bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An SNP Mutation of Gene RsPP Converts Petal Color From Purple to White in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Liu Dongming , Wei Xiaochun , Sun Dongling , Yang Shuangjuan , Su Henan , Wang Zhiyong , Zhao Yanyan , Li Lin , Liang Jinfang , Yang Luming , Zhang Xiaowei , Yuan Yuxiang
Published: June 2021

Along with being important pigments that determining the flower color in many plants, anthocyanins also perform crucial functions that attract pollinators and reduce abiotic stresses. Purple and white are two different colors of radish petals. In this study, two cDNA libraries constructed with purple and white petal plants were sequenced for transcriptome profiling. Transcriptome results implied that the expression level of the genes participating in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway was commonly higher in the purple petals than that in the white petals. In particular, two genes, F3′H and DFR, had a significantly higher expression pattern in the purple petals, suggesting the important roles these genes playing in radish petal coloration. BSA-seq aided-Next Generation Sequencing of two DNA pools revealed that the radish purple petal gene (RsPP) was located on chromosome 7. With additional genotyping of 617 F2 population plants, the RsPP was further confined within a region of 93.23 kb. Transcriptome and Sanger sequencing analysis further helped identify the target gene, Rs392880. Rs392880 is a homologous gene to F3′H, a key gene in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. These results will aid in elucidating the molecular mechanism of plant petal coloration and developing strategies to modify flower color through genetic transformation.
Plasmodesmata-Involved Battle Against Pathogens and Potential Strategies for Strengthening Hosts
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Lin , Yan Dawei
Published: June 2021

Plasmodesmata (PD) are membrane-lined pores that connect adjacent cells to mediate symplastic communication in plants. These intercellular channels enable cell-to-cell trafficking of various molecules essential for plant development and stress responses, but they can also be utilized by pathogens to facilitate their infection of hosts. Some pathogens or their effectors are able to spread through the PD by modifying their permeability. Yet plants have developed various corresponding defense mechanisms, including the regulation of PD to impede the spread of invading pathogens. In this review, we aim to illuminate the various roles of PD in the interactions between pathogens and plants during the infection process. We summarize the pathogenic infections involving PD and how the PD could be modified by pathogens or hosts. Furthermore, we propose several hypothesized and promising strategies for enhancing the disease resistance of host plants by the appropriate modulation of callose deposition and plasmodesmal permeability based on current knowledge.
Psychometric Properties of the Independent and Interdependent Self-Construal Questionnaire: Evidence From the Czech Republic
Authors: Lacko David , Čeněk Jiří , Urbánek Tomáš
Published: June 2021

This article introduces a validation study of the Czech version of an independent and interdependent self-construal questionnaire (SCS, Vignoles et al., 2016) conducted on 330 Czech subjects. In this study, the reliability, convergent validity and factor validity were verified. However, the confirmatory factor analysis revealed unsatisfactory factor structure (RMSEA = 0.053 [0.048, 0.057], SRMR = 0.080, CFI = 0.775, TLI = 0.755). These results are discussed with respect to other adaptations of individualism/collectivism scales in countries beyond typical West-East dichotomy. Hence, the article not only critically discusses the shortcoming of the Czech and original versions of the questionnaires, but also the general issues of the individualism-collectivism construct in the cross-cultural context as a whole.
The Effects of Angry Expressions and Fearful Expressions on Duration Perception: An ERP Study
Authors: Yin Huazhan , Cui Xiaobing , Bai Youling , Cao Gege , Zhang Li , Ou Yuhong , Li Dan , Liu Jinping
Published: June 2021

Little is known about the electrophysiological basis of the effect of threat-related emotional stimuli with different motivational direction on duration perception. Thus, event-related potentials were employed to examine the effects of angry expressions and fearful expressions on perception of different duration (490–910 ms). Behavioral results showed there was a greater underestimation of the duration of angry expressions (approach-motivated negative stimuli) than fearful expressions (withdrawal-motivated negative stimuli), compared with neutral expressions. Event-related potentials results showed that, the area of Contingent Negative Variation (CNV) evoked by angry expression, fearful expression and neutral expression gradually increased. These results indicated that specific electrophysiological mechanisms may underlie the attention effects of angry and fearful expressions on timing. Specifically, compared with neutral expressions, fearful expressions and angry expressions both are likely to distract more attentional resources from timer, in particular, angry expressions attract more attention resources than fearful expressions from timer. The major contribution of the current study is to provide electrophysiological evidences of fear vs. anger divergence in the aspect of time perception and to demonstrate beyond the behavioral level that the categorization of threat-related emotions should be refined so to highlight the adaptability of the human defense system.
Effects of Physical Activity and Training Routine on Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Curfew
Authors: Sokić Jelena , Popov Stanislava , Dinić Bojana M. , Rastović Jovana
Published: June 2021

