bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of Major Flavonoids in Extracts from an Unexplored Medicinal Herb Orostachys fimbriata
Authors: Lee Jeongho , Son Hyerim , Lee Kang Hyun , Kim Seunghee , Myagmar Ganzorig , Kim Soo-Yong , Chun Youngsang , Yoo Hah Young
Published: November 2022

Orostachys species have been recognized as medicinal herbs in East Asia. Although O. fimbriata is known as a traditional medicine, its antioxidant properties have not been investigated compared to other Orostachys species. In this study, we characterized the antioxidant compounds and determined the antioxidant activity of O. fimbriata for the first time. As a result, 1 g of O. fimbriata extracts contains 288.5 ± 7.4 mg polyphenols, which contains 159.7 ± 8.3 mg flavonoids. In particular, 21.6%, 6.6%, and 2.6% of the total flavonoids were identified as epicatechin gallate, quercetin, and kaempferol, respectively, by LC-MS system. The DPPH IC50, ABTS IC50, and FRAP value of the extracts was determined to be 27.6 ± 5.5 μg/mL, 125.7 ± 6.0 μg/mL, and 115.0 ± 4.4 mmol/L, respectively. These activities were 30–57% of the positive control, ascorbic acid. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that O. fimbriata has outstanding antioxidant properties. This study highlights the need for further investigations toward in-depth research on the pharmacological functions of O. fimbriata.
Evolution of Global Health and Psychosocial Factors among Hospital Workers during First Year of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lucas David , Brient Sandrine , Le Grand Tanguy , Dewitte Jean-Dominique , Loddé Brice , Pougnet Richard , Eveillard Bisi
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To assess trends in overall health (mental and physical) and psychosocial factors in a population of workers (both healthcare and non-healthcare) in a French teaching hospital during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in France. Methods: A validated version of the SATIN questionnaire with adapted scoring was used to collect data on health and impacts of work stressors. This questionnaire was sent to all workers at the hospital in T1 (July–August 2020) and T2 (July–August 2021) and self-administered online. Results: A total of 1313 participants who completed the questionnaire at T1 and 826 at T2 were included. Overall, 568 workers completed the questionnaire at T1 and T2. We found a deterioration in overall health and especially stress and mental health in hospital workers and healthcare workers (HCWs), with a negative impact of the workload and work environment. Conclusions: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic impacted negatively the mental health, work stressors, and psychosocial perceptions of both HCW and non-HCW in a French hospital. The study confirms that hospital workers are an important target.
Prevalence and Relationships between Alexithymia, Anhedonia, Depression and Anxiety during the Belgian COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Damerdji Farah , Rotsaert Marianne , Wacquier Benjamin , Hein Matthieu , Loas Gwenolé
Published: November 2022

Alexithymia and anhedonia are associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic lead to a significant deterioration in the mental health of the population. It is therefore important to examine the effects of lockdown on alexithymia and anhedonia and their relationships with anxiety and depression. We compared the scores and characteristics of 286 patients divided into two groups: one before lockdown (group 1, N = 127), the other during the progressive lockdown release (group 2, N = 159). The groups were homogeneous in terms of age, sex ratio, socio-professional categories, and somatic and psychiatric comorbidities. The groups were compared on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) measuring alexithymia, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) measuring depression, the anhedonia subscale of the BDI-II measuring state-anhedonia and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measuring state and trait anxiety. The ratio of alexithymic subjects in group 1 is 22.83% to 33.33% in group 2 (p-value = 0.034). This suggests a significant increase in the number of alexithymic patients after lockdown. We did not observe any difference in the proportion of depressed and anxious subjects before or after lockdown. Among the different scales, higher scores were only found on the cognitive factor of alexithymia on group 2 comparatively to group 1. This study indicates an increase in the proportion of alexithymic subjects following lockdown. Unexpectedly, this was unrelated to depression, anxiety or anhedonia levels, which remained stable. Further studies are needed to confirm this result and to evaluate precisely which factors related to the lockdown context are responsible for such an increase.
Time Trends of Greenspaces, Air Pollution, and Asthma Prevalence among Children and Adolescents in India
Authors: Malamardi Sowmya , Lambert Katrina A. , Praveena Attahalli Shivanarayanaprasad , Anand Mahesh Padukudru , Erbas Bircan
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of childhood asthma contributes to the global burden of the disease substantially. Air pollution in India has increased. In this study, we examine the associations among greenspaces, air pollution, and asthma prevalence in children and adolescents over a large, diverse population in India. We used state-wide global burden of disease data on asthma from age 0 to 19 years in 2005, 2011, and 2017. For greenspace, we used the normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI), which is the surface reflectance of light during photosynthetic activity. NDVI, air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3), weather, and socio-demographic factors were included in generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to estimate their associations with childhood asthma prevalence over time. Novel data visualization illustrated the complex spatial distributions. NDVI was associated with asthma prevalence (β = 0.144; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.186; p < 0.0001) for high PM2.5, along with high levels of both gaseous air pollutants, SO2, and NO2 ((β = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.16; p < 0.0001) and (β = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.13; p < 0.0001)). However, NDVI and high O3, had a strong negative association with asthma prevalence (β = −0.19; 95% CI = −0.26, −0.11; p < 0.0001). We observed additional effects of the interaction between the NDVI and high concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3, assuming that these associations share a common pathway, and found interaction effects for asthma prevalence. Given the changing environmental conditions that interplay over geographical characteristics on the prevalence of asthma, further studies may elucidate a better understanding of these complex associations.
Panic Food Purchasing amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Does the Impact of Perceived Severity, Anxiety and Self-Isolation Really Matter?
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Moustafa Fatheya
Published: November 2022

