bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Posture Parameters in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis with the Use of 3D Ultrasound Diagnostics—Preliminary Results
Authors: Trzcińska Sandra , Kuszewski Michał , Koszela Kamil
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Idiopathic scoliosis occurs in 2 to 4% of children between 10 and 16 years of age. Due to the harmfulness of radiological examination, non-invasive devices, including the 3D ultrasound technology and Scolioscan apparatus, are more and more frequently used for postural diagnostics. The aim of the study was to analyze the parameters of posture in patients with idiopathic scoliosis with the use of 3D ultrasound diagnostics. (2) Methods: The study included 20 girls, aged 10 to 16 years, with double-curve idiopathic scoliosis (the value of primary curve ranged from 25–50°), types I and II according to King–Moe classification. On the basis of X-ray scan, the Cobb angle of primary and secondary curves was assessed, the skeletal maturity was evaluated with the Risser test, and the type of scoliosis was determined. The girls participated in a 3-week rehabilitation program. The examinations were performed before and after therapy. A scoliometer was used for measurements. Each of the participants underwent individual therapy. The three-plane approach to asymmetric exercises was based largely on positions that included primary curve correction with hypercorrection of the secondary curve. (3) Results: After the therapy, values of trunk rotation angles and the angle of scoliotic curvature of secondary curve were significantly lower than before the therapy, except for the value of the primary curve angle. The parameters measured by X-ray were significantly and positively related to the results obtained with the scoliometer and the scolioscan. (4) Conclusions: The application of therapy that takes into account summing parameters may prevent the deterioration of the secondary curve when treating patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The observed correlations between the parameters of the radiological examination, the scoliometer, and the scolioscan prove the possibility of their interchangeable application in the assessment of effects of the therapy. Three-dimensional ultrasound diagnostics may become an alternative to radiological examination in assessing the treatment effects of patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Environmental and Health Impacts of Crop Residue Burning: Scope of Sustainable Crop Residue Management Practices
Authors: Raza Muhammad Haseeb , Abid Muhammad , Faisal Muhammad , Yan Tingwu , Akhtar Shoaib , Adnan K. M. Mehedi
Published: April 2022

The burning of crop residue in the open field has become a significant concern for climate change mitigation efforts worldwide. This practice has led to air quality impairment, smog, haze, heat waves, and different health problems. These could be avoided by adopting sustainable crop residue management practices (SCRMPs) and enabling farmers to engage in SCRMPs. Assessing the health effects at the household level is critical for understanding this problem and finding a solution. Using the primary dataset of 420 farmers from Punjab, Pakistan, we estimated the incurred impacts and costs of crop residue burning. We calculated the health and environmental benefits associated with adopting SCRMPs by comparing the two groups of farmers (adopters and non-adopters). Furthermore, we used a propensity score matching technique to measure the causal impact of SCRMPs adoption on health costs. The findings showed that a surprisingly large number of farmers are all aware of the adverse effects of residue burning, and many do not burn crop residues and instead use SCRMPs. This study found that households with chronic and non-chronic diseases become acute, and the severity increases during the burning period. They spend USD 13.37 to USD 8.79 on chronic and non-chronic diseases during the burning season, respectively. Consequently, the use of SCRMPs has a positive effect on healthcare costs. Our study findings highlight the meaningful implications for developing a new policy to promote the sustainable utilization of crop residues and enhance their adoption in Pakistan.
Experiences and Expectations of Ethnic Minorities and Majorities towards Community Pharmacy Medicines-Related Services in Estonia
Authors: Sepp Kristiina , Volmer Daisy
Published: April 2022

The unique professional competence of pharmacists can support the safe and effective use of medicines by patients. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge and incorporate the needs of patients with various cultural and social backgrounds. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the experiences and expectations of Russian- and Estonian-speaking pharmacy customers about medicines-related services in Estonian community pharmacies. Cross-sectional study among pharmacy customers was conducted in Estonia 2018–2020. For data analysis, an Independent t-Test was used to compare experiences and expectations of respondents towards medicines-related services. The study involved 552 pharmacy customers: 58.5% (n = 323) Estonians and 41.5% (n = 229) Russians. The majority of the total sample (78.3%) considered the pharmacist competent to help. Medicines-related concerns were more common among Russians (p = 0.037), however, they sought less contact to consult a pharmacist than Estonians (p < 0.001). Furthermore, expectations about different medicines-related services in the future were higher among Estonians than among Russians (p < 0.001). Community pharmacists in Estonia should focus more on person-centered care to better meet the expectations and needs of different ethnic groups about medicines-related services. It is also important to reduce the language barrier and to increase the recognition of cultural traditions by health professionals.
Potential Use of Edible Insects in Complementary Foods for Children: A Literature Review
Authors: Adegboye Amanda
Published: April 2022