This research aimed to explore the effects of physical activity and training routine on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and the proclaimed emergency state and curfew. To measure the mental health components of psychological distress and subjective well-being, two studies were conducted on different samples: Study 1 during the beginning of curfew in Serbia (N = 678) and Study 2 during the ending phase (N = 398). The results of Study 1 showed that elite athletes as well as those with high level of physical activity experienced the lowest distress. Furthermore, effects of the changes in the training routine on distress among physically active individuals depended on the level of sports participation with elite athletes who reduced trainings showing lower anxiety compared to recreational athletes who reduced trainings as well or kept the same training routine. Thus, we could conclude that in the early stage of the pandemic, elite athletes showed better mental health and adaptability to the crisis situation. Results of Study 2 showed that although all the participants had decreased well-being during the curfew, compared to the period before the pandemic and the curfew, there were no differences in well-being between elite and recreational athletes, who had higher well-being compared to non-athletes. However, this effect held both before and during the curfew showing that physically active individuals did not additionally benefit from this decrease compared to the non-active. Furthermore, athletes who became physically inactive showed lower well-being compared to those who kept the same training routine. Thus, in the later stage of the pandemic, prolonged physical inactivity had negative effects on mental health.
Customer Cooperation and Employee Innovation Behavior: The Roles of Creative Role Identity and Innovation Climates
Authors: Zhou Jian , Yang Jian , Zhou Xue
Published: June 2021

Employee innovation behaviors lay the foundation for sharing economies and are of importance to business success, especially for service sector firms such as hotels. This study examines the relationship between customer cooperation and employee innovation behavior (EIB) by focusing on the mediating role of creative role identity and the moderating role of innovation climate. Drawing on resource based theory and role identity theory, we propose that customer cooperation enhances creative role identities and EIB, and the relationship between creative role identities and EIB is stronger when innovation climates are described as “high” rather than “low.” A total of 213 respondents in high star hotel were selected for questionnaire survey in this study. The results indicate that Customer cooperation is positively related to EIB. Customer cooperation positively affects EIB partially through creative role identities and innovation climate strengthens the direct effect of creative role identities on EIB and the indirect effect of customer cooperation on EIB through creative role identities. Theoretical and practical implications were also discussed.
Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality for the Delivery and Practice of Stress-Management Exercises
Authors: Soh Desmond Jun Hong , Ong Crystal Huiyi , Fan Qianqian , Seah Denise Ju Ling , Henderson Stacey Lee , Jeevanandam Lohsnah , Doshi Kinjal
Published: June 2021

Background

Mindfulness-based interventions may benefit healthcare professionals with burnout symptoms. Virtual reality (VR) may reduce initial difficulty of engaging in mindfulness exercises and increase participants’ engagement through immersion and presence.

Aim

The aim was to investigate how VR affects participants’ experience of engagement with mindfulness practice, and its impact on quality of practice and negative mood states.

Methods

Fifty-one healthcare professionals were randomized to receive either a visualization or non-visualization mindfulness practice, to compare the quality of practice through the use of audio only vs. with a virtual reality interface. Selected self-reported measures were collected during the session (immersion, quality and difficulty of practice, mood states and likelihood for future practice).

Results

Results showed that order instead of type of modality administered made a difference in quality of mindfulness practice. A greater sense of presence was reported with VR if administered after audio (F = 4.810, p = 0.033, Partial η2 = 0.093). Further, participants described difficulty practicing with audio if administered after VR (F = 4.136, p = 0.048, Partial η2 = 0.081). Additionally, lower mood disturbance was reported with VR if administered after audio (F = 8.116, p = 0.006, Partial η2 = 0.147). Qualitative responses echoed a preference for VR to engage better, in addition to improved mood states after practice.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that VR has the potential to provide healthcare professionals with an alternative or a supplement to conventional mindfulness practice.
Online Involvement for Georgia Student Teachers During Covid-19
Authors: Thomas Michelle A. , Norgaard Martin , Stambaugh Laura A. , Atkins Rebecca L. , Kumar Anita B. , Farley Alison L. P.
Published: June 2021

