bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Associations with Travel, Tourism and Hospitality
Authors: Magano José , Vidal Diogo Guedes , Sousa Hélder Fernando Pedrosa e , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Leite Ângela
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the anxiety and fear related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their associations with travel, tourism and hospitality, in the Portuguese population. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) were validated for the Portuguese population and correlations with issues related to travel, tourism and hospitality were established. CAS and FCV-19S presented a good adjustment model and solid reliability and validity. Correlations between CAS and FCV-19S and the perception of the impact of COVID-19 in travel, tourism and hospitality were found. Participants considered that COVID-19 mainly affected their holidays and leisure time. However, the strongest correlation established was between total FCV-19S and emotional fear FCV-19S and the fear of attending hotel facilities. The Portuguese versions of CAS and FCV-19S are reliable psychological tools to assess anxiety and fear in relation to COVID-19 for the general population. The use of hotel facilities is the most threatening issue related to travel, tourism and hospitality. The results suggest that hotels should invest in hygiene and safety measures that allow users to regain confidence in hotel equipment.
Searching for Evidence-Based Public Policy and Practice: Analysis of the Determinants of Personal/Public Adaptation and Mitigation Behavior against Particulate Matter by Focusing on the Roles of Risk Perception, Communication, and Attribution Factors
Authors: Kim Geunsik , Kim Seoyong , Hwang Eunjung
Published: January 2021

In recent years, awareness about the risk of particulate matter (PM) has increased both domestically and internationally; consequently, various policies have been implemented to reduce PM. Since citizens are both victim and cause of this risk, PM cannot be successfully decreased only through government policies. Therefore, citizens’ active participation is required to reduce PM and prevent its risks. However, a theoretical model about public behavior against PM has not been established. Therefore, we suggest the public behavior model about individuals’ response against PM, in which response actions are classified into four types based on the combinations of the public-personal domains and mitigation-adaptation actions: Personal or public adaptations, and personal or public mitigations. We analyze how risk perception, risk communication, blame attribution factors influence the four types of responses against PM. The analysis results reveal that the receiver’s ability, negative emotion, trust in government, and age influence personal mitigation behavior, personal adaptation, public mitigation, and public adaptation, respectively. As this study demonstrates the differences in the factors influencing each type of response actions against PM, evidence-based policy is needed that considers the differences in these influencing factors.
A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Adherence among Pregnant Women Taking Part in a Trial of E-Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Ford Allison , Uny Isabelle , Lowes Judith , Naughton Felix , Cooper Sue , Coleman Tim , Hajek Peter , Przulj Dunja , Myers Smith Katie , Bauld Linda , Sinclair Lesley , Walton Robert , Clark Miranda , Ussher Michael
Published: January 2021

Use of e-cigarettes (vaping) has potential to help pregnant women stop smoking. This study explored factors influencing adherence among participants in the vaping arm of the first trial of vaping for smoking cessation in pregnancy. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews (n = 28) with women at three-months postpartum. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis, informed by the Theoretical-Domains Framework, Necessity-Concerns Framework and Perceptions and Practicalities Approach. Interviewees generally reported high levels of vaping. We found that: (1) intervention adherence was driven by four necessity beliefs—stopping smoking for the baby, and vaping for harm reduction, smoking cessation or as a last resort; (2) necessity beliefs outweighed vaping concerns, such as dependence and safety; (3) adherence was linked to four practicalities themes, acting as barriers and facilitators to vaping—device and e-liquid perceptions, resources and support, whether vaping became habitual, and social and environmental factors; and (4) intentional non-adherence was rare; unintentional non-adherence was due to device failures, forgetting to vape, and personal circumstances and stress. Pregnant smokers provided with e-cigarettes, and with generally high levels of vaping, had positive beliefs about the necessity of vaping for smoking cessation which outweighed concerns about vaping. Non-adherence was mainly due to unintentional factors.
The Effects of Sleep Quality on Dream and Waking Emotions
Authors: Conte Francesca , Cellini Nicola , De Rosa Oreste , Rescott Marissa Lynn , Malloggi Serena , Giganti Fiorenza , Ficca Gianluca
Published: January 2021

