bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Foods in 2021
Authors:   Foods Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Evaluation of Commercial Meat Products of Red Chicken Reared under LED Lights
Authors: Colapietro Martina , Ianni Andrea , Bennato Francesca , Martino Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

The objective of our study was to investigate the role of three different light-color temperatures of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) [Neutral (K=3300−3700); Warm (K=3000−2500) and Cool (K=5500−6000)] on the qualitative attributes of breast meat obtained from male AZ Extra Heavy Red chickens. The comparison was made with meat deriving from chickens reared in the presence of classic neon lighting (Control). The meat was analyzed for the determination of both physical and chemical properties (cooking loss, moisture, total lipids and fatty acid composition). Furthermore, meat samples subjected to cooking were also analyzed for the identification of volatile compounds produced during the process; such evaluation was performed both immediately after cooking (T0) and after 7 days (T7) of cooked-meat storage at 4 °C. Cooking-loss values were higher for samples from chickens raised with Neutral LED (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. For the fatty acid profiles of the meat, higher values were found for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as C18:1, C9 and C16:1 in Cool LED compared to the Control. Regarding the volatile profile of cooked meat, compounds belonging to the families of aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and aromatic compounds were identified. Compounds belonging to the aldehyde family, such as hexanal, increased in Cool LED samples at T0 in comparison to the Control. On the other hand, the amounts of 1-Pentanol, 1-Octanol and 2-Octen-1-ol, which belong to the alcohol family, increased at T7 in Cool LED samples compared to the Warm LED. In conclusion, LED lighting showed to be effective in inducing significant variations on chicken breast meat ready to be introduced to the market, in particular regarding fatty acid profiles and the accumulation of volatile compounds. However more in-depth evaluation is needed for the identification of modifications regarding the sensorial sphere, which could have an impact on the consumer acceptability of the product.
Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Extract Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Acute Experimental Colitis by Improving Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Compositions in Mice
Authors: Ishida Tatsuya , Matsui Hiroyuki , Matsuda Yoshikazu , Hosomi Ryota , Shimono Takaki , Kanda Seiji , Nishiyama Toshimasa , Fukunaga Kenji , Yoshida Munehiro
Published: January 2022

Drugs for inflammatory bowel diseases can be associated with serious side effects, and the development of alternative candidate resources derived from natural products has attracted considerable attention. Oyster extract (OE) derived from Crassostrea gigas contains glycogen, taurine, and amino acids, and has been assigned diverse health-promoting properties. This study investigated the anti-colitis effect of OE intake on fecal microbiota and its metabolites of acute experimental colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). C57BL/6J mice (male) were divided into three groups: (1) American Institute of Nutrition (AIN) 93G diet + DSS-untreated, (2) AIN93G diet + DSS-treated, and (3) 5% OE diet + DSS-treated. Mice were fed each diet for 21 days, and then administered 2.5% DSS solution to induce acute colitis for 7 days. In DSS-induced colitis mice, OE decreased body weight loss and increased disease activity index during the DSS-induced period. In addition, OE tended to decrease the colon length shortening and the relative spleen weight and alleviated colonic tissue damage. Moreover, OE improved fecal short-chain fatty acids compositions and altered the structure of fecal microbiota. These results provide insight into the health-promoting property of OE in alleviating DSS-induced acute colitis, providing a basis for the development and use of functional foods.
Enhanced Stability and Oral Bioavailability of Cannabidiol in Zein and Whey Protein Composite Nanoparticles by a Modified Anti-Solvent Approach
Authors: Wang Ce , Wang Jia , Sun Yonghai , Freeman Kalev , Mchenry Monique Alyssa , Wang Cuina , Guo Mingruo
Published: January 2022

Wide applications of cannabidiol (CBD) in the food and pharmaceutical industries are limited due to its low bioavailability, sensitivity to environmental pressures and low water solubility. Zein nanoparticles were stabilized by whey protein (WP) for the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) using a modified anti-solvent approach. Particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and re-dispersibility of nanoparticles were influenced by the zein to WP ratio. Under optimized conditions at 1:4, zein–WP nanoparticles were fabricated with CBD (200 μg/mL) and further characterized. WP absorbed on zein surface via hydrogen bond, hydrophobic forces, and electrostatic attraction. The zein–WP nanoparticles showed excellent storage stability (4 °C, dark) and effectively protected CBD degradation against heat and UV light. In vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that CBD in zein–WP nanoparticles displayed 2-times and 1.75-fold enhancement in maximum concentration (C max) and the area under curve (AUC) as compared to free-form CBD. The data indicated the feasibility of developing zein–WP based nanoparticles for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of CBD.
TeV Instrumentation: Current and Future
Authors: Sitarek Julian
Published: January 2022

