bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SDS-PAGE Protein and HPTLC Polyphenols Profiling as a Promising Tool for Authentication of Goldenrod Honey
Authors: Dżugan Małgorzata , Miłek Michał , Kielar Patrycja , Stępień Karolina , Sidor Ewelina , Bocian Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to use protein and polyphenolic profiles as fingerprints of goldenrod honey and to apply them for verification of the labeled variety. The markers for 10 honey samples were correlated with the standard physicochemical parameters and biological activity measured in vitro as antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial activities. Honey proteins were examined regarding soluble protein, diastase and SDS-PAGE protein profile. The polyphenolic profile was obtained with the use of the HPTLC and the antioxidant activity was detected with standard colorimetric methods. The antimicrobial effect of representative honey samples of different chemical profiles was verified against E. coli and budding yeast. It was found that the SDS-PAGE technique allows for creating the protein fingerprint of the goldenrod honey variety which was consistent for 70% of tested samples. At the same time, the similarity of their polyphenolic profile was observed. Moreover, specific chemical composition resulted in higher bioactivity of honey against tested bacteria and yeast. The study confirmed the usefulness of both SDS-PAGE and HPTLC techniques in honey authentication, as an initial step for selection of samples which required pollen analysis.
Development of a Novel Rice-Based Snack Enriched with Chicory Root: Physicochemical and Sensory Properties
Authors: Bokić Jelena , Kojić Jovana , Krulj Jelena , Pezo Lato , Banjac Vojislav , Škrobot Dubravka , Tumbas Šaponjac Vesna , Vidosavljević Strahinja , Stojkov Viktor , Ilić Nebojša , Bodroža-Solarov Marija
Published: August 2022

A novel rice-based snack enriched with chicory root flour (CRF) was developed by twin-screw extrusion. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is one of the promising medicinal plants for the development of innovative food and may be considered a functional food ingredient. Central composite design (CCD) was employed to generate snack formulations by varying feed moisture (M, 16.3–22.5%), screw speed (SS, 500–900 rpm) and CRF content (20–40%). The optimization according to artificial neural network modeling and a genetic algorithm was applied to define optimal process conditions (17.6% moisture, 820 rpm and 24.1% of CRF) for obtaining the product with the highest expansion (3.34), crispiness (3.22 × 10−3), volume (2040 m3), degree of gelatinization (69.70%) and good color properties. Bulk density (110.33 g/L), density (250 kg/m3), and hardness (98.74 N) resulted in low values for the optimal sample. The descriptive sensory analysis evaluated low hardness and bitterness, with high crispiness for the optimal extrudate. This study points to the possibility of a novel chicory enriched extrudate production with desirable physicochemical and sensory properties.
Effects of High-Voltage Atmospheric Cold Plasma Treatment on Microbiological and Quality Characters of Tilapia Fillets
Authors: Wang Jiamei , Fu Tengfei , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Jianhao
Published: August 2022

Cold plasma (CP) has become an alternative to conventional thermal processing of food products. In this study, the effect of cold plasma treatment time on the inactivation and quality of tilapia fillets was investigated. The surfaces of tilapia fillets were inoculated with Salmonella enteritis (S. enteritis), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), and a mixture of both before being treated with cold plasma at 70 kV for 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 s. With the extension of treatment time, the number of colonies on the surface of the fillets decreased gradually; after 300 s of cold plasma treatment, S. enteritis and L. monocytogenes populations were reduced by 2.34 log CFU/g and 1.69 log CFU/g, respectively, and the a* value and immobile water content decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while the free water content increased significantly (p < 0.05). TBARS value increased significantly (p < 0.05) to 1.83 mg MDA/kg for 300 s treatment. The carbonyl value and sulfhydryl value of sarcoplasmic protein significantly (p < 0.05) increased and decreased, respectively, as treatment time extension, while no significant changes were found in myofibrillar protein. No significant differences were observed in pH, b* value, elasticity, chewiness, thiol value, and TVB-N value. The results showed that cold plasma had an inactivation effect on tilapia fillets and could preserve their original safety indicators. It was concluded that CP treatment could be used as an effective non-thermal method to maintain the quality of tilapia fillets and extend their shelf-life.
UPolySeg: A U-Net-Based Polyp Segmentation Network Using Colonoscopy Images
Authors: Mohapatra Subhashree , Pati Girish Kumar , Mishra Manohar , Swarnkar Tripti
Published: August 2022

