Knowledge Relationship with Maternal Anxiety in Breastfeeding Babies during the Covid-19 Pandemic at UPTD Puskesmas Bawomataluo in 2021

Breast milk is the main food source for babies who contain a variety of vitamins, proteins, and fats. However, with the increase in the Covid-19 pandemic, many mothers do not breastfeed their babies, because they are worried that their babies will contract the Covid-19 virus. This is due to the lack of information obtained by mothers, that the Covid-19 virus cannot be transmitted through breast milk. This study aims to find out the relationship of knowledge with maternal anxiety in breastfeeding in infants during the Covid-19 pandemic. This type of quantitative research with an analytical descriptive approach, conducted at UPTD Bawomataluo, November to December 2021. A population of 61 nursing mothers, a large determination of the total sampling sample. Univariate data analysis and bivariate analysis, Chi-Square test, a significant level of 0.05. The majority of respondents had less knowledge than 43 respondents (70.2%). The majority of respondents had a severe anxiety level of 31 respondents (50.8%). The results of bivariate analysis of knowledge relationship and anxiety level obtained value p-value = 0.000 < = 0.05. Concluded, it can be concluded that there is a meaningful relationship between the level of knowledge and anxiety levels of breastfeeding mothers in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regulators of Starch Biosynthesis in Cereal Crops

Starch is the main food source for human beings and livestock all over the world, and it is also the raw material for production of industrial alcohol and biofuel. A considerable part of the world’s annual starch production comes from crops and their seeds. With the increasing demand for starch from food and non-food industries and the growing loss of arable land due to urbanization, understanding starch biosynthesis and its regulators is essential to produce the desirable traits as well as more and better polymers via biotechnological approaches in cereal crops. Because of the complexity and flexibility of carbon allocation in the formation of endosperm starch, cereal crops require a broad range of enzymes and one matching network of regulators to control the providential functioning of these starch biosynthetic enzymes. Here, we comprehensively summarize the current knowledge about regulatory factors of starch biosynthesis in cereal crops, with an emphasis on the transcription factors that directly regulate starch biosynthesis. This review will provide new insights for the manipulation of bioengineering and starch biosynthesis to improve starch yields or qualities in our diets and in industry.

Levels of Elements in Typical Mussels from the Southern Coast of Africa (Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique): Safety Aspect

The soft tissues of mussels are often used as the main food source, especially in coastal areas. Neutron Activation Analysis was used to measure the content of 24 macro- and microelements in the soft tissues and 18 elements in the shells of selected sets of mussels of the species Mytilus galloprovincialis. The mussels were collected in 8 polluted and 4 pristine zones, which included Namibia, the west and east coasts of South Africa, and Mozambique. According to factor analysis Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, I, Sb could have anthropogenic origin. The concentrations of elements such as Cr, As, Se and partly Zn at polluted stations were above the maximum permissible levels for seafood. The concentrations of Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Sb, Cs, Th, U in shells and soft tissues of the same mussels were at the close levels. Elements such as Al, Cr, Co, As (partly Zn, Se, and I) are considered to be harmful to human health at the levels of mussels consumption of 200 g/week per person and lower in such zones as Swakopmund, East London, Port Shepstone, Richards Bay, Xai-Xai according to calculated risk quotients and target hazard indices.

Genetic Evaluation and Screening of Diverse Wheat Genotypes for Spot Blotch Resistance

Production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) the main food source of South Asian countries including India faces several constraints including spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana resulting in yield loss of 25–43 % depending upon the stage of infection. Fifty genotypes were evaluated for nine quantitative characters and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) to identify superior genotype with spot blotch resistance. High heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance as percent of mean was registered for grains per spike, tillers per square meter, days to 50% heading and days to 50% flowering indicating the characters to be governed by additive genes. Correlation and path coefficient analysis favored days to 50% heading, days to 50% flowering and grains per spike since they had significant positive correlation with yield and simultaneous negative correlation with AUDPC and also conferring highest positive direct effect towards yield. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis indicated days to 50% heading to be most sensitive with negative influence on AUDPC. D2 analysis grouped the 50 genotypes into 10 clusters suggesting presence of diversity among the genotypes. Frequency distribution of AUDPC among the genotypes showed more or less normal distribution of the character. Low AUDPC score with acceptable level of yield performance were recorded for the genotypes 29882, 29610, 29473, 29940, 29477, 29748 and 30081. Identification of high yielding and less susceptible genotypes for spot blotch disease in the present investigation offered an opportunity for wheat improvement through selective breeding.

