bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics Abnormalities with Clinical Impact in Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas
Authors: Gallardo Fernando , Pujol Ramon M.
Published: October 2022

Primary cutaneous lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) that arise from skin resident lymphoid cells and are manifested by specific lymphomatous cutaneous lesions with no evidence of extracutaneous disease at the time of diagnosis. They may originate from mature T-lymphocytes (70% of all cases), mature B-lymphocytes (25–30%) or, rarely, NK cells. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) comprise a heterogeneous group of T-cell malignancies including Mycosis Fungoides (MF) the most frequent subtype, accounting for approximately half of CTCL, and Sézary syndrome (SS), which is an erythrodermic and leukemic subtype characterized by significant blood involvement. The mutational landscape of MF and SS by NGS include recurrent genomic alterations in the TCR signaling effectors (i.e., PLCG1), the NF-κB elements (i.e., CARD11), DNA damage/repair elements (TP53 or ATM), JAK/STAT pathway elements or epigenetic modifiers (DNMT3). Genomic copy number variations appeared to be more prevalent than somatic mutations. Other CTCL subtypes such as primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma also harbor genetic alterations of the JAK/STAT pathway in up to 50% of cases. Recently, primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic T-cell lymphoma, a rare fatal subtype, was found to contain a specific profile of JAK2 rearrangements. Other aggressive cytotoxic CTCL (primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphomas) also show genetic alterations in the JAK/STAT pathway in a large proportion of patients. Thus, CTCL patients have a heterogeneous genetic/transcriptional and epigenetic background, and there is no uniform treatment for these patients. In this scenario, a pathway-based personalized management is required. Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) subtypes present a variable genetic profile. The genetic heterogeneity parallels the multiple types of specialized B-cells and their specific tissue distribution. Particularly, many recurrent hotspot and damaging mutations in primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the leg type, involving MYD88 gene, or BCL6 and MYC translocations and BLIMP1 or CDKN2A deletions are useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes for this aggressive subtype from other indolent CBCL forms.
Checkpoint Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: Clinical Benefits for Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Ettl Tobias , Grube Matthias , Schulz Daniela , Bauer Richard Josef
Published: October 2022

Recently, considerable progress has been achieved in cancer immunotherapy. Targeted immune checkpoint therapies have been established for several forms of cancers, which resulted in a tremendous positive impact on patient survival, even in more advanced tumor stages. With a better understanding of cellular responses to immune checkpoint therapies, it will soon be feasible to find targeted compounds which will make personalized medicine practicable. This is a great opportunity, but it also sets tremendous challenges on both the scientific and clinical aspects. Head and neck tumors evade immune surveillance through various mechanisms. They contain fewer lymphocytes (natural killer cells) than normal tissue with an accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. Standard therapies for HNSCC, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, are becoming more advantageous by targeting immune checkpoints and employing combination therapies. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the expanded therapeutic options, particularly the combination of immune checkpoint inhibition with various conventional and novel therapeutics for head and neck tumor patients.
Chromosomal Instability, Selection and Competition: Factors That Shape the Level of Karyotype Intra-Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: van den Bosch Tom , Derks Sarah , Miedema Daniël M.
Published: October 2022

Intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) is a pan-cancer predictor of survival, with high ITH being correlated to a dismal prognosis. The level of ITH is, hence, a clinically relevant characteristic of a malignancy. ITH of karyotypes is driven by chromosomal instability (CIN). However, not all new karyotypes generated by CIN are viable or competitive, which limits the amount of ITH. Here, we review the cellular processes and ecological properties that determine karyotype ITH. We propose a framework to understand karyotype ITH, in which cells with new karyotypes emerge through CIN, are selected by cell intrinsic and cell extrinsic selective pressures, and propagate through a cancer in competition with other malignant cells. We further discuss how CIN modulates the cell phenotype and immune microenvironment, and the implications this has for the subsequent selection of karyotypes. Together, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the biological processes that shape the level of karyotype heterogeneity.
Smad7 Sustains Stat3 Expression and Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Maresca Claudia , Di Maggio Giulia , Stolfi Carmine , Laudisi Federica , Colella Marco , Pacifico Teresa , Di Grazia Antonio , Di Fusco Davide , Congiu Daniele , Guida Andrea Martina , Sica Giuseppe , Monteleone Ivan , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: October 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells contain elevated levels of active signal transducer and the activator of transcription (Stat)-3, which exerts proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects. Various molecules produced in the CRC tissue can activate Stat3, but the mechanisms that amplify such an activation are yet to be determined. In this paper, we assessed whether Smad7, an inhibitor of Transforiming Growth Factor (TGF)-β1 activity, sustains Stat3 expression/activation in CRC cells. Both Smad7 and phosphorylated (p)/activated-Stat3 were more expressed in the tumoral areas of CRC patients, compared to the normal adjacent colonic mucosa of the same patients, and were co-localized in primary CRC cells and CRC cell lines. The knockdown of Smad7 with a Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide (AS) reduced p-Stat3 in both unstimulated and interleukin (IL)-6- and IL-22-stimulated DLD-1 and HCT116 cells. Consistently, reduced levels of BCL-xL and survivin, two downstream signaling targets of Stat3 activation, were seen in Smad7 AS-treated cells. An analysis of the mechanisms underlying Smad7 AS-induced Stat3 inactivation revealed that Smad7 AS reduced Stat3 RNA and protein expression. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed the direct regulatory effect of Smad7 on the Stat3 promoter. RNA-sequencing data from the Tumor, Normal and Metastatic (TNM) plot database showed a positive correlation between Smad7 and Stat3 in 1450 CRC samples. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence supporting the theory that Smad7 positively regulates Stat3 function in CRC.
Wiedemann–Steiner Syndrome: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Yu Huan , Zhang Guijiao , Yu Shengxu , Wu Wei
Published: October 2022

