bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen Receptor Type 1 and Type 2 Presence in Paravertebral Skeletal Muscles: Expression Level and Relation to Phenotype in Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Kotwicki Tomasz , Tomaszewski Marek , Andrusiewicz Mirosław , Śliwa Aleksandra , Rusin Błażej , Kotwicka Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

The study aimed to detect the presence and assess the expression levels of the estrogen receptors type 1 (ESR1) and type 2 (ESR2) within paravertebral skeletal muscles of female patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in relation to phenotype parameters. Intraoperatively, the muscle samples were obtained from 35 adolescent females. The RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques were applied. The ESR1 and ESR2 were detected within paravertebral skeletal muscle cells, either the superficial or the deep ones. The ESR1 expression level was significantly higher in the deep muscles compared to the superficial ones. A left-right asymmetry of the ESR1 and ESR2 expression level was demonstrated in the deep muscles. There was a significant relationship between the expression asymmetry and either the Cobb angle or the progression risk factor: both parameters decreased to the smallest values in the case of symmetric ESR1 or ESR2 expression, while they increased with increasing expression asymmetry. In conclusion, the ESR1 and ESR2 presence was confirmed in skeletal paravertebral muscles of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The increased expression level and asymmetry of estrogen receptors in deep skeletal muscles was related to increasing scoliotic deformity magnitude or increasing risk of deformity deterioration. These findings may highlight the etiopathogenesis of IS in children.
A Novel de Novo Variant in 5′ UTR of the NIPBL Associated with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Chen Yonghua , Chen Qingqing , Yuan Ke , Zhu Jianfang , Fang Yanlan , Yan Qingfeng , Wang Chunlin
Published: April 2022

Background: Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a genetic syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, special facial features, growth retardation, feeding difficulties, and multiple organ system abnormalities. NIPBL variants occur in approximately 80% of CdLS cases. Aims: We report a novel de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in the NIPBL and its association with CdLS. We also examined the key regulatory sequences of the 5′ untranslated region in NIPBL mRNA. Few studies have reported mutation sites in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the NIPBL that result in CdLS. Methods: The patient’s medical history, clinical manifestations, physical examination, laboratory examination, Griffiths development assessment scale—Chinese version, and cardiac B-ultrasound were examined. Mutation screening was conducted using trio whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) and Sanger sequencing. Quantitative PCR was performed to measure the NIPBL expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to evaluate the transcription of truncated mutants. Results: The proband showed characteristics of CdLS including thick eyebrows, a concave nasal ridge, long and smooth philtrum, downturned corners of the mouth, intellectual disability, postnatal growth retardation, and a short fifth toe. A novel de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in the NIPBL (c.-467C > T) was identified. A Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay showed that SPO1 (-490 bp to -360 bp) and SPO3 (-490 bp to -401 bp) induced the highest activity. Conclusions: We found a novel de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant (c.-467C > T) in the NIPBL resulting in CdLS. Our findings expand the spectrum of pathogenic mutations for CdLS. Our in vitro experiments elucidated important regulatory sequences in the 5′ UTR of the NIPBL.
The Astonishing Large Family of HSP40/DnaJ Proteins Existing in Leishmania
Authors: Solana Jose Carlos , Bernardo Lorena , Moreno Javier , Aguado Begoña , Requena Jose M.
Published: April 2022

Abrupt environmental changes are faced by Leishmania parasites during transmission from a poikilothermic insect vector to a warm-blooded host. Adaptation to harsh environmental conditions, such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, oxidative stress and heat shock needs to be accomplished by rapid reconfiguration of gene expression and remodeling of protein interaction networks. Chaperones play a central role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, and they are responsible for crucial tasks such as correct folding of nascent proteins, protein translocation across different subcellular compartments, avoiding protein aggregates and elimination of damaged proteins. Nearly one percent of the gene content in the Leishmania genome corresponds to members of the HSP40 family, a group of proteins that assist HSP70s in a variety of cellular functions. Despite their expected relevance in the parasite biology and infectivity, little is known about their functions or partnership with the different Leishmania HSP70s. Here, we summarize the structural features of the 72 HSP40 proteins encoded in the Leishmania infantum genome and their classification into four categories. A review of proteomic data, together with orthology analyses, allow us to postulate cellular locations and possible functional roles for some of them. A detailed study of the members of this family would provide valuable information and opportunities for drug discovery and improvement of current treatments against leishmaniasis.
The Role of Functional Polymorphisms in the Extracellular Matrix Modulation-Related Genes on Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: Samulenas Gediminas , Insodaite Ruta , Kunceviciene Edita , Poceviciute Roberta , Masionyte Lorena , Zitkeviciute Urte , Pilipaityte Loreta , Smalinskiene Alina
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: genetic variations, localized in the functional regions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation-related genes, may alter the transcription process and impact the Dupuytren’s contracture (DC). The present study investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), localized in the functional regions of the MMP8, MMP14, and CHST6 genes, with DC risk. (2) Methods: we enrolled 219 genomic DNA samples, which were extracted from 116 patients with DC and 103 healthy controls. Genotyping of selected SNPs was performed using TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping assay. Three polymorphisms (MMP8 rs11225395, MMP14 rs1042704, and CHST6 rs977987) were analyzed. All studied SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. (3) Results: significant associations of the studied SNPs with the previous onset of the disease were observed between the CHST6 rs977987 minor T allele (p = 0.036) and the MMP14 rs1042704 mutant AA genotype (p = 0.024). Significant associations with the previous onset of the disease were also observed with a positive family history of the DC (p = 0.035). Moreover, risk factor analysis revealed that a combination of major disease risk factors (smoking and manual labor) and the MMP14 minor A allele increases the risk of DC development by fourteen times (p = 0.010). (4) Conclusions: our findings suggest that CHST6 rs977987, MMP14 rs1042704, and positive family history are associated with the previous onset of Dupuytren’s contracture. In addition, the combination of the MMP14 minor A allele and additional risk factors increase the likelihood of the manifestation of the DC.
Correlation Dimension in Sumatra Island Based on Active Fault, Earthquake Data, and Estimated Horizontal Crustal Strain to Evaluate Seismic Hazard Functions (SHF)
Authors: Triyoso Wahyu , Sahara David P. , Sarsito Dina A. , Natawidjaja Danny H. , Sukmono Sigit
Published: April 2022

