bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEXACO Personality Dimensions Do Not Predict Individual Differences in Adolescent Trust Behavior
Authors: Sijtsma Hester , Lee Nikki C. , Buczny Jacek , Hollarek Miriam , Walsh Reubs J. , Van Buuren Mariët , Krabbendam Lydia
Published: January 2023

Adolescence is an important developmental period for both trust behavior and personality maturation, and individual differences in trust decisions may be related to different personality traits. In the current study, a group of adolescents (n = 483, Mage = 13.5, SDage = 0.4) played two counterbalanced conditions of a multi-round trust game. In one condition, the partner displayed trustworthy behavior (the trustworthy condition), while the partner in the other condition played untrustworthy behavior (the untrustworthy condition). Three types of trust behavior were examined: initial trust behavior, the adaptation of trust behavior (trustworthy condition), and the adaptation of trust behavior (untrustworthy condition). Personality was measured using the Brief HEXACO Inventory. We expected the HEXACO personality dimensions of honesty–humility and agreeableness to be positively associated with initial trust behavior, but conscientiousness to be negatively related to initial trust behavior. The examination of the relationship between these dimensions and the adaptation of trust behavior were conducted on an exploratory basis. The investigation of the relationship between the remaining dimensions (emotionality, extraversion, and openness to experience) and the three types of trust behavior were also carried out on an exploratory basis. For each type of trust behavior, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was undertaken to examine whether the HEXACO personality dimensions were related to trust behavior. Using frequentist analyses, no evidence was found that supported the HEXACO dimensions as significant predictors of the three types of trust behavior. Moreover, additional Bayesian analyses showed evidence that the hypothesized HEXACO dimensions (honesty–humility, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) did not outperform the non-hypothesized HEXACO dimensions (emotionality, extraversion, and openness to experience). The association between personality traits and trust might be less pronounced during adolescence as personality maturates across an individual’s lifespan. Additionally, due to a heightened sensitivity to the environment, contextual cues may affect adolescent decision-making processes, leaving less room for personality-driven behaviors.
Client Applications and Server-Side Docker for Management of RNASeq and/or VariantSeq Workflows and Pipelines of the GPRO Suite
Authors: Hafez Ahmed Ibrahem , Soriano Beatriz , Elsayed Aya Allah , Futami Ricardo , Ceprian Raquel , Ramos-Ruiz Ricardo , Martinez Genis , Roig Francisco Jose , Torres-Font Miguel Angel , Naya-Catala Fernando , Calduch-Giner Josep Alvar , Trilla-Fuertes Lucia , Gamez-Pozo Angelo , Arnau Vicente , Sempere-Luna Jose Maria , Perez-Sanchez Jaume , Gabaldon Toni , Llorens Carlos
Published: January 2023

The GPRO suite is an in-progress bioinformatic project for -omics data analysis. As part of the continued growth of this project, we introduce a client- and server-side solution for comparative transcriptomics and analysis of variants. The client-side consists of two Java applications called “RNASeq” and “VariantSeq” to manage pipelines and workflows based on the most common command line interface tools for RNA-seq and Variant-seq analysis, respectively. As such, “RNASeq” and “VariantSeq” are coupled with a Linux server infrastructure (named GPRO Server-Side) that hosts all dependencies of each application (scripts, databases, and command line interface software). Implementation of the Server-Side requires a Linux operating system, PHP, SQL, Python, bash scripting, and third-party software. The GPRO Server-Side can be installed, via a Docker container, in the user’s PC under any operating system or on remote servers, as a cloud solution. “RNASeq” and “VariantSeq” are both available as desktop (RCP compilation) and web (RAP compilation) applications. Each application has two execution modes: a step-by-step mode enables each step of the workflow to be executed independently, and a pipeline mode allows all steps to be run sequentially. “RNASeq” and “VariantSeq” also feature an experimental, online support system called GENIE that consists of a virtual (chatbot) assistant and a pipeline jobs panel coupled with an expert system. The chatbot can troubleshoot issues with the usage of each tool, the pipeline jobs panel provides information about the status of each computational job executed in the GPRO Server-Side, while the expert system provides the user with a potential recommendation to identify or fix failed analyses. Our solution is a ready-to-use topic specific platform that combines the user-friendliness, robustness, and security of desktop software, with the efficiency of cloud/web applications to manage pipelines and workflows based on command line interface software.
Proteins Adsorbed during Intraoperative Hemoadsorption and Their In Vitro Effects on Endothelium
Authors: Piskovatska Veronika , Navarrete Santos Alexander , Kalies Katrin , Korca Edina , Stiller Markus , Szabó Gábor , Simm Andreas , Wächter Kristin
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Hemoadsorption is a method of blood purification with a wide spectrum of indications. Pre-emptive use of hemoadsorption in patients undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is considered to reduce the risk of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The current study aimed to identify the spectrum of blood proteins adsorbed on the polymer matrix of the CytoSorb hemoadsorption system and to investigate their influence on cultured endothelial cells in vitro. (2) Methods: Adsorbers used for intraoperative hemoadsorption were obtained from patients undergoing on-pump valve surgery in acute endocarditis. Proteins were extracted from the adsorbers, purified, identified with mass-spectrometry and applied to cultured human aortic endothelial cells. (3) Results: A broad range of blood proteins were identified in the material eluted from the CytoSorb adsorber. When added to cultured ECs, these protein extracts caused severe reduction in cell viability and migration. After 24 h exposure, transcriptional changes with up-regulation of multiple metabolic regulators were observed and verified on the protein level. Genes responsible for control of mitosis were significantly down-regulated. (4) Conclusions: In summary, our data reveal that intraoperative hemoadsorption allows broad spectrum removal of a wide range of molecules eliciting endothelial damage.
The Epidemiological Pattern, Resistance Characteristics and Clinical Outcome of Enterobacter cloacae: Recent Updates and Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hafiz Taghreed A. , Albloshi Alaa , Alhumaidan Ohoud S. , Mubaraki Murad A. , Alyami Ahmed S. , Alrashoudi Reem , Alrabiah Mona A. , Alotaibi Fawzia
Published: January 2023

