bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrosprayed Agar Nanocapsules as Edible Carriers of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Tomadoni Barbara , Fabra María José , Méndez Daniel Alexander , Martínez-Abad Antonio , López-Rubio Amparo
Published: July 2022

Electrosprayed agar nanocapsules were developed using an acetic acid solution as solvent. The role of solution properties (viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity) in the formation of agar particles was assessed, together with the effect of both agar and acetic acid concentrations on the size and morphology of the resulting particles. Agar solutions with a concentration below 10% w/v were not suitable for electrospraying. Furthermore, the agar–acetic acid ratio was also critical for the formation of agar nanostructures (with an optimum ratio of 1:2). A decrease in particle size was also observed when decreasing agar concentration, with particle diameter values ranging between 50 and 400 nm. Moreover, the suitability of the electrosprayed agar nanocapsules as carriers for a model bioactive compound, chlorophyllin sodium copper salt (CHL), was also evaluated. The release profile of encapsulated CHL, with an estimated encapsulation efficiency of around 40%, was carried out in food simulants with different hydrophilicity (10% v/v and 50% v/v ethanol). While the release of the bioactive was negligible in the hydrophilic food simulant, an initial burst release followed by a slower sustained release was observed when the capsules were immersed in 50% ethanol solution. The results open up a broad range of possibilities that deserve further exploration related to the use of these edible polysaccharide-based nanocapsules.
Antioxidative Properties of Machine-Drip Tea Prepared with Citrus Fruit Peels Are Affected by the Type of Fruit and Drying Method
Authors: Jeong Beom-Gyun , Gwak Yu-Jeong , Kim Jeong , Hong Won-Ho , Park Su-Jin , Islam Md. Atiqual , Jung Jiyoung , Chun Jiyeon
Published: July 2022

Citrus peels are generally discarded as waste, although they are rich sources of health-promoting compounds. This study investigated the properties of citrus peels for development as a potential functional tea ingredient. Three citrus peel powders (DCPPs, Cheonhyehyang, Hallabong, and orange) which were dried by air- and freeze-drying, were used to prepare machine-drip tea. Then, total polyphenol compounds (TPCs), flavonoids, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity of DCPPs and teas were evaluated. Freeze-dried DCPPs had relatively higher TPC s (16.47–21.11 mg GAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (3.25–16.43 mg GAE/g) than air-dried DCPPs; TPCs (14.06–19.12 mg GAE/g) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (1.80–3.22 mg GAE/g). In contrast, air-dried DCPPs were more effective in machine-drip teas, showing a higher range of TPCs (50.64–85.12 mg GAE/100 mL) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (1.05–3.86 mg GAE/100 mL) than freeze-dried DCPPs; TPCs (40.44–46.69 mg GAE/100 mL) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (0.56–1.08 mg GAE/100 mL). Among citrus varieties, Cheonhyehyang had the highest TPCs and DPPH radical scavenging activity in both DCPP and tea. Four flavonoids (Hesperidin, Naringin, Nobiletin, and Tangeretin) mainly existed in citrus peels. The amount of hesperidin was highest; therefore, Hallabong and orange exhibited higher total flavonoid contents. However, freeze-dried Cheonhyehyang peel and air-dried Cheonhyehyang tea, which showed the highest TPCs and DPPH radical scavenging activity, had higher nobiletin and tangeretin. This implies that nobiletin and tangeretin strongly influenced the antioxidant activity of citrus peels with TPC. This research provides essential information for the tea industry looking for functional ingredients. In addition, it helps to reduce by-products by using citrus peel powders.
Innovative Application of SERS in Food Quality and Safety: A Brief Review of Recent Trends
Authors: Xu Meng-Lei , Gao Yu , Han Xiao-Xia , Zhao Bing
Published: July 2022

Innovative application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for rapid and nondestructive analyses has been gaining increasing attention for food safety and quality. SERS is based on inelastic scattering enhancement from molecules located near nanostructured metallic surfaces and has many advantages, including ultrasensitive detection and simple protocols. Current SERS-based quality analysis contains composition and structural information that can be used to establish an electronic file of the food samples for subsequent reference and traceability. SERS is a promising technique for the detection of chemical, biological, and harmful metal contaminants, as well as for food poisoning, and allergen identification using label-free or label-based methods, based on metals and semiconductors as substrates. Recognition elements, including immunosensors, aptasensors, or molecularly imprinted polymers, can be linked to SERS tags to specifically identify targeted contaminants and perform authenticity analysis. Herein, we highlight recent studies on SERS-based quality and safety analysis for different foods categories spanning the whole food chain, ‘from farm to table’ and processing, genetically modified food, and novel foods. Moreover, SERS detection is a potential tool that ensures food safety in an easy, rapid, reliable, and nondestructive manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Preliminary Approach to Define the Microbiological Profile of Naturally Fermented Peranzana Alta Daunia Table Olives
Authors: Speranza Barbara , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria Rosaria , D’Errico Nazzario , Bevilacqua Antonio
Published: July 2022

