bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study of Parasite Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Corriedale Sheep
Authors: Carracelas Beatriz , Navajas Elly A. , Vera Brenda , Ciappesoni Gabriel
Published: August 2022

Selection of genetically resistant animals is one alternative to reduce the negative impact of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) on sheep production. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with GIN resistance in Corriedale sheep by single-step genome-wide association studies (ssGWAS) using 170, 507 and 50K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Analysis included 19,547 lambs with faecal egg counts (FEC) records, a pedigree file of 40,056 animals and 454, 711 and 383 genotypes from 170, 507 and 50K SNPs, respectively. Genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) were obtained with single-step genomic BLUP methodology (ssGBLUP), using a univariate animal model, which included contemporary group, type of birth and age of dam as class fixed effects and age at FEC recording as covariate. The SNP effects as wells as p-values were estimated with POSTGSF90 program. Significance level was defined by a chromosome-wise False Discovery Rate of 5%. Significant genomic regions were identified in chromosomes 1, 3, 12 and 19 with the 170 SNP set, in chromosomes 7, 12 and 24 using the 507 SNP chip and only in chromosome 7 with the 50K SNP chip. Candidate genes located in these regions, using Oar_v4.0 as reference genome, were TIMP3, TLR5, LEPR and TLR9 (170 SNPs), SYNDIG1L and MGRN1 (507 SNP chip) and INO80, TLN2, TSHR and EIF2AK4 (50K SNP chip). These results validate genomic regions associated with FEC previously identified in Corriedale and other breeds and report new candidate regions for further investigation.
Comparative Analysis of Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Nine Species of Litsea (Lauraceae): Hypervariable Regions, Positive Selection, and Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Song Weicai , Chen Zimeng , Shi Wenbo , Han Weiqi , Feng Qi , Shi Chao , Engel Michael S. , Wang Shuo
Published: August 2022

Litsea is a group of evergreen trees or shrubs in the laurel family, Lauraceae. Species of the genus are widely used for a wide range of medicinal and industrial aspects. At present, most studies related to the gene resources of Litsea are restricted to morphological analyses or features of individual genomes, and currently available studies of select molecular markers are insufficient. In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast genomes of nine species in Litsea, carried out a series of comparative analyses, and reconstructed phylogenetic relationships within the genus. The genome length ranged from 152,051 to 152,747 bp and a total of 128 genes were identified. High consistency patterns of codon bias, repeats, divergent analysis, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertions and deletions (InDels) were discovered across the genus. Variations in gene length and the presence of the pseudogene ycf1Ψ, resulting from IR contraction and expansion, are reported. The hyper-variable gene rpl16 was identified for its exceptionally high Ka/Ks and Pi values, implying that those frequent mutations occurred as a result of positive selection. Phylogenetic relationships were recovered for the genus based on analyses of full chloroplast genomes and protein-coding genes. Overall, both genome sequences and potential molecular markers provided in this study enrich the available genomic resources for species of Litsea. Valuable genomic resources and divergent analysis are also provided for further research of the evolutionary patterns, molecular markers, and deeper phylogenetic relationships of Litsea.
Autism and ADHD in the Era of Big Data; An Overview of Digital Resources for Patient, Genetic and Clinical Trials Information
Authors: Abomelha Faris M. , AlDhalaan Hesham , Ghaziuddin Mohammad , Al-Tassan Nada A. , Al-Mubarak Bashayer R.
Published: August 2022

Even in the era of information “prosperity” in the form of databases and registries that compile a wealth of data, information about ASD and ADHD remains scattered and disconnected. These data systems are powerful tools that can inform decision-making and policy creation, as well as advancing and disseminating knowledge. Here, we review three types of data systems (patient registries, clinical trial registries and genetic databases) that are concerned with ASD or ADHD and discuss their features, advantages and limitations. We noticed the lack of ethnic diversity in the data, as the majority of their content is curated from European and (to a lesser extent) Asian populations. Acutely aware of this knowledge gap, we introduce here the framework of the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Database (NDDB). This registry was designed to serve as a model for the national repository for collecting data from Saudi Arabia on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ASD and ADHD, across diverse domains.
Evaluating the Effect of Different Stress Path Regimes on Borehole Deformation Using Convergence Measuring Device
Authors: Heo Jun Hyuk , Melkoumian Noune , Hashemi Sam S.
Published: August 2022

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the borehole deformation of poorly cemented sandstone rocks with Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) less than 10 MPa under different stress path regimes by using a convergence measuring device (CMD). Synthetic thick-walled hollow cylinders (TWHCs) comprised of sand grains, Portland cement and water were prepared for this study. A series of mechanical tests including uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were performed to examine the physical properties of the artificial sandstones. A vertical displacement loading rate of 0.07 mm/min and confining pressure at a rate of 0.2 MPa/min were applied for the experiments. The CMD was deployed inside the TWHC specimen to measure the borehole deformation. Five different stress paths were applied to the specimens to investigate the effect of stress paths, and three different cement agent contents (10%, 12% and 14%) were considered to study the effect of cement content on the borehole failure. The effect of the cement content on the borehole failure was found to be more significant than the effect of change in stress path regimes.
Use of Analogue Exposures of Fractured Rock for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Authors: Peacock D. C. P. , Sanderson David J. , Leiss Bernd
Published: August 2022

