bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of PIM Kinases in Hypoxia Is Mediated by the Deubiquitinase USP28
Authors: Toth Rachel K. , Solomon Regina , Warfel Noel A.
Published: March 2022

Proviral integration sites for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases are upregulated at the protein level in response to hypoxia and have multiple protumorigenic functions, promoting cell growth, survival, and angiogenesis. However, the mechanism responsible for the induction of PIM in hypoxia remains unknown. Here, we examined factors affecting PIM kinase stability in normoxia and hypoxia. We found that PIM kinases were upregulated in hypoxia at the protein level but not at the mRNA level, confirming that PIMs were upregulated in hypoxia in a hypoxia inducible factor 1-independent manner. PIM kinases were less ubiquitinated in hypoxia than in normoxia, indicating that hypoxia reduced their proteasomal degradation. We identified the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 28 (USP28) as a key regulator of PIM1 and PIM2 stability. The overexpression of USP28 increased PIM protein stability and total levels in both normoxia and hypoxia, and USP28-knockdown significantly increased the ubiquitination of PIM1 and PIM2. Interestingly, coimmunoprecipitation assays showed an increased interaction between PIM1/2 and USP28 in response to hypoxia, which correlated with reduced ubiquitination and increased protein stability. In a xenograft model, USP28-knockdown tumors grew more slowly than control tumors and showed significantly lower levels of PIM1 in vivo. In conclusion, USP28 blocked the ubiquitination and increased the stability of PIM1/2, particularly in hypoxia. These data provide the first insight into proteins responsible for controlling PIM protein degradation and identify USP28 as an important upstream regulator of this hypoxia-induced, protumorigenic signaling pathway.
The Activation of GPR27 Increases Cytosolic L-Lactate in 3T3 Embryonic Cells and Astrocytes
Authors: Dolanc Dorian , Zorec Tomaž M. , Smole Zala , Maver Anja , Horvat Anemari , Pillaiyar Thanigaimalai , Trkov Bobnar Saša , Vardjan Nina , Kreft Marko , Chowdhury Helena Haque , Zorec Robert
Published: March 2022

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a family with over 800 members in humans, and one-third of these are targets for approved drugs. A large number of GPCRs have unknown physiologic roles. Here, we investigated GPR27, an orphan GPCR belonging to the family of super conserved receptor expressed in the brain, with unknown functions. Cytosolic levels of L-lactate ([lactate]i), the end product of aerobic glycolysis, were measured with the Laconic fluorescence resonance energy transfer nanosensor. In single 3T3 wild-type (WT) embryonic cells, the application of 8535 (1 µM), a surrogate agonist known to activate GPR27, resulted in an increase in [lactate]i. Similarly, an increase was recorded in primary rat astrocytes, a type of neuroglial cell abundant in the brain, which contain glycogen and express enzymes of aerobic glycolysis. In CRISPR-Cas9 GPR27 knocked out 3T3 cells, the 8535-induced increase in [lactate]i was reduced compared with WT controls. Transfection of the GPR27-carrying plasmid into the 3T3KOGPR27 cells rescued the 8535-induced increase in [lactate]i. These results indicate that stimulation of GPR27 enhances aerobic glycolysis and L-lactate production in 3T3 cells and astrocytes. Interestingly, in the absence of GPR27 in 3T3 cells, resting [lactate]i was increased in comparison with controls, further supporting the view that GPR27 regulates L-lactate homeostasis.
Advanced HRT-Controller Aimed at Optimising Nitrogen Recovery by Microalgae: Application in an Outdoor Flat-Panel Membrane Photobioreactor
Authors: Mora-Sánchez Juan Francisco , González-Camejo Josué , Seco Aurora , Ruano María Victoria
Published: March 2022

A fuzzy knowledge-based controller of hydraulic retention time (HRT) was designed and tested in an outdoor membrane photobioreactor (MPBR) to improve nitrogen recovery from a microalgae cultivation system, maintaining the algae as photosynthetically active as possible and limiting their competition with other microorganisms. The hourly flow of the MPBR system was optimised by adjusting the influent flow rate to the outdoor environmental conditions which microalgae were exposed to at any moment and to the nitrogen uptake capacity of the culture. A semi-empirical photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) prediction model was calibrated using total cloud cover (TCC) forecast. Dissolved oxygen, standardised to 25 °C (DO25), was used as an on-line indicator of microalgae photosynthetic activity. Different indexes, based on suspended solids (SS), DO25, and predicted and real PAR, were used as input variables, while the initial HRT of each operating day (HRT0) and the variation of HRT (ΔHRT) served as output variables. The nitrogen recovery efficiency, measured as nitrogen recovery rate (NRR) per nitrogen loading rate (NLR) in pseudo-steady state conditions, was improved by 45% when the HRT-controller was set in comparison to fixed 1.25-d HRT. Consequently, the average effluent total soluble nitrogen (TSN) concentration in the MPBR was reduced by 47%, accomplishing the discharge requirements of the EU Directive 91/271/EEC.
Serious Games for Training Myoelectric Prostheses through Multi-Contact Devices
Authors: Carro Rosa M. , Costales Fernando G. , Ortigosa Alvaro
Published: March 2022

