bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of hormones regulating appetite and energy homeostasis in response to a 1.5-Year combined lifestyle intervention for obesity
Authors: Kuckuck Susanne , van der Valk Eline S. , Scheurink Anton J. W. , Lengton Robin , Mohseni Mostafa , Visser Jenny A. , Iyer Anand M. , van den Berg Sjoerd A. A. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C.
Published: February 2023

Background: Weight loss can induce changes in appetite-regulating hormone levels, possibly linked to increases in appetite and weight regain. However, hormonal changes vary across interventions. Here, we studied levels of appetite-regulating hormones during a combined lifestyle intervention (CLI: healthy diet, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy).

Methods: We measured levels of long-term adiposity-related hormones (leptin, insulin, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin) and short-term appetite hormones (PYY, cholecystokinin, gastric-inhibitory polypeptide, pancreatic polypeptide, FGF21, AgRP) in overnight-fasted serum of 39 patients with obesity. Hormone levels were compared between T0 (baseline), T1 (after 10 weeks) and T2 (end of treatment, 1.5 years). T0-T1 hormone changes were correlated with T1-T2 anthropometric changes.

Results: Initial weight loss at T1 was maintained at T2 (−5.0%, p < 0.001), and accompanied by decreased leptin and insulin levels at T1 and T2 (all p < 0.05) compared to T0. Most short-term signals were not affected. Only PP levels were decreased at T2 compared to T0 (p < 0.05). Most changes in hormone levels during initial weight loss did not predict subsequent changes in anthropometrics, except for T0-T1 decreases in FGF21 levels and T0-T1 increases in HMW adiponectin levels tended to be associated with larger T1-T2 increases in BMI (p < 0.05 and p = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: CLI-induced weight loss was associated with changes in levels of long-term adiposity-related hormones towards healthy levels, but not with orexigenic changes in most short-term appetite signals. Our data indicates that the clinical impact of alterations in appetite-regulating hormones during modest weight loss remains questionable. Future studies should investigate potential associations of weight-loss-induced changes in FGF21 and adiponectin levels with weight regain.
Racial/ethnic and gender disparity in the severity of NAFLD among people with diabetes or prediabetes
Authors: Shaheen Magda , Schrode Katrina M. , Tedlos Marielle , Pan Deyu , Najjar Sonia M. , Friedman Theodore C.
Published: February 2023

Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibits a racial disparity. We examined the prevalence and the association between race, gender, and NAFLD among prediabetes and diabetes populations among adults in the United States.

Methods: We analyzed data for 3,190 individuals ≥18 years old from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. NAFLD was diagnosed by FibroScan® using controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values: S0 (none) < 238, S1 (mild) = 238–259, S2 (moderate) = 260–290, S3 (severe) > 290. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for confounding variables and considering the design and sample weights.

Results: Of the 3,190 subjects, the prevalence of NAFLD was 82.6%, 56.4%, and 30.5% (p < 0.0001) among diabetes, prediabetes and normoglycemia populations respectively. Mexican American males with prediabetes or diabetes had the highest prevalence of severe NAFLD relative to other racial/ethnic groups (p < 0.05). In the adjusted model, among the total, prediabetes, and diabetes populations, a one unit increase in HbA1c was associated with higher odds of severe NAFLD [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.8, 95% confidence level (CI) = 1.4–2.3, p < 0.0001; AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–4.4, p = 0.033; and AOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–1.9, p = 0.003 respectively].

Conclusion: We found that prediabetes and diabetes populations had a high prevalence and higher odds of NAFLD relative to the normoglycemic population and HbA1c is an independent predictor of NAFLD severity in prediabetes and diabetes populations. Healthcare providers should screen prediabetes and diabetes populations for early detection of NAFLD and initiate treatments including lifestyle modification to prevent the progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or liver cancer.
Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis provide insight into anthocyanin biosynthesis for sepal color formation in Heptacodium miconioides
Authors: Li Yueling , Sun Zhongshuai , Lu Jieyang , Jin Zexin , Li Junmin
Published: February 2023

Heptacodium miconioides Rehd., commonly known as “seven-son flower,” is an ornamental species with a beautiful flower pattern and persistent sepals. Its sepals are of horticultural value, turning bright red and elongating in the autumn; however, the molecular mechanisms that cause sepal color change remain unclear. We analyzed the dynamic changes in anthocyanin composition in the sepal of H. miconioides at four developmental stages (S1-S4). A total of 41 anthocyanins were detected and classified into 7 major anthocyanin aglycones. High levels of the pigments cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside were responsible for sepal reddening. Transcriptome analysis revealed 15 differentially expressed genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis that were detected between 2 developmental stages. Of these, the high expression of HmANS was considered critical structural gene related to anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in the sepal through co-expression analysis with anthocyanin content. In addition, a transcription factor (TF)-metabolite correlation analysis revealed that three HmMYB, two HmbHLH, two HmWRKY, and two HmNAC TFs exhibited a strong positive role in the regulation of the anthocyanin structural genes (Pearson’s correlation coefficient > 0.90). Luciferase activity assay showed that HmMYB114, HmbHLH130, HmWRKY6, and HmNAC1 could activate the promoters of HmCHS4 and HmDFR1 genes in vitro. These findings increase our understanding of anthocyanin metabolism in the sepal of H. miconioides and provide a guide for studies involving sepal color conversion and regulation.
Daylily intercropping: Effects on soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure
Authors: Gao Jingxia , Xie Hua
Published: February 2023

The daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni)/other crop intercropping system can be a specific and efficient cropping pattern in a horticultural field. Intercropping systems contribute to the optimization of land use, fostering sustainable and efficient agriculture. In the present study, high-throughput sequencing was employed to explore the diversity in the root-soil microbial community in the intercropping of four daylily intercropping systems [watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)/daylily (WD), cabbage (Brassica pekinensis)/daylily (CD), kale (Brassica oleracea)/daylily (KD), watermelon/cabbage/kale/daylily (MI)], and determine the physicochemical traits and enzymatic activities of the soil. The results revealed that the contents of available potassium (2.03%-35.71%), available phosphorus (3.85%-62.56%), available nitrogen (12.90%-39.52%), and organic matter (19.08%-34.53%), and the urease (9.89%-31.02%) and sucrase (23.63%-50.60%) activities, and daylily yield (7.43%- 30.46%) in different intercropping soil systems were significantly higher compared to those in the daylily monocropping systems (CK). The bacterial Shannon index increased significantly in the CD and KD compared to the CK. In addition, the fungi Shannon index was also increased significantly in the MI, while the Shannon indices of the other intercropping modes were not significantly altered. Different intercropping systems also caused dramatic architectural and compositional alterations in the soil microbial community. A prominently higher relative richness of Bacteroidetes was noted in MI compared to that in CK, while Acidobacteria in WD and CD and Chloroflexi in WD were pronouncedly less abundant compared to those in CK. Furthermore, the association between soil bacteria taxa and soil characteristic parameters was stronger than that between fungi and soil. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the intercropping of daylily with other crops could significantly improve the nutrient levels of the soil and optimize the soil bacterial microflora composition and diversity.
Transcriptome-based variations effectively untangling the intraspecific relationships and selection signals in Xinyang Maojian tea population
Authors: Cheng Lin , Li Mengge , Wang Yachao , Han Qunwei , Hao Yanlin , Qiao Zhen , Zhang Wei , Qiu Lin , Gong Andong , Zhang Zhihan , Li Tao , Luo Shanshan , Tang Linshuang , Liu Daliang , Yin Hao , Lu Song , Balbuena Tiago Santana , Zhao Yiyong
Published: February 2023

As one of the world’s top three popular non-alcoholic beverages, tea is economically and culturally valuable. Xinyang Maojian, this elegant green tea, is one of the top ten famous tea in China and has gained prominence for thousands of years. However, the cultivation history of Xinyang Maojian tea population and selection signals of differentiation from the other major variety Camellia sinensis var. assamica (CSA) remain unclear. We newly generated 94 Camellia sinensis (C. sinensis) transcriptomes including 59 samples in the Xinyang area and 35 samples collected from 13 other major tea planting provinces in China. Comparing the very low resolution of phylogeny inferred from 1785 low-copy nuclear genes with 94 C. sinensis samples, we successfully resolved the phylogeny of C. sinensis samples by 99,115 high-quality SNPs from the coding region. The sources of tea planted in the Xinyang area were extensive and complex. Specifically, Shihe District and Gushi County were the two earliest tea planting areas in Xinyang, reflecting a long history of tea planting. Furthermore, we identified numerous selection sweeps during the differentiation of CSA and CSS and these positive selection genes are involved in many aspects such as regulation of secondary metabolites synthesis, amino acid metabolism, photosynthesis, etc. Numerous specific selective sweeps of modern cultivars were annotated with functions in various different aspects, indicating the CSS and CSA populations possibly underwent independent specific domestication processes. Our study indicated that transcriptome-based SNP-calling is an efficient and cost-effective method in untangling intraspecific phylogenetic relationships. This study provides a significant understanding of the cultivation history of the famous Chinese tea Xinyang Maojian and unravels the genetic basis of physiological and ecological differences between the two major tea subspecies.
Coregulation of glutamine synthetase1;2 (GLN1;2) and NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (GLT1) gene expression in Arabidopsis roots in response to ammonium supply
Authors: Kojima Soichi , Minagawa Haruka , Yoshida Chika , Inoue Eri , Takahashi Hideki , Ishiyama Keiki
Published: February 2023

