bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollution Characteristics, Spatial Distribution, and Evaluation of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Farmland Soils in a Typical Mountainous Hilly Area in China
Authors: Shen Guohui , Ru Xin , Gu Yanting , Liu Wei , Wang Kunzhen , Li Baiyi , Guo Yanzhi , Han Juan
Published: February 2023

Heavy metal(loid)s pollution in farmland soil is not only a serious environmental but also a human health-related issue. Accurate understanding and evaluation of heavy metal pollution levels in the soil are very important for sustainable agricultural development and food safety. Mountainous and hilly areas have the dual functions of industrial development and agricultural production, and the farmland soil in these areas is more susceptible to heavy metal pollution. In this study, the single factor index, Nemerow index, geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor index, and potential ecological risk indices, which are mainly used to assess the contamination and risk of heavy metals in farmland soils. The sources of heavy metals in agricultural soils of the study area were analyzed using correlation analysis and principal component analysis. Finally, geostatistical methods were used to map the heavy metal contamination of farmland soils. An average concentration of all heavy metals (except As) in farmland soils of the study area exceeded the corresponding background values, as indicated by the obtained results. The results of the principal component analysis showed that the heavy metal sources in the soils of the study area can be classified into two groups. The five pollutant index methods all showed the most serious Hg pollution in the study area. The integrated pollutant mapping results showed that the risk of heavy metal pollution in the study area was mostly moderate, except for the western and central parts of the region. This study enhances understanding of the pollution levers of heavy metals in Yiyuan farmland soils, and also can facilitate the monitoring of heavy metal contaminants at the primary stage of the food chain and assess the risk of the presence of heavy metal contaminants in food, thus improving the health of the residents.
α-Linolenic Acid Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis In Vitro and Prevents Inflammation In Vivo
Authors: Deng Yufeng , Li Weizhou , Zhang Yingying , Li Jingjing , He Fangting , Dong Ke , Hong Zehui , Luo Ruocheng , Pei Xiaofang
Published: February 2023

Inflammation is an important risk factor for bone-destroying diseases. Our preliminary research found that Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil (ZBSO) is abundant in unsaturated fatty acids and could inhibit osteoclastogenesis in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW264.7 cells. However, the key constituents in ZBSO in the prevention of osteoclastogenesis and its possible mechanism related to inflammation are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), palmitoleic acid (PLA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in ZBSO, havingthe strongest effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, were selected by a tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining method. Furthermore, the effects of the selected fatty acids on anti-inflammation and anti-osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo were assessed using RT-qPCR. Among the four major unsaturated fatty acids we tested, ALA displayed the strongest inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis. The increased expression of free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) and β-arrestin2 (βarr2), as well as the decreased expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in RAW264.7 cells after ALA treatment were observed. Moreover, in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats with ALA preventive intervention, we found that the expression of TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), NFATc1, and TRAP were decreased, while with the ALA therapeutic intervention, downregulated expression of NF-κB, NFATc1, TRAP, and transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) were noticed. These results indicate that ALA, as the major unsaturated fatty acid in ZBSO, could inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via the FFAR4/βarr2 signaling pathway and could prevent inflammation, suggesting that ZBSO may be a promising potential natural product of unsaturated fatty acids and a dietary supplement for the prevention of osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory diseases.
Effect of Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) and Conventional Thermal Pasteurization on the Volatile Composition of Tiger Nut Beverage
Authors: Codina-Torrella Idoia , Gallardo-Chacón Joan Josep , Juan Bibiana , Guamis Buenaventura , Trujillo Antonio José
Published: February 2023

Tiger nut beverages are non-alcoholic products that are characterized by their pale color and soft flavor. Conventional heat treatments are widely used in the food industry, although heated products are often damaging to their overall quality. Ultra-high pressure homogenization UHPH) is an emerging technology that extends the shelf-life of foods while maintaining most of their fresh characteristics. The present work deals with the comparison of the effect of conventional thermal homogenization-pasteurization (H-P, 18 + 4 MPa at 65 °C, 80 °C for 15 s.) and UHPH (at 200 and 300 MPa, and inlet temperature of 40 °C), on the volatile composition of tiger nut beverage. Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was used for detecting volatile compounds of beverages, which were then identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 37 different volatile substances were identified in tiger nut beverages, which were primarily grouped into the aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes and terpenes chemical families. Stabilizing treatments increased the total amount of volatile compounds (H-P > UHPH > R-P). H-P was the treatment that produced the most changes in the volatile composition of RP, while treatment at 200 MPa had a minor impact. At the end of their storage, these products were also characterized by the same chemical families. This study evidenced the UHPH technology as an alternative processing of tiger nut beverages production that minimally modifies their volatile composition.
Effect of UV Filters during the Application of Pulsed Light to Reduce Lactobacillus brevis Contamination and 3-Methylbut-2-ene-1-thiol Formation While Preserving the Physicochemical Attributes of Blonde Ale and Centennial Red Ale Beers
Authors: Pratap-Singh Anubhav , Suwardi Andrew , Mandal Ronit , Pico Joana , Castellarin Simone D. , Kitts David D. , Singh Anika
Published: February 2023

