bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Dynamics in Forest Soil Seed Banks along an Elevational Gradient in the Rocky Mountainous Area of North China
Authors: Xin Chengshu , Wang Jianyong , Yang Jianying , Zhao Tingning
Published: September 2021

Although exploring soil seed bank characteristics and dynamics is conducive to plant diversity protection and restoration, few investigations have been undertaken in the rocky mountainous area of North China. To address this research gap, qualitative and quantitative changes in soil seed bank characteristics over different seasons and elevations as well as potential causes for differences were examined, using data from 25 secondary forest communities in the Songshan area of Beijing, China. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was used to test the similarity of the composition of the seed bank and the understory vegetation during different seasons. In addition, the structural equation model (SEM) was used to explore the direct and indirect effects on seed bank density. The results indicate that abundance and species richness decreased with elevation, with seed density reaching its maximum and minimum levels in April and July at all elevation levels, respectively. In terms of species composition, the understory vegetation was significantly different from the seed bank, and the proportion of herbaceous plants species in the seed bank was higher. Soil total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium all changed with elevation, directly or indirectly affecting seed bank density. The application of seed banks present in topsoil from the rocky mountainous area of North China can be potentially used for ecological restoration. It is important, however, to consider the elevation and the season related to the removal of the topsoil to achieve optimal effects.
Healthchain: A Privacy Protection System for Medical Data Based on Blockchain
Authors: Wang Baocheng , Li Zetao
Published: September 2021

Recently, with the great development of e-health, more and more countries have made certain achievements in the field of electronic medical treatment. The digitization of medical equipment and the structuralization of electronic medical records are the general trends. While bringing convenience to people, the explosive growth of medical data will further promote the value of mining medical data. Obviously, finding out how to safely store such a large amount of data is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Additionally, the particularity of medical data makes it necessarily subject to great privacy protection needs. This reinforces the importance of designing a safe solution to ensure data privacy. Many existing schemes are based on single-server architecture, which have some natural defects (such as single-point faults). Although blockchain can help solve such problems, there are still some deficiencies in privacy protection. To solve these problems, this paper designs a medical data privacy protection system, which integrates blockchain, group signature, and asymmetric encryption to realize reliable medical data sharing between medical institutions and protect the data privacy of patients. This paper proves theoretically that it meets our security and privacy requirements, and proves its practicability through system implementation.
Klinkenberg-Corrected and Water Permeability Correlation for a Sarawak Carbonate Field
Authors: Ahmad Izzat , Ahmad Maqsood , Ali Imtiaz
Published: September 2021

Klinkenberg-corrected permeability (k∞) or water permeability (kw) is an important input parameter for hydrocarbon reservoir simulation studies. The theoretical concept that a core sample’s k∞ is comparable to its kw is flawed and has to be verified, since experimental evidence indicates that k∞ and kw are clearly different. Thus, a series of gas and water permeability measurements were conducted on eight carbonate core plug samples from Sarawak, Malaysia to develop a correlation between both permeability values. The new k∞ vs. kw correlation clearly proved the differences between both permeability values for all samples. The findings were in agreement with FESEM-EDX and total suspended solids (TSS) analysis, which proved the migration of fines and clay particles that blocked the pore throats, thus reducing kw values. The new k∞ vs. kw correlation was validated using four different samples from the PETRONS-2 well using its k∞ values and comparing them with the respective measured kw values. The new correlation will reduce the amount of time and cost needed to obtain absolute liquid permeability values but may be further improved by conducting permeability measurements on more samples from the PETRONS field, which will improve the accuracy of hydrocarbon reservoir simulation of the PETRONS field.
Genetic Diversity and Relatedness among Captive African Painted Dogs in North America
Authors: Miller-Butterworth Cassandra M. , Vacco Karen , Russell Amy L. , Gaspard Joseph C.
Published: September 2021

African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus, APD) are highly endangered, with fewer than 7000 remaining in nature. Captive breeding programs can preserve a genetically diverse population and provide a source of individuals for reintroductions. However, most programs are initiated from few founders and suffer from low genetic diversity and inbreeding. The aims of this study were to use molecular markers to assess genetic variation, inbreeding, and relatedness among APDs in the North American captive population, to use these data to realign studbook records, and to compare these data to wild populations and to the European captive population to facilitate the development of a global management plan. We sequenced mitochondrial and major histocompatibility (MHC) class II loci and genotyped 14 microsatellite loci from 109 APDs from 34 institutions in North America. We identified three likely studbook errors and resolved ten cases of uncertain paternity. Overall, microsatellite heterozygosity was higher than reported in Europe, but effective population size estimates were lower. Mitochondrial sequence variation was extremely limited, and there were fewer MHC haplotypes than in Europe or the wild. Although the population did not show evidence of significant inbreeding overall, several individuals shared high relatedness values, which should be incorporated into future breeding programs.
Genetic and Transcription Profile Analysis of Tissue-Specific Anthocyanin Pigmentation in Carrot Root Phloem
Authors: Bannoud Florencia , Carvajal Sofia , Ellison Shelby , Senalik Douglas , Gomez Talquenca Sebastian , Iorizzo Massimo , Simon Philipp W. , Cavagnaro Pablo F.
Published: September 2021