Field exposures are often used to provide useful information about sub-surface reservoirs. This paper discusses general lessons learnt about the use of deformed Devonian and Carboniferous meta-sedimentary rocks in the Harz Mountains, Germany, as analogues for a proposed enhanced geothermal reservoir (EGS) at Göttingen. The aims of any analogue study must be clarified, including agreeing with people from other disciplines (especially reservoir modellers) about the information that can and cannot be obtained from surface exposures. Choice of an analogue may not simply involve selection of the nearest exposures of rocks of a similar age and type, but should involve consideration of such factors as the quality and geological setting of the analogue and reservoir, and of any processes that need to be understood. Fieldwork should focus on solving particular problems relating to understanding the EGS, with care being needed to avoid becoming distracted by broader geological issues. It is suggested that appropriate questions should be asked and appropriate analyses used when planning a study of a geothermal reservoir, including studies of exposed analogues.
Script and Language as Semiotic Media in Japanese Storytelling: A Theoretical Approach through Haruki Murakami’s Noruwei no mori
Authors: Runner Jacob Wayne
Published: August 2022

In contrast to the writing practices of many modern languages, Japanese routinely employs four denotative systems that operate in conjunction, but which are actively recognized as distinct from one another: kanji, hiragana, katakana, and the Roman alphabet. Simultaneously, English, as well as English-derived language usages have been noted for their significant intralinguistic roles in Japanese, going far beyond straightforward loan borrowing functionality. Convention informs the implementations of both script choice and language, and yet neither subjective phenomenon is perfectly uniform. Approaching these issues from a perspective of semiotic theory, this article identifies the flexibility and creative syncretism that is made available by virtue of written Japanese’s systemic open-endedness in terms of script and linguistic multiplicity. It assesses the emblematic functionality that is achievable through deliberate variation or shift in these semiotic media of print, and it demonstrates how auxiliary associative, ideological, and emotive meanings are ascribed to specific language instances. Finally, as an applied literary analysis, it evaluates Haruki Murakami’s 1987 novel 『ノルウェイの森』 (Noruwei no mori; Norwegian Wood) in order to clarify prominent semiotic possibilities and to emphasize the easily taken for granted creative aesthetic potential of Japanese’s media-based multiplicity.
The Related Metabolic Diseases and Treatments of Obesity
Authors: Yang Ming , Liu Shuai , Zhang Chunye
Published: August 2022

Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by the abnormal or excessive accumulation of body fat, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. Obesity is commonly associated with other metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancers. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, overnutrition, socioeconomic status, and other environmental and genetic conditions can cause obesity. Many molecules and signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), adhesion molecules, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Commonly used strategies of obesity management and treatment include exercise and dietary change or restriction for the early stage of obesity, bariatric surgery for server obesity, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide that can be used as monotherapy or as a synergistic treatment. In addition, psychological management, especially for patients with obesity and distress, is a good option. Gut microbiota plays an important role in obesity and its comorbidities, and gut microbial reprogramming by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics shows promising potential in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Many clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the therapeutic effects of different treatments. Currently, prevention and early treatment of obesity are the best options to prevent its progression to many comorbidities.
Reliability, Quality, and Educational Suitability of TikTok Videos as a Source of Information about Scoliosis Exercises: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jang Chan Woong , Kim Myungsang , Kang Seong-Woong , Cho Han Eol
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to systematically assess the informational reliability, quality, and educational suitability of videos introducing scoliosis exercises on TikTok. We retrieved and screened 1904 TikTok videos with the hashtags: “#scoliosis”, “#scoliosisexercise”, and “#scoliosistips”, before collecting a final sample of 171 scoliosis exercises in March 2022. Then, two independent raters assessed the reliability and quality of the videos using the DISCERN instrument and evaluated the educational suitability of the information using “Scoliosis Exercise Education Score” (SEES; exercise cycle, target, effect, precaution, and rationale). None of the videos were rated as excellent or good according to DISCERN. The mean SEES score was 2.02 out of 5. Videos uploaded by health organizations had significantly lower DISCERN and SEES scores than those by general users and healthcare professionals. Regarding the propriety of physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE), DISCERN and SEES scores were significantly higher in the PSSE proper group than in the PSSE non-proper group. Although TikTok has become a popular source of scoliosis-related information, the overall information quality, reliability, and educational suitability of videos on scoliosis exercises in TikTok appear to be low, suggesting that TikTok is not suitable source for obtaining scoliosis exercise information.
Cybervictimisation and Well-Being during the Outbreak of COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Depression
Authors: Palermiti Anna Lisa , Bartolo Maria Giuseppina , Servidio Rocco , Costabile Angela
Published: August 2022