Pulsed light (PL) is a novel, non-thermal technology being used to control the microbial spoilage of foods and beverages. Adverse sensory changes, commonly characterized as “lightstruck”, can occur in beers when exposed to the UV portion of PL due to the formation of 3-methylbut-2-ene-1-thiol (3-MBT) upon the photodegradation of iso-α-acids. This study is the first to investigate the effect of different portions of the PL spectrum on UV-sensitive beers (light-colored blonde ale and dark-colored centennial red ale) using clear and bronze-tinted UV filters. PL treatments with its entire spectrum, including the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, resulted in up to 4.2 and 2.4 log reductions of L. brevis in the blonde ale and centennial red ale beers, respectively, but also resulted in the formation of 3-MBT and small but significant changes in physicochemical properties including color, bitterness, pH, and total soluble solids. The application of UV filters effectively maintained 3-MBT below the limit of quantification but significantly reduced microbial deactivation to 1.2 and 1.0 log reductions of L. brevis at 8.9 J/cm2 fluence with a clear filter. Further optimization of the filter wavelengths is considered necessary to fully apply PL for beer processing and possibly other light-sensitive foods and beverages.
Preparation of Sourdoughs Fermented with Isolated Lactic Acid Bacteria and Characterization of Their Antifungal Properties
Authors: Lafuente Carla , Calpe Jorge , Musto Leonardo , Nazareth Tiago de Melo , Dopazo Victor , Meca Giuseppe , Luz Carlos
Published: February 2023

Traditional sourdough is obtained using a mixture of flour and water stored at room temperature until acidification. Therefore, adding lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can improve the quality and safety of sourdough bread. Faced with this problem, four drying techniques—freeze-drying, spray-drying, low-temperature drying, and drying at low humidity—have been applied. Our goals were to isolate LAB strains with antifungal potential against Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. The antifungal capacity was evaluated with agar diffusion, co-culture in overlay agar, and a microdilution susceptibility assay. In addition, the antifungal compounds generated in sourdough were analyzed. As a result, dried sourdoughs were prepared with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TN10, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TF2, Pediococcus pentosaceus TF8, Pediococcus acidilactici TE4, and Pediococcus pentosaceus TI6. The minimum fungicidal concentrations ranged from 25 g/L versus P. verrucosum and 100 g/L against A. flavus. A total of 27 volatile organic compounds were produced. Moreover, the lactic acid content reached 26 g/kg of dry product, and the phenyllactic concentration was significantly higher than the control. The P. pentosaceus TI6 exhibited a higher antifungal capacity in vitro and demonstrated a higher production of antifungal compounds compared to the other strains; therefore, further studies will evaluate the impact of this sourdough in bread manufacture.
Effects of Fermented Food Consumption on Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Patel Priya , Butani Krishna , Kumar Akash , Singh Sudarshan , Prajapati Bhupendra
Published: February 2023

The gastrointestinal flora consists of several microbial strains in variable combinations in both healthy and sick humans. To prevent the risk of the onset of disease and perform normal metabolic and physiological functions with improved immunity, a balance between the host and gastrointestinal flora must be maintained. Disruption of the gut microbiota triggered by various factors causes several health problems, which promote the progression of diseases. Probiotics and fermented foods act as carriers of live environmental microbes and play a vital role in maintaining good health. These foods have a positive effect on the consumer by promoting gastrointestinal flora. Recent research suggests that the intestinal microbiome is important in reducing the risk of the onset of various chronic diseases, including cardiac disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, several cancers, and type 2 diabetes. The review provides an updated knowledge base about the scientific literature addressing how fermented foods influence the consumer microbiome and promote good health with prevention of non-communicable diseases. In addition, the review proves that the consumption of fermented foods affects gastrointestinal flora in the short and long term and can be considered an important part of the diet.
Investigation of Structural Characteristics and Solubility Mechanism of Edible Bird Nest: A Mucin Glycoprotein
Authors: Lv Yating , Xu Feifei , Liu Fei , Chen Maoshen
Published: February 2023