This research examines the influences of perceived severity, anxiety, and self-isolation intention, amid the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), on panic food purchasing. The research adopted a quantitative approach using a pre-examined instrument, which was self-administered by the research team (with support from a data collection-specialised company) to consumers who were urgently shopping for food in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) using analysis of a moment structures (AMOS) software showed a significant positive impact of perceived severity on consumers’ anxiety and self-isolation intention amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-isolation intention was found to have a significant positive impact on the anxiety of consumers amid the pandemic. Additionally, perceived severity, anxiety, and self-isolation have a significant positive impact on panic food purchasing. Both anxiety and self-isolation were found to have partial mediating effects in the link between perceived severity and panic purchasing intention. The results of the current research contribute to a better understanding of factors that influence panic purchasing behaviour, especially amid a pandemic. This will help policymakers to deal with this behaviour when such issues arise in the future. Other implications for scholars and policy makers are discussed.
In Schizophrenia, the Effects of the IL-6/IL-23/Th17 Axis on Health-Related Quality of Life and Disabilities Are Partly Mediated by Generalized Cognitive Decline and the Symptomatome
Authors: Al-Musawi Ali Fattah , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Al-Khfaji Zahraa Abdulrazaq , Al-Haboby Inas H. , Almulla Abbas F. , Stoyanov Drozdstoj St. , Maes Michael
Published: November 2022

Schizophrenia patients show increased disabilities and lower quality of life (DisQoL). Nevertheless, there are no data on whether the activation of the interleukin (IL)-6, IL-23, T helper (Th)-17 axis, and lower magnesium and calcium levels impact DisQoL scores. This study recruited 90 patients with schizophrenia (including 40 with deficit schizophrenia) and 40 healthy controls and assessed the World Health Association QoL instrument-Abbreviated version and Sheehan Disability scale, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), IL-6, IL-23, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, magnesium and calcium. Regression analyses showed that a large part of the first factor extracted from the physical, psychological, social and environmental HR-QoL and interference with school/work, social life, and home responsibilities was predicted by a generalized cognitive deterioration (G-CoDe) index (a latent vector extracted from BACs scores), and the first vector extracted from various symptom domains (“symptomatome”), whereas the biomarkers had no effects. Partial Least Squares analysis showed that the IL6IL23Th17 axis and magnesium/calcium had highly significant total (indirect + direct) effects on HR-QoL/disabilities, which were mediated by G-CoDe and the symptomatome (a first factor extracted from negative and positive symptoms). The IL6IL23Th17 axis explained 63.1% of the variance in the behavioral-cognitive-psycho-social (BCPS) worsening index a single latent trait extracted from G-CoDe, symptomatome, HR-QoL and disability data. In summary, the BCPS worsening index is partly caused by the neuroimmunotoxic effects of the IL6IL23Th17 axis in subjects with lowered antioxidant defenses (magnesium and calcium), thereby probably damaging the neuronal circuits that may underpin deficit schizophrenia.
Social Connectedness, Physical Distancing, and Anxiety in Complying with Shelter-In-Place Orders and Advisories during the Once-In-A-Century COVID-19 Pandemic in the US: A Study of Social Media and Internet Users
Authors: Kyne Dean , Robledo Candace , Clark Loren Cliff , Charak Ruby , Salahuddin Meliha , Morrow Jay
Published: November 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of 20 October 2020, the virus had infected 8,202,552 people, with 220,061 deaths in US, and in countries around the world, over 38 million people have become infected and over one million have died. The virus usually spreads via respiratory droplets from an infected person. At the time of compiling this paper, while countries around the world are still striving to find a “pharmaceutical intervention (PI)”, including treatments and vaccines, they are left with only “non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)”, such as physical distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining personal hygiene. In the US, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories issued mandatory stay-at-home orders between March 1 and 31 May 2020 to lower the risk of virus transmission. This study empirically examined how social connectedness and anxiety interact with shelter-in-place compliance and advisories during the pandemic. The study collected information from 494 adults using an online survey during April and July 2020.
Why Good Employees Do Bad Things: The Link between Pro-Environmental Behavior and Workplace Deviance
Authors: Zhang Zhenglin , Shi Haiqing , Feng Taiwen
Published: November 2022