In the medical context, designing and developing myoelectric prostheses has made it possible for patients to regain mobility lost due to amputations; however, their use requires intensive training. Serious games through multi-touch devices can serve as a complement to the activities carried out during face-to-face sessions with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, as a useful resource to engage patients, especially children, and make them enjoy training. In this paper, we describe our work to support the training of myoelectric prostheses through digital serious games. Firstly, we studied the needs of children with myoelectric prostheses and the way they perform rehabilitation. Secondly, we designed specific games to support training accordingly. Thirdly, we developed a system able to generate variations of these games dynamically, adapting the elements at each round to the needs and progress of each child. The interfaces are simple, friendly, and based on tablets to favor autonomy. Finally, we assessed the potential of the use of these games for rehabilitation. Specialists in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Medicine and Special Education collaborated as experts; they agreed that SilverTouch is good for myoelectric prosthetic training and confirmed its potential to be widely used in this context.
A Study on Functional Hydrophobic Stainless Steel 316L Using Single-Step Anodization and a Self-Assembled Monolayer Coating to Improve Corrosion Resistance
Authors: Jeong Chanyoung
Published: March 2022

Stainless steel fabricated using chromium is widely being used in various industries due to its superior corrosion resistance compared to light metals such as aluminum, titanium, and magnesium. However, despite its excellent properties, a problem of poor corrosion resistance in harsh environments remains. In this study, an economical and environmentally friendly anodizing process was applied to the surface of stainless steel (SUS 316L) to create porous nanostructures to improve its water-repellent properties. In these experiments, voltages of 30, 50, 70, and 90 V were applied to stainless steel for 3 h to form an oxide film, prior to immersion in 0.1 M phosphoric acid for 10 min to expand the oxide pores. In addition, the change of the oxide structure was observed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). In terms of the contact angle, hydrophilicity was observed at applied voltages of 70 and 90 V, in which a porous film was formed; the best water repellency was observed at a 90 V applied voltage, after the application of an FDTS (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane) coating, a self-assembled monolayer. Finally, the corrosion behavior of a hydrophobic specimen was tested using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) experiments. The hydrophobic SUS 316L alloy subsequently displayed improved corrosion resistance in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution.
Raman Spectroscopy: In Vivo Application for Bone Evaluation in Oral Reconstructive (Regenerative) Surgery
Authors: Gatin Eduard Gheorghe , Nagy Pal , Iordache Stefan-Marian , Iordache Ana-Maria , Luculescu Catalin Romeo
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of the bone, revealing the different phases for calcified tissues independent of the medical history of the patient in relation to periodontitis by means of in vivo Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed in vivo during surgery and then ex vivo for the harvested bone samples for the whole group of patients (ten patients). The specific peaks for the Raman spectrum were traced for reference compounds (e.g., calcium phosphates) and bone samples. The variation in the intensity of the spectrum in relation to the specific bone constituents’ concentrations reflects the bone quality and can be strongly related with patient medical status (before dental surgery and after a healing period). Moreover, bone sample fluorescence is related to collagen content, enabling a complete evaluation of bone quality including a “quasi-quantification” of the healing process similar to the bone augmentation procedure. A complete evaluation of the processed spectra offers quantitative/qualitative information on the condition of the bone tissue. We conclude that Raman spectroscopy can be considered a viable investigation method for an in vivo and quick bone quality assessment during oral and periodontal surgery.
The Nature and Chromosomal Landscape of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) Integrated in the Sheep Nuclear Genome
Authors: Mustafa Sarbast Ihsan , Schwarzacher Trude , Heslop-Harrison John S.
Published: March 2022

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) represent genomic components of retroviral origin that are found integrated in the genomes of various species of vertebrates. These genomic elements have been widely characterized in model organisms and humans. However, composition and abundances of ERVs have not been categorized fully in all domestic animals. The advent of next generation sequencing technologies, development of bioinformatics tools, availability of genomic databases, and molecular cytogenetic techniques have revolutionized the exploration of the genome structure. Here, we investigated the nature, abundance, organization and assembly of ERVs and complete genomes of Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) from high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data from two Iraqi domestic sheep breeds. We used graph-based read clustering (RepeatExplorer), frequency analysis of short motifs (k-mers), alignment to reference genome assemblies and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Three classes of ERVs were identified with the total genomic proportions of 0.55% from all analyzed whole genome sequencing raw reads, while FISH to ovine metaphase chromosomes exhibited abundant centromeric to dispersed distribution of these ERVs. Furthermore, the complete genomes of JSRV of two Iraqi sheep breeds were assembled and phylogenetically clustered with the known enJSRV proviruses in sheep worldwide. Characterization of partial and complete sequences of mammalian ERVs is valuable in providing insights into the genome landscape, to help with future genome assemblies, and to identify potential sources of disease when ERVs become active.
Wireless Low-Power Transfer for Galvanically Isolated High-Voltage Applications
Authors: Hitzemann Moritz , Lippmann Martin , Trachte Jonas , Nitschke Alexander , Burckhardt Olaf , Zimmermann Stefan
Published: March 2022