In this study, the possible solubility properties and water-holding capacity mechanism of edible bird nest (EBN) were investigated through a structural analysis of soluble and insoluble fractions. The protein solubility and the water-holding swelling multiple increased from 2.55% to 31.52% and 3.83 to 14.00, respectively, with the heat temperature increase from 40 °C to 100 °C. It was observed that the solubility of high-Mw protein increased through heat treatment; meanwhile, part of the low-Mw fragments was estimated to aggregate to high-Mw protein with the hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds. The increased crystallinity of the insoluble fraction from 39.50% to 47.81% also contributed to the higher solubility and stronger water-holding capacity. Furthermore, the hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, and disulfide bonds in EBN were analyzed and the results showed that hydrogen bonds with burial polar group made a favorable contribution to the protein solubility. Therefore, the crystallization area degradation under high temperature with hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds may be the main reasons underlying the solubility properties and water-holding capacity of EBN.
Effects of Combining High Pressure Processing Treatments and Konjac Glucomannan and Sodium Caseinate on Gel Properties of Myosin Protein
Authors: Cao Yingying , Zhao Lila , Li Huaiyu
Published: February 2023

Effects of two high pressure processing treatments and various levels of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and sodium caseinate (SC) on texture properties, water-holding capacity, and ultra-structure of gels of rabbit myosin protein were investigated. The two high pressure processing treatments were as follows: (1) mean pressure (200 MPa), low temperature (37 °C), and holding for a short time (5 min) followed heating (80 °C for 40 min) (gel LP + H), and (2) high pressure (500 MPa), high temperature (60 °C), and holding for a long time (30 min) (gel HP). Gel LP + H have better gel properties (increased hardness, springiness, gumminess, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and water binding capacity) than gels HP. Above all, gels myosin + SC:KGM (2:1) have best gel properties. KGM and SC both significantly improved the gel texture properties and water binding capacity.
The Potential Therapeutic Role of Lactobacillaceae rhamnosus for Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Guo Hang , Yu Leilei , Tian Fengwei , Chen Wei , Zhai Qixiao
Published: February 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a heterogeneous group of diseases associated with chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, and is highly prevalent worldwide. Although its origin is not yet fully understood, new evidence emphasizes that environmental factors, especially dietary factors and intestinal microbiota disorders are key triggers of IBD. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillaceae spp., play an essential role in human health as they exert beneficial effects on the composition of the human gastrointestinal microbial community and immune system. Probiotic-based therapies have been shown to be effective in alleviating IBD. Among these, Lactobacillaceae rhamnosus is one of the most widely used strains. L. rhamnosus is widely present in the intestines of healthy individuals; it regulates the intestinal immune system and reduces inflammation through a variety of mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to identify scientific evidence related to L. rhamnosus and IBD, review and summarize the results, and discuss the possible mechanisms of action as a starting point for future research on IBD treatment.
Microbiological Changes during Long-Storage of Beef Meat under Different Temperature and Vacuum-Packaging Conditions
Authors: Rovira Pablo , Brugnini Giannina , Rodriguez Jesica , Cabrera María C. , Saadoun Ali , de Souza Guillermo , Luzardo Santiago , Rufo Caterina
Published: February 2023

We evaluated a combination of two temperatures and two packaging materials for long-term storage of vacuum-packaged (VP) beef striploins. Microbial populations and microbiome composition were monitored during refrigerated storage (120 days between 0–1.5 °C) and refrigerated-then-frozen storage (28 days between 0–1.5 °C then 92 days at −20 °C) under low-O2 permeability VP and high-O2 permeability VP with an antimicrobial (VPAM). Pseudomonas (PSE) and Enterobacteriaceae (EB) counts in VPAM samples were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in VP samples at 28, 45, 90, and 120 days of storage. Microbiome data showed that bacteria of the genera Serratia and Brochothrix were more abundant in VPAM samples at 120 days, while lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominated in VP samples. Frozen temperatures inhibited microbial growth and maintained a relatively stable microbiome. Refrigerated and frozen VPAM samples showed the greatest difference in the predicted metabolic functions at the end of storage driven by the microbiome composition, dominated by PSE and LAB, respectively. Although no signs of visible meat deterioration were observed in any sample, this study suggests that VP meat refrigerated and then frozen achieved better microbiological indicators at the end of the storage period.
Vitamin D Food Fortification Strategies on Population-Based Dietary Intake Data Using Mixed-Integer Programming
Authors: Sengupta Sayantan , Christensen Tue , Ravn-Haren Gitte , Andersen Rikke
Published: February 2023

The dietary vitamin D intake of the Danish population is low, and food fortification is a strategy to increase intake. This paper explores the possibility of vitamin D fortification on the current population food intake in Denmark, such that the population receives adequate amounts of vitamin D without having to change current dietary patterns. A mixed-integer programming approach is used to arrive at a solution for the optimal fortification required at each food group level so that the majority of the population receive the minimum intake of average requirement (AR) and do not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL). The method shows a significant increase in vitamin D intake compared to the current scenario, keeping a neutral approach towards preferences of one food group over others. The method can also be fine-tuned in different scenarios where certain food group preferences are known, which can be encoded into the model in the form of constraints.
Novel Umami Peptides from Hypsizygus marmoreus and Interaction with Umami Receptor T1R1/T1R3
Authors: Dong Xiaobo , Wan Chao , Huang Aiyun , Xu Huaide , Lei Hongjie
Published: February 2023