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a broad and variable phenotypic spectrum characterized by intellectual disability, prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, hypertrichosis, characteristic facial features, behavioral problems, and congenital anomalies involving different systems. Here, we report a five-year-old boy who was diagnosed with WDSTS based on the results of Trio-based whole-exome sequencing and an assessment of his clinical features. He had intellectual disability, short stature, hirsutism, and atypical facial features, including a low hairline, down-slanting palpebral fissures, hypertelorism, long eyelashes, broad and arching eyebrows, synophrys, a bulbous nose, a broad nasal tip, and dental/oral anomalies. However, not all individuals with WDSTS exhibit the classic phenotype, so the spectrum of the disorder can vary widely from relatively atypical facial features to multiple systemic symptoms. Here, we summarize the clinical and molecular spectrum, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, long-term management, and care planning of WDSTS to improve the awareness of both pediatricians and clinical geneticists and to promote the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Acacia catechu Bark Alkaloids as Novel Green Inhibitors for Mild Steel Corrosion in a One Molar Sulphuric Acid Solution
Authors: Karki Rajaram , Bajgai Ajay Kumar , Khadka Nawaraj , Thapa Onisha , Mukhiya Tanka , Oli Hari Bhakta , Bhattarai Deval Prasad
Published: October 2022

In situ corrosion inhibition in acid cleaning processes by using green inhibitors is at the forefront of corrosion chemistry. Plant extracts, especially alkaloids, are known to be good corrosion inhibitors against mild steel corrosion. In this research, alkaloids extracted from Acacia catechu have been used as green corrosion inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in a 1 M H2SO4 solution. Qualitative chemical tests and FTIR measurements have been performed to confirm the alkaloids in the extract. The inhibition efficiency of the extract has been studied by using weight-loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods. A weight-loss measurement has been adopted for the study of inhibitor’s concentration effect, with a variation employed to measure the inhibition efficiency for time and temperature. The weight-loss measurement revealed a maximum efficiency of 93.96% after 3 h at 28 °C for a 1000 ppm alkaloid solution. The 1000 ppm inhibitor is effective up to a temperature of 48 °C, with 84.39% efficiency. The electrochemical measurement results revealed that the alkaloids act as a mixed type of inhibitor. Inhibition efficiencies of 98.91% and 98.54% in the 1000 ppm inhibitor concentration solution for the as-immersed and immersed conditions, respectively, have been achieved. The adsorption isotherm has indicated the physical adsorption of alkaloids. Further, the spontaneous and endothermic adsorption processes have been indicated by the thermodynamic parameters. The results show that alkaloids extracted from the bark of Acacia catechu can be a promising green inhibitors for mild steel corrosion.
The Pharmacogenetics of Cannabis in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
Authors: Poli Paolo , Peruzzi Luana , Maurizi Pierdomenico , Mencucci Antonella , Scocca Antonella , Carnevale Simona , Spiga Ottavia , Santucci Annalisa
Published: October 2022

Background: The increase in the medical use of cannabis has revealed a number of beneficial effects, a variety of adverse side effects and great inter-individual variability. Association studies connecting consumption, addiction and side effects related to recreational cannabis use have led to the identification of several polymorphic genes that may play a role in the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of cannabis. Method: In total, 600 patients treated with cannabis were genotyped for several candidate polymorphic genes (single-nucleotide polymorphism; SNP), encoding receptors CNR1 and TRPV1; for the ABCB1 transporter; for biotransformation, bioactivation and biosynthesis; and CYP3A4, COMT and UGT2B7 conjugation. Results: Three polymorphic genes (ABCB1, TRPV1 and UGT2B7) were identified as being significantly associated with decline in pain after treatment with cannabis. Patients simultaneously carrying the most favourable allele combinations showed a greater reduction (polygenic effect) in pain compared to those with a less favourable combination. Considering genotype combinations, we could group patients into good responders, intermediate responders and poor or non-responders. Results suggest that genetic makeup is, at the moment, a significant predictive factor of the variability in response to cannabis. Conclusions: This study proves, for the first time, that certain polymorphic candidate genes may be associated with cannabis effects, both in terms of pain management and side effects, including therapy dropout. Significance: Our attention to pharmacogenetics began in 2008, with the publication of a first study on the association between genetic polymorphisms and morphine action in pain relief. The study we are presenting is the first observational study conducted on a large number of patients involving several polymorphic candidate genes. The data obtained suggest that genetic makeup can be a predictive factor in the response to cannabis therapy and that more extensive and planned studies are needed for the opening of new scenarios for the personalization of cannabis therapy.
Clinical, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of Two Families with Novel Mutations in the LDHA Gene (GSD XI)
Authors: Serrano-Lorenzo Pablo , Rabasa María , Esteban Jesús , Hidalgo Mayoral Irene , Domínguez-González Cristina , Blanco-Echevarría Agustín , Garrido-Moraga Rocío , Lucia Alejandro , Blázquez Alberto , Rubio Juan C. , Palma-Milla Carmen , Arenas Joaquín , Martín Miguel A.
Published: October 2022

