bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of microRNAs Implicated in Modulating Senecionine-Induced Liver Toxicity in HepaRG Cells
Authors: Enge Anne-Margarethe , Sprenger Heike , Braeuning Albert , Hessel-Pras Stefanie
Published: February 2022

1,2-unsaturated Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs) are secondary plant metabolites that occur as food contaminants. Upon consumption, they can cause severe liver damage. PAs have been shown to induce apoptosis, to have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, and to impair bile acid homeostasis in the human hepatoma cell line HepaRG. The major mode of action of PAs is DNA- and protein-adduct formation. Beyond that, nuclear receptor activation has only been observed for one receptor and two PAs, yielding the possibility that other cellular mediators are involved in PA-mediated toxicity. Here, the mode of action of Senecionine (Sc), a prominent and ubiquitous representative of hepatotoxic PAs, was investigated by analyzing 7 hepatic microRNAs (miRNAs) in HepaRG cells. Ultimately, 11 target genes that were predicted with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software (IPA) were found to be significantly downregulated, while their assigned miRNAs showed significant upregulation of gene expression. According to IPA, these targets are positively correlated with apoptosis and cellular death and are involved in diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequent antagomiR-inhibition analysis revealed a significant correlation between PA-induced miRNA-4434 induction and P21-Activated Kinase-1 (PAK1) downregulation. PAK1 downregulation is usually associated with cell cycle arrest, suggesting a new function of Sc-mediated toxicity in human liver cells.
Rheological Characteristics of Model Gluten-Free Dough with Plantago Seeds and Husk Incorporation
Authors: Pejcz Ewa , Burešová Iva
Published: February 2022

The seeds and husk of Plantago origin are rich source of dietary fiber known for its medicinal use. Despite the use of both Plantago psyllium and Plantago ovata products due to their physicochemical and nutritional properties, only the effects of Plantago ovata husk have been studied. Their structure-forming properties may positively affect gluten-free bread quality only if an adequate dough hydration is used. The aim of the work is to analyze the effect of different Plantago products: Plantago psyllium seeds and Plantago ovata seeds and husk in quantities of 3, 6 and 9% share on the rheological profile of model gluten-free dough and bread and bread’s technological quality and shelf-life. The rheological parameters of the dough were determined with Mixolab protocols and uniaxial deformation test. Bread quality and its textural profile analysis after cooling and storage were determined. The addition of Plantago psyllium seeds weakened the dough. All additives contributed to a reduction in starch retrogradation, bread hardness and water loss during baking, and to the improvement of the doughs’ resistance to extension, dough energy and bread yield. This influence is strongest when the Plantago ovata husk was used. However, the consumer acceptance of the tested breads was low and, in this respect, the breads with the addition of seeds of both Plantago psyllium and ovata were considered to be better than the husk.
Rare Complications of Fatal Caffeine Intoxication
Authors: Szeremeta Michał , Sackiewicz Adam , Drobuliak Petra , Reszeć-Giełażyn Joanna , Niemcunowicz-Janica Anna
Published: February 2022

Many dietary supplements may contain harmful ingredients or compounds. One of them is caffeine, a stimulant that has been utilized globally for centuries, primarily for its ability to improve mental alertness. This report described a case involving a young woman who most likely intentionally took an energy booster containing pure caffeine. Gross and microscopic examination showed extensive necrotic changes with esophageal perforation in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Harmful contents have moved to the posterior mediastinum and the left pleural cavity, causing injuries within them. Postmortem toxicological tests (gas chromatography with the mass detector—GC-MS) have shown the presence of lethal levels of caffeine in the blood (92.0 ug/mL). The remaining toxicological tests were negative.
Adaptive Fractional Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on Rough Set and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Liu Ri , Ren Jianxu , Gui Qinglong
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a new image enhancement algorithm. At first, the paper uses the combination of rough set and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to distinguish the smooth area, edge and texture area of the image. Then, according to the results of image segmentation, an adaptive fractional differential filter is used to enhance the image. Finally, the experimental results show that the image enhanced by this algorithm has clear edge, rich texture details, and retains the information of the smooth area of the image.
Impact of Non-Uniform Periodic Magnetic Field on Unsteady Natural Convection Flow of Nanofluids in Square Enclosure
Authors: Islam Tarikul , Yavuz Mehmet , Parveen Nazma , Fayz-Al-Asad Md.
Published: February 2022

