bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Usage and Resistance in Makkah Region Hospitals: A Regional Point Prevalence Survey of Public Hospitals
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Faidah Hani Saleh , Algethamy Manal , Alghamdi Saleh , Alhazmi Ghaidaa Ali , Alshomrani Afnan Owedah , Alqethami Bashair Rjyan , Alotibi Hind Saeed , Almutiri Maali Zayed , Almuqati Khawlah Saad , Albishi Amjad Abdullah , Elrggal Mahmoud Essam , Mahrous Ahmad Jamal , Khogeer Asim Abdulaziz , Saleem Zikria , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Sheikh Aziz
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Inappropriate use of antimicrobials and subsequently rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major public health priority. Over-prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics is one of the main contributing factors for the emergence of AMR. We sought to describe antimicrobial prescribing trends among patients in public hospitals in Makkah hospitals. (2) Method: We undertook a point prevalence survey (PPS) in six hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2019 to July 2019. The survey included all the inpatients receiving antimicrobials on the day of PPS. Data was collected using the Global point prevalence survey (PPS) tool developed by the University of Antwerp, Belgium. (3) Results: Of 710 hospitalized patients, 447 patients (61.9%) were treated with one or more antimicrobials during the study period. The average bed occupancy among six hospitals was 74.4%. The majority of patients received antimicrobials parenterally (90.3%). Of the total prescribed antimicrobials, 415 (53.7%) antimicrobials were used in medical departments, 183 (23.7%) in surgical departments, and 175 (22.6%) in ICUs. Pneumonia (17.3%), skin and soft tissue infections (10.9%), and sepsis (6.6.%) were three common clinical indications. Ceftriaxones were the most commonly used antibiotics that were prescribed in 116 (15%) of patients, followed by piperacillin, with an enzyme inhibitor in 84 (10.9%). (4) Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of antibiotic use in the hospitals of Makkah, which could be a potential risk factor for the incidence of resistant strains, particularly MRSA infection. Public health decision-makers should take these findings into consideration to update national policies for antibiotic use in order to reduce the risks of further increases of AMR.
Teachers’ Perspectives on Cyberbullying: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Castellanos Almudena , Ortega-Ruipérez Beatriz , Aparisi David
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work is to analyze the perceptions of Colombian, Spanish, and Ecuadorian teachers regarding cyberbullying from a cross-cultural perspective. A descriptive and analytical method was used with a quantitative approach and 240 teachers answered an ad hoc questionnaire. Most teachers in the three countries say that they do not know how to deal with this type of bullying and have not received training in this respect, with the percentages in the three countries being very similar. Spanish teachers have the highest percentage of lack of concern about cyberbullying and Colombian teachers are the ones who admit to having had the most cases of cyberbullying. In terms of reaction, the majority acted, but among those who did not, Ecuadorian teachers did not due to lack of knowledge. Forced by the pandemic to teach their classes online, teachers are increasingly concerned about cyberbullying. For the three countries, it is considered necessary to take measures in terms of legislating specific protocols to deal with cyberbullying at school and that the training plans for the degrees that give access to this profession include the competencies that allow teachers to develop appropriate strategies to respond to cyberbullying.
Pesticide Research on Environmental and Human Exposure and Risks in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Fuhrimann Samuel , Wan Chenjie , Blouzard Elodie , Veludo Adriana , Holtman Zelda , Chetty-Mhlanga Shala , Dalvie Mohamed Aqiel , Atuhaire Aggrey , Kromhout Hans , Röösli Martin , Rother Hanna-Andrea
Published: December 2021

On the African continent, ongoing agriculture intensification is accompanied by the increasing use of pesticides, associated with environmental and public health concerns. Using a systematic literature review, we aimed to map current geographical research hotspots and gaps around environmental and public health risks research of agriculture pesticides in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Studies were included that collected primary data on past and current-used agricultural pesticides and assessed their environmental occurrence, related knowledge, attitude and practice, human exposure, and environmental or public health risks between 2006 and 2021. We identified 391 articles covering 469 study sites in 37 countries in SSA. Five geographical research hotspots were identified: two in South Africa, two in East Africa, and one in West Africa. Despite its ban for agricultural use, organochlorine was the most studied pesticide group (60%; 86% of studies included DDT). Current-used pesticides in agriculture were studied in 54% of the study sites (including insecticides (92%), herbicides (44%), and fungicides (35%)). Environmental samples were collected in 67% of the studies (e.g., water, aquatic species, sediment, agricultural produce, and air). In 38% of the studies, human subjects were investigated. Only few studies had a longitudinal design or assessed pesticide’s environmental risks; human biomarkers; dose-response in human subjects, including children and women; and interventions to reduce pesticide exposure. We established a research database that can help stakeholders to address research gaps, foster research collaboration between environmental and health dimensions, and work towards sustainable and safe agriculture systems in SSA.
Distribution and Potential Sources of OCPs and PAHs in Waters from the Danshui River Basin in Yichang, China
Authors: Chen Wei , Peng Bo , Huang Huanfang , Kuang Ye , Qian Zhe , Zhu Wenting , Liu Wei , Zhang Yuan , Liao Yuan , Zhao Xiufang , Zhou Hong , Qi Shihua
Published: December 2021