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) catalyzes the reversible conversion of L-lactate to pyruvate. LDH-A deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder (glycogenosis type XI, OMIM#612933) caused by mutations in the LDHA gene. We present two young adult female patients presenting with intolerance to anaerobic exercise, episodes of rhabdomyolysis, and, in one of the patients, psoriasis-like dermatitis. We identified in the LDHA gene a homozygous c.410C>A substitution that predicts a p.Ser137Ter nonsense mutation in Patient One and a compound heterozygous c.410C>A (p.Ser137Ter) and c.750G>A (p.Trp250Ter) nonsense mutation in Patient Two. The pathogenicity of the variants was demonstrated by electrophoretic separation of LDH isoenzymes. Moreover, a flat lactate curve on the forearm exercise test, along with the clinical combination of myopathy and psoriatic-like dermatitis, can also lead to the diagnosis.
Immense Tumor of Maxillary Sinus with Exophthalmos—A Rare Underlying Cause
Authors: Lesniewska-Skowerska Olga , Symela-Kaspera Joanna , Klimczak-Gołąb Lucyna , Smolka Wojciech , Markowski Jaroslaw
Published: October 2022

Sinus tumors are arduous to diagnose due to often prolonging asymptomatic course until the infiltration of the adjacent structures occurs. Therefore, patients are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease, which negatively affects the treatment outcomes. A 60-year-old male was referred to our ward from an outpatient clinic. The patient presented with double vision, right-side lacrimation, and exophthalmos. He also reported significant weight loss: 15 kg in 2 months. Physical examination revealed achiness and edema of the right temporal area, and subconjunctival hemorrhage of the right eye, and surprisingly no anosmia, no nasal obstruction, and no head/neck lymphadenopathy were present. The histopathology examination identified diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CD20+ CD3- p63- bcl-2+ CD23-/+ bcl-6+ CD 10- MUM1+ Tdt- CD38- cyclin D1- CD30- c-myc+). The patient was qualified for R-CHOP immunochemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and hydroxydaunorubicin hydrochloride), which was well tolerated. After 3 months of treatment, all of the symptoms reversed and a whole-body PET scan showed no abnormal metabolic activity.
Uncovering the Role of Mindfulness in Autonomous Motivation across Physical Education and Leisure Time: Extending the Trans-Contextual Model
Authors: Hutmacher Djenna , Eckelt Melanie , Bund Andreas , Melzer André , Steffgen Georges
Published: October 2022

Mindfulness is assumed to foster the ability to consistently act in line with one’s authentic self; a skill which has been found to enhance students’ autonomous motivated behavior in the educational context. However, evidence regarding how mindfulness can be integrated into existing conceptual frameworks such as the trans-contextual model is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the role of mindfulness in students’ autonomous motivation in the school and leisure time contexts. Overall, N = 1877 students (M = 14.74 years, SD = 2.63) indicated their self-reported mindfulness, their perceived need for support in physical education, their autonomous motivation during physical education and leisure time, as well as their perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norm, and intention toward physical activity. Physical activity was additionally measured physiologically for n = 240 students using accelerometers. Path model analyses revealed that the inclusion of mindfulness substantially improved the trans-contextual model fit. Perceived autonomy support positively predicted mindfulness, which, in turn, predicted autonomous motivation in physical education and leisure time, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed the significant indirect effects of mindfulness on physiological and self-reported physical activity. Based on these results, mindfulness can be considered a key factor in fostering students’ motivation to become physically active.
Examining Associations between Source of Cancer Information and Mammography Behavior among Black Church-Going Women
Authors: Carter Brian , Chen Tzuan , Cho Dalnim , Connors Shahnjayla , Siddiqi Ammar , McNeill Lorna , Reitzel Lorraine
Published: October 2022