In this article, unsteady free convective heat transport of copper-water nanofluid within a square-shaped enclosure with the dominance of non-uniform horizontal periodic magnetic effect is investigated numerically. Various nanofluids are also used to investigate temperature performance. The Brownian movement of nano-sized particles is included in the present model. A sinusoidal function of the y coordinate is considered for the magnetic effect, which works as a non-uniform magnetic field. The left sidewall is warmed at a higher heat, whereas the right sidewall is cooled at a lower heat. The upper and bottom walls are insulated. For solving the governing non-linear partial differential equation, Galerkin weighted residual finite element method is devoted. Comparisons are made with previously published articles, and we found there to be excellent compliance. The influence of various physical parameters, namely, the volume fraction of nanoparticles, period of the non-uniform magnetic field, Rayleigh number, the shape and diameter of nanoparticles, and Hartmann number on the temperature transport and fluid flow are researched. The local and average Nusselt number is also calculated to investigate the impact of different parameters on the flow field. The results show the best performance of heat transport for the Fe3O4-water nanofluid than for other types of nanofluids. The heat transport rate increases 20.14% for Fe3O4-water nanofluid and 8.94% for TiO2-water nanofluid with 1% nanoparticles volume. The heat transportation rate enhances with additional nanoparticles into the base fluid whereas it decreases with the increase of Hartmann number and diameter of particles. A comparison study of uniform and non-uniform magnetic effects is performed, and a higher heat transfer rate is observed for a non-uniform magnetic effect compared to a uniform magnetic effect. Moreover, periods of magnetic effect and a nanoparticle’s Brownian movement significantly impacts the temperature transport and fluid flow. The solution reaches unsteady state to steady state within a very short time.
Common Fixed Point Theorems for Two Mappings in Complete b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Chen Lili , Xia Xin , Zhao Yanfeng , Liu Xin
Published: February 2022

Our paper is devoted to the issue of the existence and uniqueness of common fixed points for two mappings in complete b-metric spaces by virtue of the new functions F and θ, respectively. Moreover, two specific examples to indicate the validity of our results are also given. Eventually, the generalized forms of Jungck fixed point theorem in the above spaces is investigated. Different from related literature, the conditions that the function F needs to satisfy are weakened, and F only needs to be non-decreasing in this paper. To some extent, our conclusions and methods improve the results of previous literature.
Mixed Neutral Caputo Fractional Stochastic Evolution Equations with Infinite Delay: Existence, Uniqueness and Averaging Principle
Authors: Abouagwa Mahmoud , Aljoufi Lama S. , Bantan Rashad A. R. , Khalaf Anas D. , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: February 2022

The aim of this article is to consider a class of neutral Caputo fractional stochastic evolution equations with infinite delay (INFSEEs) driven by fractional Brownian motion (fBm) and Poisson jumps in Hilbert space. First, we establish the local and global existence and uniqueness theorems of mild solutions for the aforementioned neutral fractional stochastic system under local and global Carathéodory conditions by using the successive approximations, stochastic analysis, fractional calculus, and stopping time techniques. The obtained existence result in this article is new in the sense that it generalizes some of the existing results in the literature. Furthermore, we discuss the averaging principle for the proposed neutral fractional stochastic system in view of the convergence in mean square between the solution of the standard INFSEEs and that of the simplified equation. Finally, the obtained averaging theory is validated with an example.
Electrospun Chitosan Functionalized with C12, C14 or C16 Tails for Blood-Contacting Medical Devices
Authors: Dettin Monica , Roso Martina , Messina Grazia M. L. , Iucci Giovanna , Peluso Valentina , Russo Teresa , Zamuner Annj , Santi Marta , Milan Manani Sabrina , Zanella Monica , Battocchio Chiara , Marletta Giovanni , Modesti Michele , Rassu Mario , De Cal Massimo , Ronco Claudio
Published: February 2022

Medical applications stimulate the need for materials with broad potential. Chitosan, the partially deacetylated derivative of chitin, offers many interesting characteristics, such as biocompatibility and chemical derivatization possibility. In the present study, porous scaffolds composed of electrospun interwoven nanometric fibers are produced using chitosan or chitosan functionalized with aliphatic chains of twelve, fourteen or sixteen methylene groups. The scaffolds were thoroughly characterized by SEM and XPS. The length of the aliphatic tail influenced the physico-chemical and dynamic mechanical properties of the functionalized chitosan. The electrospun membranes revealed no interaction of Gram+ or Gram− bacteria, resulting in neither antibacterial nor bactericidal, but constitutively sterile. The electrospun scaffolds demonstrated the absence of cytotoxicity, inflammation response, and eryptosis. These results open the door to their application for blood purification devices, hemodialysis membranes, and vascular grafts.
The First Russian Patient with Native American Myopathy
Authors: Murtazina Aysylu , Demina Nina , Chausova Polina , Shchagina Olga , Borovikov Artem , Dadali Elena
Published: February 2022