Objectives: E. cloacae is an opportunistic organism that causes serious infections, particularly in immuno-compromised and hospitalized patients, along with the emergence of resistance traits. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the epidemiological pattern and resistance traits of E. cloacae infections as well as those of other bacteria. The study aims to assess the epidemiological patterns, resistance characteristics and clinical outcomes of E. cloacae in Saudi Arabia and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh provided the data between January 2019 and December 2021 for the retrospective study of 638 isolates of E. cloacae. The clinical outcome of an E. cloacae infection was also determined by collecting and statistically analyzing the clinical records of 153 ICU patients. Results: The total percentage of resistant E. cloacae isolates decreased from 48.36% in 2019 to 38% in 2020 and 37.6% in 2021. The overall mortality rate among ICU patients was 40.5%, with an adult age group having a substantial relative risk value of 1.37. Conclusion: E. cloacae is a prevalent nosocomial infection in which adult age is a significant risk factor for mortality. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of comparing E. cloacae resistance trends before and throughout the pandemic period in order to better understand the bacteria’s behaviour.
Bryophytes Used in Folk Medicine: An Ethnobotanical Overview
Authors: Motti Riccardo , Palma Anna Di , de Falco Bruna
Published: January 2023

Bryophytes are considered the oldest living plants of terrestrial habitats and the closest modern relatives of the ancestors of the earliest terrestrial plants. Bryophytes are found on all continents and occupy xeric to aquatic niches, with the greatest diversity and biomass in cool temperate regions. Despite the lesser popularity of these organisms, bryophytes have ethnopharmacological importance in different cultures of the world, especially in Chinese, Indian, and Native American medicine. Different bryophyte extracts and isolated compounds have shown anti-microbial, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects. The present overview aims to highlight the use of bryophytes for the treatment of common ailments in folk medicine around the world and to collect, analyze, and summarize the available literature on the pharmacological activity of the most used mosses and liverworts. Based on the literature review, 109 wild taxa of Bryophyta being used for ethnomedical purposes have been documented. Overall, 170 uses were recorded for the 109 taxa considered. Herbal remedies for skin and hair care are by far the most commonly reported (25.0%); antipyretic uses of bryophytes account for 12.2%, while taxa used as medicinal treatments for respiratory and gastro-intestinal systems amount to 12.1% and 9.9%, respectively.
Extreme Temperature Switches Eliminate Root-Knot Nematodes: A Greenhouse Study
Authors: Wang Zifan , Ji Hua , Wang Dandan , Zhang Qingyin , Qi Lianfen , Li Yan , Shi Jianhua , Shang Zhonglin
Published: January 2023

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) severely affect the yield and quality of vegetable crops. While some chemical pesticides can effectively eliminate RKNs, they leave behind significant pesticide residues in vegetables and soil that are potentially harmful for humans. Research suggests that dormant RKNs in the soil become active in the presence of a host, upon which they become sensitive to extreme temperature changes. Here, we tested a novel method to eliminate RKNs (Meloidogyne incognita) in a greenhouse setting. RKNs were first activated by water spinach, at which point the soil was heated by natural sunlight and suddenly cooled by the addition of dry ice. This rapid change in temperature eliminated >90% of activated RKNs. After the temperature treatment, the physical features of soil did not change; however, soil porosity, available potassium content and soil invertase activity increased markedly. The treated soil was then used for cucumber planting to test its viability. Compared with cucumber plants grown in untreated soil, plants in treated soil had higher, thicker, and stronger shoots, and higher photosynthetic ability. Cucumber plants grown in untreated soil were severely infested with nematodes while few plants grown in treated soil had root knots containing nematodes. Based on these findings, we suggest that host plant induction followed by switched temperature treatment is an effective, easy, safe, and cost-effective method for eliminating RKNs.
French General Practitioners’ Adaptations for Patients with Suspected COVID-19 in May 2020
Authors: Ramond-Roquin Aline , Gautier Sylvain , Le Breton Julien , Bourgueil Yann , Bouchez Tiphanie
Published: January 2023

