bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UC.183, UC.110, and UC.84 Ultra-Conserved RNAs Are Mutually Exclusive with miR-221 and Are Engaged in the Cell Cycle Circuitry in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Corrà Fabio , Crudele Francesca , Baldassari Federica , Bianchi Nicoletta , Galasso Marco , Minotti Linda , Agnoletto Chiara , Di Leva Gianpiero , Brugnoli Federica , Reali Eva , Bertagnolo Valeria , Vecchione Andrea , Volinia Stefano
Published: December 2021

In the human genome, there are about 600 ultra-conserved regions (UCRs), long DNA sequences extremely conserved in vertebrates. We performed a large-scale study to quantify transcribed UCR (T-UCR) and miRNA levels in over 6000 cancer and normal tissue samples to find possible correlation between these kinds of regulatory molecules. Our analysis evidenced several non-coding RNAs showing negative co-regulation with miRNAs; among them, we focused on miR-221 to investigate any relationship with its pivotal role in the cell cycle. We have chosen breast cancer as model, using two cell lines with different phenotypes to carry out in vitro treatments with siRNAs against T-UCRs. Our results demonstrate that the expression of uc.183, uc.110, and uc.84 T-UCRs is mutually exclusive with miR-221 and is engaged in the regulation of CDKN1B expression. In addition, tests with a set of anticancer drugs, including BYL719, AZD5363, AZD8055, AZD7762, and XL765, revealed the modulation of specific T-UCRs without alteration of miR-221 levels.
First Description of the Mitogenome and Phylogeny of Culicinae Species from the Amazon Region
Authors: do Nascimento Bruna Laís Sena , da Silva Fábio Silva , Nunes-Neto Joaquim Pinto , de Almeida Medeiros Daniele Barbosa , Cruz Ana Cecília Ribeiro , da Silva Sandro Patroca , da Silva e Silva Lucas Henrique , de Oliveira Monteiro Hamilton Antônio , Dias Daniel Damous , Vieira Durval Bertram Rodrigues , Rosa José Wilson , Brandão Roberto Carlos Feitosa , Chiang Jannifer Oliveira , Martins Livia Carício , da Costa Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando
Published: December 2021

The Culicidae family is distributed worldwide and comprises about 3587 species subdivided into the subfamilies Anophelinae and Culicinae. This is the first description of complete mitochondrial DNA sequences from Aedes fluviatilis, Aedeomyia squamipennis, Coquillettidia nigricans, Psorophora albipes, and Psorophora ferox. The mitogenomes showed an average length of 15,046 pb and 78.02% AT content, comprising 37 functional subunits (13 protein coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs). The most common start codons were ATT/ATG, and TAA was the stop codon for all PCGs. The tRNAs had the typical leaf clover structure, except tRNASer1. Phylogeny was inferred by analyzing the 13 PCGs concatenated nucleotide sequences of 48 mitogenomes. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analysis placed Ps. albipes and Ps. ferox in the Janthinosoma group, like the accepted classification of Psorophora genus. Ae. fluviatilis was placed in the Aedini tribe, but was revealed to be more related to the Haemagogus genus, a result that may have been hampered by the poor sampling of Aedes sequences. Cq. nigricans clustered with Cq. chrysonotum, both related to Mansonia. Ae. squamipennis was placed as the most external lineage of the Culicinae subfamily. The yielded topology supports the concept of monophyly of all groups and ratifies the current taxonomic classification.
Mitochondrial Genomes of the Genus Claassenia (Plecoptera: Perlidae) and Phylogenetic Assignment to Subfamily Perlinae
Authors: Xiang Yanan , Zhao Mengyuan , Huo Qingbo , Du Yuzhou
Published: December 2021

Mitochondrial genomes of three stoneflies, e.g., Claassenia magna Wu, 1948, Claassenia sp. 2 and Claassenia xucheni Chen, 2019 were sequenced in this study with 15,774, 15,777 and 15,746 bp in length, respectively. Each mitogenome contained 37 genes including 22 tRNAs, two ribosomal RNAs, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and a noncoding control region (CR). In general, standard ATN start and TAN termination codons were evident in the PCGs. Although the dihydrouridine arm was absent in trnSer, the remaining 21 tRNAs displayed the characteristic cloverleaf secondary structure. Stem-loop structures were identified in the CRs of all three mitogenomes, but tandem repeats were only apparent in Claassenia xucheni. The mitogenomes of three Claassenia species were analyzed and compared with mitogenomes in 21 other stoneflies from the Perlidae and three Euholognatha species (Rhopalopsole bulbifera, Capnia zijinshana and Amphinemura longispina) as outgroups. Phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Phylogenetic analysis supported that Claassenia was recovered as the sister group of other Perlinae and Claassenia+Perlinae emerged from the paraphyletic Acroneuriinae. The final results supported that Claassenia was classified into subfamily Perlinae and proposed Claassenia represent a transitional group of the subfamilies Acroneuriinae and Perlinae. This study provided new molecular evidence for exploring the debatable taxonomic position of the genus Claassenia in Perlidae.
Site Amplification during Strong Earthquakes Investigated by Vertical Array Records
Authors: Kokusho Takaji , Ishizawa Tomohiro
Published: December 2021