For various applications, such as gate drivers for transistors, wireless chargers for mobile devices and cars, and isolated measurement equipment, an isolated DC power supply for electronic components is required. In this work, a new concept for an isolated power supply with insulation strength of 50 kV and power transmission of up to 60 W to supply measurement equipment with 12 or 24 V is presented. Furthermore, high overall efficiency of 82.5% at 55 W is achieved. Feasibility is demonstrated in a real application powering data acquisition electronics at high reference potential. Our new concept uses a coreless printed circuit board (PCB) transformer (15 cm × 10 cm × 4 cm and a weight of 480 g) designed for maximum efficiency via a coil layout and close proximity of adjacent coils on one PCB while reaching high isolation strength via the PCB material and potted coils. To increase efficiency, we investigated different coil geometries at different frequencies. A low-cost design consisting of two Qi charging coils mounted on one PCB is compared with our integrated PCB transformers manufactured from a four-layer PCB with ferrites applied on the outside. With this new design, high isolation voltages are possible while reaching high transformer efficiency of up to 90%.
Applications of Thin Films in Microelectronics
Authors: Kwon Hyuk-Jun
Published: March 2022

Due to their versatility, thin films, which can be formed through many different approaches, are being used in various applications in microelectronics[...]
Study on the Mechanism of Fiber Fracturing Fluid Controlling Pulverized Coal Transportation
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Haifeng
Published: March 2022

In view of the problems associated with coal powder production in the development of Coalbed Methane (CBM), a fiber fracturing fluid technology is proposed to control pulverized coal production. Based on a force analysis of coal powder in the fracture and the microstructure of fiber-proppant, a critical intercepted particle size model of coal powder is established. This model is primarily related to fiber properties, proppant particle size and flow rate. To verify this, an FCES-100 device (Nantong Yichuang Experimental Instrument Co., Ltd., Nantong, China) was used to study the influence of fibers on the transportation of pulverized coal in the proppant pack. Five groups of comparative experiments were set up using no fiber, 0.25 g undegraded fiber, 0.25 g degradable fiber, 0.5 g undegraded fiber and 0.5 g degraded fiber, with the flow rate and closure pressures controlled, and, finally, particle size analysis of the discharged pulverized coal was performed using a laser particle size analyzer. The experimental results have shown that the space network structure formed by fiber-proppant can effectively intercept coal powder, reduce the coal powder migration and agglomeration, and eventually improve the fracture conductivity. The results further indicate that, with the increase of the flow rate, the coal particle size shows an increasing trend. The comparison between the particle size of the pulverized coal and the model calculation results demonstrate that the average error is 14.3% and the maximum error is 21.4%. Fiber fracturing fluid technology provides new directions for pulverized coal treatment.
EE-ISAC—Practical Cybersecurity Solution for the Energy Sector
Authors: Wallis Tania , Leszczyna Rafał
Published: March 2022

A recent survey of cybersecurity assessment methods proposed by the scientific community revealed that their practical adoption constitutes a great challenge. Further research that aimed at identifying the reasons for that situation demonstrated that several factors influence the applicability, including the documentation level of detail, the availability of supporting tools, and the continuity of support. This paper presents the European Energy Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (EE-ISAC)—a cybersecurity platform for the energy sector that has been adopted by multiple organisations. The platform facilitates sharing information about cybersecurity incidents, countermeasures, and assessment results. Prospectively, it is envisaged to be integrated with the threat intelligence platform that enables real-time situational awareness. By considering both fault and attack scenarios together, threat awareness can be mapped onto operational contexts to prioritise decisions and responses. This paper analyses EE-ISAC’s approach based on the conceptual applicability framework developed during the research, to improve the applicability and usefulness of this platform for energy sector participants and to identify areas that require further development.
Effects of Hydrogeological Heterogeneity on CO2 Migration and Mineral Trapping: 3D Reactive Transport Modeling of Geological CO2 Storage in the Mt. Simon Sandstone, Indiana, USA
Authors: Shabani Babak , Lu Peng , Kammer Ryan , Zhu Chen
Published: March 2022

We used three-dimensional (3D), high-resolution simulations facilitated by parallel computation to assess the effect of hydrogeological heterogeneity in the Mt. Simon Sandstone on CO2 plume evolution and storage and geochemical reactions in a portion of the Illinois Basin, Indiana. Two scenarios were selected to investigate the effects of the hydrogeological heterogeneity in 3D reactive transport simulations: a heterogeneous case with variable porosity and permeability, and a homogenous case with constant porosity and permeability. The initial pressure, temperature, and mineralogical distributions are consistently applied in both the heterogeneous case and the homogeneous case. Results indicate that including hydrogeological heterogeneity in 3D reservoir simulations for geological CO2 storage significantly impacts modeling results for plume migration patterns, CO2-water-mineral interaction, reservoir quality, and CO2 plume containment. In particular, results indicate that (1) the CO2 plume reached the top of the Mt. Simon Sandstone in the homogeneous case, but was restrained to the lower third of the formation when hydrogeologic heterogeneity was considered; (2) the dominant trapping mechanism in the heterogeneous case was mineral trapping (43%), while it was solubility trapping (47%) in the homogeneous case (at 10,000 years); (3) incorporating reservoir heterogeneity in the model leads to a higher likelihood of long-term containment.
Low-Carrier-Ratio Modulation Strategy Based on Improved Flux Ripple Model
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Niu Yan , Yan Xiayu , Gu Xin
Published: March 2022