To investigate the concentrations, spatial distribution, potential sources and mass fluxes of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waters from the Danshui River Basin, a total of 20 water samples were collected and analyzed from a karstic river in Western Hubei of Central China. The average concentrations of total OCPs and PAHs in the river water were 4719 pg·L−1 and 26.2 ng·L−1, respectively. The characteristic ratios of different isomers and the composition analysis of individual OCPs and PAHs revealed that HCHs originated from a mixed input of technical HCHs and Lindane, DDTs were mainly from technical DDTs, and PAHs mainly originated from biomass and coal combustion. The mass flux analysis showed that PAHs had a higher emission and heavier burden than OCPs in the Danshui River Basin. OCPs and PAHs emitted from agricultural or other human activities could enter the groundwater and then be transported to the surface/river water in the karst area. The adsorption of OCPs and PAHs by particles and the sedimentation of particles could be the primary processes to intercept these pollutants in the water of the karstic river system.
How Course Support and Academic Support Impact on Chinese Graduate Students during the COVID-19: The Multiple Mediating Roles of Thesis Writing and Anxiety
Authors: Liang Zhengyan , Zeng Qing , Zhang Minqiang , Luo Huijun , Huang Sijuan , Li Jia , Yi Da
Published: December 2021

Because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the learning style of graduate students has changed considerably, making them more susceptible to psychological problems. This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of thesis writing and anxiety between course support (including course-arrangement, course-assessment, and course-learning), academic support (including academic exchange with colleges, tutors and schoolmates) and depression. There were 3137 graduate students investigated by self-developed Graduate Students’ Academic Affected Questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. The results showed that (1) 82% of graduate students reported their course support, academic support and thesis writing were affected to varying degrees; (2) course support and academic support correlated with thesis writing, anxiety and depression (p < 0.001); (3) the mediation model fitted well, the mediating effect of anxiety between academic support and depression was significant (β = 0.086, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), the serial multiple mediating effects of thesis writing and anxiety between academic support and depression were significant (β = 0.02, SE = 0.008, p = 0.013) and the serial multiple mediating effects of thesis writing and anxiety between course support and depression were also found to be significant (β = 0.014, SE = 0.006, p = 0.014).
The Role of Executive Function in the Effectiveness of Multi-Component Interventions Targeting Physical Activity Behavior in Office Workers
Authors: Wang Rui , Blom Victoria , Nooijen Carla F. J. , Kallings Lena V. , Ekblom Örjan , Ekblom Maria M.
Published: December 2021

A knowledge gap remains in understanding how to improve the intervention effectiveness in office workers targeting physically active (PA) behavior. We aim to identify the modifying effect of executive function (EF) on the intervention effectiveness targeting PA-behaviors, and to verify whether the observed effect varies by Job Demand Control (JDC) categories. This workplace-based intervention study included 245 participants who were randomized into a control group and two intervention arms—promoting physical activity (iPA) group or reducing sedentary behavior (iSED) group. The interventions were conducted through counselling-based cognitive behavioral therapy and team activities over 6 months. PA-behaviors were measured by an accelerometer. EF was assessed by the Trail Making Test-B, Stroop, and n-back test. The JDC categories were measured by the demand control questionnaire. Higher EF level at baseline was significantly associated with the intervention effect on increased sleep time (β-coefficient: 3.33, p = 0.003) and decreased sedentary time (−2.76, p = 0.049) in the iSED-group. Participants with active jobs (high job demands, high control) presented significantly increased light-intensity PA in the iSED-group in comparison to the control group. Among participants with a high level of EF and active jobs, relative to the control group, the iPA-group showed a substantial increase in light-intensity PA (1.58, p = 0.036) and the iSED-group showed a tendency of reducing sedentary behavior (−5.35, p = 0.054). The findings suggest that office workers with a high EF and active jobs may benefit most from an intervention study targeting PA-behaviors.
Cancer Incidence and Risk of Multiple Cancers after Environmental Asbestos Exposure in Childhood—A Long-Term Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Dalsgaard Sofie Bünemann , Würtz Else Toft , Hansen Johnni , Røe Oluf Dimitri , Omland Øyvind
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To examine the asbestos-associated cancer incidence and the risk of multiple cancers in former school children exposed to environmental asbestos in childhood. Methods: A cohort of 12,111 former school children, born 1940–1970, was established using 7th grade school records from four schools located at a distance of 100–750 m in the prevailing wind direction from a large asbestos-cement plant that operated from 1928 to 1984 in Aalborg, Denmark. Using the unique Danish personal identification number, we linked information on employments, relatives’ employments, date of cancer diagnosis, and type of cancer and vital status to data on cohortees extracted from the Supplementary Pension Fund Register (employment history), the Danish Cancer Registry, and the Danish Civil Registration System. We calculated standardized incidence rates (SIRs) for asbestos-associated cancers, all cancers, and multiple cancers using rates for a gender and five-year frequency-matched reference cohort. Results: The overall incidence of cancer was modestly increased for the school cohort (SIR 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.12) compared with the reference cohort. This excess was driven primarily by a significantly increased SIR for malignant mesothelioma (SIR 8.77, 95% CI 6.38–12.05). Former school children who had combined childhood environmental and subsequent occupational exposure to asbestos had a significantly increased risk of lung cancer. Within this group, those with additional household exposure by a relative had a significantly increased SIR for cancer of the pharynx (SIR 4.24, 95% CI 1.59–11.29). We found no significant difference in the number of subjects diagnosed with multiple cancers between the two cohorts. Conclusions: Our study confirms the strong association between environmental asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma and suggests that environmental asbestos exposure in childhood may increase the overall cancer risk later in life.
A Noise Control Method Using Adaptive Adjustable Parametric Array Loudspeaker to Eliminate Environmental Noise in Real Time
Authors: Li Yinsheng , Zheng Wei
Published: December 2021