Despite the significance of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in the workplace, most of the existing studies have neglected its negative work outcomes. Drawing upon moral licensing theory and cognitive dissonance theory, we construct a conceptual model of the influence mechanism of employees’ PEB (i.e., public-sphere PEB, private-sphere PEB) on workplace deviance through psychological entitlement, and the moderating effect of rationalization of workplace deviance on the relationship between psychological entitlement and workplace deviance. Using two-stage survey data from 216 employees in China, we performed hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling method to test our hypotheses. Our findings reveal that public-sphere PEB positively affects psychological entitlement, while private-sphere PEB negatively affects psychological entitlement. Psychological entitlement further positively affects workplace deviance. In addition, rationalization of workplace deviance strengthens the positive impact of psychological entitlement on workplace deviance. This study offers novel insights into the dark side of PEB literature by exploring the PEB–workplace deviance relationship. This study also contributes to managerial implications of how PEB leads to workplace deviance and how to address this issue.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Responses in Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Four European Countries
Authors: Mbalayen Fabrice , Dutheillet-de-Lamothe Valentine , Letty Aude , Le Bruchec Solenn , Pondjikli Manon , Berrut Gilles , Benatia Lamia , Ndiongue Biné Mariam , Fourrier Marie-Anne , Armaingaud Didier , Josseran Loic , Delarocque-Astagneau Elisabeth , Gautier Sylvain
Published: November 2022

Background: Studies comparing how the European nursing homes (NHs) handled the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic remain scarce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first wave in a private NHs network in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. Mortality rates were estimated, and prevention and control measures were described by country. Data from the Oxford governmental response tracker project were used to elaborate a “modified stringency index” measuring the magnitude of the COVID-19 global response. Results: Of the 580 NHs surveyed, 383 responded to the online questionnaire. The COVID-19 mortality rate was similar in France (3.9 deaths per 100 residents) and Belgium (4.5). It was almost four times higher in Italy (11.9) and particularly low in Germany (0.3). Prevention and control measures were diversely implemented: residents’ sectorization was mainly carried out in France and Italy (~90% versus ~30% in Germany and Belgium). The “modified stringency index” followed roughly the same pattern in each country. Conclusion: This study, conducted in a European network of NHs, showed differences in mortality rate which could be explained by the characteristics of the residents, the magnitude of the first wave and the prevention and control measures implemented. These results may inform future European preparedness plans.
A Study on the Psychometric Properties of the Short Version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale in an Adult Population
Authors: Fritsch Julian , Weyland Susanne , Feil Katharina , Burchartz Alexander , Schmidt Steffen , Woll Alexander , Strauch Ulrich , Wienke Benjamin , Jekauc Darko
Published: November 2022

A new measure of the short form of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-S), including four items, has been developed that focuses on the subjective experience of enjoyment. As validation has so far only been conducted in a youth population, the purpose of the present article was to test the psychometric properties of the measure in an adult population in three studies. In the first study (n = 1017) the results supported the unidimensional structure of the instrument (χ2 = 10.0; df = 2; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.992; RMSEA = 0.063), revealed a satisfactory level of internal consistency (ω = 0.79), and showed that the measure is invariant across gender. The results on factorial validity and internal consistency were generally supported by the second study (n = 482), which additionally showed satisfactory test–retest reliability (r = 0.73). Finally, the third study (n = 1336) also supported the factorial validity and internal consistency of the measure and additionally showed a positive correlation with physical activity (r = 0.40), thus supporting the criterion-related validity of the measure. This more economical version of PACES seems to be particularly useful for large-scale studies.
Phthalates in Glass Window Films of Chinese University Dormitories and Their Associations with Indoor Decorating Materials and Personal Care Products
Authors: Fan Liujia , Wang Lixin , Wang Kexin , Liu Fang , Wang Gang
Published: November 2022

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in the production of various consumer products used daily. We analyzed phthalate concentrations in window film samples from 144 dormitories in 13 universities and combined them with the results of questionnaires to explore the associations of phthalate concentrations with indoor decorating materials and personal care products. The phthalate pollution levels discovered in this study were much higher than those in previous studies of baby rooms and university buildings. Moreover, it was found that phthalate concentrations in glass window films were associated with laminated wood or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) flooring, iron furniture, medium density fiberboard (MDF) furniture, and the usage frequency of bottled skincare products. Laminated wood or PVC flooring, wallpaper, and iron furniture are very likely sources of specific phthalates, and the large surface areas of MDF furniture can act as sinks of phthalates. Transport of phthalates from the packaging of bottled skincare products into cosmetics should be given more attention. Our results provide a deep understanding of the sources of phthalates in glass window films.
Long-Term Survival among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the First Three Epidemic Waves: An Observational Study in a Northern Italy Hospital
Authors: Bertolotti Marinella , Betti Marta , Giacchero Fabio , Grasso Chiara , Franceschetti Genny , Carotenuto Margherita , Odone Anna , Pacileo Guglielmo , Ferrante Daniela , Maconi Antonio
Published: November 2022