Since the quality of the direct and quadrature axis current (dq-axis) is an important performance indicator of a motor, the technique of flux ripple analysis is necessary to determine the appropriate working conditions for various voltage sequences and reduce current fluctuations. However, the traditional flux ripple model cannot analyze dq-axis flux ripples (except under no-load conditions). Therefore, it is unable to calculate the modulation ratio and voltage angle (angle between the reference vector and the q-axis) ranges to satisfy the given q-axis (or d-axis) current fluctuation requirement based on this model. To solve this problem, in this paper, we derived an improved flux ripple model by applying coordinate transformation to the traditional flux ripple model, which can be used to calculate the RMS (root mean square) value of the q-axis and the total flux ripple distribution within sector I under different modulation ratios and voltage angle ranges. The modulation ratio and voltage angle range of low-carrier-ratio modulation strategy (0121 sequence) with a smaller RMS value of flux ripple compared to the traditional modulation strategy (0127 sequence) was determined based on the calculated results of the RMS values of the flux ripple. It was concluded that the 0121 sequence is suitable for high-modulation-ratio conditions as a result of analysis by applying the proposed method to determine the proper working conditions for the low-carrier-ratio modulation strategy, and there was an improvement effect of reducing the current ripple and THD by adopting a low-carrier-ratio modulation strategy instead of the traditional modulation strategy in high-modulation-ratio conditions. The validity of the proposed improved flux ripple analysis method and low-carrier-ratio modulation strategy has been verified by simulation and experiment.
Immobilizing Enzymes on a Commercial Polymer: Performance Analysis of a GOx-Laccase Based Enzymatic Biofuel Cell Assembly
Authors: Pelosi Dario , Barelli Linda , Montegiove Nicolò , Calzoni Eleonora , Cesaretti Alessio , Di Michele Alessandro , Emiliani Carla , Gammaitoni Luca
Published: March 2022

Enzymatic Biofuel Cell (EBC) represents a promising green source since it is capable of harvesting electricity from renewable and abundantly available biofuels using enzymes as catalysts. Nevertheless, nowadays long-term stability and low power output are currently the main concerns. To this end, several research studies focus on using complex tridimensional and highly expensive nanostructures as electrode support for enzymes. This increases cell performance whilst drastically reducing the economic feasibility needed for industrial viability. Thus, this paper analyzes a novel flow-based EBC consisting of covalent immobilized GOx (bioanode) and Laccase (biocathode) on a commercial flat conductive polymer. A suitable immobilization technique based on covalent ligands is carried out to enhance EBC durability. The experimental characterization demonstrates that the cell generates power over three weeks, reaching 590 mV and 2.41 µW cm−2 as maximum open circuit voltage and power density, respectively. The most significant contributions of this configuration are definitely ease of implementation, low cost, high scalability, and reproducibility. Therefore, such a design can be considered a step forward in the viable EBC industrialization process for a wide range of applications.
Correction: Bueno de Mesquita et al. Methylphosphonate Degradation and Salt-Tolerance Genes of Two Novel Halophilic Marivita Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from Unrestored Solar Salterns. Genes 2022, 13, 148
Authors: Bueno de Mesquita Clifton P. , Zhou Jinglie , Theroux Susanna , Tringe Susannah G.
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that the following change be made to their paper [...]
Transcriptomic Adjustments in a Freshwater Ectoparasite Reveal the Role of Molecular Plasticity for Parasite Host Shift
Authors: Mathieu-Bégné Eglantine , Blanchet Simon , Mitta Guillaume , Le Potier Clément , Loot Géraldine , Rey Olivier
Published: March 2022

A parasite’s lifestyle is characterized by a critical dependency on its host for feeding, shelter and/or reproduction. The ability of parasites to exploit new host species can reduce the risk associated with host dependency. The number of host species that can be infected by parasites strongly affects their ecological and evolutionary dynamics along with their pathogenic effects on host communities. However, little is known about the processes and the pathways permitting parasites to successfully infect alternative host species, a process known as host shift. Here, we tested whether molecular plasticity changes in gene expression and in molecular pathways could favor host shift in parasites. Focusing on an invasive parasite, Tracheliastes polycolpus, infecting freshwater fish, we conducted a transcriptomic study to compare gene expression in parasites infecting their main host species and two alternative host species. We found 120 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between parasites infecting the different host species. A total of 90% of the DEGs were identified between parasites using the main host species and those using the two alternative host species. Only a few significant DEGs (seven) were identified when comparing parasites from the two alternative host species. Molecular pathways enriched in DEGs and associated with the use of alternative host species were related to cellular machinery, energetic metabolism, muscle activity and oxidative stress. This study strongly suggests that molecular plasticity is an important mechanism sustaining the parasite’s ability to infect alternative hosts.
A Qualitative Study of the Spiritual Aspects of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome
Authors: Duarte Elysângela Dittz , Braga Patrícia P. , Guimarães Bárbara R. , Silva Juliana B. da , Caldeira Sílvia
Published: March 2022