This study intends to evaluate the possible correlation between the correlation dimension (DC) and the seismic moment rate for different late Quaternary active fault data, shallow crustal earthquakes, and GPS on the island of Sumatra Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA). The seismicity smoothing was applied to estimate the DC of active faults (DF) and earthquake data (DE) and then to correlate that with the b-value, which will be used to identify seismic hazard functions (SHF) along with the Sumatra Fault Zone (SFZ). The seismicity based on GPS data was calculated by the seismic moment rate that is estimated based on pre-seismic horizontal surface displacement data. The correlation between DF, DE, and the b-value was analyzed, and a reasonable correlation between the two seismotectonic parameters, DF-b, and DE-b, respectively, could be found. The relatively high DC coincides with the high seismic moment rate model derived from the pre-seismic GPS data. Furthermore, the SHF curve of total probability of exceedance versus the mean of each observation point’s peak ground acceleration (PGA) shows that the relatively high correlation dimension coincides with the high SHF. The results of this study might be very beneficial for seismic mitigation in the future.
Influence of Depositional and Diagenetic Processes on Caprock Properties of CO2 Storage Sites in the Northern North Sea, Offshore Norway
Authors: Rahman Md Jamilur , Fawad Manzar , Jahren Jens , Mondol Nazmul Haque
Published: April 2022

Characterization of caprock shale is critical in CO2 storage site evaluation because the caprock shale acts as a barrier for the injected buoyant CO2 plume. The properties of shales are complex and influenced by various processes; hence, it is challenging to evaluate the caprock quality. An integrated approach is therefore necessary for assessing seal integrity. In this study, we investigated the caprock properties of the Lower Jurassic Drake Formation shales from the proposed CO2 storage site Aurora (the Longship/Northern Lights CCS project), located in the Horda Platform area, offshore Norway. Wireline logs from 50 exploration wells, various 2D seismic lines, and two 3D seismic cubes were used to investigate the variations of the caprock properties. The Drake Formation was subdivided into upper and lower Drake units based on the lithological variations observed. Exhumation and thermal gradient influencing the caprock properties were also analyzed. Moreover, rock physics diagnostics were carried out, and caprock property maps were generated using the average log values to characterize the Drake Formation shales. In addiiton, pre-stack seismic-inverted properties and post-stack seismic attributes were assessed and compared to the wireline log-based analysis. The sediment source controlled at 61° N significantly influenced the depositional environment of the studied area, which later influenced the diagenetic processes and had various caprock properties. The upper and lower Drake units represent similar geomechanical properties in the Aurora area, irrespective of significant lithological variations. The Drake Formation caprock shale near the injection site shows less-ductile to less-brittle brittleness values. Based on the caprock thickness and shaliness in the Aurora injection site, Drake Formation shale might act as an effective top seal. However, the effect of injection-induced pressure changes on caprock integrity needs to be evaluated.
Longitudinal Study on Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART): Clustering Approach for Mobility and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Rizzo Rossella , Knight Silvin P. , Davis James R. C. , Newman Louise , Duggan Eoin , Kenny Rose Anne , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: April 2022