Colonoscopy is a gold standard procedure for tracking the lower gastrointestinal region. A colorectal polyp is one such condition that is detected through colonoscopy. Even though technical advancements have improved the early detection of colorectal polyps, there is still a high percentage of misses due to various factors. Polyp segmentation can play a significant role in the detection of polyps at the early stage and can thus help reduce the severity of the disease. In this work, the authors implemented several image pre-processing techniques such as coherence transport and contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) to handle different challenges in colonoscopy images. The processed image was then segmented into a polyp and normal pixel using a U-Net-based deep learning segmentation model named UPolySeg. The main framework of UPolySeg has an encoder–decoder section with feature concatenation in the same layer as the encoder–decoder along with the use of dilated convolution. The model was experimentally verified using the publicly available Kvasir-SEG dataset, which gives a global accuracy of 96.77%, a dice coefficient of 96.86%, an IoU of 87.91%, a recall of 95.57%, and a precision of 92.29%. The new framework for the polyp segmentation implementing UPolySeg improved the performance by 1.93% compared with prior work.
Genetic Parameters and Genomic Regions Underlying Growth and Linear Type Traits in Akkaraman Sheep
Authors: Kizilaslan Mehmet , Arzik Yunus , White Stephen N. , Piel Lindsay M. W. , Cinar Mehmet Ulas
Published: August 2022

In the current study, the genetic architecture of growth and linear type traits were investigated in Akkaraman sheep. Estimations of genomic heritability, genetic correlations, and phenotypic correlations were implemented for 17 growth and linear type traits of 473 Akkaraman lambs by the univariate and multivariate analysis of animal mixed models. Correspondingly, moderate heritability estimates, as well as high and positive genetic/phenotypic correlations were found between growth and type traits. On the other hand, 2 genome-wide and 19 chromosome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be associated with the traits as a result of animal mixed model-based genome-wide association analyses. Accordingly, we propose several genes located on different chromosomes (e.g., PRDM2, PTGDR, PTPRG, KCND2, ZNF260, CPE, GRID2, SCD5, SPIDR, ZNF407, HCN3, TMEM50A, FKBP1A, TLE4, SP1, SLC44A1, and MYOM3) as putative quantitative trait loci for the 22 growth and linear type traits studied. In our study, specific genes (e.g., TLE4, PTGDR, and SCD5) were found common between the traits studied, suggesting an interplay between the genetic backgrounds of these traits. The fact that four of the proposed genes (TLE4, MYOM3, SLC44A1, and TMEM50A) are located on sheep chromosome 2 confirms the importance of these genomic regions for growth and morphological structure in sheep. The results of our study are therefore of great importance for the development of efficient selection indices and marker-assisted selection programs, as well as for the understanding of the genetic architecture of growth and linear traits in sheep.
New Insight into the Genome-Wide Diversity and Admixture of Six Colombian Sheep Populations
Authors: Revelo Herman Alberto , Landi Vincenzo , López-Alvarez Diana , Palacios Yineth Alexandra , Paiva Samuel R. , McManus Concepta , Ciani Elena , Alvarez Luz Ángela
Published: August 2022

Creole sheep represent a strategic genetic resource for populations living in marginal areas under financial restrictions on the American continent. Six Colombian sheep breeds (two wool (BCL-Boyacá and NCL-Nariño, 12 and 14 samples) and four hair (OPCE-Ethiopian, 54 samples; OPCS-Sudan, 74 samples; OPCP-Pelibeuy, 59 samples; OPCW-Wayúu, 24 samples) were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. Data was also included from international 44 breeds from International Sheep Genomics Consortium (ISGC) and from data published in previous a previous work on the Caribbean and African breeds. Although geographically separated, wool (NCL, BCL) and hair types (OPCE, OPCS, OPCW) presented little genetic differentiation (FST 0.05) at a global level but several groups of animals separated suggesting local clustering due to geographical isolation. The OPCP underwent a recent crossing with Mexican Pelibuey, explaining its differentiation. Findings in this work such as the proximity to West African Djallonké (WAD) and Barbados Black Belly (BBB), suggest different introductions of African type animals from the Caribbean region on a pre-existing genetic basis formed by animals deriving from the first importations coming from Europe in colonial times. As expected, Colombian wool breeds showed, in particular in Admixture software results, a greater genomic component in common with European breeds and in particular with Iberian ones (Churra). This study provides a basis for future research into the genetic diversity within and between the Colombian sheep breeds analysed, and scientific data for policy decisions on Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR).
Transcriptome Profile of a New Mouse Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14 Implies Changes in Cerebellar Development
Authors: Mezey Szilvia E. , Kapfhammer Josef P. , Shimobayashi Etsuko
Published: August 2022

The autosomal dominant inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cerebellar atrophy and loss of Purkinje neurons. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14) is a rare variant of SCAs caused by missense mutations or deletions in the PRKCG gene encoding the protein kinase C γ (PKCγ). Although mutated PKCγs are responsible for SCA14, it is still unclear exactly how mutated PKCγs are involved in SCA14 pathogenesis. Therefore, it is important to study how PKCγ signaling is altered in the cerebellum, which genes or signaling pathways are affected, and how this leads to neurological disease. In this study, we used a mouse line carrying a knock-in pseudo-substrate domain mutation in PKCγ (PKCγ-A24E) as an SCA14 model and performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis at an early developmental timepoint (postnatal day 15) to investigate changes in the gene profile compared to wildtype mice. We analyzed both heterozygous (Het) PKCγ-A24E mice and homozygous (Homo) PKCγ-A24E mice for transcriptomic changes. The Het PKCγ-A24E mice reflects the situation observed in human SCA14 patient, while Homo PKCγ-A24E mice display stronger phenotypes with respect to Purkinje cell development and behavior. Our findings highlight an abundance of modifications affecting genes involved in developmental processes, suggesting that at least a part of the final phenotype is shaped by altered cerebellar development and is not only caused by changes in mature animals.
Variations in Fibrinogen-like 1 (FGL1) Gene Locus as a Genetic Marker Related to Fat Deposition Based on Pig Model and Liver RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Piórkowska Katarzyna , Żukowski Kacper , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Tyra Mirosław
Published: August 2022