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to modifying relational habits and increasing Internet use to engage in antisocial behaviours such as cybervictimisation. Additionally, social distancing can reinforce the relationship with internalising behaviours such as depression. Through an adolescent sample, this study examines the relationship between cybervictimisation and well-being and the mediating role of depression. The hypothesis was tested via Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis to verify the role of depression as a mediator between cybervictimisation and well-being. The main results reveal that the effect of cybervictimisation on well-being was fully mediated by depression. The findings should stimulate debate on possible interventions to promote adolescent well-being and to avoid emotional and mental health problems related to social isolation.
University Students’ Sleep and Mental Health Correlates in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jinyoung , Hwang Eun Hee , Shin Sujin , Kim Kon Hee
Published: August 2022

Sleep closely relates to emotional instability. Recent studies report an increase in young adults’ poor sleep and associated mental health problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and so on. However, the information on related modifiable factors of these variables is still lacking. This cross-sectional study examined the association of sleep patterns and sleep quality with ADHD and depression in university students. A total of 290 participants aged 18–27 (Mean = 22.0, SD = 2.1) completed a structured questionnaire consisting of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Adult ADHD, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scales (CES-D). Of the participants, more than half (52.7%) slept 6 to 8 h per night, and 37% slept less than 6 h. Only 10% reported they went to bed before midnight; 40% went to sleep after 2 am. The mean PSQI score was 5.9 (SD = 2.9) for total participants and significantly correlated with ADHD scores and with depression scores. After adjusting for covariates, PSQI significantly aligned with increased risk for ADHD (β = 0.29, p = 0.036) and depression (β = 0.67; p < 0.001). Late bedtime was a significant factor for depression only. Sleep quality rather than sleep pattern significantly related to ADHD scores, whereas both sleep quality and bedtime aligned with depression scores. Additional studies are needed to develop strategic interventions for university students with ADHD and depression as well as underlying mechanisms.
A Brief mHealth-Based Psychological Intervention in Emotion Regulation to Promote Positive Subjective Well-Being in Cardiovascular Disease Patients: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Farhane-Medina Naima Z. , Castillo-Mayén Rosario , Luque Bárbara , Rubio Sebastián J. , Gutiérrez-Domingo Tamara , Cuadrado Esther , Arenas Alicia , Tabernero Carmen
Published: August 2022

The emotional impact that a cardiovascular disease may have on a person’s life can affect the prognosis and comorbidity of the disease. Therefore, emotion regulation is most important for the management of the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of a brief mHealth psychological intervention in emotion regulation to promote positive subjective well-being in cardiovascular disease patients. The study sample (N = 69, 63.7 ± 11.5 years) was allocated to either the experimental group (n = 34) or control group (n = 35). The intervention consisted of a psychoeducational session in emotion regulation and an mHealth-based intervention for 2 weeks. Positive subjective well-being as a primary outcome and self-efficacy to manage the disease as a secondary outcome were assessed at five time points evaluated over a period of 6 weeks. The experimental group showed higher improvement in positive subjective well-being and self-efficacy for managing the disease compared to the control group over time. The experimental group also improved after the intervention on all outcome measures. Brief mHealth interventions in emotion regulation might be effective for improving positive subjective well-being and self-efficacy to manage the disease in cardiovascular patients.
Influence of Processing Parameters on Fibre Properties during Twin-Screw Extrusion of Poplar Wood Chips
Authors: Dittrich Christian , Pecenka Ralf , Selge Benjamin , Ammon Christian , Kruggel-Emden Harald
Published: August 2022

For sustainable agriculture, the contentious input of peat in growing media needs to be replaced by a substitute with the best possible water-holding capacity (WHC). Wood from fast growing poplar trees, cultivated in short rotation coppices (SRC), is a suitable alternative if it is processed correctly in a twin-screw extruder. The processing parameters, such as the aperture setting of the extruder, moisture content, and specific energy demand (SED), during twin-screw extrusion, as well as their influence on fibre properties such as WHC and particle size distribution, are investigated. SRC-poplar wood chips from clone Max3 are the raw material used for this research. As a result, the best volume-based WHC (75%) at −1 kPa suction tension was achieved for dry extruded wood chip fibre at an aperture setting of 15 mm and an SED of 340 kWh*t−1. The smallest SED of 140 kWh*t−1 was measured at apertures of 35 mm and 40 mm, which resulted in a volume-based WHC of approximately 30% and a dry matter mass flow during processing of 0.289 t*h−1 (40 mm). The particle size distribution of semi-dry wood chips has the highest fine fraction as well as the smallest coarse fraction. Conclusively, poplar wood can be processed fresh and dry into fibre at an acceptable SED, which results in an acceptable WHC.
Correction: Snyder, V.A.; Vázquez, M.A. Similarities in Evolution of Aggregate Size Distributions during Successive Wetting and Drying Cycles of Heavy Textured Soils of Variable Clay Mineralogy. Hydrology 2022, 9, 30
Authors: Snyder Victor A. , Vázquez Miguel A.
Published: August 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper (V [...]
A Patient with Severe Leptospirosis Treated with Cytokine Removal and High-Dose Corticosteroids
Authors: Fluher Jure , Cestar Iva , Jerenec Katja , Kalamar Žiga , Baklan Zvonko , Markota Andrej
Published: August 2022

