bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental Bonding and Relationships with Friends and Siblings in Adolescents with Depression
Authors: Fahs Sarah Christine , Ulberg Randi , Dahl Hanne-Sofie Johnsen , Høglend Per Andreas
Published: May 2022

According to attachment theory, the quality of the early child-parent bond determines the child’s interpersonal relationships later in life. Utilising data from The First Experimental Study of Transference Work-In Teenagers (FEST-IT), the current paper investigated the connection between the self-reported quality of bonding with mother and father and the self-reported importance of relationships with friends and siblings in adolescents with depression. The scales employed were the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Adolescent Relationship scale (ARS). A Pearson’s correlation tested the relationship between the reported levels of maternal and paternal care and control, and the reported importance of friendship and relationship with siblings. Results revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between high levels of maternal control and importance of friendship, and a statistically significant positive correlation between high levels of paternal care and importance of relationships with siblings. The results are in line with Bowlby’s theory of attachment.
Lip, Oral Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancer Burden in the European Union from 1990–2019 Using the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: O’Sullivan Aisling , Kabir Zubair , Harding Máiréad
Published: May 2022

Background—The recent burden of lip and oral cavity, nasopharynx and other pharynx cancer (LOCP) has not been specifically investigated in Europe. Methods—In this descriptive epidemiological study, LOCP was categorised into lip and oral cavity cancer, nasopharynx cancer and other pharynx cancer, with European trends documented using the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Summary statistics included deaths, age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR), mortality rates, YLLs (years of life lost), YLDs (years of life lived with disability) and DALYS (disability-adjusted life years). Results—Lip and oral cavity cancer (LO) is the most dominant with the incidence decreasing from 6.2 new cases per 100,000 (95% UI: 6.1–6.4) in 1990 to 5.3 new cases per 100,000 (95% UI: 4.6–6.1). However, nasopharynx cancer (NP) and other pharynx cancer (OP) increased from 1 and 2.2 new cases per 100,000 in 1990 to 1.1 and 3.3 new cases per 100,000 in 2019, respectively. It was noted that LOCP YLLs is much higher than YLDs. In Europe, eastern European countries, specifically Hungary, have the highest burden of LOCP. When LOCP attributable to tobacco in Ireland was compared with the EU, the percentage decrease in OP DALYs attributable to tobacco is below the EU average, whereas the percentage decrease in LO attributable to tobacco in Ireland was above the EU average. Conclusions—There has been a significant increase in ASIR in categories other pharynx and nasopharynx cancer since 1990, with significant geographic variations.
Effects of Music Therapy on Vital Signs in Children with Chronic Disease
Authors: Kobus Susann , Buehne Alexandra M. , Kathemann Simone , Buescher Anja K. , Lainka Elke
Published: May 2022