Background: Childhood malnutrition is an important public health problem. Animal protein provides essential amino acids in a more adequate pattern than plant-based protein. However, the production of sufficient animal-sourced protein to feed the growing world population is a serious challenge. This review aims to explore the evidence on the use of edible insects as an alternative source of protein and micronutrients in complementary foods for children and their potential to address childhood malnutrition. Methods: Searches were conducted in two electronic databases PubMed and Cochrane. The reference lists of included studies were also searched. Results: Twelve studies were included in this review. All insect-enriched formulations (e.g., biscuits, cereals, porridge, paste, etc.) exceeded the daily recommended amount of protein and fat for children’s complementary foods and showed good acceptability. Only two studies assessed the efficacy of insect-enriched foods on nutritional indicators and found no effect on the reduction of stunting and wasting. However, one study found improvements in the haemoglobin levels and fewer cases of anaemia in the intervention group. Conclusions: Insect-enriched complementary foods for children are safe, acceptable and have the potential to tackle micronutrient deficiencies. More studies are needed to examine their effect on nutritional status in children.
The Influence of Soil Erodibility and Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity on Soil Nutrients in the Pingshuo Opencast Coalmine, China
Authors: Qian Mingjie , Zhou Wenxiang , Wang Shufei , Li Yuting , Cao Yingui
Published: April 2022

Soil erodibility (K factor) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) are essential indicators for the estimation of erosion intensity and can potentially influence soil nutrient losses, making them essential parameters for the evaluation of land reclamation quality. In this study, 132 soil samples from 22 soil profiles were collected to measure soil physicochemical properties (e.g., particle size distribution, bulk density and soil nutrient content) and calculate the K factor and Ks of reclaimed soils across the South Dump of the Pingshuo opencast coalmine in the Loess Plateau, China. Geostatistical analysis and the kriging interpolation were employed to quantify the spatial variations in the K factor and Ks in different layers. The results show that the K factor at 0–10 cm is obviously lower than that of other soil layers due to the external input of organic matter, while the Ks tends to decrease along with soil depth. Horizontally, the K factor at 0–10 cm and 50–60 cm shows a decreasing tendency from west to east, while that of other soil layers seems not to show any spatial distribution pattern along latitude or longitude. Meanwhile, the Ks at 0–10 cm presents a striped distribution pattern, while that of other soil layers shows a patchy pattern. On the other hand, the independent-sample t-test and Spearman’s correlation analysis were carried out to determine the effects of soil erodibility on total nitrogen (TN), soil organic matter (SOM), available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK). Overall, the K factor is negatively correlated with TN (r = −0.362, p < 0.01) and SOM contents (r = −0.380, p < 0.01), while AP and AK contents are mainly controlled by Ks. This study provides insight on the optimization of reclamation measures and the conservation of soil nutrients in reclaimed land of similar ecosystems.
Dynamic Impact of Technology and Finance on Green Technology Innovation Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from China’s Provinces
Authors: Liu Yang , Yang Yanlin , Zheng Shuang , Xiao Lei , Gao Hongjie , Lu Hechen
Published: April 2022

In the new stage of global economic development, we hope to achieve both economic development and environmental improvement through green technology innovation. How to effectively obtain the support of technology and finance to green technology innovation is an issue worth studying. This paper constructed an improved super-SBM-DEA efficiency measurement model and combined it with the window analysis method to measure the green technology innovation efficiency (GTIE) of Chinese provinces from 2006 to 2018. Then, based on the PVAR model, the impulse response function and Monte Carlo simulation were used to study the dynamic impact of various variables of technology and finance on GTIE. Finally, the variance decomposition was used to explore the contribution degree of each variable of technology and finance to improving GTIE. The results revealed the following: (1) the average value of China’s provincial GTIE from 2006 to 2018 was 0.42, which is relatively low and shows a trend of volatility and rising. (2) From the impulse response results, it could be seen that various variables of technology and finance have always had a positive impact on GTIE. However, there are differences in the influence degree, shock effect, and dynamic transmission mechanism. (3) The results of the variance decomposition showed that government financial technology investment had the highest contribution to the improvement of GTIE, followed by bank technology credit, then by enterprise independent R&D investment, and finally venture capital. This paper offered a reference to developing countries with regard to improving their GTIE and studying the role of technology and finance.
Exploring the Impact and Path of Environmental Protection Tax on Different Air Pollutant Emissions
Authors: Liu Weijiang , Liu Tingting
Published: April 2022

Existing studies have examined the double dividend effect of environmental protection tax. However, less attention has been paid to the influencing factors and transmission paths of the pollution abatement effect of the environmental protection tax. Based on the panel data for 30 of China’s provinces from 2007 to 2019, this study discusses the environmental protection tax’s influencing factors and transmission paths on the emission scale and intensity of different air pollutants through the panel threshold regression model and mediating effect model. The results show that: (1) the environmental protection tax has a positive emission reduction effect on the emission scale or emission intensity of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO2); (2) the abatement effect is stronger when per capita gross regional product is above the threshold value; (3) technological progress, economic growth, and industrial structure all have positive mediating effects. Therefore, the local environmental protection tax rate should be set with comprehensive consideration of regional economic development, industrial structure, and technological progress.
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Prehospital Management of Patients with Suspected Acute Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Blek Natasza , Szarpak Lukasz , Ladny Jerzy Robert
Published: April 2022

Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) can be successfully handled if it is noticed early in the prehospital setting and immediately diagnosed in the emergency department (ED). The coronavirus pandemic has altered the way health care is delivered and has had a profound impact on healthcare delivery. The effects could include prioritizing the prevention of COVID-19 spread, which could result in the discontinuation or deferral of non-COVID-19 care. We used the National Emergency Medical Service Command Support System, a register of medical interventions performed by emergency medical services (EMS) in Poland, to assess the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic across the Masovian Voivodeship on suspected stroke patients’ baseline characteristics, prehospital vital parameters, clinical and neurological status, emergency procedures performed on the prehospital phase and EMS processing times. Between 1 April 2019 and 30 April 2021, the study population included 18,922 adult suspected stroke patients who were treated by EMS teams, with 18,641 admitted to the emergency departments. The overall number of suspected stroke patients treated by EMS remained unchanged during COVID-19 compared to the pre-COVID-19 period; however, the average time from call to hospital admission increased by 15 min.
Accuracy of Tracking Devices’ Ability to Assess Exercise Energy Expenditure in Professional Female Soccer Players: Implications for Quantifying Energy Availability
Authors: Dasa Marcus S. , Friborg Oddgeir , Kristoffersen Morten , Pettersen Gunn , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn , Rosenvinge Jan H.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study was to assess the accuracy of commonly used GPS/accelerometer-based tracking devices in the estimation of exercise energy expenditure (EEE) during high-intensity intermittent exercise. A total of 13 female soccer players competing at the highest level in Norway (age 20.5 ± 4.3 years; height 168.4 ± 5.1 cm; weight 64.1 ± 5.3 kg; fat free mass 49.7 ± 4.2 kg) completed a single visit test protocol on an artificial grass surface. The test course consisted of walking, jogging, high-speed running, and sprinting, mimicking the physical requirements in soccer. Three commonly used tracking devices were compared against indirect calorimetry as the criterion measure to determine their accuracy in estimating the total energy expenditure. The anaerobic energy consumption (i.e., excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, EPOC) and resting time were examined as adjustment factors possibly improving accuracy. All three devices significantly underestimated the total energy consumption, as compared to the criterion measure (p = 0.022, p = 0.002, p = 0.017; absolute ICC = 0.39, 0.24 and 0.30, respectively), and showed a systematic pattern with increasing underestimation for higher energy consumption. Excluding EPOC from EEE reduced the bias substantially (all p’s becoming non-significant; absolute ICC = 0.49, 0.54 and 0.49, respectively); however, bias was still present for all tracking devices. All GPS trackers were biased by showing a general tendency to underestimate the exercise energy consumption during high intensity intermittent exercising, which in addition showed a systematic pattern by over- or underestimation during lower or higher exercising intensity. Adjusting for EPOC reduced the bias and provided a more acceptable accuracy. For a more correct EEE estimation further calibration of these devices by the manufacturers is strongly advised by possibly addressing biases caused by EPOC.
Awareness, Perceptions, Gaps, and Uptake of Maternity Protection among Formally Employed Women in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tuan T. , Cashin Jennifer , Tran Ha T. T. , Vu Duong H. , Nandi Arijit , Phan Minh T. , Van Nguyen D. C. , Weissman Amy , Pham Toan N. , Nguyen Binh V. , Mathisen Roger
Published: April 2022

Maternity protection is a normative fundamental human right that enables women to combine their productive and reproductive roles, including breastfeeding. The aim of this study is to examine the uptake of Vietnam’s maternity protection policy in terms of entitlements and awareness, perceptions, and gaps in implementation through the lens of formally employed women. In this mixed methods study, we interviewed 494 formally employed female workers, among whom 107 were pregnant and 387 were mothers of infants and conducted in-depth interviews with a subset of these women (n = 39). Of the 494 women interviewed, 268 (54.3%) were working in blue-collar jobs and more than 90% were contributing to the public social insurance fund. Among the 387 mothers on paid maternity leave, 51 (13.2%) did not receive cash entitlements during their leave. Among the 182 mothers with infants aged 6–11 months, 30 (16.5%) returned to work before accruing 180 days of maternity leave. Of 121 women who had returned to work, 26 (21.5%) did not receive a one-hour paid break every day to express breastmilk, relax, or breastfeed, and 46 (38.0%) worked the same or more hours per day than before maternity leave. Although most women perceived maternity leave as beneficial for the child’s health (92.5%), mother’s health (91.5%), family (86.2%), and society (90.7%), fewer women perceived it as beneficial for their income (59.5%), career (46.4%), and employers (30.4%). Not all formally employed women were aware of their maternity protection rights: women were more likely to mention the six-month paid maternity leave (78.7%) and one-hour nursing break (62.3%) than the other nine entitlements (2.0–35.0%). In-depth interviews with pregnant women and mothers of infants supported findings from the quantitative survey. In conclusion, although Vietnam’s maternity protection policy helps protect the rights of women and children, our study identified implementation gaps that limit its effectiveness. To ensure that all women and their families can fully benefit from maternity protection, there is a need to increase awareness of the full set of maternity entitlements, strengthen enforcement of existing policies, and expand entitlements to the informal sector.
Seeking Causality in the Links between Time Perspectives and Gratitude, Savoring the Moment and Prioritizing Positivity: Initial Empirical Test of Three Conceptual Models
Authors: Burzynska-Tatjewska Bozena , Matthews Gerald , Stolarski Maciej
Published: April 2022