Biomass and Yield Estimation of MR219 and MR220 of Paddy Varieties using Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data

Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) is the main food source in Malaysia. Thus, to fulfill the needs, continuous rice production is required. Appropriate amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is needed to ensure high production of rice. In this research, the effect of N to plant height, SPAD reading, biomass and yield were firstly studied. It was later followed by the estimation of biomass and yield using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data. Different amount of N i.e. 0 kg/ha, 85 kg/ha, 170 kg/ha and 250 kg/ha were applied to MR 219 and MR 220 paddy. The 2-way ANOVA results showed that all parameters were significantly different at each N level. The highest reading was achieved at 250 kg/ha of N level; 70.46 cm (plant height), 39.13 (SPAD reading), 927.29 g/m2 (biomass) and 830.99 g/m2 (grain yield) respectively. Therefore, these parameters can be used to indicate the level of input nitrogen at the plant. Later, the plant height calculated using developed Crop Surface Model (CSM) of the Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data was used to evaluate the biomass and grain yield of paddy. Results has shown that high correlations and regression were accomplished for CSM plant height and biomass (R2 = 0.809). However, the results between CSM plant height and grain were lower (R2 = 0.582). In accordance with the outcome, biomass and yield were best estimated at 94 Day After Sowing (DAS). An estimation model for biomass and grain yield using linear equation was developed. Then a t-test was done to test the estimated and measured biomass and grain yield. The outcome showed that there was no significance difference between measured and estimated values. The values for both parameters were 1 (p≥0.05). Thus, it can be said that CSM plant height can be used to estimate biomass and grain yield.

Moderate Consumption of Beer (with and without Ethanol) and Menopausal Symptoms: Results from a Parallel Clinical Trial in Postmenopausal Women

The menopausal transition can be a challenging period for women’s health and a trigger of uncomfortable symptoms. Beer is the main food source of isoxanthohumol, a precursor of 8-prenylnaringenin, the strongest phytoestrogen identified to date. As phytoestrogens are reported to reduce perimenopausal symptoms, we evaluated if a daily moderate consumption of beer with (AB) and without alcohol (NAB) could improve menopausal symptoms and modify cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 37 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a parallel controlled intervention trial and assigned to three study groups: 16 were administered AB (330 mL/day), 7 NAB (660 mL/day), and 14 were in the control group. After a 6-month follow-up of the 34 participants who finished the trial, both interventions (AB and NAB) significantly reduced the severity of the menopause-related symptoms (p-value AB vs. Control: 0.009; p-value NAB vs. Control: 0.033). Moreover, AB had a beneficial net effect on psychological menopausal discomforts compared to the control group. As the sex hormone profile did not differ significantly between the study groups, the effects of both types of beers (AB and NAB) are attributed to the non-alcoholic fraction of beer. Furthermore, moderate NAB consumption improved the lipid profile and decreased blood pressure in postmenopausal women.

High philopatry rates of Yellow-legged Gulls in the southeastern part of the Bay of Biscay

Background Philopatry rate is one of the main factors shaping population dynamics in colonial seabirds. Low rates of philopatry are linked to populations with high dispersal, while high rates are linked to populations with a very high spatial structure pattern (i.e., metapopulations). The Cantabrian Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) population is considered to be resident, with relatively low dispersal rates. Precise estimations of its philopatry rates are however still lacking. Here, we aimed to estimate philopatry rates in the main Yellow-legged Gull colonies of the province of Gipuzkoa, in the southeastern part of the Bay of Biscay. Methods We analysed 734 resightings, during the breeding season at the colonies of Getaria, Santa Clara and Ulia, relative to a total of 3245 individuals ringed at birth in these same colonies during a period of 13 years. These data were analysed using Multi-State Recapture models in MARK. Results After controlling survival and resighting probability, the average dispersal rate among colonies was 4% (± SD = 2%) when individuals are immature, decreasing to 1 ± 1%) for adult breeding gulls (i.e., philopatry rate was 99%). Annual survival rates were assessed to be 0.27 ± 0.02 for birds in their first year of life and 0.87 ± 0.01 for older individuals. The probability of observing immature birds in the colonies was 0.08 ± 0.01, as compared to 0.21 ± 0.02 in adult birds. Conclusions We obtained evidence of extremely high local philopatry rates, clearly within the upper limit found in gulls. A high philopatry favour a speciation in these species who are vulnerable to obtain the main food source (landfills and fishing discard) which are transforming under new ecological process.