Long-term exposure to environmental noise is dangerous to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to suppress or eliminate environmental noise. Due to the limitation of environmental space, the use of reverse sound waves emitted by loudspeakers for noise elimination has been widely used in noise control. However, because of the omni-directionality of sound propagation, a traditional voice coil loudspeaker (VCL) is used as a secondary source (emission reverse sound wave). It is easy to increase the sound pressure in non-target areas and form significant acoustic feedback to the reference source. Therefore, we propose an online secondary path modeling method using an adjustable parametric array loudspeaker (PAL) based on ultrasounds to eliminate environmental noise in real time. According to the different distance of the target, the size of the PAL is adjusted adaptively to realize the noise control of different long-distance targets. The distribution of quiet areas is discussed. The experimental results showed that a PAL as a secondary source had the same noise reduction effect as a traditional VCL, but it had longer propagation distance, smaller sound feedback and a more regular and controllable distribution of quiet areas. These research findings have great potential for improving environmental noise and creating a quiet environment.
Comparison of Outcomes Derived from the ActiGraph GT3X+ and the Axivity AX3 Accelerometer to Objectively Measure 24-Hour Movement Behaviors in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: De Craemer Marieke , Verbestel Vera
Published: December 2021

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate convergent validity of outcomes derived from the ActiGraph GT3X and Axivity accelerometer and to investigate feasibility and acceptability of using outcomes derived from these devices to measure 24-h movement behaviors (i.e., sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical activity) in adults during free-living conditions. Twenty-four adults (33.3% male; 39.79 ± 13.09 years old) simultaneously wore a hip-mounted ActiGraph and thigh-mounted Axivity during 48 consecutive hours. The ActiGraph was switched from hip to wrist during the night. To assess convergent validity between the two devices, Paired sample t-tests, linear regressions, Bland–Altman plots and κ statistic were conducted. Feasibility and acceptability of the devices was self-reported on a five-point scale. Daily time spent in 24-h movement behaviors differed between both devices. Except for sleep, the mean differences in daily time spent in the behaviors were clinically relevant and the limits of agreement were wide. For all 24-h movement behaviors, except for sleep and vigorous physical activity, proportional errors were observed. κ statistic showed substantial agreement for total physical activity and outstanding agreement for sedentary behavior and sleep. Adults perceived the Axivity as more practical than the ActiGraph to wear it for more than two days whereas the feasibility to wear it for two days was comparable. Depending on the measure, the observed biases were clinically relevant, proportional to the size of the measure and/or erratically variable. When taking into account the data processing approaches applied in this study, the ActiGraph and the Axivity cannot be used interchangeably to measure 24-h movement behaviors since the bias between both devices is clinically relevant and unpredictable.
Effects of Kinesio Taping with Squat Exercise on the Muscle Activity, Muscle Strength, Muscle Tension, and Dynamic Stability of Softball Players in the Lower Extremities: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Hee , Kim Kyung-Hun
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose: Knee injuries are common among female softball players, and the stability of the lower extremities and the strength of the knee are essential factors for them. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping with squat exercise (KTSE) on lower extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability of softball players. Methods: In this study, 40 softball players were randomly assigned to the KTSE group and sham taping with squat exercise (SKTSE) group. All subjects were tested three times a week for 6 weeks, i.e., for a total of 18 times. To evaluate the lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, and muscle tone of the lower extremities, as well as dynamic stability, we used Noraxon Mini DTS, a digital muscular meter from JTech Medical, MyotonPRO, and the side hop test (a clinical evaluation method), respectively. These items were measured before the experiment and 6 weeks after the start of the experiment. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability (p < 0.05). After the experiment, significant effects on lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability were observed in the KTSE group compared with in the SKTSE group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: KTSE did not have a negative effect on all items of the functional performance test. KTSE improved lower-extremity muscle activity, muscle strength, muscle tone, and dynamic stability.
Exploring the Differential Effect of Life Satisfaction on Low and High-Cost Pro-Environmental Behaviors
Authors: del Saz Salazar Salvador , Pérez y Pérez Luis
Published: December 2021

