bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Environmental Regulation on Hebei’s Manufacturing Industry in the Global Value Chain
Authors: Hou Fangmiao , Su Wei , Cheng Shiyi , Wu Chengliang , Lin Yuguo
Published: February 2023

In order to tackle increasingly serious environmental problems, China has been promoting the development of a green economy and guiding the green transformation of various regions and industries through environmental regulation in recent years. By participating in international trade, Hebei Province has been embedded in the global value chain. However, Hebei’s involvement in the high-energy-consuming and polluting manufacturing sector and its lower position in the global value chain have led to serious environmental issues. In practice, the government has promulgated environmental regulations to restrict economic activities of enterprises. What role does environmental regulation play in Hebei’s manufacturing industry’s participation in the global value chain? In order to explore the impact of environmental regulation on Hebei’s manufacturing industry in the global value chain, this paper constructs a fixed-effect econometric model based on the panel data of the embedding level of the value chain of 12 manufacturing sectors in Hebei Province. The research results show that: first, the R & D capacity of the manufacturing industry in Hebei Province still needs to be improved. Second, environmental regulation has promoted the global value chain position of Hebei’s 12 manufacturing sectors. Third, environmental regulation will show obvious heterogeneity to manufacturing industries with different capital intensities and different pollution levels. The impact of environmental regulation on the manufacturing industry with different intensities is different. Therefore, the government should formulate targeted environmental regulation to promote the position of Hebei’s manufacturing industry in the global value chain, such as further improving environmental regulation and increasing the intensity of environmental regulation and increasing the investment of human capital, and cultivating innovative talents.
Modeling the Dynamics of Children’s Musculoskeletal Fitness
Authors: Reyes Ana , Chaves Raquel , Vasconcelos Olga , Pereira Sara , Tani Go , Stodden David , Hedeker Donald , Maia José , Baxter-Jones Adam
Published: February 2023

This study models children’s musculoskeletal fitness (MSF) developmental trajectories and identifies individual differences related to effects of time-invariant, as well as time-varying covariates. A total of 348 Portuguese children (177 girls) from six age cohorts were followed for three years. MSF tests (handgrip strength, standing long jump and shuttle run), age, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic status (SES), gross motor coordination (GMC) and physical activity (PA) were assessed. Data were analyzed using multilevel models. Between 5 and 11 years of age, boys outperformed girls in all three MSF tests (p < 0.05). Birth weight was positively associated with shuttle run performance (β = −0.18 ± 0.09, p < 0.05). BMI was positively associated with handgrip strength (β = 0.35 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and shuttle run performance (β = 0.06 ± 0.01, p < 0.001), but negatively associated with standing long jump performance (β = −0.93 ± 0.23, p < 0.001). GMC was positively associated (p < 0.001) with all three MSF tests, while PA was associated with standing long jump (β = 0.08 ± 0.02, p < 0.05) and shuttle run (β = −0.003 ± 0.002, p < 0.05) performance only. No school environment effects were found, and SES was not related to any MSF tests. Children’s MSF development showed a curvilinear shape with increasing age, with boys outperforming girls. Weight status and physical behavior characteristics predicted MSF development, while environmental variables did not. Examining potential longitudinal predictors of MSF across multiple dimensions is important to gain a more holistic understanding of children’s physical development as well as to future interventions.
Wetland Park Planning and Management Based on the Valuation of Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Tieling Lotus Lake National Wetland Park (LLNWP), China
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Weikang , Zhang Tong , Meng Huan , Yan Hongwei , Shen Yue , Li Zeqian , Ma Xiaotian
Published: February 2023

The valuation of wetland ecosystem services and the construction of environmental landscapes are generally recognized as contributing to the sustainable development of human wellbeing. The valuation of ecosystem services plays an important role in planning for the recovery of degraded wetlands and in urban wetland park management; however, the role of the valuation of ecosystem services is always ignored. To bring more intuitive awareness to the importance of the ecological functions of wetlands and to rationally plan wetland parks, the Lotus Lake National Wetland Park (LLNWP), an urban wetland park in Northeast China, was selected as the study area. We referred to the millennium ecosystem assessment (MA) method and calculated the valuation of this park using the market value, benefit transfer, shadow engineering, carbon tax, and travel cost. ArcGIS was used for remote sensing interpretation. The research results were as follows. LLNWP was classified under seven types of land-use. The functions of the ecosystem services included provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, and their total value in LLNWP was 11.68×108 CNY. Regarding the per-unit area value of the ecological service functions of different land types, it was found that forest swamp > herbaceous swamp > artificial wetland > permanent river > floodplain wetland. Combined with the characteristics of the functions of its ecosystem’s services, LLNWP was divided into ecological and socio-cultural functions. Then, according to the main service functions of the different land types, we propose that the space in LLNWP can be reused, and proposal planning and management suggestions can be made with the aim of preserving the basic functions.
Predictability of Maxillary Molar Distalization and Derotation with Clear Aligners: A Prospective Study
Authors: D’Antò Vincenzo , Valletta Rosa , Ferretti Roberto , Bucci Rosaria , Kirlis Robertas , Rongo Roberto
Published: February 2023