We provide an initial empirical test of three conceptual models reflecting possible patterns of causality effects in the relationships between time perspective (TP), gratitude, savoring the moment, and prioritizing positivity (referred to as well-being boosters, WBBs), and mental well-being. The first one, trait-behavior model, states trait TPs increase the tendency to use specific WBBs in order to increase mental well-being. The second model, the accumulation model, proposes that a regular practice of particular WBBs fosters adaptive TPs which in turn impact well-being. The third model, the feedback loop, suggests that WBBs and positive TPs reciprocally strengthen one another and together contribute to higher mental well-being. Participants (N = 206; Mage = 30.90, SD = 8.39, 74% females) filled questionnaires measuring TPs, WBBs, and well-being twice, in a one-year interval. Using cross-lagged panel analyses we examined the direction of causation in the relationships among the variables. Past-Positive had a significant cross-lagged effect on gratitude, Present-Fatalistic had a significant effect on savoring. Both Past-Negative and Present-Fatalistic perspectives displayed significant causal effects on well-being. The results partly support the trait-behavior model. However, given that the second wave was conducted shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, further studies are required to better understand the interplay between the studied traits.
Evaluation of E-Learning Experience among Health and Allied Health Professions Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovenia: An Instrument Development and Validation Study
Authors: Prosen Mirko , Karnjuš Igor , Ličen Sabina
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 had an impact on everyday life, especially during the lockdown. This also impacted higher education, leading to a sudden and complete shift to online e-learning. The purpose of this study was to develop, validate, and test a measurement tool suitable for evaluating students’ e-learning experience among health and allied health professions students. The convenience sample consisted of 342 students. A validation of the instrument E-learning Experience Evaluation Scale (3E-Scale) was conducted before the study began. Factor structure, reliability, content, and face validity were assessed. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a four-factor structure of the scale that explained 61% of the total variance. The overall scale demonstrated a high level of reliability and appears to be a reliable measurement tool. The results show that there are statistically significant differences between female and male students (p < 0.05). In addition, nursing and dietetics students perceive more barriers related to the open-source learning management system than other students (p < 0.05). Positive learning experiences contribute to greater learning satisfaction and, consequently, greater learning engagement. E-learning content design should be aligned with teaching pedagogy and learning outcomes. Future studies should also address the negative consequences of e-learning experiences.
A Patient-Centred Medical Home Care Model for Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Singapore: A Mixed-Method Study on Patient’s Care Experience
Authors: Ginting Mimaika Luluina , Wong Chek Hooi , Lim Zoe Zon Be , Choo Robin Wai Munn , Carlsen Sheena Camilla Hirose , Sum Grace , Vrijhoef Hubertus Johannes Maria
Published: April 2022

Patient-Centred Medical Home (PCMH) is a strategy to enhance patient-centredness to improve care experience. We aimed to understand patient experience of an integrated PCMH model for complex community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. We used a mixed-method design with a prospective single-group pre-post quantitative component and a concurrent qualitative component. Participants were administered the validated Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems Clinician & Group Survey (CG-CAHPS) at baseline (N = 184) and 6-month (N = 166) post-enrolment. We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) on a purposive sample of 24 participants. Both methods suggest better care experience in PCMH relative to usual care. There were improvements in the CG-CAHPS measures on patient–provider communication, care coordination, office staff interactions, support for patients in caring for their own health, and provider rating in PCMH relative to usual care. In the FGDs, participants reported benefits of consolidated appointments and positive experience in sustained patient–provider relationship, shared-decision making, and family/caregiver engagement in PCMH. Participants may not fully comprehend the concept of integrated care, hindering both the effective communication of the intended care model and perceived benefits such as the provision of multidisciplinary team-based care.
Consumption of Thermally Processed Meat Containing Carcinogenic Compounds (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines) versus a Risk of Some Cancers in Humans and the Possibility of Reducing Their Formation by Natural Food Additives—A Literature Review
Authors: Bulanda Sylwia , Janoszka Beata
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Thermal treatment of high-protein food may lead to the formation of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic aromatic amines. Frequent consumption of processed meat was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as directly carcinogenic for humans. (2) Methods: A literature review was carried out based on a search of online databases for articles on consuming thermally processed meat containing carcinogenic compounds versus a risk of cancers in humans published between 2001 and 2021. (3) Results: A review of the current literature on the participation of PAHs and HAA in the formation of certain neoplasms indicates a positive relationship between diet and the incidences of many cancers, especially colon cancer. A simple way to obtain dishes with reduced contents of harmful compounds is the use of spices and vegetables as meat additives. These seasonings are usually rich in antioxidants that influence the mechanism of HAA and PAH synthesis in food. (4) Conclusions: As there is a growing risk of a cancer tendency because of exposing humans to PAHs and HAAs, it is extremely vital to find a simple way to limit carcinogenic compound synthesis in a processed proteinaceous food. Disseminating the knowledge about the conditions for preparing dishes with a reduced content of carcinogenic compounds could become a vital element of cancer prevention programs.
Consumption of Psychiatric Drugs in Primary Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: González-López María , Díaz-Calvo Virginia , Ruíz-González Carlos , Nievas-Soriano Bruno , Rebollo-Lavado Belén , Parrón-Carreño Tesifón
Published: April 2022