In France, towards the end of the first lockdown, COVID-19 management was largely transferred from hospitals to primary care. Primary care actors adapted their practices to ensure patients’ access to care, while limiting contamination. In this study, we aimed to identify patterns of adaptations implemented by French general practitioners (GPs) in May 2020 for outpatients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, and factors associated with these adaptions. A French survey concerning care organization adaptations, and individual, organizational, and territorial characteristics, was sent to GPs. Data were analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis followed by agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify GPs’ adaptation clusters. A multinomial logistic regression model estimated the associations between clusters and individual, organizational, and territorial factors. Finally, 3068 surveys were analyzed (5.8% of French GPs). Four GPs’ adaptation clusters were identified: autonomous medical reorganization (64.2% of responders), interprofessional reorganization (15.9%), use of hospital (5.1%), and collaboration with COVID-19 outpatient centers (14.8%). Age, practice type and size, and territorial features were significantly associated with adaptation clusters. Our results suggest that healthcare systems should consider organizational features of primary care to effectively deal with future challenges, including healthcare crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, but also those linked to epidemiologic and societal changes.
E-Cigarette Retailers’ Use of Instagram in New Zealand: A Content Analysis
Authors: Hardie Lucy , McCool Judith , Freeman Becky
Published: January 2023

E-cigarette companies claim their products are key to improving health outcomes by providing smokers with lower-risk alternatives. However, the rapid uptake of e-cigarettes among young people has prompted concern about company marketing practices. In 2019, there was no legislation to govern e-cigarette marketing in New Zealand. This period provides an ideal context for examining how e-cigarette companies promoted their products before the introduction of marketing regulations. We conducted a content analysis of the Instagram accounts of five prominent e-cigarette retailers based in New Zealand during 2019–2020. We assessed health- and risk-related claims and marketing techniques. Less than 10% of Instagram posts refer to smoking alternatives or risk of nicotine addiction. E-cigarette devices were more likely to be promoted for stylistic features such as colours and ease of use (29.7%). Music festival sponsorship (19.1%), social media influencers (9.2%), and lifestyle marketing (41.5%) were identified as youth-oriented promotional strategies. E-cigarette retailers claim to promote harm-reduction tools to smokers, yet this study finds few references to smoking alternatives in any content. Instead, retailers utilised strategies to engage with a young audience, including festival sponsorship and stylish influencers. This youth-oriented marketing, in combination with weak and delayed government action, may have contributed to the high use of e-cigarettes among young New Zealanders.
Spatial-Temporal Variation and Influencing Factors of Regional Tourism Carbon Emission Efficiency in China Based on Calculating Tourism Value Added
Authors: Liu Jun , Deng Fanfan , Wen Ding , Zhang Qian , Lin Ye
Published: January 2023

Tourism-related carbon emission efficiency is an important indicator that reflects the sustainable development of tourism and can better balance the relationship between negative environmental impact and economic value. According to panel data of 30 provincial regions, “the tourism value added coefficient” (not including the Tibet Autonomous Region) in mainland China from 2000 to 2019, we estimate the tourism of each provincial administrative unit carbon emissions, measure the tourism carbon efficiency value, and analyze the measurement results of the change trend, spatial differentiation characteristics, and influencing factors. The results show that (1) the carbon emission efficiency of regional tourism in China increased significantly from 2000 to 2019, but there was a significant difference in the carbon emission efficiency of tourism among regions, and the sustainable development level of regional tourism was still unbalanced. (2) The spatial pattern of provincial administrative units in China has the adjacent characteristics of High-High agglomeration and Low-Low agglomeration, the difference in the tourism eco-efficiency development level among regions gradually decreases with time, and there is a dynamic convergence characteristic. (3) The q value represents the intensity of the impact factor on tourism carbon emission efficiency. According to the q value, the factors affecting tourism carbon emission efficiency were divided into dominant factors (0.5 ≤ q ≤ 1), inducing factors (0.2 ≤ q < 0.5) and driving factors (0 ≤ q < 0.2), among which the level of technological development was the dominant factor. The level of opening-up to the outside world is the inducing factor; environmental regulation intensity, urbanization level, regional economic development level, tourism industry environment, and tourism infrastructure are the driving factors. (4) The influence degree of influencing factors on the spatial differentiation of tourism carbon emission efficiency is significantly different in different periods. The degree of influence of the urbanization level and tourism industry environment shows an upward trend over time, and the influence degree of other factors shows a “V-shaped” trend. (5) The two-factor interaction will significantly enhance the spatial differentiation of regional tourism carbon emission efficiency, and the interaction between the level of scientific and technological innovation and other influencing factors has a deeper impact on tourism carbon emission efficiency.
Personal and Work-Related Burnout Is Associated with Elevated Diastolic Blood Pressure and Diastolic Hypertension among Working Adults in Chile
Authors: Chen Yinxian , Juvinao-Quintero Diana , Velez Juan Carlos , Muñoz Sebastian , Castillo Jessica , Gelaye Bizu
Published: January 2023