The role of life satisfaction as a determinant of pro-environmental behavior remains largely unexplored in the extant literature. Using a sample of undergraduate students, we explore the effect of life satisfaction on low- and high-cost pro-environmental behaviors. While low-cost pro-environmental behavior has been defined as recycling activities, high-cost pro-environmental behavior is defined in a contingent valuation framework in which respondents are asked about their willingness to pay extra for offsetting CO2 emissions, thus avoiding treating the proposed payment as symbolic. Controlling for demographic characteristics and environmental concern, results suggest that life satisfaction has a slightly stronger, and more significant, effect on high-cost pro-environmental behavior than in low-cost pro-environmental behavior. This study also finds that environmental concern and having siblings with a university degree increases the probability of engaging in both behaviors. However, family income is a better predictor of high-cost pro-environmental behavior than of low-cost pro-environmental behavior.
Elementary Schools’ Response to Student Wellness Needs during the COVID-19 Shutdown: A Qualitative Exploration Using the R = MC2 Readiness Heuristic
Authors: Calvert Hannah G. , Lane Hannah G. , McQuilkin Michaela , Wenner Julianne A. , Turner Lindsey
Published: December 2021

During spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying public health advisories forced K-12 schools throughout the United States to suspend in-person instruction. School personnel rapidly transitioned to remote provision of academic instruction and wellness services such as school meals and counseling services. The aim of this study was to investigate how schools responded to the transition to remote supports, including assessment of what readiness characteristics schools leveraged or developed to facilitate those transitions. Semi-structured interviews informed by school wellness implementation literature were conducted in the spring of 2020. Personnel (n = 50) from 39 urban and rural elementary schools nationwide participated. The readiness = motivation capacity2 (R = MC2) heuristic, developed by Scaccia and colleagues, guided coding to determine themes related to schools’ readiness to support student wellness in innovative ways during the pandemic closure. Two distinct code sets emerged, defined according to the R = MC2 heuristic (1) Innovations: roles that schools took on during the pandemic response, and (2) Readiness: factors influencing schools’ motivation and capacity to carry out those roles. Schools demonstrated unprecedented capacity and motivation to provide crucial wellness support to students and families early in the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts can inform future resource allocation and new strategies to implement school wellness practices when schools resume normal operations.
The Microbiota-Bone-Allergy Interplay
Authors: Sirufo Maria Maddalena , De Pietro Francesca , Catalogna Alessandra , Ginaldi Lia , De Martinis Massimo
Published: December 2021

Emerging knowledge suggests an increasing importance of gut microbiota in health and disease. Allergy and bone metabolism are closely interconnected, and the possible negative effects of common therapies are not the only aspects of this relationship. The immune system is influenced by the microbiota-host interactions, and several pieces of evidence suggest the existence of an interplay between microbiota, bone metabolism, and allergies. Understanding these inter-relationships is essential for the development of new potential strategies of treatment and prevention targeting microbiota. A wide range of substances and germs, prebiotics and probiotics, are capable of influencing and modifying the microbiota. Prebiotics and probiotics have been shown in several studies to have different actions based on various factors such as sex, hormonal status, and age. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge on the topic, and we discuss practical implications and the need for further studies.
A Heat Vulnerability Index: Spatial Patterns of Exposure, Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity for Urbanites of Four Cities of India
Authors: Rathi Suresh Kumar , Chakraborty Soham , Mishra Saswat Kishore , Dutta Ambarish , Nanda Lipika
Published: December 2021

Extreme heat and heat waves have been established as disasters which can lead to a great loss of life. Several studies over the years, both within and outside of India, have shown how extreme heat events lead to an overall increase in mortality. However, the impact of extreme heat, similar to other disasters, depends upon the vulnerability of the population. This study aims to assess the extreme heat vulnerability of the population of four cities with different characteristics across India. This cross-sectional study included 500 households from each city across the urban localities (both slum and non-slum) of Ongole in Andhra Pradesh, Karimnagar in Telangana, Kolkata in West Bengal and Angul in Odisha. Twenty-one indicators were used to construct a household vulnerability index to understand the vulnerability of the cities. The results have shown that the majority of the households fell under moderate to high vulnerability level across all the cities. Angul and Kolkata were found to be more highly vulnerable as compared to Ongole and Karimnagar. Further analysis also revealed that household vulnerability is more significantly related to adaptive capacity than sensitivity and exposure. Heat Vulnerability Index can help in identifying the vulnerable population and scaling up adaptive practices.
On the Move or Barely Moving? Age-Related Changes in Physical Activity, Sedentary, and Sleep Behaviors by Weekday/Weekend Following Pandemic Control Policies
Authors: Kuhn Ann Pulling , Kowalski Alysse J. , Wang Yan , Deitch Rachel , Selam Helina , Rahmaty Zahra , Black Maureen M. , Hager Erin R.
Published: December 2021