Background: The main objective of this research was to analyze whether there were changes in the use of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and hypnotic-sedative drugs, in the context of primary health care, during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. We further sought to study consumption in vulnerable population groups. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed in a primary health district of Spain. The data were obtained from the Andalusian Public Health System database, for the pre-COVID-19 period, from March 2019 to February 2020, and for the COVID-19 period, from March 2020 to February 2021. Univariant and bivariant analyses were performed. The effect size was measured using the Rosenthal test. Results: While the total number of medical prescriptions decreased by 2.5% in the COVID-19 period, the prescriptions of psychiatric drugs increased by 6.1%. The increase in the dose consumption per 1000 inhabitants (DHD) was highest for anxiolytics (7.2%), followed by hypnotic-sedatives (5.6%) and antidepressants (3.7%). The consumption of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sedative-hypnotic drugs was higher in women, older people, and rural areas and lower in areas with social transformation needs, with these differences being statistically significant. Conclusions: The consumption of psychiatric drugs has increased over the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in women, older people, and rural areas. Thus, we should reflect on the adequate use of these drugs.
PandemonCAT: Monitoring the COVID-19 Pandemic in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Chaudhuri Somnath , Giménez-Adsuar Gerard , Saez Marc , Barceló Maria A.
Published: April 2022

Background: The principal objective of this paper is to introduce an online interactive application that helps in real-time monitoring of the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia, Spain (PandemonCAT). Methods: This application is designed as a collection of user-friendly dashboards using open-source R software supported by the Shiny package. Results: PandemonCAT reports accumulated weekly updates of COVID-19 dynamics in a geospatial interactive platform for individual basic health areas (ABSs) of Catalonia. It also shows on a georeferenced map the evolution of vaccination campaigns representing the share of population with either one or two shots of the vaccine, for populations of different age groups. In addition, the application reports information about environmental and socioeconomic variables and also provides an interactive interface to visualize monthly public mobility before, during, and after the lockdown phases. Finally, we report the smoothed standardized COVID-19 infected cases and mortality rates on maps of basic health areas ABSs and regions of Catalonia. These smoothed rates allow the user to explore geographic patterns in incidence and mortality rates. The visualization of the variables that could have some influence on the spatiotemporal dynamics of the pandemic is demonstrated. Conclusions: We believe the addition of these new dimensions, which is the key innovation of our project, will improve the current understanding of the spread and the impact of COVID-19 in the community. This application can be used as an open tool for consultation by the public of Catalonia and Spain in general. It could also have implications in facilitating the visualization of public health data, allowing timely interpretation due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.
Treatment Readiness among Primarily Latine Families Seeking Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) in an Urban Setting
Authors: Hatley-Cotter Allison , Saad Georgette , Brestan-Knight Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Given the high prevalence of childhood mental health problems and their long-lasting negative consequences if left untreated, it is important to investigate factors that affect family engagement in psychological interventions such as Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), including caregiver treatment readiness and readiness for change (RFC). Specifically, Latine families experience greater mental health disparities and have unique cultural factors that affect engagement. The current project examined caregiver pretreatment readiness among primarily Latine Spanish- and English-speaking families. (2) Methods: Participants were 100 caregivers (96% female) of young children ages 2 to 7 who sought PCIT services from a community mental health center in Washington, D.C. Families completed written and observational assessment measures at pretreatment and throughout PCIT, which were used for the current study. (3) Results: Caregivers reported high readiness and importance of treatment at intake, with higher RFC among Spanish-speaking caregivers. Regardless of language, caregivers who reported more frequent and problematic child misbehavior and who were from a multi-caregiver household tended to report more RFC and treatment importance at intake. Pretreatment RFC also predicted family completion of the first phase of PCIT although there was a high attrition rate for the sample as only 18% of families completed treatment. (4) Conclusions: These findings provide insight into the implementation of standard PCIT among Spanish- and English speaking families and highlight the benefits of assessing pretreatment caregiver readiness to inform clinical decision-making.
Online Tobacco Advertising and Current Chew, Dip, Snuff and Snus Use among Youth and Young Adults, 2018–2019
Authors: Diaz Megan C. , Kierstead Elexis C. , Edwards Domonique , Kim Yoonsang , Rose Shyanika W. , Emery Sherry , Khatib Bushraa , Liu Michael , Kostygina Ganna
Published: April 2022