A number of vertical array records during eight destructive earthquakes in Japan are utilized, after discussing criteria for desirable requirements of vertical arrays, to formulate seismic amplification between ground surface and outcrop base for seismic zonation. A correlation between peak spectrum amplification and Vs (S-wave velocity) ratio (base Vs/surface Vs) was found to clearly improve by using Vs in an equivalent surface layer wherein predominant frequency or first peak is exerted, though the currently used average Vs in top 30 m is also meaningful, correlating positively with the amplification. We also found that soil nonlinearity during strong earthquakes has only a marginal effect even in soft soil sites on the amplification between surface and outcrop base except for ultimate soil liquefaction failure, while strong nonlinearity clearly appears in the vertical array amplification between surface and downhole base. Its theoretical basis has been explained by a simple study on a two-layered system in terms of radiation damping and strain-dependent equivalent nonlinearity.
Radiation Protection in Interventional Radiology/Cardiology—Is State-of-the-Art Equipment Used?
Authors: Behr-Meenen Christiane , von Boetticher Heiner , Kersten Jan Felix , Nienhaus Albert
Published: December 2021

Interventional radiology/cardiology is one of the fields with the highest radiation doses for workers. For this reason, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) published new recommendations in 2018 to shield staff from radiation. This study sets out to establish the extent to which these recommendations are observed in Germany. For the study, areas were selected which are known to have relatively high radiation exposure along with good conditions for radiological protection—interventional cardiology, radiology and vascular surgery. The study was advertised with the aid of an information flyer which was distributed via organisations including the German Cardiac Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie- Herz- und Kreislaufforschung e. V.). Everyone who participated in our study received a questionnaire to record their occupational medical history, dosimetry, working practices, existing interventional installations and personal protective equipment. The results were compared with international recommendations, especially those of the ICRP, based on state-of-the-art equipment. A total of 104 respondents from eight German clinics took part in the survey. Four participants had been medically diagnosed with cataracts. None of the participants had previously worn an additional dosimeter over their apron to determine partial-body doses. The interventional installations recommended by the ICRP have not been fitted in all examination rooms and, where they have been put in place, they are not always used consistently. Just 31 participants (36.6%) stated that they “always” wore protective lead glasses or a visor. This study revealed considerable deficits in radiological protection—especially in connection with shielding measures and dosimetric practices pertaining to the head and neck—during a range of interventions. Examination rooms without the recommended interventional installations should be upgraded in the future. According to the principle of dose minimization, there is considerable potential for improving radiation protection. Temporary measurements should be taken over the apron to determine the organ-specific equivalent dose to the lens of the eye and the head.
Stakeholders′ Perceptions of Environmental and Public Health Risks Associated with Hydrocarbon Activities in and around the Vasilikos Energy Center, Cyprus
Authors: Kleovoulou Eleni G. , Konstantinou Corina , Constantinou Andria , Kuijpers Eelco , Loh Miranda , Galea Karen S. , Stierum Rob , Pronk Anjoeka , Makris Konstantinos C.
Published: December 2021

The Vasilikos Energy Center (VEC) is a large hydrocarbon industrial hub actively operating in Cyprus. There is strong public interest by the communities surrounding VEC to engage with all stakeholders towards the sustainable development of hydrocarbon in the region. The methodological framework of the exposome concept would allow for the holistic identification of all relevant environmental exposures by engaging the most relevant stakeholders in industrially contaminated sites. The main objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the stakeholders’ perceptions of the environmental and public health risks and recommended actions associated with the VEC hydrocarbon activities, and (ii) assess the stakeholders’ understanding and interest towards exposome-based technologies for use in oil and gas applications. Methods: Six major groups of stakeholders were identified: local authorities, small-medium industries (SMIs) (including multi-national companies), small-medium enterprises (SMEs), academia/professional associations, government, and the general public residing in the communities surrounding the VEC. During 2019–2021, a suite of stakeholder engagement initiatives was deployed, including semi-structured interviews (n = 32), a community survey for the general public (n = 309), technical meetings, and workshops (n = 4). Results from the semi-structured interviews, technical meetings and workshops were analyzed through thematic analysis and results from the community survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Almost all stakeholders expressed the need for the implementation of a systematic health monitoring system for the VEC broader area and its surrounding residential communities, including frequent measurements of air pollutant emissions. Moreover, stricter policies by the government about licensing and monitoring of hydrocarbon activities and proper communication to the public and the mass media emerged as important needs. The exposome concept was not practiced by the SMEs, but SMIs showed willingness to use it in the future as part of their research and development activities. Conclusions: The sustainable development of hydrocarbon exploitation and processing prospects for Cyprus involves the VEC. Continuous and active collaboration and mutual feedback among all stakeholders involved with the VEC is essential, as this may allow future environmental and occupational health initiatives to be formalized.
Effect of WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase Gene Polymorphism on Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with EGFR Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma in Taiwan
Authors: Li Ju-Pi , Chang Jinghua Tsai , Ju Po-Chung , Hsieh Ming-Hong , Chao Yu-Hua , Tsao Thomas Chang-Yao , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: December 2021