Clear aligners are employed daily for the treatment of Class II malocclusions, when a valid option involves distalization and derotation of the upper first and second molars. Evidence regarding the predictability of these movements is slight, and the treatment outcome that clinicians plan may not be achieved. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of distalization and derotation with clear aligners. Geomagic Control X, a 3D quality control software, was used to superimpose digital models of the pre-treatment, post-treatment, and virtual plan (ideal post-treatment) measurements of 16 patients (4 M, 12 F; mean age 25.7 ± 8.8 years). Linear and angular measurement tools were used to calculate the amount of tooth movement prescribed and achieved. Distal displacement of the buccal cusps had an overall accuracy of 69% for the first molar and 75% for the second molar. The accuracy of molar derotation was higher for the first molar (77.5%) than for the second molar (62.7%). The aligners were not able to achieve 100% of the ideal post-treatment result; thus, planning of refinements is often needed. However, clear aligners can be regarded as a valuable option for the distalization of first and second molars.
COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed the Psychiatric Profile of Adolescents Attempting Suicide: A Cross-Sectional Comparison
Authors: Gracia-Liso Rebeca , Portella Maria J. , Puntí-Vidal Joaquim , Pujals-Altés Elena , Torralbas-Ortega Jordi , Llorens Marta , Pamias Montserrat , Fradera-Jiménez Marc , Montalvo-Aguirrezabala Itziar , Palao Diego J.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on the mental health of adolescents, leading to suicidal behaviors. However, it remains to be clarified whether the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the psychiatric profile of adolescent suicide attempters. Methods: a retrospective observational analytical study was conducted to assess age, gender and clinical characteristics of adolescents attempting suicide during the year before and the year after the global lockdown. Results: ninety adolescents (12–17 y.o.) were recruited consecutively from February 2019 to March 2021 at the emergency ward for having attempted suicide. Fifty-two (57.8%) attended before the lockdown (pre-pandemic group) and thirty-eight (42.2%) the year after (pandemic group). There were significant differences in diagnostic categories between the periods (p = 0.003). Adjustment and conduct disorders were more frequent in the pre-pandemic group, while anxiety and depressive disorders were more prevalent during the pandemic. Although the severity of suicide attempts did not show significant differences between the two study periods (0.7), the generalized linear model showed that the suicide attempt severity was significantly associated with current diagnosis (p = 0.01). Conclusions: the psychiatric profile of adolescents attempting suicide was different before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the proportion of adolescents with a prior psychiatric history was lower, and most of them were diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders. These diagnoses were also associated with a greater severity in the intentionality of suicide attempt, regardless of the study period.
‘COVID Is Coming, and I’m Bloody Scared’: How Adults with Co-Morbidities’ Threat Perceptions of COVID-19 Shape Their Vaccination Decisions
Authors: Roberts Leah , Deml Michael J. , Attwell Katie
Published: February 2023

Adults with comorbidities have faced a high risk from COVID-19 infection. However, Western Australia experienced relatively few infections and deaths from 2020 until early 2022 compared with other OECD countries, as hard border policies allowed for wide-scale vaccination before mass infections began. This research investigated the thoughts, feelings, risk perceptions, and practices of Western Australian adults with comorbidities aged 18–60 years in regard to COVID-19 disease and COVID-19 vaccines. We conducted 14 in-depth qualitative interviews between January and April 2022, just as the disease was starting to circulate. We coded results inductively and deductively, combining the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) and vaccine belief models. Non-hesitant participants believed COVID-19 vaccines were safe and effective at mitigating COVID-19′s threat and subsequently got vaccinated. Vaccine hesitant participants were less convinced the disease was severe or that they were susceptible to it; they also did not consider the vaccines to be sufficiently safe. Yet, for some hesitant participants, the exogenous force of mandates prompted vaccination. This work is important to understand how people’s thoughts and feelings about their comorbidities and risks from COVID-19 influence vaccine uptake and how mandatory policies can affect uptake in this cohort.
Comparative Ergonomic Study Examining the Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms of Taiwanese and Thai Workers in a Tape Manufacturing Factory
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Luo Wen-Hua
Published: February 2023