Umami peptides are important taste components of foods. In this study, umami peptides from Hypsizygus marmoreus hydrolysate were purified through ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and RP-HPLC, and then identified using LC-MS/MS. The binding mechanism of umami peptides with the receptor, T1R1/T1R3, was investigated using computational simulations. Five novel umami peptides were obtained: VYPFPGPL, YIHGGS, SGSLGGGSG, SGLAEGSG, and VEAGP. Molecular docking results demonstrated that all five umami peptides could enter the active pocket in T1R1; Arg277, Tyr220, and Glu301 were key binding sites; and hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction were critical interaction forces. VL-8 had the highest affinity for T1R3. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that VYPFPGPL (VL-8) could be steadily packed inside the binding pocket of T1R1 and the electrostatic interaction was the dominant driving force of the complex (VL-8-T1R1/T1R3) formation. Arg residues (151, 277, 307, and 365) were important contributors to binding affinities. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of umami peptides in edible mushrooms.
Coefficients Inequalities for the Bi-Univalent Functions Related to q-Babalola Convolution Operator
Authors: Al-shbeil Isra , Gong Jianhua , Shaba Timilehin Gideon
Published: February 2023

This article defines a new operator called the q-Babalola convolution operator by using quantum calculus and the convolution of normalized analytic functions in the open unit disk. We then study a new class of analytic and bi-univalent functions defined in the open unit disk associated with the q-Babalola convolution operator. The main results of the investigation include some upper bounds for the initial Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients and Fekete–Szego inequalities for the functions in the new class. Many applications of the finds are highlighted in the corollaries based on the various unique choices of the parameters, improving the existing results in Geometric Function Theory.
An Interplay of Wigner–Ville Distribution and 2D Hyper-Complex Quadratic-Phase Fourier Transform
Authors: Bhat Mohammad Younus , Dar Aamir Hamid , Nurhidayat Irfan , Pinelas Sandra
Published: February 2023

Two-dimensional hyper-complex (Quaternion) quadratic-phase Fourier transforms (Q-QPFT) have gained much popularity in recent years because of their applications in many areas, including color image and signal processing. At the same time, the applications of Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD) in signal analysis and image processing cannot be ruled out. In this paper, we study the two-dimensional hyper-complex (Quaternion) Wigner–Ville distribution associated with the quadratic-phase Fourier transform (WVD-QQPFT) by employing the advantages of quaternion quadratic-phase Fourier transforms (Q-QPFT) and Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD). First, we propose the definition of the WVD-QQPFT and its relationship with the classical Wigner–Ville distribution in the quaternion setting. Next, we investigate the general properties of the newly defined WVD-QQPFT, including complex conjugate, symmetry-conjugation, nonlinearity, boundedness, reconstruction formula, Moyal’s formula, and Plancherel formula. Finally, we propose the convolution and correlation theorems associated with WVD-QQPFT.
Benefits of Shared-Fleet Horizontal Logistics Collaborations: A Case Study of Patient Service Vehicles Collecting Pathology Samples in a Public Sector Healthcare Setting
Authors: Grote Matt , Cherrett Tom , Oakey Andy , Martinez-Sykora Antonio , Aydemir Ismail
Published: February 2023

Road-based logistics suffer from inefficiencies due to less-than-full load vehicle movements. Consolidating loads through shared-fleet collaborations (also known as freight pooling) can reduce such inefficiencies, and thereby reduce costs, vehicle-kilometres (vkm), and related emissions and congestion. Utilising a significant historical dataset of vehicle movements, the potential cost savings and environmental benefits of a shared-fleet operation involving collaboration between two public sector organisations, integrating both static (fixed-schedule) and dynamic (client-specific) demand within a healthcare setting, were quantified. A Sample Collection Service (SCS; transporting pathology samples from doctors’ surgeries to centralised laboratories for analysis) shared spare capacity in vehicles operated by a Patient Transport Service (PTS; transporting eligible non-emergency patients to/from routine hospital appointments) as an alternative to engaging an external courier company. Results suggested that a shared-fleet collaboration servicing 78 surgeries, alongside normal patient loads in an average of 24 PTS vehicles/day, produced reductions of 16%, 13% and 12% in costs, vkm and carbon dioxide emissions, respectively. Decision-makers within public sector organisations that operate own-account vehicle fleets could pursue policies that actively seek out opportunities to deploy shared-fleet solutions to improve vehicle utilisation and therefore reduce public sector spending and the detrimental effects of road logistics.
Intranasal Administration of Dolutegravir-Loaded Nanoemulsion-Based In Situ Gel for Enhanced Bioavailability and Direct Brain Targeting
Authors: Nair Anroop B. , Chaudhary Sunita , Jacob Shery , Patel Dhwani , Shinu Pottathil , Shah Hiral , Chaudhary Ankit , Aldhubiab Bandar , Almuqbil Rashed M. , Alnaim Ahmed S. , Alqattan Fatemah , Shah Jigar
Published: February 2023