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type of non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for the majority of lung cancers. Previous studies have showed that dysregulation of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) participates in the generation of several cancer types, including lung cancer. However, whether these WWOX polymorphisms are related to the clinical risk of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma is worthy of investigation. The present study examined the relationship between the WWOX single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs11545028, rs12918952, rs3764340, rs73569323, and rs383362) and the clinicopathological factors in lung adenocarcinoma patients with or without EGFR mutations. We found that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of WWOX polymorphism between EGFR wild-type and EGFR mutant in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Our results demonstrated that the presence of at least one G genotype (CG and GG) allele on WWOX rs3764340 was associated with a significantly higher risk of nearby lymph node involvement in those patients harboring EGFR mutations (odds ratio (OR) = 3.881, p = 0.010) compared with the CC genotype. Furthermore, in the subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma patients with the EGFR-L858R mutation, both WWOX rs3764340 C/G (OR = 5.209, p = 0.023) and rs73569323 C/T polymorphisms (OR = 3.886, p = 0.039) exhibited significant associations with the size of primary tumors and the invasion of adjacent tissues. In conclusion, these data indicate that WWOX SNPs may help predict tumor growth and invasion in patients with EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma, especially those with the EGFR-L858R mutant in Taiwan.
Differences in COVID-19 Risk by Race and County-Level Social Determinants of Health among Veterans
Authors: Abdel Magid Hoda S. , Ferguson Jacqueline M. , Van Cleve Raymond , Purnell Amanda L. , Osborne Thomas F.
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 disparities by area-level social determinants of health (SDH) have been a significant public health concern and may also be impacting U.S. Veterans. This retrospective analysis was designed to inform optimal care and prevention strategies at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and utilized COVID-19 data from the VAs EHR and geographically linked county-level data from 18 area-based socioeconomic measures. The risk of testing positive with Veterans’ county-level SDHs, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and facility characteristics, was calculated using generalized linear models. We found an exposure–response relationship whereby individual COVID-19 infection risk increased with each increasing quartile of adverse county-level SDH, such as the percentage of residents in a county without a college degree, eligible for Medicaid, and living in crowded housing.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as Environmental Pollutants: Occurrence and Mitigation Using Nanomaterials
Authors: David Elena , Niculescu Violeta-Carolina
Published: December 2021

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise various organic chemicals which are released as gases from different liquids or solids. The nature and impact of the health effects are dependent on the VOCs concentrations and, also, on the exposure time. VOCs are present in different household, industrial or commercial and products, but their accumulation in air and water has primarily gained attention. Among VOCs, trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride are the most toxic and carcinogenic compounds. In order to improve the indoor air and water quality, VOCs can be removed via efficient approaches involving nanomaterials, by using techniques such as adsorption, catalysis or photocatalysis. In the recent years, the development of manufacturing procedures, characterization techniques and testing processes has resulted in the growth of na-nomaterials obtaining and applications, creating great possibilities and also a tremendous prov-ocation in applying them for highly efficient VOCs removal. This review is intended to contrib-ute to the improvement of awareness and knowledge on the great potential that nanomaterials have in VOCs removal, in order a to improve indoor and outdoor environment, but also the worldwide water sources.
Effect of Green Space Environment on Air Pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, O3, and Incidence and Mortality of SARS-CoV-2 in Highly Green and Less-Green Countries
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Almutairi Faris Jamal , Abukhalaf Abdulelah Adnan , Usmani Adnan Mahmood
Published: December 2021