Ammonium absorbed by roots is assimilated into amino acids. The glutamine synthetase/glutamate synthase (glutamine 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase) (GS/GOGAT) cycle is essential to this biological process. In Arabidopsis thaliana, GLN1;2 and GLT1 are the GS and GOGAT isoenzymes induced in response to ammonium supply and playing key roles in ammonium utilization. Although recent studies suggest gene regulatory networks involved in transcriptional regulation of ammonium-responsive genes, direct regulatory mechanisms for ammonium-induced expression of GS/GOGAT remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that the expression of GLN1;2 and GLT1 in Arabidopsis is not directly induced by ammonium but is regulated by glutamine or post-glutamine metabolites produced by ammonium assimilation. Previously, we identified a promoter region required for ammonium-responsive expression of GLN1;2. In this study, we further dissected the ammonium-responsive region of the GLN1;2 promoter and also performed a deletion analysis of the GLT1 promoter, which led to the identification of a conserved ammonium-responsive region. Yeast one-hybrid screening using the ammonium-responsive region of the GLN1;2 promoter as a decoy sequence revealed a trihelix family transcription factor DF1 that binds to this region. A putative DF1 binding site was also found in the ammonium-responsive region of the GLT1 promoter.
Understanding the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latinx emerging adults
Authors: Jaramillo Natalia , Felix Erika D.
Published: February 2023

There is growing evidence about the potential negative psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ethnoracially minoritized young adults. Emerging adulthood is a developmental stage (ages 18-29 years old) that is characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling “in between” and having a sense of possibilities. Latinx emerging adults have reported significant socio-emotional consequences as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latinx emerging adults (N = 31; ages 18-29) in California and Florida through online focus group interviews. A qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach was used in an effort to develop empirical knowledge, as research on the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Latinx young adults is limited. This method served to capture the richness of the experiences of participants by allowing analytic codes and categories to drive theory development. In total, seven focus groups were held and participants attended a virtual focus group with other Latinx emerging adults from their state. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and coded using constructivist grounded theory. Five themes were identified from the data concerning the impact of the pandemic on Latinx emerging adults, which centered around mental health experiences, navigating family factors, pandemic-related communication, career and academic disruptions, and systemic and environmental factors. A theoretical model was constructed to generate an understanding about factors influencing psychosocial functioning for Latinx emerging adults during the pandemic. The study has implications for advancing science on the consequences of pandemics on mental health and cultural considerations that may influence disaster recovery. Examples of these cultural considerations that emerged from this study include multigenerational values, heightened responsibilities, and mediating pandemic information. Results can inform efforts to increase support and resources for Latinx emerging adults in order to address the psychological difficulties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The influence of different physical exercise amounts on learning burnout in adolescents: The mediating effect of self-efficacy
Authors: Fu Wensheng , Li Yan , Liu Yajun , Li Dan , Wang Gang , Liu Yongsen , Zhang Tingran , Zheng Yunfeng
Published: February 2023

Objective

To explore the effect of physical exercise on learning burnout in adolescents, and to reveal the mediating effect of self-efficacy between different physical exercise amounts and learning burnout.

Methods

A total of 610 adolescents from 5 primary and middle schools in Chongqing, China were investigated with the Physical Exercise Rating Scale (PARS-3), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Learning Burnout Scale (LBS). The SPSS21.0 and AMOS21.0 statistical software were used to process and analyze the data.

Results

(1) The physical exercise amount in boys was significantly higher than that in girls, but there was no significant gender difference in self-efficacy and learning burnout. Meanwhile, the academic alienation and low sense of achievement of primary school students were significantly lower than that of junior high school students, and there was no significant difference in the physical exercise amount and self-efficacy. (2) The physical exercise amount in adolescents was positively correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0.41), negatively correlated with learning burnout (r = −0.46), and self-efficacy was negatively correlated with learning burnout (r = −0.45). (3) The physical exercise amount could directly and negatively predict the learning burnout of adolescents (β = −0.40), and self-efficacy played a partial mediating effect between the amount of physical exercise and learning burnout (ES = -0.19). (4) Self-efficacy had no significant mediating effect between low exercise amount and learning burnout, but had a significant partial mediating effect between moderate (ES = -0.15) and high exercise amount (ES = -0.22) and learning burnout, and the partial mediating effect between high exercise amount and learning burnout was the highest.