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of mutations in the FGL1 gene associated with pig productive traits to enrich the genetic marker pool for further selection and to support the studies on FGL1 in the context of the fat deposition (FD) process. The variant calling and χ2 analyses of liver RNA-seq data were used to indicate genetic markers. FGL1 mutations were genotyped in the Złotnicka White (n = 72), Polish Large White (n = 208), Duroc (n = 72), Polish Landrace (PL) (n = 292), and Puławska (n = 178) pig breeds. An association study was performed using a general linear model (GLM) implemented in SAS® software. More than 50 crucial mutations were identified in the FGL1 gene. The association study showed a significant effect of the FGL1 on intramuscular fat (IMF), loin eye area, backfat thickness at the lumbar, ham mass (p = 0.0374), meat percentage (p = 0.0205), and loin fat (p = 0.0003). Alternate homozygotes and heterozygotes were found in the PL and Duroc, confirming the selective potential for these populations. Our study supports the theory that liver FGL1 is involved in the FD process. Moreover, since fat is the major determinant of flavor development in meat, the FGL1 rs340465447_A allele can be used as a target in pig selection focused on elevated fat levels.
Phenotypic and Genetic Characteristics in a Cohort of Patients with Usher Genes
Authors: Feenstra Helena M. , Al-Khuzaei Saoud , Shah Mital , Broadgate Suzanne , Shanks Morag , Kamath Archith , Yu Jing , Jolly Jasleen K. , MacLaren Robert E. , Clouston Penny , Halford Stephanie , Downes Susan M.
Published: August 2022

Background: This study aimed to compare phenotype–genotype correlation in patients with Usher syndrome (USH) to those with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (NS-ARRP) caused by genes associated with Usher syndrome. Methods: Case notes of patients with USH or NS-ARRP and a molecularly confirmed diagnosis in genes associated with Usher syndrome were reviewed. Phenotypic information, including the age of ocular symptoms, hearing impairment, visual acuity, Goldmann visual fields, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, was reviewed. The patients were divided into three genotype groups based on variant severity for genotype-phenotype correlations. Results: 39 patients with Usher syndrome and 33 patients with NS-ARRP and a molecular diagnosis in an Usher syndrome-related gene were identified. In the 39 patients diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a molecular diagnosis was confirmed as follows: USH2A (28), MYO7A (4), CDH23 (2), USH1C (2), GPR98/VLGR1 (2) and PCDH15 (1). All 33 patients with NS-ARRP had variants in USH2A. Further analysis was performed on the patients with USH2A variants. USH2A patients with syndromic features had an earlier mean age of symptom onset (17.9 vs. 31.7 years, p < 0.001), had more advanced changes on FAF imaging (p = 0.040) and were more likely to have cystoid macular oedema (p = 0.021) when compared to USH2A patients presenting with non-syndromic NS-ARRP. Self-reported late-onset hearing loss was identified in 33.3% of patients with NS-ARRP. Having a syndromic phenotype was associated with more severe USH2A variants (p < 0.001). Eighteen novel variants in genes associated with Usher syndrome were identified in this cohort. Conclusions: Patients with Usher syndrome, whatever the associated gene in this cohort, tended to have an earlier onset of retinal disease (other than GPR98/VLGR1) when compared to patients presenting with NS-ARRP. Analysis of genetic variants in USH2A, the commonest gene in our cohort, showed that patients with a more severe genotype were more likely to be diagnosed with USH compared to NS-ARRP. USH2A patients with syndromic features have an earlier onset of symptoms and more severe features on FAF and OCT imaging. However, a third of patients diagnosed with NS-ARRP developed later onset hearing loss. Eighteen novel variants in genes associated with Usher syndrome were identified in this cohort, thus expanding the genetic spectrum of known pathogenic variants. An accurate molecular diagnosis is important for diagnosis and prognosis and has become particularly relevant with the advent of potential therapies for Usher-related gene
Geospatial Assessment of Karst Spring Water Quality in Northeast Tennessee, USA
Authors: Fashina Lukman , Luffman Ingrid , Joyner T. Andrew , Nandi Arpita
Published: August 2022