Background: Recent research found evidence supporting music therapy for hospitalized children with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of music therapy on hospitalized children’s vital signs. Methods: In this prospective study, children with chronic gastroenterological and nephrological diseases received active or receptive music therapy two to four times a week until discharge from hospital at the pediatric special care unit (SCU) and pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Baseline and post-therapy heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure were recorded and analyzed as control values at three points on the same day when the children were alone in their patient room at rest. Results: A total of 83 children, median 3 age of years (range one month to eighteen years) received music therapy. In total, 377 music therapy sessions were treated: 200 receptive therapy (78 ICU, 122 SCU) and 177 with active therapy (0 ICU, 177 SCU). Music therapy interventions showed changes in vital signs during music therapy sessions. After music therapy, heart rates decreased by 18 beats per minute (95% confidence interval (CI), −19.4 to (−16.8)), oxygen saturation increased by 2.3% (95% CI, 2.2 to 2.5), systolic blood pressure decreased by 9.2 (95% CI, −10.6 to −7.7) and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 7.9 (95% CI, −9.6 to −6.3). When music therapy was applied at the SCU (ICU), heart rates significantly reduced by 17.9 (18.9) beats per min, oxygen saturation increased by 2.4% (2.1%) and blood pressure reduced by 9.2 (2.8) mmHg (systolic) and 7.9 (0.3) mmHg (diastolic). Almost all control values were better than directly before the intervention. However, after music therapy intervention, the children showed better values in vital signs compared to being alone in their patient room. Conclusion: Music therapy is an added value for children with kidney and liver/gastrointestinal diseases during their hospital stay.
Searching for the Relationship between the Concentration of Heavy Metals in the Blood and the Clinical Course of Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland
Authors: Knyszyńska Anna , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Koziarska Dorota , Stachowska Laura , Kotwas Artur , Kulaszyńska Monika , Lubkowska Anna , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Of all environmental pollutants, heavy metals have the most detrimental effect on public health because they remain in the ecosystem and are not biodegradable. The neurotoxicity of heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, has been well documented, and blood levels of heavy metals serve as a biomarker of exposure, reflecting their content in soft tissues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenesis of MS is complex and relies on the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to search for the relationship between the values of cadmium and lead concentration in the blood and the health history and functional status of patients with MS. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 151 patients with a clinical diagnosis of MS. Determination of the presence of tested elements in serum was performed using an ELAN DRC-e ICP mass spectrometer. (3) Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated that an increase in the level of cadmium was accompanied by an increase in the level of lead. There was no significant correlation between the blood lead concentration and the functional status assessed by EDSS among patients with MS in Poland. However, a tendency towards worse functional status of patients with higher blood lead concentration (p = 0.07) was demonstrated. Patients who experienced first MS symptoms at older age had higher blood levels of the tested metals. (4) Conclusions: The concentrations of cadmium and lead in the blood of MS patients in Poland were not factors differentiating their functional status and the course of the disease.
A Rapid Review of Environmental Health Gaps in Antimicrobial Resistance and Water-Related Research from 1990–2020
Authors: Taing Lina , Bhatia Himesh , Kaiser Rachel A. , Qadir Manzoor , Mehmood Hamid
Published: May 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pervasive global health threat linked to human antimicrobial misuse and abuse, food production, and broader environmental contamination. While global agencies promote a multi-sectoral One Health system approach to equitably combat human, animal, and environmental health AMR risks, it is widely acknowledged that the human and animal sectors dominate discussions. Given this disproportionate focus, identification of critical research gaps is needed to develop stewardship plans that equitably address One Health AMR threats. This review used natural language processing and term frequency algorithms to classify 12,638 records from 1990–2020 thematically in order to highlight sectoral prioritization and gaps. It also specifically assessed water-related gaps as water is recognized as both a primary environmental dissemination pathway and key means of intervention. Drawing from systemic health and integrated water management lenses, this review found that themes related to plant, wildlife, and environmental-related AMR threats—in particular, the role that environmental (ambient) waters play in AMR development, transmission, and spread—are under-prioritized as compared to human and food animal health concerns regardless of geographic region or income level. Further prioritization of these themes is needed to strengthen the environmental dimension of One Health AMR responses and systemically protect global health.
Comparing the Impact of Road Networks on COVID-19 Severity between Delta and Omicron Variants: A Study Based on Greater Sydney (Australia) Suburbs
Authors: Uddin Shahadat , Lu Haohui , Khan Arif , Karim Shakir , Zhou Fangyu
Published: May 2022

The Omicron and Delta variants of COVID-19 have recently become the most dominant virus strains worldwide. A recent study on the Delta variant found that a suburban road network provides a reliable proxy for human mobility to explore COVID-19 severity. This study first examines the impact of road networks on COVID-19 severity for the Omicron variant using the infection and road connections data from Greater Sydney, Australia. We then compare the findings of this study with a recent study that used the infection data of the Delta variant for the same region. In analysing the road network, we used four centrality measures (degree, closeness, betweenness and eigenvector) and the coreness measure. We developed two multiple linear regression models for Delta and Omicron variants using the same set of independent and dependent variables. Only eigenvector is a statistically significant predictor for COVID-19 severity for the Omicron variant. On the other hand, both degree and eigenvector are statistically significant predictors for the Delta variant, as found in a recent study considered for comparison. We further found a statistical difference (p < 0.05) between the R-squared values for these two multiple linear regression models. Our findings point to an important difference in the transmission nature of Delta and Omicron variants, which could provide practical insights into understanding their infectious nature and developing appropriate control strategies accordingly.
Quantifying the Impact of Alternative Bus Stop Platforms on Vehicle Emissions and Individual Pollution Exposure at Bus Stops
Authors: Yu Qian , Lu Lili , Li Tiezhu , Tu Ran
Published: May 2022

Due to stop-and-go events, bus stops are often treated as “hot spots” for air pollution. The design of bus stops should be optimized to reduce emissions and exposure for transit commuters. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of bus stop platform types on vehicle emissions and individual pollution exposure. Second-by-second emissions data were first collected from one bus using a portable emission measurement system (PEMS). Microscopic traffic simulation was then used to estimate overall traffic emissions under six scenarios with different bus stop settings. Numerical simulation of pollutant dispersion was also conducted to calculate individual pollution exposure at bus stops. The results of PEMS tests showed no significant differences between bus emissions generated near two different types of stops. However, the effect of platform types on overall traffic emissions was revealed using traffic simulation. The results demonstrated that bus bays reduced the emissions of other heavy-duty vehicles. However, bus bays were not always effective during rush hours. The study also highlighted the importance of the location of bus stops, the number of bus lines, and the length of the platform, in addition to dynamic characteristics of traffic flows in the design of bus stop platforms. Bus stop platforms also affected individuals’ exposure due to the changes in the pollutant flow field. The passenger’s exposure at one bus stop was influenced by both the platform type and standing location. Results suggested that in a condition with a wind direction perpendicular to the bus stop shelter, the total exposure level to CO was lower at the bus bay stop if a passenger stood at the upstream of the station platform. However, the exposure was less at the downstream of the curbside bus stop.
Complex Multimorbidity and Working beyond Retirement Age in Japan: A Prospective Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Kato Daisuke , Kawachi Ichiro , Kondo Naoki
Published: May 2022