As concerns about Covid-19 rapidly escalated in March 2020 in the United States, all levels of education were impacted. A unique population (student teachers) faced challenges from two perspectives: as students and as teachers forced to teach and learn from a distance. Student Teachers, or preservice teachers (PST), are university students finishing a degree and/or teacher certification program by serving as an intern in a school setting. As schools were closed, these PSTs may not have been given access to the online learning platforms of their cooperating teachers (CT) and were no longer included in classroom instruction. The purpose of this study was to examine how the sudden shift away from traditional face-to-face instruction, co-teaching, and mentorship affected the involvement of music PSTs and their CT mentors in one region of the United States. Specifically, the research questions were: (1) How and in what ways were PSTs involved in planning, instruction, and/or assessment synchronously and asynchronously after school closures? (2) In what subdomains (performance, music theory/ear-training, etc.) were PSTs engaged in instruction and learning activities? (3) What challenges and solutions did PSTs report related to Covid-19 closures? A survey was sent, via email, to PSTs attending teacher preparation programs at universities in the state of Georgia at the end of the spring semester. Thirty-seven participants responded to the survey questions representing about 32% of all PSTs in Georgia in Spring 2020. Twenty-one were not given access to the online teaching platform of their placement school. A thematic analysis of the open-ended questions identified common themes including whether experiences were perceived as negative or positive. Of the PSTs given access, the majority of their responsibilities and experiences were creating assignments, additional help videos, participating in Zoom meetings, and assessing student assignment submissions. Of these experiences, interestingly, most were classified as positive by the PSTs. However, the importance of face-to-face interactions for both PST and the P-12 students was mentioned throughout survey responses. Approximately 10 PSTs mentioned their CT relationship/interaction and four of the respondents noted that their CT never reached out for help; however, six noted collaborative meetings or teaching with their CT. Importantly, some PSTs reported a lack of knowledge related to the planning and implementation of music instruction in the online modality. Therefore, teacher preparation programs should consider incorporating technology including online solutions into the music curriculum so that future music educators may more flexibly incorporate both in-person and distance learning.
Animate and Inanimate Words Demonstrate Equivalent Retrieval Dynamics Despite the Occurrence of the Animacy Advantage
Authors: Serra Michael J.
Published: June 2021

People demonstrate a memory advantage for animate (living) concepts over inanimate (nonliving) concepts in a variety of memory tasks, including free recall, but we do not know the mechanism(s) that produces this effect. We compared the retrieval dynamics (serial-position effects, probability of first recall, output order, categorical clustering, and recall contiguity) of animate and inanimate words in a typical free recall task to help elucidate this effect. Participants were more likely to recall animate than inanimate words, but we found few, if any, differences in retrieval dynamics by word type. The animacy advantage was obtained across serial position, including occurring in both the primacy and recency regions of the lists. Participants were equally likely to recall an animate or inanimate word first on the tests and did not prioritize recalling words of one type earlier in retrieval or demonstrate strong clustering by animacy at recall. Participants showed some greater contiguity of recall for inanimate words, but this outcome ran counter to the animacy effect. Together, the results suggest that the animacy advantage stems from increased item-specific memory strength for animate over inanimate words and is unlikely to stem from intentional or strategic differences in encoding or retrieval by word type, categorical strategies, or differences in temporal organization. Although the present results do not directly support or refute any current explanations for the animacy advantage, we suggest that measures of retrieval dynamics can help to inspire or constrain future accounts for this effect and can be incorporated into relevant hypothesis testing.
Being in Place: A Multimodal Analysis of the Contribution of the Patient's Companion to “First Time” Oncological Visits
Authors: Fatigante Marilena , Zucchermaglio Cristina , Alby Francesca
Published: June 2021

Companions to medical visits have been alternatively viewed as members who “support” or “inhibit” and “interfere” with the doctor-patient interaction. One way of looking at the companions' contribution to medical visits is by coding roles or functions of their communicative behavior. Our paper aims at reconsidering these findings and analyzing how the companion participation is a local and sequential accomplishment, changing from time to time in the consultation. The paper relies upon an overall collection of 58 videorecordings of first oncological visits. Visits were conducted in two different hospitals, one of which a University hospital, and by different oncologists, including both senior professionals and (in the second setting) medical students in oncology. Visits were fully transcribed according to the Jeffersonian conventions and authors examined the transcripts and video according to the methodology of Conversation Analysis. The aim of the paper focused on how patient's companions orient and contribute to the accomplishment of the different aims and activities at different stages of the visit as an institutional speech event. The multimodal analysis of turns and actions (such as, gaze shifts, prosodic modulation, bodily arrangements), and the close examination of the sequential and temporal arrangements of companions' and their co-participants' turns revealed that companions finely attune to the multiparty framework of the encounter and the institutional constraints that govern the oncological first visit. Overall, results show two relevant features: that companions act as to preserve the doctor-patient interaction and to maintain the patient as the most responsible and legitimate agent in the interaction; that companions' contributions are relevant to the activities that sequentially unfold at different stages in the consultation (e.g., history taking, problem presentation, treatment recommendation etc.). The study complements earlier findings on the companion's roles, showing how these are highly mobile, multimodal and multiparty accomplishments, and they are tied to the specific contingencies of the visit. The results solicit to consider the value of multimodal analysis in understanding the complexity of multiparty communication in medical setting, and make it usable also in medical education.
Prognostic and Therapeutic Role of Angiogenic Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Melaccio Assunta , Sgaramella Lucia Ilaria , Pasculli Alessandro , Di Meo Giovanna , Gurrado Angela , Prete Francesco Paolo , Vacca Angelo , Ria Roberto , Testini Mario
Published: June 2021