Karst springs are an essential source of private water supply for about 10% of households in Tennessee. However, the water quality of these springs is unmonitored and unregulated even though many springs are highly productive yet vulnerable to contamination. This study assesses spatial patterns in the water quality of roadside springs in northeast Tennessee. Karst spring water samples collected from 50 springs were assessed using EPA Standard methods for pathogens, nutrients, radon, and physicochemical parameters. From statistical and spatial analyses, all but five samples contained E. coli, while all samples contained fecal coliform. High E. coli was spatially clustered (Local Moran’s I = 0.177, pseudo p-value = 0.012) in regions of high agricultural land use, resulting in a fecal contamination hot spot on the border of Washington and Sullivan Counties, Tennessee. Radon concentrations exceeded the 300 pCi/L proposed MCL in 29 (58%) of springs, with one spring in Unicoi County exceeding 1000 pCi/L. A radon hot spot was identified in northern Washington County (Local Moran’s I = 0.160, pseudo p-value = 0.014). Cokriging of E. coli with land use and radon with distance to mapped fault did not improve interpolation models for either parameter. Other parameters, including nitrate, pH, and total dissolved solids, were within recommended ranges for drinking water. This snapshot of spring water quality status identifies areas of poor spring water quality of which spring water users in the region should be aware, and establishes the need for longitudinal sampling of spring water quality in contamination hot spots.
Housing Security and Settlement Intentions of Migrants in Urban China
Authors: Wang Zhen , Hu Mingzhi , Zhang Yu , Chen Zhuo
Published: August 2022

A huge gap remains in the urbanization rate between China and developed countries, although China has experienced a rapid growth in urbanization rate over the last decade. Critical to the future growth of urbanization is how to increase the settlement intentions of migrants. This study uses land supply for security housing as an exogeneous shock to the supply of security housing in the near future to explore how housing security is associated with intentions to settle down in destination cities of the migrant population. We found that increased land supply for security housing promotes the settlement intentions of migrants. Moreover, housing security is positively associated with permanent settlement intentions, while its relation to temporary settlement intentions is not significant. Lastly, the effect of housing security is larger for households with more housing expenditure. Our results have important theoretical and practical significance for the research on urban development and social welfare.
Environmental Uncertainty, Environmental Regulation and Enterprises’ Green Technological Innovation
Authors: Chen Jinyong , Wang Xiaochi , Shen Wan , Tan Yanyan , Matac Liviu Marian , Samad Sarminah
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the impact of environmental uncertainty and environmental regulation on enterprises’ green technological innovation, using a panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2005 to 2019 to conduct an empirical study using an OLS model and Poisson regression model. We employ environmental complexity and environmental dynamism to measure environmental uncertainty, and we have the following findings: first, both environmental uncertainty and environmental regulation promote enterprises’ green technological innovation, while environmental regulation has positive moderating effects on the relationship between environmental uncertainty and enterprises’ green technological innovation; second, environmental complexity positively affects enterprises’ green technological innovation, while environmental dynamism has negative effects on enterprises’ green technological innovation; third, environmental regulation accentuates the relationship between environmental complexity and green technological innovation, while it weakens the relationship between environmental dynamism and green technological innovation.
Family Support and Hope among People with Substance Use Disorder in China: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Cai Wenqiang , Wang Yijie
Published: August 2022

Studies have shown that hope is an important protective factor. At present, few of the available studies on hope have been conducted on people undergoing compulsory rehabilitation. This study explores the mediating role of resilience between family support and hope, and whether relapse plays a moderating role between family support, resilience, and hope. A total of 647 people with substance use disorder completed surveys on Perceived Social Support from Family Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Herth Hope Index. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the moderated mediation analysis. Family support not only has a direct effect on hope, but also has a significant indirect effect on hope through resilience. The indirect effect of family support on hope via resilience was significant among both the non-relapse group and relapse group; in addition, both the association between family support and resilience and the relation between resilience and hope were moderated by relapse experience. The results indicate that interventions targeting resilience might be an effective approach to improving hope among people with substance use disorder in China.
Training History, Cardiac Autonomic Recovery from Submaximal Exercise and Associated Performance in Recreational Runners
Authors: Špenko Matic , Potočnik Ivana , Edwards Ian , Potočnik Nejka
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the effect of prolonged exertion on cardiac parasympathetic (cPS) reorganization and associated aerobic performance in response to repeated short-lasting submaximal exercise bouts (SSE) performed for 7 days following prolonged exertion. In 19 recreational runners, heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) indices (lnRMSSD, lnHF, and lnLF/HF) were monitored pre- and post-submaximal graded cycling performed on consecutive days following a half-marathon (HM) and compared with the baseline, pre-HM values. Additionally, HR recovery (HRR), aerobic performance, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. HR, HRV indices, and HRR were tested for correlation with exercise performance. A significant time effect was found in HR, HRR, and HRV indices as well as in aerobic performance and RPE during the study period. Most of the measured parameters differed from their baseline values only on the same day following HM. However, HRR and HR measured in recovery after SSE were additionally affected one day following the half-marathon yet in opposite directions to those recorded on the same day as the HM. Thus, postSSE HR and HRR exhibited a bivariate time response (postSSE HR: 102 ± 14 bpm; p < 0.001; 82 ± 11 bpm; p = 0.007 vs. 88 ± 11 bpm; HRR in 30 s after SSE cessation: 14.9 ± 4.9 bpm; p < 0.001; 30.1 ± 13.3 bpm; p = 0.006 vs. 24.4 ± 10.8 bpm), potentially indicating a cPS dysfunction phase on the same day and cPS rebound phase one day following HM reflected also in consecutive changes in aerobic power. Correlations were found between the changes in measured cardiac indices with respect to baseline and the changes in aerobic performance indices throughout the study period. The effect of exercise history on cPS reorganization is more pronounced in response to SSE than at rest. Accordingly, we conclude that SSE performed repeatedly on a daily basis following prolonged exertion offers a noninvasive tool to evaluate the impact of training history on cPS recovery and associated aerobic power output in recreational athletes.
Aspects of Gender and Sexuality in Relation to Experiences of Subjection to Sexual Harassment among Adolescents in General Population
Authors: Kaltiala Riittakerttu
Published: August 2022