Worldwide, over half of the global population is living in urban areas. The metropolitan areas are highly populated and environmentally non-green regions on the planet. In green space regions, plants, grass, and green vegetation prevent soil erosion, absorb air pollutants, provide fresh and clean air, and minimize the burden of diseases. Presently, the entire world is facing a turmoil situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the effect of the green space environment on air pollutants particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), incidence and mortality of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in environmentally highly green and less-green countries. We randomly selected 17 countries based on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) data. The 60% of the EPI score is based on seven categories: “biodiversity and habitat, ecosystem, fisheries, climate change, pollution emissions, agriculture, and water resources”. However, 40% of the score is based on four categories: “air quality, sanitation and drinking water, heavy metals, and waste management”. The air pollutants and SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths were recorded from 25 January 2020, to 11 July 2021. The air pollutants “PM2.5, PM10, CO, and O3” were recorded from the metrological websites, Air Quality Index-AQI, 2021. The COVID-19 daily cases and deaths were obtained from the World Health Organization. The result reveals that air pollutants mean values for PM2.5 110.73 ± 1.09 vs. 31.35 ± 0.29; PM10 80.43 ± 1.11 vs. 17.78 ± 0.15; CO 7.92 ± 0.14 vs. 2.35 ± 0.03 were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001) in environmentally highly green space countries compared to less-green countries. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 cases 15,713.61 ± 702.42 vs. 3445.59 ± 108.09; and deaths 297.56 ± 11.27 vs. 72.54 ± 2.61 were also significantly decreased in highly green countries compared to less-green countries. The green environment positively impacts human wellbeing. The policymakers must implement policies to keep the living areas, surroundings, towns, and cities clean and green to minimize air pollution and combat the present pandemic of COVID-19.
Do Double-Edged Swords Cut Both Ways? The Role of Technology Innovation and Resource Consumption in Environmental Regulation and Economic Performance
Authors: Zhou Qian , Shi Meng , Huang Qi , Shi Tao
Published: December 2021

The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is one of the significant regions with the strongest economic vitality in China. This study focuses on environmental regulation in the eleven Greater Bay Area cities to explore the relationship between it and economic performance for the period 2000–2016. In doing so, we employ spatial panel models (including the spatial instrumental variable method) to investigate the nonlinear relationship between economic growth and environmental regulation. We confirm the existence of a U-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental regulation in the Greater Bay Area. In the first half of the inverted U shape, the higher the economic development level, the stronger the environmental regulation strength; however, the latter begins to decrease after the peak point. The doubled-edged sword does not cut both ways. This paper verifies that technology innovation and resource consumption are two important mechanisms. Further, we find that both economic growth and environmental regulation have negative spatial externalities; innovation has a positive impact on the environmental regulation of the local city as well as surrounding cities, while resource consumption is on the contrary. In conclusion, this paper provides policy recommendations to further promote economic growth and environmental technologies, and to enhance energy efficiency in GBA.
Shift Work Predicts Increases in Lipopolysaccharide-Binding Protein, Interleukin-10, and Leukocyte Counts in a Cross-Sectional Study of Healthy Volunteers Carrying Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Atwater Aisha Q. , Immergluck Lilly Cheng , Davidson Alec J. , Castanon-Cervantes Oscar
Published: December 2021

The disruption of inflammatory responses is a potential mechanism behind the harmful effects of shift work and is associated with increased risk of hypertension, stroke, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. These responses are linked to the proliferation of leukocytes in shift workers, suggesting a systemic signal as a potential mediator. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between systemic inflammation, leukocyte counts, and systemic endotoxemia in samples from a diverse cohort of day workers and shift workers. Participants (normothermic and normotensive) were healthy volunteers, non-smoking, and drug- and medication-free. The following outcomes were measured: C-reactive protein, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, leukocyte counts (monocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils), and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP). Risk factors that increase systemic inflammation, such as blood pressure, sleep loss, and cortisol, were also assessed. The results indicated that shift workers slept significantly less than day workers and had significantly increased concentrations of all of the cytokines measured as well as plasma cortisol. Regression models found that after controlling for covariates, shift-work exposure predicted the significant increase observed in IL-10, leukocyte counts, and LBP. Our results suggest that acute increases in low-grade systemic endotoxemia are unresolved during chronic shift-work exposure. This ongoing immune challenge may underlie the disrupted inflammatory responses characteristic of shift-work-related pathologies. Systemic endotoxemia may represent a novel target to investigate the early effects of exposure to shift-work schedules.
The Effects of E-Cigarette Use on Alcohol and Marijuana Abuse Symptoms in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Pokhrel Pallav , Elwir Taha , Mettias Hannah , Kawamoto Crissy T. , Oli Nabin , Okamoto Scott K.
Published: December 2021

Background: We examined e-cigarette use as a prospective predictor of alcohol and marijuana abuse symptoms in a sample consisting of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), Filipino, Asian (i.e., Japanese, Chinese, Korean), and White young adults. NHPI represent a highly vulnerable group with regard to substance use and are severely understudied. Methods: Data were collected from 1463 young adults (M age = 22.2, SD = 3.2; 59.5% women) enrolled across community colleges in Hawai‘i at two time-points six months apart. Results: Higher frequency of e-cigarette use at baseline was predictive of higher alcohol (B = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p < 0.01) and marijuana (B = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p < 0.01) use problems at six-month follow up, adjusting for baseline cigarette smoking, problem alcohol/marijuana use, sensation seeking, and demographic variables. Ethnicity was found to significantly moderate the relationship between baseline e-cigarette use and problem marijuana use later, such that White and NHPI ethnicities were particularly vulnerable to the effects of e-cigarette use on problem marijuana use. Conclusion: NHPI are often combined with Asians in national surveys, which obfuscates the higher risks faced by NHPI compared with groups that are routinely classified as Asians (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos). The current research highlights the NHPI’s vulnerability in terms of the effects of e-cigarette use on marijuana and alcohol abuse symptoms.
Relationship between Physical Activity and the Metabolic, Inflammatory Axis in Pregnant Participants
Authors: Bockler Adeline , Ferrari Nina , Deibert Clara , Flöck Anne , Merz Waltraut M. , Gembruch Ulrich , Ehrhardt Christina , Dötsch Jörg , Joisten Christine
Published: December 2021

Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is beneficial for mother and child. Little is known regarding the effects of PA on specific adipokines/myokines and their impact during pregnancy. This study investigates the correlation between PA during late pregnancy, body composition, and maternal levels of leptin, IL-6, and TNF-α at delivery. In a cross-sectional study of 91 pregnant participants (mean age 33.9 ± 4.6 years) without gestational diabetes mellitus or preeclampsia, anthropometric data and blood samples were taken at delivery. PA during the third trimester was measured via the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Activities were ranked by intensity: sedentary (<1.5 metabolic equivalent (METs)), light (1.5–3.0 METs), moderate (3.0–6.0 METs), and vigorous activity (>6.0 METs). Leptin at delivery correlated positively with body composition and negatively with light PA intensity. Sedentary behaviour showed a positive correlation with IL-6 levels at delivery. Moderate activity during the last trimester, sedentary activity levels, and body composition had the greatest influence on maternal IL-6 at delivery. Completed weeks of pregnancy, moderate and light PA, and sedentary activity had the greatest influence on maternal TNF-α at delivery. PA during late pregnancy potentially affects circulating (adipo-)/myokines. Further studies are needed to examine causal relationships and the impact on maternal and new-born health.
The Predictive Role of ADRA2A rs1800544 and HTR3B rs3758987 Polymorphisms in Motion Sickness Susceptibility
Authors: Zhang Xinchen , Sun Yeqing
Published: December 2021

Motion sickness is a common central nervous system response, the primary sign of which is vomiting. Its susceptibility varies between individuals. To find predictive factors, we investigated the association of ADRA2A rs1800544 and HTR3B rs3758987 with motion sickness susceptibility and examined their mRNA changes during actual voyages. A total of 315 healthy college students were enrolled for SNP genotyping by the PCR-RFLP method. Blood samples were collected from another 42 subjects during two separate voyages to detect their mRNA expression changes at three time points. The frequency of the rs1800544 GG genotype in the susceptibility group was significantly higher (52.26%), and allele G increased the risk of motion sickness (OR = 1.585, 95% CI = 1.136–2.208). In the logistic regression model, the rs3758987 CC+TC genotype and rs1800544 GG genotype increased the risk of motion sickness-induced vomiting (OR = 2.105, 95% CI = 1.112–3.984; OR = 1.992, 95% CI = 1.114–3.571). The ADRA2A mRNA baseline was lower in the GG carriers and the HTR3B mRNA baseline was lower in the TC/CC carriers before sailing, then increased significantly within 24 h and then decreased after a long-term voyage. People carrying the rs1800544 GG genotype seem more susceptible to motion sickness. In combination with the incidence of vomiting during the actual-voyage experiments, our results indicate the involvement of rs1800544 and rs3758987 in motion sickness-induced vomiting.
The Impact of Hypertension, Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, Overweight/Obesity and Nicotine Dependence on Health-Related Quality of Life and Psoriasis Severity in Psoriatic Patients Receiving Systemic Conventional and Biological Treatment
Authors: Karpińska-Mirecka Anna , Bartosińska Joanna , Krasowska Dorota
Published: December 2021

Psoriasis, a chronic disease, is associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidities and has negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The objective was to investigate the effect of comorbidities on HRQOL, and psoriasis severity measured appropriately by the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) before, and after a 3-month treatment and the median DLQI or PASI reduction from baseline in the adult psoriatic patients receiving various types of treatment. The study included 184 adult plaque psoriatic patients. DLQI and PASI scores were assessed in the studied patients before the therapy (a baseline visit) and after a 3-month treatment (a control visit) depending on the presence of comorbidities. Psoriatic patients with comorbidities had worse HRQOL and more severe skin lesions. The presence of comorbidities had a negative effect on the outcome of treatment with the use of conventional therapy. The outcome of therapy with biological agents was independent of each of the analyzed factors. Biological treatment had a high effectiveness on the psoriatic skin lesions improvement despite the presence of comorbidities, whereas methotrexate was effective even if the patients had co-existing hypertension. In psoriatic patients receiving systemic conventional treatment but not biological treatment, comorbidities had a negative impact on HRQOL and psoriasis severity.
Gender Differences in Nutritional Quality and Consumption of Lunches Brought from Home to School
Authors: Song Siwan , Ishdorj Ariun , Dave Jayna M.
Published: December 2021