Dolutegravir’s therapeutic effectiveness in the management of neuroAIDS is mainly limited by its failure to cross the blood–brain barrier. However, lipid-based nanovesicles such as nanoemulsions have demonstrated their potential for the brain targeting of various drugs by intranasal delivery. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a Dolutegravir-loaded nanoemulsion-based in situ gel and evaluate its prospective for brain targeting by intranasal delivery. Dolutegravir-loaded nanoemulsions were prepared using dill oil, Tween® 80, and Transcutol® P. Optimization of the nanoemulsion particle size and drug release was carried out using a simplex lattice design. Formulations (F1–F7 and B1–B6) were assessed for various pharmaceutical characteristics. Ex vivo permeation and ciliotoxicity studies of selected in situ gels (B1) were conducted using sheep nasal mucosa. Drug targeting to the brain was assessed in vivo in rats following the nasal delivery of B1. The composition of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the dependent variables (particle size and % of drug release in 8 h). Formulation B1 exhibits pharmaceutical characteristics that are ideal for intranasal delivery. The mucosal steady-state flux noticed with BI was significantly greater (p < 0.005) than for the control gel. A histopathology of nasal mucosa treated with BI showed no signs of toxicity or cellular damage. Intranasal administration of B1 resulted in greater Cmax (~six-fold, p < 0.0001) and AUC0−α (~five-fold, p < 0.0001), and decreased Tmax (1 h) values in the brain, compared to intravenous administration. Meantime, the drug level in the plasma was relatively low, suggesting less systemic exposure to Dolutegravir through intranasal delivery. In summary, the promising data observed here signifies the prospective of B1 to enhance the brain targeting of Dolutegravir by intranasal delivery and it could be used as a feasible and practicable strategy for the management of neuroAIDS.
Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogel with Silver Nanoclusters for Water Pb(II) Ions Filtering
Authors: Burratti Luca , Zannotti Marco , Maranges Valentin , Giovannetti Rita , Duranti Leonardo , De Matteis Fabio , Francini Roberto , Prosposito Paolo
Published: February 2023

Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels modified with luminescent silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are synthesized by a photo-crosslinking process. The hybrid material thus obtained is employed to filter Pb(II) polluted water. Under the best conditions, the nanocomposite is able to remove up to 80–90% of lead contaminant, depending on the filter composition. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption process of Pb(II) onto the modified filter can be well modeled using the Freundlich isotherm, thus revealing that the chemisorption is the driving process of Pb(II) adsorption. In addition, the parameter n in the Freundlich model suggests that the adsorption process of Pb(II) ions in the modified hydrogel is favored. Based on the obtained remarkable contaminant uptake capacity and the overall low cost, this hybrid system appears to be a promising sorbent material for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous media.
Outstanding Sorption of Copper (II) Ions on Porous Phenothiazine-Imine-Chitosan Materials
Authors: Bejan Andrei , Marin Luminita
Published: February 2023

The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of a solid-state material, prepared by crosslinking chitosan with a phenothiazine-based aldehyde, to remove copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions, in a fast and selective manner. The metal uptake experiments, including the retention, sensibility, and selectivity against eight different metal ions, were realized via batch adsorption studies. The capacity of the material to retain copper (II) ions was investigated by spectrophotometric measurements, using poly(ethyleneimine) complexation agent, which allowed detection in a concentration range of 5–500 µM. The forces driving the copper sorption were monitored using various methods, such as FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDAX technique, and optical polarized microscopy, and the adsorption kinetics were assessed by fitting the in vitro sorption data on different mathematical models. The phenothiazine-imine-chitosan material proved high ability to recover copper from aqueous media, reaching a maximum retention capacity of 4.394 g Cu (II)/g adsorbent when using a 0.5 M copper solution, which is an outstanding value compared to other chitosan-based materials reported in the literature to this date. It was concluded that the high ability of the studied xerogel to retain Cu (II) ions was the result of both physio- and chemo-sorption processes. This particular behavior was favored on one hand by the porous nature of the material and on the other hand by the presence of amine, hydroxyl, imine, and amide groups with the role of copper ligands.
An Iterative Unsupervised Method for Gene Expression Differentiation
Authors: Georgieva Olga
Published: February 2023