Conclusion

Physical exercise was an effective way to prevent or reduce learning burnout in adolescents. It can not only directly affect learning burnout, but also indirectly affect learning burnout through the mediating effect of self-efficacy. It should be pointed out that maintaining a sufficient amount of physical exercise is crucial to improving self-efficacy and reducing learning burnout.
Variable- and person-centered approaches to examining construct-relevant multidimensionality in writing self-efficacy
Authors: DeBusk-Lane Morgan Les , Zumbrunn Sharon , Bae Christine Lee , Broda Michael D. , Bruning Roger , Sjogren Ashlee L.
Published: February 2023

Self-efficacy is an essential component of students’ motivation and success in writing. There have been great advancements in our theoretical understanding of writing self-efficacy over the past 40 years; however, there is a gap in how we empirically model the multidimensionality of writing self-efficacy. The purpose of the present study was to examine the multidimensionality of writing self-efficacy, and present validity evidence for the adapted Self-Efficacy for Writing Scale (SEWS) through a series of measurement model comparisons and person-centered approaches. Using a sample of 1,466 8th–10th graders, results showed that a bifactor exploratory structural equation model best represented the data, demonstrating that the SEWS exhibits both construct-relevant multidimensionality and the presence of a global theme. Using factor scores derived from this model, we conducted latent profile analysis to further establish validity of the measurement model and examine how students disaggregate into groups based on their response trends of the SEWS. Three profiles emerged, differentiated by global writing self-efficacy, with substantively varying factor differences among the profiles. Concurrent, divergent, and discriminant validity evidence was established through a series of analyses that assessed predictors and outcomes of the profiles (e.g., demographics, standardized writing assessments, and grades). Theoretical and practical implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
The “secrets” of English private tutoring in China: Chinese students’ experiences of study abroad test preparation in cram schools
Authors: Zhang Cong , Zhang Yi , Gao Yun
Published: February 2023

English private tutoring, a.k.a. “shadow education” has been an important way that international students rely on for overseas test preparation. Despite the plethora of research on private tutoring in various countries and regions, scarce research focuses on the type of EPT that prepares students for overseas tests. Therefore, this study investigated the experience and perceptions of EPT in preparing for overseas writing tests of 187 Chinese students through retrospective interviews and questionnaires. The present study investigated Chinese students’ experience in and perceptions of EPT for study abroad writing test preparation. The results showed that most students received EPT in writing in various ways at cram schools and they devoted themselves to EPT in cram schools intensively. They favored EPT in cram schools mainly because the test-taking strategies taught there could help them obtain a higher grade on the writing section in overseas tests. With respect to writing teaching in cram schools, the most frequent teaching activities included teaching test-taking strategies and providing writing templates. Although most students acknowledged the usefulness of EPT in writing in terms of preparing themselves for the writing test, it was not necessarily the case for improving their general writing abilities. The students believed that the writing instruction was test-oriented and had a ceiling effect in improving their general writing abilities. However, with enough long time in EPT, the cramming nature of cram schools can be less obvious.
Delta-8-THC association with psychosis: A case report with literature review
Authors: Miller Chelsea R. , Burk Bradley G. , Fargason Rachel E. , Birur Badari
Published: February 2023

Background

Cannabis (Δ9-THC) is the most commonly consumed illicit drug. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 removed hemp, a strain of Cannabis sativa, as a controlled substance. This law allowed the plant to be processed into its components, which contain <0.3% Δ9-THC. As a result, delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), a federally unregulated substance, grew in popularity in 2020. Δ8-THC is readily available in most gas stations or head shops and may be considered harmless by patients. However, an increasing number of patients admitted for psychiatric hospitalization report use, with limited literature on the effects.

Case presentations

This case report describes three individual cases of patients who required admission to a university psychiatric hospital after the regular use solely of Δ8-THC. All three patients developed psychotic and paranoid symptoms concurrently with the use of Δ8-THC, with a severity exceeding their previous historical presentations. The presenting psychotic symptoms were also atypical for all three patients. New-onset violence and visual hallucinations were noted in two of the patients, one patient with no previous psychiatric history and one patient while on a therapeutic dose of his antipsychotic. In the third case, a new onset of bizarre, fixed delusions of puppies dissolving in the bathtub developed.