This study examined pre-pandemic (2017-early March 2020) to early-pandemic (Spring 2020) changes in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), and sedentary behavior/sleep (SS), by weekday/weekend, and age (preschool, elementary, middle school). We re-enrolled children from two pre-pandemic obesity prevention trials and examined differences in accelerometer-measured PA from pre-pandemic to early-pandemic across age groups using linear mixed models. Children (n = 75) were 51% multiple race/ethnicities, 29% preschool, 28% elementary, 43% middle school, 65% suburban, 21% rural, and 13% urban. Pre-pandemic to early-pandemic changes in weekday MVPA (p = 0.006), LPA (p = 0.018), and SS (p = 0.003) differed by age. On weekdays, middle schoolers’ MVPA decreased 15.36 min/day (p = 0.002) and SS increased 94.36 min/day (p < 0.001) with non-significant changes among preschoolers and elementary schoolers. Compared to elementary schoolers, middle schoolers’ changes in weekday MVPA (b = −16.34, p = 0.036) and SS (b = 63.28, p = 0.039) significantly differed. Declines in weekday MVPA and increases in SS among middle schoolers suggest that, compared with younger children, middle schoolers are dependent on school and recreational facilities for PA, and in their absence engage in more sedentary activities and sleep.
The Role of Dispositional Orientations and Goal Motives on Athletes’ Well- and Ill-Being
Authors: Martínez-González Natalia , Atienza Francisco L. , Duda Joan L. , Balaguer Isabel
Published: December 2021

Findings in different contexts suggest that task orientation and ego orientation are related to adaptive and maladaptive motivational patterns, respectively. In sport, these personal dispositions could influence other important variables such as the goals that athletes pursue (and why they pursue them) during the season and their well- and ill-being. The main purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between athletes’ dispositional goal orientations, their goal motives, and their reported well-being (subjective vitality) and ill-being (physical and emotional exhaustion). The study involved 414 Spanish university athletes (206 female and 208 male) with an age range of 17 to 33 years (M = 20.61; SD = 2.58) that completed a package of questionnaires at the beginning of the season. Results of path analysis revealed that athletes’ task orientation was negatively associated to physical and emotional exhaustion indirectly through autonomous and controlled goal motives. In contrast, ego orientation was positively related to physical and emotional exhaustion via its link to controlled goal motives. Athletes’ task orientation directly and positively predicted subjective vitality, even though goal motives were not significant mediators. These findings support previous evidence about the protective role of athletes’ task orientation, in contrast to ego orientation, confirming its positive relationship with well-being and its negative one with ill-being. Additionally, it extends the knowledge regarding interdependencies between goal orientations and goal motives and how both contribute to athletes’ optimal or compromised functioning.
Parent’s Perspective towards Child COVID-19 Vaccination: An Online Cross-Sectional Study in Mexico
Authors: Delgado-Gallegos Juan Luis , Padilla-Rivas Gerardo R. , Gastelum-Arias Lilia Julieta , Zuñiga-Violante Erika , Avilés-Rodríguez Gener , Arellanos-Soto Daniel , Franco-Villareal Héctor , Garza-Treviño Elsa N. , Cosío-León María de los Ángeles , Romo-Cardenas Gerardo Salvador , Ramos-Jiménez Javier , Rivas-Estrilla Ana Ma. , Moreno-Cuevas Jorge E. , Islas Jose Francisco
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 vaccination programs continue in child populations. Thus, parents’ attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination of their children is crucial for these strategies to succeed. The present study derives from the application of an online COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance & Hesitancy Questionnaire (COV-AHQ) in which we measure parent’s hesitancy towards children’s vaccination (section 4 of the COV-AHQ) and other significant factors. A logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise method was used to quantify the associations between factors and parent’s hesitancy. According to the correlation analysis, the most representative factors predicting vaccine hesitancy/acceptance were positive attitude towards vaccination, parents believing that the COVID-19 vaccine will enhance the economic situation of the country, parents actively researching information, having the willingness to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine themselves, and the possibility of their children developing adverse effects. Our findings also showed that parents are highly interested in having their children vaccinated. Nonetheless, parents expressed high levels of concern involving their children in developing adverse effects from the vaccine. In addition, obtaining influenza immunization prompted interest in obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine, and younger-aged parents are much more concerned with having their children vaccinated. Therefore, in order to ensure successful vaccination programs, policymakers and health authorities should design strategies to gain confidence and provide security amongst the population, including giving continuous information about the benefits of vaccination and presenting the frequency of side effects to bring parents on board with vaccinating their children.
Virtual World Café Method for Identifying Mental Health Research Priorities: Methodological Case Study
Authors: Banfield Michelle , Gulliver Amelia , Morse Alyssa R.
Published: December 2021