In purple carrots, anthocyanin pigmentation can be expressed in the entire root, or it can display tissue specific-patterns. Within the phloem, purple pigmentation can be found in the outer phloem (OP) (also called the cortex) and inner phloem (IP), or it can be confined exclusively to the OP. In this work, the genetic control underlying tissue-specific anthocyanin pigmentation in the carrot root OP and IP tissues was investigated by means of linkage mapping and transcriptome (RNA-seq) and phylogenetic analyses; followed by gene expression (RT-qPCR) evaluations in two genetic backgrounds, an F2 population (3242) and the inbred B7262. Genetic mapping of ‘root outer phloem anthocyanin pigmentation’ (ROPAP) and inner phloem pigmentation (RIPAP) revealed colocalization of ROPAP with the P1 and P3 genomic regions previously known to condition pigmentation in different genetic stocks, whereas RIPAP co-localized with P3 only. Transcriptome analysis of purple OP (POP) vs. non-purple IP (NPIP) tissues, along with linkage and phylogenetic data, allowed an initial identification of 28 candidate genes, 19 of which were further evaluated by RT-qPCR in independent root samples of 3242 and B7262, revealing 15 genes consistently upregulated in the POP in both genetic backgrounds, and two genes upregulated in the POP in specific backgrounds. These include seven transcription factors, seven anthocyanin structural genes, and two genes involved in cellular transport. Altogether, our results point at DcMYB7, DcMYB113, and a MADS-box (DCAR_010757) as the main candidate genes conditioning ROPAP in 3242, whereas DcMYB7 and MADS-box condition RIPAP in this background. In 7262, DcMYB113 conditions ROPAP.
A Homozygous AKNA Frameshift Variant Is Associated with Microcephaly in a Pakistani Family
Authors: Waseem Syeda Seema , Moawia Abubakar , Budde Birgit , Tariq Muhammad , Khan Ayaz , Ali Zafar , Khan Sheraz , Iqbal Maria , Malik Naveed Altaf , Haque Saif ul , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Hussain Muhammad Sajid , Cirak Sebahattin , Baig Shahid Mahmood , Nürnberg Peter
Published: September 2021

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a prenatal condition of small brain size with a varying degree of intellectual disability. It is a heterogeneous genetic disorder with 28 associated genes reported so far. Most of these genes encode centrosomal proteins. Recently, AKNA was recognized as a novel centrosomal protein that regulates neurogenesis via microtubule organization, making AKNA a likely candidate gene for MCPH. Using linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing, we found a frameshift variant in exon 12 of AKNA (NM_030767.4: c.2737delG) that cosegregates with microcephaly, mild intellectual disability and speech impairment in a consanguineous family from Pakistan. This variant is predicted to result in a protein with a truncated C-terminus (p.(Glu913Argfs*42)), which has been shown to be indispensable to AKNA’s localization to the centrosome and a normal brain development. Moreover, the amino acid sequence is altered from the beginning of the second of the two PEST domains, which are rich in proline (P), glutamic acid (E), serine (S), and threonine (T) and common to rapidly degraded proteins. An impaired function of the PEST domains may affect the intracellular half-life of the protein. Our genetic findings compellingly substantiate the predicted candidacy, based on its newly ascribed functional features, of the multifaceted protein AKNA for association with MCPH.
IL-6 Polymorphisms Are Not Related to Obesity Parameters in Physically Active Young Men
Authors: Maculewicz Ewelina , Antkowiak Bożena , Antkowiak Oktawiusz , Mastalerz Andrzej , Białek Agnieszka , Cywińska Anna , Borecka Anna , Humińska-Lisowska Kinga , Garbacz Aleksandra , Lorenz Katarzyna , Szarska Ewa , Michałowska-Sawczyn Monika , Dziuda Łukasz , Cięszczyk Paweł
Published: September 2021

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions, but is also considered as a “metabolic hormone” involved in immune responses, affecting glucose, protein and lipid metabolism. It has been proposed to be related to obesity, but various results have been presented. Thus, in this study, the very homogenous population of young, male military professionals, living in the same conditions involving high physical activity, has been selected to avoid the influence of environmental factors. The subjects were divided into groups depending on the obesity parameters BMI (body mass index) and fat percentage (fat%), and the following IL-6 SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) were analyzed: rs1800795, rs1800796 and rs13306435. No relation was found between obesity parameters and IL-6 polymorphisms rs1800795, rs1800796 and rs13306435. It may be postulated that even if a genetic predisposition involves IL-6 genes, this effect in individuals with obesity of a low grade is minor, or can be avoided or at least markedly reduced by changes in lifestyle.
Genetic Characterization, Current Model Systems and Prognostic Stratification in PAX Fusion-Negative vs. PAX Fusion-Positive Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Dehner Carina A. , Armstrong Amy E. , Yohe Marielle , Shern Jack F. , Hirbe Angela C.
Published: September 2021