Subjection to sexual harassment (SH) has been reported more commonly by girls than by boys, by sexual and gender minority youth more than by mainstream youth, and by sexually active youth more than by those not yet experienced in romantic and erotic encounters. However, the research so far has not addressed these correlates simultaneously. This study aimed to explore independent associations between experiencing SH and these aspects of sex, gender and sexuality—considering all of them concurrently. A cross sectional survey with data from Finland was used, with an analyzable sample of 71,964 adolescents aged 14 to 16-years- of age, collected in 2017. The data were analysed using cross-tabulations with chi-square statistics and logistic regression analyses. The types of SH studied were gender harassment, unwelcome sexual attention, and sexual coercion. Girls, sexual and gender minority youth, and youth engaging in romantic and erotic encounters had experienced all three types of SH more commonly than boys, mainstream youth and those not sexually active. Associations between minority status and experiences of sexual harassment were stronger among boys, and being sexually active had stronger associations with subjection to sexual harassment in girls. The findings appear to support the assumption that sexual harassment serves both as a means of perpetuating heteronormativity and the sexual double standard.
Career Aspiration Fulfillment and COVID-19 Vaccination Intention among Nigerian Youth: An Instrumental Variable Approach
Authors: Oyekale Abayomi Samuel
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 is a pandemic of economic significance in the world. Vaccination has been identified as one of the veritable means to address the problem. Few studies have focused on youths’ vaccination intentions and the role of career aspiration fulfillment. This study therefore analyzed the effect engagement with dream jobs has on the willingness to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The data were from the 12th wave of the Nigeria COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey (NLPS) collected from 974 youths 15–25 years old. Instrumental Variable Probit regression was used for data analysis. The results showed that 86.57% and 80.34% of the rural and urban youths were willing to take the vaccines, respectively. Moreover, 31.18% and 25.94% of urban and rural youths, respectively, were engaged in their dream jobs. The Probit regression results showed that engagement with dream jobs was positively and significantly influenced (p < 0.01) by knowing someone who has a dream job, age and residence in the Southwest zone, while having a formal education reduced it. Instrumental Variable Probit regression results showed that willingness to take COVID-19 vaccine was positively influenced (p < 0.05) by having a dream job and intending to migrate to rural areas, while urban residence, age and residence in southern geopolitical zones decreased it. It was concluded that having a dream job promotes acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among the youths, and there is a need for interventions to address hesitancy among urban youths and those in the southern geopolitical zones.
Injury in Children with Developmental Disorders: A 1:1 Nested Case–Control Study Using Multiple Datasets in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shang-Ku , Hsu Li-Min , Chiu Nan-Chang , Saleh Wafaa , Pai Chih-Wei , Chen Ping-Ling
Published: August 2022

Although past studies have identified predictors related to child injuries with developmental disorders, national-level research in Asia is limited. The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for child injuries with developmental disorders in Taiwan using a national-level integrated database for the period between 2004–2015 (The Maternal and Child Health Database, National Health Insurance Research Database, Census Registry, and Indigenous Household Registration). Children younger than 12 years old who had records of visiting the ER or being hospitalized due to injury or without injury were included in this study. A 1:1 nested case-control study (injury vs. noninjury) to examine the risk factors for child injury with developmental disorder was performed. A total of 2,167,930 children were enrolled. The risk factors were associated with repeated ER visits or hospitalization: being indigenous (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.51; CI: 1.45–1.57); having a developmental disorder (AOR: 1.74; CI: 1.70–1.78); and having parents with illicit drug use (AOR: 1.48; CI: 1.32–1.66), alcohol abuse (AOR: 1.21; CI: 1.07–1.37), or a history of mental illness (AOR: 1.43; CI: 1.41–1.46). Being indigenous, having developmental disorders, and having parents with history of illicit drug use, alcohol abuse, or mental illness were predictors related to injuries in children.
Formative Research Using Settings and Motives to Explore Child Faeces Disposal and Management in Rural Solomon Islands
Authors: Biran Adam , Sanderson Rosie , Gonzalez Diana , Bugoro Hugo , Kadir Mohammad , Gegeo David , Keboy Jamesford , Lifoia Clement , Funubo Sheilla , Honimae Hellenda , Pitasua Lanique Naolina , Tatalu Joanna , Jonah Patishadel , Souter Regina
Published: August 2022