Samples of brines from Peranzana Alta Daunia olives at the end of fermentation were analyzed; samples were taken in two different years from eight different locations (Torremaggiore, San Severo, San Paolo di Civitate, Lucera, Chieuti, Serracapriola, Gargano and Termoli in Southern Italy). Total aerobic count, enterobacteria, pseudomonads, staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts (Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces) were assessed; moreover, presumptive lactobacilli were characterized in relation to their ability to grow with salt added, and at 10 and 45 °C. Yeasts were generally more abundant than lactic acid bacteria (LAB), but two clusters were found: one including the areas of Torremaggiore, San Severo, Apricena, Lucera and San Paolo di Civitate (area 1, A1), and another comprising Gargano, Termoli and Serracapriola (area 2, A2). Lactobacilli of A1 were more resistant to stress conditions (growth at 10% of salt and at 10 °C); moreover, A1 was characterized by a lower abundance of yeasts. In some areas (Lucera and San Severo), a higher abundance of non-Saccharomyces yeasts was found. This paper offers a first insight into the profile of Peranzana Alta Daunia olives at the end of fermentation, suggesting that some indices (technological traits of lactobacilli, ratio yeasts vs. LAB, abundance of non-Saccharomyces yeasts) could be useful to define a microbiological profile of the variety.
Coupled Seepage Mechanics Model of Coal Containing Methane Based on Pore Structure Fractal Features
Authors: Lv Runsheng , Zhu Yuchen , Ma Xinyu , Ni Xiaoming , Ren Jiangang
Published: July 2022

The paper applies fractal theory to the structure of fractal coal pores and calculates the fractal dimension and integrated fractal dimension for each pore section >100 nm, 100 nm > d > 5.25 nm, and <2 nm. In the experiment, we performed the full stress–strain-seepage experiment of methane-bearing coal, revealed the deformation–seepage characteristics of methane-bearing coal under load, and deduced the dynamic prediction mechanical model of methane-bearing coal permeability based on pore heterogeneity, followed by practical verification. The results show that the permeability change in methane-bearing coal is an external manifestation of coal pore deformation, and the two are closely related and affected by changes in the effective stress coefficient. The derived fractal-deformation-coupled methane permeability mechanics model based on coal pore heterogeneity has high accuracy, a general expression for the stress–strain-permeability model based on coal heterogeneity is given, and the fractal Langmuir model is verified to be highly accurate (>0.9) and can be used for coal reservoir permeability prediction.
Smart Hydrogel Formed by Alginate-g-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and Chitosan through Polyelectrolyte Complexation and Its Controlled Release Properties
Authors: Liu Min , Zhu Jingling , Song Xia , Wen Yuting , Li Jun
Published: July 2022

Smart hydrogels that can respond to external stimuli such as temperature and pH have attracted tremendous interest for biological and biomedical applications. In this work, we synthesized two alginate-graft-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (Alg-g-PNIPAAm) copolymers and aimed to prepare smart hydrogels through formation of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) between the negatively charged Alg-g-PNIPAAm copolymers and the positively charged chitosan (Cts) in aqueous solutions. The hydrogels were expected to be able to respond to both temperature and pH changes due to the nature of Alg-g-PNIPAAm and chitosan. The hydrogel formation was determined by a test tube inverting method and confirmed by the rheological measurements. The rheological measurements showed that the PEC hydrogels formed at room temperature could be further enhanced by increasing temperature over the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAAm, because PNIPAAm would change from hydrophilic to hydrophobic upon increasing temperature over its LCST, and the hydrophobic interaction between the PNIPAAm segments may act as additional physical crosslinking. The controlled release properties of the hydrogels were studied by using the organic dye rhodamine B (RB) as a model drug at different pH. The PEC hydrogels could sustain the RB release more efficiently at neutral pH. Both low pH and high pH weakened the PEC hydrogels, and resulted in less sustained release profiles. The release kinetics data were found to fit well to the Krosmyer–Peppas power law model. The analysis of the release kinetic parameters obtained by the modelling indicates that the release of RB from the PEC hydrogels followed mechanisms combining diffusion and dissolution of the hydrogels, but the release was mainly governed by diffusion with less dissolution at pH 7.4 when the PEC hydrogels were stronger and stabler than those at pH 5.0 and 10.0. Therefore, the PEC hydrogels are a kind of smart hydrogels holding great potential for drug delivery applications.
FISH Mapping of Telomeric and Non-Telomeric (AG3T3)3 Reveal the Chromosome Numbers and Chromosome Rearrangements of 41 Woody Plants
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , He Zhoujian , Liu Juncheng , Wu Hongyi , Gong Xiao
Published: July 2022