During the last 20 years, TeV astronomy has turned from a fledgling field, with only a handful of sources, into a fully-developed astronomy discipline, broadening our knowledge on a variety of types of TeV gamma-ray sources. This progress has been mainly achieved due to the currently operating instruments: imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes, surface arrays and water Cherenkov detectors. Moreover, we are at the brink of a next generation of instruments, with a considerable leap in performance parameters. This review summarizes the current status of the TeV astronomy instrumentation, mainly focusing on the comparison of the different types of instruments and analysis challenges, as well as providing an outlook into the future installations. The capabilities and limitations of different techniques of observations of TeV gamma rays are discussed, as well as synergies to other bands and messengers.
Knowledge and Attitudes toward Genetic Testing for Autism Spectrum Disorders among Parents of Affected Children in Taiwan
Authors: Li Ming , Zhao Shi-Xi , Chen Wei-Ju , Huang Tse-Yang , Chen Lei-Shih
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Taiwan has been increasing, and genetic testing for ASD has been available and provided to parents of children diagnosed with ASD in Taiwan. However, there is still limited understanding of Taiwanese parents’ knowledge of and attitudes toward such testing. Therefore, the present study addressed this gap by assessing the attitudes toward as well as actual and perceived knowledge of ASD genetic testing among Taiwanese parents of children diagnosed with ASD. A sample of 443 parents of children with ASD recruited from 236 public schools in Taiwan completed a paper-and-pencil survey. Although parents generally held favorable attitudes toward ASD genetic testing, they had deficient knowledge of such test (with only a 31.4% average correct rate on the actual knowledge scale). Tailored health education materials should be developed to improve the knowledge of ASD genetic testing among parents with affected children in Taiwan.
MicroRNA Interrelated Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Glioblastoma
Authors: Setlai Botle Precious , Hull Rodney , Reis Rui Manuel , Agbor Cyril , Ambele Melvin Anyasi , Mulaudzi Thanyani Victor , Dlamini Zodwa
Published: January 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that are 20–23 nucleotides in length, functioning as regulators of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. They are molecular modulators that regulate gene expression by suppressing gene translation through gene silencing/degradation, or by promoting translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins. Circulating miRNAs have attracted attention as possible prognostic markers of cancer, which could aid in the early detection of the disease. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in tumorigenic processes, primarily by promoting tumor invasiveness and metastatic activity; this is a process that could be manipulated to halt or prevent brain metastasis. Studies show that miRNAs influence the function of EMT in glioblastomas. Thus, miRNA-related EMT can be exploited as a potential therapeutic target in glioblastomas. This review points out the interrelation between miRNA and EMT signatures, and how they can be used as reliable molecular signatures for diagnostic purposes or targeted therapy in glioblastomas.
The PI3K/AKT Pathway and PTEN Gene Are Involved in “Tree-Top Disease” of Lymantria dispar
Authors: Li Fengjiao , Liu Long , Yu Xiao , Rensing Christopher , Wang Dun
Published: January 2022

Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) can alter its host behaviour such that infected larvae hang at the top of trees before their death. This phenomenon was firstly described by Hofmann in 1891 and named as “tree-top disease”. Subsequent studies have described effects during the infection proceedings as NPVs manipulate the host to avoid the immune response, cross defensive barriers and regulate hormones. In this study, we demonstrate that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is involved in host manipulation by Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). Particularly at the late stage of infection, a multifunctional dephosphorylase in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is dynamically upregulated, namely, the phosphatidylinositol-3, 4, 5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase and dual-specificity protein phosphatase (PTEN) gene. The biological assays of PTEN gene knockdown showed that an increase in PTEN gene expression was necessary for the infected Lymantria dispar larvae’s terminal climbing behavior, death postponement and virion production. The results imply that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and PTEN gene might play an essential role in “tree-top disease” induced by LdMNPV.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of GeoHazards in 2021
Authors:   GeoHazards Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Monitoring Glucose Concentrations in Children with Epilepsy on a Ketogenic Diet
Authors: Schiller Katharina , Avigdor Tamir , Kortas Aline , Kunz Mirjam , Unterholzner Gabriele , Klingelhöfer Martin , Rauchenzauner Markus
Published: January 2022