The mortality rate of hospitalized COVID-19 patients differed strongly between the first three pandemic waves. Nevertheless, their long-term survival has been poorly assessed. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and mortality rates of 825 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection who were hospitalized at the Alessandria hub hospital, in Northern Italy, during the first fifty days of the first three pandemic waves. Each subject was followed in terms of vital status for six months from the date of hospital admission or until deceased. Patients admitted during the three waves differed in age (p = 0.03), disease severity (p < 0.0001), Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.0002), oxygen therapy (p = 0.002), and invasive mechanical ventilation (p < 0.0001). By the end of follow-up, 309 deaths (38.7%) were observed, of which 186 occurred during hub hospitalization (22.5%). Deaths were distributed differently among the waves (p < 0.0001), resulting in being higher amongst those subjects admitted during the first wave. The COVID-19 infection was reported as the main cause of death and patients with a higher mortality risk were those aged ≥65 years [adjusted HR = 3.40 (95% CI 2.20–5.24)], with a higher disease severity [adjusted HR = 1.87 (95%CI 1.43–2.45)], and those requiring oxygen therapy [adjusted HR = 2.30 (95%CI 1.61–3.30)]. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients admitted to our hub hospital during the second and the third waves had a lower risk of long-term mortality than those admitted during the first. Older age, more severe disease, and the need for oxygen therapy were among the strongest risk factors for poor prognosis.
Patients’ Intention to Adopt Fintech Services: A Study on Bangladesh Healthcare Sector
Authors: Hassan Md. Sharif , Islam Md. Aminul , Sobhani Farid Ahammad , Hassan Md. Maruf , Hassan Md. Arif
Published: November 2022

Advancement in technology has facilitated the shift toward new financial services. Numerous industries have undergone a digital transformation because of the expansion of cashless payment systems and other cutting-edge technologies. This study aimed to identify the factors that stimulate the patient’s intention to adopt fintech services in the Bangladesh healthcare sector. To facilitate the study, data were collected through survey questionnaires from different hospitals and diagnostic centers patients. A total of 279 patients responded to the survey. The study employed structural equation modelling to analyze the data using SMART PLS 3.2.9. The results revealed that a significant relationship exists between perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, personal innovativeness, and perceived trust in fintech services, and the adoption intention of the patients. The results of the study are beneficial to the healthcare sector and fintech companies who wish to make necessary arrangements to advance the growth of cashless fintech-based transactions.
Side-Effects following Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine in Tororo District, Eastern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Onyango Jagire , Mukunya David , Napyo Agnes , Nantale Ritah , Makoko Brian T. , Matovu Joseph K. B. , Wanume Benon , Okia David , Okello Francis , Okware Sam , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Lubaale Yovani
Published: November 2022

Effective, safe and proven vaccines would be the most effective strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic but have faced rollout challenges partly due to fear of potential side-effects. We assessed the prevalence, profiles, and predictors of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine side-effects in Tororo district of Eastern Uganda. We conducted telephone interviews with 2204 participants between October 2021 and January 2022. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess factors associated with Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine side-effects using Stata version 15.0. A total of 603/2204 (27.4%) of the participants experienced one or more side-effects (local, systemic, allergic, and other side-effects). Of these, 253/603 (42.0%) experienced local side-effects, 449/603 (74.5%) experienced systemic side-effects, 11/603 (1.8%) experienced allergic reactions, and 166/603 (27.5%) experienced other side-effects. Ten participants declined to receive the second dose because of side-effects they had experienced after the first dose. Previous infection with COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.3, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.7–7.0), being female (AOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and being a security officer (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.6) were associated with side-effects to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. We recommend campaigns to disseminate correct information about potential side-effects of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and strengthen surveillance for adverse events following vaccination.
In-Vitro Assessment of the Corrosion Potential of an Oral Strain of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria on Metallic Orthodontic Materials
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Umarevathi , Thiagarajan Kavitha , Felicita A. Sumathi , Gosh Pallabhi , Alshehri Abdulrahman , Awadh Wael , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Alzahrani Fuad M. , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Halawani Ibrahim F. , Alshammeri Saleh , Alamoudi Ahmed , Albar Dhalia H. , Baeshen Hosam Ali , Patil Shankargouda
Published: November 2022