Unsafe child faeces management can lead to adverse health and wellbeing outcomes for children. In Solomon Islands, diarrhoeal disease is a leading cause of under-5 mortality, though there is limited research into CFM practices and promotion of safe behaviours. The formative research applied a Behaviour-Centred Design framework to investigate the habits, motives and settings related to child faeces management in rural Solomon Islands villages. Data were collected through structured recall demonstrations by caregivers (n = 61), household infrastructure observations (n = 57), semi-structured interviews with caregivers (n = 121) and community leaders (n = 30), focus group discussions (n = 26), and three participatory activities with caregivers. The findings identified a range of CFM-related behaviours, some of which would be considered safe and some, such as outside defecation and disposal to a waterway, as unsafe. Convenience is important in shaping CFM practice and may help health benefits to be achieved without women bearing the cost of an increased work burden. Nurture and disgust may provide the basis for behaviour change communication in SI as they have elsewhere. Critically, the participation in and promotion of safe CFM by fathers in households should be promoted, and motivating such behaviours might be achieved through focus on nurture as a motive.
Domains of Physical and Mental Workload in Health Work and Unpaid Domestic Work by Gender Division: A Study with Primary Health Care Workers in Brazil
Authors: Cezar-Vaz Marta Regina , Xavier Daiani Modernel , Bonow Clarice Alves , Vaz Jordana Cezar , Cardoso Letícia Silveira , Sant’Anna Cynthia Fontella , da Costa Valdecir Zavarese
Published: August 2022

Various studies indicate that workload metrics can be used to assess inequities in the division of labor according to gender and in the mental health of health care professionals. In most studies, the workload is portrayed in a way that does not integrate the different fields of work, that is, work in health services and unpaid domestic work. The objective was to determine the effects of the workload domains of health work and unpaid domestic work according to the gender division of health professionals working in primary health care (PHC), and to analyze the workload as an inducer of anxiety disorders and episodes of depression. This cross-sectional study consisted of 342 health care professionals recruited for interview at primary health care units in the extreme south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sociodemographic and occupational variables, workload in PHC and unpaid domestic work, and dichotomies of anxiety disorders and episodes of depression were considered. Poisson and multivariate linear regression models were used for data analysis. Cohen’s standardized effect size was used to assess the magnitude of the difference between women and men in terms of workload. The female professionals presented higher scores in terms of PHC work and unpaid domestic work and higher proportions of episodes of depression and anxiety disorders compared to males. The male professionals showed that anxiety disorders presented a medium standardized effect size on domestic workload and the level of frustration with family involvement was higher in those with episodes of depression. The results illustrate that the workload metric is an important indicator of female vulnerability to working conditions in PHC and in the family environment.
A Study on Epidemic Information Screening, Prevention and Control of Public Opinion Based on Health and Medical Big Data: A Case Study of COVID-19
Authors: Li Jinhai , Ma Yunlei , Xu Xinglong , Pei Jiaming , He Youshi
Published: August 2022

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents an alert for epidemic prevention and control in public health. Offline anti-epidemic work is the main battlefield of epidemic prevention and control. However, online epidemic information prevention and control cannot be ignored. The aim of this study was to identify reliable information sources and false epidemic information, as well as early warnings of public opinion about epidemic information that may affect social stability and endanger the people’s lives and property. Based on the analysis of health and medical big data, epidemic information screening and public opinion prevention and control research were decomposed into two modules. Eight characteristics were extracted from the four levels of coarse granularity, fine granularity, emotional tendency, and publisher behavior, and another regulatory feature was added, to build a false epidemic information identification model. Five early warning indicators of public opinion were selected from the macro level and the micro level to construct the early warning model of public opinion about epidemic information. Finally, an empirical analysis on COVID-19 information was conducted using big data analysis technology.
The Meaning of “Hygiene” and Its Linked Practices in a Low-Income Urban Community in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Rebeca , Nahar Nazmun , Rimi Nadia Ali , Swarna Sayeda Tasnuva , Khan Shifat , Saifullah Md. Khaled , Kabir Humayun , Jensen Peter Kjær Mackie
Published: August 2022