We aimed at investigating the association of personal and work-related burnout with blood pressure and hypertension among working adults in Chile. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1872 working adults attending the Hospital del Trabajador in Santiago, Chile, between September 2015 and February 2018. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to assess personal and work-related burnout. Blood pressure was measured by medical practitioners. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to estimate the association of burnout status with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and hypertension. After adjusting for confounders, participants with both types of burnout had a 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–3.30) mmHg higher mean DBP than those without burnout. The odds of isolated diastolic hypertension among the participants with only personal burnout and both types of burnout were 2.00-fold (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.21–3.31) and 2.08-fold (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.15–3.78) higher than those without burnout. The odds of combined systolic/diastolic hypertension among the participants with only work-related burnout increased by 59% (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.01–2.50) compared with those without burnout. Both work-related and personal burnouts were associated with increased DBP and odds of diastolic hypertension among working adults in Chile.
Chemical Profiles and Toxicity of Electronic Cigarettes: An Umbrella Review and Methodological Considerations
Authors: Travis Nargiz , Knoll Marie , Cook Steven , Oh Hayoung , Cadham Christopher J. , Sánchez-Romero Luz María , Levy David T.
Published: January 2023

Background: Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are often marketed as a safer alternative to combustible tobacco products. The global EC market has rapidly expanded since their introduction, creating an urgent need for research describing the toxicity and chemical composition of ECs. We conducted an umbrella review to summarize the evidence from existing systematic reviews (SRs). Methods: The search for SRs was conducted across four electronic databases through 25 January 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 quality appraisal tool. Results: Twenty-five SRs were included in our umbrella review. Chemical profiles widely varied across studies included in the reviews, which was mainly attributed to the lack of standardized protocols investigating the constituents, and differences in EC devices and e-liquids tested. Metals were more abundant in some EC aerosols than cigarettes, while carbonyls were typically found at lower levels. There was consistent evidence of in vitro toxicity from EC aerosol and e-liquid exposure. AMSTAR-2 revealed important limitations across reviews. Conclusions: While most reviews concluded that ECs were likely less harmful than cigarettes, there was hesitancy to draw clear conclusions due to variable analytical procedures and inconsistent findings among the included studies. Future SRs with improved methodology and reporting are needed to adequately inform tobacco regulatory actions.
Second Victim Phenomenon in an Austrian Hospital before the Implementation of the Systematic Collegial Help Program KoHi: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Krommer Elisabeth , Ablöscher Miriam , Klemm Victoria , Gatterer Christian , Rösner Hannah , Strametz Reinhard , Huf Wolfgang , Ettl Brigitte
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: The Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP) is widespread throughout health care institutions worldwide. Second Victims not only suffer emotional stress themselves; the SVP can also have a great financial and reputational impact on health care institutions. Therefore, we conducted a study (Kollegiale Hilfe I/KoHi I) in the Hietzing Clinic (KHI), located in Vienna, Austria, to find out how widespread the SVP was there. (2) Methods: The SeViD (Second Victims in Deutschland) questionnaire was used and given to 2800 employees of KHI, of which 966 filled it in anonymously. (3) Results: The SVP is prevalent at KHI (43% of the participants stated they at least once suffered from SVP), although less prevalent and pronounced than expected when compared to other studies conducted in German-speaking countries. There is still a need for action, however, to ensure a psychologically safer workspace and to further prevent health care workers at KHI from becoming psychologically traumatized.
How Do Team-Level and Individual-Level Linguistic Styles Affect Patients’ Emotional Well-Being—Evidence from Online Doctor Teams
Authors: Liu Xuan , Zhou Shuqing , Chi Xiaotong
Published: January 2023