Parenting a child with Down syndrome can sometimes present certain difficulties and, thus, spirituality may function as a dimension related to finding meaning in life and as a coping resource. Spirituality is a critical dimension of nursing care, but scarce knowledge is available to specifically inform family nursing practice. The aim of this study was to explore the spiritual aspects of parenting a child with Down syndrome, as a qualitative secondary analysis. This is an observational qualitative study, based on in-depth interviews from 42 participants. Data analysis found seven categories that concern meaning and purpose in life: hope, family strength, spiritual practices, personal beliefs, and love, and trust in healthcare providers. Spirituality is a resource in parents’ lives who are living in this situation. Nurses should consider this dimension in supporting families and in improving management of this life and health condition.
Evaluating the Impact of Medication Risk Mitigation Services in Medically Complex Older Adults
Authors: Jin Hubert , Yang Sue , Bankes David , Finnel Stephanie , Turgeon Jacques , Stein Alan
Published: March 2022

Adverse drug events (ADEs) represent an expensive societal burden that disproportionally affects older adults. Therefore, value-based organizations that provide care to older adults—such as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)—should be highly motivated to identify actual or potential ADEs to mitigate risks and avoid downstream costs. We sought to determine whether PACE participants receiving medication risk mitigation (MRM) services exhibit improvements in total healthcare costs and other outcomes compared to participants not receiving structured MRM. Data from 2545 PACE participants from 19 centers were obtained for the years 2018 and 2019. We compared the year-over-year changes in outcomes between patients not receiving (control) or receiving structured MRM services. Data were adjusted based on participant multimorbidity and geographic location. Our analyses demonstrate that costs in the MRM cohort exhibited a significantly smaller year-to-year increase compared to the control (MRM: USD 4386/participant/year [95% CI, USD 3040–5732] vs. no MRM: USD 9410/participant/year [95% CI, USD 7737–11,084]). Therefore, receipt of structured MRM services reduced total healthcare costs (p < 0.001) by USD 5024 per participant from 2018 to 2019. The large majority (75.8%) of the reduction involved facility-related expenditures (e.g., hospital admission, emergency department visits, skilled nursing). In sum, our findings suggest that structured MRM services can curb growing year-over-year healthcare costs for PACE participants.
Physicians’ Opinion and Practice of Vitamin K Administration at Birth in Romania
Authors: Avasiloaiei Andreea , Socolov Demetra Gabriela , Stamatin Maria , Moscalu Mihaela
Published: March 2022

(1) Background. Vitamin K is recommended worldwide as a standard of care for the prophylaxis of vitamin-K-deficiency bleeding (VKDB). This is also a standard practice in Romania, but due to the rising number of refusals by parents of basic interventions in the neonatal period, we aimed to assess the Romanian neonatologists’ opinions and current practice regarding vitamin K administration at birth. (2) Methods. We designed and conducted an electronic survey addressed to 110 physicians working in Romanian hospitals. (3) Results. Half of respondents are accustomed to receiving refusals for vitamin K administration once or twice a year. When parents refuse vitamin K administration, they usually refuse other neonatal interventions, according to 90.9% of the responding physicians, and this situation has occurred more frequently during the last two years. The number of refusals and especially their increase are more frequent in level III hospitals (p = 0.0304, p = 0.0036, respectively). Only 22.7% of the physicians responded that they would recommend an oral preparation of vitamin K in the absence of intramuscular prophylaxis. (4) Conclusion. Efforts should be made to address parents’ concerns and to have available alternatives to the intramuscular administration of vitamin K.
Patients’ and Nurses’ Perceptions of Importance of Caring Nurse–Patient Interactions: Do They Differ?
Authors: Vujanić Jasenka , Mikšić Štefica , Barać Ivana , Včev Aleksandar , Lovrić Robert
Published: March 2022