Despite the increasing interest in sleep and dream-related processes of emotion regulation, their reflection into waking and dream emotional experience remains unclear. We have previously described a discontinuity between wakefulness and dreaming, with a prevalence of positive emotions in wakefulness and negative emotions during sleep. Here we aim to investigate whether this profile may be affected by poor sleep quality. Twenty-three ‘Good Sleepers’ (GS) and 27 ‘Poor Sleepers’ (PS), identified through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) cut-off score, completed three forms of the modified Differential Emotions Scale, assessing, respectively, the frequency of 22 emotions over the past 2 weeks, their intensity during dreaming and during the previous day. The ANOVA revealed a different pattern of emotionality between groups: GS showed high positive emotionality in wakefulness (both past 2 weeks and 24 h) with a significant shift to negative emotionality in dreams, while PS showed evenly distributed emotional valence across all three conditions. No significant regression model emerged between waking and dream affect. In the frame of recent hypotheses on the role of dreaming in emotion regulation, our findings suggest that the different day/night expression of emotions between groups depends on a relative impairment of sleep-related processes of affect regulation in poor sleepers. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of including sleep quality assessments in future dream studies.
Marine Waste—Sources, Fate, Risks, Challenges and Research Needs
Authors: Dąbrowska Jolanta , Sobota Marcin , Świąder Małgorzata , Borowski Paweł , Moryl Andrzej , Stodolak Radosław , Kucharczak Ewa , Zięba Zofia , Kazak Jan K.
Published: January 2021

The article presents a comprehensive and cross-cutting review of key marine waste issues, taking into account: sources, fate, risks, transport pathways, threats, legislation, current challenges, and knowledge gaps. The growing amount of both human-created waste in seas and oceans and waste reaching marine ecosystems from land is one of today’s challenges for the global economy and the European Union. It is predicted that if no decisive steps are taken to limit the amount of this type of waste, there may be more plastic waste than fish in the oceans after 2050. The influence of microplastics and nanoplastics on living organisms remains undiagnosed. Within the international and EU law, solutions are being developed to properly manage waste on board ships and to reduce the impact of processes related to the recycling of the vessels on the environment. Currently, over 80% of ships are dismantled in the countries of South Asia, in conditions that threaten the environment and the safety of workers. After World War 2, large quantities of chemical weapons were deposited in the seas. Steel containers with dangerous substances residing in the sea for over 70 years have begun leaking, thus polluting water. For many years, radioactive waste had also been dumped into marine ecosystems, although since 1993 there has been a total ban on such disposal of radionuclides. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marine waste generation has also been presented as a significant factor influencing marine waste generation and management.
Study of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Nursing Work Environments in Primary Care in Spain
Authors: Gea-Caballero Vicente , Martínez-Riera José Ramón , García-Martínez Pedro , Casaña-Mohedo Jorge , Antón-Solanas Isabel , Verdeguer-Gómez María Virtudes , Santolaya-Arnedo Iván , Juárez-Vela Raúl
Published: January 2021

Background: Nursing work environments are defined as the characteristics of the workplace that promote or hinder the provision of professional care by nurses. Positive work environments lead to better health outcomes. Our study aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of primary health care settings in Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out from 2018 to 2019. We used the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and the TOP10 Questionnaire of Assessment of Environments in Primary Health Care for data collection. The associations between sociodemographic and professional variables were analyzed. Results: In total, 702 primary care nurses participated in the study. Responses were obtained from 14 out of the 17 Spanish Autonomous Communities. Nursing foundation for quality of care, management and leadership of head nurse and nurse–physician relationship were identified as strengths, whereas nurse participation in center affairs and adequate human resources to ensure quality of care were identified as weaknesses of the nursing work environment in primary health care. Older nurses and those educated to doctoral level were the most critical in the nursing work environments. Variables Age, Level of Education and Managerial Role showed a significant relation with global score in the questionnaire. Conclusion: Interventions by nurse managers in primary health care should focus on improving identified weaknesses to improve quality of care and health outcomes.
Transactional Links between Teacher–Adolescent Support, Relatedness, and Aggression at School: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jiménez Teresa I. , León Jaime , Martín-Albo José , Lombas Andrés S. , Valdivia-Salas Sonsoles , Estévez Estefanía
Published: January 2021

This study examines the reciprocal effects between two school-based relationships within the classroom—namely, perceived teacher support and relatedness with classmates—and school aggression (overt and relational) across two courses of secondary education. Participants were 654 adolescents (48% boys), who were assessed in three waves: first, at the beginning of the academic year (T0), second, at the end of the same academic year (T1), and third, at the beginning of the next academic year (T2) (Mage wave 1 = 13.98 years). Autoregressive cross-lagged modeling was applied. Results show a protective effect of relatedness against relational aggression in both genders. Moreover, we observed a protective effect of perceived teacher support at the beginning of the course for later school aggression as well as a risk effect if this perceived teacher support is maintained throughout the course. These effects were observed in relation with gender-atypical forms of aggression (overt in girls and relational in boys). Finally, aggression had negative consequences for relatedness in girls and for teacher support through the mediation of relatedness in boys. Gender differences and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Sleep, Prospective Memory, and Immune Status among People Living with HIV
Authors: Faraut Brice , Tonetti Lorenzo , Malmartel Alexandre , Grabar Sophie , Ghosn Jade , Viard Jean-Paul , Natale Vincenzo , Léger Damien
Published: January 2021

Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) frequently report sleep complaints, but objective measurements are still lacking regarding sleep continuity, total sleep time per 24 h, and the links with both prospective memory performance and HIV infection parameters. Methods: PLWH (n = 96) and control (n = 96) groups (balanced for gender and age) were monitored by 24h-actigraphy for at least seven consecutive days. The prospective memory performance was assessed through a naturalistic, activity-based task performed twice a day on the actigraph. Results: PLWH had greater sleep latency and worse sleep continuity (higher fragmentation index) for night-time sleep and longest daytime nap (mean duration of the longest nap). Comparable results were reported for the prospective memory task; better performance scores were associated with several sleep parameters in controls but not in PLWH. Finally, within the PLWH group, being a long sleeper per 24 h (total sleep time > 8 h including more and long daytime naps) was associated with a greater severity of the disease (lower CD4 nadir and more frequent history of AIDS-defining events). Conclusions: These findings indicate that PLWH have more fragmented sleep and that the severity of HIV infection is associated with increased sleep duration.
Twelve Years of the Italian Program to Enhance Relational and Communication Skills (PERCS)
Authors: Borghi Lidia , Meyer Elaine C. , Vegni Elena , Oteri Roberta , Almagioni Paolo , Lamiani Giulia
Published: January 2021

To describe the experience of the Italian Program to Enhance Relations and Communication Skills (PERCS-Italy) for difficult healthcare conversations. PERCS-Italy has been offered in two different hospitals in Milan since 2008. Each workshop lasts 5 h, enrolls 10–15 interdisciplinary participants, and is organized around simulations and debriefing of two difficult conversations. Before and after the workshops, participants rate their preparation, communication, relational skills, confidence, and anxiety on 5-point Likert scales. Usefulness, quality, and recommendation of the program are also assessed. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, repeated-measures ANOVA, and Chi-square were performed. A total of 72 workshops have been offered, involving 830 interdisciplinary participants. Participants reported improvements in all the dimensions (p < 0.001) without differences across the two hospitals. Nurses and other professionals reported a greater improvement in preparation, communication skills, and confidence, compared to physicians and psychosocial professionals. Usefulness, quality, and recommendation of PERCS programs were highly rated, without differences by discipline. PERCS-Italy proved to be adaptable to different hospital settings, public and private. After the workshops, clinicians reported improvements in self-reported competencies when facing difficult conversations. PERCS-Italy’s sustainability is based on the flexible format combined with a solid learner-centered approach. Future directions include implementation of booster sessions to maintain learning and the assessment of behavioral changes.
Gender Differences in Parental Impact on Problematic Smartphone Use among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Son Hyunmi , Park Suwon , Han Gyumin
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to examine the effective parental impact in preventing problematic smartphone use in adolescents by identifying the parent-related factors. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a Korean national survey was conducted. Data from 2758 male and 2419 female adolescents, aged 10 to 19 years, were analyzed; the respondents were divided into normal and risk groups based on their standardized smartphone addiction diagnostic scale scores. Parent-related factors of smartphone addiction were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Among both male and female adolescents, mobile messenger usage, and family environment emerged as significant predictors of problematic smartphone use. In addition, for male adolescents, smartphone use frequency and parent’s awareness of content use were significant predictors. The findings indicated the importance of parental roles in preventing problematic smartphone use in adolescents. Parents should create a healthy family environment by avoiding smartphone overuse and modeling the appropriate usage of smartphones.
Testing Interdependent Self-Construal as a Moderator between Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Psychological Health among Emerging Adults
Authors: Chen Ming , Cheung Rebecca Y. M.
Published: January 2021

This study examines the moderating role of interdependent self-construal between mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological health, with emotion regulation as a mediator. A total of 187 Chinese emerging adults completed self-reported measures, including mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and interdependent self-construal. Our findings indicate moderation effects of interdependent self-construal between (i) mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal, (ii) cognitive reappraisal and life satisfaction, (iii) expressive suppression and life satisfaction, and (iv) expressive suppression and depressive symptoms. Based on bootstrapping and path analyses, cognitive reappraisal mediated the relation between mindfulness and psychological health, including depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, regardless of the level of interdependent self-construal. In addition, mindfulness was not related to expressive suppression, regardless of the level of interdependent self-construal. Based on these findings, researchers and practitioners should pay attention to the differential associations between mindfulness, emotion regulation strategies, and psychological outcomes as a function of interdependent self-construal during emerging adulthood.
Factors Affecting Salt Reduction Measure Adoption among Chinese Residents
Authors: Huang Zeying , Zeng Di
Published: January 2021