Objective: To understand the relationship between exposure to online tobacco advertising and current smokeless tobacco use in the context of tobacco control policies. Methods: Three waves of a national probability-based sample of (n = 15,985) youth and young adults were used. Analysis consisted of GEE logistic models controlling for social media use, demographics, tobacco use, average price of smokeless tobacco inclusive of taxes, smoke-free indoor air laws (SFIA) and state tobacco control expenditures. Results: Frequent exposure to tobacco advertising on social media is associated with greater odds of current smokeless use (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.62, 2.60). Higher prices and SFIA coverage were associated with reduced current smokeless use when examined separately from other tobacco policy variables (aOR: 0.79, CI: 0.73, 0.85; aOR: 0.44, CI: 0.28, 0.70). Conclusions: Greater exposure to tobacco advertising online is associated with greater odds of smokeless use among surveyed youth and young adults. This effect of social media marketing exposure on smokeless use outweighs the mitigating impact of existing tobacco control policies. The findings underscore the need for strong advertising regulation of evolving tobacco products, including smokeless products, on social media and surveillance of digital marketing tactics to young people.
The Removal of Pb2+ from Aqueous Solution by Using Navel Orange Peel Biochar Supported Graphene Oxide: Characteristics, Response Surface Methodology, and Mechanism
Authors: Liu Zuwen , Yang Shi , Zhang Linan , Zeng Jinfeng , Tian Shuai , Lin Yuan
Published: April 2022

The value-added utilization of waste resources to synthesize functional materials is important to achieve the environmentally sustainable development. In this paper, the biochar supported graphene oxide (BGO) materials were prepared by using navel orange peel and natural graphite. The optimal adsorption parameters were analyzed by response surface methodology under the conditions of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and rotating speed. The adsorption isotherm and kinetic model fitting experiments were carried out according to the optimal adsorption parameters, and the mechanism of BGO adsorption of Pb2+ was explained using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM-EDS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Compared with virgin biochar, the adsorption capacity of Pb2+ on biochar supported graphene oxide was significantly increased. The results of response surface methodology optimization design showed that the order of influence on adsorption of Pb2+ was solution pH > adsorbent dosage > rotating speed. The optimal conditions were as follows: solution pH was 4.97, rotating speed was 172.97 rpm, and adsorbent dosage was 0.086 g. In the adsorption–desorption experiment, the desorption efficiency ranged from 54.3 to 63.3%. The process of Pb2+ adsorption by BGO is spontaneous and endothermic, mainly through electrostatic interaction and surface complexation. It is a heterogeneous adsorption process with heterogeneous surface, including surface adsorption, external liquid film diffusion, and intra-particle diffusion.
Leaching of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from the Coal Tar in Sewage Wastewater, Acidic and Alkaline Mine Drainage
Authors: Batchamen Mougnol Jean Bedel , Waanders Frans , Fosso-Kankeu Elvis , Al Alili Ali Rashed
Published: April 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been a problem in the environment for an extended period. They are mostly derived from petroleum, coal tar and oil spills that travel and are immobilized in wastewater/water sources. Their presence in the environment causes a hazard to humans due to their toxicity and carcinogenic properties. In the study, coal tar was analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and a concentration of 787.97 mg/L of naphthalene, followed by 632.15 mg/L of phenanthrene were found to be in the highest concentrations in the various water sources such as sewage, alkaline and acid mine drainage. A design column was used to investigate the leaching process and assessments were conducted on 300 mL of the various water sources mentioned, with 5 g of coal tar added and with monitoring for 4 weeks. The influence of the physiochemical properties of the receiving water sources, such as sewage, and acid and alkaline mine drainage, on the release of PAHs from the coal tar was assessed. The acidic media was proven to have the highest release of PAHs, with a total concentration of 7.1 mg/L of released PAHs, followed by 1.2 mg/L for the sewage, and lastly, 0.32 mg/L for the alkaline mine drainage at room temperature.
Pesticide Importation in Sierra Leone, 2010–2021: Implications for Food Production and Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Johnson Raymonda A. B. , Hann Katrina , Leno Amara , Timire Collins , Bangura Alpha J. A. , George Margaret I. Z. , Davtyan Hayk , Satyanarayana Srinath , Nair Divya , Mansaray Alie H. D. , Bangura Fatmata I. , Kanu Joseph S. , Edwards Jeffrey K.
Published: April 2022