Background: With the aging of populations worldwide, the extension of people’s working lives has become a crucial policy issue. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of complex multimorbidity (CMM) as a predictor of working status among retirement-aged adults in Japan. Methods: Using a nationwide longitudinal cohort study of people aged over 65 who were free of documented disability at baseline, we matched individuals with respect to their propensity to develop CMM. The primary outcome of the study was working status after the six-year follow-up. Results: Among 5613 older adults (mean age: 74.2 years) included in the study, 726 had CMM and 2211 were still working at the end of the follow-up. In propensity-matched analyses, the employment rate was 6.4% higher in the CMM-free group at the end of the six-year follow-up compared to the CMM group (725 pairs; 29.5% vs. 35.9%; p = 0.012). Logistic regression analysis showed that CMM prevented older people from continuing to work beyond retirement age and was a more important factor than socioeconomic factors (income or educational attainment) or psychological factors (depressive symptoms or purpose in life). Conclusions: Our study found that CMM has an adverse impact on the employment rate of older adults in Japan. This finding suggests that providing appropriate support to CMM patients may extend their working lives.
Quantitative Response of Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix Texture Features to the Salinity of Cracked Soda Saline–Alkali Soil
Authors: Zhao Yue , Zhang Zhuopeng , Zhu Honglei , Ren Jianhua
Published: May 2022

Desiccation cracking during water evaporation is a common phenomenon in soda saline–alkali soils and is mainly determined by soil salinity. Therefore, quantitative measurement of the surface cracking status of soda saline–alkali soils is highly significant in different applications. Texture features can help to determine the mechanical properties of soda saline–alkali soils, thus improving the understanding of the mechanism of desiccation cracking in saline–alkali soils. This study aims to provide a new standard describing the surface cracking conditions of soda saline–alkali soil on the basis of gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture analysis and to quantitatively study the responses of GLCM texture features to soil salinity. To achieve this, images of 200 field soil samples with different surface cracks were processed and calculated for GLCMs under different parameters, including directions, gray levels, and step sizes. Subsequently, correlation analysis was then conducted between texture features and electrical conductivity (EC) values. The results indicated that direction had little effect on the GLCM texture features, and that four selected texture features, contrast (CON), angular second moment (ASM), entropy (ENT), and homogeneity (HOM), were the most correlated with EC under a gray level of 2 and step size of 1 pixel. The results also showed that logarithmic models can be used to accurately describe the relationships between EC values and GLCM texture features of soda saline–alkali soils in the Songnen Plain of China, with calibration R2 ranging from 0.88 to 0.92, and RMSE from 2.12 × 10−4 to 9.68 × 10−3, respectively. This study can therefore enhance the understanding of desiccation cracking of salt-affected soil to a certain extent and can also help to improve the detection accuracy of soil salinity.
Implementation of a Sense of Home in High-Density Multicultural Singapore Nursing Homes: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Lee Jung-Joo , Ng Tse Pei , Nasution Ivan Kurniawan , Eng Jia Yen , Christensen Renee Desneige , Fung John Chye
Published: May 2022

Many studies have introduced principles for creating a sense of home in nursing homes, yet they mostly feature cases from low-density developments in Western countries. This raises a question about how those principles are interpreted and implemented in other cultural contexts, especially in high-density, multicultural environments such as Singapore. This paper examines how a sense of home is implemented in Singapore nursing homes, with a specific focus on the role of the built environment. Participant observations were conducted in five nursing homes in Singapore comprising various architectural design typologies, with the focus on the residents’ everyday interactions with their built environment. The study identified the extent of the presence of a sense of home in Singapore’s nursing homes and the prevalence of an institutional care model. More specifically, the study explicates Singapore nursing home residents’ management of privacy and personalization in shared spaces, illuminates the need for holistic implementation of homelike environments integrated with building designs and care programs and reiterates the pivotal role of social relationships in fostering a sense of home for the residents in the nursing homes.
The Experience of COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions among Families of People Living in Long-Term Residential Care Facilities during the First Wave of the Pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Cornally Nicola , Kilty Caroline , Buckley Catherine , O’Caoimh Rónán , O’Donovan Mark R. , Monahan Margaret P. , O’Connor Caroline Dalton , Fitzgerald Serena , Hartigan Irene
Published: May 2022