Data for the chromosomal FISH mapping localization of (AG3T3)3 are compiled for 37 species belonging 27 families; for 24 species and 14 families, this is the first such report. The chromosome number and length ranged from 14–136 and 0.56–14.48 μm, respectively. A total of 23 woody plants presented chromosome length less than 3 μm, thus belonging to the small chromosome group. Telomeric signals were observed at each chromosome terminus in 38 plants (90.5%) and were absent at several chromosome termini in only four woody plants (9.5%). Non-telomeric signals were observed in the chromosomes of 23 plants (54.8%); in particular, abundant non-telomeric (AG3T3)3 was obviously observed in Chimonanthus campanulatus. Telomeric signals outside of the chromosome were observed in 11 woody plants (26.2%). Overall, ten (AG3T3)3 signal pattern types were determined, indicating the complex genome architecture of the 37 considered species. The variation in signal pattern was likely due to chromosome deletion, duplication, inversion, and translocation. In addition, large primary constriction was observed in some species, probably due to or leading to chromosome breakage and the formation of new chromosomes. The presented results will guide further research focused on determining the chromosome number and disclosing chromosome rearrangements of woody plants.
Molecular Characterization of the Response to Conventional Chemotherapeutics in Pro-B-ALL Cell Lines in Terms of Tumor Relapse
Authors: Gladbach Yvonne Saara , Sklarz Lisa-Madeleine , Roolf Catrin , Beck Julia , Schütz Ekkehard , Fuellen Georg , Junghanss Christian , Murua Escobar Hugo , Hamed Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Little is known about optimally applying chemotherapeutic agents in a specific temporal sequence to rapidly reduce the tumor load and to improve therapeutic efficacy. The clinical optimization of drug efficacy while reducing side effects is still restricted due to an incomplete understanding of the mode of action and related tumor relapse mechanisms on the molecular level. The molecular characterization of transcriptomic drug signatures can help to identify the affected pathways, downstream regulated genes and regulatory interactions related to tumor relapse in response to drug application. We tried to outline the dynamic regulatory reprogramming leading to tumor relapse in relapsed MLL-rearranged pro-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cells in response to two first-line treatments: dexamethasone (Dexa) and cytarabine (AraC). We performed an integrative molecular analysis of whole transcriptome profiles of each treatment, specifically considering public knowledge of miRNA regulation via a network-based approach to unravel key driver genes and miRNAs that may control the relapse mechanisms accompanying each treatment. Our results gave hints to the crucial regulatory roles of genes leading to Dexa-resistance and related miRNAs linked to chemosensitivity. These genes and miRNAs should be further investigated in preclinical models to obtain more hints about relapse processes.
Impact of Chromosomal Context on Origin Selection and the Replication Program
Authors: Lanteri Lilian , Perrot Anthony , Schausi-Tiffoche Diane , Wu Pei-Yun Jenny
Published: July 2022

Eukaryotic DNA replication is regulated by conserved mechanisms that bring about a spatial and temporal organization in which distinct genomic domains are copied at characteristic times during S phase. Although this replication program has been closely linked with genome architecture, we still do not understand key aspects of how chromosomal context modulates the activity of replication origins. To address this question, we have exploited models that combine engineered genomic rearrangements with the unique replication programs of post-quiescence and pre-meiotic S phases. Our results demonstrate that large-scale inversions surprisingly do not affect cell proliferation and meiotic progression, despite inducing a restructuring of replication domains on each rearranged chromosome. Remarkably, these alterations in the organization of DNA replication are entirely due to changes in the positions of existing origins along the chromosome, as their efficiencies remain virtually unaffected genome wide. However, we identified striking alterations in origin firing proximal to the fusion points of each inversion, suggesting that the immediate chromosomal neighborhood of an origin is a crucial determinant of its activity. Interestingly, the impact of genome reorganization on replication initiation is highly comparable in the post-quiescent and pre-meiotic S phases, despite the differences in DNA metabolism in these two physiological states. Our findings therefore shed new light on how origin selection and the replication program are governed by chromosomal architecture.
Impacts on Protective Structures against Gravitational Mass Movements—Scaling from Model Tests to Real Events
Authors: Berger Simon , Hofmann Robert
Published: July 2022