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents and accounts for approximately 2% of soft tissue sarcomas in adults. It is subcategorized into distinct subtypes based on histological features and fusion status (PAX-FOXO1/VGLL2/NCOA2). Despite advances in our understanding of the pathobiological and molecular landscape of RMS, the prognosis of these tumors has not significantly improved in recent years. Developing a better understanding of genetic abnormalities and risk stratification beyond the fusion status are crucial to developing better therapeutic strategies. Herein, we aim to highlight the genetic pathways/abnormalities involved, specifically in fusion-negative RMS, assess the currently available model systems to study RMS pathogenesis, and discuss available prognostic factors as well as their importance for risk stratification to achieve optimal therapeutic management.
Cancer Stem Cell Biomarkers Predictive of Radiotherapy Response in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mare Marzia , Colarossi Lorenzo , Veschi Veronica , Turdo Alice , Giuffrida Dario , Memeo Lorenzo , Stassi Giorgio , Colarossi Cristina
Published: September 2021

Background: Rectal cancer (RC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and particularly challenging tumours to treat due to its location in the pelvis and close proximity to critical genitourinary organs. Radiotherapy (RT) is recognised as a key component of therapeutic strategy to treat RC, promoting the downsizing and downstaging of large RCs in neoadjuvant settings, although its therapeutic effect is limited due to radioresistance. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies indicates that the likelihood of achieving local tumour control by RT depends on the complete eradication of cancer stem cells (CSC), a minority subset of tumour cells with stemness properties. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted by querying two scientific databases (Pubmed and Scopus). The search was restricted to papers published from 2009 to 2021. Results: After assessing the quality and the risk of bias, a total of 11 studies were selected as they mainly focused on biomarkers predictive of RT-response in CSCs isolated from patients affected by RC. Specifically these studies showed that elevated levels of CD133, CD44, ALDH1, Lgr5 and G9a are associated with RT-resistance and poor prognosis. Conclusions: This review aimed to provide an overview of the current scenario of in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the biomarkers predictive of RT-response in CSCs derived from RC patients.
Major Depressive Disorder and Lifestyle: Correlated Genetic Effects in Extended Twin Pedigrees
Authors: Huider Floris , Milaneschi Yuri , van der Zee Matthijs D. , de Geus Eco J. C. , Helmer Quinta , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, evidence has accumulated with regard to the ubiquity of pleiotropy across the genome, and shared genetic etiology is thought to play a large role in the widespread comorbidity among psychiatric disorders and risk factors. Recent methods investigate pleiotropy by estimating genetic correlation from genome-wide association summary statistics. More comprehensive estimates can be derived from the known relatedness between genetic relatives. Analysis of extended twin pedigree data allows for the estimation of genetic correlation for additive and non-additive genetic effects, as well as a shared household effect. Here we conduct a series of bivariate genetic analyses in extended twin pedigree data on lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) and three indicators of lifestyle, namely smoking behavior, physical inactivity, and obesity, decomposing phenotypic variance and covariance into genetic and environmental components. We analyze lifetime MDD and lifestyle data in a large multigenerational dataset of 19,496 individuals by variance component analysis in the ‘Mendel’ software. We find genetic correlations for MDD and smoking behavior (rG = 0.249), physical inactivity (rG = 0.161), body-mass index (rG = 0.081), and obesity (rG = 0.155), which were primarily driven by additive genetic effects. These outcomes provide evidence in favor of a shared genetic etiology between MDD and the lifestyle factors.
The Second Allele: A Key to Understanding the Timing of Sporadic and Hereditary Colorectal Tumorigenesis
Authors: Abbass Mohammed Ali , Leach Brandie , Church James Michael
Published: September 2021

Our understanding of the molecular basis of colorectal neoplasia is derived from Mendelian genetics, with tumor suppressor genes contributing more to the deregulation of growth than oncogenes. In patients with hereditary syndromes, expression of one allele of a key tumor suppressor gene is absent at birth. The loss of the expression of the second allele precipitates tumorigenesis. However, there are multiple ways in which the expression of the second allele of a tumor suppressor gene is lost. Here, we review these ways and their possible effect on phenotype.
Development of a Quantitative FMRP Assay for Mouse Tissue Applications
Authors: Adayev Tatyana , LaFauci Giuseppe , Xu Weimin , Dobkin Carl , Kascsak Richard , Brown W. Ted , Goodman Jeffrey H.
Published: September 2021