There are no previous studies reporting the type and quantity of pesticides for farming from Sierra Leone and the impact of Ebola or COVID-19 on importation. This study reviewed imported farming pesticides by the Sierra Leone, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), between 2010–2021. It was a descriptive study using routinely collected importation data. We found the MAF imported pesticides for farming only during 2010, 2014 and 2021, in response to growing food insecurity and associated with Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. Results showed insecticide importation increased from 6230 L in 2010 to 51,150 L in 2021, and importation of antimicrobial pesticides (including fungicides) increased from 150 kg in 2010 to 23,560 kg in 2021. The hazard class risk classification of imported pesticides decreased over time. Increasing amounts of imported fungicides could increase the risk of future fungal resistance among humans. We found that in responding to escalating food insecurity, the government dramatically increased the amount of pesticide importation to improve crop production. Further support is necessary to decrease the risk of worsening food shortages and the possible threat of emerging antimicrobial resistance. We recommend continued monitoring and surveillance, with further studies on the most appropriate response to these multiple challenges.
Unravelling Novel Roles of Salivary Exosomes in the Regulation of Human Corneal Stromal Cell Migration and Wound Healing
Authors: Escandon Paulina , Liu Angela , Nicholas Sarah E. , Khan Asher , Riaz Kamran M. , Karamichos Dimitrios
Published: April 2022

Salivary exosomes have demonstrated vast therapeutic and diagnostic potential in numerous diseases. This study pioneers previously unexplored roles of SE in the context of corneal wound healing by utilizing primary corneal stromal cells from healthy (HCFs), type I diabetes mellitus (T1DMs), type II DM (T2DMs), and keratoconus (HKCs) subjects. Purified, healthy human SEs carrying tetraspanins CD9+, CD63+, and CD81+ were utilized. Scratch and cell migration assays were performed after 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h following SE stimulation (5 and 25 µg/mL). Significantly slower wound closure was observed at 6 and 12 h in HCFs with 5 μg/mL SE and T1DMs with 5 and 25 μg/mL SE. All wounds were closed by 24-hour, post-wounding. HKCs, T1DMs, and T2DMs with 25µg/mL SE exhibited a significant upregulation of cleaved vimentin compared to controls. Thrombospondin 1 was significantly upregulated in HCFs, HKCs, and T2DMs with 25 µg/mL SE. Lastly, HKCs, T1DMs, and T2DMs exhibited a significant downregulation of fibronectin with 25 μg/mL SE. Whether SEs can be utilized to clinical settings in restoring corneal defects is unknown. This is the first-ever study exploring the role of SEs in corneal wound healing. While the sample size was small, results are highly novel and provide a strong foundation for future studies.
Mechano Growth Factor Accelerates ACL Repair and Improves Cell Mobility of Mechanically Injured Human ACL Fibroblasts by Targeting Rac1-PAK1/2 and RhoA-ROCK1 Pathways
Authors: Sha Yongqiang , Zhang Beibei , Chen Liping , Hong Huhai , Chi Qingjia
Published: April 2022

Exceeded mechanical stress leads to a sublethal injury to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fibroblasts, and it will hinder cell mobility and ACL regeneration, and even induce osteoarthritis. The mechano growth factor (MGF) could be responsible for mechanical stress and weakening its negative effects on cell physiological behaviors. In this study, effects of MGF on cell mobility and relevant molecules expression in injured ACL fibroblasts were detected. After an injurious mechanical stretch, the analysis carried out, at 0 and 24 h, respectively, showed that the cell area, roundness, migration, and adhesion of ACL fibroblasts were reduced. MGF (10, 100 ng/mL) treatment could improve cell area, roundness and promote cell migration and adhesion capacity compared with the injured group without MGF. Further study indicated that cell mobility-relevant molecules (PAK1/2, Cdc42, Rac1, RhoA, and ROCK1) expression in ACL fibroblasts was down-regulated at 0 or 24 h after injurious stretch (except Rac1 and RhoA at 0 h). Similarly, MGF improved cell mobility-relevant molecule expression, especially the ROCK1 expression level in ACL fibroblasts at 0 or 24 h after injurious stretch. Protein expression of ROCK1 in injured ACL fibroblasts was also reduced and could be recovered by MGF treatment. In a rabbit partial ACL transection (ACLT) model, ACL exhibited poor regenerative capacity in collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis after partial ACLT for 2 or 4 weeks, and MGF remarkably accelerated ACL regeneration and restored its mechanical loading capacity after partial ACLT for four weeks. Our findings suggest that MGF weakens the effects of pathological stress on cell mobility of ACL fibroblasts and accelerates ACL repair, and might be applied as a future treatment approach to ACL rupture in the clinic.
Secretome of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Consecutive Hypoxic Cultures Promotes Resolution of Lung Inflammation by Reprogramming Anti-Inflammatory Macrophages
Authors: Xu Zhihong , Lin Lulu , Fan Yuxuan , Huselstein Céline , De Isla Natalia , He Xiaohua , Chen Yun , Li Yinping
Published: April 2022