For several decades, intensive research for understanding gene activity and its role in organism’s lives is the research focus of scientists in different areas. A part of these investigations is the analysis of gene expression data for selecting differentially expressed genes. Methods that identify the interested genes have been proposed on statistical data analysis. The problem is that there is no good agreement among them, as different results are produced by distinct methods. By taking the advantage of the unsupervised data analysis, an iterative clustering procedure that finds differentially expressed genes shows promising results. In the present paper, a comparative study of the clustering methods applied for gene expression analysis is presented to explicate the choice of the clustering algorithm implemented in the method. An investigation of different distance measures is provided to reveal those that increase the efficiency of the method in finding the real data structure. Further, the method is improved by incorporating an additional aggregation measure based on the standard deviation of the expression levels. Its usage increases the gene distinction as a new amount of differentially expressed genes is found. The method is summarized in a detailed procedure. The significance of the method is proved by an analysis of two mice strain data sets. The differentially expressed genes defined by the proposed method are compared with those selected by the well-known statistical methods applied to the same data set.
Changes in the Association between GDP and Night-Time Lights during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Subnational-Level Analysis for the US
Authors: Lin Taohan , Rybnikova Nataliya
Published: February 2023

Night-time light (NTL) data have been widely used as a remote proxy for the economic performance of regions. The use of these data is more advantageous than the traditional census approach is due to its timeliness, low cost, and comparability between regions and countries. Several recent studies have explored monthly NTL composites produced by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and revealed a dimming of the light in some countries during the national lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we explicitly tested the extent to which the observed decrease in the amount of NTL is associated with the economic recession at the subnational level. Specifically, we explore how the association between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the amount of NTL is modulated by the pandemic and whether NTL data can still serve as a sufficiently reliable proxy for the economic performance of regions even during stressful pandemic periods. For this reason, we use the states of the US and quarterly periods within 2014–2021 as a case study. We start with building a linear mixed effects model linking the state-level quarterly GDPs with the corresponding pre-processed NTL data, additionally controlling only for a long-term trends and seasonal fluctuations. We intentionally do not include other socio-economic predictors, such as population density and structure, in the model, aiming to observe the ‘pure’ explanatory potential of NTL. As it is built only for the pre-COVID-19 period, this model demonstrates a rather good performance, with R2 = 0.60, while its extension across the whole period (2014–2021) leads to a considerable worsening of this (R2 = 0.42), suggesting that not accounting for the COVID-19 phenomenon substantially weakens the ‘natural’ GDP–NTL association. At the same time, the model’s enrichment with COVID-19 dummies restores the model fit to R2 = 0.62. As a plausible application, we estimated the state-level economic losses by comparing actual GDPs in the pandemic period with the corresponding predictions generated by the pre-COVID-19 model. The states’ vulnerability to the crisis varied from ~8 to ~18% (measured as a fraction of the pre-pandemic GDP level in the 4th quarter of 2019), with the largest losses being observed in states with a relatively low pre-pandemic GDP per capita, a low number of remote jobs, and a higher minority ratio.
Career in Geology: An Educational Project in Geosciences for the Enhancement of Student Learning in STEM Disciplines
Authors: Russo Filippo , Sisto Michele
Published: February 2023

For about 15 years, Italian universities have been experiencing a shortage in the choice of degree programs concerning Earth Sciences, in accordance with the national trend of disaffection to STEM disciplines, both for educational reasons and because of problems in the labor market. To counter this phenomenon, in 2016, the Ministry launched the National Geology Plan (NGP) through which universities interacted directly with educational institutions in their territory. Although the numbers were small, the increase in enrollment was encouraging until the 2018/2019 academic year, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The local project “GEOLAB-UNISANNIO” of the University of Sannio in Benevento is trying to implement an educational program related to STEM fields. The authors believe that either all undergraduates or the public in general would benefit from improved Geoscience education. Accordingly, the authors, as the scientific leaders of an educational program (“Career in Geology”) under the GEOLAB–UNISANNIO project, foresee the positive effects on students’ basic scientific knowledge and academic careers of this type of approach in students’ retaining. This educational program is illustrated in its articulations with the results obtained (field experiences, production of scientific reports and posters, documentaries, general satisfaction).
Percutaneous Biliary Rendez-Vous to Treat Complete Hepatic-Jejunal Anastomosis Dehiscence after Duodeno-Cephalo-Pancreasectomy
Authors: Andresciani Flavio , Pacella Giuseppina , Faiella Eliodoro , Buoso Andrea , Altomare Carlo , Grasso Rosario Francesco
Published: February 2023

Hepaticojejunostomy is an essential component of many surgical procedures, including pancreaticoduodenectomy. Biliary leaks after HJS represent a major complication leading to relevant clinical problems: the postoperative mortality rate could reach 70% for surgical re-intervention, whereas endoscopic management is technically difficult due to the postoperative anatomy. Interventional Radiology plays a pivotal role for these patients. The case of a percutaneous biliary rendez-vous procedure performed to treat an HJA dehiscence after duodeno-cephalo-pancreasectomy is presented, which is successfully guaranteed to avoid a new surgical approach.
Animal Phenomenology: Metonymy and Sardonic Humanism in Kafka and Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Beith Don
Published: February 2023