Fragile X syndrome results from the absence of the FMR1 gene product—Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Fragile X animal research has lacked a reliable method to quantify FMRP. We report the development of an array of FMRP-specific monoclonal antibodies and their application for quantitative assessment of FMRP (qFMRPm) in mouse tissue. To characterize the assay, we determined the normal variability of FMRP expression in four brain structures of six different mouse strains at seven weeks of age. There was a hierarchy of FMRP expression: neocortex > hippocampus > cerebellum > brainstem. The expression of FMRP was highest and least variable in the neocortex, whereas it was most variable in the hippocampus. Male C57Bl/6J and FVB mice were selected to determine FMRP developmental differences in the brain at 3, 7, 10, and 14 weeks of age. We examined the four structures and found a developmental decline in FMRP expression with age, except for the brainstem where it remained stable. qFMRPm assay of blood had highest values in 3 week old animals and dropped by 2.5-fold with age. Sex differences were not significant. The results establish qFMRPm as a valuable tool due to its ease of methodology, cost effectiveness, and accuracy.
Fanconi Anaemia, Childhood Cancer and the BRCA Genes
Authors: Woodward Emma R. , Meyer Stefan
Published: September 2021

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an inherited chromosomal instability disorder characterised by congenital and developmental abnormalities and a strong cancer predisposition. In less than 5% of cases FA can be caused by bi-allelic pathogenic variants (PGVs) in BRCA2/FANCD1 and in very rare cases by bi-allelic PGVs in BRCA1/FANCS. The rarity of FA-like presentation due to PGVs in BRCA2 and even more due to PGVs in BRCA1 supports a fundamental role of the encoded proteins for normal development and prevention of malignant transformation. While FA caused by BRCA1/2 PGVs is strongly associated with distinct spectra of embryonal childhood cancers and AML with BRCA2-PGVs, and also early epithelial cancers with BRCA1 PGVs, germline variants in the BRCA1/2 genes have also been identified in non-FA childhood malignancies, and thereby implying the possibility of a role of BRCA PGVs also for non-syndromic cancer predisposition in children. We provide a concise review of aspects of the clinical and genetic features of BRCA1/2-associated FA with a focus on associated malignancies, and review novel aspects of the role of germline BRCA2 and BRCA1 PGVs occurring in non-FA childhood cancer and discuss aspects of clinical and biological implications.
Characterization of a Missense Mutation in the Catalytic Domain and a Splicing Mutation of Coagulation Factor X Compound Heterozygous in a Chinese Pedigree
Authors: Feng Yuanzheng , Ma Jiewen , Tang Liang , Lin Wenyi , Tao Yanyi , Cheng Zhipeng , Hu Yu
Published: September 2021

Background: Congenital coagulation factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with an incidence of one in one million caused by mutations in the FX-coding gene(F10), leading to abnormal coagulation activity and a tendency for severe hemorrhage. Therefore, identifying mutations in FX is important for diagnosing congenital FX deficiency. Results: Genetic analysis of the proband identified two single-base substitutions: c.794T > C: p.Ile265Thr and c.865 + 5G > A: IVS7 + 5G > A. His FX activity and antigen levels were < 1% and 49.7%, respectively; aPTT and PT were prolonged to 65.3 and 80.5 s, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the two novel variants to be pathogenic. In-vitro expression study of the missense mutation c.794T > C: p.Ile265Thr showed normal synthesis and secretion. Activation of FXs by RVV, FVII/TF, and FVIII/FIX all showed no obvious difference between the variant and the reference. However, clotting activity by PT and aPTT assays and activity of thrombin generation in a TGA assay all indicated reduced activity of the mutant FX-Ile265Thr compared to FX-WT. Minigene assay showed a normal splicing mode c.865 + 5G > A: IVS7 + 5G > A, which is inconsistent with clinical phenotype. Conclusions: The heterozygous variants c.794T > C: p.Ile265Thr or c.865 + 5G > A: IVS7 + 5G > A indicate mild FX deficiency, but the compound heterozygous mutation of the two causes severe congenital FX deficiency. Genetic analysis of these two mutations may help characterize the bleeding tendency and confirm congenital FX deficiency. In-vitro expression and functional study showed that the low activity of the mutant FX-Ile265Thr is caused by decrease in its enzyme activity rather than self-activation. The minigene assay help us explore possible mechanisms of the splicing mutation. However, more in-depth mechanism research is needed in the future.
Non-Preferred Work and the Incidence of Spinal Pain and Psychological Distress—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Skillgate Eva , Isacson Hjortzberg My , Strömwall Petra , Hallqvist Johan , Onell Clara , Holm Lena W. , Bohman Tony
Published: September 2021