Leptospirosis is an ubiquitous zoonosis with significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately 10 percent of human infections evolve into a severe form, with a sepsis-like disease, multiorgan failure, and significant mortality rate. The cornerstone of treatment of severe disease is antibiotic therapy, with the aims of preventing complications, reducing the duration of disease, and ultimately reducing mortality. The initiation of antibiotic chemotherapy can precipitate a febrile inflammatory reaction, also known as a Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction. We present a case report of a patient with severe leptospirosis, complicated by multiorgan failure with severe circulatory failure of distributive and cardiogenic etiology, possibly as a consequence of the Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction. The patient was treated with antimicrobial therapy and other supportive measures along with high-dose corticosteroid therapy, long-term mechanical ventilation, high-dose vasopressor therapy, and continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration with extracorporeal cytokine removal.With this case, we would like to report on a patient presenting with two neglected diseases in our part of Europe, who was treated with novel therapeutic strategies.
Retention of Minocycline Susceptibility When Gram-Positive Periprosthetic Joint Infection Isolates Are Non-Susceptible to Doxycycline
Authors: Doub James B. , Nandi Sumon , Putnam Nicole
Published: August 2022

Background: The treatment of hardware infections often utilizes chronic oral suppression antibiotics to prevent infection recurrence. However, when methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria are non-susceptible to doxycycline, limited oral antibiotic options can be available that do not cause significant side effects and drug–drug interactions. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Gram-positive clinical prosthetic joint infection isolates that were non-susceptible to doxycycline and to retain susceptibility to minocycline. Methods: Twenty-six Gram-positive prosthetic joint infection isolates that were not susceptible to doxycycline were evaluated for retained minocycline susceptibility with the use of minocycline gradient diffusion test strips. Results: All five of the coagulase-negative staphylococcal isolates and eight of the eleven methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were susceptible to minocycline, despite being doxycycline non-susceptible. None of the five Enterococcus faecium PJI isolates retained susceptibility to minocycline and only two of the five E. faecalis isolates (n = 5) were susceptible to minocycline. Conclusions: The findings have direct clinical implications supporting minocycline susceptibility testing for patients with PJI and other hardware-associated infections, which have isolates that are doxycycline non-susceptible to thereby provide alternative suppression antibiotic options.
The COVID-19 Health Protocol among University Students: Case Studies in Three Cities in Indonesia
Authors: Daniel D. , Kurniawan Arif , Indah Pinawati Ajeng Rahastri , Thohira Morrin Choirunnisa , Annaduzzaman Md
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused lifestyle changes for everyone and led to the practice of regulated health protocols for preventing the spreading or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the differences in health protocols and health practices among university students. The designed online survey was conducted among 292 university students in three cities in Indonesia, i.e., Yogyakarta, Semarang, and Surakarta. A forced-entry multivariate regression was conducted using all RANAS (risk, attitude, norms, ability-self-regulation) sub-factors as independent variables and health protocol obtained from PCA as the dependent variable. The results showed that the students’ health protocol and health practices were practiced with varying frequency. A face mask covering the chin and nose was the most practiced health protocol, while reducing mobilization by maintaining distance was the most violated health protocol among students. We also found that four health protocol practices are highly correlated, i.e., handwashing in public spaces, physical distancing, frequency of using the mask, and avoiding crowded places. In addition, three significant psychological factors were identified, which were positively associated with the student’s health protocol practice, i.e., belief about time (attitude) (OR: 0.119; CI: −0.054–0.136; p ≤ 0.05), personal norm (norm) (OR: 0.232; CI: 0.149–0.539; p ≤ 0.01), and action control (self-regulation) (OR: 0.173; CI: 0.046–0.427; p ≤ 0.05), where the personal norm is the most significant one. Finally, to minimize the COVID-19 transmission among students, especially when they back to onsite learning, it was important to create students’ sense of ethical self-obligation to follow and practice standard health hygiene correctly and regularly.
Can a Healthy Lifestyle Prevent Disability Pension among Female Healthcare Workers with Good and Poor Self-Rated Health? Prospective Cohort Study with 11-Year Register Follow-Up
Authors: Morera Álvaro , Calatayud Joaquín , López-Bueno Rubén , Casaña José , Vinstrup Jonas , Bláfoss Rúni , Clausen Thomas , Andersen Lars Louis
Published: August 2022