Congenital myopathy associated with pathogenic variants in the STAC3 gene has long been considered native American myopathy (NAM). In 2017, the first case of a non-Amerindian patient with this myopathy was described. Here, we report the first Russian patient with NAM. The patient is a 17-year-old female with compound-heterozygous single nucleotide variants in the STAC3 gene: c.862A>T, p.(Lys288Ter) and c.93del, p.(Lys32ArgfsTer78). She has a milder phenotype than the earlier described patients. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient who had both nonsense and frameshift variants. It is assumed that the frameshift variant with premature stop codon lead to nonsense-mediated RNA decay. However, there are two additional coding isoforms of the STAC3 gene, which are not affected by this frameshift variant. We can speculate that these isoforms may partially carry out the function, and possibly explain the milder phenotype of our patient.
Spatial and Temporal Change of Land Cover in Protected Areas in Malawi: Implications for Conservation Management
Authors: Kpienbaareh Daniel , Batung Evans Sumabe , Luginaah Isaac
Published: February 2022

Protected areas (PAs) transform over time due to natural and anthropogenic processes, resulting in the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. As current and projected climatic trends are poised to pressurize the sustainability of PAs, analyses of the existing perturbations are crucial for providing valuable insights that will facilitate conservation management. In this study, land cover change, landscape characteristics, and spatiotemporal patterns of the vegetation intensity in the Kasungu National Park (area = 2445.10 km2) in Malawi were assessed using Landsat data (1997, 2008 and 2018) in a Fuzzy K-Means unsupervised classification. The findings reveal that a 21.12% forest cover loss occurred from 1997 to 2018: an average annual loss of 1.09%. Transition analyses of the land cover changes revealed that forest to shrubs conversion was the main form of land cover transition, while conversions from shrubs (3.51%) and bare land (3.48%) to forest over the two decades were comparatively lower, signifying a very low rate of forest regeneration. The remaining forest cover in the park was aggregated in a small land area with dissimilar landscape characteristics. Vegetation intensity and vigor were lower mainly in the eastern part of the park in 2018. The findings have implications for conservation management in the context of climate change and the growing demand for ecosystem services in forest-dependent localities.
Contributions for the Understanding of the São Pedro do Sul (North of Portugal) Geohydraulic and Thermomineral System: Hydrochemistry and Stable Isotopes Studies
Authors: Almeida Solange , Gomes Luís , Oliveira Alcino , Carreira Paula
Published: February 2022

São Pedro do Sul thermomineral aquifer system is located in the North of Portugal. Hydrogeochemistry and isotopic studies were conducted in order to improve knowledge of this groundwater system, known since ancient Roman times for their therapeutic properties. One thermomineral spring (NT) and three boreholes (AC1, SDV1 and SDV2) have a mean temperature around 68 °C. Currently, these waters are mainly used in thermal spas and for geothermal energy supply. Major cations and anions were used to identify and characterize different water types and sub-systems. Stable isotopes composition, δ18O and δ2H, have been used to determine the origin and have been used as a first approach to estimate the mean preferential recharge altitude of thermomineral water. The results suggest a single aquifer system with a relative composition of cations and anions and similar mineralization values. δ18O and δ2H values indicate a meteoric origin with no significant evaporation before infiltration. Besides, the isotopic composition points to recharge areas located at altitudes of about 1000 m a.s.l. This suggests a recharge area in the Freita/Arada mountains located NW of the thermomineral poles.
Cold Agglutinin Disease: A Distinct Clonal B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder of the Bone Marrow
Authors: Climent Fina , Cid Joan , Sureda Anna
Published: February 2022

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity characterized by clonal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in the bone marrow. B-cell gene mutations affect NF-ΚB as well as chromatin modification and remodeling pathways. Clonal immunoglobulins produced by B cells bind to red cells (RBCs) at cold temperatures causing RBC aggregation, complement cascade activation and cold-autoantibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (cAIHA). The clinical picture shows cold-induced symptoms and cAIHA. Therapeutic options include “wait and watch”, rituximab-based regimens, and complement-directed therapies. Steroids must not be used for treating CAD. New targeted therapies are possibly identified after recent molecular studies.
Phytochemicals, Proximate Composition, Mineral Analysis and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Calligonum crinitum Boiss
Authors: Naqbi Khalfan Mohamed Abdulla Al , Karthishwaran Kandhan , Kurup Shyam Sreedhara , Abdul Muhsen Alyafei Mohammed , Jaleel Abdul
Published: February 2022