Mental illness and psychological distress are global concerns. This study aimed to investigate the association between having non-preferred work and the incidence of spinal pain, psychological distress, and spinal pain with concurrent psychological distress, and if associations are modified by sleep disturbance. A prospective study of 4285 participants 23–62 years old was conducted, from years 2007 to 2010. Participants reported their work situation as preferred/non-preferred regarding profession/workplace with a high/low possibility to change. Psychological distress was measured with the General Health Questionnaire 12 and spinal pain with questions about neck/back pain. Binominal regression analyses calculated relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Non-preferred work with a low possibility to change was associated with a higher incidence of spinal pain (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.6) and psychological distress (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.4–2.4) compared to preferred work. The RR was 1.4 (95% CI 0.9–2.1) for spinal pain and 1.3 (95% CI 1.0–1.7) for psychological distress among those with a high possibility to change. Non-preferred work yielded a higher incidence of spinal pain with concurrent psychological distress (RR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0–3.7). Sleep disturbance did not modify associations. A replication based on newer data is needed to confirm the results. In conclusion, non-preferred work is associated with a higher incidence of spinal pain and psychological distress, especially if the possibility to change job is low.
Displacement of Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Groups after the Installation of Stormwater Control Measures (i.e., Green Infrastructure): A Case Study of Washington, DC
Authors: Chan Alisha Yee , Son Ji-Young , Bell Michelle Lee
Published: September 2021

Stormwater control measures (SCMs) (i.e., green infrastructure) are advantageous methods of stormwater management. However, studies suggest that urban greening may be associated with gentrification, displacing racially/ethnically minoritized groups due to increased housing costs and loss of feelings of belonging. We studied displacement of racially/ethnically minoritized groups after SCM installation in Washington, DC. We compared the change in percentage of persons in racial/ethnic groups at the Census block group level with varying levels of SCM installation (i.e., area-weighted SCM count at 300 m buffer). We stratified findings by SCM type, pre-installation income, and SCM size. DC installed a higher density of SCMs in areas with a higher percentage of Black and/or Hispanic/Latino residents. Nonetheless, findings suggest SCM installation is associated with displacement of Black residents. The percentage of residents who are Black decreased by 2.2% [95% Confidence Interval: 1.7, 2.7] and 4.1% [95% Confidence Interval: 3.4, 4.8] after low and high levels of SCM installation, respectively. In turn, the change in percentage of residents who are White increased with increasing levels of SCM installation. Compared to ecological studies on SCMs, studies about social impacts are scarce. This research intends to help optimize SCM installations so more residents can enjoy their health, economic, and ecological benefits.
Recommendations for Safe Dental Care: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Deana Naira Figueiredo , Seiffert Andrea , Aravena-Rivas Yanela , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Muñoz-Millán Patricia , Espinoza-Espinoza Gerardo , Pineda Patricia , Zaror Carlos
Published: September 2021

In the context of a pandemic, the rapid development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is critical to guide dental staff towards the safe provision of dental care; detailed knowledge of the recommendations will help to achieve the intended results. We carried out a systematic review of the recommendations in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on the provision of dental care issued during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic database search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Epistemonikos, and Trip databases to identify documents with recommendations intended to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during dental care. The selection process and data extraction were carried out by two researchers independently. The majority of CPGs recommended the use of rubber dam, high-volume evacuator, mouthwash prior to dental care, four-handed work, and mechanical barriers. The use of aerosol-generating equipment should be avoided whenever possible. In aerosol-generating procedures, the use of a N95 respirator (or similar) is recommended, in addition to a face protector, an impermeable disposable apron/gown, a cap, and gloves. The CPGs developed during the first year of the pandemic offer recommendations which guide dental staff in providing safe dental care, minimizing exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection in the clinical environment. Such recommendations must, however, be updated as new evidence arises.
Epidemiological Study of Violence against Children and Its Increase during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: de Oliveira Stela Maria Tavolieri , Galdeano Ewerton Alexandre , da Trindade Evelynne Maria Gomes Galvão , Fernandez Rafael Saad , Buchaim Rogerio Leone , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , da Cunha Marcelo Rodrigues , Passos Saulo Duarte
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological profiles of violence against children, victims, and their aggressors, and their correlations between socioeconomic and demographic factors analyzed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective observational study based on a review of Individual Notification Forms from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, including child victims of violence, under 18 years, assisted by a pediatric emergency service in Brazil, from 2016–2020. Data were stratified, then statistical analysis was performed using the two-proportion equality test and the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. A total of 609 notifications were analyzed and a prevalence of sexual violence (63.2%) was reported. The prevalent profile of victim was female (76.7%), aged between 2–9 years (38.1%) and 14–18 years (35.6%). The violence occurs in the victim’s home (58.9%). The prevalent profile of perpetrator was male (82.4%), young adolescent (59.2%), living as family (64%), mainly the parents (18.4%). No correlation was found between the classified socioeconomic and demographic variables and violence. There was an increase in notifications during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to the same period in the previous year; self-harm was reported in 59.7% of physical violence in 2020. Prevalence of sexual violence was higher for females, aged between 2–9 and 14–18 years, victimized in their homes, by male offenders, living as family, mainly by their parents. No association was found between child violence and the socioeconomic and demographic.
Factors Associated with E-Cigarette Escalation among High School Students: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Short Michael , Cole Adam Geoffrey
Published: September 2021