Gender difference in the lunches brought from home to school and the amount consumed by elementary and intermediate school students were examined using data collected from 12 schools in Texas. The amount and nutritional quality of food items brought and consumed was evaluated, by comparing the results to the 2012 school meal standards, and Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Almost all lunches brought from home contained grain and meat/meat alternatives, and the amount brought and consumed exceeded the NSLP standards. The majority of students did not bring fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods, but those who brought consumed most of what they brought. Among elementary school students, only 9% of boys and 14% of girls brought vegetables and the amount brought and consumed did not meet the standards. Although carbohydrate and protein consumption were adequate for boys and girls, the intakes of micronutrients and fiber did not meet the requirements across both genders at both school levels. Overall, lunches brought from home were not well balanced and did not meet NSLP standards and DRIs. It is imperative to identify strategies to improve the nutritional quality of lunches brought from home considering gender difference in food choice and educating parents and children on what is a healthy well-balanced lunch.
Characteristics of and Influencing Factors of Hydrochemistry and Carbon/Nitrogen Variation in the Huangzhouhe River Basin, a World Natural Heritage Site
Authors: Hu Chenpeng , Liu Ziqi , Xiong Kangning , Lyu Xiaoxi , Li Yuan , Zhang Renkai
Published: December 2021

In karst areas, the characteristics of water chemistry and carbon and nitrogen are of great significance to basic research. The contents of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, HCO3−, SO42−, NO3−, Cl−, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total nitrogen (TN) in water samples from 18 rivers and 14 springs in the Huangzhouhe River Basin were determined. The results showed that the water chemistry type in the Huangzhouhe River Basin is HCO3-Ca-Mg. The chemical composition is mainly affected by dolomite weathering and also by ion exchange and other human activities. The river and spring DIC remain at the same level in the upper and middle reaches and decrease in the lower reaches. The NO3-N and TN of river water and TN of spring water increase in the middle reaches, while NO3-N of spring water decreases in the lower reaches. The DOC in the basin increases with the increase of SO42− and Cl−, mainly due to the human influence of agricultural and domestic sewage. In the basin, the NO3-N and TN in spring water are larger, and the DOC in river water is larger, mainly because there are more phytoplankton and human activities in the river water. The carbon and nitrogen in the Huangzhouhe River Basin are mainly HCO3− and NO3− ions. The evaluation of pH, Cl−, NO3-N, SO42−, and TDS shows that the water quality is good and the ecological environment is good.
Testing Antigens, Antibodies, and Immune Cells in COVID-19 as a Public Health Topic—Experience and Outlines
Authors: Neagu Monica , Constantin Carolina , Surcel Mihaela
Published: December 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an accelerated pace in all research domains, including reliable diagnostics methodology. Molecular diagnostics of the virus and its presence in biological samples relies on the RT-PCR method, the most used and validated worldwide. Nonconventional tests with improved parameters that are in the development stages will be presented, such as droplet digital PCR or CRISPR-based assays. These molecular tests were followed by rapid antigen testing along with the development of antibody tests, whether based on ELISA platform or on a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Less-conventional methods of testing antibodies (e.g., lateral flow immunoassay) are presented as well. Left somewhere in the backstage of COVID-19 research, immune cells and, furthermore, immune memory cells, are gaining the spotlight, more so in the vaccination context. Recently, methodologies using flow-cytometry evaluate circulating immune cells in infected/recovered patients. The appearance of new virus variants has triggered a surge for tests improvement. As the pandemic has entered an ongoing or postvaccination era, all methodologies that are used to monitor public health focus on diagnostic strategies and this review points out where gaps should be filled in both clinical and research settings.
Popularity of Screen Golf in Korea and Its Sociocultural Meaning
Authors: Lee Jung-Rae , Kwon Ki-Nam
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the popularity of screen golf, golf played using an indoor golf simulator, in Korea and to further explore its sociocultural significance. This study conducted a case study in which purposeful sampling was employed to recruit 15 participants. The results revealed that screen golf was popular in Korea because its facilities were easier to access; screen golf centers were found at convenient locations, and screen golf was more affordable than playing golf at the golf course. The combination of screen golf and the bang culture that is particular to Koreans has led them to accept the former as a familiar space for leisure activities. The results further revealed that screen sport has sociocultural significance in that its considerable popularity has led to the integration of virtual reality (VR) sports into daily life, thus making the division between sports and games less evident. Golf, a sport once considered as being an exclusive hobby for rich elites, has become popular among the general public, destroying the hierarchal notion that some sports harbor. This is meaningful as screen golf has played the role of an agent for sport socialization, encouraging people to participate in golf even on a course, unlike any other VR sport. Furthermore, this pastime has secured its position as a subculture in and of itself, becoming popular throughout the world.
Religious Service Attendance and Mortality among Adults in the United States with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bruce Marino A. , Thorpe Roland J. , Kermah Dulcie , Shen Jenny , Nicholas Susanne B. , Beech Bettina M. , Tuot Delphine S. , Ku Elaine , Waterman Amy D. , Duru Kenrik , Brown Arleen , Norris Keith C.
Published: December 2021