Aim: Orthodontic literature is scant when it comes to microbial corrosion. The oral prevalence of many bacteria which are capable of causing microbial corrosion is reported in the dental literature. The aim of this study is to experimentally determine the corrosive potential of an oral strain of Sulfate-reducing bacteria. Materials and Methods: Stainless steel (SS) bracket, stainless steel archwire, NiTi archwire, Titanium molybdenum (TMA) archwire, and titanium miniscrew were immersed in five media which included Artificial saliva (group I), Sulfate rich artificial saliva (group II), API agar medium specific for SRB (group III), AS + API medium+ bacterial strain (group IV), SRAS+ API medium+ bacterial strain (group V). The materials were then subjected to Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Results: Materials in groups I, II, and III did not show any surface changes whereas materials in groups IV and V which contained the bacteria showed surface changes which were erosive patches suggestive of corrosion. EDX analyses were in line with similar findings. Conclusion: This in vitro study suggested that the oral strain of Sulfate-reducing bacteria was able to induce corrosive changes in the experimental setup.
Health Need Factors Are the Key Drivers of Hospitalization among the Elderly Living Alone: An Analysis of Longitudinal Data
Authors: Rodwell John
Published: November 2022

Elderly people living alone are a large and growing proportion of the population of many developed economies. The elderly, particularly those living alone, are more likely to be hospitalized overnight, with consequent substantial health and financial costs. A widely used model of health service utilization is augmented with social issues that may specifically delineate some of the issues associated with living alone. A longitudinal survey of elderly (aged 65 and over) living alone in Australia with three time points over four years was analyzed using logistic regressions for overnight hospitalization. The main set of data (n = 672) had an average age of 75.91 years and was 70.2% female. The health need factors of self-rated general health and illness severity, along with comorbidity, were the key drivers of hospitalization. There were some individuals with prioritized access to hospitalization due to forms of health funding. The social issues did not independently stand out as drivers of overnight hospitalization, but the complexity of the inter-relationships between issues when studying the health of the elderly began to arise. The results enhance our understanding of health services utilization, within the context of a relatively universal health care system.
Characteristics and Spatial–Temporal Differences of Urban “Production, Living and Ecological” Environmental Quality in China
Authors: Zhang Le , Gu Qinyi , Li Chen , Huang Yi
Published: November 2022

The article analyses the spatial and temporal differences in the environmental quality of production, living and ecology of 285 cities in China from 2010 to 2020 by using the entropy method, the Theil index and correlation analysis. The study concludes the following: (1) in terms of overall differences, the overall differences in the “production, living and ecological” environmental quality indices of 285 cities during the study period undergo a process of “narrowing–widening–narrowing”. The differences within the four major zones of the country are higher than those between the four major zones, and the differences within the zones show an increasing trend year by year. (2) In terms of temporal differences, the combined scores of “production, living and ecological” environmental quality of the 285 cities in the study period show a decreasing trend, and the contribution of the PLE subsystem scores are, in descending order, production environmental quality > living environmental quality > ecological environmental quality. (3) In terms of overall ranking, the head effect of the combined production, living and ecological environmental quality (PLE) scores of cities in the study period is significant, and the top 10 cities in terms of combined scores are all small and medium-sized cities with significant regionalization characteristics. (4) In terms of spatial pattern, there is a significant spatial gradient in the east, central and western regions, with the overall PLE scores of the four major regions in descending order: eastern region > central region > western region > northeastern region. The regions with high scores in the “production, living and ecological” environmental quality of cities can be divided into three types: multi-core, dual-core and single-core. (5) In terms of influencing factors, there is a logarithmic curve relationship between the combined production, living and ecological environmental quality (PLE) score and the built-up area (BUA) of cities. The study proposes to optimize the layout of urban production, strengthen the industrial links of urban clusters, improve the level of public services, ensure the equalization of urban public services, strengthen the management of ecological environment and improve the quality of ecological environment in order to optimize the quality of urban “production, living and ecological” environment.
Tourism-Related Needs in the Context of Seniors’ Living and Social Conditions
Authors: Przybysz Klaudia , Stanimir Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