Conclusion

This report adds to the limited body of evidence on Δ8-THC documenting a temporal association between Δ8-THC use and the development of psychotic symptoms. A strong body of research already correlates the continued use of Δ9-THC with psychosis, and Δ8-THC acts at the same CB1 and CB2 receptors as Δ9-THC. Therefore, it is hypothesized that Δ8-THC may have similar adverse psychiatric effects as Δ9-THC. These conclusions are not without speculation, due to the need for self or collateral-reporting of Δ8-THC use as urine drug screening cannot distinguish Δ8-THC from Δ9-THC, and the patients' symptoms could be explained by medication non-adherence and primary psychotic disorders. However, physicians should be encouraged to gather a specific history of Δ8-THC use and treat patients with Δ8-THC-related intoxication and symptoms.
Toxicomethylomics revisited: A state-of-the-science review about DNA methylation modifications in blood cells from workers exposed to toxic agents
Authors: Jiménez-Garza Octavio , Ghosh Manosij , Barrow Timothy M. , Godderis Lode
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Epigenetic marks have been proposed as early changes, at the subcellular level, in disease development. To find more specific biomarkers of effect in occupational exposures to toxicants, DNA methylation studies in peripheral blood cells have been performed. The goal of this review is to summarize and contrast findings about DNA methylation in blood cells from workers exposed to toxicants.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science. After first screening, we discarded all studies performed in vitro and in experimental animals, as well as those performed in other cell types other than peripheral blood cells. Results: 116 original research papers met the established criteria, published from 2007 to 2022. The most frequent investigated exposures/labor group were for benzene (18.9%) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (15.5%), particulate matter (10.3%), lead (8.6%), pesticides (7.7%), radiation (4.3%), volatile organic compound mixtures (4.3%), welding fumes (3.4%) chromium (2.5%), toluene (2.5%), firefighters (2.5%), coal (1.7%), hairdressers (1.7%), nanoparticles (1.7%), vinyl chloride (1.7%), and others. Few longitudinal studies have been performed, as well as few of them have explored mitochondrial DNA methylation. Methylation platforms have evolved from analysis in repetitive elements (global methylation), gene-specific promoter methylation, to epigenome-wide studies. The most reported observations were global hypomethylation as well as promoter hypermethylation in exposed groups compared to controls, while methylation at DNA repair/oncogenes genes were the most studied; studies from genome-wide studies detect differentially methylated regions, which could be either hypo or hypermethylated.

Discussion

Some evidence from longitudinal studies suggest that modifications observed in cross-sectional designs may be transitory; then, we cannot say that DNA methylation changes are predictive of disease development due to those exposures.

Conclusion

Due to the heterogeneity in the genes studied, and scarcity of longitudinal studies, we are far away from considering DNA methylation changes as biomarkers of effect in occupational exposures, and nor can we establish a clear functional or pathological correlate for those epigenetic modifications associated with the studied exposures.
Incidence and predictive value of social frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Qian-qian , Tan Ke , Tang Hui-yu , Liu Yan-yan , Zhu Huan , Qin Hai , Xia Xin , Zhang Min , Chen Yan-yu , Nie Shuang-shuang , Wang Shuang
Published: February 2023

Background

Few studies have focused on the incidence and correlation of social frailty (SF) with adverse health events in Southwest China. This study aims to explore the predictive value of SF for adverse health events.

Methods

A 6-year prospective cohort study was employed, a total of 460 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and above were analyzed to provide a baseline in 2014. Participants completed two longitudinal follow-ups at 3 (2017, 426 participants involved) and 6 (2020, 359 participants involved) years later. A modified social frailty screening index was used in this study, and adverse health events such as physical frailty (PF) deterioration, disability, hospitalization, falls, and mortality were evaluated.

Results

Among these participants in 2014, the median age was 71 years, 41.1% were male, and 71.1% were married or cohabiting, up to 112 (24.3%) of them were classified as SF. It was observed that aging (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00–1.07, P = 0.047) and having family members die in the past year (OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 0.93–7.25, P = 0.068) were risk factors of SF, whereas having a mate (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.25–0.66, P = 0.000) and having family members to help with care (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.26–1.11, P = 0.092) were protective factors of SF. The cross-sectional study demonstrated that SF was only significantly associated with disability (OR = 12.89, 95% CI = 2.67–62.13, P = 0.001) at wave 1. Baseline SF significantly explained the incidence of mortality at the 3-year (medium-term, OR = 4.89, 95% CI = 2.23–10.71, P = 0.000) and 6-year follow-ups (long-term, OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.15–4.28, P = 0.017).

Conclusion

SF prevalence was higher in the Chinese older population. Older adults with SF had a significantly increased incidence of mortality at the longitudinal follow-up. Consecutive comprehensive health management of SF (e.g., avoiding living alone and increasing social engagement) is urgently needed for the purposes of early prevention and multidimensional intervention in adverse health events, including disability and mortality.
Urban–suburb disparities in pre-hospital emergency medical resources and response time among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A mixed-method cross-sectional study
Authors: Jin Yinzi , Chen Hui , Ge Hongxia , Li Siwen , Zhang Jinjun , Ma Qingbian
Published: February 2023

Aim

To investigate (1) the association between pre-hospital emergency medical resources and pre-hospital emergency medical system (EMS) response time among patients with Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); (2) whether the association differs between urban and suburbs.

Methods

Densities of ambulances and physicians were independent variables, respectively. Pre-hospital emergency medical system response time was dependent variable. Multivariate linear regression was used to investigate the roles of ambulance density and physician density in pre-hospital EMS response time. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed to explore reasons for the disparities in pre-hospital resources between urban areas and suburbs.