Nurse–patient interaction is a professional and therapeutic relationship created to enable nurses to assess, plan, and deliver health care aimed at meeting patients’ basic human needs. The main aim of this study was to identify distinctive characteristics and differences in perceptions between patients and nurses related to the importance of caring interactions and to examine the contribution of independent variables in explaining their perceptions. A total of 446 respondents were included in the research (291 patients and 155 registered nurses). Data were collected using the translated and standardized 70-item version of the Caring Nurse–Patient Interactions Scale (CNPI-70) version for patients and version for nurses. According to the overall CNPI-70 scale, there was a significant difference in patients’ and nurses’ perception (p < 0.001). Patients assessed caring nurse–patient interactions significantly higher (4.39) than nurses (4.16). Additionally, nurses assessed all subscales significantly lower than patients who assessed them high (p < 0.05), except for the subscales for “environment” (p = 0.123) and “spirituality” (p = 0.132). Independent variables did not contribute to an explanation of respondents’ perceptions. Providing quality physical assistance in meeting human needs through effective communication and teaching is crucial for promoting a holistic patient approach, improving psychosocial support and nurse–patient interaction, and attaining greater satisfaction with health care provided without additional financial investments.
Seasonal Fluctuations of Crop Yield, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity in Fresh or Cooked Borage (Borago officinalis L.), Mallow (Malva sylvestris L.) and Buck’s-Horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus L.) Leaves
Authors: Ceccanti Costanza , Landi Marco , Guidi Lucia , Pardossi Alberto , Incrocci Luca
Published: March 2022

The interest for wild edible plants as functional food is increasing among consumers in the Mediterranean countries because of their high content of antioxidants. However, a critical point is the seasonality of wild edible species due to their spontaneity and the cultivation results necessary to satisfy market requests. Moreover, cooking may be necessary for most wild edible species to enhance their palatability. In the present experiment, the crop yield, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of leaves were determined in three wild edible species (Borago officinalis L., Malva sylvestris L. and Plantago coronopus L.), which were hydroponically cultivated in winter and in spring. Plants were recurrently harvested three times and the leaves were analyzed raw or after boiling in water for different times based on their palatability as evaluated by a hedonic test (2 min for B. officinalis, 2.5 min for M. sylvestris and 8 min for P. coronopus). The total crop yield was promising, especially for P. coronopus, with small differences between winter and spring (9.3 and 13.8 kg m−2, respectively). The boiling treatment caused a loss of TPC and, in some cases, of the AA in B. officinalis and M. sylvestris due to the solubilization of phenolic and other antioxidant compounds in boiling water. Conversely, in P. coronopus, TPC and AA were higher in boiled leaves than in fresh leaves, likely due to the strong binding of phenolic compounds to the cell wall. This binding might lead to the inefficient extraction of these compounds through the boiling treatment.
Evaluation of Future Streamflow in the Upper Part of the Nilwala River Basin (Sri Lanka) under Climate Change
Authors: Chathuranika Imiya M. , Gunathilake Miyuru B. , Azamathulla Hazi Md. , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: March 2022

Climate change is a serious and complex crisis that impacts humankind in different ways. It affects the availability of water resources, especially in the tropical regions of South Asia to a greater extent. However, the impact of climate change on water resources in Sri Lanka has been the least explored. Noteworthy, this is the first study in Sri Lanka that attempts to evaluate the impact of climate change in streamflow in a watershed located in the southern coastal belt of the island. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the climate change impact on streamflow of the Upper Nilwala River Basin (UNRB), Sri Lanka. In this study, the bias-corrected rainfall data from three Regional Climate Models (RCMs) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs): RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were fed into the Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model to obtain future streamflow. Bias correction of future rainfall data in the Nilwala River Basin (NRB) was conducted using the Linear Scaling Method (LSM). Future precipitation was projected under three timelines: 2020s (2021–2047), 2050s (2048–2073), and 2080s (2074–2099) and was compared against the baseline period from 1980 to 2020. The ensemble mean annual precipitation in the NRB is expected to rise by 3.63%, 16.49%, and 12.82% under the RCP 4.5 emission scenario during the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, and 4.26%, 8.94%, and 18.04% under RCP 8.5 emission scenario during 2020s, 2050s and 2080s, respectively. The future annual streamflow of the UNRB is projected to increase by 59.30% and 65.79% under the ensemble RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, respectively, when compared to the baseline scenario. In addition, the seasonal flows are also expected to increase for both RCPs for all seasons with an exception during the southwest monsoon season in the 2015–2042 period under the RCP4.5 emission scenario. In general, the results of the present study demonstrate that climate and streamflow of the NRB are expected to experience changes when compared to current climatic conditions. The results of the present study will be of major importance for river basin planners and government agencies to develop sustainable water management strategies and adaptation options to offset the negative impacts of future changes in climate.
Prevalence and Correlates of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Spatial Distribution of Unimproved WASH in Nepal
Authors: Dhital Shalik Ram , Chojenta Catherine , Evans Tiffany-Jane , Acharya Tri Dev , Loxton Deborah
Published: March 2022