Black women have a slightly lower breast cancer incidence rate than White women, but breast cancer mortality is approximately 40% higher among Black women than among White women. Early detection by mammography may improve survival outcomes. Outlets providing information on cancer and cancer screening often present data, including mammography recommendations, that are unreliable, accessible, and/or inconsistent. We examined associations between sources of cancer information and mammography behavior among Black church-going women. A logistic regression model was used to examine associations between self-reported preferred source of cancer information (provider, cancer organization, social network, internet, or other media (e.g., books, magazines)) and self-reported most recent source of cancer information (same categories as preferred sources), respectively, and having received a mammogram within the prior 12 months. Participants were 832 Black women over 40 years old, recruited from three churches in Houston, Texas. Data were collected in 2012. Overall, 55.41% of participants indicated their preferred source of cancer information was a provider, 21.88% the internet, 11.54% other media, 10.22% a cancer organization, and 0.96% their social network. In contrast, 17.88% of participants indicated their most recent source of cancer information was a provider, 63.02% the internet, 12.04% other media, 4.50% a cancer organization, and 2.55% their social network. About 70% of participants indicated receiving a mammogram in the prior 12 months. Results indicated that women who most recently sought information from the internet had lower odds of having a mammogram than those who most recently sought information from a provider (aOR: 0.546, CI95%: 0.336–0.886, p = 0.014). These results reveal an opportunity to advance health equity by encouraging Black church-going women to obtain cancer information from providers rather than from the internet as a method to enhance mammography use. These results also reveal an opportunity to investigate what modifiable social determinants or other factors prevent Black church-going women from seeking cancer information from their preferred source, which was a provider for the majority of the sample, and designing interventions to better actualize this preference.
Estimating the Health Effect of Cigarette Smoking Duration in South Africa
Authors: Mukong Alfred Kechia
Published: October 2022

This paper deepens the empirical analysis of the health effects of smoking by using the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) and regression discontinuity design (RDD) to estimate the impact of smoking duration on health. The paper estimates the effect of cigarette smoking on health, that is, the exogenous increase in the probability of smoking-related ill health when individuals smoke up to a certain number of years. Using the National Income Dynamic survey (NIDS), the study finds that the probability of reporting poor health and/or suffering smoking-related diseases increases with the years of smoking. The magnitude of the effect is higher when smoking-related diseases rather than self-assessed health is considered but varies across time, socioeconomic status, and with different health outcomes. The effects are robust under several different parametric and non-parametric models. Using RDD, the paper also finds evidence of a discrete jump in poor health when individuals smoke up to 30 years. The results suggest that policies that are designed to reduce current levels of cigarette smoking may have a desirable impact and can create both current and future public health benefits.
Estimate of Occupational Exposure to Carcinogens among Migrant Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Elbarazi Iffat , El-Zaemey Sonia , Saddik Basema , Ádám Balázs , El Sadig Mohamed , Abdullahi Aminu S. , Fritschi Lin , Sheek-Hussein Mohamud
Published: October 2022

Occupational illnesses, such as cancer, cause more deaths each year than occupational accidents. Occupational carcinogens include physical, chemical, biological and organizational hazards. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), migrant workers account for 80% of labor. Being sometimes employed as unskilled workers and more willing to work in demanding jobs, their vulnerability and exposure may be increased. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational exposure to workplace carcinogens among migrant workers in the UAE. A sample of employees working in construction, cleaning, dry cleaning, mechanic workshops and hair salons were recruited and interviewed. Using OccIDEAS (an online assessment tool), participants were asked questions about their demographics, work history and regular tasks. Exposure to various carcinogens was estimated using the in-built algorithms of OccIDEAS. A sample of 1778 workers was included. The sample consisted of workers from Bangladesh (19.2%), India (31%), Nepal (4.7%), Pakistan (29.9%) and the Philippines (4.8%), with the rest from other nationalities. Overall, the prevalence of probable exposure was considerable, with the highest among drivers (96%) and the lowest among laundry workers (52%). Moderate to high exposure was found to 20 different carcinogens. Self-rated health among those who were exposed to carcinogens was significantly lower than among those not exposed (AOR = 0.783, 95% CI [0.638–0.961]). Exposure to several different carcinogens is relatively common in the UAE among migrant workers. Further strengthening policies and the implementation of tailored interventions are needed to prevent exposure to occupational carcinogens and, consequently, to combat occupational cancer in the UAE.
Time to End-of-Life of Patients Starting Specialised Palliative Care in Denmark: A Descriptive Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Jøhnk Camilla , Laigaard Helene Holm , Pedersen Andreas Kristian , Bauer Eithne Hayes , Brandt Frans , Bollig Georg , Wolff Donna Lykke
Published: October 2022