Background: E-cigarette use has been identified as a behaviour of concern among adolescents, and ever and daily use among this population has increased recently. The purpose of this review was to summarize the relevant studies investigating the frequency and intensity of e-cigarette use in adolescents and the factors associated with these patterns of use. Methods: A scoping search of two databases was conducted to identify longitudinal studies examining escalating e-cigarette use among adolescents. Escalating e-cigarette use could refer to an increasing frequency or intensity of use over time. Articles were screened for relevance. Studies that met inclusion criteria were included for synthesis. Results: Five articles were included for synthesis. All five articles were longitudinal studies taking place in the United States between 2013 and 2017. Age, gender, cost of e-cigarettes, use of cigarettes, polysubstance use, and e-liquid nicotine concentration were associated with escalation of e-cigarette use. Conclusions: A paucity of information exists regarding the escalation of e-cigarette use among adolescents. Given the changing popularity of devices, additional updated evidence is needed to understand the factors associated with the escalation of e-cigarette use among adolescents, which can be used to inform local and national programs and policies.
Vulnerability of Evacuees Having No One to Consult after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Horikoshi Naoko , Maeda Masaharu , Harigane Mayumi , Iwasa Hajime , Murakami Michio , Momoi Maho , Goto Saori , Yasumura Seiji
Published: September 2021

After the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, some evacuees had no one to consult despite many local care providers offering assistance. This study identified the characteristics of individuals who did not receive consultations and the relevant determinants, and proposed the available measures to address this issue. Altogether, 32,699 participants aged 16 years or older and residing in the disaster area at Fukushima were surveyed. Those with no one to consult showed a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress (16.2%, p < 0.001) and drinking problems (21.5%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that these behaviors were associated with the middle age group (i.e., 40–64 years old) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.46), men (OR = 2.46; 95% CI, 2.27–2.66), bad financial circumstances (OR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.96–2.27), and living alone (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.39–1.68). This research verifies that people with such characteristics were more likely to be isolated and vulnerable to psychiatric problems, such as depression. We suggest that it is integral for local care providers to recognize those who have no one to consult and provide targeted support.
Teens’ Social Media Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Time Series Examination of Posting and Emotion on Reddit
Authors: Zhang Saijun , Liu Meirong , Li Yeefay , Chung Jae Eun
Published: September 2021

Research has rarely examined how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect teens’ social media engagement and psychological wellbeing, and even less research has compared the difference between teens with and without mental health concerns. We collected and analyzed weekly data from January to December 2020 from teens in four Reddit communities (subreddits), including teens in r/Teenagers and teens who participated in three mental health subreddits (r/Depression, r/Anxiety, and r/SuicideWatch). The results showed that teens’ weekly subreddit participation, posting/commenting frequency, and emotion expression were related to significant pandemic events. Teen Redditors on r/Teenagers had a higher posting/commenting frequency but lower negative emotion than teen Redditors on the three mental health subreddits. When comparing posts/comments on r/Teenagers, teens who ever visited one of the three mental health subreddits posted/commented twice as frequently as teens who did not, but their emotion expression was similar. The results from the Interrupted Time Series Analysis (ITSA) indicated that both teens with and without mental health concerns reversed the trend in posting frequency and negative emotion from declining to increasing right after the pandemic outbreak, and teens with mental health concerns had a more rapidly increasing trend in posting/commenting. The findings suggest that teens’ social media engagement and emotion expression reflect the pandemic evolution. Teens with mental health concerns are more likely to reveal their emotions on specialized mental health subreddits rather than on the general r/Teenagers subreddit. In addition, the findings indicated that teens with mental health concerns had a strong social interaction desire that various barriers in the real world may inhibit. The findings call for more attention to understand the pandemic’s influence on teens by monitoring and analyzing social media data and offering adequate support to teens regarding their mental health wellbeing.
Identifying and Addressing the Underlying Core Problems in Healthcare Environments: An Illustration Using an Emergency Department Game
Authors: Bacelar-Silva Gustavo M. , Cox James F. , Baptista Humberto R. , Rodrigues Pedro Pereira
Published: September 2021

The emergency department (ED) crowding is a critical healthcare issue worldwide that leads to long waits and poorer healthcare outcomes. Goldratt’s theory of constraints (TOC) has been used effectively to improve such problematic environments for more than three decades. While most TOC solutions are simple, with many viewing them as purely common sense, they represent paradigm shifts in how to manage complex, uncertain, and silo environments. Goldratt used a simple dice game with a straight flow (I-shape) to illustrate the impact of dependent resources and statistical fluctuations in managing resources. Additionally, games help to overcome resistance to change and gain ownership by having participants develop their solutions. This new cooperative game illustrates an ED environment where patients may follow different care pathways according to their clinical needs, timeliness of care is measured in minutes, the demand is highly uncertain, and treatment must frequently start almost immediately. A Monte Carlo simulation validated the TOC solution to this ED game, achieving results similar to the real TOC’s implementations. Moreover, this article provides a thorough process to Socratically introduce TOC to healthcare professionals and others to recognize that the EDs’ (like other healthcare systems’) core problem is the traditional approach to managing them.
Comparison of Cyberbullying before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea
Authors: Shin So Young , Choi Yeon-Jun
Published: September 2021