Maurice Merleau-Ponty takes inspiration from Franz Kafka’s metonymic animal literature to develop his concepts of institution and “sardonic humanism.” Metonymy is a literary device, an instituting dimension of language, that allows us a lateral access to animality and expression. Kafka’s dog story enacts a radical reflection, a critical phenomenology parodying human life. Kafka puts forward a philosophy of generative openness to the animal, against social alienation. This reading comes with Merleau-Ponty’s existential redeployment of Sigmund Freud’s concept of the unconscious as expressive passivity or institution of adulthood. As instituting–instituted, we are always between preserving and surpassing the past, though different comportments and institutions can dogmatically or openly take up these possibilities. Kafka’s (struggle through) metonymic animal literature reminds us that philosophical truth is expressive, that unconscious desire animates language, and that the oppressive silencing of the generative past, the feeling child and the other animal, is at the root of society’s institutionalized oppression. Institution offers a literary method of phenomenologically resisting, of creative critique.
Evaluating State-Level Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) and Pill Mill Effects on Opioid Consumption in Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Authors: Sahebi-Fakhrabad Amirreza , Sadeghi Amir Hossein , Handfield Robert
Published: February 2023

The opioid crisis in the United States has had devastating effects on communities across the country, leading many states to pass legislation that limits the prescription of opioid medications in an effort to reduce the number of overdose deaths. This study evaluates the impact of two categories of PDMP and Pill Mill regulations on the supply of opioid prescriptions at the level of dispensers and distributors (excluding manufacturers) using ARCOS data. The study uses a difference-in-difference method with a two-way fixed design to analyze the data. The study finds that both of the regulations are associated with reductions in the volume of opioid distribution. However, the study reveals that these regulations may have unintended consequences, such as shifting the distribution of controlled substances to neighboring states. For example, in Tennessee, the implementation of Operational PDMP regulations reduces the in-state distribution of opioid drugs by 3.36% (95% CI, 2.37 to 4.3), while the out-of-state distribution to Georgia, which did not have effective PDMP regulations in place, increases by 16.93% (95% CI, 16.42 to 17.44). Our studies emphasize that policymakers should consider the potential for unintended distribution shifts of opioid drugs to neighboring states with laxer regulations as well as varying impacts on different dispenser types.
Positioning Technostress in the JD-R Model Perspective: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pansini Martina , Buonomo Ilaria , De Vincenzi Clara , Ferrara Bruna , Benevene Paula
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to describe the effects of Technostress on employees’ well-being and productivity. We adopted the Job Demands Resources Model as a theoretical framework to analyze the “Technostress” phenomenon in order to clarify whether and how technology can be considered a job demand, a job resource, or part of the effects of personal resources in the workplace. The sources search and selection process was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and regarded papers published from 2010 to 2022. Overall, the findings show that most selected papers consider ICT a job demand negatively affecting human behavior, thoughts, and attitudes. In contrast, some report that ICT acts as a job resource, thus reducing the impact of job demands and their physiological and psychological costs. Finally, a third category of studies does not consider the effects of ICT itself but gives more space to the interaction among ICT, the organizational context in which it is used, and the personal characteristics of ICT users. More specifically, the findings show how individual features and organizational procedures can shape the interpretations employees make about their ICT-related experiences at work and, consequently, their performance or well-being. Findings suggest that when ICT tools are strategically planned and used within organizations, they can enrich the employee experience at work, positively affecting the individual and the organizational level.
Healthcare Systems across Europe and the US: The Managed Entry Agreements Experience
Authors: Ciulla Michele , Marinelli Lisa , Di Biase Giuseppe , Cacciatore Ivana , Santoleri Fiorenzo , Costantini Alberto , Dimmito Marilisa Pia , Di Stefano Antonio
Published: February 2023

This systematic study aims at analyzing the differences between the approach of the European healthcare systems to the pharmaceutical market and the American one. This paper highlights the opportunities and the limitations given by the application of managed entry agreements (MEAs) in European countries as opposed to the American market, which does not regulate pharmaceutical prices. Data were collected from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Medicines Agency, and the national healthcare agencies of US and European countries. A literature review was undertaken in PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google for a period ten years (2010–2019). The period 2020–2021 was considered to compare health expenditure before and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Scarce information from national agencies has been given in terms of MEAs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The comparison between the United States approach and the European one shows the importance of a market access regulation to reduce the cost of therapies, increasing the efficiency of national healthcare systems and the advantages in terms of quality and accessibility to the final users: patients. Nevertheless, it seems that the golden age of MEAs for Europe was during the examined period. Except for Italy, countries will move to other forms of reimbursements to obtain higher benefits, reducing the costs of an inefficient implementation and outcomes in the medium term.
Intrinsic Capacity to Predict Future Adverse Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zhou Jia , Chang Hui , Leng Minmin , Wang Zhiwen
Published: February 2023