Public health responses to COVID-19 in long-term residential care facilities (LTRCFs) have restricted family engagement with residents. These restrictions impact on quality of care and the psychosocial and emotional well-being of family caregivers. Following a national cross-sectional web-based survey, respondents were invited to provide personal reflections on visitor restrictions. This study aims to describe the consequences of these restrictions for individuals living in LTRCF and their families during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from open-ended questions contained within the survey were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: 1. Altered Communication and Connection; 2. Emotional and Psychological Impact; 3. Protecting and Caring Role of Staff; 4. Family Role. Throughout the narrative accounts, it is evident that the visitor restrictions impacted on the emotional and mental well-being of families. Some respondents expressed frustration that they could not assist staff in essential care provision, reducing meaning and purpose in their own lives. COVID-19 LTRCF visitor restrictions made little distinction between those providing essential personal care and those who visit for social reasons. A partnership approach to care provision is important and should encompass strategies to maintain the psychosocial and emotional well-being of families and their relatives during times of self-isolating or restrictive measures.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Influencing Factors, Derivation, and Application of Heavy Metal Thresholds in Soil
Authors: Du Zhaolin , Lin Dasong , Li Haifeng , Li Yang , Chen Hongan , Dou Weiqiang , Qin Li , An Yi
Published: May 2022

The study of threshold levels of heavy metals in soil is essential for the assessment and management of soil environmental quality. This study reviewed the influencing factors, the derivation, and application aspects of heavy metals’ threshold values comprehensively by a combination of bibliometric analysis and scientific knowledge mapping. A total of 1106 related studies were comprehensively extracted from the Web of Science database during the period from 2001 to 2020. The results showed that the publication output has been growing strongly. An analysis on the subject, journal, country, and institution was carried out to demonstrate the development and evolution of this research branch during the two decades. According to high-frequency keywords analysis, external factors (e.g., soil physicochemical properties) and internal factors (e.g., crop genotype) can affect heavy metal threshold values in the soil–crop system. The current methods mainly include the Point model (e.g., evaluation factor method), the Probability model (e.g., species sensitivity distribution method), and the Empirical model (e.g., ecological environment effect method). A threshold study can be applicable to the risk assessment for soil heavy metal contamination in order to determinate the soil pollution degree and its spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. Moreover, challenges and prospects of the study of heavy metal threshold values are proposed, indicating that research should focus on the relationships between human health risks and the established threshold values of heavy metals in the soil, long-term field trials and bioavailability of heavy metals for the derivation of the thresholds, and the establishment of more scientific and rational soil environmental benchmarks.
Evaluation of the Microbiological Effectiveness of Three Accessible Mask Decontamination Methods and Their Impact on Filtration, Air Permeability and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Lordelo Roberta , Botelho José Rafael S. , Morais Paula V. , de Sousa Hermínio C. , Branco Rita , Dias Ana M. A. , Reis Marco S.
Published: May 2022

The need to secure public health and mitigate the environmental impact associated with the massified use of respiratory protective devices (RPD) has been raising awareness for the safe reuse of decontaminated masks by individuals and organizations. Among the decontamination treatments proposed, in this work, three methods with the potential to be adopted by households and organizations of different sizes were analysed: contact with nebulized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); immersion in commercial bleach (NaClO) (sodium hypochlorite, 0.1% p/v); and contact with steam in microwave steam-sanitizing bags (steam bag). Their decontamination effectiveness was assessed using reference microorganisms following international standards (issued by ISO and FDA). Furthermore, the impact on filtration efficiency, air permeability and several physicochemical and structural characteristics of the masks, were evaluated for untreated masks and after 1, 5 and 10 cycles of treatment. Three types of RPD were analysed: surgical, KN95, and cloth masks. Results demonstrated that the H2O2 protocol sterilized KN95 and surgical masks (reduction of >6 log10 CFUs) and disinfected cloth masks (reduction of >3 log10 CFUs). The NaClO protocol sterilized surgical masks, and disinfected KN95 and cloth masks. Steam bags sterilized KN95 and disinfected surgical and cloth masks. No relevant impact was observed on filtration efficiency.
Characteristics and Dental Indices of Orthodontic Patients Using Aligners or Brackets
Authors: Liao Tzu-Han , Fang Jason Chen-Chieh , Wang I-Kuan , Huang Chiung-Shing , Chen Hui-Ling , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: May 2022