Background: In the post-epidemic era, online medical care is developing rapidly, and online doctor teams are attracting attention as a high-quality online medical service model that can provide more social support for patients. Methods: Using online doctor teams on the Haodf.com platform as the research subject, this study investigates the key factors in the process of doctor–patient communication, which affects patients’ emotional well-being. We also explore the different roles played by doctors as leaders and non-leaders in doctor–patient communication. From the perspective of language style, we select representative factors in the process of doctor–patient communication, namely the richness of health vocabulary, the expression of emotions, and the use of health-related terms (including perceptual words and biological words). We extract both team-level and individual-level linguistic communication styles through textual and sentiment analysis methods and empirically analyze their effects on patients’ emotional well-being using multiple linear regression models. Results: The results show that the expression of positive emotions by the team and attention to patients’ perceptions and biological conditions benefit patients’ emotional well-being. Leaders should focus on the emotional expression, whereas non-leaders should focus on the use of perceptual and biological words. Conclusions: This study expands the application of linguistic styles in the medical field and provides a practical basis for improving patients’ emotional well-being.
Swallowing Functions after Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy with Loose Fixation for Mandibular Prognathism: A Retrospective Case Series Research
Authors: Miura Kei-ichiro , Yoshida Masashi , Rokutanda Satoshi , Koga Takamitsu , Umeda Masahiro
Published: January 2023

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is a standard surgical technique for patients with mandibular prognathism. However, the appropriate position of the proximal fragment is not strictly defined, and rigid fixation can induce early postoperative skeletal relapse and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders. Loose fixation can be expected to seat the proximal bone fragments in a physiologically appropriate position, thereby reducing adverse events. Although long-term skeletal stability has been achieved using SSRO without fixation, the evaluation of preoperative and postoperative eating and swallowing functions remains unclear, and this study aimed to clarify this point. We evaluated mastication time, oral transfer time, and pharyngeal transfer time using videofluorography (VF) preoperatively, two months postoperatively, and six months postoperatively, and along with the position of anatomical landmarks using cephalometric radiographs, modified water swallowing test (MWST), food test (FT), and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) were used to evaluate postoperative swallowing function. Four patients (one male, three females; mean (range) age 26.5 (18–51) years) were included, with a mean setback of 9.5 mm and 6.5 mm on the right and left sides, respectively. Postoperative eating and swallowing functions were good in VF, cephalometric analysis, MWST, FT, and RSST. In the present study, good results for postoperative eating and swallowing functions were obtained in SSRO with loose fixation of the proximal and distal bone segments.
Development and Validation of the Chinese Family Resilience Scale in Families in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Janet T. Y. , Shek Daniel T. L. , Tang Chak-Man
Published: January 2023

Family resilience is an important protective factor mitigating the negative impact of adversities on individuals and families. As there are very few validated measures of family resilience in the Chinese context, we have developed the Chinese Family Resilience Scale (C-FRS) based on the family resilience framework of Froma Walsh. In this paper, we outline the development and the validation of the C-FRS with reference to the socio-cultural context of Hong Kong. Based on content validation involving family experts, the initial 51 items were assessed in terms of their relevance, clarity, and representativeness. The results showed that these items possessed adequate content validity. In order to validate the 51-item measure, we examined its convergent validity, its factorial validity, and its internal consistency based on the responses of 1020 Chinese families (N = 2858 participants). After removing the items with unsatisfactory psychometric properties, we retained 35 items in the final scale. The results showed that the C-FRS scores were significantly related to family functioning, thus providing support for its convergent validity. This study also provided support for the conceptual model of Walsh (i.e., three high-order domains involving nine primary indicators). Most importantly, the measurement invariance tests showed that the dimensions of the C-FRS were invariant among fathers, mothers, and adolescent children. As the findings support the reliability and the validity of the 35-item C-FRS, we suggest that this measure can be objectively used to assess family resilience in Chinese communities.
Older Adults Who Maintained a Regular Physical Exercise Routine before the Pandemic Show Better Immune Response to Vaccination for COVID-19
Authors: Silva Brenda Rodrigues , Monteiro Fernanda Rodrigues , Cezário Kizzy , Amaral Jônatas Bussador do , Paixão Vitória , Almeida Ewin Barbosa , Santos Carlos André Freitas dos , Amirato Gislene Rocha , Oliveira Danielle Bruna Leal , Durigon Edison Luiz , Aguiar Andressa Simões , Vieira Rodolfo P. , Santos Juliana de Melo Batista dos , Furtado Guilherme Eustáquio , França Carolina Nunes , Shio Marina Tiemi , Bachi André Luis Lacerda
Published: January 2023

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the specific-antibody response to the COVID-19 vaccination and the immunophenotyping of T cells in older adults who were engaged or not in an exercise training program before the pandemic. Methods: Ninety-three aged individuals (aged between 60 and 85 years) were separated into 3 groups: practitioners of physical exercise vaccinated with CoronaVac (PE-Co, n = 46), or vaccinated with ChadOx-1 (PE-Ch, n = 23), and non-practitioners vaccinated with ChadOx-1 (NPE-Ch, n = 24). Blood samples were collected before (pre) and 30 days after vaccination with the second vaccine dose. Results. Higher IgG levels and immunogenicity were found in the PE-Ch and NPE-Ch groups, whereas increased IgA levels were found only in the PE-Ch group post-vaccination. The PE-Co group showed a positive correlation between the IgA and IgG values, and lower IgG levels post-vaccination were associated with age. Significant alterations in the percentage of naive (CD28+CD57-), double-positive (CD28+CD57+), and senescent (CD28-CD57+) CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells were found post-vaccination, particularly in the PE-Ch group. Conclusions: The volunteers vaccinated with the ChadOx-1 presented not only a better antibody response but also a significant modulation in the percentage of T cell profiles, mainly in the previously exercised group.
The Role of Stress Experience and Demographic Factors for Satisfaction with Life in Norwegian Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Trends over a Ten-Year Period
Authors: Moksnes U. K. , Innstrand S. T. , Lazarewicz M. , Espnes G. A.
Published: January 2023