Because of the implementation of social distancing measures following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face interaction has plummeted, which has resulted in the prolific use of social networking services (SNS) and increased activity in the cyberspace environment. This is especially true for teenagers and young adults with the shift to online classes in the education sector, which has increased the chances of being exposed to cyberbullying. This study attempts to determine a strategy for counteracting cyberbullying in the post-COVID-19 era by identifying the factors that have contributed toward greater aggression by adolescents in South Korea in 2020 when the spread of COVID-19 was at its height. To achieve this, we employed the Cyberbullying Circumstance Analysis dataset from the Korea Communications Commission for the time frame of between 2019 and 2020, with 4779 and 4958 participants, respectively. The causes and effects that led to cyberbullying were investigated using binary logistic regression analysis. By reviewing the research data targeted towards Korean adolescents, our analysis found that the average age of those who engage in cyberbullying decreased in 2020 compared to 2019. In addition, cyberbullying awareness at school and the school’s capability of controlling it influenced the number of cyberbullies from a statistical grounding, which could be found only in the 2020 dataset. An approach to establishing policies in schools to contain preemptive measures and increase cyberbullying awareness has been proposed to prevent such mishaps in the post-COVID-19 era.
Effects of Maximal Effort Running on Special Agents’ Loaded and Unloaded Drop Jump Performance and Mechanics
Authors: Merrigan Justin J.
Published: September 2021

The purpose was to investigate the effect of load and fatigue on landing forces and mechanics. Thirteen Department of State special agents first completed drop jump testing, a maximal treadmill test, and another round of drop jump testing. During drop jump testing, agents performed 3 maximal effort drop jumps from 30 cm with body mass only (unloaded) or a 15 kg weight-vest (loaded). A force plate was used to collect force–time data, while two laptops were placed 3 m from the force plate from frontal and sagittal planes. Two-way analyses of variance were used to analyze the effect of load and fatigue on landing forces and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) with alpha of p < 0.05. Dropping from 30 cm with 15 kg resulted in greater landing impulse, which was driven by increases in contact time. The loaded condition also resulted in lower jump height and reactive strength indexes. After the maximal graded treadmill test there were no further changes in drop jump ground reaction forces or performance. However, relative aerobic capacity was related to impulse changes following the treadmill test in unloaded (R2 = 0.41; p = 0.018) and loaded conditions (R2 = 0.32; p = 0.044). External loads of 15 kg increased impulse and contact time and resultantly decreased drop jump height and reactive strength indexes. It is encouraged that training protocols be aimed to concomitantly improve aerobic capacity and lower body power. Plyometric training with progressive overloading using external loads may be helpful, but further research is warranted.
An Assessment of Health Outcomes and Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Women of Childbearing Age and Their Children under 2 Years Old
Authors: Kempton Joeseph William , Périssé André Reynaldo Santos , Hofer Cristina Barroso , de Vasconcellos Ana Claudia Santiago , de Sousa Viana Paulo Victor , de Oliveira Lima Marcelo , de Jesus Iracina Maura , de Souza Hacon Sandra , Basta Paulo Cesar
Published: September 2021

In line with the 1000-day initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, we present a cross-sectional analysis of maternal health, infant nutrition, and methylmercury exposure within hard-to-reach indigenous communities in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. We collected data from all women of childbearing age (i.e., 12–49) and their infants under two years old in three Munduruku communities (Sawré Muybu, Sawré Aboy, and Poxo Muybu) along the Tapajos River. We explored health outcomes through interviews, vaccine coverage and clinical assessment, and determined baseline hair methylmercury (H-Hg) levels. Hemoglobin, infant growth (Anthropometric Z scores) and neurodevelopment tests results were collected. We found that 62% of women of childbearing age exceeded the reference limit of 6.0 μg/g H-Hg (median = 7.115, IQR = 4.678), with the worst affected community (Sawré Aboy) registering an average H-Hg concentration of 12.67 μg/g. Half of infants aged under 24 months presented with anemia. Three of 16 (18.8%) infants presented H-Hg levels above 6.0 µg/g (median: 3.88; IQR = 3.05). Four of the 16 infants were found to be stunted and 38% of women overweight, evidencing possible nutritional transition. No infant presented with appropriate vaccination coverage for their age. These communities presented with an estimated Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 86.7/1000 live births. The highest H-Hg level (19.6 µg/g) was recorded in an 11-month-old girl who was found to have gross motor delay and anemia. This already vulnerable indigenous Munduruku community presents with undernutrition and a high prevalence of chronic methylmercury exposure in women of childbearing age. This dual public health crisis in the context of wider health inequalities has the potential to compromise the development, health and survival of the developing fetus and infant in the first two critical years of life. We encourage culturally sensitive intervention and further research to focus efforts.
Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics in Microbial Communities from Spontaneous Fermented Foods
Authors: Alekseeva Anna Y. , Groenenboom Anneloes E. , Smid Eddy J. , Schoustra Sijmen E.
Published: September 2021