Improving hygiene practices is considered to be the single most cost-effective means of reducing the global health burden of infectious diseases. Hygiene promotion and disease prevention interventions often portray and promote “hygiene” from a biomedical perspective, which may not be optimally effective for achieving their goal of changing people’s behaviors. This study aimed to educe the meaning of hygiene for the residents of a low-income community in Bangladesh and how that meaning shapes their personal hygiene practices. We conducted this study in the Tongi township in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September 2014 to June 2016. The research team purposively selected 24 households. The team conducted day-long observations using the participant observation approach and in-depth interviews with specific members of the 24 households. The concept of “hygiene” had two separate meanings to the study participants: cleanliness and holiness. The participants reported that cleanliness was required to remove odors, grease, hot spices and dirt. The motivation for cleanliness was to feel fresh, avoid heavy feelings, feel light and feel comfortable. To maintain the holiness of the body, bathing and ablution needed to be performed following particular religious rules/rituals. The motivation of holiness was derived from their accountability to God. The participants also reported that the cleansing processes and methods for the body and the home for cleanliness reasons were also different from those for holiness reasons. The notion of “hygiene” was multidimensional for the residents of the low-income urban community in Bangladesh. Our study participants did not explicitly conceptualize a notion of hygiene that was based on the germ theory of diseases but rather a notion that was based on individual physical comfort and cultural belief systems. Future studies on the prevention of hygiene-related diseases should combine and link the biomedical aspect to religious and cultural rituals to promote improved hygiene practices.
Research Progress on Risk Factors of Preoperative Anxiety in Children: A Scoping Review
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Xu Rui , Jia Ji’e , Shen Yilei , Li Wenxian , Bo Lulong
Published: August 2022

Background: Preoperative anxiety has adverse effects on children and negative impacts on postoperative rehabilitation. Anesthesiologists can accurately identify children with preoperative anxiety, and individualized intervention can effectively improve their psychological state and clinical prognosis. However, a comprehensive summary of the current available evidence has yet to be conducted. Searches were conducted in Medline databases from inception to March 2022. Primary studies that reported preoperative anxiety in children and its attendant effects on postoperative recovery and prognosis were screened and included. Among the 309 publications identified, 12 related studies (n = 3540 patients) met the eligibility criteria. The incidence of preoperative anxiety in children in the included studies ranged from 41.7% to 75.44%. While 16 influencing factors were identified, only 5 factors had a significant impact on preoperative anxiety in children: younger age (n = 8), parental anxiety (n = 7), negative previous hospitalizations (n = 3), less sociableness (n = 2), and surgical setting (n = 1). The current scoping review identified risk factors for preoperative anxiety in children. Healthcare workers should identify and manage preoperatively anxious children. There are still some factors that are controversial, and large-scale clinical studies are needed.
Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment of Vegetable–Soil Systems of Facilities Irrigated with Wastewater in Northern China
Authors: Xu Zhe , Shi Mingyi , Yu Xiaoman , Liu Mingda
Published: August 2022

Soil pollution by heavy metals is a major concern in China and has received much attention in recent years. Aiming to investigate the status of heavy metal pollution and the safety of vegetables in the soil of wastewater-irrigated facilities, this study investigated the distribution and migration characteristics of heavy metals in vegetable–soil systems of facilities in a typical sewage irrigation area of the Xi River, Shenyang City, northern China. Health risks due to the fact of exposure to heavy metals in the vegetable soil of facilities and ingrown vegetables through different exposure pathways were evaluated. Spatial interpolation and a potential ecological risk assessment were applied to evaluate the soil quality. Bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) were used to analyze the absorption and transportation capacity of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn by different parts of different vegetables. The results showed that the average concentration of Cd exceeded the standard values by 1.82 times and accumulated by 11 times, suggesting that Cd poses the most severe pollution among the four metals in the soil of facilities in the Xi River sewage irrigation area. In the city, a significant accumulation of Cd in the soil was identified with different spatial distributions. Cd also contributed the most in terms of the estimated potential ecological risk index, while the impacts of the other three metals were relatively small. The concentrations of heavy metals were mostly lower than the limit set by the corresponding Chinese standards. Various BCFs were observed for the four metals in the order Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb. Vegetables also demonstrated different BCFs in the order of leaf vegetables > Rhizome vegetable > Solanaceae vegetable. The magnitude of the noncarcinogenic risk for all four heavy metals was less than one for all three exposure routes and did not cause significant noncarcinogenic health effects in humans. However, the carcinogenic risk of Cd from some vegetables via dietary intake was considered higher. Protection measures should be taken to implement better pollution control and land use planning.
Has China’s Low-Carbon City Construction Enhanced the Green Utilization Efficiency of Urban Land?
Authors: Kuang Bing , Liu Jinjin , Fan Xiangyu
Published: August 2022

China has implemented the low-carbon city pilot (LCCP) policy in the hopes of efficiently limiting carbon emission intensity to combat global warming and promote green economic growth. Urban land utilization, the second-largest source of carbon emissions, is key to the LCCP policy being able to have the desired effect, which has attracted widespread attention. Based on the panel data from prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2019, this study used the propensity score matching difference-in-differences method (PSM-DID) to examine the impacts of LCCP policy on green utilization efficiency of urban land (GUEUL). The results reveal that LCCP policy has a beneficial impact on GUEUL and can effectively boost the future possibilities of green and low-carbon city development. Due to variances in regional economic and resource endowment level, the impacts of LCCP are different. The pilot has pushed GUEUL in the eastern region, western region, and growing resource-based cities, but has failed to improve GUEUL in other regions. Policymakers should adhere to the long-term sustainability of the LCCP policy and adopt differentiated action strategies to promote GUEUL when implementing it in different regions.
The Rise and Rise of Medicinal Cannabis, What Now? Medicinal Cannabis Prescribing in Australia 2017–2022
Authors: Hallinan Christine Mary , Bonomo Yvonne Ann
Published: August 2022