Prey, management and landscape requirements of an endangered population of the Woodlark Lullula arborea in Southwest Germany

Vineyards can be valuable habitats for biodiversity conservation. For example, in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany) over a third of the state’s critically endangered Woodlark (Lullula arborea) population breeds in vineyards along the western margin of the Upper Rhine Valley. We here aim to elucidate how local ground cover management, food availability and the proximity to settlements affect territory selection by this bird species in the region. As climate, site conditions and management differ greatly from more continental or Mediterranean wine-growing areas, conditions for Woodlark conservation may differ as well.We compared 26 Woodlark territories in vineyards with 26 nearby reference areas from which Woodlarks were absent. We recorded vineyard ground cover in the inter-rows (% cover) as well as vegetation height and composition (forbs vs. grasses). Arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps, since they are the main food resource of Woodlarks during the breeding season. In addition, the distance to built-up areas was measured. The vegetation in Woodlark territories was shorter (mean 14.2 vs. 19.6 cm) and more dominated by forbs (39% vs. 27% cover) than in absence areas. The vegetation cover in the inter-rows had no effect on Woodlark territory presence or absence. Woodlarks also favoured areas with a higher abundance of arthropods (mean abundance 69.1 vs. 57.5) and a greater distance to built-up areas (mean distance 554 vs. 373 m). We conclude that to promote the Woodlark in wine-growing areas, short, forb-rich swards should be created, facilitating arthropod detectability. This is likely to require low levels of nitrogen fertilization since fertilizers favour tall-growing grasses that outcompete forbs. Pesticide applications should be kept at a minimum to enhance arthropods as the main food source for Woodlarks and their chicks. In addition, the expansion of settlements into breeding areas of Woodlarks should be avoided.

Characterization of subsistence sheep farming: The case of three communities of the municipality of Tlahuapan, Puebla, Mexico

Objective: to characterize household units for sheep production at three localities in the Santa Rita Tlahuapan municipality, Puebla. Design/methodology/approach: semi-structured interviews conducted with 38 producers. Variables of the producer profile, crop production and herd management were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and variance analysis. Results: four groups of producers were identified; most of them (92%) were classified as small producers, with 24 to 36sheep and low production of crop forage. The producer’s average age was 55 years, with an average family size of four.Economic savings is the main objective for this production and family labor is used exclusively in sheep farming activities.The animals are housed in rustic pens, with no difference in their age, sex or physiological stage. Their main food source is pastures forage and cultivation areas; mostly supplemented (92%) with mineral blocks and common salt. Limitations/Implications: the lack of producer records and social mistrust to some degree to provide information. Findings/conclusions: the assessed productive units are for subsistence, having sheep farming as a secondary activity, with low productive parameters. The poor housing practices, the scarcity of own grazing lands, and the animal’s nutritional stress are identified as the main factors that stagnate sheep farming in the study area.

The legitimacy of using dietary supplement diglycoside secoisolariciresinol (SDG) from flaxseed in cancer

Linseed, commonly known as flaxseed, is a fibre-rich food product. According to the recent study prepared by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), an adequate intake of dietary fiber contributes to reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, the flaxseed and the oil extracted from it are considered to be food products with a high content of anti-inflammatory, unsaturated α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, the authors of the most recent scientific research have assigned the anticancer significance of flax seeds to plant lignan - secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG), of which flaxseed is the main food source. This article provides a review of the world scientific literature together with an assessment of the validity of dietary supplementation with SDG from flaxseeds in cancer and during chemotherapeutic treatment. The paper also presents the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) view on dietary supplementation with flax seeds and its lignans. Additionally, selected dietary supplements available on the Polish market containing SDGs, linseed oil or linseed were analysed, together with a description of their intended use suggested by the manufacturers.