This study surveyed 114 Taiwanese and 57 Thai workers in a tape manufacturing factory in Taiwan and evaluated their symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) and associated risk factors by using the revised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Task-appropriate biomechanical and body load assessment tools were also employed to examine biomechanical and body load during four specified daily tasks. The results indicated that the prevalence of discomfort symptoms in any body part within one year was 81.6% for the Taiwanese workers and 72.3% for the Thai workers. The body part in which the Taiwanese workers most frequently experienced discomfort was the shoulders (57.0%), followed by the lower back (47.4%), the neck (43.9%), and the knees (36.8%); where the Thai workers most frequently experienced discomfort was the hands or wrists (42.1%), followed by the shoulders (36.8%) and the buttocks or thighs (31.6%). These locations of discomfort were associated with task characteristics. Heavy-material handling (>20 kg) more than 20 times per day was the most significant risk factor for WMSDs for both groups, and this task must thus be urgently improved. We also suggest that providing wrist braces for Thai workers may assist in alleviating their hand and wrist discomfort. The biomechanical assessment results indicated that the compression forces acting on the workers’ lower backs exceeded the Action Limit standard; administrative controls must thus be instituted for two heavy-material handling tasks. In the factory, some tasks and workers’ movements when completing these tasks must be assessed and improved immediately by using appropriate tools. Although the Thai workers were engaged in more physically demanding tasks, their WMSDs were milder than those of the Taiwanese workers. The results of the study can serve as references for the prevention and reduction of WMSDs in local and foreign workers in similar industries.
The Role of Bacterial Polyhydroalkanoate (PHA) in a Sustainable Future: A Review on the Biological Diversity
Authors: Vicente Diogo , Proença Diogo Neves , Morais Paula V.
Published: February 2023

Environmental challenges related to the mismanagement of plastic waste became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for new solutions regarding the use of plastics came to the forefront again. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have demonstrated their ability to replace conventional plastics, especially in packaging. Its biodegradability and biocompatibility makes this material a sustainable solution. The cost of PHA production and some weak physical properties compared to synthetic polymers remain as the main barriers to its implementation in the industry. The scientific community has been trying to solve these disadvantages associated with PHA. This review seeks to frame the role of PHA and bioplastics as substitutes for conventional plastics for a more sustainable future. It is focused on the bacterial production of PHA, highlighting the current limitations of the production process and, consequently, its implementation in the industry, as well as reviewing the alternatives to turn the production of bioplastics into a sustainable and circular economy.
Does Environmental Regulation Promote the Infrastructure Investment Efficiency? Analysis Based on the Spatial Effects
Authors: Ren Maohui , Zhou Tao , Wang Di , Wang Chenxi
Published: February 2023

Infrastructure investment plays a key role in steady economic growth. Investment in infrastructure is gradually increasing; however, large-scale infrastructure investment is also associated with efficiency problems and environmental problems, which need to be carefully examined. The entropy weight method and the Super-SBM model are implemented to measure environmental regulation and infrastructure investment efficiency, respectively; and the spatial Durbin model is applied to analyze the influence mechanism and spatial effects of environmental regulation on infrastructure investment efficiency. The results show that spatial agglomeration characteristics exist in both environmental regulation and infrastructure investment efficiency. Besides, environmental regulation can promote infrastructure investment efficiency in general, but it develops an inverted U-shaped relationship as the intensity increases. Lastly, the spillover effects of environmental regulation on infrastructure investment efficiency present a U-shaped relationship. The conclusion is that both environmental regulation and infrastructure investment efficiency in China increased from 2008 to 2020. Besides, moderate environmental regulation is beneficial to infrastructure investment efficiency and restrains spatial spillover, but strict environmental regulation appears to be the opposite. This research expands the literature on environmental regulation and production efficiency and provides a reference basis for formulating effective policies to improve infrastructure investment efficiency from the perspective of the ecological environment.
Mental Health of Working Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Does Physical Activity Level Matter?
Authors: Wut Tai-Ming , Lee Stephanie Wing , Xu Jing (Bill)
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the associations between physical activity levels and the psychological outcomes of depression and anxiety. In 2022, Hong Kong was still exercising strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19. In this connection, major events and almost all large-scale sports events were suspended. Most recreational facilities were closed and repurposed as vaccination venues. As a result, a reduction in physical activity was expected. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 109 working adults in Hong Kong. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form was adopted as it continues to be the most widely used scale to measure physical activity. Almost a quarter of respondents exercised regularly. On average, respondents engaged in less than an hour’s physical activity per week. Findings showed that even low to moderate levels of physical activity were positively associated with perceived self-esteem and perceived mental well-being. More specifically, self-esteem and perceived mental well-being were negatively associated with depression and anxiety. A full mediation effect between engagement in low levels of physical activity and anxiety was found. Light exercises may ultimately lead to lower anxiety via an indirect effect, with perceived mental well-being acting as a mediator. There was no direct relationship between low levels of physical activity and anxiety. In a similar vein, moderate levels of physical activity may lead to amelioration of symptoms related to depression and anxiety through indirect effects, with self-esteem as a mediator. Apart from engagement in low levels of physical activity, moderate levels of physical activity, such as swimming, jogging, and dancing, which have associations with self-esteem and mental health, could also be considered for attention.
Sex, Gender, and the Regulation of Prescription Drugs: Omissions and Opportunities
Authors: Greaves Lorraine , Brabete Andreea C. , Maximos Mira , Huber Ella , Li Alice , Lê Mê-Linh , Eltonsy Sherif , Boscoe Madeline
Published: February 2023