This study aims to estimate the prevalence and correlation of household levels of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), including the identification of areas where WASH facilities are unimproved in Nepal. The study population was 11,040 household heads, using the data collected in the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016. Logistic regression analysis was performed and crude odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a 0.05 significance level are presented. Getis–Ord Gi* statistics were used to identify the hot and cold spot areas of unimproved WASH. GPS locations of WASH points were used for spatial analysis. Approximately 95% of households had an improved water source, 84% had improved sanitation facilities, 81% had a fixed place for handwashing, and 47% had soap and water. Education, wealth, and ecology were significantly associated with WASH. The people from the hills were less likely to have an improved water source (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.16–0.64) than those from the plain. Households with a poor wealth index had 78% lower odds of having an improved water source compared to households with a rich wealth index. Respondents from Madhes Province had lower odds (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08–0.28) and Gandaki Pradesh had the highest odds (OR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.52–5.61) of having improved sanitation facilities compared to Province 1. Respondents aged 35–44 years had higher odds (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04–1.29) of having soap and water available compared to those aged 45 years and older. Education and geographical disparities were the factors associated with having reduced access to WASH. These findings suggest the need to focus on advocacy, services, and policy approaches.
Developmental Trajectory of Depressive Symptoms in Chinese College Students: Latent Classes and Gender Effect
Authors: Zhou Shegang , Jin Lin , Liu Xiaoxian , Ding Xiaosheng , Zhu Xiangru
Published: March 2022

Depressive symptoms are prevalent in Chinese college students, but little is known about the heterogeneity in the developmental trajectory of depressive symptoms in China. This study examined heterogeneity in the development of depressive symptoms and examined the effect of gender on the developmental trajectories over a 14-month period among Chinese college students (N = 1163, mean age 20.18, 80.31% female). Three different trajectories, moderate-increasing, high-stable and low-stable, captured the heterogeneity in the development of depressive symptoms. Gender showed significant influence on class membership. Relative to the moderate-increasing class, males emerged as significantly more likely than females to be found in the low-stable class (odds ratio (OR) = 2.73, 95% CI = (1.21, 6.13), p = 0.015) and the high-stable class (OR = 5.10, 95% CI = (1.12, 23.18), p = 0.035). The results provide additional evidence for the conclusion that the trajectories of depressive symptoms are heterogeneous with Chinese samples. Moreover, cultural difference should be paid more attention to when examining the effect of gender and other predictors of the trajectories of depressive symptoms.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertension among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand
Authors: Aung Thin Nyein Nyein , Shirayama Yoshihisa , Moolphate Saiyud , Lorga Thaworn , Jamnongprasatporn Warunyou , Yuasa Motoyuki , Aung Myo Nyein
Published: March 2022

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are showing an increasing trend worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic may interrupt or delay NCD care, the leading cause of mortality in Thailand, which is hosting 2–3 million migrant workers. The transition of epidemiological risk factors, limited access to health-promoting activities, and pandemic containment measures may adversely impact NCD risks. Therefore, hypertension and associated risk factors were determined among registered Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with structured questionnaires was conducted in Thailand in 2017. Having hypertension was analyzed as a dependent variable, and the associated risk factors were explored by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 414 participants with a mean age of 29.45 ± 9.03 years were included, and 27.8 percent of the study participants were hypertensive, which was a rate higher than that in their host country (24.7%) and country of origin (26.4%). An older age, being male, current alcohol drinking, and being overweight and obese with reference to the body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusions: Our findings reaffirmed the idea that NCDs are important public health concerns, and a simple BMI measurement would be a valuable tool with which to determine hypertension risks. Targeted surveillance and an appropriate health policy are necessary for such a vulnerable population in Thailand.
Changes in Reported Secondhand Smoke Incursions and Smoking Behavior after Implementation of a Federal Smoke-Free Rule in New York State Federally Subsidized Public Housing
Authors: Curry Laurel E. , Feld Ashley L. , Rogers Todd , Coats Ellen M. , Nonnemaker James , Anker Elizabeth , Ortega-Peluso Christina , Battles Haven
Published: March 2022

This study assessed changes in smoking behavior and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure after implementation of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule prohibiting the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and waterpipes in all federally subsidized public housing, including within residential units (apartments). Using quantitative data from a repeated cross-sectional mail survey of New York State residents of five public housing authorities (N = 761 at Wave 1, N = 649 at Wave 2), we found evidence of policy compliance (99% decrease in odds of self-reported smoking in units, OR = 0.01, p < 0.01, CI: 0.00–0.16), reduced SHS incursions (77% decrease in odds of smelling smoke within developments, OR = 0.23, p < 0.01, CI: 0.13–0.44), and lower reported smoking rates in July 2018 (9.5%, down from 16.8%), 10 months after implementation of the rule. Despite evident success, one-fifth of residents reported smelling smoke inside their apartment at least a few times per week. This study provides insights into how the policy was implemented in selected New York public housing authorities, offers evidence of policy-intended effects, and highlights challenges to consistent and impactful policy implementation.
The Factors That Affect Turnover Intention According to Clinical Experience: A Focus on Organizational Justice and Nursing Core Competency
Authors: Choi Hanna , Shin Sujin
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate organizational justice and nursing core competency as factors that affect turnover intention among nurses. The participants comprised 153 nurses who worked at tertiary hospitals and general hospitals throughout South Korea. Turnover intention was measured using the Nurse Turnover Intention Scale. Organizational justice was measured using the Justice Scale, and nursing core competency was measured using the Korean Nursing Core Competency Scale. Data were collected via an online survey and analyzed using multiple regression. Among nurses with less than 3 years of clinical experience, a lower distributive justice score (β = −0.47, p < 0.001) was associated with high turnover intention. Among nurses with 3 to 6 years of clinical experience, a lower interactional justice score (β = −0.37, p = 0.042) and high nursing core competency (β = 0.31, p = 0.034) were associated with high turnover intention. The type of organizational justice that influenced turnover intention differed depending on clinical experience. These results highlight the need to understand the professional characteristics of nurses according to their clinical experience and to provide targeted organizational support and effective competency-based human resource management.
“When She Says Daddy”: Black Fathers’ Recidivism following Reentry from Jail
Authors: Thomas Alvin , Wirth Jennifer Clare , Poehlmann-Tynan Julie , Pate David J.
Published: March 2022