Religion and related institutions have resources to help individuals cope with chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this investigation is to examine the association between religious service attendance and mortality for adults with CKD. Data were drawn from NHANES III linked to the 2015 public use Mortality File to analyze a sample of adults (n = 3558) who had CKD as defined by a single value of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and/or albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥17 mg/g for males or ≥25 for females. All-cause mortality was the primary outcome and religious service attendance was the primary independent variable. Cox proportional hazards models were estimated to determine the association between religious service attendance and mortality. The mortality risks for participants who attended a service at least once per week were 21% lower than their peers with CKD who did not attend a religious service at all (HR 0.79; CI 0.64–0.98). The association between religious service attendance and mortality in adults with CKD suggest that prospective studies are needed to examine the influence of faith-related behaviors on clinical outcomes in patients with CKD.
Is Isocyanate Exposure and Occupational Asthma Still a Major Occupational Health Concern? Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Coureau Elie , Fontana Luc , Lamouroux Céline , Pélissier Carole , Charbotel Barbara
Published: December 2021

Isocyanate, whose disease-inducing mechanism is poorly understood, with poor prognosis, is widely used. Asthma is the most frequent manifestation of prolonged exposure. We assessed the evolution of the incidence of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma over time. PubMed and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies published since 1990 that assessed the relationship between occupational exposure to isocyanates and asthma. We identified 39 studies: five retrospective cohort studies, seven prospective cohort studies, three of which were inception cohorts), seven observational cross-sectional studies, five literature reviews, two case series, and 13 registry studies. The incidence of occupational asthma secondary to isocyanate exposure has decreased from more than 5% in the early 1990s to 0.9% in 2017 in the United States. Despite the wide use of optimal collective and individual protection measures, the risk of occupational asthma has stabilized. Occupational asthma risk can be assessed with good sensitivity using self-questionnaires and pulmonary function tests. Occupational avoidance should be implemented as soon as possible after the first symptoms appear because the prognosis becomes increasingly poor with the persistence of exposure. It is now necessary to study specifically cutaneous sensitization to isocyanates and to define what protective equipment is effective against this mode of exposure.
Assessing Spatial Accessibility to Primary Health Care Services in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Han Peien , Sun Yan , Zhao Jingyu , Yang Li
Published: December 2021

Primary health care has been emphasized as a pillar of China’s current round of health reforms throughout the previous decade. The purpose of this study is to analyze the accessibility of primary health care services in Beijing and to identify locations with a relative scarcity of health personnel. Seven ecological conservation districts, which are relatively underdeveloped, were selected in the study. The Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve, as well as the shortest trip time and modified two-step floating catchment area (M2SFCA) approach, are used to quantify inequalities in primary health care resources and spatial accessibility. The Gini coefficient of primary medical services was calculated as high as 0.705, showing a significant disparity in primary care services. A total of 81.22% of communities reached the nearest primary care institution within 15 min. The average accessibility of primary healthcare services, as measured by the number of health professionals per 1000 population, was 2.34 in the 1715 communities of seven ecological conservation districts. Three hundred and ninety-one communities (22.80%) were identified with relatively low accessibility. More primary health professionals should be allocated to Miyun, Mentougou, and Changping Districts. Overall, the primary healthcare resources were distributed unevenly in most districts. According to our study, expanding primary healthcare institutions, increasing the number of competent health professionals, and enhancing road networks will all be effective ways to increase spatial accessibility and reduce primary healthcare service disparity in Beijing.
Socioeconomic Classes among Oldest-Old Women in South Korea: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Lee Chiyoung , Yi Jee-Seon
Published: December 2021

Oldest-old women are known to live at the intersection of multiple socioeconomic disadvantages in South Korean society. This study classified oldest-old Korean women into several socioeconomically homogeneous classes based on various socioeconomic status (SES) risks and compared health characteristics among the identified classes. This cross-sectional study utilized the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey, including data from 11,053 women (≥80 years). Latent class analysis determined the number of underlying socioeconomic classes based on nine selected SES variables. Four distinct socioeconomic classes were identified: “Urban, living alone, recipient of NBLSS, moderate education, leisure activity” (Class 1), “Rural, traditional house, living with others, not financially deprived, low education, employed” (Class 2), “Urban, living with family, financially affluent, not employed, no barriers to healthcare” (Class 3), “Rural, traditional house, living alone, financially deprived, uneducated, employed, barriers to healthcare” (Class 4). Depressive symptoms, subjective stress, and the prevalence of sleep disorder and diabetes were higher in Class 1 compared to other classes. Health-related quality of life, perceived health, and self-rated oral health were the poorest in Class 4. Class 3 reported the best health status. Understanding the intersecting SES risk factors in this group can aid in developing targeted interventions.
Relative Lean Body Mass and Waist Circumference for the Identification of Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean General Population
Authors: Kwon Eunjoo , Nah Eun-Hee , Kim Suyoung , Cho Seon
Published: December 2021