Ketogenic diet (KD) and pulsatile dexamethasone therapy (PDT) are commonly used in the treatment of children with drug resistant epilepsy. Potential side effects of the KD are hypoglycemia, whereas PDT might lead to hyperglycemia. One practical option to measure glucose concentrations regularly is the flash glucose monitoring system (FGM). In this single-center study in Germany, two pediatric patients with epilepsy (age: 6.0 and 6.8 years) received FGM from the beginning of the KD over six months, in the year 2020, and one patient (9.8 years) was observed for one month on PDT and switched to the KD thereafter. Glucose concentrations were measured by using an FGM system and capillary blood measurement. Seizure frequency, changes in cognition, motor performance, social behavior, and sleep quality were evaluated. The mean hypoglycemia rate per day (65 mg/dL and lower) declined significantly in patient 1 and 2 after three months. Patient 3 showed in total seven hyperglycemic events during PDT. Patient 1 became seizure free. Improvement of attention and memory performance were reported. FGM during the KD as a treatment for drug resistant epilepsies in childhood is a practical option to explore and to avoid hypoglycemia during the KD and hyperglycemia during PDT.
The Interpersonal Dimension of Pandemic Fear and the Dual-Factor Model of Mental Health: The Role of Coping Strategies
Authors: Fino Edita , Mema Denis , Treska Valbona
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Current COVID-19 research has mainly focused on negative outcomes associated with fear of the pandemic with the examination of potentially positive outcomes remaining underexplored. Based on the dual-factor model of mental health, which postulates positive and negative dimensions, we assessed the influence of COVID-19 fear on both negative and positive mental health outcomes and examined the mediational role of coping strategies. (2) Methods: A convenience sample of 231 respondents participated in an online survey reporting on measures of pandemic fear (SFS), distress (HADS), post-traumatic growth (PTGI) and individual differences in terms of coping strategies (CSI-SF). (3) Results: Respondents’ main concerns related with the pandemic highlighted the interpersonal and social dimensions implicated in fear of COVID-19. As expected, fear of the pandemic was associated not just with negative but also positive outcomes, while different coping strategies played a role in determining such effects. More specifically, disengagement coping mediated the effects of fear on anxiety and depression, whereas engagement coping was the only mediator of the relationship between COVID-19 fear and post-traumatic growth. (4) Conclusions: Approaches to promote psychological wellbeing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic should on the one hand be sensitive to the needs of the more vulnerable population groups, while on the other leverage existing resources to harness the potential for growth. Strengthening engagement coping in the context of fears triggered by the pandemic may constitute a valuable target to protect against negative and optimize positive mental health outcomes in the general population.
Seismic Assessment of Roman Concrete Groin Vaults through UAV, NDT and 3D Analyses
Authors: Santini Silvia , Baggio Carlo , Sabbatini Valerio , Sebastiani Claudio
Published: January 2022

In Roman Baths, the Romans employed barrel and groin vaults of great dimensions, with maximum span more than 20 m; simple tools of structural analysis of ancient wide span vaulted halls are still lacking, due to geometrical and material complexity. In this paper, we study the collapse behavior, under horizontal static action, of a corner cross vault of the Baths of Diocletian in Rome (Hall I). Two methods of analysis are here used: non-linear incremental finite element and limit analysis. In both cases, 3D models have been developed by means of UAV inspection, NDT measures, and AVT monitoring. The construction of the overall 3D geometry has been here afforded with a specific pre-processing approach. Midas commercial software has been employed for FEM analysis, assuming a constitutive law specifically developed for Roman concrete. In limit analysis, masonry is discretized as a system of interacting rigid bodies in no-tension and frictional contact. The computational code consists in a linear approach, which makes use of a series of optimization packages via lower and upper bound techniques. Finally, a strategy based on FEM analysis including discontinuities was implemented, and the results were compared with the two previous approaches.
High Light Intensity from Blue-Red LEDs Enhance Photosynthetic Performance, Plant Growth, and Optical Properties of Red Lettuce in Controlled Environment
Authors: Modarelli Giuseppe Carlo , Paradiso Roberta , Arena Carmen , De Pascale Stefania , Van Labeke Marie-Christine
Published: January 2022