Medicinal herbs are potential sources of biomolecules and their analogues that have great relevance in the preparation of modern medicines. Calligonum crinitum, a perennial shrub growing in the United Arab Emirates, has been utilized in the study to validate the therapeutic properties exploited in the traditional medicinal system of UAE. The phytochemical screening of the plant employing different solvents of methanolics and ethyl-acetates, expressed varied proportions of monosaccharides and carbohydrates along with tannins and saponins, which are high potency molecules for therapeutic applications. The presence of total phenol and flavonoid contents derived from methanolic extracts indicates antioxidant potentials and the defense mechanisms of the plant. Proximate and mineral nutrient analysis validates the significance of the extracts with a high amount of carbohydrates and proteins along with significantly high amounts of Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg and K involved in various metabolic reactions. Similarly, the ABTS radical scavenging activity varied significantly (p < 0.05) and ranged from 10 to 160 µg GAE/g in the methanolic extract. DPPH free radical scavenging activity exhibited a significantly high DPPH activity in methanolic extracts with free radical scavenging activity of 72%. Hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity was also found to be high in the Calligonum extracts along with SOD (49–83%, compared to the standard GAE 37–58%). Nitric oxide scavenging was also found to be high in the extracts, thereby decreasing the content of NO. Thus, our results confirm that the derived extracts have potential antioxidants, and this legitimizes their use in folkloric medicine. These results are highly significant as they can pave the way for future scientific validation of the traditional knowledge of this important medicinal plant.
Chinese Cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl.) ARF7 Participates in Root Development and Responds to Drought and Low Phosphorus
Authors: Hou Qiandong , Li Xiaorong , Qiu Zhilang , Hong Yi , Tian Tian , Li Shuang , Ran Jiaxin , Qiao Guang
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an auxin-responsive transcription factor, CpARF7, was isolated from the roots of Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl. Cv. “Manao Hong”). CpARF7 is highly homologous to AtARF7 or AtARF19 in Arabidopsis, and PavARF1 or PavARF14 in sweet cherry. However, in the phenotype of transgenic tomatoes, the root morphology changed, the main root elongated, and the lateral root increased. Both drought treatment and low-phosphorus conditions can elongate the roots of transgenic tomatoes. In addition, the drought resistance and low-phosphorus tolerance of the transgenic lines are improved, and the POD, SOD, and CAT activities under drought and low-phosphorus environments are increased. There is an effect on the tomato somatotropin suppressor gene, SlIAAs, in which SlIAA1/14/19/29 are up-regulated and SlIAA2/11/12/16 are down-regulated. These results indicate that CpARF7 plays an essential regulatory role in root formation and abiotic stress response, and deepens the understanding of auxin-responsive genes in root growth and abiotic stress.
Tolerance and Recovery Capacity to Reclaimed Wastewater Irrigation of Salvia officinalis and Asteriscus maritimus Plants Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizae
Authors: Lorente Beatriz , Pulido-Suárez Laura , Ortuño María Fernanda , Sánchez-Blanco María Jesús
Published: February 2022

This work attempts to identify which of two species with different levels of salinity tolerance, Salvia officinalis L. or Asteriscus maritimus L., is more suitable for irrigation with reclaimed wastewater, as well as the effect of the arbuscular mycorrhiza Glomus iranicum on the plant. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber with a first phase, where both species were irrigated with good quality water, a second phase in which the plants were irrigated with reclaimed wastewater, and a third phase in which the plants were irrigated with good quality water again (recovery). Salinity caused a reduction in leaf water potential, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis in both species. The percentage of mycorrhization was higher in Asteriscus than in Salvia, mitigating the decrease in leaf water potential. There was osmotic adjustment in Salvia, although the proline content increased in both species. The damages produced were clearer in Salvia, in which lipid peroxidation values were higher. Likewise, the visual appearance of the leaves showed symptoms of toxicity in this species, although the mycorrhizae diminished these effects. Irrigation with good quality water induced the recovery of lipid peroxidation in both species, as well as the appearance of new leaves in Salvia.
A Policy Analysis of the Primary Health Care Approach in Liberia
Authors: Dadzie Jeffrey E. , Kanagasabai Udhayashankar
Published: February 2022

Primary health care (PHC), a holistic approach to health, was proposed at Alma-Ata in 1978 and has been the guiding principle for the health system rebuilding of Liberia, a post-conflict, low-income country. However, since its adoption, health care delivery and outcomes remain less than optimal. A comprehensive literature review of all current health policy documents in Liberia, with a focus on the PHC approach, was identified and analyzed using the Walt and Gilson policy framework. Three major policy-related gaps were identified. 1. The lack of explicit inclusion of the community as an actor in the formulation of several of the policy documents. 2. The lack of timely revision of some policy documents. 3. The lack of an explicit PHC strategic approach in the implementation plans of multiple policy documents. The poor health outcomes in Liberia, therefore, are indicative of problems with PHC that go beyond implementation to the policy level.
Research on China Cities’ Total Factor Productivity of Carbon Emission: Based on Decoupling Effect
Authors: Chen Fang , Zhao Tao , Wang Di
Published: February 2022

