The Bacau (Romania) phosphogypsum stacks as a source of radioactive threat: a case study.

For a detailed characterization of the 5.7 106 mt phosphogypsum (PG) stack in the vicinity of Bacau city, Romania, the air dose rate (ADR) was measured in 72 points covering the stack surface, while 10 samples of stack material were collected for future analysis. Radiometric determinations showed for the ADR values varying between 364 ± 53 and 489 ± 8 nSv/h, with some extreme values of 2775 ± 734 nSv/h, significantly exceeding 90 nSv/h, the average value reported for the Romanian territory. High-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy (HRGS), performed on 10 samples collected from the entire PG stack evidenced only the presence of 226Ra as the major radioactive element with a specific activity varied between 820 ± 150 and 5278 ± 264 Bq/kg for hot spots. Further analysis performed on a similar number of samples by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), evidenced, beside gypsum as the main component, traces of brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O) and ardealite (Ca2(PO3OH)(SO4)·4H2O), as well as the presence of small acicular celestine (SrSO4) agglomerates. XRF determinations of the mass fractions of major elements evidenced values such as SiO2 (2.31 ± 0.73 %), TiO2 (0.07 ± 0.01 %), Al2O3 (0.17 ± 0.04 %), Fe2O3 (0.87 ± 0.18 %), MnO (0.01 ± 0.01 %), MgO (0.17 ± 0.02 %), CaO (32.5 ± 0.82 %), Na2O (0.04 ± 0.04 %), K2O (0.05 ± 0.01 %), P2O5 (2.12 ± 0.51 %), LOI (20.2 ± 0.3 %), i.e. closer to literature reported data for PG of different provenience while the data concerning the distribution of 20 trace elements, including incompatible Sc, La, Ce, and Th were relatively closer to the upper continental crust (UCC).

Development and Characterization of Ethylcellulose Oleogels Based on Pumpkin Seed Oil and Rapeseed Oil.

In contrast to rapeseed oil, pumpkin seed oil has yet to be well investigated in terms of oleogelation, and, to the best of our knowledge, no study related to the use of ethylcellulose (EC) in the structuring of this oil has been identified in the current scientific literature. Therefore, the present study evaluated several oleogels formulated with EC as the oleogelator in different concentrations of 7% (OG7) and 9% (OG9), based on cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil (PO) and refined rapeseed oil (RO), as well as on mixtures of the two oils in different combinations: PO:RO (3:1) (PRO) and PO:RO (1:1) (RPO). Physicochemical properties such as visual appearance, gel formation time (GFT), oil-binding capacity (OBC), oxidative and thermal stability, and textural characteristics were analyzed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) were used in the statistical analysis of the data, with a significance level of p < 0.05. EC proved to be an effective structuring agent of the mentioned edible oils; the type of oils and the concentration of oleogelator significantly influenced the characteristics of the obtained oleogels. The 9% EC oleogels exhibited a more rigid structure, with a higher OBC and a reduced GFT. Pumpkin seed oil led to more stable oleogels, while the mixture of pumpkin seed oil with rapeseed oil caused a significant reduction in their mechanical properties and decreased the OBC. After 14 days of storage, all oleogels demonstrated proper oxidative stability within the bounds set by international regulations for edible fats, regardless of the kind of oil and EC concentration. All of the oleogels showed a higher oxidative stability than the oils utilized in their formulation; however, those prepared with cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil indicated a lower level of lipid oxidation among all oleogels. The P-OG9 and PR-OG9 oleogels, which mainly included PO and contained 9% EC, demonstrated the optimum levels of quality in texture, GFT, OBC, and oxidative stability.

Food-Grade Oleogels: Trends in Analysis, Characterization, and Applicability.

