica, which will facilitate further studies on the mechanisms of host selection and insecticide resistance in N. asiatica.
Peptide-Based Materials That Exploit Metal Coordination
Authors: Bassan Giovanni A. , Marchesan Silvia
Published: December 2022

Metal–ion coordination has been widely exploited to control the supramolecular behavior of a variety of building blocks into functional materials. In particular, peptides offer great chemical diversity for metal-binding modes, combined with inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability that make them attractive especially for medicine, sensing, and environmental remediation. The focus of this review is the last 5 years’ progress in this exciting field to conclude with an overview of the future directions that this research area is currently undertaking.
Revealing the Mechanisms for Linalool Antifungal Activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Its Efficient Control of Fusarium Wilt in Tomato Plants
Authors: Li Xiuming , Wang Qifang , Li Haosen , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Ruimin , Yang Xiaoyu , Jiang Qiwei , Shi Qinghua
Published: December 2022

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl) is a destructive soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus that causes Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) of tomato, leading to considerable field yield losses. In this study, we explored the antifungal capability of linalool, a natural plant volatile organic component, against Forl and its role in controlling FCRR symptoms in tomatoes. Our results showed that Forl mycelial growth was inhibited by the linalool treatment and that the linalool treatment damaged cell membrane integrity, enhanced reactive oxygen species levels, depleted glutathione, and reduced the activities of many antioxidant enzymes in Forl. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses demonstrated that linalool also downregulated metabolic biosynthetic pathways at the transcript and protein levels, including redox, transporter activity, and carbohydrate metabolism in Forl. Moreover, linalool significantly decreased the expression of many Forl pathogenic genes, such as cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) and G proteins, which is likely how a Forl infection was prevented. Importantly, exogenously applied linalool activated the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defensive pathways to improve disease resistance and relieved the negative effects of Forl on plant growth. Taken together, we report that linalool is an effective fungicide against Forl and will be a promising green chemical agent for controlling FCRR.