Background: Our purpose was to investigate whether healthy lifestyle habits prevent disability pension among female healthcare workers. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study with an 11-year register follow-up in which 8159 female healthcare workers from Denmark completed a questionnaire concerning self-rated health, work environment, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Data on disability benefit payments were obtained from the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization during an 11-year follow-up. Potential confounders included age, occupational education, psychosocial work factors, and physical exertion during work. Results: Among workers in good health at baseline, smoking, obesity, and low levels of LTPA were risk factors for disability pension during 11-year follow-up. Among workers with poor health, only low levels of physical activity were a risk factor for disability pension. Conclusions: This underscores the importance of a healthy lifestyle, specially being physically active, for preventing premature exit from the labor market in female healthcare workers.
Current Treatment of Cleft Patients in Europe from a Provider Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Francisco Inês , Antonarakis Gregory S. , Caramelo Francisco , Paula Anabela Baptista , Marto Carlos Miguel , Carrilho Eunice , Fernandes Maria Helena , Vale Francisco
Published: August 2022

The latest Eurocleft study reported several discrepancies in cleft care. Since then, no critical assessment has been performed. This study aimed to better understand the main strengths and inefficiencies of cleft care within Europe. The Google documents platform was used to create an online survey to investigate several aspects, i.e., provider characteristics, patient profile, services offered, and treatment protocols and complications. Descriptive statistics were calculated. The association between categorical variables was performed using Fisher’s exact test. The significance level chosen was 0.05. A total of 69 individuals from 23 European countries completed the survey. Centralized care was the preferred system, and the majority of the countries have an association for cleft patients and professionals (53.6%). The largest percentage of patients was seen in the university hospital environment (Fisher’s exact test p < 0.001). The majority of responders (98.6%) reported that an orthodontist was involved in cleft treatment, and 56.5% of them spend 76–100% of their time treating these patients. Despite cleft care having been reconfigured in Europe, a better consensus among the various centers regarding provider characteristics, services offered, and treatment protocols is still required. There is a need for better coordination between clinicians and national/international regulatory bodies.
Listening to the Fathers of Twins—Being Sensitive to Fathers’ Needs in Maternity and Child Healthcare
Authors: Heinonen Kristiina
Published: August 2022

Objective: In a multiple-birth family, parenthood means being a parent to more than one child of the same age. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of fathers of twins in order to contribute to the understanding of twin fatherhood and the needs for support. This article also provides some concrete guidance for midwives and nurses. Design: This qualitative research study was guided by the hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Setting: Notification of the study was published on the Multiple Births Association website for the fathers of twins. The data comprised fathers’ (n = 6) diaries and/or notes and in-depth interviews. Results: The following themes describe the phenomenon of being a father of twins: “Fatherhood of twins grows gradually”, “Strengthening of twin fatherhood by being present and involved”, “Father develops his relationship with each and both of the twins”, and “Making space for multiple fatherhood”. This article concentrates on the latter two themes. Conclusions: Fatherhood/parenthood is a very special time in a person’s life and has many effects on a child’s health and wellbeing and his/her life. Fathers of twins want to create a close bond with them by being actively present and involved in the children’s daily life, also with a view to the future. The staff of the hospital and maternity and child health clinic play a vital role in implementing services meant for multiple-birth families in the holistic understanding of and support for fathers/parents during the transition to parenthood and after the children’s birth. Implications for practice: Midwives and nurses are vital in providing support for, sharing knowledge with, and giving advice to fathers and different kinds of families. Multiprofessional cooperation that links evidence-based knowledge, theory, and practice, ensuring that the voices of both parents are heard and respected, is key to improving the care for different kinds of families and families with special needs.
Serial Mediation Analysis of the Association of Familiarity with Transgender Sports Bans and Suicidality among Sexual and Gender Minority Adults in the United States
Authors: Pharr Jennifer R. , Chien Lung-Chang , Gakh Maxim , Flatt Jason , Kittle Krystal , Terry Emylia
Published: August 2022