The regulation of prescription drugs is an important health, safety, and equity issue. However, regulatory processes do not always consider evidence on sex, gender, and factors such as age and race, omissions that advocates have highlighted for several decades. Assessing the impact of sex-related factors is critical to ensuring drug safety and efficacy for females and males, and for informing clinical product monographs and consumer information. Gender-related factors affect prescribing, access to drugs, needs and desires for specific prescribed therapies. This article draws on a policy-research partnership project that examined the lifecycle management of prescription drugs in Canada using a sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) lens. In the same time period, Health Canada created a Scientific Advisory Committee on Health Products for Women, in part to examine drug regulation. We report on grey literature and selected regulatory documents to illustrate the extent to which sex and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) is utilized in regulation and policy. We identify omissions in the management of prescription drugs, and name opportunities for improvements by integrating SGBA+ into drug sponsor applications, clinical trials development, and pharmacovigilance. We report on recent efforts to incorporate sex disaggregated data and recommend ways that the management of prescription drugs can benefit from more integration of sex, gender, and equity.
The Residential Environment and Health and Well-Being of Chinese Migrant Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Huang Liyan , Said Rosli , Goh Hong Ching , Cao Yu
Published: February 2023

China’s internal migrants suffer from marginalised housing conditions, poor neighbourhood environments and residential segregation, which may have significant implications on health and well-being. Echoing recent calls for interdisciplinary research on migrant health and well-being, this study examines the associations and mechanisms of the impact of the residential environment on the health and well-being of Chinese migrants. We found that most of the relevant studies supported the “healthy migration effect”, but the phenomenon was only applicable to migrants’ self-reported physical health rather than mental health. The subjective well-being of migrants is lower than that of urban migrants. There is a debate between the effectiveness of residential environmental improvements and the ineffectiveness of residential environmental improvements in terms of the impact of the neighbourhood environment on migrants’ health and well-being. Housing conditions and the neighbourhood’s physical and social environment can enhance migrants’ health and well-being by strengthening place attachment and social cohesion, building localised social capital and gaining neighbourhood social support. Residential segregation on the neighbourhood scale affects the health outcomes of migrant populations through the mechanism of relative deprivation. Our studies build a vivid and comprehensive picture of research to understand migration, urban life and health and well-being.
When Cigarette Smoking Meets COVID-19: How the Two Types of Threat and Efficacy Perceptions Interactively Predict Danger Control and Fear Control Processes
Authors: Li Yachao , Duong Hue Trong , Massey Zachary B. , Churchill Victoria , Popova Lucy
Published: February 2023

Growing evidence indicates that communicating the combined risk of smoking and COVID-19 encourages smoking cessation. Guided by the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), we examined how perceived threats of smoking and COVID-19 independently and interactively predicted danger control responses (i.e., quit intentions and COVID-19-protective behavioral intentions) and fear control responses (i.e., fear and fatalism). We also explored the direct and interactive impacts of perceived efficacy of quitting smoking and COVID-protective behaviors on message outcomes. Structural equation modeling results (N = 747 U.S. adults who smoke) indicated that the perceived efficacy of COVID-protective behaviors positively predicted quit intentions. Higher perceived threat of COVID-19 and greater quitting efficacy predicted higher quit intentions directly and indirectly via fear. As perceived COVID-protective efficacy increased, the positive association between perceived quitting efficacy and quit intentions also increased. Smoking-related threat and efficacy perceptions did not predict COVID-protective behavioral intentions. This study added to EPPM by considering how threat and efficacy perceptions deriving from two different yet closely related risks affect protective behaviors. Thus, combining multiple threats in a single message might be a promising strategy to motivate smoking cessation amid the pandemic.
Longitudinal Analysis of Sustainable Tourism Potential of the Black Sea Riparian States Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey
Authors: Haller Alina-Petronela , Tacu Hârșan Georgia-Daniela
Published: February 2023