Significant changes are taking place in the structure of tourism participants. Due to the ageing of societies, the tourism sector has to respond to the increasing tourist activity of seniors. The main aim of our research was the recognition of the needs of senior tourists from selected regions of Poland, considering their health and financial situation as well as their physical activity. The study shows how to combine the knowledge of assumptions of active ageing with the actual views of senior tourists on tourism and active leisure. An additional objective was to determine the reasons why seniors gave up tourism and to compare the reasons why seniors from selected regions of Poland and seniors from other European countries did not participate in tourism. Based on Eurostat data, we identify the most common reasons for people not participating in tourism who are over 65 years of age. In 2020, we surveyed seniors. The respondents for the sample were selected as 65 years and older. In order to compare countries due to exclusion and non-participation of seniors in tourism, the results classification was used. To analyse the touristic behaviours of Polish seniors, we used correspondence analysis. As indicated by analysing the reasons for the non-participation of Europeans aged 65 and over in tourism, in most countries, financial and health reasons are ranked first or second in 2016 and 2019. In a survey of Polish seniors, except for the financial reasons responsible for non-participation in tourism, an additional obstacle was the language barrier in foreign tourism. The analysis of physical and tourist activity showed that non-participation in tourism is associated with low physical activity. Women reported that they were satisfied with their financial independence and most often used the opportunity of short-term tourism. The people who are fully or largely involved in organising their trips also willingly change their locations during their next travels.
The Dissemination Strategy of an Urban Smart Medical Tourism Image by Big Data Analysis Technology
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Wang Zhongwei , Garcia-Campayo Javier , Perez Hector Monzales
Published: November 2022

The advanced level of medical care is closely related to the development and popularity of a city, and it will also drive the development of tourism. The smart urban medical system based on big data analysis technology can greatly facilitate people’s lives and increase the flow of people in the city, which is of great significance to the city’s tourism image dissemination and branding. The medical system, with eight layers of architecture including access, medical cloud service governance, the medical cloud service resource, the platform’s public service, the platform’s runtime service, infrastructure, and the overall security and monitoring system of the platform, is designed based on big data analysis technology. Chengdu city is taken as an example based on big data analysis technology to position the dissemination of an urban tourism image. Quantitative analysis and questionnaire methods are used to study the effect of urban smart medical system measurement and tourism image communication positioning based on big data analysis technology. The results show that the smart medical cloud service platform of the urban smart medical system, as a public information service system, supports users in obtaining medical services through various terminal devices without geographical restrictions. The smart medical cloud realizes service aggregation and data sharing compared to the traditional isolated medical service system. Cloud computing has been used as the technical basis, making the scalability and reliability of the system have unprecedented improvements. This paper discusses how to effectively absorb, understand, and use tools in the big data environment, extract information from data, find effective information, make image communication activities accurate, reduce the cost, and improve the efficiency of city image communication. The research shows that big data analysis technology improves patients’ medical experience, improves medical efficiency, and alleviates urban medical resource allocation to a certain extent. This technology improves people’s satisfaction with the dissemination of urban tourism images, makes urban tourism image dissemination activities accurate, reduces the cost of urban tourism image dissemination, and improves the efficiency of urban tourism image dissemination. The combination of the two can provide a reference for developing urban smart medical care and disseminating a tourism image.
Air Pollutants in Metropolises of Eastern Coastal China
Authors: Mao Mao , Rao Liuxintian , Jiang Huan , He Siqi , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: November 2022

Recently released hourly particular matter (PM:PM2.5 and PM10) and gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO, and O3) data observed in Qingdao, Hangzhou, and Xiamen from 2015 to 2019 were utilized to reveal the current situation of air pollution over eastern coastal China. The PM pollution situation over the three metropolises ameliorated during studied period with the concentrations decreasing about 20–30%. Gas pollutants, excepting SO2, generally exhibit no evident reduction tendencies, and a more rigorous control standard on gaseous pollutants is neededEven for the year 2018 with low pollution levels among the study period, these levels (<10% of PM2.5, <6% of PM10, and <15% of O3) surpass the Grade II of the Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standard (CAAQS) over these metropolises of eastern coast China. No matter in which year, both SO2 and CO concentrations are always below the Grade-II standards. According to the comparative analysis of PM2.5/PM10 and PM2.5/CO during episode days and non-episode days, the formation of secondary aerosols associated with stagnant weather systems play an important role in the pollutant accumulation as haze episodes occurred. The stronger seasonal variations and higher magnitude occur in Qingdao and Hangzhou, while weaker seasonal variations and lower magnitudes occur in Xiamen. In Qingdao and Hangzhou, PM, NO2, SO2, and CO show relatively high levels in the cold wintertime and low levels in summer, whereas O3 shows a completely opposite pattern. Xiamen exhibits high levels of all air pollutants except O3 in spring due to its subtropical marine monsoon climate with mild winters. According to the back trajectory hierarchical clustering and concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) analysis, the regional transmission from adjacent cities has a significant impact on the atmospheric pollutant concentrations under the control of the prejudiced winds. Thus, besides local emission reduction, strengthening regional environmental cooperation and implementing joint prevention are effective measures to mitigate air pollution in the eastern coastal areas of China.
Characteristics of Households’ Vulnerability to Extreme Heat: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study from India
Authors: Nanda Lipika , Chakraborty Soham , Mishra Saswat Kishore , Dutta Ambarish , Rathi Suresh Kumar
Published: November 2022