China has the highest mortality rate caused by diseases and conditions associated with its high-salt diet. Since 2016, China has initiated a national salt reduction campaign that aims at promoting the usage of salt information on food labels and salt-restriction spoons and reducing condiment and pickled food intake. However, factors affecting individuals’ decisions to adopt these salt reduction measures remain largely unknown. By comparing the performances of logistic regression, stepwise logistic regression, lasso logistic regression and adaptive lasso logistic regression, this study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the adoption behaviour of 1610 individuals from a nationally representative online survey. It was found that the practices were far from adopted and only 26.40%, 22.98%, 33.54% and 37.20% reported the adoption of labelled salt information, salt-restriction spoons, reduced condiment use in home cooking and reduced pickled food intake, respectively. Knowledge on salt, the perceived benefits of salt reduction, participation in nutrition education and training programs on sodium reduction were positively associated with using salt information labels. Adoption of the other measures was largely explained by people’s awareness of hypertension risks and taste preferences. It is therefore recommended that policy interventions should enhance Chinese individuals’ knowledge of salt, raise the awareness of the benefits associated with a low-salt diet and the risks associated with consuming excessive salt and reshape their taste choices.
Transverse Asymmetries of the Maxilla Even in Healthy and Apparently Symmetrical Subjects
Authors: Currò Giuseppe , Bilello Giuseppa , Messina Pietro , Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro
Published: January 2021

In the formulation of an orthodontic treatment plan, the three-dimensional analysis of the dental arches represents a fundamental moment for the evaluation of all the morphological parameters necessary in order to have a correct and complete diagnosis. In this regard, the study of the dental arches on the horizontal plane is sometimes neglected or not thorough enough. When evaluating the transverse dimensions of the dental upper arche, the presence of an asymmetry is frequently found, and it means that an hemiarch is larger than the other. Furthermore, any variation in one of the three planes of space always involves an alteration also on the other two planes in order to have compensation. The morphology of a bone segment depends on various factors, mainly genetical, acquired and environmental. Regarding the environmental factors, the function determines the morphology, but this in turn determines the function. In the case of unilateral mastication, the upper maxilla will be asymmetrical, so growing patients will have compensation on other skull bones. From these considerations arises the need for a careful study of the horizontal plane of the maxilla in the presence of a malocclusion during diagnostic evaluations. These asymmetries, however, must be evaluated and quantified in the diagnostic phase in order to formulate a correct plan of treatment. The aim of this work is to demonstrate that there are almost always transverse asymmetries of the maxilla, albeit of a slight entity, even in healthy and apparently symmetrical subjects.
Excess Mortality of Males Due to Malignant Lung Cancer in OECD Countries
Authors: Moryson Waclaw , Stawinska-Witoszynska Barbara
Published: January 2021

Excess mortality of men has been observed since the beginning of the 20th century. One of the main causes of this phenomenon is malignant cancers, with lung cancer as the main reason. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, a decline in male excess mortality was observed in most developed countries. This study aimed to analyze the changes in the level of excess mortality of men caused by lung cancer between 2002 and 2017 in the countries associated with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In order to compare changes in male mortality rates across countries, the annual average percent change (AAPC) in male excess mortality rate for a given country was calculated. A decrease in excess male mortality due to lung cancer between 2002 and 2017 was recorded in 33 of the 35 countries analyzed. The highest rate of decline was observed in Spain (4.9% per year), Belgium (4.7% per year), Slovakia (4.4% per year) and other European OECD member countries. In most OECD countries, the decrease in excess male mortality was the result of a decrease in mortality in the male population as well as the increase in female mortality. In 10 member countries of the OECD, there was a simultaneous increase in the mortality of men and women, though the increase was higher in the female population. Only in two countries was the decrease in excess mortality of males due to a greater decline in the mortality of men. The decline in male mortality from lung cancer primarily associated with a reduction in tobacco consumption in this population initiated in the 1980s or 1990s (depending on the country) was not observed in the female population.
Coastal Communities, Leisure and Wellbeing: Advancing a Trans-Disciplinary Agenda for Understanding Ocean-Human Relationships in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Wheaton Belinda , Waiti Jordan Te Aramoana , Olive Rebecca , Kearns Robin
Published: January 2021

Commentators are advocating for research to better understand relationships between healthy coastal ecosystems and human wellbeing. Doing so requires inter- and transdisciplinary approaches across humanities, arts, social sciences, and science and technology disciplines. These approaches include culturally diverse knowledge systems, such as indigenous ones, that locate sustainable use of and relationships to marine ecosystems. This paper contributes to this agenda through a case-study of relationships between coastal ecosystems and human wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article highlights interconnected cultural and wellbeing benefits of, and socio-ecological relationships between, these coastal ecosystems drawing on a case study of one ocean-based, ‘immersive’ leisure activity, surfing. Further, it examines how these relationships impact human physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and the wellbeing of communities and ecosystems. The research illustrates that surfing creates strong bonds between practitioners and coastal places, linking the health of marine environments and people. We demonstrate the value of a transdisciplinary place-based approach that integrates research across the humanities and social sciences and engages with Indigenous knowledge (Mātauranga Māori). This argument for multicultural co-learning shows the value of Western and Māori vantage points for how we understand coastal blue spaces. Indigenous perspectives, we conclude, deepen appreciation, as well as equity considerations, of how we understand place, wellbeing, and long-term sustainable relationships with marine ecosystems.
An Update on Resources, Procedures and Healthcare Provision in Pain Units: A Survey of Spanish Practitioners
Authors: Polo-Santos Mar , Videla-Cés Sebastián , Pérez-Hernández Concha , Mayoral-Rojals Víctor , Ribera-Canudas Mª Victoria , Sarría-Santamera Antonio
Published: January 2021