The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) is a computer-based go/no-go task to measure neurocognitive function in older adults. However, simplified average features of this complex dataset lead to loss of primary information and fail to express associations between test performance and clinically meaningful outcomes. Here, we combine a novel method to visualise individual trial (raw) information obtained from the SART test in a large population-based study of ageing in Ireland and an automatic clustering technique. We employed a thresholding method, based on the individual trial number of mistakes, to identify poorer SART performances and a fuzzy clusters algorithm to partition the dataset into 3 subgroups, based on the evolution of SART performance after 4 years. Raw SART data were available for 3468 participants aged 50 years and over at baseline. The previously reported SART visualisation-derived feature ‘bad performance’, indicating the number of SART trials with at least 4 mistakes, and its evolution over time, combined with the fuzzy c-mean (FCM) algorithm, individuated 3 clusters corresponding to 3 degrees of physiological dysregulation. The biggest cluster (94% of the cohort) was constituted by healthy participants, a smaller cluster (5% of the cohort) by participants who showed improvement in cognitive and psychological status, and the smallest cluster (1% of the cohort) by participants whose mobility and cognitive functions dramatically declined after 4 years. We were able to identify in a cohort of relatively high-functioning community-dwelling adults a very small group of participants who showed clinically significant decline. The selected smallest subset manifested not only mobility deterioration, but also cognitive decline, the latter being usually hard to detect in population-based studies. The employed techniques could identify at-risk participants with more specificity than current methods, and help clinicians better identify and manage the small proportion of community-dwelling older adults who are at significant risk of functional decline and loss of independence.
The Effect of a Resistance Training, Detraining and Retraining Cycle on Postural Stability and Estimated Fall Risk in Institutionalized Older Persons: A 40-Week Intervention
Authors: Rodrigues Rafael Nogueira , Carballeira Eduardo , Silva Fernanda , Caldo-Silva Adriana , Abreu Cidalina , Furtado Guilherme Eustaquio , Teixeira Ana Maria
Published: April 2022

Physical inactivity and low levels of muscle strength can lead to the early development of sarcopenia and dynapenia, which may increase the number and risk of falls in the elderly population. Meanwhile, exercise programs can stop or even revert the loss of muscle mass, strength, power, and functional capacity and consequently decrease the risk of falls in older adults. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the effect of strengthening programs in octogenarians. The present study investigates the effects of 40 weeks of a training-detraining-retraining cycle of muscle strength exercise program on postural stability and estimated fall risk in octogenarians. Twenty-seven institutionalized participants were allocated into two groups: the muscular strength exercise group (MSEG, n = 14) and control group (CG, n = 13). After the first training period, the MSEG improved postural stability and decreased the estimated fall risk by 7.9% compared to baseline. In comparison, CG worsened their stability and increased their risk of falling by more than 17%. No significant changes were found between groups in the detraining and the retraining period. This study demonstrated that strength exercise effectively improved postural control and reduced fall risk scores. In addition, the interventions were able to reduce the forward speed of postural control deterioration in octogenarians, with great increments in the first months of exercise.
The Impact of Age on Statin-Related Glycemia: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Xu Shaopeng , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Byoung Geol , Seo Hong Seog
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of statin on glycemic control in different age groups. Patients admitted for suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease between January 2005 and December 2013 in Seoul, Korea were initially enrolled. After propensity score matching, 2654 patients (1:1 statin users and non-users) were selected out of total 5041 patients, including 1477 “young” patients (≤60 y) and 1177 elderly patients (>60 y). HbA1c was decreased by 0.04% (±0.86%) in statin non-users. On the contrary, a slight increment of 0.05% (±0.71%) was found in statin users (p < 0.001). The change patterns of HbA1c were constant in both young and elderly patient groups. Furthermore, elderly statin users demonstrated significantly worse glycemic control in serum insulin and homeostatic model assessment—insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. In elderly patients, statin users were found to have a 2.61 ± 8.34 μU/mL increment in serum insulin, whereas it was 2.35 ± 6.72 μU/mL for non-users (p = 0.012). Statin users had a 0.78 ± 3.28 increment in HOMA-IR, in contrast to the 0.67 ± 2.51 increment in statin non-users (p = 0.008). In conclusion, statin treatment was associated with adverse glycemic control in the elderly population.
Ethics and Automated Systems in the Health Domain: Design and Submission of a Survey on Rehabilitation and Assistance Robotics to Collect Insiders’ Opinions and Perception
Authors: Morone Giovanni , Pirrera Antonia , Meli Paola , Giansanti Daniele
Published: April 2022

Background: The problem of the relationship between ethics and robotics is very broad, has important implications, and has two large areas of impact: the first is conduct in research, development, and use in general. The second is the implication of the programming of machine ethics. Purpose: Develop and administer a survey of professionals in the health domain collection of their positions on ethics in rehabilitation and assistance robotics. Methods: An electronic survey was designed using Microsoft Forms and submitted to 155 professionals in the health domain (age between 23 and 64 years; 78 males, mean age 43.7, minimum age 24, maximum age 64; 77 females, mean age 44.3, minimum age 23, maximum age 64) using social media. Results and discussion: The outcome returned: (a) the position on ethics training during university studies and in the world of work, (b) the organizational aspects hindered by ethics and those to be perfected in relation to ethics, (c) issues of ethical concern, (d) structured feedback on the usefulness of the methodology along with considerations of open text. Conclusions: An electronic survey methodology has allowed the structured collection of information on positions towards ethics in this sector. Encouraging feedback from the participants suggests the continuation of the study is beneficial. A continuation is expected, expanding the audience of professionals involved and perfecting the survey with the support of scientific companies.
Comparison between the Aged Care Facilities Provided by the Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) and the Nursing Hospitals of the National Health Insurance (NHI) for Elderly Care in South Korea
Authors: Shin Hyeri
Published: April 2022