The three states that border the Black Sea benefit from an important potential for tourism and consider the development of this sector to be a major objective. Nonetheless, they face environmental risks. Tourism does not have a neutral impact on the ecosystem. We evaluated tourism sustainability for three states bordering the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey. We used a longitudinal data analysis applied to five variables for the period between 2005 and 2020. The data were taken from the World Bank website. The results show that tourism receipts significantly influence the environment. For all three countries, the total receipts from international tourism are unsustainable, while the receipts for travel items are sustainable. Sustainability factors are different for each country. The international tourism expenditures for Bulgaria, the total receipts for Romania and the receipts for travel items for Turkey are sustainable. In Bulgaria, the receipts from international tourism contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions, i.e., negative environmental impact. In Romania and Turkey, the number of arrivals has the same impact. No sustainable tourism model could be identified for the three countries. Tourism activity was found to be sustainable only due to the receipts for travel items, that is, indirectly, from tourism-related activities.
Social Vulnerability of Brazilian Metropolitan Schools and Teachers’ Absence from Work Due to Vocal and Psychological Symptoms: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Medeiros Adriane Mesquita de , Lobo Mariana Fernandes , Vieira Marcel de Toledo , Duarte Lia , Carvalho João Paulo Monteiro , Teodoro Ana Cláudia , Claro Rafael Moreira , Gomes Nayara Ribeiro , Freitas Alberto
Published: February 2023

Teachers’ voices and psychological symptoms are the main reasons for absence from work. The objectives of this study were: (i) to spatially represent, through a webGIS, the standardized rates of teachers’ absences due to voice (outcome 1) and psychological symptoms (outcome 2) in each Brazilian Federative Unit (FU = 26 states plus Federal District) and (ii) to analyze the relationship between each national outcome rate and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) of the municipality where urban schools are located, adjusted for sex, age, and working conditions. This cross-sectional study comprised 4979 randomly sampled teachers working in basic education urban schools, of which 83.3% are women. The national absence rates were 17.25% for voice symptoms and 14.93% for psychological symptoms. The rates, SVI, and school locations in the 27 FUs are dynamically visualized in webGIS. The multilevel multivariate logistic regression model showed a positive association between voice outcome and high/very high SVI (OR = 1.05 [1.03; 1.07]), whereas psychological symptoms were negatively associated with high/very high SVI (OR = 0.86 [0.85 0.88]) and positively associated with intermediate SVI (OR = 1.15 [1.13; 1.16]), in contrast with low/very low SVI. Being a woman (voice: OR = 1.36 [1.35; 1.38]; psychological: 1.22 [1.21; 1.24]) and working in schools with various precarious conditions (17 variables) increased the odds of being absent due to voice and psychological symptoms. The results confirm the need for investments to improve working conditions in schools.
Anxiety and Depression during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Coping Strategies
Authors: Miola Alessandro , Caiolo Stefano , Pontoni Giancarlo , Pozzan Erica , Moriglia Chiara , Simionato Filippo , Garofalo Sergio , Perini Giulia , Sambataro Fabio
Published: February 2023