Increasing numbers of patients are being referred to specialised palliative care (SPC) which, in order to be beneficial, is recommended to last more than three months. This cohort study aimed to describe time to end-of-life after initiating SPC treatment and to explore potential regional variations. We used national register data from all Danish hospital SPC teams. We included patients who started SPC treatment from 2015–2018 to explore if time to end-of-life was longer than three months. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and a generalised linear model was used to assess variations among the five Danish regions. A total of 27,724 patients were included, of whom 36.7% (95% CI 36.2–37.1%) had over three months to end-of-life. In the Capital Region of Denmark, 40.1% (95% CI 39.0–41.3%) had over three months to end-of-life versus 32.5% (95% CI 30.9–34.0%) in North Denmark Region. We conclude that most patients live for a shorter period of time than the recommended three months after initiating SPC treatment. This is neither optimal for patient care, nor the healthcare system. A geographical variation between regions was shown indicating different practices, patient groups or resources. These results warrant further investigation to promote optimal SPC treatment.
Sexual History Documentation and Screening in Adolescent Females with Suicidal Ideation in the Emergency Department
Authors: Vayngortin Tatyana , Clark Katie , Hollenbach Kathryn
Published: October 2022

Adolescents with mental illness often seek care in the emergency department (ED) and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and unprotected sex, increasing their risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI), unintended pregnancy, and non-consensual sex. This was a retrospective study of 312 females, aged 13–17 years, presenting to the pediatric ED with the chief complaint of suicidal ideation from February to May 2018. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, psychiatric history, sexual history, and testing for pregnancy or STI. The primary outcome was the documentation of the presence or absence of prior sexual activity. Secondary outcomes included documented aspects of sexual history and pregnancy or STI testing performed in the ED. Of the 312 eligible patients, 144 (46.2%) had a documented sexual history, and of those 50 (34.7%) reported being sexually active. Sexual history documentation was not associated with patient age, race, ethnicity, insurance, or the gender of the ED provider. A history of anxiety and a recent suicide attempt were associated with a lack of sexual history documentation (p = 0.03). Of the sexually active patients, 28 (56%) had documentation of contraception use. Pregnancy testing was performed in 67.3% of all patients and 80% of sexually active patients. Only 10 patients had STI testing in the ED, with most testing occurring in those with sexual history documentation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, more than half of females with suicidal ideation in our ED had no documentation of sexual history, and when documentation was completed, it was often missing important elements, including screening for pregnancy, STI, non-consensual sex, and contraception use. Since the ED visit provides an important opportunity to address the reproductive health needs of this high-risk population, further work is needed to determine ways to improve provider documentation and sexual health screening.
Characterisation and Risk Assessment of Metal Contaminants in the Dust Fall in the Vicinity of a Construction Waste Dump in Beijing
Authors: Wang Lili , Wu Gaofeng , Zhang Tianyue , Lei Wenkai , Wang Xinyu , Wang Mi , Zheng Dongyang , Zhao Wenji
Published: October 2022

In this study, a large construction waste dump in Beijing, China, was used as the study area. Nineteen effective atmospheric dust samples were collected. The mass fractions of 14 metal elements (Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, V, Pb, Ni, As, Co, and Cd) were determined for the samples using ICP-MS. The pollutants and the potential ecological risk levels of 10 different heavy metals were evaluated using the enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index, and a potential ecological risk assessment method. The results showed that the Ca, Fe, Al, and Mg contents in the dust fall were considerably high and accounted for 98.81% of the total mass of the analysed metals. Cd and Zn were the main metal contaminants in the dust fall in the vicinity of the construction waste dump, followed by Cu and Mn. The Cd, Zn, Cu, and Mn contents in the construction waste had a significant impact on atmospheric pollution within 250 m of the dump. Moreover, Cd had the largest contribution to the comprehensive ecological risk posed by the heavy metals in the dust fall and was determined to be the primary ecological risk factor in the atmospheric environment in the vicinity of the construction waste dump.
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration: Phase 2 of an in Progress Review in New York State Local Health Departments
Authors: Bloomstone Sarah , Fleming Molly , Arana Mayela , D’Angelo Emily , Ravenhall Sarah , Murrman Marita
Published: October 2022

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York State (NYS), local health departments (LHDs) have worked to mitigate the highly infectious disease. As lead public health experts in their communities, LHDs are responsible for providing communicable disease control, emergency response, and establishing immunization programs, including leading large-scale vaccine distribution efforts. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the processes used by LHDs in NYS to administer COVID-19 vaccines, as well as identify successes and challenges, and highlight lessons learned to improve future mass vaccination campaigns. Data were collected in two phases: (1) extant data collection of public communications; and (2) discussion groups with public health leaders across the state. Notable themes from both phases include: partnerships, programmatic elements, communication, role of LHD, State-LHD coordination, and human and physical resources. Analysis of both public and internal communications from LHDs across NYS revealed several core challenges LHDs faced during COVID-19 vaccine rollout and identified innovative solutions that LHDs used to facilitate vaccine access, administration, and uptake in their communities. Findings from this multi-phase qualitative analysis support the need to bolster the capacity and training of the local public health workforce to ensure preparedness for future public health emergencies.
Determinants of Consumers’ Behavior in Reducing Pesticide Residues in Vegetables and Fruits, Northern Thailand
Authors: Sapbamrer Ratana , Chittrakul Jiraporn
Published: October 2022