We report on the findings of a mixed methods longitudinal study of 84 African American fathers of young children who were enrolled into the study during the father’s jail stay. Participants were assessed using interviews, self-report measures, and administrative records on frequency of father–child contact, father–caregiver relationship quality, family support, paternal pre-incarceration employment, fathers’ plans to live with the child upon reentry, history of substance abuse, and new convictions one year following release from jail. Qualitative analysis revealed three primary identities of fathers during incarceration: father as nurturer, father as protector, and father as provider. Qualitative analysis of interview data detailed the ways in which the context of incarceration and the presence of the criminal justice system interacts with these identities to impact family structure, parent–child visits, plans for release, and motivation for desistance. Quantitative analysis indicated heterogeneity among fathers, with links between parent–child contact and desistance conditional on fathers’ plans for coresidence with children as well as family support and relationship quality. Taken together, the findings highlight the strengths of African American fathers and their families despite the risks associated with incarceration, including the importance of family support and children as motivation for desistance. The results have implications for how the justice system weighs the bidirectional influences of fathers and families.
The Threshold Effect of FDI on CO2 Emission in Belt and Road Countries
Authors: Nie Ying , Liu Qingjie , Liu Rong , Ren Dexiao , Zhong Yao , Yu Feng
Published: March 2022

Under the background of the global “carbon neutrality” goal, it is of great significance to study the environmental effect of FDI in rapid economic development. This paper proposes an original framework to determine the relative influence of five factors on the Belt and Road countries with a strong FDI-CO2 association. Based on the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model, we establish country-specific and time-specific FDI-CO2 coefficients for 59 Belt and Road countries during 2003–2018. These coefficients are assumed to change smoothly as a function of five threshold variables, considered the most important in the literature devoted to the FDI-CO2 correlations. The results show that the degree of GDP per capita, industrialization, openness, and total factor productivity significantly influences the FDI-CO2 relationship. However, they showed obvious heterogeneity. The coefficient of elasticity of the environmental effects of FDI smoothly transitions between the different intervals, the relationship between GDP per capita and FDI-CO2 coefficient shows a bell-shaped change, the relationship between degree of trade openness and FDI-CO2 coefficient also shows a bell-shaped change, the relationship between industrialization level and FDI-CO2 coefficient shows an inverted N-shaped change, the change of a country’s technological level shows a bell-shaped relationship with the FDI-CO2 coefficient. The results indicate that PSTR model can be used to study the threshold effect on FDI’s influence on carbon dioxide emissions and the individual and time differences in coefficients of elasticity, to provide a new research perspective and new conclusions on the environmental effect of FDI in rapid economic development.
Concentration of Selected Metalloproteinases and Osteocalcin in the Serum and Synovial Fluid of Obese Women with Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jarecki Jaromir , Małecka-Masalska Teresa , Kosior-Jarecka Ewa , Widuchowski Wojciech , Krasowski Piotr , Gutbier Martina , Dobrzyński Maciej , Blicharski Tomasz
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of selected MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and osteocalcin in the serum and synovial fluid of obese women with osteoarthritis and their correlations with clinical status. The studied group consisted of 39 overweight females undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis (OA). The staging of knee OA was evaluated according to the Ahlbӓck and Kellgren–Lawrence scores. Synovial fluid and peripheral blood samples were obtained. The levels of selected MMPs and osteocalcin were assessed using commercial ELISA kits. The mean value of MMP3 was significantly higher in patients with more advanced disease in both serum (p = 0.0067) and synovial fluid (p = 0.0328). The pro-MMP13 level tended to be higher in synovial fluid in the case of more advanced stages (p = 0.0882), with no tendency regarding the serum level (p = 0.9595). The synovial level of pro-MMP1 was significantly correlated with the synovial concentration of MMP9 and MMP3. The synovial level of MMP9 also showed a significant correlation with the synovial level of MMP3 and pro-MMP13. Furthermore, it was found that the serum level of MMP3 was significantly correlated with the synovial pro-MMP13 level. A correlation between the osteocalcin level in serum and its synovial level was determined. The serum MMP9 level showed a significant correlation with BMI, whereas the synovial MMP9 level was notably correlated with age. Our results showed that the levels of MMP3, MMP9, and pro-MMP13 increased in more advanced radiological stages of OA, indicating the underlying inflammatory process of OA.