Background: Evidence suggests increased anxious-depressive symptoms in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, also in its second wave. High symptom variability across individuals suggests that risk and protective factors, including coping strategies, can play a mediating role. Methods: General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Brief-COPE questionnaires were administered to people attending a COVID-19 point-of-care. Univariate and multivariate methods were used to test the association of symptoms with risk and protective factors. Results: A total of 3509 participants (27.5% with moderate-severe anxiety; 12% with depressive symptoms) were recruited. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including age, sex, sleep, physical activity, psychiatric treatments, parenthood, employment, and religiosity were associated with affective symptoms. Avoidant (self-distraction, venting, behavioral disengagement) and approach (emotional support, self-blame but not positive reframing and acceptance) coping strategies predicted greater anxiety. Avoidant strategies, including venting, denial, behavioral disengagement, substance use, and self-blame, and the humor strategy were associated with more severe depressive symptoms, while the planning predicted the opposite. Conclusions: Coping strategies, in addition to socio-demographic and life-habit factors, could have contributed to modulating anxious and depressive symptoms during the second-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, thus advocating for interventions aimed at promoting positive coping strategies to reduce the psychosocial toll of the pandemic.
Understanding Mental Health Status of Syrian Refugee and Jordanian Women: Novel Insights from a Comparative Study
Authors: Atrooz Fatin , Aljararwah Sally Mohammad , Chen Tzuan A. , Khabour Omar F. , Salim Samina
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: War and displacement are well-known predictors of negative mental health outcomes among affected populations. This is especially relevant for refugees of war, particularly women, who often repress their mental health needs due to family responsibilities, social stigma, and/or cultural pressures. In this study, we compared the mental health status of urban Syrian refugee women (n = 139) with local Jordanian women (n = 160). (2) Methods: Psychometrically validated Afghan Symptom Checklist (ASC), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) examined psychological distress, perceived stress, and mental health, respectively. (3) Results: According to independent t-tests, Syrian refugee women scored higher than Jordanian women on the ASC [mean score (SD): 60.79 (16.67) vs. 53.71 (17.80), p < 0.001], PSS [mean score (SD): 31.59 (8.45) vs. 26.94 (7.37), p < 0.001], and SRQ [mean score (SD): 11.82 (4.30) vs. 10.21 (4.72), p = 0.002]. Interestingly, both Syrian refugee and Jordanian women scored higher than the clinical cutoff in the SRQ. Regression analyses indicated that more educated women were less likely to score high on the SRQ (β = −0.143, p = 0.019), particularly in the anxiety and somatic symptoms subscale (β = −0.133, p = 0.021), and were less likely to exhibit symptoms of ruminative sadness (β = −0.138, p = 0.027). Employed women were more likely to exhibit high coping ability than unemployed women (β = 0.144, p = 0.012). (4) Conclusions: Syrian refugee women scored higher than Jordanian women in all used mental health scales. Access to mental health services and enhancing educational opportunities would help mitigate perceived stress and may enhance stress-coping abilities.
Berberine Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Myocardial Injury and Fibrosis by Eliminating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Damage via Promoting Nrf-2 Pathway Activation
Authors: Wang Yiyang , Liao Jia , Luo Yuanliang , Li Mengsi , Su Xingyu , Yu Bo , Teng Jiashuo , Wang Huadong , Lv Xiuxiu
Published: February 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX)-related cardiotoxicity has been recognized as a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. Effective targeted strategies for myocardial protection in addition to DOX treatment are urgently needed. The purpose of this paper was to determine the therapeutic effect of berberine (Ber) on DOX-triggered cardiomyopathy and explore the underlying mechanism. Our data showed that Ber markedly prevented cardiac diastolic dysfunction and fibrosis, reduced cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in DOX-treated rats. Moreover, Ber effectively rescued the DOX-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA, mitochondrial morphological damage and membrane potential loss in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. This effect was mediated by increases in the nuclear accumulation of nuclear erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). We also found that Ber suppressed the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts, as indicated by decreased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and collagen III in DOX-treated CFs. Pretreatment with Ber inhibited ROS and MDA production and increased SOD activity and the mitochondrial membrane potential in DOX-challenged CFs. Further investigation indicated that the Nrf2 inhibitor trigonelline reversed the protective effect of Ber on both cardiomyocytes and CFs after DOX stimulation. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that Ber effectively alleviated DOX-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage by activating the Nrf2-mediated pathway, thereby leading to the prevention of myocardial injury and fibrosis. The current study suggests that Ber is a potential therapeutic agent for DOX-induced cardiotoxicity that exerts its effects by activating Nrf2.
The Combined Treatment of Curcumin with Verapamil Ameliorates the Cardiovascular Pathology in a Williams–Beuren Syndrome Mouse Model
Authors: Abdalla Noura , Ortiz-Romero Paula , Rodriguez-Rovira Isaac , Pérez-Jurado Luis A. , Egea Gustavo , Campuzano Victoria
Published: February 2023

Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare disorder caused by a recurrent microdeletion with hallmarks of cardiovascular manifestations, mainly supra-valvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). Unfortunately, there is currently no efficient treatment. We investigated the effect of chronic oral treatment with curcumin and verapamil on the cardiovascular phenotype of a murine model of WBS harbouring a similar deletion, CD (complete deletion) mice. We analysed systolic blood pressure in vivo and the histopathology of the ascending aorta and the left ventricular myocardium to determine the effects of treatments and their underlying mechanism. Molecular analysis showed significantly upregulated xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) expression in the aorta and left ventricular myocardium of CD mice. This overexpression is concomitant with increased levels of nitrated proteins as a result of byproduct-mediated oxidative stress damage, indicating that XOR-generated oxidative stress impacts the pathophysiology of cardiovascular manifestations in WBS. Only the combined therapy of curcumin and verapamil resulted in a significant improvement of cardiovascular parameters via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NRF2) and reduction of XOR and nitrated protein levels. Our data suggested that the inhibition of XOR and oxidative stress damage could help prevent the severe cardiovascular injuries of this disorder.
HBV Enhances Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Reducing Ferroptosis via SRSF2-Mediated Abnormal PCLAF Splicing
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Lv Zhao , Wang Miao , Zhang Dongyan , Liu Dongying , Zhu Fan
Published: February 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human cancers. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for nearly 50% of HCC cases. Recent studies indicate that HBV infection induces resistance to sorafenib, the first-line systemic treatment for advanced HCC for more than a decade, from 2007 to 2020. Our previous research shows that variant 1 (tv1) of proliferating cell nuclear antigen clamp-associated factor (PCLAF), overexpressed in HCC, protects against doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. However, there are no reports on the relevance of PCLAF in sorafenib resistance in HBV-related HCC. In this article, we found that PCLAF levels were higher in HBV-related HCC than in non-virus-related HCC using bioinformatics analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of clinical samples and the splicing reporter minigene assay using HCC cells revealed that PCLAF tv1 was elevated by HBV. Furthermore, HBV promoted the splicing of PCLAF tv1 by downregulating serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2), which hindered the inclusion of PCLAF exon 3 through a putative cis-element (116–123), “GATTCCTG”. The CCK-8 assay showed that HBV decreased cell susceptibility to sorafenib through SRSF2/PCLAF tv1. HBV reduced ferroptosis by decreasing intracellular Fe2+ levels and activating GPX4 expression via the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis, according to a mechanism study. Suppressed ferroptosis, on the other hand, contributed to HBV-mediated sorafenib resistance through SRSF2/PCLAF tv1. These data suggested that HBV regulated PCLAF abnormal alternative splicing by suppressing SRSF2. HBV caused sorafenib resistance by reducing ferroptosis via the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis. As a result, the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis may be a prospective molecular therapeutic target in HBV-related HCC, as well as a predictor of sorafenib resistance. The inhibition of the SRSF2/PCLAF tv1 axis may be crucial in the emergence of systemic chemotherapy resistance in HBV-associated HCC.
Colon Cancer Microbiome Landscaping: Differences in Right- and Left-Sided Colon Cancer and a Tumor Microbiome-Ileal Microbiome Association
Authors: Kneis Barbara , Wirtz Stefan , Weber Klaus , Denz Axel , Gittler Matthias , Geppert Carol , Brunner Maximilian , Krautz Christian , Siebenhüner Alexander Reinhard , Schierwagen Robert , Tyc Olaf , Agaimy Abbas , Grützmann Robert , Trebicka Jonel , Kersting Stephan , Langheinrich Melanie
Published: February 2023

In the current era of precision oncology, it is widely acknowledged that CRC is a heterogeneous disease entity. Tumor location (right- or left-sided colon cancer or rectal cancer) is a crucial factor in determining disease progression as well as prognosis and influences disease management. In the last decade, numerous works have reported that the microbiome is an important element of CRC carcinogenesis, progression and therapy response. Owing to the heterogeneous nature of microbiomes, the findings of these studies were inconsistent. The majority of the studies combined colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC) samples as CRC for analysis. Furthermore, the small intestine, as the major site for immune surveillance in the gut, is understudied compared to the colon. Thus, the CRC heterogeneity puzzle is far from being solved, and more research is necessary for prospective trials that separately investigate CC and RC. Our prospective study aimed to map the colon cancer landscape using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in biopsy samples from the terminal ileum, healthy colon tissue, healthy rectal tissue and tumor tissue as well as in preoperative and postoperative stool samples of 41 patients. While fecal samples provide a good approximation of the average gut microbiome composition, mucosal biopsies allow for detecting subtle variations in local microbial communities. In particular, the small bowel microbiome has remained poorly characterized, mainly because of sampling difficulties. Our analysis revealed the following: (i) right- and left-sided colon cancers harbor distinct and diverse microbiomes, (ii) the tumor microbiome leads to a more consistent cancer-defined microbiome between locations and reveals a tumor microbiome–ileal microbiome association, (iii) the stool only partly reflects the microbiome landscape in patients with CC, and (iv) mechanical bowel preparation and perioperative antibiotics together with surgery result in major changes in the stool microbiome, characterized by a significant increase in the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as Enterococcus. Collectively, our results provide new and valuable insights into the complex microbiome landscape in patients with colon cancer.
Blue-to-Red TagFT, mTagFT, mTsFT, and Green-to-FarRed mNeptusFT2 Proteins, Genetically Encoded True and Tandem Fluorescent Timers
Authors: Subach Oksana M. , Vlaskina Anna V. , Agapova Yulia K. , Nikolaeva Alena Y. , Anokhin Konstantin V. , Piatkevich Kiryl D. , Patrushev Maxim V. , Boyko Konstantin M. , Subach Fedor V.
Published: February 2023