Multidisciplinary pain treatment units are recommended to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain, a complex clinical syndrome and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The objective of this study was to provide updated results on the situation of pain treatment units in Spain and to determine compliance with recommendations proposed by de Spanish Ministry of Health (SMH). A cross-sectional, prospective, multicenter survey was performed, collecting data on resources, procedures and healthcare provision. Between March and May 2019, the Spanish Pain Society sent an invitation letter to 183 pain units with a link to the questionnaire. Sixty-nine units from 13 regions agreed to participate. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain criteria, only 12 units were classified as multidisciplinary pain centers. Most (95.7%) were in hospitals, 82.6% from the public sector, and 46.4% had protocols to coordinate with primary care. Interviewees rated the adequacy of facilities at 6.3 (from 0 to 10). Moreover, 67% of interviewees found that there were insufficient staff, with no mental health professionals, physical therapists or social workers in 49.3%, 87.0% and 97.1% units, respectively. Only 24 pain units had a day hospital, 44.9% offered psychological interventions, and 79.7% supported teaching and research activities. Results suggest that a small proportion of Spanish pain units meet the national standards for multidisciplinary pain units proposed by the SMH.
The Effect of Nut Consumption on Diet Quality, Cardiometabolic and Gastrointestinal Health in Children: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mead Lauren C , Hill Alison M , Carter Sharayah , Coates Alison M
Published: January 2021

Tree nuts and ground nuts are nutrient-rich foods known to improve human health when consumed regularly in the diet. Past observational studies suggest that nuts improve adult and child health; however, limited randomized control trials (RCTs) have assessed the health effects of nuts in children. Using a systematic review approach, we examined the effect of nut intake on health outcomes in children aged 8–18 years. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane library to identify RCTs of interest. A total of 5783 articles were identified, 4821 were screened by title and abstract and 37 by full text resulting in four articles that met the inclusion criteria for the review. Nut consumption was between 15 and 30 g with durations of between 3 and 16 weeks. Nut consumption was shown to improve children’s diet quality (increase children’s intake of essential nutrients including fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), protein and fiber), there were inconsistent effects on biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (improve lipid profiles, microvascular reactivity and inflammation) and gastrointestinal health (increase in the proportion of beneficial fecal bacteria). Further studies exploring the broad health benefits of nuts in children are needed with consideration given to higher doses and longer intervention periods.
Perceived Crowding and Risk Perception According to Leisure Activity Type during COVID-19 Using Spatial Proximity
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Kang Seung-Woo
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to investigate the difference in people’s perceived crowding and risk perception during leisure activities using the criteria of spatial proximity during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory tract disease that poses an increasing risk of infection through person-to-person transmission in a confined space or close proximity to an infected person. It is thus crucial to maintain a sufficiently safe distance from others during leisure activities. In this study, measures concerning leisure activity spaces and the current status of leisure activities were investigated. Data were gathered from a total of 1078 participants via an online survey conducted from 26 to 29 October 2020. Frequency analysis was performed to investigate the sample characteristics and exploratory factor analysis was performed to analyze the validity of the measurement tools. Results revealed that people’s perceived crowding of leisure activity spaces directly influenced their participation in leisure activities. Regarding age, those in their 20s were more aware of congestion and their risk perception was higher than those in their 40s and 50s. It was found that people perceived cultural and artistic activities to be dangerous as they often take place as part of tourism and leisure activities and amidst crowds. However, their high-risk perception indirectly influenced their participation patterns, making it difficult to enjoy leisure activities. To lower the risk perception of leisure activity spaces, it was necessary to secure more safe distancing than current regulations require. Future research must conduct a longitudinal investigation by objectively stratifying the degree of perceived crowding.
Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Mental Health Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Fonseca Ana , Osma Jorge
Published: January 2021

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Pesticides in Drinking Water—A Review
Authors: Syafrudin Muhammad , Kristanti Risky Ayu , Yuniarto Adhi , Hadibarata Tony , Rhee Jongtae , Al-onazi Wedad A. , Algarni Tahani Saad , Almarri Abdulhadi H. , Al-Mohaimeed Amal M.
Published: January 2021