People with lived experience of mental health problems as both consumers and carers can bring significant expertise to the research process. However, the methods used to gather this information and their subsequent results can vary markedly. This paper describes the methods for two virtual World Cafés held to gather data on consumer and carer priorities for mental health research. Several methodological processes and challenges arose during data collection, including the achieved recruitment for each group (n = 4, n = 7) falling significantly short of the target number of 20 participants per group. This led to departures from planned methods (i.e., the use of a single ‘room’, rather than multiple breakout rooms). Despite this, the participants in the virtual World Cafés were able to generate over 200 ideas for research priorities, but not identify agreed-upon priorities. Virtual World Cafés can quickly generate a significant volume of data; however, they may not be as effective at generating consensus.
Designing a Logic Model for Mobile Maternal Health e-Voucher Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Interpretive Review
Authors: Lee Seohyun , Adam Abdul-jabiru
Published: December 2021

Despite the increasing transition from paper vouchers to mobile e-vouchers for maternal health in low- and middle-income countries, few studies have reviewed key elements for program planning, implementation, and evaluation. To bridge this gap, this study conducted an interpretive review and developed a logic model for mobile maternal health e-voucher programs. Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched to retrieve relevant studies; 27 maternal health voucher programs from 84 studies were identified, and key elements for the logic model were retrieved and organized systematically. Some of the elements identified have the potential to be improved greatly by shifting to mobile e-vouchers, such as payment via mobile money or electronic claims processing and data entry for registration. The advantages of transitioning to mobile e-voucher identified from the logic model can be summarized as scalability, transparency, and flexibility. The present study contributes to the literature by providing insights into program planning, implementation, and evaluation for mobile maternal health e-voucher programs.
Common Features in Compulsive Sexual Behavior, Substance Use Disorders, Personality, Temperament, and Attachment—A Narrative Review
Authors: Efrati Yaniv , Kraus Shane W. , Kaplan Gal
Published: December 2021

Do addictions share common traits of an “addictive personality” or do different addictions have distinct personality profiles? This narrative review examines the differences in the associations between substance use disorder (SUD) and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), on the one hand, and personality traits, attachment dispositions, and temperament, on the other hand. We found that both people with a SUD and people with CSBD tended to be more spontaneous, careless, and less reliable, to place self-interest above getting along with others, to show emotional instability and experience negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and/or depression, to be less able to control their attention and/or behavior, and to be engulfed with a constant sensation of “wanting”. Only people with CSBD, but not SUD, noted concerns with their social ties, fear of losing close others, and/or trusting others around them. Results also suggested that people with a SUD and people with CSBD share high commonalities in personality traits and temperament, yet there are noted differences in their social tendencies, especially with close others. People with CSBD reported more concerns with possible relationship losses compared to people with SUD issues, who may be more worried about losing their source of escapism.
‘A Safe Place Where I Am Welcome to Unwind When I Choose to’—Experiences of Brief Admission by Self-Referral for Adolescents Who Self-Harm at Risk for Suicide: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lindkvist Rose-Marie , Westling Sofie , Eberhard Sophia , Johansson Björn Axel , Rask Olof , Landgren Kajsa
Published: December 2021

Evidence is lacking on how to manage imminent suicidality in adolescents with self-harm. Brief Admission by Self-referral (BA) is a crisis-management intervention, developed for adults with self-harm at risk for suicide. Structured, individualized and based on responsible autonomy, BA aims to provide a respite while minimizing negative effects of hospitalization. This qualitative interview study illuminates adolescents’ experiences of BA, adapted for this target group. Nineteen adolescents aged 14 to 19 years, described BA as helpful for timely rest and recovery to save themselves from impulses to self-harm. The individual contract, which is a prerequisite for access to BA, was perceived to give access to professional support in a safe environment, also among adolescents not using their contract. Being trusted with responsibility to self-admit was also hard work with struggles of self-doubt. Challenges included experiencing distrust from staff and fear of not being able to abstain from self-harm, which BA is conditioned upon. However, this condition was also perceived to induce self-motivation and growth. BA appeared well-adapted to the target group, fulfilling needs of predictability, autonomy, and opportunity for recovery to prevent self-harm. Suggestions for improvement included continually informing staff about important features of BA. To further evaluate benefits and challenges of BA, future research may evaluate clinical and health-economic outcomes and perspectives from parents and caregivers.
Simulating Urban Expansion Based on Ecological Security Pattern—A Case Study of Hangzhou, China
Authors: Yang Xiaochang , Li Sinan , Zhu Congmou , Dong Baiyu , Xu Hongwei
Published: December 2021