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a typically favorable prognosis following standard treatments, such as surgical resection and radioiodine therapy. A subset of thyroid cancers progress to refractory/metastatic disease. Understanding how the tumor microenvironment is transformed into an angiogenic microenvironment has a role of primary importance in the aggressive behavior of these neoplasms. During tumor growth and progression, angiogenesis represents a deregulated biological process, and the angiogenic switch, characterized by the formation of new vessels, induces tumor cell proliferation, local invasion, and hematogenous metastases. This evidence has propelled the scientific community’s effort to study a number of molecular pathways (proliferation, cell cycle control, and angiogenic processes), identifying mediators that may represent viable targets for new anticancer treatments. Herein, we sought to review angiogenesis in thyroid cancer and the potential role of proangiogenic cytokines for risk stratification of patients. We also present the current status of treatment of advanced differentiated, medullary, and poorly differentiated thyroid cancers with multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors, based on the rationale of angiogenesis as a potential therapeutic target.
The Novel Oral mTORC1/2 Inhibitor TAK-228 Reverses Trastuzumab Resistance in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Sanz-Álvarez Marta , Martín-Aparicio Ester , Luque Melani , Zazo Sandra , Martínez-Useros Javier , Eroles Pilar , Rovira Ana , Albanell Joan , Madoz-Gúrpide Juan , Rojo Federico
Published: June 2021

The use of anti-HER2 therapies has significantly improved clinical outcome in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, yet a substantial proportion of patients acquire resistance after a period of treatment. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a good target for drug development, due to its involvement in HER2-mediated signalling and in the emergence of resistance to anti-HER2 therapies, such as trastuzumab. This study evaluates the activity of three different PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, i.e., BEZ235, everolimus and TAK-228 in vitro, in a panel of HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines with primary and acquired resistance to trastuzumab. We assess the antiproliferative effect and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitory capability of BEZ235, everolimus and TAK-228 alone, and in combination with trastuzumab. Dual blockade with trastuzumab and TAK-228 was superior in reversing the acquired resistance in all the cell lines. Subsequently, we analyse the effects of TAK-228 in combination with trastuzumab on the cell cycle and found a significant increase in G0/G1 arrest in most cell lines. Likewise, the combination of both drugs induced a significant increase in apoptosis. Collectively, these experiments support the combination of trastuzumab with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors as a potential strategy for inhibiting the proliferation of HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines that show resistance to trastuzumab.
Identifying Cancer Drivers Using DRIVE: A Feature-Based Machine Learning Model for a Pan-Cancer Assessment of Somatic Missense Mutations
Authors: Dragomir Ionut , Akbar Adnan , Cassidy John W. , Patel Nirmesh , Clifford Harry W. , Contino Gianmarco
Published: June 2021

Sporadic cancer develops from the accrual of somatic mutations. Out of all small-scale somatic aberrations in coding regions, 95% are base substitutions, with 90% being missense mutations. While multiple studies focused on the importance of this mutation type, a machine learning method based on the number of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) has not been fully explored. This study aims to develop an improved computational method for driver identification, validation and evaluation (DRIVE), which is compared to other methods for assessing its performance. DRIVE aims at distinguishing between driver and passenger mutations using a feature-based learning approach comprising two levels of biological classification for a pan-cancer assessment of somatic mutations. Gene-level features include the maximum number of protein–protein interactions, the biological process and the type of post-translational modifications (PTMs) while mutation-level features are based on pathogenicity scores. Multiple supervised classification algorithms were trained on Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) project data and then tested on an independent dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) study. Finally, the most powerful classifier using DRIVE was evaluated on a benchmark dataset, which showed a better overall performance compared to other state-of-the-art methodologies, however, considerable care must be taken due to the reduced size of the dataset. DRIVE outlines the outstanding potential that multiple levels of a feature-based learning model will play in the future of oncology-based precision medicine.
RETRACTED: Anti-Cancer Activities of Thyrointegrin αvβ3 Antagonist Mono- and Bis-Triazole Tetraiodothyroacetic Acid Conjugated via Polyethylene Glycols in Glioblastoma
Authors: Godugu Kavitha , Rajabi Mehdi , Mousa Shaker
Published: June 2021