Results

Ambulance density and physician density were both negatively associated with call to ambulance dispatch time, with odds ratios (ORs) 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–0.99; P = 0.001) and 0.97 (95% CI; 0.93–0.99; P < 0.001), respectively. ORs of ambulance density and physician density in association with total response time were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99; P = 0.013) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86–0.99; P = 0.048). The effect of ambulance density on call to ambulance dispatch time in urban areas was 14% smaller than that in suburb areas and that on total response time in urban areas was 3% smaller than the effect in suburbs. Similar effects were identified for physician density on urban–suburb disparities in call to ambulance dispatch time and total response time. The main reasons summarized from stakeholders for a lack of physicians and ambulances in suburbs included low income, poor personal incentive mechanisms, and inequality in financial distribution of the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Improving pre-hospital emergency medical resources allocation can reduce system delay and narrow urban-suburb disparity in EMS response time for OHCA patients.
Comparison of the prevalence of opioid use among U.S. adults with cardiac conditions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Weng Lvkan , Huang Jingxuan , Lou Yanan , Shi Haoting , Ma Yuantong , Gu Siyu , Qiang Ne , Wang Shuxun , Wu Lan , He Mu , Xu Lei , Han Lefei
Published: February 2023

Limited data are available on the prevalence of prescription opioid use among patients with cardiac conditions who were exposed to increased risks of cardiac events including myocardial failure and cardiac arrest. According to the U.S. National Health Interview Survey, we evaluated the prevalence of opioid use in patients with cardiac conditions who reported prescription opioid use in the past 12 months and 3 months in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and further estimated the prevalence of opioid use for acute pain or chronic pain. We also analyzed the stratified prevalence by demographical characteristics. Our results showed that there was no statistically significant change in the prevalence of opioid use in the past 12 months (26.5% in 2019 vs. 25.7% in 2020) or the past 3 months (66.6% in 2019 vs. 62.5% in 2020) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was a significant decline in the prevalence of opioid use for acute pain, from 64.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57.6% to 70.3%) in 2019 to 49.6% (95% CI 40.1% to 59.0%) in 2020 (P = 0.012), particularly in the subgroups of men, non-Hispanic white people, adults with education below high school, those with an income-to-poverty ratio ranging from 1.0 to 1.9, and those covered with health insurance. Our findings suggest that monitoring opioid use in the era of living with COVID-19 is important, which will help inform healthcare providers to develop care strategies to reduce health loss for vulnerable individuals.
Dynamic evolution characteristics and driving factors of tourism ecosystem health in China
Authors: Lu Fei , Ren Huaiguo , Zhai Xinglong
Published: February 2023

Tourism ecosystem health is key to high-quality tourism development. China is now promoting sustainable development and high-quality transformation and upgrading of regional tourism; thus, the research on tourism ecosystem health is of practical significance. Based on the DPSIR model, an evaluation index system of tourism ecosystem health in China was constructed. Then the entropy weight method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, Markov chain analysis, and quantile regression were used to explore the dynamic evolution characteristics and driving factors of tourism ecosystem health in China from 2011 to 2020. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) The tourism ecosystem health in China showed an M-shaped fluctuation process as a whole, with significant spatial correlation and spatial difference. (2) There was a “path-dependent” and “self-locking” effect on the type transfer of tourism ecosystem health, and the type transfer was mainly between adjacent types in successive transfers, with the probability of downward transfer higher than upward transfer, and the geospatial background played a significant role in its dynamic evolution process. (3) In provinces with low tourism ecosystem health type, the negative effect of technological innovation capacity was more significant, and the influence coefficient of the positive effect of tourism environmental regulation and information technology level was larger, while in provinces with high tourism ecosystem health type, the negative effect of tourism industry agglomeration was more significant, and the influence coefficient of the positive effect of tourism industry structure and tourism land-use scale was larger.
Effects of negative emotions and information perceived value on residents' risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical survey from China
Authors: Chen Chaoyi , Sang Xiaodong , Wu Ruijun , Feng Zhanchun , Long Chengxu , Ye Yisheng , Yan Ziqi , Sun Can , Ji Lu , Tang Shangfeng
Published: February 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly and heavily hit the globe, and the mutation and transmission speed of the coronavirus have accelerated so that the world is still in danger. Thus, this study aims to investigate the participants' risk perception and explore the associations of risk perception of COVID-19 with negative emotions, information value perception and other related dimensions.

Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted from April 4 to 15, 2020, in China. A total of 3,552 participants were included in this study. A descriptive measure of demographic information was used in this study. Multiple regression models and moderating effect analysis were used to estimate the effect of potential associations of risk perceptions.