Pesticide residues in vegetables in northern Thailand exceed the maximum residue limits established by the European Union. Therefore, improved knowledge and behavior in reducing pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits (VF) would reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides. This study aims to investigate the contributing factors of consumers’ behavior in reducing pesticide residues in VF. The differences in knowledge, attitude, and behavior in reducing pesticide residues in VF between consumers living in rural and urban communities of Chiang Mai, Thailand were also investigated. The cross-sectional study was carried out during August and October 2021 with 456 participants. Data was collected from participants using a Google form questionnaire. The results indicated that pesticide-free was the top-ranked consideration for VF purchasing. Linear regression analysis found that factors associated with consumers’ behavior in reducing pesticide residues in VF were total knowledge scores (Beta (β) ± standard error (SE.) = 1.15 ± 0.18, 95%CI = 0.79, 1.51), total attitude scores (β ± SE. = 1.30 ± 0.49, 95%CI = 3.87, 10.40), having co-morbidity (β ± SE. = 3.2 ± 1.37, 95%CI = 0.52, 5.90), type of VF purchasing (β ± SE. = 1.98 ± 0.57, 95%CI = 0.85, 3.11), frequency of VF purchasing (β ± SE. = 3.81 ± 1.18, 95%CI = 1.49, 6.13), price of VF products (β ± SE. = −2.23 ± 1.13, 95%CI = −4.45, −0.02), and getting information from the broadcasting tower in the village (β ± SE. = 7.13 ± 1.66, 95%CI = 0.32, 2.27).
Can Green Innovation Improve Regional Environmental Carrying Capacity? An Empirical Analysis from China
Authors: Hu Juan , Ma Chengjin , Li Chen
Published: October 2022

Green innovation has become an important driving force for China’s economic transformation and development. This paper selects the 2010–2020 provincial-level regions in China as samples, and adopts a multi-indicator comprehensive evaluation method to comprehensively, objectively and scientifically evaluate the environmental carrying capacity of air pollution in two dimensions: natural resource endowment and human activity impact, and also measures and calculates the green innovation in each province, city and autonomous region to explore the specific impact of green innovation on environmental carrying capacity and its spatial spillover effect; it also explores the heterogeneous effects of green innovation on environmental carrying capacity under different pollution environments. The conclusions show that: (1) Green innovation has a positive impact on environmental carrying capacity. (2) There is a spatial spillover effect of green innovation on environmental carrying capacity. In other words, in areas with higher PM2.5 concentration, that is, lower environmental quality, green innovation has a weaker ability to improve environmental carrying capacity; in areas with lower PM2.5 concentration, that is higher environmental quality, green innovation has a stronger ability to improve environmental carrying capacity. (3) In the process of green innovation affecting environmental carrying capacity, PM2.5 plays the part of a mediating effect, indicating that green innovation is an intermediate transmission mechanism affecting environmental carrying capacity, and the results show that the absolute value of the short-term indirect effect is greater than the absolute value of the short-term direct effect, and the long-term direct effect is greater than the long-term indirect effect.
Mediterranean Diet versus Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet: Effects of Reaching 5% Body Weight Loss on Body Composition in Subjects with Overweight and with Obesity—A Cohort Study
Authors: Di Rosa Claudia , Lattanzi Greta , Spiezia Chiara , Imperia Elena , Piccirilli Sara , Beato Ivan , Gaspa Gianluigi , Micheli Vanessa , De Joannon Federica , Vallecorsa Noemi , Ciccozzi Massimo , Defeudis Giuseppe , Manfrini Silvia , Khazrai Yeganeh
Published: October 2022

The best nutritional strategy to fight the rise in obesity remains a debated issue. The Mediterranean diet (MD) and the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic diet (VLCKD) are effective at helping people lose body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) while preserving fat-free mass (FFM). This study aimed to evaluate the time these two diets took to reach a loss of 5% of the initial BW and how body composition was affected. We randomized 268 subjects with obesity or overweight in two arms, MD and VLCKD, for a maximum of 3 months or until they reached 5% BW loss. This result was achieved after one month of VLCKD and 3 months of MD. Both diets were effective in terms of BW (p < 0.0001) and FM loss (p < 0.0001), but the MD reached a higher reduction in both waist circumference (p = 0.0010) and FM (p = 0.0006) and a greater increase in total body water (p = 0.0017) and FFM (p = 0.0373) than VLCKD. The population was also stratified according to gender, age, and BMI. These two nutritional protocols are both effective in improving anthropometrical parameters and body composition, but they take different time spans to reach the goal. Therefore, professionals should evaluate which is the most suitable according to each patient’s health status.
Exposure to Green and Historic Urban Environments and Mental Well-Being: Results from EEG and Psychometric Outcome Measures
Authors: Reece Rebecca , Bornioli Anna , Bray Isabelle , Alford Chris
Published: October 2022