Economic development depends on energy consumption, which is a major source of carbon emission. How to achieve economic decarbonization has become one of the key questions urgently needing to be solved on the road of carbon peak and carbon neutral development in China. Advancing total factor productivity (TFP) of carbon emission is an important way to promote economic decarbonization. For the carbon emission TFP, current research is mainly conducted from province level or an industry perspective, and studies its deference with various geographical locations, economic development levels, urbanization levels, etc., lacking the research that combines the decoupling effect to carbon emission TFP. The carbon emission TFP of Chinese cities and how to improve it remain unclear. Therefore, based on Tapio decoupling theory, this paper firstly analyzed the decoupling effect of China’s 284 cities from 2005 to 2019, and aggregated the cities into four groups according to the decoupling effect. Then, using the DEA–Malmquist index, this paper researched the carbon emission TFP and its driving factors based on the aggregation. The result shows that weak decoupling is the main decoupling status in China. As a whole, carbon emission TFP of Chinese cities does not perform well, but it shows a growth trend over time. Strong decoupling cities outperform expansive negative decoupling cities on carbon emission TFP. Technical change and pure technical efficiency change have inhibiting effect and promoting effect on carbon emission TFP, respectively, which are the main factors for the difference of carbon emission TFP between strong decoupling cities and expansive negative decoupling cities. Based on these findings, some common but differentiated recommendations are provided for improving Chinese cities’ carbon emission TFP.
Using Collaborative Partnerships to Engage Firefighters in Rural Communities
Authors: Taylor Ritchie , Macy Gretchen , Hwang Jooyeon , Golla Vijay , Cann Charles , Sanyang Edrisa
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to utilize community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods to identify behaviors that may increase the exposure rates of firefighters to carcinogens and other occupational hazards. Key informant interviews and focus groups were conducted as part of a larger study that included exposure assessments at fire stations, in fire engines, and in personal vehicles. A purposive sample of five fire chiefs and leaders of the firefighter association was chosen, and these individuals were selected to participate in interviews. Unstructured interviews explored issues related to firefighter exposures and occupational hazards. Three focus groups were conducted over a three-month period. Following the focus groups, survey questions emphasizing the following three aspects of firefighting were developed: exposure to airborne smoke contaminants during fire suppression, accumulated exposure on turnout gear after fire suppression, and exposure to airborne contaminants at the fire departments. The use of community-based participatory research can be very beneficial, especially when conducting research with a group that may be hard to reach or have misgivings regarding researchers. By utilizing this approach in the current study, researchers were able to partner with a community that may be hard to reach and gain buy-in from community leadership.
Performance Alteration Induced by Weight Cutting in Mixed Martial Arts—A Biomechanical Pilot Investigation
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Evans Jared , Wąsik Jacek , Zhang Xiang , Shan Gongbing
Published: February 2022

Currently, there are pros and cons of research results related to weight cutting in combat sports, resulting in inconclusive results regarding the effects of weight-cut on athletes’ performance, and biomechanical investigations are hardly seen. Therefore, this pilot study tried to fill the gap by initiating an exploration in real-life competitions. It is our hope to add biomechanical insights (advantages/disadvantages) that would discern the impact of weight cutting on competitive performance and help to structure hypotheses in future research. The method consisted of 3D motion capture, EMG measurement and biomechanical modeling. Through the synchronized data, striking power, striking accuracy and reaction time were quantitatively determined. Pre- and post-test design was used to test common strikes before weight cutting and 24 h after weigh-in. Seven male athletes from local clubs were tested during regional competitions. Results were characterized by using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and T-tests were performed to contrast differences between the pre- and post-tests. This pilot study has revealed that there is actually weight-regain instead of weight-loss. The weight-regain would speed up the perceptional and total reaction, slow down the limbs’ movement, worsen the striking accuracy and, possibly, decrease the strike power. The preliminary results are inconclusive regarding the competitive advantages/disadvantages induced by weight cutting. Further biomechanical studies are needed to deal with the controversial subject more objectively and scientifically.
Risk Perception Influence on Vaccination Program on COVID-19 in Chile: A Mathematical Model
Authors: Gutiérrez-Jara Juan Pablo , Saracini Chiara
Published: February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus emergency prompted unprecedented safety measures, which were accepted by the population of each country to different degrees, for example, with more or less willingness to use personal protective elements (PPEs). We have developed a mathematical model of the contagion process, based on chilean data, to assess the interaction between biological factors (such as the impact of vaccination) and behavioral factors (such as the population’s perception of risk). The model clearly shows that the virus spreads through three waves of contagion, the second being the most prominent, regardless of any alteration in the variables taken into account, which only affect the overall number of people infected. By considering alternative values of the risk perception variable and examining the different possible scenarios, we have also found that the less reaction to change the population has (and the lower the disposition to use PPEs), the higher the waves of contagion and the death toll are.
The Impact of Transport on Population Health and Health Equity for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Prospective Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Randal Edward , Shaw Caroline , McLeod Melissa , Keall Michael , Woodward Alistair , Mizdrak Anja
Published: February 2022