Background: Discriminatory laws and policies are a form of structural stigma that is associated with increased suicidality among sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. Unfortunately, in the United States, there has been an increase in state-level discriminatory laws and policies targeting SGM people in 2021 and 2022, particularly, transgender sports bans. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine if familiarity with transgender sports bans was associated with suicidality among SGM adults; and (2) determine if interpersonal stigma and/or individual stigma mediated this association. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of data collected from a national sample of 1033 SGM adults in the United States between 28 January and 7 February 2022. Univariate and serial mediator models were used in this analysis. Results: The increased suicidality was associated with familiarity with state-level transgender sports bans among SGM adults (p-value = 0.0150). Even after interpersonal and individual stigma mediated this relationship, the association between suicidality and familiarity with state-level transgender sports bans remained (p-value = 0.0106). Conclusion: State-level transgender sports bans appear to exacerbate existing disparities in mental health, especially for individuals who are familiar with the bans. They directly discriminate against people who are transgender and indirectly stigmatize the broader SGM community.
Questioning Gender and Sexual Identity in the Context of Self-Concept Clarity, Sense of Coherence and Value System
Authors: Jastrzębska Julia , Błażek Magdalena
Published: August 2022

Sexual and gender identity is a fundamental part of one’s overall identity and plays an important role in human functioning. Questioning one’s sexuality associated with low level of self-concept clarity, certainty, consistency and stability with regard to the individual’s beliefs about oneself, can affect their sense of coherence and value system. The aim of the study was to compare heterosexual and cisgender people with non-heteronormative and non-cisgender people regarding their attitudes and the way they perceive significant personal values. It was assumed that non-heterosexual and non-cisgender individuals would have lower self-concept clarity and lower sense of coherence, and that among them such values as openness to change and transcending Self would be dominant. The study was conducted on a group of 337 individuals aged 18 to 30. The participants filled out four self-report online questionnaires. Self-concept clarity was found to be connected with a greater tendency to question one’s sexual and gender identity. The results also indicate differences between heterosexual/cisgender participants and non-heterosexual/non-cisgender participants in terms of the degree of self-concept clarity and sense of coherence. Non-heteronormative and cisgender individuals show a greater tendency to question their identity and have lower self-concept clarity, which may lower their sense of coherence.
A New Culture Method for the Detection of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria in Water Samples from Heater–Cooler Units and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Machines
Authors: Ditommaso Savina , Giacomuzzi Monica , Memoli Gabriele , Garlasco Jacopo , Curtoni Antonio , Iannaccone Marco , Zotti Carla M.
Published: August 2022

The isolation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from cultures is particularly laborious due to the potential overgrowth of coexisting non-acid fast bacilli. To reduce the overgrowth of these non-mycobacterial organisms, a decontamination step with NaOH or cetylpyridinium chloride is highly recommended before plating the samples on the culture medium. However, due to their toxicity, decontamination solutions tend to decrease NTM recovery from clinical and environmental samples. Here, we tested an alternative method for NTM recovery based on the use of NTM Elite agar, a selective medium that does not require a decontamination step. Using NTM Elite agar, we were able to detect non-tuberculous mycobacteria in 27.7% (30/108) of water samples analyzed. The average time to NTM detection was 18 days, but some strains required longer to grow, perhaps due to the stressful environmental conditions (periodical disinfection of devices). NTM Elite agar’s effectiveness in inhibiting background flora was proven by the isolation of NTM from samples with and without background flora, showing no statistically significant differences in detection rates for different total viable counts of background flora (p = 0.4989). In conclusion, our findings indicate that effective NTM recovery from HCU- and ECMO-derived water samples can be achieved via filtration and direct culture of the filters on NTM Elite agar. This simple procedure can speed up laboratory work and provide an improved method, successfully resulting in low contamination and high detection rate, in addition to being less time-consuming. Its sensitivity and lack of a decontamination step make this protocol particularly useful for monitoring the effectiveness of device disinfection in hospital settings, even in the presence of low NTM loads. Reading timeframes should probably be extended to 7 weeks (i.e., well beyond the standard 4 weeks advised by the manufacturer), in order to isolate even the slow-growing mycobacteria. However, an extended incubation period is not necessary for exclusion of M. chimaera contamination of the devices, as M. chimaera isolation times do not generally exceed 3 weeks.
Arsenic Oxidation and Removal from Water via Core–Shell MnO2@La(OH)3 Nanocomposite Adsorption
Authors: Wang Yulong , Guo Chen , Zhang Lin , Lu Xihao , Liu Yanhong , Li Xuhui , Wang Yangyang , Wang Shaofeng
Published: August 2022