The ubiquitous problem of pesticide in aquatic environment are receiving worldwide concern as pesticide tends to accumulate in the body of the aquatic organism and sediment soil, posing health risks to the human. Many pesticide formulations had introduced due to the rapid growth in the global pesticide market result from the wide use of pesticides in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The occurrence of pesticides in the water body is derived by the runoff from the agricultural field and industrial wastewater. Soluble pesticides were carried away by water molecules especially during the precipitation event by percolating downward into the soil layers and eventually reach surface waters and groundwater. Consequently, it degrades water quality and reduces the supply of clean water for potable water. Long-time exposure to the low concentration of pesticides had resulted in non-carcinogenic health risks. The conventional method of pesticide treatment processes encompasses coagulation-flocculation, adsorption, filtration and sedimentation, which rely on the phase transfer of pollutants. Those methods are often incurred with a relatively high operational cost and may cause secondary pollution such as sludge formation. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are recognized as clean technologies for the treatment of water containing recalcitrant and bio-refractory pollutants such as pesticides. It has been adopted as recent water purification technology because of the thermodynamic viability and broad spectrum of applicability. This work provides a comprehensive review for occurrence of pesticide in the drinking water and its possible treatment.
Study of Well Waters from High-Level Natural Radiation Areas in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Duong Van-Hao , Nguyen Thanh-Duong , Hegedus Miklos , Kocsis Erika , Kovacs Tibor
Published: January 2021

The determination of natural radionuclide concentrations plays an important role for assuring public health and in the estimation of the radiological hazards. This is especially true for high level radiation areas. In this study, 226Ra, 228Ra and 238U concentrations were measured in well waters surrounding eight of the high-level natural radiation areas in northern Vietnam. The 226Ra, 228Ra and 238U activity concentrations vary from <1.2 × 10−3–2.7 (0.46), <2.6 × 10−3–0.43 (0.07) and <38 × 10−3–5.32 Bq/L (0.50 of median), respectively. 226Ra and 238U isotopes in most areas are in equilibrium, except for the DT-Thai Nguyen area. The calculated radiological hazard indices are generally higher than WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations. Average annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk values due to drinking well water range from to 130 to 540 μSv/year and 7.4 × 10−6 to 3.1 × 10−5, respectively.
Transcription Factors as the “Blitzkrieg” of Plant Defense: A Pragmatic View of Nitric Oxide’s Role in Gene Regulation
Authors: Falak Noreen , Imran Qari Muhammad , Hussain Adil , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: January 2021

Plants are in continuous conflict with the environmental constraints and their sessile nature demands a fine-tuned, well-designed defense mechanism that can cope with a multitude of biotic and abiotic assaults. Therefore, plants have developed innate immunity, R-gene-mediated resistance, and systemic acquired resistance to ensure their survival. Transcription factors (TFs) are among the most important genetic components for the regulation of gene expression and several other biological processes. They bind to specific sequences in the DNA called transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) that are present in the regulatory regions of genes. Depending on the environmental conditions, TFs can either enhance or suppress transcriptional processes. In the last couple of decades, nitric oxide (NO) emerged as a crucial molecule for signaling and regulating biological processes. Here, we have overviewed the plant defense system, the role of TFs in mediating the defense response, and that how NO can manipulate transcriptional changes including direct post-translational modifications of TFs. We also propose that NO might regulate gene expression by regulating the recruitment of RNA polymerase during transcription.
Electroless Palladium-Coated Polymer Scaffolds for Electrical Stimulation of Osteoblast-Like Saos-2 Cells
Authors: Careta Oriol , Salicio-Paz Asier , Pellicer Eva , Ibáñez Elena , Fornell Jordina , García-Lecina Eva , Sort Jordi , Nogués Carme
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional porous scaffolds offer some advantages over conventional treatments for bone tissue engineering. Amongst all non-bioresorbable scaffolds, biocompatible metallic scaffolds are preferred over ceramic and polymeric scaffolds, as they can be used as electrodes with different electric field intensities (or voltages) for electric stimulation (ES). In the present work we have used a palladium-coated polymeric scaffold, generated by electroless deposition, as a bipolar electrode to electrically stimulate human osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Cells grown on palladium-coated polyurethane foams under ES presented higher proliferation than cells grown on foams without ES for up to 14 days. In addition, cells grown in both conditions were well adhered, with a flat appearance and a typical actin cytoskeleton distribution. However, after 28 days in culture, cells without ES were filling the entire structure, while cells under ES appeared rounded and not well adhered, a sign of cell death onset. Regarding osteoblast differentiation, ES seems to enhance the expression of early expressed genes. The results suggest that palladium-coated polyurethane foams may be good candidates for osteoblast scaffolds and demonstrate that ES enhances osteoblast proliferation up to 14 days and upregulate expression genes related to extracellular matrix formation.
The Orai Pore Opening Mechanism
Authors: Tiffner Adéla , Maltan Lena , Weiß Sarah , Derler Isabella
Published: January 2021