Lean body mass (LBM) comprises organs and muscle, which are the primary determinants of energy expenditure and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Excessive abdominal fat is associated with metabolic abnormality. Little is known about the relationship between metabolic abnormality and LBM and waist circumference (WC), especially in the Asian general population. The aim of this study was to clarify this relationship. We performed a cross-sectional study with 499,648 subjects who received health check-ups at 16 health promotion centers in 13 Korean cities between January 2018 and October 2019. The subjects were categorized into four groups: (a) High (H)-RLBM (relative lean body mass)/Normal (N)-WC, (b) High-RLBM/Abnormal (A)-WC, (c) Low (L)-RLBM/Normal-WC, and (d) Low-RLBM/Abnormal-WC. RLBM was calculated using fat mass data that were estimated via bioelectrical impedance analysis. L-RLBM/A-WC was significantly associated with metabolically unhealthy status (OR: 4.40, 95% CI: 4.326–4.475) compared to H-RLBM/N-WC. L-RLBM/N-WC (OR: 2.170, 95% CI: 2.122–2.218) and H-RLBM/A-WC (OR: 2.713, 95% CI: 2.659–2.769) were also significantly related to metabolic unhealthy status. The cut-offs of RLBM for predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) were 74.9 in males and 66.4 in females (p < 0.001). L-RLBM and A-WC are associated with metabolic abnormality in the Korean general population. RLBM is an anthropometric index that can be used to predict MetS in primary health care.
Analysis for the Interaction Relationship between Urbanization and Ecological Security: A Case Study in Wuhan City Circle of China
Authors: Chai Ji , Wang Zhanqi , Yu Chen
Published: December 2021

Exploring the interaction relationship between urbanization and ecological security is the key issue to achieve regional sustainable development. This study used coupling coordination model and vector auto-regression model to comprehensively investigate the interaction relationship between urbanization and ecological security in Wuhan City Circle from 2005 to 2018. The results showed that urbanization quality in Wuhan City Circle increased from 0.1818 in 2005 to 0.4355 in 2018, with an average annual increase rate of 10.74%. The ecological security of Wuhan City Circle decreased from 0.4890 in 2005 to 0.4511 in 2015 and increased from 0.4511 in 2015 to 0.4554 in 2018. The degree of coupling coordination between urbanization and ecological security of Wuhan City Circle presented a circle structure with Wuhan as the center and increasing outward. Additionally, the impulse analysis showed that the increase of urbanization had a significant negative impact on ecological security of Wuhan city, Huangshi city, and Xiaogan city. Meanwhile, the ecological security index of Ezhou city, Tianmen city, Huanggang city, Xiantao city, Xianning city, and Qianjiang city were all positive in early stage after the ecological security was impacted by the increase of urbanization. The analysis of historical data and future trends can provide operable recommendations for urbanization development and ecological security protection through cleaner production and efficient use of natural resources from the aspect of coordinated development.
Assessing the Acceptability of a Co-Produced Long COVID Intervention in an Underserved Community in the UK
Authors: Fowler-Davis Sally , Young Rachel , Maden-Wilkinson Tom , Hameed Waqas , Dracas Elizabeth , Hurrell Eleanor , Bahl Romila , Kilcourse Elisabeth , Robinson Rebecca , Copeland Robert
Published: December 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected people from more deprived communities. The experience of Long COVID is similarly distributed but very few investigations have concentrated on the needs of this population. The aim of this project was to co-produce an acceptable intervention for people with Long COVID living in communities recognised as more deprived. Methods: The intervention was based on a multi-disciplinary team using approaches from sport and exercise medicine and functional rehabilitation. The co-production process was undertaken with a stakeholder advisory group and patient public involvement representation. This study identified participants by postcode and the indices of multiple deprivation (IMD); recruitment and engagement were supported by an existing health and wellbeing service. A virtual ‘clinic’ was offered with a team of professional practitioners who met participants three times each; to directly consider their needs and offer structured advice. The acceptability of the intervention was based on the individual’s participation and their completion of the intervention. Results: Ten participants were recruited with eight completing the intervention. The partnership with an existing community health and wellbeing service was deemed to be an important way of reaching participants. Two men and six women ages ranging from 38 to 73 were involved and their needs were commonly associated with fatigue, anxiety and depression with overall de-conditioning. None reported serious hardship associated with the pandemic although most were in self-employment/part-time employment or were not working due to retirement or ill-health. Two older participants lived alone, and others were single parents and had considerable challenges associated with managing a household alongside their Long COVID difficulties. Conclusions: This paper presents the needs and perspectives of eight individuals involved in the process and discusses the needs and preferences of the group in relation to their support for self- managed recovery from Long COVID.