Long-term Care Insurance (LTCI) was created for the elderly, to provide various types of medical and care services, along with the National Health Insurance (NHI). However, the elderly must choose one of these systems, which leads to some of them being unable to receive services and care/medical care based on their needs, because the LTCI only provides limited services, regardless of the needs of the elderly. In order to establish the best solution between the LTCI and NHI, I conducted a utilization effect analysis; using the difference in difference (DID) and difference in difference in difference (DDD) methods with National Health Insurance Services-senior (NHIS-senior) cohort data from 2008 to 2013. The results of the study confirmed that medical expenses are significantly reduced for LTCI users (B = −3.176, p ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, when the services meet the older person’s needs, the overall medical expenses are significantly reduced (B = −1.034, p = 0.05). These results clearly show that the LTCI is much more suitable for those who need care services. To provide services that more efficiently fulfil their needs, and for better population coverage from the two different systems (the NHI and the LTCI), collaborative work, such as a linkage system, is required.
Harm Minimisation Drug Policy Implementation Qualities: Their Efficacy with Australian Needle and Syringe Program Providers and People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Resiak Danielle , Mpofu Elias , Rothwell Roderick
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Policies and laws in several jurisdictions across the globe have aimed to promote harm minimisation or reduction, through the implementation of Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) for people who inject drugs (PWID), for whom abstinence may not be possible or desired. While NSPs hold great promise, their implementation qualities are understudied. (2) Aim: We aimed to examine the implementation quality priorities of NSP providers and PWID consumers in an Australian setting. (3) Method: This study utilised a Quantitative-qualitative (QUAN-qual) mixed methods approach. Survey participants included both PWID (n = 70) and NSP providers (n = 26) in Australia. (4) Results: Results following non-parametric data analysis indicate NSP providers prioritised NSP implementation qualities in the following order: compatibility, observability, relative advantage, resourcing and trialability. Contrary to which, PWID prioritised resourcing, compatibility, relative advantage and trialability, respectively. Findings demonstrate that efficacy of implementation qualities is dependent on the juxtaposition of service provision and utilisation whereby implementation quality priorities are balanced. (5) Conclusions: This research presents novel findings guiding NSP harm reduction programmes for sustainability framed on provider and consumer implementation quality priorities. We envisage future studies on boundary conditions of NSP harm reduction implementation in other jurisdictions.
A Weighted Stochastic Conjugate Direction Algorithm for Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Images—A Pattern in Ruptured Achilles Tendon T2-Mapping Assessment
Authors: Regulski Piotr A. , Zielinski Jakub , Borucki Bartosz , Nowinski Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

This study presents an accurate biexponential weighted stochastic conjugate direction (WSCD) method for the quantitative T2-mapping reconstruction of magnetic resonance images (MRIs), and this approach was compared with the non-negative-least-squares Gauss–Newton (GN) numerical optimization method in terms of accuracy and goodness of fit of the reconstructed images from simulated data and ruptured Achilles tendon (AT) MRIs. Reconstructions with WSCD and GN were obtained from data simulating the signal intensity from biexponential decay and from 58 MR studies of postrupture, surgically repaired ATs. Both methods were assessed in terms of accuracy (closeness of the means of calculated and true simulated T2 values) and goodness of fit (magnitude of mean squared error (MSE)). The lack of significant deviation in correct T2 values for the WSCD method was demonstrated for SNR ≥ 20 and for GN–SNR ≥ 380. The MSEs for WSCD and GN were 287.52 ± 224.11 and 2553.91 ± 1932.31, respectively. The WSCD reconstruction method was better than the GN method in terms of accuracy and goodness of fit.
Psychosocial and Physical Predictors of Stress in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study
Authors: Ubolnuar Nutsupa , Luangpon Nongnuch , Pitchayadejanant Krittipat , Kiatkulanusorn Sirirat
Published: April 2022