Cell survival and normal cell function require a highly coordinated and precise regulation of basal cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. The primary source of Ca2+ entry into the cell is mediated by the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel. Its action is stimulated in response to internal Ca2+ store depletion. The fundamental constituents of CRAC channels are the Ca2+ sensor, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) anchored in the endoplasmic reticulum, and a highly Ca2+-selective pore-forming subunit Orai1 in the plasma membrane. The precise nature of the Orai1 pore opening is currently a topic of intensive research. This review describes how Orai1 gating checkpoints in the middle and cytosolic extended transmembrane regions act together in a concerted manner to ensure an opening-permissive Orai1 channel conformation. In this context, we highlight the effects of the currently known multitude of Orai1 mutations, which led to the identification of a series of gating checkpoints and the determination of their role in diverse steps of the Orai1 activation cascade. The synergistic action of these gating checkpoints maintains an intact pore geometry, settles STIM1 coupling, and governs pore opening. We describe the current knowledge on Orai1 channel gating mechanisms and summarize still open questions of the STIM1–Orai1 machinery.
In Silico Identification of Potential Druggable Binding Sites on CIN85 SH3 Domain
Authors: Vittorio Serena , Seidel Thomas , Garon Arthur , Gitto Rosaria , Langer Thierry , De Luca Laura
Published: January 2021

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of many physiological processes. The dysfunction of some PPIs interactions led to the alteration of different biological pathways causing various diseases including cancer. In this context, the inhibition of PPIs represents an attractive strategy for the design of new antitumoral agents. In recent years, computational approaches were successfully used to study the interactions between proteins, providing useful hints for the design of small molecules able to modulate PPIs. Targeting PPIs presents several challenges mainly due to the large and flat binding surface that lack the typical binding pockets of traditional drug targets. Despite these hurdles, substantial progress has been made in the last decade resulting in the identification of PPI modulators where some of them even found clinical use. This study focuses on MUC1-CIN85 PPI which is involved in the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Particularly, we investigated the presence of druggable binding sites on the CIN85 surface which provided new insights for the structure-based design of novel MUC1-CIN85 PPI inhibitors as anti-metastatic agents.
Synergistic Anticancer Activity of N-Hydroxy-7-(2-Naphthylthio) Heptanomide, Sorafenib, and Radiation Therapy in Patient-Derived Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Models
Authors: Yun Hyeok Jun , Kim Hee Jun , Kim Jungmin , Kim Sang Yong , Chang Hang-Seok , Park Cheong Soo , Chang Ho-Jin , Park Ki Cheong
Published: January 2021

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an undifferentiated and advanced form of thyroid cancer, accompanied with a high ratio of epigenetic adjustment, which occurs more than genetic mutations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the synergistic anticancer effect (in vitro and in vivo) of the new combination of N-hydroxy-7-(2-naphthylthio) heptanomide (HNHA) and sorafenib with radiation therapy in pre-clinical models of ATC. The ATC cell lines, YUMC-A1 and YUMC-A2, were isolated from the current patients who were treated with HNHA and sorafenib, either as monotherapy or combination therapy. Synergistic anticancer effect of the combination therapy on the intracellular signaling pathways and cell cycle was assessed via flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis. To examine tumor shrinkage activity in vivo, an ATC cell line-derived mouse xenograft model was used. Results showed that the combination therapy of HNHA and sorafenib with radiation promoted tumor suppression via caspase cleavage and cell cycle arrest in patient-derived ATC. In addition, the combination therapy of HNHA and sorafenib with radiation was more effective against ATC than therapy with HNHA or sorafenib with radiation. Thus, the combination of HNHA and sorafenib with radiation may be used as a novel curative approach for the treatment of ATC.
Perinatal Exposure to Diesel Exhaust-Origin Secondary Organic Aerosol Induces Autism-Like Behavior in Rats
Authors: Win-Shwe Tin-Tin , Kyi-Tha-Thu Chaw , Fujitani Yuji , Tsukahara Shinji , Hirano Seishiro
Published: January 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication, poor social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. We aimed to examine autism-like behaviors and related gene expressions in rats exposed to diesel exhaust (DE)-origin secondary organic aerosol (DE-SOA) perinatally. Sprague–Dawley pregnant rats were exposed to clean air (control), DE, and DE-SOA in the exposure chamber from gestational day 14 to postnatal day 21. Behavioral phenotypes of ASD were investigated in 10~13-week-old offspring using a three-chambered social behavior test, social dominance tube test, and marble burying test. Prefrontal cortex was collected to examine molecular analyses including neurological and immunological markers and glutamate concentration, using RT-PCR and ELISA methods. DE-SOA-exposed male and female rats showed poor sociability and social novelty preference, socially dominant behavior, and increased repetitive behavior. Serotonin receptor (5-HT(5B)) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNAs were downregulated whereas interleukin 1 β (IL-β) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) mRNAs were upregulated in the prefrontal cortex of male and female rats exposed to DE-SOA. Glutamate concentration was also increased significantly in DE-SOA-exposed male and female rats. Our results indicate that perinatal exposure to DE-SOA may induce autism-like behavior by modulating molecules such as neurological and immunological markers in rats.
Circulating Extracellular Vesicles: The Missing Link between Physical Exercise and Depression Management?
Authors: Soares Edna , Reis Julie , Rodrigues Mariana , Ribeiro Carlos Fontes , Pereira Frederico C.
Published: January 2021