Background: The individual’s perception of life satisfaction (LS) is regarded as a key indicator of one’s overall experience of wellbeing, sensitive to the broad spectrum of functioning. Adolescence is particularly an important period for assessing LS and factors associating with LS. The present study investigated cross-sectional trends in adolescents’ LS levels across three time points over a 10-year period, as well as the role of stress experience and socio-demographic differences in association with LS. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data from three time points: 2011 (n = 1239), 2016 (n = 1233), and 2022 (n =311), including adolescents from lower and upper secondary public schools, with an age range of 13–20 years. Results: There were relatively high and stable mean scores on LS across all time points; however, significant differences were found between 2011 and 2016. Results from the multivariate linear regression analysis showed that sex and age were moreover weakly associated with LS, where LS decreased slightly between the ages of 13 and 18 years and increased from 19 to 20 years. Of the stress domains, interpersonal and school-related stressors showed the strongest negative and significant association with LS; significant interaction effects of sex by stress domains were found, but not with sex by time. Conclusion: This study supports the relatively high and stable level of LS in adolescents across the investigated time points. Demographic factors were moreover weakly associated with LS. The findings also contribute by showing the significant role of interpersonal and school-related stressors in association with LS.
“Faith Is Not Enough?” Ego-Resiliency and Religiosity as Coping Resources with Pandemic Stress—Mediation Study
Authors: Szałachowski Roman Ryszard , Tuszyńska-Bogucka Wioletta
Published: January 2023

Based on the concepts of Pargament’s adaptational functions of religiosity, Huber’s centrality of religiosity, and Block’s conceptualisation of ego-resiliency as psychosocial resources, a nonexperimental, moderated mediation project was designed for a group of 175 women and 57 men who voluntarily participated in an online study to determine whether and to what extent religiosity mediated or moderated the relationship between ego-resiliency and the severity of PTSD and depression during the COVID-19 epidemic. The analyses carried out showed that the studied variables, ego-resiliency and centrality of religiosity, were predictors of the intensity of some psychopathological reactions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but were not connected via a mediation relationship. Therefore, one question remains open: what is the role of ego-resiliency and the nature of the stated immunogenic effect of the centrality of religiosity in dealing with the critical threat to mental health that is the COVID-19 pandemic?
Study on the Decoupling and Interaction Effect between Industrial Structure Upgrading and Carbon Emissions under Dual Carbon Targets
Authors: Sun Yuqing , Liu Yingchao , Yang Zhiwei , Wang Mengyao , Zhang Chunying , Wang Liya
Published: January 2023

The issue of climate and environment has been paid more and more attention by countries all over the world, especially regarding carbon emissions. Many national policies and scholars’ research contents have focused on this issue, which has become a hot topic in today’s society. As the world’s largest carbon emitter, it is vital for China to achieve green development, upgrade its industrial structure and explore the relationship between industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions. To explore the decoupling and interactive effects of industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions, this paper divides industrial structure upgrading into two aspects: rationalization of industrial structure and upgrading of industrial structure. Indicators related to industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions are selected and the decoupling model of carbon emissions and industrial structure upgrading is constructed using panel data from 30 regions from 1997 to 2019. The core density function is used to analyze the decoupling distribution characteristics, and then the Gini coefficient decomposition method is used to analyze the carbon emissions decoupling index, revealing the regional differences and sources of carbon emissions decoupling index. Finally, spatial factors are included in the regression model to verify the spatial synergy effect of industrial structure upgrading on carbon emissions. The overall and local Moran indexes are used to reveal the spatial internal structure and agglomeration characteristics of industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions, and, based on the research results, policy recommendations are put forward to promote sustainable and stable development of industrial structure upgrading in China. This provides a new perspective for understanding the relationship between industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions and also provides a decision-making reference for promoting decoupling of industrial structure upgrading and carbon emissions under high-quality economic development and forcing low-carbon transformation of the industrial structure.
Evolutionary Trends, Regional Differences and Influencing Factors of the Green Efficiency of Agricultural Water Use in China Based on WF-GTWR Model
Authors: Xu Ruifan , Gao Jianzhong
Published: January 2023