Currently, a large number of scientific articles can be found in the research literature in the field focusing on the use of oleogels for food formulation to improve their nutritional properties. The present review focuses on the most representative food-grade oleogels, highlighting current trends in terms of the most suitable methods of analysis and characterization, as well as trends in their application as substitutes for saturated and trans fats in foods. For this purpose, the physicochemical properties, structure, and composition of some oleogelators are primarily discussed, along with the adequacy of oleogel incorporation for use in edible products. Analysis and characterization of oleogels by different methods are important in the formulation of innovative foods, and therefore, this review discusses the most recent published results regarding their microstructure, rheological and textural properties, and oxidative stability. Last but not least, issues related to the sensory properties of oleogel-based foods are discussed, highlighting also the consumer acceptability of some of them.

Recent Trends in Biosensors for Environmental Quality Monitoring.

The monitoring of environmental pollution requires fast, reliable, cost-effective and small devices. This need explains the recent trends in the development of biosensing devices for pollutant detection. The present review aims to summarize the newest trends regarding the use of biosensors to detect environmental contaminants. Enzyme, whole cell, antibody, aptamer, and DNA-based biosensors and biomimetic sensors are discussed. We summarize their applicability to the detection of various pollutants and mention their constructive characteristics. Several detection principles are used in biosensor design: amperometry, conductometry, luminescence, etc. They differ in terms of rapidity, sensitivity, profitability, and design. Each one is characterized by specific selectivity and detection limits depending on the sensitive element. Mimetic biosensors are slowly gaining attention from researchers and users due to their advantages compared with classical ones. Further studies are necessary for the development of robust biosensing devices that can successfully be used for the detection of pollutants from complex matrices without prior sample preparation.

Oleogels-Innovative Technological Solution for the Nutritional Improvement of Meat Products.

Food products contain important quantities of fats, which include saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids. Because of a proven relationship between saturated fat consumption and the appearance of several diseases, an actual trend is to eliminate them from foodstuffs by finding solutions for integrating other healthier fats with high stability and solid-like structure. Polyunsaturated vegetable oils are healthier for the human diet, but their liquid consistency can lead to a weak texture or oil drain if directly introduced into foods during technological processes. Lately, the use of oleogels that are obtained through the solidification of liquid oils by using edible oleogelators, showed encouraging results as fat replacers in several types of foods. In particular, for meat products, studies regarding successful oleogel integration in burgers, meat batters, pâtés, frankfurters, fermented and bologna sausages have been noted, in order to improve their nutritional profile and make them healthier by substituting for animal fats. The present review aims to summarize the newest trends regarding the use of oleogels in meat products. However, further research on the compatibility between different oil-oleogelator formulations and meat product components is needed, as it is extremely important to obtain appropriate compositions with adequate behavior under the processing conditions.

Knowledge of Low Back Pain among Primary School Teachers.

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease that affects a large percentage of the working population, including teachers. The World Health Organization has identified the school as an effective environment for improving child health. For this reason, the figure of the teacher is a fundamental piece in the process of knowledge acquisition about postural education and prevention of LBP among schoolchildren. The present study aims to determine the knowledge of postural education and back pain prevention among primary school teachers. This cross-sectional study evaluated 85 primary school teachers from Majorca (Spain), of whom 17.6% were physical education teachers and 82.4% were classroom teachers. The study was based on two different structured and self-administered questionnaires to investigate into specific knowledge about LBP: Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire (LKQ) and COSACUES-AEF Questionnaire. The results demonstrated a lifetime prevalence of LBP of 96.5% with significant differences determined by sex. The knowledge of participants about LBP was 17.3 in LKQ (range scale 0-24) and 4.3 in COSACUES (range scale 1-10). In conclusion, the teachers knowledge is insufficient to carry out an efficient and useful health promotion program among schoolchildren to prevent LBP.

Closing the Loop with Keratin-Rich Fibrous Materials.