Disordered urban expansion has encroached on a large amount of ecological land, resulting in the steady degradation of urban ecology, which has an adverse effect on the sustainable development of the region. An ecological security pattern can effectively control urban expansion, and it is of great significance to balance urban development and ecological protection. In order to analyze the impact of ecological security patterns on urban expansion, Hangzhou was taken as an example, the CA-Markov model and FLUS model were used to simulate the urban expansion pattern in 2030 under the natural development scenario and the ecological security scenario. The results showed that (1) the ecological source area in the study area is 630.90 km2 and was mainly distributed in the western mountainous area. There are 14 ecological corridors, primarily composed of valleys and rivers. Ecological nodes are mainly distributed on the north and south sides of the main urban area. (2) From 2000 to 2018, the annual increase index (AI) of construction land decreased in the northeast and southeast directions but increased in the northwest and southwest directions, and in the northeast direction the value was always the highest. Except for the southwest direction, the average annual growth rate (AGR) of construction land in the other directions decreased. At a distance from the city center of 30 km, AI was relatively higher and was increasing, while AGR was declining. At a distance of 30–45 km, both AI and AGR were increasing, indicating that the focus of construction land was moving outwards. (3) From 2018 to 2030, under both natural development scenario and ecological security scenario, construction land would keep expanding, but the construction land area, proportion, AI, and AGR of the latter would both be smaller than the former, indicating that the ecological security pattern can effectively curb urban expansion. Because of a large amount area of ecological sources, the expansion of construction land in the southwest direction would be constrained, especially under the ecological security scenario. The methods and results of this study can provide theoretical and application references for urban planning and green development in metropolises.
Georeferencing of COVID-19 Positive Nasopharyngeal Swabs to Support Emergency Management in an Area of Northern Italy
Authors: Airoldi Chiara , Bertolotti Marinella , Rowinski Maria , Betti Marta , Pecere Alessandro , Sarro Andrea , Franceschetti Genny , Pacileo Guglielmo , Maconi Antonio , Ferrante Daniela
Published: December 2021

Spatial distribution heterogeneity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been observed in several countries. While previous studies have covered vast geographic areas, detailed analyses on smaller territories are not available to date. The aim of our study was to understand the spatial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a province of Northern Italy through the analysis of positive nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs. The study was conducted on subjects who lived in the province of Alessandria with at least one positive NP swab between 2 March and 22 December 2020. To investigate if clustering occurred, the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects over the total number of residents in each small administrative subregion was calculated and then mapped. A total of 17,260 subjects with at least one positive NP swab were included; the median age was 54 years (Interquartile range 38–72) and 54.9% (n = 9478) of our study population were female. Among the 192 towns scanned, 26 showed a prevalence between 5% and 7.5%, one between 7.5% and 10% and two with more than 10% positive swabs. The territories with a higher prevalence of positive subjects were located in areas with at least one nursing home and potential clusters were observed within these structures. The maps produced may be considered a useful and important monitoring system to identify areas with a significant and relevant diffusion of SARS-CoV-2.
Extracellular Nucleotides Affect the Proangiogenic Behavior of Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes, and Endothelial Cells
Authors: Węgłowska Edyta , Koziołkiewicz Maria , Kamińska Daria , Grobelski Bartłomiej , Pawełczak Dariusz , Kołodziejczyk Marek , Bielecki Stanisław , Gendaszewska-Darmach Edyta
Published: December 2021

Chronic wound healing is currently a severe problem due to its incidence and associated complications. Intensive research is underway on substances that retain their biological activity in the wound microenvironment and stimulate the formation of new blood vessels critical for tissue regeneration. This group includes synthetic compounds with proangiogenic activity. Previously, we identified phosphorothioate analogs of nucleoside 5′-O-monophosphates as multifunctional ligands of P2Y6 and P2Y14 receptors. The effects of a series of unmodified and phosphorothioate nucleotide analogs on the secretion of VEGF from keratinocytes and fibroblasts, as well as their influence on the viability and proliferation of keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells were analyzed. In addition, the expression profiles of genes encoding nucleotide receptors in tested cell models were also investigated. In this study, we defined thymidine 5′-O-monophosphorothioate (TMPS) as a positive regulator of angiogenesis. Preliminary analyses confirmed the proangiogenic potency of TMPS in vivo.
Transcriptome Analysis of Triple Mutant for OsMADS62, OsMADS63, and OsMADS68 Reveals the Downstream Regulatory Mechanism for Pollen Germination in Rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Kim Eui-Jung , Hong Woo-Jong , Kim Yu-Jin , Jung Ki-Hong
Published: December 2021