True genetically encoded monomeric fluorescent timers (tFTs) change their fluorescent color as a result of the complete transition of the blue form into the red form over time. Tandem FTs (tdFTs) change their color as a consequence of the fast and slow independent maturation of two forms with different colors. However, tFTs are limited to derivatives of the mCherry and mRuby red fluorescent proteins and have low brightness and photostability. The number of tdFTs is also limited, and there are no blue-to-red or green-to-far-red tdFTs. tFTs and tdFTs have not previously been directly compared. Here, we engineered novel blue-to-red tFTs, called TagFT and mTagFT, which were derived from the TagRFP protein. The main spectral and timing characteristics of the TagFT and mTagFT timers were determined in vitro. The brightnesses and photoconversions of the TagFT and mTagFT tFTs were characterized in live mammalian cells. The engineered split version of the TagFT timer matured in mammalian cells at 37 °C and allowed the detection of interactions between two proteins. The TagFT timer under the control of the minimal arc promoter, successfully visualized immediate-early gene induction in neuronal cultures. We also developed and optimized green-to-far-red and blue-to-red tdFTs, named mNeptusFT and mTsFT, which were based on mNeptune-sfGFP and mTagBFP2-mScarlet fusion proteins, respectively. We developed the FucciFT2 system based on the TagFT-hCdt1-100/mNeptusFT2-hGeminin combination, which could visualize the transitions between the G1 and S/G2/M phases of the cell cycle with better resolution than the conventional Fucci system because of the fluorescent color changes of the timers over time in different phases of the cell cycle. Finally, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of the mTagFT timer and analyzed it using directed mutagenesis.
IKAROS in Acute Leukemia: A Positive Influencer or a Mean Hater?
Authors: Conserva Maria Rosa , Redavid Immacolata , Anelli Luisa , Zagaria Antonella , Tarantini Francesco , Cumbo Cosimo , Tota Giuseppina , Parciante Elisa , Coccaro Nicoletta , Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Minervini Angela , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino , Albano Francesco
Published: February 2023

One key process that controls leukemogenesis is the regulation of oncogenic gene expression by transcription factors acting as tumor suppressors. Understanding this intricate mechanism is crucial to elucidating leukemia pathophysiology and discovering new targeted treatments. In this review, we make a brief overview of the physiological role of IKAROS and the molecular pathway that contributes to acute leukemia pathogenesis through IKZF1 gene lesions. IKAROS is a zinc finger transcription factor of the Krüppel family that acts as the main character during hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. It can activate or repress tumor suppressors or oncogenes, regulating the survival and proliferation of leukemic cells. More than 70% of Ph+ and Ph-like cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia exhibit IKZF1 gene variants, which are linked to worse treatment outcomes in both childhood and adult B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the last few years, much evidence supporting IKAROS involvement in myeloid differentiation has been reported, suggesting that loss of IKZF1 might also be a determinant of oncogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia. Considering the complicated “social” network that IKAROS manages in hematopoietic cells, we aim to focus on its involvement and the numerous alterations of molecular pathways it can support in acute leukemias.
Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Gorobets Denis , Weinstein-Fudim Liza , Becker Maria
Published: February 2023

The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3–4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
A DSC Test for the Early Detection of Neoplastic Gastric Lesions in a Medium-Risk Gastric Cancer Area
Authors: De Re Valli , Realdon Stefano , Vettori Roberto , Zaramella Alice , Maiero Stefania , Repetto Ombretta , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Steffan Agostino , Cannizzaro Renato
Published: February 2023

In this study, we aimed to assess the accuracy of the proposed novel, noninvasive serum DSC test in predicting the risk of gastric cancer before the use of upper endoscopy. To validate the DSC test, we enrolled two series of individuals living in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (n = 53 and n = 113, respectively), who were referred for an endoscopy. The classification used for the DSC test to predict gastric cancer risk combines the coefficient of the patient’s age and sex and serum pepsinogen I and II, gastrin 17, and anti-Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G concentrations in two equations: Y1 and Y2. The coefficient of variables and the Y1 and Y2 cutoff points (>0.385 and >0.294, respectively) were extrapolated using regression analysis and an ROC curve analysis of two retrospective datasets (300 cases for the Y1 equation and 200 cases for the Y2 equation). The first dataset included individuals with autoimmune atrophic gastritis and first-degree relatives with gastric cancer; the second dataset included blood donors. Demographic data were collected; serum pepsinogen, gastrin G17, and anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG concentrations were assayed using an automatic Maglumi system. Gastroscopies were performed by gastroenterologists using an Olympus video endoscope with detailed photographic documentation during examinations. Biopsies were taken at five standardized mucosa sites and were assessed by a pathologist for diagnosis. The accuracy of the DSC test in predicting neoplastic gastric lesions was estimated to be 74.657% (65%CI; 67.333% to 81.079%). The DSC test was found to be a useful, noninvasive, and simple approach to predicting gastric cancer risk in a population with a medium risk of developing gastric cancer.
Materials for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Zarrabi Ali , Caldera Fabrizio , Trotta Francesco
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic showed the crucial significance of investing in and conducting research on infectious diseases [...]