Results

Those who showed negative emotions (depressed, helplessness, loneliness) and perceived video information in social media to be useful were positively correlated with risk perception, whereas individuals who perceived experts' advice to be useful, shared risk information with friends and thought that their community made adequate emergency preparation reported lower risk perception. The moderating effect of information perceived value (β = 0.020, p < 0.001) on the relationship between negative emotion and perception of risk was significant.

Conclusions

Individual differences in risk cognition during the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in subgroups of age level. Furthermore, the role of negative emotional states, the perceived usefulness of risk information and the sense of security also contributed to improving the public's risk perception. It is crucial for authorities to focus on residents' negative emotions and to clarify misinformation in accessible and effective ways in a timely manner.
Factors that affect scientific publication in Africa—A gender perspective
Authors: Beaudry Catherine , Prozesky Heidi , St-Pierre Carl , Mirnezami Seyed Reza
Published: February 2023

A large body of literature on gender differences in scientific publication output has clearly established that women scientists publish less that men do. Yet, no single explanation or group of explanations satisfactorily accounts for this difference, which has been called the “productivity puzzle”. To provide a more refined portrait of the scientific publication output of women in relation to that of their male peers, we conducted a web-based survey in 2016 of individual researchers across all African countries, except Libya. The resulting 6,875 valid questionnaires submitted by respondents in the STEM, Health Science and SSH fields were analyzed using multivariate regressions on the self-reported number of articles published in the preceding 3 years. Controlling for a variety of variables including career stage, workload, mobility, research field, and collaboration, we measured the direct and moderating effect of gender on scientific production of African researchers. Our results show that, while women's scientific publication output is positively affected by collaboration and age (impediments to women's scientific output decrease later in their careers), it is negatively impacted by care-work and household chores, limited mobility, and teaching hours. Women are as prolific when they devote the same hours to other academic tasks and raise the same amount of research funding as their male colleagues. Our results lead us to argue that the standard academic career model, relying on continuous publications and regular promotions, assumes a masculine life cycle that reinforces the general perception that women with discontinuous careers are less productive than their male colleagues, and systematically disadvantages women. We conclude that the solution resides beyond women's empowerment, i.e., in the broader institutions of education and the family, which have an important role to play in fostering men's equal contribution to household chores and care-work.
Trapping virus-loaded aerosols using granular material composed of protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxides nanoparticles
Authors: Armanious Antonius , Wang Heyun , Alpert Peter A. , Medaglia Chiara , Peydayesh Mohammad , Zwygart Arnaud Charles-Antoine , Gübeli Christian , Handschin Stephan , Bolisetty Sreenath , Ammann Markus , Tapparel Caroline , Stellacci Francesco , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: February 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that developing effective therapeutics against viruses might be outpaced by emerging variants, waning immunity, vaccine skepticism/hesitancy, lack of resources, and the time needed to develop virus-specific therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions as the first line of defense against virus outbreaks and pandemics. However, fighting the spread of airborne viruses has proven extremely challenging, much more if this needs to be achieved on a global scale and in an environmentally-friendly manner. Here, we introduce an aerosol filter media made of granular material based on whey protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxides nanoparticles. The material is environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, and composed mainly of a dairy industry byproduct. It features filtration efficiencies between 95.91% and 99.99% for both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the influenza A virus strain H1N1, enterovirus 71, bacteriophage Φ6, and bacteriophage MS2. While the filtration efficiencies were relatively high, they came at the cost of high pressure drop (≈0.03 bar). We believe that the methods and results presented here will contribute to advancing our understanding of granular-based aerosol filters, hopefully helping the design of highly-efficient granular media with low-pressure drops.
Veterinary anthropology: Samples from an emerging field
Authors: Broz Ludek , Keck Frédéric , Weich Kerstin
Published: February 2023

We contribute to the growing field of veterinary humanities by promoting collaboration between veterinarians and anthropologists. Veterinary anthropology as we propose it analyzes the role of animal diseases in social life while questioning notions of animal health and human health. We distinguish three ways for veterinarians to collaborate with anthropologists, which more or less follow a chronological order. One form of collaboration requires anthropologists to bring risk perception or local knowledge on zoonoses identified by veterinarians. A more recent form of collaboration integrates veterinarians and anthropologists around the view of animals as actors in infrastructures of security. Finally, we suggest that, as veterinary expertise and its roles in contemporary societies is becoming an object of anthropological enquiry, a new space for collaboration is unfolding that enables veterinarians to see themselves through that reflexive lens of anthropological attention. Veterinary anthropology can therefore be defined as an anthropology of veterinarians and with veterinarians.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dogs and dog bites in Indigenous northern communities: A mixed methods study
Authors: Daigle Laurence , Ravel André , Rondenay Yves , Simon Audrey , Mokoush Kabimbetas Noah , Aenishaenslin Cécile
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The singular relationship developed over the years between northern Indigenous peoples and dogs has been profoundly changed through historical trauma, settlements and increased use of snowmobiles. Issues related to dogs have become increasingly complex and worrisome with the endemic presence of the rabies virus among Arctic fox populations, and given the fact that northern Indigenous peoples may have a higher risk of dog bites than the general population. This study aimed to investigate factors related to the risk of dog bites in Naskapi and Innu communities located in northern Quebec (Canada) by (1) describing the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding dogs and dog bites in these communities, and (2) analyzing experiences of inhabitants and health professionals with regard to dog bites and their management.