One of the agro-industry's side streams that is widely met is the-keratin rich fibrous material that is becoming a waste product without valorization. Its management as a waste is costly, as the incineration of this type of waste constitutes high environmental concern. Considering these facts, the keratin-rich waste can be considered as a treasure for the producers interested in the valorization of such slowly-biodegradable by-products. As keratin is a protein that needs harsh conditions for its degradation, and that in most of the cases its constitutive amino acids are destroyed, we review new extraction methods that are eco-friendly and cost-effective. The chemical and enzymatic extractions of keratin are compared and the optimization of the extraction conditions at the lab scale is considered. In this study, there are also considered the potential applications of the extracted keratin as well as the reuse of the by-products obtained during the extraction processes.

Strategies to Improve Meat Products' Quality.

Meat products represent an important component of the human diet, their consumption registering a global increase over the last few years. These foodstuffs constitute a good source of energy and some nutrients, such as essential amino acids, high biological value proteins, minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, manganese and B-complex vitamins, especially vitamin B12. On the other hand, nutritionists have associated high consumption of processed meat with an increased risk of several diseases. Researchers and processed meat producers are involved in finding methods to eliminate nutritional deficiencies and potentially toxic compounds, to obtain healthier products and at the same time with no affecting the sensorial quality and safety of the meat products. The present review aims to summarize the newest trends regarding the most important methods that can be applied to obtain high-quality products. Nutritional enrichment with natural bioactive plant compounds (antioxidants, dietary fibers) or probiotics, reduction of harmful components (salt, nitrate/nitrite, N-nitrosamines) and the use of alternative technologies (high-pressure processing, cold plasma, ultrasounds) are the most used current strategies to accomplish this aim.

Phylogenetic inference enables reconstruction of a long-overlooked outbreak of almond leaf scorch disease (Xylella fastidiosa) in Europe.

The recent introductions of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) into Europe are linked to the international plant trade. However, both how and when these entries occurred remains poorly understood. Here, we show how almond scorch leaf disease, which affects ~79% of almond trees in Majorca (Spain) and was previously attributed to fungal pathogens, was in fact triggered by the introduction of Xf around 1993 and subsequently spread to grapevines (Pierce's disease). We reconstructed the progression of almond leaf scorch disease by using broad phylogenetic evidence supported by epidemiological data. Bayesian phylogenetic inference predicted that both Xf subspecies found in Majorca, fastidiosa ST1 (95% highest posterior density, HPD: 1990-1997) and multiplex ST81 (95% HPD: 1991-1998), shared their most recent common ancestors with Californian Xf populations associated with almonds and grapevines. Consistent with this chronology, Xf-DNA infections were identified in tree rings dating to 1998. Our findings uncover a previously unknown scenario in Europe and reveal how Pierce's disease reached the continent.

Systematic Observation of the Verbal Behavior of Families of Youth Athletes in Grassroots and Team Sports.

Some of the more protective and favorable factors for the development and health in children and teenagers are family and sport, so family involvement in the children's sports activities is vital in their sports process. The purpose of this study was to analyze the verbal behavior (positive, negative, and neutral comments) of family spectators of school-age athletes regarding sociodemographic and sporting variables. The sample consisted of 190 family spectators of 215 male and female (Mage = 11.66; SD = 1.60) football, basketball, and volleyball players. The Parents' Observation Instrument at Sport Events (POISE) was used for the observation and LINCE was used to codify the verbal comments made. After registering 38,829 comments, the results showed statistically significant differences in relation to the comments made and the gender of athletes, geographical area, kind of sport, and the sporting category. The findings highlight that in a competitive environment, the comments made by spectators related to athletes do not seem to be initiators of potentially violent situations but rather are dependent on the atmosphere in question. Further research is required in this area to foster positive conduct relating to grassroots sports.

Higher socioeconomic status is related to healthier levels of fatness and fitness already at 3 to 5 years of age: The PREFIT project.