Depression is associated with an increased risk of aging-related diseases. It is also seemingly a common psychological reaction to pandemic outbreaks with forced quarantines and lockdowns. Thus, depression represents, now more than ever, a major global health burden with therapeutic management challenges. Clinical data highlights that physical exercise is gaining momentum as a non-pharmacological intervention in depressive disorders. Although it may contribute to the reduction of systemic inflammation associated with depression, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial physical exercise effects in emotional behavior remain to be elucidated. Current investigations indicate that a rapid release of extracellular vesicles into the circulation might be the signaling mediators of systemic adaptations to physical exercise. These biological entities are now well-established intercellular communicators, playing a major role in relevant physiological and pathophysiological functions, including brain cell–cell communication. We also reviewed emerging evidence correlating depression with modified circulating extracellular vesicle surfaces and cargo signatures (e.g., microRNAs and proteins), envisioned as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, efficient disease stratification and appropriate therapeutic management. Accordingly, the clinical data summarized in the present review prompted us to hypothesize that physical exercise-related circulating extracellular vesicles contribute to its antidepressant effects, particularly through the modulation of inflammation. This review sheds light on the triad “physical exercise–extracellular vesicles–depression” and suggests new avenues in this novel emerging field.
mRNA and miRNA Expression Analyses of the MYC/E2F/miR-17-92 Network in the Most Common Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Gruszka Renata , Zakrzewski Krzysztof , Liberski Paweł Piotr , Zakrzewska Magdalena
Published: January 2021

Numerous molecular factors disrupt the correctness of the cell cycle process leading to the development of cancer due to increased cell proliferation. Among known causative factors of such process is abnormal gene expression. Nowadays in the light of current knowledge such alterations are frequently considered in the context of mRNA–miRNA correlation. One of the molecular factors with potential value in tumorigenesis is the feedback loop between MYC and E2F genes in which miR-17-5p and miR-20a from the miR-17-92 cluster are involved. The current literature shows that overexpression of the members of the OncomiR-1 are involved in the development of many solid tumors. In the present work, we investigated the expression of components of the MYC/E2F/miR-17-92 network and their closely related elements including members of MYC and E2F families and miRNAs from two paralogs of miR-17-92: miR-106b-25 and miR-106a-363, in the most common brain tumors of childhood, pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), WHO grade 1; ependymoma (EP), WHO grade 2; and medulloblastoma (MB), WHO grade 4. We showed that the highest gene expression was observed in the MYC family for MYCN and in the E2F family for E2F2. Positive correlation was observed between the gene expression and tumor grade and type, with the highest expression being noted for medulloblastomas, followed by ependymomas, and the lowest for pilocytic astrocytomas. Most members of miR-17-92, miR-106a-363 and miR-106b-25 clusters were upregulated and the highest expression was noted for miR-18a and miR-18b. The rest of the miRNAs, including miR-19a, miR-92a, miR-106a, miR-93, or miR-25 also showed high values. miR-17-5p, miR-20a obtained a high level of expression in medulloblastomas and ependymomas, while close to the control in the pilocytic astrocytoma samples. miRNA expression also depended on tumor grade and histology.
Characteristic Effects of the Cardiac Non-Neuronal Acetylcholine System Augmentation on Brain Functions
Authors: Kakinuma Yoshihiko
Published: January 2021

Since the discovery of non-neuronal acetylcholine in the heart, this specific system has drawn scientific interest from many research fields, including cardiology, immunology, and pharmacology. This system, acquired by cardiomyocytes independent of the parasympathetic nervous system of the autonomic nervous system, helps us to understand unsolved issues in cardiac physiology and to realize that the system may be more pivotal for cardiac homeostasis than expected. However, it has been shown that the effects of this system may not be restricted to the heart, but rather extended to cover extra-cardiac organs. To this end, this system intriguingly influences brain function, specifically potentiating blood brain barrier function. Although the results reported appear to be unusual, this novel characteristic can provide us with another research interest and therapeutic application mode for central nervous system diseases. In this review, we discuss our recent studies and raise the possibility of application of this system as an adjunctive therapeutic modality.