Integrin αvβ3 receptors are overexpressed in different tumors and their associated neovascularization and hence, represent a potential cancer target. We previously synthesized a high affinity thyrointegrin αvβ3, P4000-bi-TAT (tetrac derivative), with potent anticancer properties. However, the long polydisperse PEG conjugate showed large scaleup and analytical/bioanalytical issues. Hence, in the present study, we synthesized a mono versus bi-triazole tetrac with discrete monodisperse PEG, which provided improvement in scaleup and bioanalysis. In the present study, we compared binding affinity and anticancer activates with a smaller PEG size (P1600-bi-TAT, Compound 2) and the removal of one TAT molecule (P1600-m-TAT, Compound 3) versus P4000-bi-TAT, Compound 1. The results of the selectivity and affinity of TATs showed greater affinity to integrin αvβ3. The xenograft weights and tumor cell viabilities were decreased by >90% at all doses compared to the control (ON Treatment, *** p < 0.001) in cells treated with Compounds 1, 2, and 3 in U87-Luc-treated mice. The in vivo luminescent signals of U87-luc cells reflect the proliferation and distribution of tumor cells in the animals and the maximum intensity corresponding to the maximum tumor cells that the animals could tolerate. We found that the three thyrointegrin αvβ3 antagonists exhibited optimal therapeutic efficacy against U87 or primary glioblastoma cells. Biological studies showed that decreasing the PEG linker size (1600 vs. 4000) or having mono-TAT or bi-TAT had no significant impact on their αvβ3 binding affinity, anti-angiogenesis, or overall anti-cancer efficacy.
Initial Experience of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Real-World Clinical Practice
Authors: Iwamoto Hideki , Shimose Shigeo , Noda Yu , Shirono Tomotake , Niizeki Takashi , Nakano Masahito , Okamura Shusuke , Kamachi Naoki , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Sakai Miwa , Kajiwara Akira , Itano Satoshi , Tanaka Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Taizo , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Koga Hironori , Torimura Takuji ,   on behalf of The Kurume Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Published: June 2021

Background: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was approved for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although clinical trials have revealed its efficacy, the outcomes in the real-world clinical practice are unclear. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for HCC. Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter study conducted between November 2020 and March 2021. Among the 61 patients, 51 were assessed for progression-free survival (PFS), therapeutic response, and adverse events (AEs). Results: The median PFS was 5.4 months. The objective response rate (ORR) was 35.3%. The disease control rate (DCR) was 86.3%. The incidence rates of AEs at any grade and grade >3 were 98.0% and 29.4%, respectively. The most frequent AE at any grade and grade >3 was hepatic disorder. In patients with a previous history of molecular targeted agent (MTA) or the degree of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, there were no significant differences in the PFS, ORR, DCR, and incidence rates of AEs. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was effective and safe for patients with HCC even in the real-world setting including patients with a previous MTA history or other than ALBI grade 1.
The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment
Authors: Tempest Robert , Guarnerio Sonia , Maani Rawan , Cooper Jamie , Peake Nicholas
Published: June 2021

Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
Analysis of the Offering and Resale Prices on the Second-Hand Skidders Market
Authors: Šporčić Mario , Šušnjar Marijan , Pandur Zdravko , Bačić Marin , Mijoč David , Landekić Matija
Published: June 2021

Skidders, as self-propelled machines designed to transport trees or parts of trees by trailing or dragging it from the woods to a landing area, are still extensively used as the main wood extraction equipment in most of the Europe and worldwide. The high price of new machines (and even higher for CTL technology) makes the second-hand skidder market very interesting and appealing, especially for small forest owners and forestry contractors. So, this paper reports on a survey of used skidders available for purchase on the European market. Up-to-date empirical data was gathered by the analysis of the offerings on the main online marketplaces, i.e., specialized websites. The study included skidder make and model, variation in their age, annual usage and resale prices. The survey identified a total of 163 second-hand skidders and the results pointed out the prevalence of small-size machines (<110 kW), the average annual use (after excluding 1 year old machines from calculation) of 863 hours per year and the average re-sale price of about 65,000 EUR. Skidders are most commonly re-sold at an age of 16 years and the calculated price models show that skidder age is a stronger predictor of their value, i.e., resale price, than the total machine working hours. In the concluding section, paper also includes some reflections on possible future trends and perspectives of skidding technology in forestry.
Spatiotemporal Pattern of Pine Wilt Disease in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Hao Zhuoqing , Huang Jixia , Zhou Yantao , Fang Guofei
Published: June 2021