Objective: Intrinsic capacity is recognized as an important determinant of healthy aging and well-being of older adults; however, relatively little is known about the intrinsic capacity of older adults to predict adverse health outcomes. The study aimed to examine which adverse health outcomes of older adults can be predicted by intrinsic capacity. Methods: The study was conducted using the scoping review methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. A systematic literature search of nine electronic databases (i.e., Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of science, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, and the Chinese Biological Medical Literature Database) were performed from the database’s inception to 1 March 2022. Results: Fifteen longitudinal studies were included. A series of adverse health outcomes were assessed, including physical function (n = 12), frailty (n = 3), falls (n = 3), mortality (n = 6), quality of life (n = 2) and other adverse health outcomes (n = 4). Conclusions: Intrinsic capacity could predict some adverse health outcomes of different follow-up times for older adults; however, due to the small number of studies and sample size, more high-quality studies are necessary to explore the longitudinal relationships between intrinsic capacity and adverse health outcomes in the future.
Medication Adherence of People Living with HIV in Japan—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Inoue Yoji , Oka Shinichi , Yokoyama Seiji , Hasegawa Koichi , Mahlich Jörg , Schaede Ulrike , Habuka Noriyuki , Murata Yoko
Published: February 2023

Long-term medical care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is critical for treatment efficacy, and various studies have examined reasons for antiretroviral therapy (ART) non-adherence. In Japan, doctors assume patients maintain high adherence. However, little is known about real-world treatment adherence. We conducted an anonymous self-administered web-based survey asking about adherence for a total of 1030 Japanese PLHIV who were currently on ART. Adherence was determined using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), for which scoring ranged from 0 to 8 and scores < 6 points were classified as low adherence. Data were analyzed based on patient-related factors; therapy-related factors; condition-related factors, such as a comorbidity with depression (utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, PHQ-9); and healthcare/system-related factors. Among 821 PLHIV who responded to the survey, 291 responders (35%) were identified as being in the low adherence group. A statistically significant relationship was found between the number of missed anti-HIV drug doses within the previous 2 weeks and long-term adherence, per the MMAS-8 score (p < 0.001). Risk factors for low adherence included age (younger than 21 years, p = 0.001), moderate to severe depression (p = 0.002, using the PHQ-9), and drug dependence (p = 0.043). Adherence was also influenced by a shared decision-making process, including treatment selection, doctor–patient relations, and treatment satisfaction. Adherence was mainly affected by treatment decision factors. Hence, support of care providers should be considered critical for improving adherence.
Succession Planning Leadership Model for Nurse Managers in Hospitals: A Narrative Review
Authors: Yudianto Kurniawan , Sekawarna Nanan , Susilaningsih F. Sri , Ramoo Vimala , Somantri Irman
Published: February 2023

The high number of nursing staff in Indonesia requires optimal management skills, one of which comes from the leadership domain. The succession planning program can be an option to prepare nurses who have leadership potential to carry out a management function. This study aims to identify the nurse succession planning model and its application in clinical practice. This study uses a narrative review of the literature approach. Article searches were carried out using electronic databases (PubMed and Science Direct). Researchers obtained 18 articles. Three main themes emerged: (1) the factors that influence the efficient implementation of succession planning, (2) the benefits of succession planning, and (3) the implementation of succession planning in clinical practice. Training and mentoring related to leadership, support from human resources, and adequate funding are the main factors in implementing effective succession planning. Succession planning also can help nurses find competent leaders. However, in its application in clinical practice, the process of recruitment and planning for nurse managers that occurs in the field is not optimal so that succession planning must exist and be integrated with organizational needs and provide guidance and assistance for the younger generation who will become leaders in the future.
Using Task-Evoked Pupillary Response to Predict Clinical Performance during a Simulation Training
Authors: Mauriz Elba , Caloca-Amber Sandra , Vázquez-Casares Ana M.
Published: February 2023

Training in healthcare skills can be affected by trainees’ workload when completing a task. Due to cognitive processing demands being negatively correlated to clinical performance, assessing mental workload through objective measures is crucial. This study aimed to investigate task-evoked changes in pupil size as reliable markers of mental workload and clinical performance. A sample of 49 nursing students participated in a cardiac arrest simulation-based practice. Measurements of cognitive demands (NASA-Task Load Index), physiological parameters (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate), and pupil responses (minimum, maximum, and difference diameters) throughout revealed statistically significant differences according to performance scores. The analysis of a multiple regression model produced a statistically significant pattern between pupil diameter differences and heart rate, systolic blood pressure, workload, and performance (R2 = 0.280; F (6, 41) = 2.660; p < 0.028; d = 2.042). Findings suggest that pupil variations are promising markers to complement physiological metrics for predicting mental workload and clinical performance in medical practice.