Currently, university students are at a high risk of stress due to university adjustment, educational interruption, and alterations in daily life because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the relationship of psychosocial and physical factors with stress in university students during the pandemic. Demographic, psychosocial, physical, and self-perceived stress level information were obtained from 409 Thailand university students. A multiple regression analysis was performed, with stress level as the dependent variable and gender, age, study period, study program, social support, self-esteem, health literacy, health behavior score, sedentary behavior, and physical activity (PA) as independent variables. Most participants had moderate stress levels (68.9%), high self-esteem (83.9%) and social support (66.5%), fair health literacy (41.1%) and health behavior (32%), sedentary lifestyle (85.3%), and PA-levels lower than 600 min per week (57.46%). The regression analysis showed that 45.7% of the variability in stress level was predicted by self-esteem, study period, social support, travel domain of PA, and health behavior. COVID-19 and the attendant restrictions resulted in moderate levels of stress in Thailand university students. High self-esteem, long duration of study, great social support, and having healthy behavior may contribute to the prevention of stress in this population.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Control Measures in the Emergency Department: The Role of Rapid Antigenic Testing in Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Borro Marina , Salerno Gerardo , Montori Andrea , Petrucca Andrea , Anibaldi Paolo , Marcolongo Adriano , Bonfini Rita , Simmaco Maurizio , Santino Iolanda
Published: April 2022

Limiting transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic people assumes the paramount importance of keeping fragile subjects protected. We evaluated the utility of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing in asymptomatic subjects attending emergency departments in non-COVID-19 areas, using a single nasopharyngeal swab specimen collected in universal transport medium to perform both rapid antigen testing and rRT-PCR (used as reference standard) in a cohort of 899 patients. In the overall sample, the rapid antigen test had 43.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 93.6% negative predictive value. Considering subjects with rRT-PCR cycle threshold ≤30, the test had 80.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 98.8% negative predictive value. Considering subjects with rRT-PCR cycle threshold ≤25, the test had 94.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 99.7% negative predictive value. Despite low sensitivity, routine application of rapid antigen testing in the emergency department can lead to isolation in less than 30 min of about a half of asymptomatic COVID-19 subjects assigned to non-COVID-19 areas by clinical triage. The rapid test correctly identified 94.7% of asymptomatic patients with cycle threshold ≤ 25 that are supposed to be more infective; thus, it could be a useful measure to contain viral transmission in non-COVID-19 areas.
Identification of Two Diamondback Moth Parasitoids, Diadegma fenestrale and Diadegma semiclausum, Using LAMP for Application in Biological Control
Authors: Nam Hwayeun , Kwon Min , Ramasamy Srinivasan , Kim Juil
Published: April 2022

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., is a lepidopteran pest that damages various vegetable plants belonging to the genus Brassica worldwide. Various biological controls, such as parasitoid wasps, have been used to control this pest. Among these, Diadegma semiclausum and Diadegmafenestrale are widely used globally. In field-based biological control research, the investigation of the population dynamics of parasitoids and the rate of parasitism within the pest population is very important. However, achieving profundity in research is difficult when morphologically similar species coexist in the field. The morphological characteristics of D. semiclausum and D. fenestrale are very similar, and they both parasitize P. xylostella larvae. Therefore, to accurately identify these species, in this study, we developed a molecular diagnostic method by using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The mitochondrial genome of D. fenestrale and partial nucleotide sequences, including the ITS region of D. semiclausum, were analyzed for use as species diagnosis markers. The results showed that the homology of D. fenestrale to D. semiclausum was 94%, due to the excessively low homology of the D loop, but the actual homology was higher than 94%, particularly in the coding region. D. fenestrale species-specific primers for LAMP were designed based on the region encoding COX3, and the optimal diagnostic reaction condition for the four primers (F3, B3, FIP, and BIP) was 63 °C for 35 min. A species-specific primer capable of classifying D. semiclausum was developed based on the ITS2 region, and the optimal reaction condition for diagnosis was 63 °C for 40 min. Under optimal conditions for both species, upon addition of the loop primer LB, the reaction efficiency increased, and the reaction time was shortened by more than 5 min. The diagnostic limit concentration was up to 10 pg under both optimal conditions; therefore, it was possible to detect even very low concentrations. For both species, diagnosis was possible by using LAMP assay with a DNA-releasing technique, without a DNA extraction process, and by incubating a tissue sample or the homogenized whole body at 95 °C for 5 min. In the case of D. fenestrale, it was possible to diagnose the parasitoid in P. xylostella larvae. Therefore, the developed LAMP diagnostic method can be used in a variety of ways to determine whether P. xylostella has been parasitized in the process of field research and mass breeding, and to accurately distinguish the species that are parasitic to P. xylostella larvae. This LAMP-based diagnostic method can be applied to identify various parasitoids that are used for the biological control of P. xylostella.
Effect of Temperature on Soluble Solids Content in Strawberry in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Menzel Christopher Michael
Published: April 2022