Previous studies have identified the benefits of exposure to green or historic environments using qualitative methods and psychometric measures, but studies using a combination of measures are lacking. This study builds on current literature by focusing specifically on green and historic urban environments and using both psychological and physiological measures to investigate the impact of virtual exposure on well-being. Results from the psychological measures showed that the presence of historic elements was associated with a significantly stronger recuperation of hedonic tone (p = 0.01) and reduction in stress (p = 0.04). However, the presence of greenness had no significant effect on hedonic tone or stress. In contrast, physiological measures (EEG) showed significantly lower levels of alpha activity (p < 0.001) in occipital regions of the brain when participants viewed green environments, reflecting increased engagement and visual attention. In conclusion, this study has added to the literature by showing the impact that historic environments can have on well-being, as well as highlighting a lack of concordance between psychological and physiological measures. This supports the use of a combination of subjective and direct objective measures in future research in this field.
A Risk Treatment Strategy Model for Oil Pipeline Accidents Based on a Bayesian Decision Network Model
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Wan , Xu Fengjiao , Chen Yong , Qin Tingxin
Published: October 2022

Risk treatment is an effective way to reduce the risk of oil pipeline accidents. Many risk analysis and treatment strategies and models have been established based on the event tree method, bow-tie method, Bayesian network method, and other methods. Considering the characteristics of the current models, a risk treatment strategy model for oil pipeline accidents based on Bayesian decision network (BDNs) is proposed in this paper. First, the quantitative analysis method used in the Event-Evolution-Bayesian model (EEB model) is used for risk analysis. Second, the consequence weights and initial event likelihoods are added to the risk analysis model, and the integrated risk is obtained. Third, the risk treatment strategy model is established to achieve acceptable risk with optimal resources. The risk treatment options are added to the Bayesian network (BN) risk analysis model as the decision nodes and utility nodes. In this approach, the BN risk analysis model can be transformed into a risk treatment model based on BDNs. Compared to other models, this model can not only identify the risk factors comprehensively and illustrate the incident evolution process clearly, but also can support diverse risk treatment strategies for specific cases, such as to reduce the integrated risk to meet acceptable criterion or to balance the benefit and cost of an initiative. Furthermore, the risk treatment strategy can be updated as the risk context changes.
mRNA-Based Vaccine Designing against Epstein-Barr Virus to Induce an Immune Response Using Immunoinformatic and Molecular Modelling Approaches
Authors: Althurwi Hassan N. , Alharthy Khalid M. , Albaqami Faisal F. , Altharawi Ali , Javed Muhammad Rizwan , Muhseen Ziyad Tariq , Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a human pathogen that has a morbidity rate of 90% in adults worldwide. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by EBV replication in B cells and epithelial cells of the host. EBV has also been related to autoimmune illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinomas and Burkitt’s lymphoma. Currently, no effective medications or vaccinations are available to treat or prevent EBV infection. Thus, the current study focuses on a bioinformatics approach to design an mRNA-based multi-epitope (MEV) vaccine to prevent EBV infections. For this purpose, we selected six antigenic proteins from the EBV proteome based on their role in pathogenicity to predict, extract, and analyze T and B cell epitopes using immunoinformatics tools. The epitopes were directed through filtering parameters including allergenicity, toxicity, antigenicity, solubility, and immunogenicity assessment, and finally, the most potent epitopes able to induce T and B cell immune response were selected. In silico molecular docking of prioritized T cell peptides with respective Human Leukocytes Antigens molecules, were carried out to evaluate the individual peptide’s binding affinity. Six CTL, four HTL, and ten linear B cell epitopes fulfilled the set parameters and were selected for MEV-based mRNA vaccine. The prioritized epitopes were joined using suitable linkers to improve epitope presentation. The immune simulation results affirmed the designed vaccine’s capacity to elicit a proper immune response. The MEV-based mRNA vaccine constructed in this study offers a promising choice for a potent vaccine against EBV.
Proposal for the Integration of the Assessment and Management of Electrical Risk from Overhead Power Lines in BIM for Road Projects
Authors: Collado-Mariscal Darío , Cortés-Pérez Juan Pedro , Cortés-Pérez Alfonso , Cuevas-Murillo Antonia
Published: October 2022

Electrical risk has a particular impact within the construction sector. This leads to the development of regulations to mitigate it, but correct application of regulations is impossible with a traditional 2D analysis. The construction sector is using technologies from the industrial sector (Construction 4.0), with BIM as the main enabling technology. Thus, the objective of this article is the evaluation of the risk produced by Overhead Power Lines (OPL) through BIM integration. The OPL, its risk zones, the affected road, and the envelope resulting from the geometry of the necessary machines to build it were digitized, converging in a single model to perform a 4D risk analysis. The risks of the execution of the embankment and road surface of a road section passing through an OPL were analyzed by means of the collision of the envelope with its risk zones, resulting in an integration of their evaluation, to which was added the introduction of preventive measures and their re-evaluation. The parametric 3D modelling allowed a better definition of the risk zones and the BIM management minimized errors, providing traceability of decisions from the design phase, complying with health and safety regulations and applying the principle of Prevention through Design (PtD).
IoT-Based Waste Management System in Formal and Informal Public Areas in Mecca
Authors: Abdullah Nibras , Al-wesabi Ola A. , Mohammed Badiea Abdulkarem , Al-Mekhlafi Zeyad Ghaleb , Alazmi Meshari , Alsaffar Mohammad , Baklizi Mahmoud , Sumari Putra
Published: October 2022