The secretome from hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to promote resolution of inflammation and alleviate acute lung injury (ALI) through its immunomodulatory function. However, the effects of consecutive hypoxic culture on immunomodulatory function of the MSCs secretome are largely unclarified. Here, we intend to investigate the effects of consecutive hypoxia on therapeutic efficacy of conditioned medium derived from MSCs (MSCs-CM) in alleviating ALI. Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) were consecutively cultured in 21% O2 (Nor-MSCs) or in 1% O2 (Hypo-MSCs) from passage 0. Their conditioned medium (Nor-CM and Hypo-CM respectively) was collected and administered into ALI models. Our findings confirmed that Hypo-MSCs exhibited increased proliferation ability and decreased cell senescence compared with Nor-MSCs. Consecutive hypoxia promoted UC-MSCs to secrete immunomodulatory cytokines, such as insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1), IL10, TNFα-stimulated gene 6(TSG6), TGFβ, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Both Nor-CM and Hypo-CM could effectively limit lung inflammation, promote efferocytosis and modulate anti-inflammatory polarization of lung macrophages in ALI models. Moreover, the effects of Hypo-CM were more potent than Nor-CM. Taken together, our findings indicate that consecutive hypoxic cultures could not only promote both proliferation and quality of UC-MSCs, but also enhance the therapeutic efficacy of their secretome in mitigating lung inflammation by promoting efferocytosis and anti-inflammatory polarization of macrophages.
Tandem Mass Tagging (TMT) Reveals Tissue-Specific Proteome of L4 Larvae of Anisakis simplex s. s.: Enzymes of Energy and/or Carbohydrate Metabolism as Potential Drug Targets in Anisakiasis
Authors: Stryiński Robert , Mateos Jesús , Carrera Mónica , Jastrzębski Jan Paweł , Bogacka Iwona , Łopieńska-Biernat Elżbieta
Published: April 2022

Anisakis simplex s. s. is a parasitic nematode of marine mammals and causative agent of anisakiasis in humans. The cuticle and intestine of the larvae are the tissues most responsible for direct and indirect contact, respectively, of the parasite with the host. At the L4 larval stage, tissues, such as the cuticle and intestine, are fully developed and functional, in contrast to the L3 stage. As such, this work provides for the first time the tissue-specific proteome of A. simplex s. s. larvae in the L4 stage. Statistical analysis (FC ≥ 2; p-value ≤ 0.01) showed that 107 proteins were differentially regulated (DRPs) between the cuticle and the rest of the larval body. In the comparison between the intestine and the rest of the larval body at the L4 stage, 123 proteins were identified as DRPs. Comparison of the individual tissues examined revealed a total of 272 DRPs, with 133 proteins more abundant in the cuticle and 139 proteins more abundant in the intestine. Detailed functional analysis of the identified proteins was performed using bioinformatics tools. Glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle were the most enriched metabolic pathways by cuticular and intestinal proteins, respectively, in the L4 stage of A. simplex s. s. The presence of two proteins, folliculin (FLCN) and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), was confirmed by Western blot, and their tertiary structure was predicted and compared with other species. In addition, host–pathogen interactions were identified, and potential new allergens were predicted. The result of this manuscript shows the largest number of protein identifications to our knowledge using proteomics tools for different tissues of L4 larvae of A. simplex s. s. The identified tissue-specific proteins could serve as targets for new drugs against anisakiasis.
Interactions between Nanoparticles and Intestine
Authors: Vitulo Manuela , Gnodi Elisa , Meneveri Raffaella , Barisani Donatella
Published: April 2022

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has surely grown in recent years due to their versatility, with a spectrum of applications that range from nanomedicine to the food industry. Recent research focuses on the development of NPs for the oral administration route rather than the intravenous one, placing the interactions between NPs and the intestine at the centre of the attention. This allows the NPs functionalization to exploit the different characteristics of the digestive tract, such as the different pH, the intestinal mucus layer, or the intestinal absorption capacity. On the other hand, these same characteristics can represent a problem for their complexity, also considering the potential interactions with the food matrix or the microbiota. This review intends to give a comprehensive look into three main branches of NPs delivery through the oral route: the functionalization of NPs drug carriers for systemic targets, with the case of insulin carriers as an example; NPs for the delivery of drugs locally active in the intestine, for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer; finally, the potential concerns and side effects of the accidental and uncontrolled exposure to NPs employed as food additives, with focus on E171 (titanium dioxide) and E174 (silver NPs).
Pathophysiological Link between Insulin Resistance and Adrenal Incidentalomas
Authors: Higgs Jordan A. , Quinn Alyssa P. , Seely Kevin D. , Richards Zeke , Mortensen Shad P. , Crandall Cody S. , Brooks Amanda E.
Published: April 2022

Adrenal incidentalomas are incidentally discovered adrenal masses greater than one centimeter in diameter. An association between insulin resistance and adrenal incidentalomas has been established. However, the pathophysiological link between these two conditions remains incompletely characterized. This review examines the literature on the interrelationship between insulin resistance and adrenal masses, their subtypes, and related pathophysiology. Some studies show that functional and non-functional adrenal masses elicit systemic insulin resistance, whereas others conclude the inverse. Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and the anabolic effects on adrenal gland tissue, which have insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors, offer possible pathophysiological links. Conversely, autonomous adrenal cortisol secretion generates visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Further investigation into the mechanisms and timing of these two pathologies as they relate to one another is needed and could be valuable in the prevention, detection, and treatment of both conditions.