Warmer conditions under climate change will alter plant, flower and fruit development in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Most of the studies examining the relationship between soluble solids content (SSC) and temperature have been conducted in areas with a temperate or Mediterranean climate. I investigated the link between SSC and temperature in Queensland, Australia. Potted plants of ‘Festival’, ‘Fortuna’, ‘Brilliance’, ‘Beauty’ and ‘Red Rhapsody’ were planted on 19 April 2021 and information collected on productivity, SSC and titratable acidity (TA) from 14 July to 6 October. Additional data were collected on the concentrations of the main soluble sugars in the fruit from 4 August to 6 October. Nights were 2 to 4 °C warmer than the long-term average conditions from 1965 to 1990. Marketable yield was lower in ‘Beauty’ and higher in the other cultivars. Fruit were smaller in ‘Festival’, ‘Fortuna’ and ‘Beauty’ and larger in ‘Brilliance’ and ‘Red Rhapsody’. Mean (±SE or standard error) SSC pooled across the cultivars was 7.6 ± 0.05%, and mean TA was 0.59 ± 0.005%. Fructose (30.2 ± 0.2 mg/g FW) and glucose (27.1 ± 0.3 mg/g FW) were the main sugars in the fruit, with lower concentrations of sucrose (0.05 ± 0.02 mg/g FW) and maltose (less than 1 mg/g FW). The mean concentration of all the sugars was 57.4 ± 0.5 mg/g FW. Soluble solids content decreased from 8.6 to 6.8% as the average daily mean temperature in the eight days before harvest increased from 14.5 to 19.5 °C (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.72). These results are consistent with similar studies in Florida and suggest that higher temperatures in the future will decrease fruit quality in subtropical locations.
Psychometric Validation of the Internet Gaming Disorder-20 Test among Ecuadorian Teenagers and Young People
Authors: Andrade Livia I. , Viñán-Ludeña Marlon Santiago , Alvarado Julio
Published: April 2022

Excessive internet gaming in high prevalence is a very common problem that has been increasing in recent years, especially in teenagers and university students. However, there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for Internet Gaming Disorder in the Latin American context, particularly in Ecuador. This paper aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Internet Gaming Disorder test (IGD-20 test) in university and high school students (n=2931, Mage=15.99, 57.22% male and 42.51% female). The validation process was performed using one, two, five and six factors taking into account the Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Arabic and Turkish contexts. After checking the models proposed to date, the best fit model was the one with a single factor. Using two samples according to gender (male, female), the invariance has been confirmed with an excellent internal consistency. All, α=0.94; Male, α=0.93; Female, α=0.93). Furthermore, we performed correlation analyses between the IGD-20 Test and socio-demographic variables, and finally, the IGD-20 Test applied to Ecuadorian teenagers and young people demonstrated good psychometric properties.
Corruption and Population Health in the European Union Countries—An Institutionalist Perspective
Authors: Socoliuc (Guriță) Oana-Ramona , Sîrghi Nicoleta , Jemna Dănuţ-Vasile , David Mihaela
Published: April 2022

Even though the European Union (EU) is considered one of the best performers in the world in fighting corruption, the situation changes when the analysis is shifted to the national dimension of its member states, with significant differences concerning the effects of corruption on population health. Using the theory of New Institutional Economics as a complementary tool that provides additional representativeness to this phenomenon, the aim of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of corruption on population health, considering also other demographic and socio-economic determinants. Using data collected at the EU level registered between 2000–2019, we employ panel date models to validate the ongoing effect of perceived corruption on population health. Our empirical findings fully validate the institutionalist perspective, according to which countries with inclusive institutions better control the anomaly of corruption while benefitting from higher life expectancy and reducing child mortality rates. Conversely, the EU countries with rather extractive institutions suffer in terms of both longevity of population and infant mortality. Our study emphasizes that in tackling corruption pressure on population health, the most effective way is to improve the quality of governance in countries with fragile institutions.
Low-Carbon Travel Motivation and Constraint: Scales Development and Validation
Authors: Dai You-Yu , Shie An-Jin , Chu Jin-Hua , Wu Yen-Chun Jim
Published: April 2022

Low-carbon travel has emerged as a topic of interest in tourism and academia. Studies have offered reasons tourists may engage in low-carbon travel; however, these explanations are scattered throughout the literature and have yet to be integrated into low-carbon travel motivation and constraint constructs. This study develops a low-carbon travel motivation scale (LCTMS) and a low-carbon travel constraint scale (LCTCS). It performs reliability and validity testing to measure the low-carbon travel motives and obstacles. Items were collected primarily by literature review, and, then, by surveys of 382 tourists from low-carbon travel destinations and 390 from non-low-carbon travel destinations. Through a rigorous scale development process, this study identifies six dimensions of the LCTMS (environmental protection, experience-seeking, escape or social connection, industry pleas and measures for environmental protection, low-carbon products, and green transportation) and four dimensions of the LCTCS (intrapersonal constraints, interpersonal constraints, structural constraints, and the not a travel option).
Does Intensive Land Use Contribute to Energy Efficiency?—Evidence Based on a Spatial Durbin Model
Authors: Ke Haiqian , Yang Bo , Dai Shangze
Published: April 2022