Arsenic (As(III)), more toxic and with less affinity than arsenate (As(V)), is hard to remove from the aqueous phase due to the lack of efficient adsorbents. In this study, a core–shell structured MnO2@La(OH)3 nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile two-step precipitation method. Its removal performance and mechanisms for As(V) and As(III) were investigated through batch adsorption experiments and a series of analysis methods including the transformation kinetics of arsenic species in As(III) removal, FTIR, XRD and XPS. Solution pH could significantly influence the removal efficiencies of arsenic. The adsorption process of As(V) occurred rapidly in the first 5 h and then gradually decreased, whereas the As(III) removal rate was relatively slower. The maximum adsorption capacities of As(V) and As(III) were up to 138.9 and 139.9 mg/g at pH 4.0, respectively. For As(V) removal, the inner-sphere complexes of lanthanum arsenate were formed through the ligand exchange reactions and coprecipitation. The oxidation of As(III) to the less toxic As(V) by δ-MnO2 and subsequently the synergistic adsorption process by the lanthanum hydroxide on the MnO2@La(OH)3 nanocomposite to form lanthanum arsenate were the dominant mechanisms of As(III) removal. XPS analysis indicated that approximately 20.6% of Mn in the nanocomposite after As(III) removal were Mn(II). Furthermore, a small amount of Mn(II) and La(III) were released into solution during the process of As(III) removal. These results confirm its efficient performance in the arsenic-containing water treatment, such as As(III)-contaminated groundwater used for irrigation and As(V)-contaminated industrial wastewater.
Validity and Reliability of Cultural Mix Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations among Healthcare Professionals in Ghana Amidst COVID-19
Authors: Ankomah Francis , Quansah Frank , Agormedah Edmond Kwesi , Hagan John Elvis , Srem-Sai Medina , Sambah Francis , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Darteh Eugene Kofuor Maafo , Schack Thomas
Published: August 2022

The Cultural Mix Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations is one of the recent coping measures developed to overcome the weaknesses of existing coping scales. Since its development and validation, the inventory has been used by previous studies to measure coping among teachers and students in stressful situations. Health professionals are workers who typically encounter stressful situations due to their work demands. In this study, we assessed the validity and reliability of cultural mix inventory for stressful situations among healthcare professionals in Ghana. The research was guided by three major objectives: (1) to assess the factor structure of the cultural mix coping inventory, (2) to evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the cultural mix coping inventory based on internal structure and (3) to test for evidence of criterion validity based on the external structure of the measure. Approximately 312 health workers were purposefully sampled to participate in the study. The study confirmed the original four-factor solution of the coping inventory with evidence of the construct validity based on the internal structure. Validity evidence based on the external structure of the measure was found to be sufficient. Given the COVID-19 pandemic and coupled with the stressful nature in the line of duty of healthcare professionals, this inventory provides a useful and sound measure of coping options among this cohort.
Predicting Modified Fournier Index by Using Artificial Neural Network in Central Europe
Authors: Harsányi Endre , Bashir Bashar , Alsilibe Firas , Moazzam Muhammad Farhan Ul , Ratonyi Tamás , Alsalman Abdullah , Széles Adrienn , Nyeki Aniko , Takács István , Mohammed Safwan
Published: August 2022

The Modified Fournier Index (MFI) is one of the indices that can assess the erosivity of rainfall. However, the implementation of the artificial neural network (ANN) for the prediction of the MFI is still rare. In this research, climate data (monthly and yearly precipitation (pi, Ptotal) (mm), daily maximum precipitation (Pd-max) (mm), monthly mean temperature (Tavg) (°C), daily maximum mean temperature (Td-max) (°C), and daily minimum mean temperature (Td-min) (°C)) were collected from three stations in Hungary (Budapest, Debrecen, and Pécs) between 1901 and 2020. The MFI was calculated, and then, the performance of two ANNs (multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF)) in predicting the MFI was evaluated under four scenarios. The average MFI values were between 66.30 ± 15.40 (low erosivity) in Debrecen and 75.39 ± 15.39 (low erosivity) in Pecs. The prediction of the MFI by using MLP was good (NSEBudapest(SC3) = 0.71, NSEPécs(SC2) = 0.69). Additionally, the performance of RBF was accurate (NSEDebrecen(SC4) = 0.68, NSEPécs(SC3) = 0.73). However, the correlation coefficient between the observed MFI and the predicted one ranged between 0.83 (Budapest (SC2-MLP)) and 0.86 (Pécs (SC3-RBF)). Interestingly, the statistical analyses promoted SC2 (Pd-max + pi + Ptotal) and SC4 (Ptotal + Tavg + Td-max + Td-min) as the best scenarios for predicting MFI by using the ANN–MLP and ANN–RBF, respectively. However, the sensitivity analysis highlighted that Ptotal, pi, and Td-min had the highest relative importance in the prediction process. The output of this research promoted the ANN (MLP and RBF) as an effective tool for predicting rainfall erosivity in Central Europe.
Effects of Climate Change Knowledge on Adolescents’ Attitudes and Willingness to Participate in Carbon Neutrality Education
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Tong Zepeng , Ji Zeyu , Gong Yuanchao , Sun Yan
Published: August 2022