This study aimed to analyse the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and fatness and fitness in preschoolers. 2,638 preschoolers (3-5 years old; 47.2% girls) participated. SES was estimated from the parental educational and occupational levels, and the marital status. Fatness was assessed by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Physical fitness components were assessed using the PREFIT battery. Preschoolers whose parents had higher educational levels had lower fatness (P < 0.05). BMI significantly differed across occupational levels of each parent (P < 0.05) and WHtR across paternal levels (P = 0.004). Musculoskeletal fitness was different across any SES factor (P < 0.05), except handgrip across paternal occupational levels (P ≥ 0.05). Preschoolers with high paternal occupation had higher speed/agility (P = 0.005), and those with high or low maternal education had higher VO2max (P = 0.046). Odds of being obese and having low musculoskeletal fitness was lower as SES was higher (P < 0.05). Those with married parents had higher cardiorespiratory fitness than single-parent ones (P = 0.010). School-based interventions should be aware of that children with low SES are at a higher risk of obesity and low fitness already in the first years of life.

The ratio of trichomes to stomata is associated with water use efficiency in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato).

Trichomes are specialised structures that originate from the aerial epidermis of plants, and play key roles in the interaction between the plant and the environment. In this study we investigated the trichome phenotypes of four lines selected from the Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum pennellii introgression line (IL) population for differences in trichome density, and their impact on plant performance under water-deficit conditions. We performed comparative analyses at morphological and photosynthetic levels of plants grown under well-watered (WW) and also under water-deficit (WD) conditions in the field. Under WD conditions, we observed higher trichome density in ILs 11-3 and 4-1, and lower stomatal size in IL 4-1 compared with plants grown under WW conditions. The intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi ) was higher under WD conditions in IL 11-3, and the plant-level water use efficiency (WUEb ) was also higher in IL 11-3 and in M82 for WD plants. The ratio of trichomes to stomata (T/S) was positively correlated with WUEi and WUEb , indicating an important role for both trichomes and stomata in drought tolerance in tomato, and offering a promising way to select for improved water use efficiency of major crops.

Effects of a Whatsapp-delivered physical activity intervention to enhance health-related physical fitness components and cardiovascular disease risk factors in older adults.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a 10-week WhatsApp-based intervention aimed at enhancing health-related physical fitness components and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors compared with a face-to-face condition. METHODS: Participants (N.=32) were assigned to one of three groups: training group (N.=16), mobile group (N.=7) and control group (N.=9). Training group and mobile group performed the same training program, based on strength training with elastics bands and aerobic exercise, during 10 weeks; only the delivery mode differed. RESULTS: The mobile group increased handgrip strength, aerobic capacity and decreased systolic blood pressure and heart rate after exercise though there were no significant differences respect to control group. The training group decreased significantly systolic blood pressure (P=0.038), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.005), mean arterial pressure (P=0.006) and heart rate after exercise (P=0.002), respect to control group. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison between training and mobile group showed that WhatsApp-based physical activity intervention was less effective than face-to-face condition. The results indicate that the use of an online social network produced slight changes in some health-related physical fitness components and CVD risk factors.

Comparison of otolith and scale readings for age and growth estimation of common dentex Dentex dentex.

Three methods of age estimation were compared for Dentex dentex. Based on sectioned otoliths, scales appeared to be relevant only up to 5 years and whole otoliths up to 12 years. The maximum estimated age was 36 years, which constitutes to date the oldest age reported.

Población de difícil acceso: recogida de datos de actividad física mediante acelerómetro en nuevos inmigrantes / No disponible

El sobrepeso y la obesidad aumentan en función del tiempo de estancia en el país de acogida de la población inmigrante; por tanto, es crucial entender los estilos de vida de las poblaciones de alto riesgo con el fin de abordar los factores de riesgo modificables. Los patrones de actividad física de los niños inmigrantes supone una incógnita, y la recogida de datos en estas poblaciones es difícil. Esta nota de campo pretende expresar la experiencia aprendida en la toma de datos de actividad física mediante acelerómetros en las diferentes cohortes del estudio Live Well, que pretende reducir la incidencia del sobrepeso en la población inmigrante. Los resultados de la experiencia indican que en estas poblaciones deben mantenerse escrupulosamente los criterios de información sobre los instrumentos a utilizar a fin de evitar el mal uso de estos instrumentos y que la recogida de datos tenga éxito (AU)