In order to ensure the safety of cultivated land and promote urban productivity, the Chinese government began to promote intensive land use at the legislative level from 2014. At the same time, China faces problems of carbon emissions and energy, so we need to improve energy efficiency. Therefore, this paper aims to verify the spatial effects of intensive land use on energy efficiency of China from 2009 to 2018. We further use an index system to quantify intensive land use and use chain DEA (data envelope analysis) to quantify energy efficiency. This paper finds that: (1) intensive land use can significantly improve energy efficiency. A 1% increase in the level of intensive land use will increase energy efficiency by 1.3%. (2) The intensive use of land in one city will have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of surrounding cities. The reason is that the intensive use of land in a single city may lead to the transfer of energy-consuming industries to surrounding cities. (3) The impact of intensive land use on the energy efficiency of surrounding cities has negative threshold characteristics, and the negative impact will be weakened as the level of integration of the city increases.
Moral Sensitivity and Emotional Intelligence in Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Authors: Ye Biyun , Luo Esther , Zhang Jie , Chen Xuelei , Zhang Jingping
Published: April 2022

Moral sensitivity helps individuals resolve moral dilemmas as a precursor to moral decision-making. Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are at high risk for encountering moral dilemmas and should have the moral sensitivity to recognize moral issues. The activities of ICU nurses in moral decision-making are guided by moral sensitivity but are also based on emotional intelligence (EI). EI, be recognized as an integral part of moral sensitivity with long-standing theoretical foundations. It is necessary to explicate the true role of EI in moral sensitivity through empirical research. To measure the level of moral sensitivity of ICU nurses and determine the relationship between moral sensitivity and EI. We recruited 467 ICU nurses of ten hospitals from March to June 2021 in Hunan Province, China for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. The moral sensitivity and EI were measured using the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire-Revised Version into Chinese (MSQ-R-CV) and the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale-Version into Chinese (WLEIS-C). A self-report questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics. The average moral sensitivity score of ICU nurses was 39.41 ± 7.21. The average EI score was significantly positively correlated with the moral sensitivity score (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the moral sensitivities of ICU nurses were at medium levels. EI of ICU nurses can indeed affect their moral sensitivity, and the impact of each element of EI should be clarified for practical application.
More Income, Less Pollution? How Income Expectation Affects Pesticide Application
Authors: Su Xiaoshan , Shi Jingyi , Wang Tianxi , Shen Qinghui , Niu Wentao , Xu Zhenzhen
Published: April 2022

Farmers are still the foundation of China’s current “small, scattered, and weak” agricultural production pattern. As such, increasing guidance for reduction response behavior is central to reducing agricultural pesticide use. Following this pesticide reduction logic, four of the most widely promoted pesticide reduction technologies, including light trapping, biopesticide application, healthy crop growth, and insect-proof net technologies, were selected, and a theoretical analysis framework of farmers’ willingness to adopt these technologies was constructed based on the theories of value perception and planned behavior. An ordered logistic regression model is used to explore key factors behind current pesticide reduction technology perceptions, technology response willingness, and behavioral decisions of farmers in China, with survey data from 516 farmers in Henan Province. The results show that among the four pesticide reduction technologies, healthy crop growth technology is the most-appealing one for farmers, followed by insect-proof net technology and biopesticide application technology. The least-appealing one for farmers is the light trapping technology. Farmers’ perceived degree of income improvement from technology adoption is the main determinant of their willingness, which is positively significant at a 1% confidence level in all four models. In addition, farmers’ willingness to respond to technologies is also significantly influenced by farmers’ perception of technical operational ability, perception of risk from adopting technology, government-related subsidies, government technical training guidance, trust in government promotion of technology, and perception of the government’s role in improving the external environment for adopting technology.
Using Structural Equation Modeling to Examine Pathways between Physical Activity and Sleep Quality among Chinese TikTok Users
Authors: Zhang Xing , Feng Siyuan , Peng Rui , Li Hansen
Published: April 2022