High ambient temperature is a key public health problem, as it is linked to high heat-related morbidity and mortality. We intended to recognize the characteristics connected to heat vulnerability and the coping practices among Indian urbanites of Angul and Kolkata. In 2020, a cross-sectional design was applied to 500 households (HHs) each in Angul and Kolkata. Information was gathered on various characteristics including sociodemographics, household, exposure, sensitivity, and coping practices regarding heat and summer heat illness history, and these characteristics led to the computation of a heat vulnerability index (HVI). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used with HVI as the outcome variable to identify the determinants of high vulnerability to heat. The results show that some common and some different factors are responsible for determining the heat vulnerability of a household across different cities. For Angul, the factors that influence vulnerability are a greater number of rooms in houses, the use of cooling methods such as air conditioning, having comorbid conditions, the gender of the household head, and distance from nearby a primary health centre (PHC). For Kolkata, the factors are unemployment, income, the number of rooms, sleeping patterns, avoidance of nonvegetarian food, sources of water, comorbidities, and distance from a PHC. The study shows that every city has a different set of variables that influences vulnerability, and each factor should be considered in design plans to mitigate vulnerability to extreme heat.
Older Black Lesbians’ Needs and Expectations in Relation to Long-Term Care Facility Use
Authors: Singleton Mekiayla , Adams Mary Anne , Poteat Tonia
Published: November 2022

There is a dearth of long-term care research that focuses on the expectations and experiences of older sexual minority (SM) adults. That research dwindles further when examining subgroups within that population such as older Black lesbians. The purpose of this study was to explore older Black lesbians’ needs and expectations in relation to the utilization of long-term care (LTC) facilities. We conducted secondary data analysis using data from 14 focus groups that discussed health and aging with older Black lesbians. Transcriptions were analyzed in NVivo using deductive content analysis and structural coding. Three themes were identified in relation to needs and expectations for LTC facility use: (1) consideration or established plans to utilize a LTC facility, (2) concern for care facility environment, and (3) a desire to build one’s own community. These findings illustrate how older Black lesbians are planning for a potential need for LTC, their concerns about utilizing LTC, and alternative approaches to avoid LTC use. There remains a continued need for LTC communities that are inclusive and supportive of SM older adults as well as more SM-only communities where older adults can live openly and authentically.
Gentamicin Pharmacokinetics and Optimal Dosage in Infant Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kato Hideo , Hagihara Mao , Matsuda Hiroko , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: November 2022

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is mostly used for the pediatric population. While the pediatric population is classified into neonates, infants, children, and adolescents based on developmental or maturational changes, infants are often overlooked in research. Three infant cases receiving gentamicin are presented to illustrate the pharmacokinetics and optimum dosage of gentamicin. Three infant patients received gentamicin (5.6–7.5 mg/kg/day) for urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bacteremia caused by Enterobacter aerogenes. The trough (Cmin) and peak (Cpeak) concentrations of gentamicin were 0.2–1.8 and 8.9 mg/L, respectively. The Cmin of a patient receiving gentamicin at 9.0 mg/kg/day was 3.3 mg/L, and the patient showed a decrease in urinary volume. The other two patients fully recovered from the infection and did not experience any adverse events. Additionally, we reviewed three studies regarding infant patients receiving gentamicin. The studies used gentamicin therapy for Gram-negative pathogen infections and UTIs caused by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The Cmin and Cpeak of patients receiving gentamicin at 2.2–7.5 mg/kg/day were 0.58–2.15 mg/kg and 4.67–8.88 mg/L, respectively. All patients were cured without any adverse events. Gentamicin dosages below 7.5 mg/kg/day may be effective and safe for use in infant patients. However, the optimal dosing regimen of gentamicin in infant patients is controversial, and limited data are available.
Does Culture Shape Our Spatial Ability? An Investigation Based on Eye Tracking
Authors: Tian Yuyang , Yang Tianyu , Dong Weihua
Published: November 2022

Culture affects people’s spatial memory, mental representations, and spatial reference frameworks. People with different cultural backgrounds show different degrees of spatial ability. However, the current research does not reveal the shaping of spatial ability by culture from the perspective of visual cognition. In this study, we used eye tracking and designed mental rotation, spatial visualization, spatial orientation, and spatial correlation tasks to compare the spatial ability of Chinese and Malaysian Chinese people. The results showed that there were some minimal differences between them. Chinese participants had higher accuracy in the mental rotation task, showed more fixation to landmarks in spatial orientation, showed more fixation to the main map, and switched more frequently between the two thematic maps when judging spatial relationships. As “cultural citizens” of China, Malaysian Chinese people’s spatial ability is not only shaped by their own ethnic culture in terms of language but also influenced by foreign races in terms of education, wayfinding tendency, and cognitive style. This study can contribute to the understanding of the influence of culture on spatial ability and its possible causes.
Electrical Detection of Vibrations of Electrospun PVDF Membranes
Authors: Slobodian Petr , Olejnik Robert , Matyas Jiri , Hausnerova Berenika , Riha Pavel , Danova Romana , Kimmer Dusan
Published: November 2022