Background. Clear aligners have become a treatment alternative to metal brackets in recent years due to the advantages of aesthetics, comfort, and oral health improvement. Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed the clinical characteristics and dental indices of orthodontic patients using aligners or brackets. Methods. A total of 170 patients received orthodontic treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in 2021. Patients were stratified by types of treatment (Invisalign® clear aligner (n = 60) or metal bracket (n = 110). Results: Patients were aged 26.1 ± 7.2 years, and most were female (75.0%). The Invisalign® group was older than the bracket group (p = 0.003). The skeletal relationships were mainly Class I (49.4%), followed by Class II (30.0%) and Class III (20.6%). The molar relationships were primarily Class I (38.8%), followed by Class II (37.1%) and Class III (24.1%). The decayed, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) index was 9.9 ± 6.0, including 2.1 ± 2.9 for decayed teeth, 0.5 ± 1.1 for missing teeth, and 7.3 ± 4.3 for filled teeth. There were no significant differences in the DMFT index or skeletal and molar relationships between the groups (p > 0.05). The index of complexity outcome and need (ICON) was 56.8 ± 13.5, and the score was lower in the Invisalign® group than in the bracket group (p = 0.002). Among the variables included in the ICON assessment, only the aesthetic variable was lower in the Invisalign® group than in the bracket group (p < 0.001). The Frankfort-mandibular plane angle was 27.9 ± 5.1 degrees. Finally, the E-line of the lower lip was lower in the Invisalign® group than in the bracket group (1.5 ± 2.4 versus 2.8 ± 3.1, p = 0.005). Conclusions. Older patients showed a greater intention to choose Invisalign® treatment for improving the appearance of their teeth than younger patients, who chose metal bracket treatment. The demand for Invisalign® aligner treatment for aesthetic reasons was substantial. A soft tissue profile with more protrusive lower lips and a greater need for orthodontic treatment was found in the bracket group.
Distancing Measures and Challenges Discussed by COVID-19 Outbreak Teams of Dutch Nursing Homes: The COVID-19 MINUTES Study
Authors: van Tol Lisa S. , Smaling Hanneke J. A. , Meester Wendy , Janus Sarah I. M. , Zuidema Sytse U. , de Waal Margot W. M. , Caljouw Monique A. A. , Achterberg Wilco P.
Published: May 2022

The most severe COVID-19 infections and highest mortality rates are seen among long-term care residents. To reduce the risk of infection, physical distancing is important. This study investigates what physical distancing measures were discussed by COVID-19 outbreak teams of Dutch long-term care organizations and what challenges they encountered. The COVID-19 MINUTES study is a qualitative multi-center study (n = 41) that collected minutes of COVID-19 outbreak teams from March 2020 to October 2021. Textual units about distancing measures were selected and analyzed using manifest content analysis for the first wave: early March–early May 2020; the intermediate period of 2020: mid-May–mid-September 2020; and the second wave: late September 2020–mid-June 2021. During all periods, COVID-19 outbreak teams often discussed distancing visitors from residents. Moreover, during the first wave they often discussed isolation measures, during the intermediate period they often discussed distancing staff and volunteers from residents, and during both the intermediate period and the second wave they often discussed distancing among residents. During all periods, less often admission measures were discussed. Challenges persisted and included unrest among and conflicts between visitors and staff, visitors violating measures, resident non-adherence to measures, and staffing issues. The discussed distancing measures and corresponding challenges may guide local long-term care and (inter)national policymakers during the further course of the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of other infectious diseases, and long-term care innovations.
Is Green Spread? The Spillover Effect of Community Green Interaction on Related Green Purchase Behavior
Authors: Wang Jianming , Yang Xincheng , Xi Yini , He Zhengxia
Published: May 2022

In the era of digital economy and mobile internet, many platforms or brands have built various online or offline green communities to guide customers or fans to engage in green interactions. Obviously, community green interaction can enhance brand emotional value and enhance customer stickiness, but whether community green interaction can further have a spillover effect on related or other green purchase behaviors has become an important topic for the theoretical and practical departments. This paper selects the “Little Bear Fuel Consumption Community” as the research object. Based on the theoretical framework of “Green Interaction—Environmental Emotion—Related Green Purchasing Behavior”, this paper examines the spillover effect and impact mechanism of community green interaction on consumers’ related green purchasing behavior. This paper uses a structural equation model and bootstrapping method to test the causal relationship between variables. This study lasted for 6 months, and a total of 348 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. We used SPSS 25 and AMOS 24 for data analysis. The results showed that the two dimensions of community green interaction (community green information interaction and community green interpersonal interaction) have a positive spillover effect on consumers’ related green purchase behavior; community green interaction can positively spill over to consumers’ related green purchase behavior through the psychological path of environmental emotion; community green information interaction and community green interpersonal interaction have positive effects on consumers’ positive and negative environmental emotions; positive and negative environmental emotions positively affect consumers’ related green purchase behavior; and in the two paths of community green information interaction—related green purchase behavior and community green interpersonal interaction—related green purchase behavior, both positive environmental emotion and negative environmental emotion play a role of partial mediation; product involvement has a negative moderating effect on the path of “community green interaction—environmental emotion”. This paper opens the “black box” of the diffusion mechanism of community green interaction and provides a new explanatory framework for the spillover effect of community green interaction on related green purchase behavior.
Quantitative Evaluation of Psychological Tolerance under the Haze: A Case Study of Typical Provinces and Cities in China with Severe Haze
Authors: Lu Haiyue , Rui Xiaoping , Gemechu Gadisa Fayera , Li Runkui
Published: May 2022