Methods

A mixed methods study design that combined an observational cross-sectional survey and individual interviews was used. The survey collected data on KAP regarding dogs and dog bites among 122 respondents. Individual interviews (n = 37) were then conducted with victims of dog bites, owners of dogs that have bitten a person before, and health professionals. Descriptive and inferential analysis (quantitative data) and thematic analysis (qualitative data) were performed.

Results and discussion

Results highlighted that 21% of respondents have had a dog bite in their lifetime. Most respondents were not aware of the risk of contracting rabies following a dog bite, although rabies risk perception was associated with risk perception of dogs (linear regression: coefficient = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36–1.02). The odds of being more knowledgeable on rabies were higher (logistic regression: OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.07–7.98) among young adults. Dogs were perceived as both threats and protectors by community members. When the fear of dogs was present, it affected the quality of life of some inhabitants. There was confusion about responsibilities in the management of biting dogs, although protocols to follow after a bite were clear for health care professionals. This study revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge about dog bites and rabies risks in both communities. Results provide important knowledge for the development of interventions adapted to northern Indigenous communities.
Hypothermic Perfusion Modifies the Association Between Anti-LG3 Antibodies and Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Recipients
Authors: Mawad Habib , Pinard Louis , Medani Samar , Chagnon Miguel , Boucquemont Julie , Turgeon Julie , Dieudé Mélanie , Hamelin Katia , Rimbaud Annie Karakeussian , Belayachi Ali , Yang Bing , Collette Suzon , Sénécal Lynne , Foster Bethany J. , Hébert Marie-Josée , Cardinal Héloïse
Published: February 2023

We previously reported associations between autoantibodies to the LG3 fragment of perlecan, anti-LG3, and a higher risk of delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplant recipients. Here, we aimed to determine whether some factors that modulate ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) can modify this association. We performed a retrospective cohort study in kidney transplant recipients in 2 university-affiliated centers. In 687 patients, we show that high pre-transplant anti-LG3 are associated with DGF when the kidney is transported on ice (odds ratio (OR): 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.02–3.00), but not when placed on hypothermic perfusion pump (OR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.43–1.37). In patients with DGF, high pre-transplant anti-LG3 are associated with a higher risk of graft failure (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR): 4.07, 95% CI: 1.80, 9.22), while this was not the case in patients with immediate graft function (SHR: 0.50, 95% CI 0.19, 1.29). High anti-LG3 levels are associated with a higher risk of DGF in kidneys exposed to cold storage, but not when hypothermic pump perfusion is used. High anti-LG3 are also associated with a higher risk of graft failure in patients who experience DGF, a clinical manifestation of severe IRI.
Granice wolności ekspresji symbolicznej w przestrzeni akademickiej. Przyczynek do dyskusji
Authors: Biłgorajski Artur
Published: February 2023

This study aims to answer two questions from the perspective of the constitutional law of the Republic of Poland. Firstly, are there legal regulations that precisely define the rules and limits of exercising the freedom of expression in university spaces, particularly regarding the expression in signs, posters, symbols, avatars, slogans or emblems? Secondly, which applicable legal regulations justify the restrictions on symbol presentation (religious, ideological, political) during the participation in classes, conferences or other academic events? These answers do not pretend to be exhaustive due to the limited scope of this study. Their purpose is only to outline the topic of related problems.
Odpowiedzialność naukowca pełniącego funkcje polityczne
Authors: Maria Magrian Zofia
Published: February 2023

The article discusses the philosophical foundations of ethical responsibility. It ponders the question whether scientific progress should be associated with an unlimited degree of freedom to conduct research. It discusses in detail the distinction between responsibility in the formal sense and material sense introduced by Hans Jonas. It considers several examples of the similarities between politics and science as disciplines and elaborates on aspects which connect them. It treats Kant’s notion of the categorical imperative as a point of departure towards exploring the boundaries of political responsibility verses individual responsibility. It subsequently goes on to ask the question whether scientists and politicians are faced with a greater sense of responsibility towards the wellbeing of future generations. Finally, it analyses the example of the Environment Minister and later Secretary of State Jan Szyszko, who is also an entomologist and a researcher of animal population. It aims to establish whether his conduct as a minister was influenced by the and values he attained as a member of the scientific community.