Overweight and obesity increase with the length of stay in the host country of immigrants, therefore, is crucial to understand the lifestyles of high-risk populations in order to address the modifiable risk factors. Physical activity patterns of immigrant children are unknown and data collection in these populations is difficult. This field note is intended to express the experience learned in the data collection of physical activity using accelerometers in different cohorts of Live Well study, which aims to reduce the incidence of overweight in immigrant population. The results of the experiment indicate that these populations must be scrupulously informed on these tools to avoid misuse of these instruments and data collection is successful (AU)

Fe de errores de 'Nuevas curvas poblacionales de crecimiento en recién nacidos extremadamente prematuros españoles' / Erratum of 'New population curves in spanish extremely preterm neonates'

No disponible

El dolor de espalda como lesión deportiva en jóvenes de 10-12 años / Low back pain as a sports injury in school children among 10-12 years

The aim of this research study is to explore the existence of back pain in schoolchildren aged 10-12 years old related to sports practice or not, sports type, frequency, and gender differences. This study was carried out using a sample of 2270 schoolchildren (1214 boys and 1056 girls) aged 10-12, resident in Mallorca. The sample was chosen using intentional random sampling. The questionnaire and method for gathering the data were previously validated using the test-rest reliability method. The results show the existence of low back pain among 38.3% of the schoolchildren (34.5% boys and 42.8% girls) suffers from back pain. There is a significant relationship between back pain and sport practice, positively in boys and negativity in girls, being explicated for the different sports practice according to gender. The highest values of back pain incidence were found in volleyball, masculine gymnastics and swimming more the 4 hours per week, and in rhythmic gymnastics. This study suggests, according to the results, back pain as a problem that affects the young population, especially to girls. The type of sport and its frequency is determinant to define if a sport could be or not a risk factor related to low back pain (AU)

El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la incidencia de dolor de espalda en jóvenes de entre 10 y 12 años en función de si practican ono algún deporte, cuál practican, con qué frecuencia, y las posibles diferencias entre género. El estudio se llevó a cabo en 2270 escolares (1214 niños y 1056 niñas) de 10-12 años de Mallorca. La muestra se obtuvo por conglomerados (centros escolares) por muestreo intencional. El cuestionario y la metodología de recogida de datos fueron previamente validados mediante el método test-retest. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la existencia de dolor de espalda fue del 38.3% (34.5% en niños y 42.8% en niñas). Existe una relación significativa entre dolor de espalda y practicar deporte o no, en niños positiva y en niñas negativa, pudiendo ser explicado por las diferencias del tipo de deportes practicados según el género. Los mayores índices de incidencia de dolor de espalda aparecen entre los que practican voleibol, gimnasia deportiva y natación más de 4 horas semanales, y los que practican gimnasia rítmica. Este estudio sugiere, a partir de los resultados obtenidos, que el dolor de espalda es un mal que afecta de manera importante a la población juvenil, en especial al género femenino, y que el tipo de deporte practicado, así como su frecuencia, es determinante a la hora de definir si un deporte puede ser o no un factor de riesgo asociado al dolor de espalda (AU)

Obesidad infantil: ¿nos estamos equivocando? Principales causas del problema y tendencias de investigación / Childhood obesity: Are we getting it wrong? Main causes of the problem and research tendencies

La obesidad infantil se ha convertido en un problema de importante magnitud que atrae la atención del mundo científico y protagoniza grandes esfuerzos en salud pública y en educación. Las causas de dicho problema son multifactoriales y extremadamente complejas, y se han abordado muchos focos de intervención para intentar invertir la tendencia. Los principales contribuyentes se siguen considerando la falta de actividad física de la población y las estrategias de alimentación equivocadas, basadas en un exceso calórico. ¿Son solo estas causas las contribuyentes a dicho problema? En este artículo revisamos algunas de las líneas de investigación prioritarias más allá de la dieta y la actividad física, para poder observar que tal vez nos estemos equivocando en la aplicación de políticas de prevención y tratamiento de la obesidad infantil (AU)