The interplay of specific weather conditions and human activity results due to haze. When the haze arrives, individuals will use microblogs to communicate their concerns and feelings. It will be easier for municipal administrators to alter public communication and resource allocation under the haze if we can master the emotions of netizens. Psychological tolerance is the ability to cope with and adjust to psychological stress and unpleasant emotions brought on by adversity, and it can guide human conduct to some extent. Although haze has a significant impact on human health, environment, transportation, and other factors, its impact on human mental health is concealed, indirect, and frequently underestimated. In this study, psychological tolerance was developed as a psychological impact evaluation index to quantify the impact of haze on human mental health. To begin, data from microblogs in China’s significantly haze-affected districts were collected from 2013 to 2019. The emotion score was then calculated using SnowNLP, and the subject index was calculated using the co-word network approach, both of which were used as social media evaluation indicators. Finally, utilizing ecological and socioeconomic factors, psychological tolerance was assessed at the provincial and prefecture level. The findings suggest that psychological tolerance differs greatly between areas. Psychological tolerance has a spatio-temporal trajectory in the timeseries as well. The findings offer a fresh viewpoint on haze’s mental effects.
Exploring and Monitoring Privacy, Confidentiality, and Provider Bias in Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Provision to Young People: A Narrative Review
Authors: Corley Andrew G. , Sprockett Andrea , Montagu Dominic , Chakraborty Nirali M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias are believed to compromise adolescent and young adult sexual and reproductive health service quality. The results of focus group discussions with global youth leaders and sexual and reproductive health implementing organizations indicated that poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias serve as key barriers to care access for the youth. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to describe how poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias impose barriers on young people seeking sexual and reproductive health services and to examine how point of service evaluations have assessed these factors. Results: 4544 peer-reviewed publications were screened, of which 95 met the inclusion criteria. To these articles, another 16 grey literature documents were included, resulting in a total of 111 documents included in the review. Conclusion: Poor privacy and confidentiality practices and provider bias represent significant barriers for young people seeking sexual and reproductive health services across diverse geographic and sociocultural contexts. The authors found that present evaluation methods do not appropriately account for the importance of these factors and that new performance improvement indicators are needed.
Is It Possible to Find an Antimicrobial Peptide That Passes the Membrane Bilayer with Minimal Force Resistance? An Attempt at a Predictive Approach by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Likhachev Ilya V. , Balabaev Nikolay K. , Galzitskaya Oxana V.
Published: May 2022

There is still no answer to the mechanism of penetration of AMP peptides through the membrane bilayer. Several mechanisms for such a process have been proposed. It is necessary to understand whether it is possible, using the molecular dynamics method, to determine the ability of peptides of different compositions and lengths to pass through a membrane bilayer. To explain the passage of a peptide through a membrane bilayer, a method for preparing a membrane phospholipid bilayer was proposed, and 656 steered molecular dynamics calculations were carried out for pulling 7 amyloidogenic peptides with antimicrobial potential, and monopeptides (homo-repeats consisting of 10 residues of the same amino acid: Poly (Ala), Poly (Leu), Poly (Met), Poly (Arg), and Poly (Glu)) with various sequences through the membrane. Among the 15 studied peptides, the peptides exhibiting the least force resistance when passing through the bilayer were found, and the maximum reaction occurred at the boundary of the membrane bilayer entry. We found that the best correlation between the maximum membrane reaction force and the calculated parameters corresponds to the instability index (the correlation coefficient is above 0.9). One of the interesting results of this study is that the 10 residue amyloidogenic peptides and their extended peptides, with nine added residue cell-penetrating peptides and four residue linkers, both with established antimicrobial activity, have the same bilayer resistance force. All calculated data are summarized and posted on the server.
Antisense Expression of Apple TFL1-like Gene (MdTFL1) Promotes Early Flowering and Causes Phenotypic Changes in Tobacco
Authors: Do Van Giap , Lee Youngsuk , Kim Seonae , Kweon Hunjoong , Do Gyungran
Published: May 2022

Apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.) require up to several years for flowering and bearing fruits. The transition from vegetative to reproductive phase is controlled by floral regulators such as TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). TFL1 mediates the maintenance of vegetative phase, unlike the antagonistic function of FT to promote the transition into reproductive phase. In this study, we isolated apple TFL1-like gene (MdTFL1) to elucidate various phenotypic traits triggered by the antisense expression of MdTFL1 in tobacco apart from its floral induction function. Early flowering was observed in the tobacco line with MdTFL1 knockout, indicating the reduced time for transition to vegetative phases. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR showed upregulation of genes involved in the regulation of floral induction, including NtAP1, NtSOC1, NFL1, and NtFTs, and downregulation of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) and CEN-like genes in transgenic lines. Interestingly, transgenic tobacco expressing antisense MdTFL1 exhibited distinct morphological changes in lateral shoot outgrowth, internode length, and the development of leaves, flowers, and fruits. The results suggested that using the antisense expression of MdTFL1 gene is one of the approaches to shorten the vegetable phase and proposed improvement of plant architecture in horticultural crops.
The Short-Day Cycle Induces Intestinal Epithelial Purine Metabolism Imbalance and Hepatic Disfunctions in Antibiotic-Mediated Gut Microbiota Perturbation Mice
Authors: Zhen Yongkang , Chen Yifei , Ge Ling , Wei Wenjun , Wang Yusu , Hu Liangyu , Loor Juan J. , Wang Mengzhi , Yin Junliang
Published: May 2022

Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is related to many metabolic diseases in human health. Meanwhile, as an irregular environmental light–dark (LD) cycle, short day (SD) may induce host circadian rhythm disturbances and worsen the risks of gut dysbiosis. Herein, we investigated how LD cycles regulate intestinal metabolism upon the destruction of gut microbes with antibiotic treatments. The growth indices, serum parameters, concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and relative abundance of intestinal microbes were measured after euthanasia; intestinal contents, epithelial metabolomics, and hepatic transcriptome sequencing were also assessed. Compared with a normal LD cycle (NLD), SD increased the body weight, spleen weight, and serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase, while it decreased high-density lipoprotein. Meanwhile, SD increased the relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum while it decreased the Firmicutes phylum in the gut of ABX mice, thus leading to a disorder of SCFA metabolism. Metabolomics data revealed that SD exposure altered gut microbial metabolism in ABX mice, which also displayed more serious alterations in the gut epithelium. In addition, most differentially expressed metabolites were decreased, especially the purine metabolism pathway in epithelial tissue. This response was mainly due to the down-regulation of adenine, inosine, deoxyguanosine, adenylsuccinic acid, hypoxanthine, GDP, IMP, GMP, and AMP. Finally, the transcriptome data also indicated that SD has some negative effects on hepatic metabolism and endocrine, digestive, and disease processes. Overall, SD induced an epithelial and hepatic purine metabolism pathway imbalance in ABX mice, as well as the gut microbes and their metabolites, all of which could contribute to host metabolism and digestion, endocrine system disorders, and may even cause diseases in the host.
Coupling AFM, DSC and FT-IR towards Elucidation of Film-Forming Systems Transformation to Dermal Films: A Betamethasone Dipropionate Case Study
Authors: Timotijević Mirjana D. , Ilić Tanja , Marković Bojan , Randjelović Danijela , Cekić Nebojša , Nikolić Ines , Savić Snežana , Pantelić Ivana
Published: May 2022

Polymeric film-forming systems have emerged as an esthetically acceptable option for targeted, less frequent and controlled dermal drug delivery. However, their dynamic nature (rapid evaporation of solvents leading to the formation of thin films) presents a true characterization challenge. In this study, we tested a tiered characterization approach, leading to more efficient definition of the quality target product profiles of film-forming systems. After assessing a number of physico-chemico-mechanical properties, thermal, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were introduced. Final confirmation of betamethasone dipropionate-loaded FFS biopharmaceutical properties was sought via an in vitro skin permeation study. A number of applied characterization methods showed complementarity. The sample based on a combination of hydrophobic Eudragit® RS PO and hydroxypropyl cellulose showed higher viscosity (47.17 ± 3.06 mPa·s) and film thickness, resulting in sustained skin permeation (permeation rate of 0.348 ± 0.157 ng/cm2 h), and even the pH of the sample with Eudragit® NE 30D, along with higher surface roughness and thermal analysis, implied its immediate delivery through the epidermal membrane. Therefore, this study revealed the utility of several methods able to refine the number of needed tests within the final product profile.
The ctpF Gene Encoding a Calcium P-Type ATPase of the Plasma Membrane Contributes to Full Virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Maya-Hoyos Milena , Mata-Espinosa Dulce , López-Torres Manuel O. , Tovar-Vázquez Blanca , Barrios-Payán Jorge , León-Contreras Juan C. , Ocampo Marisol , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Soto Carlos Y.
Published: May 2022