TikTok, the most popular social media, brings various benefits to nowadays living. However, the problematic use of TikTok has also elicited a range of health problems, such as sleep problems. Physical activity (PA) appears to play a protective role in the problematic use of TikTok and its health consequences, but the pathways between PA and sleep health are understudied. Therefore, we aimed to propose a framework to check whether PA can benefit the sleep health of TikTok users by reducing bedtime delays for TikTok. Stress and mental health issues were also considered as they are potential mediators between PA and sleep health and may also influence the problematic use of smartphones. A cross-sectional investigation that involved 660 Chinese TikTok users was conducted in April 2021. The volume of PA, perceived stress (PSS-10), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), bedtime delay for TikTok use, and sleep quality (PSQI) were investigated through an online questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine pathways from PA to sleep quality through stress, mental health issues (depression and anxiety), and bedtime delay for TikTok. We found that PA exerted a significant effect on sleep quality through indirect pathways (β = −0.056, p = 0.001). Stress was a critical mediator of all indirect pathways, and the pathway mediated by stress and mental health issues made a major contribution to the total effect (β = −0.048, p = 0.002). The identified pathways mediated by bedtime delay for TikTok were relatively weak but significant. PA showed a distinct effect on bedtime delay for TikTok through stress and mental health issues (β = −0.043, p = 0.001). In conclusion, our framework highlights some pathways to understanding the benefits of PA on TikTok users’ sleep quality. Future research is warranted to explore extra indirect pathways and re-examine the causal relationships between variables.
Markowitz Mean-Variance Portfolio Selection and Optimization under a Behavioral Spectacle: New Empirical Evidence
Authors: Mba Jules Clément , Ababio Kofi Agyarko , Agyei Samuel Kwaku
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the robustness of the conventional mean-variance (MV) optimization model by making two adjustments within the MV formulation. First, the portfolio selection based on a behavioral decision-making theory that encapsulates the MV statistics and investors psychology. The second aspect involves capturing the portfolio asset dependence structure through copula. Using the behavioral MV (BMV) and the copula behavioral MV (CBMV), the results show that stocks with lower behavioral scores outperform counterpart portfolios with higher behavioral scores. On the other hand, in the Forex market, the reverse is observed for the BMV approach, while the CBMV remains consistent.
Antidiabetic Drugs in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Michailidis Michalis , Tata Despina A. , Moraitou Despina , Kavvadas Dimitrios , Karachrysafi Sofia , Papamitsou Theodora , Vareltzis Patroklos , Papaliagkas Vasileios
Published: April 2022

The public health burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease is steadily increasing worldwide, especially in the population of older adults. Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest a possible shared pathophysiology between the two diseases and an increased risk of AD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, in recent years, there has been a substantial interest in identifying the mechanisms of action of antidiabetic drugs and their potential use in Alzheimer’s disease. Human studies in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease have shown that administration of some antidiabetic medications, such as intranasal insulin, metformin, incretins, and thiazolidinediones, can improve cognition and memory. This review aims to examine the latest evidence on antidiabetic medications as a potential candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Innovations in Genomics and Big Data Analytics for Personalized Medicine and Health Care: A Review
Authors: Hassan Mubashir , Awan Faryal Mehwish , Naz Anam , deAndrés-Galiana Enrique J. , Alvarez Oscar , Cernea Ana , Fernández-Brillet Lucas , Fernández-Martínez Juan Luis , Kloczkowski Andrzej
Published: April 2022

Big data in health care is a fast-growing field and a new paradigm that is transforming case-based studies to large-scale, data-driven research. As big data is dependent on the advancement of new data standards, technology, and relevant research, the future development of big data applications holds foreseeable promise in the modern day health care revolution. Enormously large, rapidly growing collections of biomedical omics-data (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, glycomics, etc.) and clinical data create major challenges and opportunities for their analysis and interpretation and open new computational gateways to address these issues. The design of new robust algorithms that are most suitable to properly analyze this big data by taking into account individual variability in genes has enabled the creation of precision (personalized) medicine. We reviewed and highlighted the significance of big data analytics for personalized medicine and health care by focusing mostly on machine learning perspectives on personalized medicine, genomic data models with respect to personalized medicine, the application of data mining algorithms for personalized medicine as well as the challenges we are facing right now in big data analytics.
Identification of Potential Muscle Biomarkers in McArdle Disease: Insights from Muscle Proteome Analysis
Authors: García-Consuegra Inés , Asensio-Peña Sara , Garrido-Moraga Rocío , Pinós Tomàs , Domínguez-González Cristina , Santalla Alfredo , Nogales-Gadea Gisela , Serrano-Lorenzo Pablo , Andreu Antoni L. , Arenas Joaquín , Zugaza José L. , Lucia Alejandro , Martín Miguel A.
Published: April 2022

Glycogen storage disease type V (GSDV, McArdle disease) is a rare genetic myopathy caused by deficiency of the muscle isoform of glycogen phosphorylase (PYGM). This results in a block in the use of muscle glycogen as an energetic substrate, with subsequent exercise intolerance. The pathobiology of GSDV is still not fully understood, especially with regard to some features such as persistent muscle damage (i.e., even without prior exercise). We aimed at identifying potential muscle protein biomarkers of GSDV by analyzing the muscle proteome and the molecular networks associated with muscle dysfunction in these patients. Muscle biopsies from eight patients and eight healthy controls showing none of the features of McArdle disease, such as frequent contractures and persistent muscle damage, were studied by quantitative protein expression using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) followed by artificial neuronal networks (ANNs) and topology analysis. Protein candidate validation was performed by Western blot. Several proteins predominantly involved in the process of muscle contraction and/or calcium homeostasis, such as myosin, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 1, tropomyosin alpha-1 chain, troponin isoforms, and alpha-actinin-3, showed significantly lower expression levels in the muscle of GSDV patients. These proteins could be potential biomarkers of the persistent muscle damage in the absence of prior exertion reported in GSDV patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which PYGM controls the expression of these proteins.