Urban areas worldwide are in the race to become smarter, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is no exception. Many of these have envisaged a chance to establish devoted municipal access networks to assist all kinds of city administration and preserve services needing data connectivity. Organizations unanimously concentrate on sustainability issues with key features of general trends, particularly the combination of the 3Rs (reduce waste, reuse and recycle resources). This paper demonstrates how the incorporation of the Internet of Things (IoT) with data access networks, geographic information systems and combinatorial optimization can contribute to enhancing cities’ administration systems. A waste-gathering approach based on supplying smart bins is introduced by using an IoT prototype embedded with sensors, which can read and convey bin volume data over the Internet. However, from another perspective, the population and residents’ attitudes directly affect the control of the waste management system. The conventional waste collection system does not cover all areas in the city. It works based on a planned scheme that is implemented by the authorized organization focused on specific popular and formal areas. The conventional system cannot observe a real-time update of the bin status to recognize whether the waste level condition is ‘full,’ ‘not full,’ or ‘empty.’ This paper uses IoT in the container and trucks that secure the overflow and separation of waste. Waste source locations and population density influence the volume of waste generation, especially waste food, as it has the highest amount of waste generation. The open public area and the small space location problems are solved by proposing different truck sizes based on the waste type. Each container is used for one type of waste, such as food, plastic and others, and uses the optimization algorithm to calculate and find the optimal route toward the full waste container. In this work, the situations in KSA are evaluated, and relevant aspects are explored. Issues relating to the sustainability of organic waste management are conceptually analyzed. A genetic-based optimization algorithm for waste collection transportation enhances the performance of waste-gathering truck management. The selected routes based on the volume status and free spaces of the smart bins are the most effective through those obtainable towards the urgent smart bin targets. The proposed system outperforms other systems by reducing the number of locations and smart bins that have to be visited by 46% for all waste types, whereas the conventional and existing systems have to visit all locations every day, resulting in high cost and consumption time.
The Effects of Monetary Incentives on Physicians’ Effort and Patient Satisfaction: Understanding the Links between Monetary Incentives and Physicians’ Effort
Authors: Yu Chenhao , Li Xiaoyan , Liang Huigang , Zhang Zhiruo , Fang Dong
Published: October 2022

How monetary incentives promote physicians’ job performance in terms of patient satisfaction has been widely discussed. The incentive dilemma debate concerns whether monetary incentives reduce physicians’ intrinsic motivation at work and even lead to moral hazard. This study investigated monetary incentive policies in a hospital and analyzed how monetary incentives affect performance and behavior. By means of income composition grouping, a treatment group and control group were established, and the identification of the effect on performance was implemented using the difference-in-difference (DiD) method. The mechanism analysis was implemented using the event-study approach (ESA) and path analysis. The study found that (1) monetary incentives promote physicians to improve patient satisfaction, and the average effect is a two-point increment (p < 0.0001); (2) the effects are short-term; and (3) in contrast to many criticisms, the improvement in patient satisfaction was mainly from the effort in working during the monetary incentive policy. The results of this study contribute empirical evidence regarding the effects of monetary incentives and their mechanism and can help hospital management formulate incentive plans.
Gut Microbiome: The Interplay of an “Invisible Organ” with Herbal Medicine and Its Derived Compounds in Chronic Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Lim Dong-Woo , Wang Jing-Hua
Published: October 2022

Resembling a concealed “organ” in a holobiont, trillions of gut microbes play complex roles in the maintenance of homeostasis, including participating in drug metabolism. The conventional opinion is that most of any drug is metabolized by the host and that individual differences are principally due to host genetic factors. However, current evidence indicates that only about 60% of the individual differences in drug metabolism are attributable to host genetics. Although most common chemical drugs regulate the gut microbiota, the gut microbiota is also known to be involved in drug metabolism, like the host. Interestingly, many traditional herbal medicines and derived compounds are biotransformed by gut microbiota, manipulating the compounds’ effects. Accordingly, the gut microbiota and its specified metabolic pathways can be deemed a promising target for promoting drug efficacy and safety. However, the evidence regarding causality and the corresponding mechanisms concerning gut microbiota and drug metabolism remains insufficient, especially regarding drugs used to treat metabolic disorders. Therefore, the present review aims to comprehensively summarize the bidirectional roles of gut microbiota in the effects of herbal medicine in metabolic diseases to provide vital clues for guiding the clinical application of precision medicine and personalized drug development.