Eco-evolutionary forces are the key drivers of ecosystem biodiversity dynamics. This resulted in a large body of theory, which has partially been experimentally tested by mimicking evolutionary processes in the laboratory. In the first part of this perspective, we outline what model systems are used for experimental testing of eco-evolutionary processes, ranging from simple microbial combinations and, more recently, to complex natural communities. Microbial communities of spontaneous fermented foods are a promising model system to study eco-evolutionary dynamics. They combine the complexity of a natural community with extensive knowledge about community members and the ease of manipulating the system in a laboratory setup. Due to rapidly developing sequencing techniques and meta-omics approaches incorporating data in building ecosystem models, the diversity in these communities can be analysed with relative ease while hypotheses developed in simple systems can be tested. Here, we highlight several eco-evolutionary questions that are addressed using microbial communities from fermented foods. These questions relate to analysing species frequencies in space and time, the diversity-stability relationship, niche space and community coalescence. We provide several hypotheses of the influence of these factors on community evolution specifying the experimental setup of studies where microbial communities of spontaneous fermented food are used.
Do Foreign Investors Affect Carbon Emission Disclosure? Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Kim Eunsoo , Kim Suyon , Lee Jaehong
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between foreign investors and voluntary disclosure. Focusing on voluntary disclosure of carbon emissions information and using South Korean firms from 2014 to 2019, we found that foreign investors are likely to voluntarily release information on carbon emissions. Thus, foreign investors play a role in controlling the information gap in a capital market. We also discuss the effect of environmental, social, and governance activities on the relationship between foreign investors and voluntary disclosure. We infer that the analysis result shows that foreign investors motivate firms to improve the environment to prepare for future environmental risks. Our study also suggests solving environmental problems actively, such as responding to climate change, by presenting a direction for policymaking on sustainable management.
Short-Term Effectiveness of the Youth Gambling Prevention Program “Who Really Wins?”—Results from the First National Implementation
Authors: Dodig Hundric Dora , Mandic Sabina , Ricijas Neven
Published: September 2021

As a response to significant adolescent gambling involvement, a Croatian team of researchers and practitioners developed a universal, comprehensive, evidence-based youth gambling prevention program called “Who Really Wins?”. This study presents the results on its short-term effectiveness following the first national implementation in 18 Croatian cities, with a total of 629 high school students (66.5% male) who completed the program. A design with two measurement sessions (pre-test and post-test) was used to explore the short-term effects of the program on gambling-related knowledge and cognition, frequency of gambling, and various socio-emotional skills. The results showed significant effects when it comes to knowledge, cognitive distortions, and the frequency of sports betting and playing lottery games. Furthermore, the program had no harmful effects on any of the measured variables. The results are interpreted in terms of methodological challenges in measuring effects, possible improvements of the program, and implications for future evaluation research.
Association between the Concentrations of Metallic Elements in Maternal Blood during Pregnancy and Prevalence of Abdominal Congenital Malformations: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Miyashita Chihiro , Saijo Yasuaki , Ito Yoshiya , Ikeda-Araki Atsuko , Itoh Sachiko , Yamazaki Keiko , Kobayashi Sumitaka , Ait Bamai Yu , Masuda Hideyuki , Tamura Naomi , Itoh Mariko , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Yamazaki Shin , Kishi Reiko ,   The Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: September 2021

Abdominal congenital malformations are responsible for early mortality, inadequate nutrient intake, and infant biological dysfunction. Exposure to metallic elements in utero is reported to be toxic and negatively impacts ontogeny. However, no prior study has sufficiently evaluated the effects of exposure to metallic elements in utero on abdominal congenital malformations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between metallic elements detected in maternal blood during pregnancy and congenital abdominal malformations. Data from participants in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study was used in the present study, and contained information on singleton and live birth infants without congenital abnormalities (control: n = 89,134) and abdominal malformations (case: n = 139). Heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and trace elements of manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) were detected in maternal serum samples during mid- and late-gestation. Infant congenital abnormalities were identified from delivery records at birth or one month after birth by medical doctors. In a multivariate analysis adjusted to account for potential confounders, quartiles of heavy metals and trace elements present in maternal blood were not statistically correlated to the prevalence of abdominal congenital malformations at birth. This study is the first to reveal the absence of significant associations between exposure levels to maternal heavy metals and trace elements in utero and the prevalence of abdominal congenital malformations in a large cohort of the Japanese population. Further studies are necessary to investigate the impact of exposure to heavy metals and trace elements via maternal blood in offspring after birth.