The MADS (MCM1-AGAMOUS-DEFFICIENS-SRF) gene family has a preserved domain called MADS-box that regulates downstream gene expression as a transcriptional factor. Reports have revealed three MADS genes in rice, OsMADS62, OsMADS63, and OsMADS68, which exhibits preferential expression in mature rice pollen grains. To better understand the transcriptional regulation of pollen germination and tube growth in rice, we generated the loss-of-function homozygous mutant of these three OsMADS genes using the CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9) system in wild-type backgrounds. Results showed that the triple knockout (KO) mutant showed a complete sterile phenotype without pollen germination. Next, to determine downstream candidate genes that are transcriptionally regulated by the three OsMADS genes during pollen development, we proceeded with RNA-seq analysis by sampling the mature anther of the mutant and wild-type. Two hundred and seventy-four upregulated and 658 downregulated genes with preferential expressions in the anthers were selected. Furthermore, downregulated genes possessed cell wall modification, clathrin coat assembly, and cellular cell wall organization features. We also selected downregulated genes predicted to be directly regulated by three OsMADS genes through the analyses for promoter sequences. Thus, this study provides a molecular background for understanding pollen germination and tube growth mediated by OsMADS62, OsMADS63, and OsMADS68 with mature pollen preferred expression.
The Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics (PCCP) Section of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in Its Publications: The First 300 Thematic Articles in the First 3 Years
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: December 2021

The Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics Section (PCCP Section) is one of the youngest among the sections of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS)—the year 2021 will only mark three years since its inception [...]
Autoantibodies Targeting AT1- and ETA-Receptors Link Endothelial Proliferation and Coagulation via Ets-1 Transcription Factor
Authors: Catar Rusan , Herse-Naether Melanie , Zhu Nan , Wagner Philine , Wischnewski Oskar , Kusch Angelika , Kamhieh-Milz Julian , Eisenreich Andreas , Rauch Ursula , Hegner Björn , Heidecke Harald , Kill Angela , Riemekasten Gabriela , Kleinau Gunnar , Scheerer Patrick , Dragun Duska , Philippe Aurelie
Published: December 2021

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is an acute life-threatening manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc) caused by obliterative vasculopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy. Evidence suggests a pathogenic role of immunoglobulin G (IgG) targeting G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). We therefore dissected SRC-associated vascular obliteration and investigated the specific effects of patient-derived IgG directed against angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R) and endothelin-1 type A receptors (ETAR) on downstream signaling events and endothelial cell proliferation. SRC-IgG triggered endothelial cell proliferation via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and subsequent activation of the E26 transformation-specific-1 transcription factor (Ets-1). Either AT1R or ETAR receptor inhibitors/shRNA abrogated endothelial proliferation, confirming receptor activation and Ets-1 signaling involvement. Binding of Ets-1 to the tissue factor (TF) promoter exclusively induced TF. In addition, TF inhibition prevented endothelial cell proliferation. Thus, our data revealed a thus far unknown link between SRC-IgG-induced intracellular signaling, endothelial cell proliferation and active coagulation in the context of obliterative vasculopathy and SRC. Patients’ autoantibodies and their molecular effectors represent new therapeutic targets to address severe vascular complications in SSc.
Integration of Small RNA and Degradome Sequencing Reveals the Regulatory Network of Al-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Peanut
Authors: Tong Bin , Shi Yusun , Ntambiyukuri Aaron , Li Xia , Zhan Jie , Wang Aiqin , Xiao Dong , He Longfei
Published: December 2021

Peanut is one of the most important oil crops in the world. In China, the peanut is highly produced in its southern part, in which the arable land is dominated by acid soil. At present, miRNAs have been identified in stress response, but their roles and mechanisms are not clear, and no miRNA studies have been found related to aluminum (Al)-induced programmed cell death (PCD). In the present study, transcriptomics, sRNAs, and degradome analysis in the root tips of two peanut cultivars ZH2 (Al-sensitive, S) and 99-1507 (Al-tolerant, T) were carried out. Here, we generated a comprehensive resource focused on identifying key regulatory miRNA-target circuits that regulate PCD under Al stress. Through deep sequencing, 2284 miRNAs were identified and 147 miRNAs were differentially expressed under Al stress. Furthermore, 19237 target genes of 749 miRNAs were validated by degradome sequencing. GO and KEGG analyses of differential miRNA targets showed that the pathways of synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and peroxisome were responded to Al stress. The combined analysis of the degradome data sets revealed 89 miRNA-mRNA interactions that may regulate PCD under Al stress. Ubiquitination may be involved in Al-induced PCD in peanut. The regulatory networks were constructed based on the differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets related to PCD. Our results will provide a useful platform to research on PCD induced by Al and new insights into the genetic engineering for plant stress response.