Plant factories using artificial light to produce vegetables have high energy costs due to the high demand for electricity for lighting. Compared to conventional light sources, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer the possibility of tailoring the light spectrum and regulating light intensity and are more energy-efficient in terms of energy conversion regardless of the levels of lighting intensity. Optimal light intensity and daily light integral (DLI) requirements are key factors for plant growth; however, their values vary among species and varieties. Our experiment aimed to identify the best light intensity to produce lettuce plants in controlled environment. Lettuce plants of the type Batavia cv ‘Blackhawk’ were grown in plastic pots filled with perlite and peat (20:80 v/v) for 33 days in a growth chamber under blue (B, 20%) and red (R, 80%) LED light at a photosynthetic flux density of 130 µmol m−2 s−1 (BR 130, DLI 7.49 mol m−2 d−1), 259 µmol m−2 s−1 (BR 259, DLI 14.92 mol m−2 d−1), and 389 µmol m−2 s−1 (BR 389, DLI 22.41 mol m−2 d−1). Our results showed that increasing light intensity and DLI promotes net photosynthesis, sustains the electron transport rate (ETR), and stimulates the synthesis of anthocyanins and carotenoids, with positive results for plant photoprotection. Furthermore, the decreases in vegetation indexes (photochemical reflectance index (PRI), greenness, and modified chlorophyll absorption in reflectance index (MCARI1)) also indicate changes in photosynthetic pigment content in response to plant acclimation to different DLIs. Among the three light intensities, 389 µmol m−2 s−1 (DLI 22.41 mol m−2 d−1) gave the best results for growing Batavia red lettuce cv ‘Blackhawk’, since it enhances both production and qualitative traits. These results highlight the importance of a proper light intensity to promote plant growth and qualitative traits and to reach high production targets. Hence, preliminary screening of plant performance under different light treatments is recommended to optimise plant response to artificial lighting.
Covidseeker: A Geospatial Temporal Surveillance Tool
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Yom-Tov Elad , Murti Vaidhy , Narsing Nicholas , Prasad Siona , Rutherford George W. , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Geospatial temporal data derived from smartphones traditionally used for purposes of navigation may offer valuable information for public health surveillance and locational hot spotting. Our objective was to develop a web-based application, called Covidseeker, that captures continuous fine-grained geospatial temporal data from smartphones and leverages these data to study transmission patterns of COVID-19. Methods: This report describes the development of Covidseeker and the process by which it utilizes geospatial temporal data from smartphones and processes it into a usable format to study geospatial temporal patterns of COVID-19. We provide an overview of the design process, the principles, the software architecture, and the dashboard of the Covidseeker application and consider key challenges and strategic uses of capturing geospatial temporal data and the potential for future applications in outbreak surveillance. Results: A resource such as Covidseeker can support situational awareness by providing information about the location and timing of transmission of diseases such as COVID-19. Geospatial temporal data housed in smartphones hold tremendous potential to capture more depth about where and when transmission occurs and the patterns of human mobility that lead to increases in risk of COVID-19. Conclusion: An enormous and highly rich source of geospatial temporal information about human mobility can be used to provide highly localized discrete information that is difficult to capture by traditional sources. The architecture of Covidseeker can be applied to help track COVID-19 and should be integrated with traditional disease surveillance practices.
Let Me Prep You to PREP Me: Amplifying the Voices of Black Women and Their Providers to Consider PrEP as an HIV Prevention Option
Authors: Chandler Rasheeta , Guillaume Dominique , Wells Jessica , Hernandez Natalie
Published: January 2022

Despite the high efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition, PrEP uptake among Black cisgender women remains low. Our qualitative study assessed Black cisgender women’s perspectives, attitudes, and acceptability towards PrEP, in addition to exploring PrEP-related attitudes, facilitators, and barriers to PrEP access among health care staff. This study was conducted to ascertain data to inform the development of our HIV prevention app—Savvy HER—which is being designed for Black cisgender women. Our findings indicated that Black women had low levels of PrEP acceptability and high levels of misconceptions, inaccurate knowledge, and stigma towards PrEP. Health care providers in our sample confirmed barriers of stigma, misconceptions, and knowledge among their patients coupled with difficulty accessing PrEP due to structural barriers. Our study indicated that there is a critical need to heighten Black cisgender women’s PrEP knowledge and HIV risk perception in order to increase PrEP acceptability and uptake.
The Drinking Water Tool: A Community-Driven Data Visualization Tool for Policy Implementation
Authors: Pace Clare , Fencl Amanda , Baehner Lauren , Lukacs Heather , Cushing Lara J. , Morello-Frosch Rachel
Published: January 2022

The Drinking Water Tool (DWT) is a community-driven online tool that provides diverse users with information about drinking water sources and threats to drinking water quality and access due to drought. Development of the DWT was guided by the Community Water Center (CWC) as part of the Water Equity Science Shop (WESS), a research partnership integrating elements of community-based participatory research and the European Science Shop model. The WESS engages in scientific projects that inform policy change, advance water justice, and reduce cumulative exposure and disproportionate health burdens among impacted communities in California. WESS researchers conducted qualitative analysis of 15 stakeholder interviews regarding the DWT, including iterative feedback and the stakeholder consultation process as well as stakeholder perceptions of the tool’s impact on California water policy, organizing, and research. Results indicate that the DWT and the stakeholder engagement process which developed it were effective in influencing policy priorities and in promoting interagency coordination at multiple levels to address water equity challenges and their disproportionate burdens, particularly among rural and low socioeconomic status areas and communities of color.
Designing for Green and Grey: Insights from Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
Authors: Kim Taesun , Lee Sang-Don
Published: January 2022