We prepared electroactive PVDF membranes, which were subjected to mechanical as well as dual electro–mechanical signals and their responses were detected by the evoked electrical pulses. The aim was to obtain primarily electric energy that could be used for light signalling, sensing of the membrane properties and membrane motion detection. The obtained data showed the unique as well as usable properties of PVDF membranes. From this point of view, the gain and analysis of the electrical responses to combined electro–mechanical loads of PVDF membranes have been important in terms of identifying the mechanism. The detected electrical response of the PVDF membrane to their electro–mechanical pulses also indicated the possibility of using this phenomenon. Among others, it suggests monitoring of membrane fouling and use for a self-cleaning mechanism.
Biodegradation and Metabolic Pathway of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam by Labrys portucalensis F11
Authors: Boufercha Oumeima , Monforte Ana R. , Boudemagh Allaoueddine , Ferreira António C. , Castro Paula M. L. , Moreira Irina S.
Published: November 2022

Thiamethoxam (TMX) is an effective neonicotinoid insecticide. However, its widespread use is detrimental to non-targeted organisms and water systems. This study investigates the biodegradation of this insecticide by Labrys portucalensis F11. After 30 days of incubation in mineral salt medium, L. portucalensis F11 was able to remove 41%, 35% and 100% of a supplied amount of TMX (10.8 mg L−1) provided as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, the sole carbon and sulfur source and as the sole carbon source, respectively. Periodic feeding with sodium acetate as the supplementary carbon source resulted in faster degradation of TMX (10.8 mg L−1); more than 90% was removed in 3 days. The detection and identification of biodegradation intermediates was performed by UPLC-QTOF/MS/MS. The chemical structure of 12 metabolites is proposed. Nitro reduction, oxadiazine ring cleavage and dechlorination are the main degradation pathways proposed. After biodegradation, toxicity was removed as indicated using Aliivibrio fischeri and by assessing the synthesis of an inducible β-galactosidase by an E. coli mutant (Toxi-Chromo test). L. portucalensis F11 was able to degrade TMX under different conditions and could be effective in bioremediation strategies.
Fluid Biomarkers in HPV and Non-HPV Related Oropharyngeal Carcinomas: From Diagnosis and Monitoring to Prognostication—A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Shaun C. , Leung Karina K. C. , Chung Audrey C. Y. , Wong Elysia S. Y. , Meehan Katie L. , Chan Jason Y. K.
Published: November 2022

Biomarkers are crucial in oncology, from detection and monitoring to guiding management and predicting treatment outcomes. Histological assessment of tissue biopsies is currently the gold standard for oropharyngeal cancers, but is technically demanding, invasive, and expensive. This systematic review aims to review current markers that are detectable in biofluids, which offer promising non-invasive alternatives in oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPCs). A total of 174 clinical trials from the PubMed search engine in the last 5 years were identified and screened by 4 independent reviewers. From these, 38 eligible clinical trials were found and subsequently reviewed. The biomarkers involved, categorized by human papillomavirus (HPV)-status, were further divided according to molecular and cellular levels. Recent trials investigating biomarkers for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPCs have approaches from various levels and different biofluids including plasma, oropharyngeal swabs, and oral rinse. Promising candidates have been found to aid in detection, staging, and predicting prognosis, in addition to well-established factors including HPV-status, drinking and smoking status. These studies also emphasize the possibility of enhancing prediction results and increasing statistical significance by multivariate analyses. Liquid biopsies offer promising assistance in enhancing personalized medicine for cancer treatment, from lowering barriers towards early screening, to facilitating de-escalation of treatment. However, further research is needed, and the combination of liquid biopsies with pre-existing methods, including in vivo imaging and invasive techniques such as neck dissections, could also be explored in future trials.
A Compilation of Study Models for Dental Pulp Regeneration
Authors: Ohlsson Ella , Galler Kerstin M. , Widbiller Matthias
Published: November 2022

Efforts to heal damaged pulp tissue through tissue engineering have produced positive results in pilot trials. However, the differentiation between real regeneration and mere repair is not possible through clinical measures. Therefore, preclinical study models are still of great importance, both to gain insights into treatment outcomes on tissue and cell levels and to develop further concepts for dental pulp regeneration. This review aims at compiling information about different in vitro and in vivo ectopic, semiorthotopic, and orthotopic models. In this context, the differences between monolayer and three-dimensional cell cultures are discussed, a semiorthotopic transplantation model is introduced as an in vivo model for dental pulp regeneration, and finally, different animal models used for in vivo orthotopic investigations are presented.