Background: The land transport system influences health via a range of pathways. This study aimed to quantify the amount and distribution of health loss caused by the current land transport system in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) through the pathways of road injury, air pollution and physical inactivity. Methods: We used an existing multi-state life table model to estimate the long-term health impacts (in health-adjusted life years (HALYs)) and changes in health system costs of removing road injury and transport related air pollution and increasing physical activity to recommended levels through active transport. Health equity implications were estimated using relative changes in HALYs and life expectancy for Māori and non-Māori. Results: If the NZ resident population alive in 2011 was exposed to no further air pollution from transport, had no road traffic injuries and achieved at least the recommended weekly amount of physical activity through walking and cycling from 2011 onwards, 1.28 (95% UI: 1.11–1.5) million HALYs would be gained and $7.7 (95% UI: 10.2 to 5.6) billion (2011 NZ Dollars) would be saved from the health system over the lifetime of this cohort. Māori would likely gain more healthy years per capita than non-Māori, which would translate to small but important reductions (2–3%) in the present gaps in life expectancy. Conclusion: The current transport system in NZ, like many other car-dominated transport systems, has substantial negative impacts on health, at a similar level to the effects of tobacco and obesity. Transport contributes to health inequity, as Māori bear greater shares of the negative health impacts. Creating a healthier transport system would bring substantial benefits for health, society and the economy.
A Comprehensive 2018-Based Vehicle Emission Inventory and Its Spatial–Temporal Characteristics in the Central Liaoning Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Liu Yingying , Zhao Xueyan , Wang Jing , Zhu Shengnan , Han Bin , Zhao Di , Wang Xinhua , Geng Chunmei
Published: February 2022

Rapid economic expansion and urbanisation have seriously affected the atmospheric environmental quality of the Central Liaoning Urban Agglomeration (CLUA). This study aimed to establish a detailed vehicle emission inventory of the CLUA with a 3 km × 3 km gridded spatiotemporal distribution. A top-down methodology using vehicle kilometres travelled annually, emission factors, and activity data of each city was established. Carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10), Black Carbon (BC), and organic carbon (OC) emissions were 291.0, 221.8, 3.6, 2.2, 42.8, 9.3, 10.3, 5.2, and 1.6 Gg in 2018, respectively. The contribution of diesel heavy-duty trucks to NOx, SO2, PM2.5, PM10, BC, and OC emissions was greater than 54.5%, the largest contribution of all vehicles. Gasoline small passenger vehicles were the primary contributor to CO, VOC, and NH3 emissions, contributing 37.3%, 39.5%, and 75.3% of total emissions, respectively. For emission standards, Pre-China 1 vehicles were the largest contributor to CO and VOC emissions and China 3 vehicles contributed the largest amount of NOx, SO2, PM2.5, PM10, BC, and OC emissions. The spatial distribution of pollutants showed “obvious lines” and grids with high emissions were concentrated in expressways, national highways, and provincial highways. The temporal variation showed morning–evening peaks during diurnal variations, which was consistent with resident behaviour. This work can help us understand vehicular emission characteristics of the CLUA and provide basic data for air quality modelling. Future research should investigate traffic flow by vehicle types and emission factors at a local level, which will be helpful for transport management planning.
Suburban Road Networks to Explore COVID-19 Vulnerability and Severity
Authors: Uddin Shahadat , Khan Arif , Lu Haohui , Zhou Fangyu , Karim Shakir
Published: February 2022