Improving the green efficiency of agricultural water use is a key way to promote the sustainable utilization of agricultural water resources and sustainable development of economy and society. This work calculated and analyzed the evolution trend, regional differences and driving factors of the green efficiency of agricultural water use in China from the perspective of the water footprint. The results show that the green efficiency of agricultural water use in China shows a fluctuation trend of first declining and then rising from 1997 to 2020, after which the average efficiency dropped from 0.538 in 1997 to 0.406 in 2009, and then rose rapidly to 0.989 in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of about 3.6%. From a regional perspective, the green efficiency of agricultural water use in the eastern region was the highest (0.594), above the national average (0.538), followed by the western region (0.522), with the central region in last (0.491), with significant regional differences. The spatial differences in the green efficiency of available agricultural water in China shows a fluctuating downward trend. The Gini coefficient fluctuated from 0.271 in 1997 to 0.182 in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of about −1.4%. The main source of this regional difference was super-variable density, followed by the difference between the eastern and the central regions. The influence of urbanization level, water-saving level and agricultural trade on the green efficiency of agricultural water use was always positive and the influence of industrialization level was always negative; among them, the urbanization level, water-saving level and industrialization level had a greater impact on Northeast China, and agricultural trade had a greater impact on Southeast China. Therefore, this work puts forward relevant policy recommendations.
Integrated Evaluation of the Aeroacoustics and Psychoacoustics of a Single Propeller
Authors: Sun Jianwei , Yonezawa Koichi , Shima Eiji , Liu Hao
Published: January 2023

Aeroacoustic noise in multiple rotor drones has been increasingly recognized as a crucial issue, while noise reduction is normally associated with a trade-off between aerodynamic performance and sound suppression as well as sound quality improvement. Here, we propose an integrated methodology to evaluate both aeroacoustics and psychoacoustics of a single propeller. For a loop-type propeller, an experimental investigation was conducted in association with its aerodynamic and acoustic characteristics via a hover stand test in an anechoic chamber; the psychoacoustic performance was then examined with psychoacoustic annoyance models to evaluate five psychoacoustic metrics comprising loudness, fluctuation strength, roughness, sharpness, and tonality. A comparison of the figure of merit (FM), the overall sound pressure level (OASPL) and psychoacoustic metrics was undertaken among a two-blade propeller, a four-blade propeller, the loop-type propeller, a wide chord loop-type propeller, and a DJI Phantom III propeller, indicating that the loop-type propeller enables a remarkable reduction in OASPL and a noticeable improvement in sound quality while achieving comparable aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, the psychoacoustic analysis demonstrates that the loop-type propeller can improve the psychological response to various noises in terms of the higher-level broadband and lower-level tonal noise components. It is thus verified that the integrated evaluation methodology of aeroacoustics and psychoacoustics can be a useful tool in the design of low-noise propellers in association with multirotor drones.
Identification and Preliminary Hierarchisation of Selected Risk Factors for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) Colonisation: A Prospective Study
Authors: Timler Małgorzata , Timler Wojciech , Bednarz Ariadna , Zakonnik Łukasz , Kozłowski Remigiusz , Timler Dariusz , Marczak Michał
Published: January 2023