Childhood obesity has become an issue of substantial size to attract the attention of the scientific world and starring in great efforts in public health and education. The causes of this problem are multifactorial and extremely complex, and addressed many outbreaks of intervention to try to reverse the trend. The main contributors are still considering the lack of physical activity in population and wrong feeding strategies based on a caloric surplus. Are these cases only the contributors to this problem? This article reviews some of the research priorities beyond diet and exercise, to see that maybe we’re wrong in the implementation of policies of prevention and treatment of childhood obesity (AU)

Effects of a postural education program on school backpack habits related to low back pain in children.

PURPOSE: Population based studies have demonstrated that children and adolescents often complain of low back pain. A group-randomized controlled trial was carried out to investigate the effects of a postural education program on school backpack habits related to low back pain in children aged 10-12 year. METHODS: The study sample included 137 children aged 10.7 years (SD = 0.672). Six classes from two primary schools were randomly allocated into experimental group (EG) (N = 63) or control group (CG) (N = 74). The EG received a postural education program over 6 weeks consisting of six sessions, while the CG followed the usual school curriculum. A questionnaire was fulfilled by the participants at pre-test, post-test, and 3 months after the intervention finished. The outcomes collected were: (1) try to load the minimum weight possible, (2) carry school backpack on two shoulders, (3) belief that school backpack weight does not affect to the back, and (4) the use of locker or something similar at school. A sum score was computed from the four items. RESULTS: Single healthy items mostly improved after the intervention and remained improved after 3-month follow-up in EG, while no substantial changes were observed in the CG. Healthy backpack use habits score was significantly increased at post-test compared to baseline in the EG (P < 0.000), and remained significantly increased after 3-month, compared to baseline (P = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the CG (P > 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The present study findings confirm that children are able to learn healthy backpack habits which might prevent future low back pain.

Relaciones entre calidad de vida, actividad física, sedentarismo y fitness cardiorrespiratorio en niños / Relationship between quality of life, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in children

El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la relación entre algunos dominios de la calidad de vida, relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en niños, con el estado cardiorrespiratorio, el nivel de actividad física, el sedentarismo (tiempo de pantalla) y el índice de masa corporal de una población de 302 niños de once y doce años de edad, para determinar si la condición física (Fitness cardiorrespiratorio) es un factor clave en lugar de la actividad física, para garantizar la futura calidad de vida de los niños. El cuestionario sobre salud infantil y calidad de vida (CHIP-CE / PRF- edición española) se utilizó para medir la CVRS, El test de 20m de ida y vuelta para el fitness cardiorrespiratorio, El cuestionario de Salud Escolar de Acción, Planificación y Evaluación (SHAPES), módulo de actividad física, se utilizó para medir la actividad física semanal y el tiempo de pantalla. Los padres reportaron altura y peso. Los resultados muestran una fuerte correlación entre el fitness cardiovascular y la CVRS, y el tiempo de pantalla con la CVRS, pero no existe correlación entre CVRS y la actividad física (AU)

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between some domains of health related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity level, sedentary lifestyle (screen time) and the body mass index of a population of 302 children eleven and twelve years of age to determine whether physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness) is a key factor, to ensure the future quality of life of children. Children’s health and Illness profile - Child edition - Parent Report Form - Spanish Edition - (CHIP-CE / PRF-Spanish edition) was used to measure HRQoL, the 20m run test for cardiorespiratory fitness, and the School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation (SHAPES) physical activity module was used to measure weekly physical activity and screen time. Parents reported height and weight. The results show a strong correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and HRQoL, and screen time with HRQoL, but no correlation between HRQoL and physical activity (AU)