Recognizing modern society’s multiple risks, this study examines single-use plastic water bottles at the intersection of environmental degradation and societal carelessness for the elderly. While prioritising economic profits and plastic waste, we have neglected bottles’ typical poor openability for older people. Thus, we evaluated the openability of bottles with environmentally friendly and socially inclusive designs in South Korea by comparing older and younger adults’ experiences. Integrating different attributes than existing studies that analyse opening torque or one-handed opening, the test results show that older adults experience the poorest two-handed openability when bottles have both a weight thickness lower than 14.42 g and an easily squeezable bottle structure. In South Korea, companies advocate eco-friendliness by valuing lighter weight with less plastic and support user-friendliness by adopting easily squeezed sidewall patterns, while the industry maintains broad opening torque regulations; however, we show this combination exceeds older users’ capabilities. That is, for openability, bottles need to keep a weight thickness greater than 12 g, abandon easily squeezed sidewall patterns or reduce the opening torque regulation range to 100 N-cm. These socially favourable but ecologically adverse measures will be sustainable when the efficient linear economy transitions to an effective circular economy.
Acute Effects of Tissue Flossing Coupled with Functional Movements on Knee Range of Motion, Static Balance, in Single-Leg Hop Distance, and Landing Stabilization Performance in Female College Students
Authors: Wu Szu-Ying , Tsai Yi-Hsun , Wang Yu-Ting , Chang Wen-Dien , Lee Chia-Lun , Kuo Chun-En Aurea , Chang Nai-Jen
Published: January 2022

Flexibility, specifically that in the amplitude of sagittal-plane range of motion (ROM), can improve jump landing patterns and reduce the potential for sports injury. The use of floss bands (FLOSS) reportedly increases joint range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder, ankle, and elbow joints. However, little research on the effectiveness of FLOSS on the knee joint has been conducted. This study investigated the effects of FLOSS on knee ROM, static balance, single-leg-hop distance, and landing stabilization performance in women. This study had a crossover design. Twenty active female college students without musculoskeletal disorders were randomly assigned to receive a FLOSS intervention or elastic bandage (ELA) control on their dominant knees. The participants underwent FLOSS and ELA activities on two occasions with 48 h of rest between both sets of activities. The outcomes were flexibility of the quadriceps and hamstrings, how long one could maintain a single-leg stance (with and without eyes closed), distance on a single-leg triple hop, and score on the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS); these outcomes were evaluated at preintervention and postintervention (immediately following band removal and 20 min later). After the FLOSS intervention, the participants’ hamstring flexibility improved significantly (immediately after: p = 0.001; 20 min later: p = 0.002), but their quadricep flexibility did not. In addition, FLOSS use did not result in worse single-leg stance timing, single-leg triple-hop distance, or landing stabilization performance relative to ELA use. Compared with the ELA control, the FLOSS intervention yielded significantly better LESS at 20 min postintervention (p = 0.032), suggesting that tissue flossing can improve landing stability. In conclusion, the application of FLOSS to the knee improves hamstring flexibility without impeding static balance, and improves single-leg hop distance and landing stabilization performance in women for up to 20 min. Our findings elucidate the effects of tissue flossing on the knee joint and may serve as a reference for physiotherapists or athletic professionals in athletic practice settings.
Sexual and Reproductive Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Cross-Sectional Online Survey in Germany
Authors: Räuchle Jule , Briken Peer , Schröder Johanna , Ivanova Olena
Published: January 2022

The accumulated evidence maps the COVID-19 pandemic’s diverse impacts on sexual and reproductive health (SRH); however, the precise changes in sexual behaviours and the underlying causes producing these changes are rarely considered. This study is aimed at assessing the changes in sexual behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, using quantitative methods, and it is also aimed at identifying the underlying reasons, using qualitative methods. It is a part of the broader I-SHARE project, which administered a cross-sectional online survey in 33 countries to describe the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions on different aspects of SRH. In the current study, a total of 611 adults from Germany are included. The findings demonstrate a decline in sexual satisfaction, as well as increases in sexual problems and partnership conflicts. Furthermore, the findings indicate an increase in pornography consumption and masturbation. Psychological stress, due to the pandemic, seemed to be the main reason for the changes in the participants’ sexual behaviours, followed by a decrease in social contacts, and an increase in time resources. Thus, it is important to provide accessible clinical and psychosocial (online) interventions and services in order to maintain good sexual health in times of pandemic.
Lived Experience of Dementia in the New Zealand Indian Community: A Qualitative Study with Family Care Givers and People Living with Dementia
Authors: Krishnamurthi Rita V. , Dahiya Ekta Singh , Bala Reshmi , Cheung Gary , Yates Susan , Cullum Sarah
Published: January 2022

Currently, there are estimated to be 70,000 people living with dementia in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ). This figure is projected to more than double by 2040, but due to the more rapid growth of older age groups in non-European populations, prevalence will at least triple amongst the NZ Indian population. The impact of dementia in the NZ Indian community is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of NZ Indians living with dementia and their caregivers. Ten caregivers (age range: 41–81) and five people living with mild dementia (age range: 65–77) were recruited from a hospital memory service and two not-for-profit community organisations in Auckland, Aotearoa, NZ. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by bilingual/bicultural researchers and transcribed for thematic analysis in the original languages. Dementia was predominantly thought of as being part of normal ageing. Getting a timely diagnosis was reported as difficult, with long waiting times. Cultural practices and religion played a large part in how both the diagnosis and ongoing care were managed. Caregivers expressed concerns about societal stigma and about managing their own health issues, but the majority also expressed a sense of duty in caring for their loved ones. Services were generally well-received, but gaps were identified in the provision of culturally appropriate services. Future health services should prioritise a timely diagnosis, and dementia care services should consider specific cultural needs to maximise uptake and benefit for Indian families living with dementia.
Social Capital, Environmental Knowledge, and Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Wan Qinyuan , Du Wencui
Published: January 2022