Drug-resistant bacteria are one of the main reasons of deaths worldwide. One of the significant groups of these bacteria are carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). The goal of this cross-sectional study was the identification and hierarchisation of selected risk factors of CPE colonisation. To achieve that goal, we examined 236 patients for the presence of CPE using the standard method of anal swabs. The patients were divided into three groups: hospitalised patients; those chronically dialysed; those requiring home care. A very thorough medical interview was conducted for comorbidities. A statistical analysis relationship between comorbidities and locations of the patient’s stay with the positive result of the culture was investigated. A significant relationship was demonstrated between the positive result of the culture and confirmed dementia, heart failure, connective tissue diseases, and established irregularities in the level of leukocytes. No significant relationship was demonstrated with the remaining comorbidities considered in the study. Afterwards these factors were compared for importance for the assessment of risk of a positive swab result—the biggest importance was found in establishing connective tissue disease. Next were dementia, abnormal values of leukocytes, heart failure, and at the end, stay at the orthopaedics ward. Conclusions: The study identified asymptomatic carriers of CPE, which demonstrates the need for further studies in order to identify infection risk factors. The connective tissue diseases are the most important variable which enable the prediction of CPE colonisation—the next ones are dementia, abnormal values of leukocytes, heart failure, and stay at the orthopaedics ward.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects the Provision of Psychotherapy: Results from Three Online Surveys on Austrian Psychotherapists
Authors: Winter Stefanie , Jesser Andrea , Probst Thomas , Schaffler Yvonne , Kisler Ida-Maria , Haid Barbara , Pieh Christoph , Humer Elke
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to assess patient numbers and the format in which psychotherapy was delivered by Austrian psychotherapists during different time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore psychotherapists` experiences on pandemic-associated changes in their psychotherapeutic work as well as their wishes for support in their professional activities. Three cross-sectional online surveys were conducted between March 2020 and May 2022. The total number of participating psychotherapists was n = 1547 in 2020, n = 238 in 2021, and n = 510 in 2022. The number of patients treated was highest in 2022 and lowest at the beginning of the pandemic (p < 0.001). During the lockdown in 2020, only 25.0% of patients were treated in personal contact. This proportion increased in the following years, reaching 86.9% in 2022 (p < 0.001). After a substantial increase in the proportion of patients treated via the telephone and internet during the first lockdown, both proportions decreased during the pandemics’ second and third year (p < 0.001). However, a larger proportion of patients were treated via the internet in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic times (p < 0.001). Psychotherapists reported that the pandemic affected mainly the setting in which psychotherapy was provided (29.6%), the working conditions and workload (27.1%), as well as the demand for psychotherapy (26.9%). About one-third of psychotherapists expressed support wishes for their psychotherapeutic work. Results suggest that the pandemic went along with a partial shift in the provision of psychotherapy towards psychotherapy via the internet but not the telephone. The increase in patient numbers and psychotherapists` reports of increased workload suggest a rise in the demand for mental health care during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Nursing Students’ Perception about Gender Inequalities Presented on Social Networks: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Andina-Díaz Elena , Ventura-Miranda María Isabel , Quiroga-Sánchez Enedina , Ortega-Galán Ángela María , Fernández-Medina Isabel María , Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores
Published: January 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, gender inequalities in nurses have been exacerbated through the images shown on social networks. This study aimed to explore and describe nursing students’ experiences and perceptions about gender inequalities in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive qualitative study was carried out in two universities in 264 undergraduate nursing students. The photovoice method was used to guide the study. Results: Two main categories and four subcategories were described from the data: “gender-related stereotypes”, with “male leadership in a female profession” and “sexualization of female nurses” and “women’s vulnerability in the pandemic” with “the gender gap in the face of increased risk of contagion “ and “women’s emotional fragility”. Over the years, care has been considered a female task, and nursing continues to be thought of in this way. The nurse has been discriminated against, poorly considered as a professional, and, as a woman, subjected to gender roles.
Inhibition of Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 by Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors Results in Decreased Release of Extracellular Vesicles by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Attenuated Calcification
Authors: Pavlic Angelina , Poelman Hessel , Wasilewski Grzegorz , Wichapong Kanin , Lux Petra , Maassen Cecile , Lutgens Esther , Schurgers Leon J. , Reutelingsperger Chris P. , Nicolaes Gerry A. F.
Published: January 2023

Vascular calcification (VC) is an important contributor and prognostic factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. VC is an active process mediated by the release of extracellular vesicles by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the enzyme neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2 or SMPD3) plays a key role. Upon activation, the enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin, thereby generating ceramide and phosphocholine. This conversion mediates the release of exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which ultimately forms the nidus for VC. nSMase2 therefore represents a drug target, the inhibition of which is thought to prevent or halt VC progression. In search of novel druglike small molecule inhibitors of nSMase2, we have used virtual ligand screening to identify potential ligands. From an in-silico collection of 48,6844 small druglike molecules, we selected 996 compounds after application of an in-house multi-step procedure combining different filtering and docking procedures. Selected compounds were functionally tested in vitro; from this, we identified 52 individual hit molecules that inhibited nSMase2 activity by more than 20% at a concentration of 150 µM. Further analysis showed that five compounds presented with IC50s lower than 2 µM. Of these, compounds ID 5728450 and ID 4011505 decreased human primary VSMC EV release and calcification in vitro. The hit molecules identified here represent new classes of nSMase2 inhibitors that may be developed into lead molecules for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of VC.
Strong Coupling between Surface Plasmon Resonance and Exciton of Labeled Protein–Dye Complex for Immunosensing Applications
Authors: Jurkšaitis Povilas , Bužavaitė-Vertelienė Ernesta , Balevičius Zigmas
Published: January 2023

In this study, we present an analysis of the optical response of strong coupling between SPR and labeled proteins. We demonstrate a sensing methodology that allows to evaluate the protein mass adsorbed to the gold’s surface from the Rabi gap, which is a direct consequence of the strong light–matter interaction between surface plasmon polariton and dye exciton of labeled protein. The total internal reflection ellipsometry optical configuration was used for simulation of the optical response for adsorption of HSA-Alexa633 dye-labeled protein to a thin gold layer onto the glass prism. It was shown that Rabi oscillations had parabolic dependence on the number of labeled proteins attached to the sensor surface; however, for photonic–plasmonic systems in real experimental conditions, the range of the Rabi energy is rather narrow, thus it can be linearly approximated. This approach based on the strong coupling effect paves the alternative way for detection and monitoring of the interaction of the proteins on the transducer surface through the change of coupling strengths between plasmonic resonance and the protein–dye complex.