The achievement of carbon neutrality has become increasingly important. Therefore, it the use of education to increase public understanding of carbon neutrality and facilitate low-carbon behaviors is urgent. Climate change knowledge is an effective measure to promote people’s interest and enthusiasm for specific educational projects. The present study analyzed the effects of climate change knowledge on adolescents’ attitudes and their willingness to participate in carbon neutrality education and validated the mediating effect of environmental responsibility. The findings showed that climate change knowledge improves adolescents’ attitudes toward carbon neutrality education and that environmental responsibility plays a mediating role in this. The findings provide insightful implications for carbon neutrality related policymaking and education promotion.
Challenges in the Medical and Psychosocial Care of the Paediatric Refugee—A Systematic Review
Authors: Klas Jakub , Grzywacz Aleksandra , Kulszo Katarzyna , Grunwald Arkadiusz , Kluz Natalia , Makaryczew Mikołaj , Samardakiewicz Marzena
Published: August 2022

Background: After the invasion of Ukraine, neighbouring countries were forced to find systemic solutions to provide medical care to those fleeing the war, including children, as soon as possible. In order to do this, it is necessary to know the communication problems with refugee minors and find proposals for their solutions. Methods: A systematic review of the literature from 2016 to 2022 was conducted according to PRISMA criteria. Results: Linguistic diversity and lack of professional readiness of teachers are the main constraints hindering the assistance of refugee children in schools. Problems during hospitalization include lack of continuity of medical care and lack of retained medical records. Solutions include the use of the 3C model (Communication, Continuity of care, Confidence) and the concept of a group psychological support program. Conclusions: In order to provide effective assistance to refugee minors, it is necessary to create a multidisciplinary system of care. It is hoped that the lessons learned from previous experiences will provide a resource to help refugee host countries prepare for a situation in which they are forced to provide emergency assistance to children fleeing war.
The Impact of Pollution Fee Reform on the Emission of Water Pollutants: Evidence from Manufacturing Enterprises in China
Authors: Yang Zhe , Xiong Zhenwu , Xue Wenhao , Zhou Yuhong
Published: August 2022

With the development of China’s industrial economy and urbanization, water pollution has become serious and gradually exposed to the public. The pollution fee policy is an important tool to force enterprises to reduce pollution. This study used the panel data of manufacturing enterprises during 2006–2013 and the multiperiod difference in differences (DID) method to systematically analyze the impact of water pollution fee reform on emissions of manufacturing enterprises in China. In general, enterprises facing improved pollution fee collection standards reduce COD emissions by approximately 4.1%. However, significant location heterogeneities are captured in China. The rising water pollution fees have promoted the emission reduction of enterprises in northern China and resource-based cities, but the effect is not significant in southern China and nonresource-based cities. Furthermore, the mechanism analysis shows that enterprises mainly reduced emissions through terminal treatment and reducing production. This study provided micro evidence for research on the effect of pollution fee reform and supplied a reference for the improvement of the environmental protection tax system in China.
Excessive Gaming and Online Energy-Drink Marketing Exposure Associated with Energy-Drink Consumption among Adolescents
Authors: Yang Chung-Ying , Chang Fong-Ching , Rutherford Ru , Chen Wen-Yu , Chiu Chiung-Hui , Chen Ping-Hung , Chiang Jeng-Tung , Miao Nae-Fang , Chuang Hung-Yi , Tseng Chie-Chien
Published: August 2022

In this study, we examined excessive online gaming by adolescents and the resultant effects of their exposure to the online marketing of energy drinks and alcohol, and whether marketing literacy could serve as a mitigating factor. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. Data were obtained from a sample of 2613 seventh-grade students from 30 middle schools in Taiwan. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted. The results showed that nearly 18% of the adolescent respondents had used energy drinks, while 75% reported seeing energy-drink advertisements on the internet in the past year. Multiple regression results indicated that factors such as being male, reporting excessive gaming, being exposed to higher levels of online energy-drink marketing, and reporting alcohol use were positively associated with energy-drink consumption. A higher level of online energy-drink marketing-affective literacy, however, was negatively associated with energy-drink consumption. In conclusion, factors that predicted energy-drink consumption among adolescents included excessive gaming and exposure to online energy-drink marketing, but marketing-affective literacy tended to lessen the impact of such advertising.
Cultural Differences in Patients’ Preferences for Paternalism: Comparing Mexican and American Patients’ Preferences for and Experiences with Physician Paternalism and Patient Autonomy
Authors: Thompson Gregory A. , Segura Jonathan , Cruz Dianne , Arnita Cassie , Whiffen Leeann H.
Published: August 2022

Following up on previous research demonstrating the high level of care realized by a paternalistic Mexican physician, the present research further explored the hypothesis that there are cultural differences in preferences for and experiences with physician paternalism vs. patient autonomy in White American culture as compared with Mexican culture. In this research, we interviewed sixty (60) people including twenty (20) Mexican, twenty (20) Mexican American, and twenty (20) White American respondents. We asked these patients about their experiences with and attitudes towards paternalism and patient autonomy in healthcare interactions. With some caveats, our data showed strong support for both hypotheses while also suggesting a high level of care can be realized by paternalistic physicians when “paternalism” is understood in a cultural context. We close with a brief consideration of the implications of these findings.