As the value form of public access to environmental information, the impact of social capital on pro-environmental behavior cannot be ignored. Based on the data of the Chinese General Social Survey 2013 (CGSS2013), this study measures social capital from four aspects—social trust, social norms, social network, and social participation—and it empirically tests the impact of social capital on private and public pro-environmental behavior. The study finds that social capital helps promote pro-environmental behavior. Specifically, the more the public abides by social norms, the higher the degree of social participation, and the stronger the willingness to adopt private and public pro-environmental behaviors. However, the improvement of social trust only has a significant impact on the private environmental behaviors, and the expansion of the social network scale only has a significant impact on the public pro-environmental behaviors. The enhancement of social capital enriches environmental knowledge and promotes pro-environmental behaviors. The mechanism test shows that environmental knowledge plays an intermediary role in the path of social capital affecting individual pro-environmental behavior. The improvement of social capital has a significant impact on the environmental knowledge of individuals with high subjective social class. The gender heterogeneity of social capital affecting environmental knowledge mainly stems from social trust and social network. The stronger the degree of social trust, the richer the environmental knowledge of women, and the social network mainly affects the knowledge level of men. In addition, the publics in the southern region are more likely to be affected by social trust and improve environmental knowledge. Based on the above research conclusions, this paper puts forward policy suggestions on institutional aspects, such as increasing support for informal environmental organizations, carrying out differentiated sustainable development education, and improving the mechanism of environmental information communication.
Evaluating the Influences of Natural Resources and Ageing People on CO2 Emissions in G-11 Nations: Application of CS-ARDL Approach
Authors: Mehmood Usman , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Uhunamure Solomon Eghosa , Shale Karabo , Mariam Ayesha
Published: January 2022

Globalization as well as the ratio of ageing people in the group of 11 (G-11) countries has seen a rapid increase in recent years. Therefore, this study aims to provide effective policy recommendations for sustainable development goals 13, 8, and 7, for the G-11 countries. This work estimates the impact of natural resources and the ageing population on the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) in G-11 countries using panel data from 1990–2020. For empirical results, second-generation methods were applied. The Westerlund co-integration test that assesses co-integration confirms the firm association among the parameters, and the values of coefficient of the cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) approach show that a 1% increase in the ageing population will lower the emissions of CO2 by 13.41% among G-11 countries. Moreover, the findings show that there exists an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) among natural resources, globalization, economic growth, ageing people, and the emission of CO2. Based on the findings, this work presents some important policy implications for achieving sustainable growth in the G-11 countries. These countries need to lower the amount of energy obtained from fossil fuels to improve air quality.
Second Edition of Special Issue “Strategies and Evidence in Health Communication: Evidence and Perspectives”
Authors: Castiglia Paolo , Dettori Marco
Published: January 2022

The second edition of this Special Issue “Strategies and Evidence in Health Communication”, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health aims primarily to increase international literature evidence and observations in the field regarding: (i) health communication strategies and crisis communication, (ii) health education and health advocacy, and (iii) the fight against the phenomenon of Vaccine Hesitancy (VH) through training and communication activities targeting the general public and health professionals. This Special Issue builds on the premise that, despite the fact that theoretical and experimental research has contributed to an increase in knowledge and evidence about the importance of communication in healthcare, communication professionals in this field still face great challenges when trying to develop messages that effectively change the behavior of large groups of people. The need to relay fast and reliable information to the general public has therefore led public institutions to seek out new and innovative ways of transmitting health-related content. In particular, for some time now, Public Health has also been making use of the Internet and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to reach various population groups and achieve better health conditions for all. This practice, known as Digital Health or E-health, provides healthcare using digital tools (e.g., websites and social media networks) and easy-to-understand language. This is particularly important in the current pandemic context, where Public Health continues to face many problems and difficulties in persuading people to adhere to the guidelines issued for the containment of COVID-19, with particular reference to vaccination programs, hence the importance of acquiring and strengthening communication skills in healthcare, where correct and effective communication is immediately beneficial both to professionals and patients.
Employability of University Graduates with Disabilities in Spain
Authors: Portillo-Navarro María José , Lagos-Rodríguez Gabriela , Meseguer-Santamaría María-Leticia
Published: January 2022