Medicinal cannabis was legalised in Australia in November 2016. By August 2022, there were 5284 specialist physician and general practitioner (GP) prescribers who submitted Special Access Scheme (SAS) applications to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the provision of medicinal cannabis prescriptions their patients. In this article we examine the impact of the delivery of publicly available clinical guidance documents, provision of education to prescribers, establishment of the TGA online portal, and launching of cannabis clinics on the number of applications approved by the TGA over time. We considered these findings in the context of the need to align the interventions facilitating the prescribing of medicinal cannabis with the establishment of processes to enable the systematic monitoring of patient outcomes. The cumulative number of medicinal cannabis Special Access Scheme-B (SAS-B) prescription approvals from January 2017 to June 2022 was 258,926. SAS-B approvals increased at an average rate of 208.55% p < 0.000, (95% CI 187.25–229.85) per month. Conclusion: There has been a rapid growth in prescribing since the legalisation of medicinal cannabis in Australia and this expansion has not been accompanied by parallel processes for the monitoring of medicinal cannabis. The capture of more highly granulated data, as found in the electronic medical record (EMR), patient smartphone applications, and social media provide an opportunity to monitor medicinal cannabis effectiveness and safety across multiple prescribing indications.
Relationship between Children’s Independent Activities and the Built Environment of Outdoor Activity Space in Residential Neighborhoods: A Case Study of Nanjing
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Meng , Lin Siming , Qian Caiyun
Published: August 2022

Children are a vulnerable population that is frequently overlooked in urban planning. The spatial demands of children are garnering broader consideration in the development of public spaces in cities as efforts to promote child-friendly cities. Children’s independent activities (CIAs) during childhood are undeniably beneficial to their physical and mental health. Residential areas are the main places for children’s daily activities. Building a suitable outdoor activity space in the community for children’s recreation is an essential foundation for improving CIAs and promoting the development of child-friendly neighborhoods. A sample of 15 typical children’s outdoor activity spaces in residential neighborhoods of Nanjing, China, was selected for the study to observe and record CIAs. The built environment indicators of residential outdoor spaces were extracted, and correlation analysis was employed to investigate the residential outdoor space elements relevant to CIAs. The results indicated that at the site level, higher percentages of tree coverage and soft paving enhanced CIAs, while high functional mix inhibited them. Additionally, gated communities, top-notch sanitation, secure facilities, neighborhoods with higher residential densities, and a diversity of activity facilities all stimulated children to engage in independent activities. Furthermore, questionnaires for the guardian indicated that they placed a high priority on site safety, and that waterfront areas and activity sites where incidents had occurred decreased parents’ willingness to allow participation in CIAs, whereas safety education or the use of positioning devices may promote CIAs. Based on the above results, we proposed appropriate adaptations for places in residential neighborhoods. The study expects to create a higher quality environment in residential neighborhoods for children to play in public spaces and provide beneficial help to improve the child-friendly neighborhood.
Quality of Life and Satisfaction from Career and Work–Life Integration of Greek Dentists before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Antoniadou Maria
Published: August 2022

Quality of life (QoL) of dental professionals is a basic parameter of the quality of dental services (QS), a fact well-documented before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in different countries. This study is a comprehensive, cross-sectional survey aimed to explore possible differences in satisfaction from career and work-life integration, as well as QoL in a sample of Greek dentists during the second lockdown in March 2021. Methods: 804 dentists from the vast metropolitan area of Athens and Piraeus selectively responded by completing a self-reported questionnaire based on: the Copenhagen Questionnaire (CQ) for assessing work stress; the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) for evaluating personal accomplishment; and the Quality-of-Life work scale (ProQOL-CSF). Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. Results: QoL and career satisfaction were significantly diminished during the pandemic. Career satisfaction despite the pandemic was overall influenced in tandem by age (b = 0.427, p = 0.001), marital status (b = 0.276, p = 0.021), and inversely by years of practice (b = −0.330, p = 0.007) and income (b = −0.221, p = 0.015). Satisfaction from the work–life integration was influenced before the pandemic by marital status (b = 0.255 p = 0.013), years of practice (b = −0.371, p = 0.0001), while gender, years of practice, age, higher education, and income played a significant role during the pandemic. QoL was impacted before pandemic by age (b = −1.007, p = 0.001), number of children (b = −1.704, p = 0.018), and higher degree (b = −1.143, p = 0.001), while during the pandemic by gender (b = −0.582, p = 0.002), number of children (b = 0.469, p = 0.037), higher degree (b = 0.279, p = 0.009), and years of practice (b = −0.523, p = 0.0001). Males were more prone to low QoL, and dissatisfaction with career and work–life integration, during the pandemic. Income is a predictor of career satisfaction despite the pandemic. Personal resources through deep human relationships, higher education, beliefs, and values can offer a resilience shield against professional difficulties in periods of unexpected stressful events.