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been found to be extremely difficult to contain worldwide. The complex dynamics of human mobility and the variable intensity of local outbreaks make measuring the factors of COVID-19 transmission a challenge. The inter-suburb road connection details provide a reliable proxy of the moving options for people between suburbs for a given region. By using such data from Greater Sydney, Australia, this study explored the impact of suburban road networks on two COVID-19-related outcomes measures. The first measure is COVID-19 vulnerability, which gives a low score to a more vulnerable suburb. A suburb is more vulnerable if it has the first COVID-19 case earlier and vice versa. The second measure is COVID-19 severity, which is proportionate to the number of COVID-19-positive cases for a suburb. To analyze the suburban road network, we considered four centrality measures (degree, closeness, betweenness and eigenvector) and core–periphery structure. We found that the degree centrality measure of the suburban road network was a strong and statistically significant predictor for both COVID-19 vulnerability and severity. Closeness centrality and eigenvector centrality were also statistically significant predictors for COVID-19 vulnerability and severity, respectively. The findings of this study could provide practical insights to stakeholders and policymakers to develop timely strategies and policies to prevent and contain any highly infectious pandemics, including the Delta variant of COVID-19.
Social Attitude to COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccinations after the Influenza Vaccination Season and between the Second and Third COVID-19 Wave in Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine
Authors: Zaprutko Tomasz , Kremin Yuliia , Michalak Michał , Bernatoniene Jurga , Zaprutko Lucjusz , Hudz Nataliia , Stolecka Aleksandra , Cynar Julia , Niewczas Katarzyna , Sprawka Józefina , Skorupska Patrycja , Wróbel Joanna , Ratajczak Piotr , Kopciuch Dorota , Paczkowska Anna , Kus Krzysztof , Hromovyk Bohdan
Published: February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected the entire world and contributed to severe health and economic consequences. A safe and effective vaccine is a tool allowing the pandemic to be controlled. Hence, we aimed to conduct a survey on vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 in Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine. We also evaluated societal attitudes towards influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. Materials and methods: We conducted the study between December 2020 and May 2021. At the time, the countries subject to the research were between the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used an anonymous and self-designed questionnaire comprised of eleven closed-ended questions and a short socio-demographic section. The questionnaire was administered by direct contact or mainly (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) by e-mail or Facebook. Finally, we included 2753 answers from Poland, 1852 from Ukraine, and 213 from Lithuania. Results: Between 61% (Poland) and 72.9% (Ukraine) of the study participants have never been vaccinated against influenza (p < 0.05). Totals of 67.6% of the respondents in Poland, 73.71% in Lithuania, and 29.5% in Ukraine responded that they want to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Vaccine hesitancy was mainly related to worries about its side effects. There were also vaccine non-adopters in the study. In Ukraine, 67% of the respondents were clearly opposed to mandatory COVID-19 vaccines, compared to 41.7% in Poland and 30.99% in Lithuania (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There are still many people who present vaccine hesitancy or are opposed to vaccines. Thus, societal education about vaccination and the pandemic is crucial. Vaccine hesitancy or refusal might be related to vaccine origin. Shortages of influenza vaccines made it impossible to vaccinate those who were determined to be vaccinated. There is room for discussion of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.
Unifying Evidence on Delay Discounting: Open Task, Analysis Tutorial, and Normative Data from an Italian Sample
Authors: Garofalo Sara , Degni Luigi A. E. , Sellitto Manuela , Braghittoni Davide , Starita Francesca , Giovagnoli Sara , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Benassi Mariagrazia
Published: February 2022

Despite the widespread use of the delay discounting task in clinical and non-clinical contexts, several task versions are available in the literature, making it hard to compare results across studies. Moreover, normative data are not available to evaluate individual performances. The present study aims to propose a unified version of the delay discounting task based on monetary rewards and it provides normative values built on an Italian sample of 357 healthy participants. The most used parameters in the literature to assess the delay discount rate were compared to find the most valid index to discriminate between normative data and a clinical population who typically present impulsivity issues, i.e., patients with a lesion to the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC). In line with our hypothesis, mOFC patients showed higher delay discounting scores than the normative sample and the normative group. Based on this evidence, we propose that the task and indexes here provided can be used to identify extremely high (above the 90th percentile for hyperbolic k or below the 10th percentile for AUC) or low (below the 10th percentile for hyperbolic k or above the 90th percentile for AUC) delay discounting performances. The complete dataset, the R code used to perform all analyses, a free and modifiable version of the delay discounting task, as well as the R code that can be used to extract all indexes from such tasks and compare subjective performances with the normative data here presented are available as online materials.
Videoconference Fatigue: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Döring Nicola , Moor Katrien De , Fiedler Markus , Schoenenberg Katrin , Raake Alexander
Published: February 2022

Videoconferencing (VC) is a type of online meeting that allows two or more participants from different locations to engage in live multi-directional audio-visual communication and collaboration (e.g., via screen sharing). The COVID-19 pandemic has induced a boom in both private and professional videoconferencing in the early 2020s that elicited controversial public and academic debates about its pros and cons. One main concern has been the phenomenon of videoconference fatigue. The aim of this conceptual review article is to contribute to the conceptual clarification of VC fatigue. We use the popular and succinct label “Zoom fatigue” interchangeably with the more generic label “videoconference fatigue” and define it as the experience of fatigue during and/or after a videoconference, regardless of the specific VC system used. We followed a structured eight-phase process of conceptual analysis that led to a conceptual model of VC fatigue with four key causal dimensions: (1) personal factors, (2) organizational factors, (3) technological factors, and (4) environmental factors. We present this 4D model describing the respective dimensions with their sub-dimensions based on theories, available evidence, and media coverage. The 4D-model is meant to help researchers advance empirical research on videoconference fatigue.
Predictors of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women Living with Obesity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fakhraei Romina , Denize Kathryn , Simon Alexandre , Sharif Ayni , Zhu-Pawlowsky Julia , Dingwall-Harvey Alysha L. J. , Hutton Brian , Pratt Misty , Skidmore Becky , Ahmadzai Nadera , Heslehurst Nicola , Hayes Louise , Flynn Angela C. , Velez Maria P. , Smith Graeme , Lanes Andrea , Rybak Natalie , Walker Mark , Gaudet Laura
Published: February 2022

Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for pregnancy complications. Most studies to date are in large cohorts, with results presented in a way that assumes all women living with obesity are at equal risk. This study investigates which women living with obesity are at higher risk of specific pregnancy complications. A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase identified 7894 prospective or retrospective cohort studies exploring predictors of adverse outcomes among pregnant women living with obesity. Following screening, 61 studies were deemed eligible. Studies were selected if the effects of exposure to any predictor amongst pregnant women living with obesity could be collected. Maternal characteristics assessed for association with adverse outcomes included maternal age, race/ethnicity, maternal height, mode of conception, complement activation factors, and history of various comorbidities/procedures. Gestational diabetes mellitus was the most studied outcome (n = 32), followed by preterm birth (n = 29), preeclampsia (n = 27), low birthweight infants (n = 20), small for gestational age newborns (n = 12), and stillbirth (n = 7). This review identified important characteristics that should be considered during the screening and follow-up sessions of pregnant women living with obesity, including pre-existing type 1 diabetes, maternal age < 20 years or ≥35 years, non-White ethnicity, abdominal adiposity obesity, and history of bariatric surgery.
Can Exposure to Environmental Pollutants Be Associated with Less Effective Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients?
Authors: Lagunas-Rangel Francisco Alejandro , Liu Wen , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: February 2022

Since environmental pollutants are ubiquitous and many of them are resistant to degradation, we are exposed to many of them on a daily basis. Notably, these pollutants can have harmful effects on our health and be linked to the development of disease. Epidemiological evidence together with a better understanding of the mechanisms that link toxic substances with the development of diseases, suggest that exposure to some environmental pollutants can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer. Furthermore, several studies have raised the role of low-dose exposure to environmental pollutants in cancer progression. However, little is known about how these compounds influence the treatments given to cancer patients. In this work, we present a series of evidences suggesting that environmental pollutants such as bisphenol A (BPA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), and airborne particulate matter may reduce the efficacy of some common chemotherapeutic drugs used in different types of cancer. We discuss the potential underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to the generation of this chemoresistance, such as apoptosis evasion, DNA damage repair, activation of pro-cancer signaling pathways, drug efflux and action of antioxidant enzymes, among others.
Children’s Perceived Barriers to a Healthy Diet: The Influence of Child and Community-Related Factors
Authors: Magalhães Paula , Vilas Catarina , Pereira Beatriz , Silva Cátia , Oliveira Hélder , Aguiar Camila , Rosário Pedro
Published: February 2022

A healthy diet influences the promotion and maintenance of health throughout an individual’s life. Many individuals struggle to have a healthy diet, despite it being mainly under their control. The current study aims to explore children’s perceived barriers to a healthy diet. A qualitative study with the open-ended question, “Please identify the top 5 barriers to a healthy diet”, was undertaken between January–June 2019 in which 274 students from the 5–6th grades wrote down their answers to the open-ended question. Content analysis was used to analyze responses with a codebook based on the Six C’s Model. Five categories were identified: Child, Clan, Community, Country, and Culture-related barriers. Findings showed that the barriers most highlighted were in the Child sphere (e.g., dietary intake) and the Community sphere (e.g., peer food choices). Children seldom referred to barriers from the Clan sphere, i.e., related to family (e.g., food available at home). Additionally, it seems that girls emphasize more barriers from the Child sphere, while boys emphasize more barriers from the Community sphere. Due to the qualitative nature of this study, interpretation of the data should take into account the specific characteristics and context of the sample. Nevertheless, the current data are helpful in identifying implications for practice, for example, the need to empower children with tools (e.g., self-regulation-based interventions) likely to help them overcome perceived barriers. Finally, advocacy groups may help set environmental and structural changes in the community likely to facilitate children’s healthy choices.
Landslide Displacement Prediction Based on Time Series Analysis and Double-BiLSTM Model
Authors: Lin Zian , Sun Xiyan , Ji Yuanfa
Published: February 2022

In recent years, machine learning models facilitated notable performance improvement in landslide displacement prediction. However, most existing prediction models which ignore landslide data at each time can provide a different value and meaning. To analyze and predict landslide displacement better, we propose a dynamic landslide displacement prediction model based on time series analysis and a double-bidirectional long short term memory (Double-BiLSTM) model. First, the cumulative landslide displacement is decomposed into trend and periodic displacement components according to time series analysis via the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) method. We consider that trend displacement is mainly influenced by landslide factors, and we apply a BiLSTM model to predict landslide trend displacement. This paper analyzes the internal relationship between rainfall, reservoir level and landslide periodic displacement. We adopt the maximum information coefficient (MIC) method to calculate the correlation between influencing factors and periodic displacement. We employ the BiLSTM model for periodic displacement prediction. Finally, the model is validated against data pertaining to the Baishuihe landslide in the Three Gorges, China. The experimental results and evaluation indicators demonstrate that this method achieves a better prediction performance than the classical prediction methods, and landslide displacement can be effectively predicted.