One of the most important challenges that Spanish universities face is the employability of graduates, a key factor to socioeconomic development. The analysis of the relationship between higher education and employment is a topic of obvious relevance, with greater interest in vulnerable groups—such as graduates with disabilities—who have a lower relative participation in university studies, a lower relative number of graduates, and lower employment rates. Thus, based on the Labor Insertion Survey of University Graduates (EILU-2019) by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics, this study addresses the influence of academic factors on the success of the employability of graduates in Spain, differentiating its effect in the case of people with disabilities. The results show the great importance of work experience during one’s studies and a knowledge of ICT to increase the employability and quality of employment among graduates with disabilities. This should become a key aspect of university training to reduce the economic vulnerability of this group.
Influence Mechanisms of Community Sports Parks to Enhance Social Interaction: A Bayesian Belief Network Analysis
Authors: Sun Yawen , Tan Shaohua , He Qixiao , Shen Jize
Published: January 2022

Urban green spaces provide multiple ecosystem services to improve human health and well-being. Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are recognized as the most important services for urban residents through the key of social interaction. Researchers commonly acknowledge the function of community sports parks to enhance social interaction. Nevertheless, existing studies generally do not pay enough attention to the influence mechanisms of community sports parks and social interaction, especially the different types of spaces in community sports parks, which could be due to the complex feature of social interaction. This paper selects three community sports parks in Chongqing as the case study, uses BBN to identify the influence mechanisms of three common types of spaces (fitness equipment space, path space, and sports court space) in community sports parks and social interaction, aiming to explore how community sports parks enhance social interaction. The results indicated that sports court space such as basketball court and badminton court enhanced social interaction best; however, the spaces farther away from the park entrances were generally less effective in enhancing interaction. All these three types of sports spaces showed the influence mechanism of “Spatial Factors-Activity Type-Social Interaction”, while differences existed in the specific spatial influencing factors. The findings highlight that based on the BBN obtained in this study, the threshold range of spatial factors could be adjusted to enhance the effect of community sports parks on social interaction.
Resilience Is Associated with Less Eating Disorder Symptoms in the NutriNet-Santé Cohort Study
Authors: Robert Margaux , Shankland Rebecca , Andreeva Valentina A. , Deschasaux-Tanguy Mélanie , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Bellicha Alice , Leys Christophe , Hercberg Serge , Touvier Mathilde , Péneau Sandrine
Published: January 2022

Resilience is a positive psychological trait associated with a lower risk of some physical and mental chronic diseases and could be an important protective factor against eating disorders (EDs). The aim of this study was to assess cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between resilience and ED in a large cohort of French adults. In 2017, a total of 25,000 adults from the NutriNet-Santé cohort completed the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). ED symptoms were measured in 2017 and 2020, with the Sick-Control-One-Fat-Food (SCOFF) questionnaire. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between resilience and EDs were analyzed using logistic regression, controlling for sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Cross-sectional analyses showed that more resilient participants exhibited EDs less frequently than did less resilient participants (p < 0.0001). Longitudinal analyses showed that, during the three years of follow up, higher resilience was negatively associated with incident EDs (OR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.61–0.74), persistent EDs (0.46 (0.42–0.51)), and intermittent EDs (0.66 (0.62–0.71)), compared with no ED. More resilient participants were also less likely to have a persistent ED than to recover from EDs (0.73 (0.65–0.82)). This study showed that resilience was associated with less ED symptoms and a higher chance of recovery.
4-Acetylantroquinonol B Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Angiogenesis via a VEGF/PI3K/ERK/mTOR-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Subcutaneous Xenograft and In Vivo Angiogenesis Models
Authors: Huang Tur-Fu , Wang Shih-Wei , Lai Yu-Wei , Liu Shih-Chia , Chen Yu-Jen , Hsueh Thomas Y. , Lin Chih-Chung , Lin Chun-Hsuan , Chung Ching-Hu
Published: January 2022

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men in developed countries. The compound, 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4AAQB), is isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea (commonly known as Niu-Chang-Chih), which has been shown to inhibit cancer growth. However, the anticancer activity of 4AAQB has not previously been examined in prostate cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 4AAQB on cancer and angiogenesis, as well as to explore its mechanism of action. Human prostate cancer cells (PC3) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used in cell viability, cell migration, and cell cycle functional assays to evaluate the anticancer and antiangiogenic efficacy of 4AAQB in vitro. The effects of 4AAQB in vivo were determined using xenograft and angiogenesis models. The signaling events downstream of 4AAQB were also examined. The 4AAQB compound inhibited PC3 cell growth and migration, and reduced in vivo cancer growth, as shown in a subcutaneous xenograft model. Furthermore, 4AAQB inhibited HUVEC migration, tube formation, and aortic ring sprouting; it also reduced neovascularization in a Matrigel implant angiogenesis assay in vivo. The 4AAQB compound also decreased metastasis in the PC3 prostate cancer model in vivo. Serum or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Ak strain transforming (Akt), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (ERK ½) phosphorylation were attenuated by 4AAQB in both PC3 and HUVEC. In conclusion, 4AAQB is a potential candidate for prostate cancer therapy.
Genetics of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas Determine the Therapeutical Approach
Authors: Sarkadi Balazs , Saskoi Eva , Butz Henriett , Patocs Attila
Published: January 2022