The Yangtze River Basin is among the river basins with the strongest strategic support and developmental power in China. As an invasive species, the pinewood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus has introduced a serious obstacle to the high-quality development of the economic and ecological synchronization of the Yangtze River Basin. This study analyses the occurrence and spread of pine wilt disease (PWD) with the aim of effectively managing and controlling the spread of PWD in the Yangtze River Basin. In this study, statistical data of PWD-affected areas in the Yangtze River Basin are used to analyse the occurrence and spread of PWD in the study area using spatiotemporal visualization analysis and spatiotemporal scanning statistics technology. From 2000 to 2018, PWD in the study area showed an “increasing-decreasing-increasing” trend, and PWD increased explosively in 2018. The spatial spread of PWD showed a “jumping propagation-multi-point outbreak-point to surface spread” pattern, moving west along the river. Important clusters were concentrated in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area from 2000 to 2015, forming a cluster including Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Then, from 2015–2018, important clusters were concentrated in Chongqing. According to the spatiotemporal scanning results, PWD showed high aggregation in the four regions of Zhejiang, Chongqing, Hubei, and Jiangxi from 2000 to 2018. In the future, management systems for the prevention and treatment of PWD, including ecological restoration programs, will require more attention.
Sustainable, Highly Efficient and Superhydrophobic Fluorinated Silica Functionalized Chitosan Aerogel for Gravity-Driven Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Zhu Zhongjie , Jiang Lei , Liu Jia , He Sirui , Shao Wei
Published: June 2021

A superhydrophobic fluorinated silica functionalized chitosan (F-CS) aerogel is constructed and fabricated by a simple and sustainable method in this study in order to achieve highly efficient gravity-driven oil/water separation performance. The fluorinated silica functionalization invests the pristine hydrophilic chitosan (CS) aerogel with promising superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 151.9°. This novel F-CS aerogel possesses three-dimensional structure with high porosity as well as good chemical stability and mechanical compression property. Moreover, it also shows striking self-cleaning performance and great oil adsorption capacity. Most importantly, the as-prepared aerogels exhibits fast and efficient separation of oil/water mixture by the gravity driven process with high separation efficiency. These great performances render the prepared F-CS aerogel a good candidate for oil/water separation in practical industrial application.
Physical Activity and Self-Reported Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in the Aboriginal Population in Perth, Australia, Measured Using an Adaptation of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)
Authors: Esgin Tuguy , Hersh Deborah , Rowley Kevin , Macniven Rona , Glenister Kristen , Crouch Alan , Newton Robert
Published: June 2021

Background: Complex, ongoing social factors have led to a context where metabolic syndrome (MetS) is disproportionately high in Aboriginal Australians. MetS is characterised by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, high blood-sugar and low HDL-C. This descriptive study aimed to document physical activity levels, including domains and intensity and sedentary behaviour, and MetS risk factors in the Perth Aboriginal (predominately Noongar) community. Methods: The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), together with a questionnaire on self-reported MetS risk factors, was circulated to community members for completion during 2014 (n = 129). Results: Data were analysed using chi-squared tests. The average (SD) age was 37.8 years (14) and BMI of 31.4 (8.2) kg/m2. Occupational, transport-related and leisure-time physical activity (PA) and sedentary intensities were reported across age categories. The median (interquartile range) daily sedentary time was 200 (78, 435), 240 (120, 420) and 180 (60, 300) minutes for the 18–25, 26–44 and 45+ year-olds, respectively (p = 0.973). Conclusions: An in-depth understanding of the types, frequencies and intensities of PA reported for the Perth Aboriginal community is important to implementing targeted strategies to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease in this context. Future efforts collaborating with community should aim to reduce the risk factors associated with MetS and improve quality of life.
Characterizing Breakthrough Cancer Pain Using Ecological Momentary Assessment with a Smartphone App: Feasibility and Clinical Findings
Authors: Villegas Francisco , Martínez-Borba Verónica , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Castilla Diana , Zaragoza Irene , García-Palacios Azucena , Ferrer Carlos
Published: June 2021