Identification of alternative attenuation targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is pivotal for designing new candidates for live attenuated anti-tuberculosis (TB) vaccines. In this context, the CtpF P-type ATPase of Mtb is an interesting target; specifically, this plasma membrane enzyme is involved in calcium transporting and response to oxidative stress. We found that a mutant of MtbH37Rv lacking ctpF expression (MtbΔctpF) displayed impaired proliferation in mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) during in vitro infection. Further, the levels of tumor necrosis factor and interferon-gamma in MH-S cells infected with MtbΔctpF were similar to those of cells infected with the parental strain, suggesting preservation of the immunogenic capacity. In addition, BALB/c mice infected with Mtb∆ctpF showed median survival times of 84 days, while mice infected with MtbH37Rv survived 59 days, suggesting reduced virulence of the mutant strain. Interestingly, the expression levels of ctpF in a mouse model of latent TB were significantly higher than in a mouse model of progressive TB, indicating that ctpF is involved in Mtb persistence in the dormancy state. Finally, the possibility of complementary mechanisms that counteract deficiencies in Ca2+ transport mediated by P-type ATPases is suggested. Altogether, our results demonstrate that CtpF could be a potential target for Mtb attenuation.
Expression and Biological Functions of miRNAs in Chronic Pain: A Review on Human Studies
Authors: Sabina Saverio , Panico Alessandra , Mincarone Pierpaolo , Leo Carlo Giacomo , Garbarino Sergio , Grassi Tiziana , Bagordo Francesco , De Donno Antonella , Scoditti Egeria , Tumolo Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2022

Chronic pain is a major public health problem and an economic burden worldwide. However, its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and serve key roles in physiological and pathological processes. This review aims to synthesize the human studies examining miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of chronic primary pain and chronic secondary pain. Additionally, to understand the potential pathophysiological impact of miRNAs in these conditions, an in silico analysis was performed to reveal the target genes and pathways involved in primary and secondary pain and their differential regulation in the different types of chronic pain. The findings, methodological issues and challenges of miRNA research in the pathophysiology of chronic pain are discussed. The available evidence suggests the potential role of miRNA in disease pathogenesis and possibly the pain process, eventually enabling this role to be exploited for pain monitoring and management.
Enhancing the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Therapies with an Anti-Fibrotic Agent for the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Li Yifang , Ricardo Sharon D. , Samuel Chrishan S.
Published: May 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 10 members of the general population, placing these patients at an increasingly high risk of kidney failure. Despite the significant burden of CKD on various healthcare systems, there are no effective cures that reverse or even halt its progression. In recent years, human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have been recognised as a novel therapy for CKDs, owing to their well-established immunomodulatory and tissue-reparative properties in preclinical settings, and their promising safety profile that has been demonstrated in patients with CKDs from several clinical trials. However, renal fibrosis (scarring), a hallmark of CKD, has been shown to impair the viability and functionality of BM-MSCs post-transplantation. This has suggested that BM-MSCs might require a pre-treatment or adjunct therapy that can enhance the viability and therapeutic efficacy of these stromal cells in chronic disease settings. To address this, recent studies that have combined BM-MSCs with the anti-fibrotic drug serelaxin (RLX), have demonstrated the enhanced therapeutic potential of this combination therapy in normotensive and hypertensive preclinical models of CKD. In this review, a critical appraisal of the preclinical data available on the anti-fibrotic and renoprotective actions of BM-MSCs or RLX alone and when combined, as a treatment option for normotensive vs. hypertensive CKD, is discussed.
Recent Advances in Porphyrin-Based Systems for Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yao Bin , He Youzhou , Wang Song , Sun Hongfei , Liu Xingyan
Published: May 2022

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a pivotal role in the development of renewable energy methods, such as water-splitting devices and the use of Zn–air batteries. First-row transition metal complexes are promising catalyst candidates due to their excellent electrocatalytic performance, rich abundance, and cheap price. Metalloporphyrins are a class of representative high-efficiency complex catalysts owing to their structural and functional characteristics. However, OER based on porphyrin systems previously have been paid little attention in comparison to the well-described oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen evolution reaction, and CO2 reduction reaction. Recently, porphyrin-based systems, including both small molecules and porous polymers for electrochemical OER, are emerging. Accordingly, this review summarizes the recent advances of porphyrin-based systems for electrochemical OER. Firstly, the electrochemical OER for water oxidation is discussed, which shows various methodologies to achieve catalysis from homogeneous to heterogeneous processes. Subsequently, the porphyrin-based catalytic systems for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis including both OER and ORR are demonstrated. Finally, the future development of porphyrin-based catalytic systems for electrochemical OER is briefly prospected.