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are the most heritable endocrine tumors. In addition to the inherited mutation other driver mutations have also been identified in tumor tissues. All these genetic alterations are clustered in distinct groups which determine the pathomechanisms. Most of these tumors are benign and their surgical removal will resolve patient management. However, 5–15% of them are malignant and therapeutical possibilities for them are limited. This review provides a brief insight about the tumorigenesis associated with pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas in order to present them as potential therapeutical targets.
Measuring the Manipulation of T Helper Immune Responses by Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Tedla Mebrahtu G. , Every Alison L. , Scheerlinck Jean-Pierre Y.
Published: January 2022

Schistosoma mansoni uses different mechanisms to escape its host’s immunity. Understanding the ability of memory T cells to withstand this pathogen’s manipulation is important for the development of effective vaccines against this immunomodulatory pathogen. In this study, ovalbumin (OVA) transgenic S. mansoni is used as a tool to investigate whether fully differentiated Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells are able to withstand pathogen manipulation. Naïve T cells from OT-II T cell receptor transgenic mice with a specificity for OVA were differentiated into Th1, Th2, and Th17 polarised memory cells in vitro. These cells were adoptively transferred into recipient mice to investigate whether these polarised immune memory T cells are resilient in the face of pathogen-mediated manipulation. After transferring memory cells, mice were challenged with OVA-transduced S. mansoni eggs as well as wild-type controls. The in vitro differentiated Th1, Th2 and Th17 memory cells continued to produce the same cytokines when challenged by OVA-expressing S. mansoni eggs as to these they produced when transferred in vivo, suggesting that the Th phenotypes of the memory T cells remains unaltered in the face of stimulation by S. mansoni. The ability of memory T cells to remain resilient to manipulation by the parasite suggests that vaccines might be able to produce immune memory responses able to withstand S. mansoni immune manipulation and hence protect the host from infection.
Simultaneous Improvement of Grain Yield and Quality through Manipulating Two Type C G Protein Gamma Subunits in Rice
Authors: Wu Lian , Wang Xiaodong , Yu Zhiwen , Cui Xin , Xu Quan
Published: January 2022

Heterotrimeric G protein signaling is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in diverse organisms that mediates intracellular responses to external stimuli. In rice, the G proteins are involved in the regulation of multiple important agronomic traits. In this paper, we present our finding that two type C G protein gamma subunits, DEP1 and GS3, antagonistically regulated grain yield and grain quality. The DEP1 gene editing we conducted, significantly increased the grain number per panicle but had a negative impact on taste value, texture properties, and chalkiness-related traits. The GS3 gene editing decreased grain number per panicle but significantly increased grain length. In addition, the GS3 gene-edited plants showed improved taste value, appearance, texture properties, and Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) profiles. To combine the advantages of both gs3 and dep1, we conducted a molecular design breeding at the GS3 locus of a “super rice” variety, SN265, which has a truncated dep1 allele with erect panicle architecture, high-yield performance, and which is of mediocre eating quality. The elongated grain size of the sn265/gs3 gene-edited plants further increased the grain yield. More importantly, the texture properties and RVA profiles were significantly improved, and the taste quality was enhanced. Beyond showcasing the combined function of dep1 and gs3, this paper presents a strategy for the simultaneous improvement of rice grain yield and quality through manipulating two type C G protein gamma subunits in rice.
MAPK/ERK Pathway as a Central Regulator in Vertebrate Organ Regeneration
Authors: Wen Xiaomin , Jiao Lindi , Tan Hong
Published: January 2022

Damage to organs by trauma, infection, diseases, congenital defects, aging, and other injuries causes organ malfunction and is life-threatening under serious conditions. Some of the lower order vertebrates such as zebrafish, salamanders, and chicks possess superior organ regenerative capacity over mammals. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), as key members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are serine/threonine protein kinases that are phylogenetically conserved among vertebrate taxa. MAPK/ERK signaling is an irreplaceable player participating in diverse biological activities through phosphorylating a broad variety of substrates in the cytoplasm as well as inside the nucleus. Current evidence supports a central role of the MAPK/ERK pathway during organ regeneration processes. MAPK/ERK signaling is rapidly excited in response to injury stimuli and coordinates essential pro-regenerative cellular events including cell survival, cell fate turnover, migration, proliferation, growth, and transcriptional and translational activities. In this literature review, we recapitulated the multifaceted MAPK/ERK signaling regulations, its dynamic spatio-temporal activities, and the profound roles during multiple organ regeneration, including appendages, heart, liver, eye, and peripheral/central nervous system, illuminating the possibility of MAPK/ERK signaling as a critical mechanism underlying the vastly differential regenerative capacities among vertebrate species, as well as its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.