Background: mobile applications (apps) facilitate cancer pain ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and provide more reliable data than retrospective monitoring. The aims of this study are (a) to describe the status of persons with cancer pain when assessed ecologically, (b) to analyze the utility of clinical alarms integrated into the app, and (c) to test the feasibility of implementing an app for daily oncological pain monitoring. Methods: in this feasibility study, 21 patients (mean age = 56.95 years, SD = 10.53, 81.0% men) responded to an app-based evaluation of physical status (baseline and breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP)) and mental health variables (fatigue, mood, and coping) daily during 30 days. Results: cancer pain characterization with the app was similar to data from the literature using retrospective assessments in terms of BTcP duration and perceived medication effectiveness. However, BTcP was less frequent when evaluated ecologically. Pain, fatigue, and mood were comparable in the morning and evening. Passive coping strategies were the most employed daily. Clinical alarms appear to be useful to detect and address adverse events. App implementation was feasible and acceptable. Conclusion: apps reduce recall bias and facilitate a rapid response to adverse events in oncological care. Future efforts should be addressed to integrate EMA and ecological momentary interventions to facilitate pain self-management via apps.
“It Was Definitely an Eye-Opener to Me”—People with Disabilities’ and Health Professionals’ Perceptions on Combining Traditional Indoor Rehabilitation Practice with an Urban Green Rehabilitation Context
Authors: Madsen Louise Sofia , Poulsen Dorthe Varning , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Handberg Charlotte
Published: June 2021

Research points to the health benefits of rehabilitation in urban green spaces. Nevertheless, more studies indicate complexity of utilising urban green spaces in an established health system context. An understanding of challenges related to rehabilitation in urban green spaces remains unaddressed. Therefore, the aim was to describe and analyse people with disabilities’ and health professionals’ perceptions on combining traditional indoor rehabilitation practice with an urban green rehabilitation context. The interpretive description methodology was applied supplemented by Edgar Schein’s Model of Organisational Culture. Three online focus group interviews were conducted with people with disabilities (n = 4) and health professionals (n = 10). Three interrelated themes formed an understanding of rehabilitation practice in an urban green rehabilitation context: “ambivalence due to contextual change”, “negotiating rehabilitation assumptions” and “expanding the frame of rehabilitation”. Expanding the frame of rehabilitation to an urban green context may provide a basis for enhancing compatibility to everyday life for people with disabilities and still accommodate structural quality standards of professional rehabilitation practice.
Influence of Psychological Distress in Patients with Hypoallergenic Total Knee Arthroplasty. Treatment Algorithm for Patients with Metal Allergy and Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Peña Pilar , Ortega Miguel A. , Buján Julia , De la Torre Basilio
Published: June 2021

The outcome in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) depends on multiples factors, among them is the psychological condition. In addition, up 15 to 30% of the patients that undergo TKA show little or no improvement after surgery, which implies the diagnosis of a painful TKA is a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon, who must rule out a possible metal allergy (MA). It is considered an exclusion diagnosis. Due to the complex relationship between psychological condition and MA, and according to the worse results in patients treated with a hypoallergenic TKA, we asked: (1). What degree of psychological distress (PD) is present in patients who have a hypoallergenic TKA, and how does it influence the results of quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity. (2). Can we develop a new algorithm for patients with a possible MA that improves the outcomes? A pragmatic clinical study was carried out that included patients who underwent hypoallergenic TKA during three consecutive years. Quality of life and functional capacity were measured with (Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) WOMAC index, the Short Form 12 questionnaire (SF-12) questionnaire, and the The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire essentially consists of two pages: the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) (Euro-QoL-5D L-VAS (EQ5D)), in all patients. To assess PD, a Psychological Distress Score was developed. SPSS software was performed to statistical analysis, and Student´s test for independent variables with a p < 0.005 as statistically significant. A total of 72 anallergic TKAs in 64 patients were treated during this period; 31.3% of these patients showed features of PD before the surgery. According with the severity of the PD, 60% were classified as severe, 10% as moderate and 30% as mild. Patients with PD had statistically significant worse results on the final WOMAC, SF-12, and EQ5D questionnaires. The final scores of the physical subscale of the SF-12 and EQ5D showed better results in patients diagnosed by psychiatrist. Up to one third of the patients with hypoallergenic TKAs have PD, and their results are clearly inferior to those patients with MA without PD. When PD was diagnosed according with Psychological Distress Score, patients should be carefully assessed in order to determine if a specialist referral is recommended. According with our results, PD should be assessed either by the PCP or by us. If the PD is confirmed, a psychiatry referral is then requested for better preoperative management and treatment. We believe that this approach would lead to better TKA outcomes.
Representations of Psychoactive Drugs’ Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences
Authors: Motyka Marek A. , Al-Imam Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs.
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Teaching Staff of the University of Douala, Cameroon: Association with Physical Activity Practice
Authors: Tami Archipe Mohamadou , Bika Lele Elysée Claude , Mekoulou Ndongo Jerson , Ayina Ayina Clarisse Noel , Guessogo Wiliam Richard , Lobe Tanga Marie-Yvonne , Owona Manga Léon Jules , Temfemo Abdou , Bongue Bienvenu , Mandengue Samuel Honoré , Barth Nathalie , Assomo Ndemba Peguy Brice
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the teaching staff of the University of Douala and determine their association with physical activity (PA) practice. The Nordic questionnaire was used to assess MSDs. Ricci–Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA. We recruited 104 participants mean-aged 42 ± 8 years, 80% male. Previous 7 days and 12 months prevalence were 56.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The most affected body regions were neck, shoulders and lower back. No significant association was found between MSDs and PA. Celibacy was significantly associated with previous 7-days MSDs (p = 0.048) while age ≥ 45 years and job seniority ≥ 10 years were significantly associated with a reduced risk of previous 12-months MSDs (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). The prevalence of MSDs among university of Douala teaching staff showed no significant effect with the practice of PA.
Ethical Climate as Social Norm: Impact on Judgements and Behavioral Intentions in the Workplace
Authors: Auzoult Laurent , Mazilescu Crisanta-Alina
Published: June 2021

We present a study that looks at the relationship between the ethical climate, considered as a set of social norms, and judgments and behaviors in the workplace. In this case we think that an ethical rule reflecting the climate is only actualized in conduct and/or decisions if the rule is applicable, is shared, and is the subject of social expectations. A total of 277 professionals responded to a questionnaire measuring the normativity of three ethical rules, socio-moral judgment, trust in supervisors, turnover intention, and discrimination as well as abusive supervision. The results confirm our hypothesis. This leads to a different view of how the ethical climate is measured and constructed in the workplace.
Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on HIV/AIDS Programming in Kenya: Evidence from Kibera Informal Settlement and COVID-19 Hotspot Counties
Authors: Muhula Samuel , Opanga Yvonne , Oramisi Violet , Ngugi Catherine , Ngunu Caroline , Carter Jane , Marita Enock , Osur Joachim , Memiah Peter
Published: June 2021

The study sought to determine the impact of COVID-19 on HIV/AIDS programming in the Kibera informal settlement and COVID-19 hotspot counties during the first wave of the pandemic. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase entailed the analysis of HIV care and treatment secondary data (2018–2020) from the Kenya Health Information System. In the second phase, a prospective cohort study was conducted among people living with HIV in the Kibera informal settlement. A total of 176 participants aged 18 years and above accessing HIV services at selected healthcare facilities in Kibera were randomly sampled from facility electronic medical records and followed up for three months. Socio-demographics and contact details were abstracted from the records and telephone interviews were conducted with consenting participants. Results from the retrospective review of HIV program data indicated a 56% (p < 0.000, 95% CI: 31.3%–62.8%) reduction in uptake of HIV services. Clients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduced significantly by 48% (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 35.4%–77%) in hotspot counties. However, pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake increased significantly by 24% (p < 0.019, 95% CI: 4%–49%). In Kibera, 14% reported missing medications at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic because of lack of food (38%) and government measures (11%), which affected ART access; 11% did not access health facilities due to fear of contracting COVID-19, government regulations and lack of personal protective equipment. Socioeconomic factors, food insecurity and government measures affected uptake of HIV/AIDS services; hence, the need for scaling up measures to increase access to HIV/AIDS services during the onset of pandemics.
Fractionation of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Urban Soils from Salzburg, Thessaloniki and Belgrade: An Insight into Source Identification and Human Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Pavlović Pavle , Sawidis Thomas , Breuste Jürgen , Kostić Olga , Čakmak Dragan , Đorđević Dragana , Pavlović Dragana , Pavlović Marija , Perović Veljko , Mitrović Miroslava
Published: June 2021

Concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were measured in topsoil samples collected from parks in the cities of Salzburg (Austria), Thessaloniki (Greece), and Belgrade (Serbia) in order to assess the distribution of PTEs in the urban environment, discriminate natural (lithogenic) and anthropogenic contributions, identify possible sources of pollution, and compare levels of pollution between the cities. An assessment of the health risks caused by exposure to PTEs through different pathways was also conducted. The study revealed that, with the exception of Pb in Salzburg, levels of PTEs in the soils in polluted urban parks were higher than in unpolluted ones, but still lower than those recorded in other European soils. Results of sequential analyses showed that Al, Cr, and Ni were found in residual phases, proving their predominantly lithogenic origin and their low mobility. In contrast, the influence of anthropogenic factors on Cu, Pb, and Zn was evident. Site-dependent variations showed that the highest concentrations of As, Cu, Pb, and Zn of anthropogenic origin were recorded in Salzburg, while the highest levels of Al, Cr, and Ni of lithogenic origin were recorded in Belgrade and Thessaloniki, which reflects the specificity of the geological substrates. Results obtained for the health risk assessment showed that no human health risk was found for either children or adults.