Gravitational mass movements such as rockfalls, landslides, rock avalanches, or debris flows are increasingly endangering settlement areas and infrastructure facilities in the Alpine region as a result of climate change. An essential component of counteracting the dangers of such events is the construction of suitable protective structures. However, the dimensioning of these protective structures requires in-depth knowledge of the impact process on the structure. Measurements of real large mass movements such as rock avalanches fail due to the large impact forces involved. For this reason, model tests have been carried out by different institutions in different countries in recent decades. An essential aspect of the study of gravitational mass movements using model experiments is scaling experimental results to real events. Therefore, in this study, a model experiment carried out at the University of Innsbruck was recalculated in the first step using the discrete element method (DEM). Subsequently, the experimental results and the numerical DEM model were scaled to a real event using scale factors and then compared again. The aim was to show how well the results of the model tests can be scaled to describe real events of rock avalanches.
I Think I Should Get Vaccinated, I Feel I Should Not. Individual Differences in Information Processing and Vaccination Behavior (COVID-19)
Authors: Maroiu Cristina , Rusu Andrei , Pap Zselyke
Published: July 2022

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community responded promptly by developing effective vaccines. Still, even though effective vaccines against COVID-19 became available, many people did not seem to be in a rush to become immunized. Community protection can be enhanced if more people decide to vaccinate, and thus it is necessary to identify relevant factors involved in vaccination behavior to find better ways of encouraging it. Vaccination behavior is the result of a decision process that might vary according to individual differences in information processing. We investigated the role of cognitive reflection ability and thinking styles in predicting self-reported vaccination behavior against COVID-19. A sample of 274 Romanian participants was surveyed for the present study, out of which 217 (Mage = 24.58, SD = 8.31; 53% female) declared they had the possibility to become vaccinated. Results showed that a higher level of cognitive reflection ability significantly increased the odds of becoming vaccinated. A rational thinking style was not linked to vaccination behavior. However, an experiential thinking style indirectly predicted vaccination behavior by means of attitudes towards vaccination. Since individual differences in information processing are, to a certain extent, linked to vaccination behavior, the design of vaccination campaigns could consider that people have specific information needs and address them as such.
Should We Use Hyperbaric Oxygen for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Management? A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ho Yu-Wan , Chung Ping-Yen , Hou Sen-Kuang , Chang Ming-Long , Kang Yi-No
Published: July 2022

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a public health issue in numerous countries. Oxygen supplementation is the standard and initial management for acute CO poisoning. Normobaric oxygen (NBO) and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapies for CO poisoning have been discussed for several decades. NBO, one-session HBO, two-session HBO, and three-session HBO have not been clearly compared, although there are some syntheses. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an overview of various HBO therapies for CO poisoning. We searched online databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic, and two authors individually extracted data on characteristics, mortality, headache recovery, general fatigue, memory impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Outcomes were pooled using network meta-analysis. We included eight RCTs (n = 1785) that met our eligibility criteria. Pooled estimates showed that HBO had no better outcomes than NBO. Moreover, two-session HBO seemed to have a higher general fatigue rate than NBO, and compared with one-session HBO therapy, it had a higher fatigue rate (risk ratio (RR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.62), memory impairment rate (RR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.01–3.19), and concentration impairment rate (RR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.19–2.89). HBO may be ineffective for patients with CO poisoning. Therefore, clinicians should consider the available treatment options carefully before recommending HBO to patients.
Preliminary Outcomes of Cervical Cerclage for Shortened Cervix with Decidual Polyp
Authors: Misugi Takuya , Kitada Kohei , Fudaba Megumi , Tanaka Sayaka , Kurihara Yasushi , Tahara Mie , Hamuro Akihiro , Nakano Akemi , Koyama Masayasu , Tachibana Daisuke
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to elucidate the nature of decidual polyp (DP) and to compare DP outcomes treated with cervical cerclage for a shortened cervix with the outcomes of cases treated with cervical cerclage without DP. The medical records of pregnant women who were complicated with cervical polyps were retrospectively reviewed. Cervical cerclage was considered for those cases with a shortened cervical length of under 25 mm and before 25 gestational weeks. We also reviewed pregnant women who had no cervical polyps, and who underwent cervical cerclage during the same study period, and defined them as the control group. A total of 56 pregnant women with cervical polyps were identified. All of the polyps in the 14 cases that had undergone cervical cerclage migrated into the cervical canal. Of the thirty seven cases with cervical polyps that did not necessitate cervical cerclage, eight women delivered preterm and six of these cases were diagnosed as DP. In all of the women studied, polyp migration was observed in 68.6 %. Cervical cerclage was performed significantly earlier in the DP group than in the control group of 46 cases (p < 0.001; 18.4 weeks vs. 21.4 weeks, respectively). Cervical cerclage is effective in DP cases with a shortened cervical length and polypectomy should not be performed during pregnancy because of the risk of miscarriage.
Quality of Life of Older Persons: The Role and Challenges of Social Services Providers
Authors: Ghenţa Mihaela , Matei Aniela , Mladen-Macovei Luise , Stănescu Simona
Published: July 2022

Considering the growing number of older persons, ensuring the quality of life of them, as well as the social services designed for this population category, has become more and more important. Especially in the case of dependent older persons, social services are essential components, as they contribute to a better quality of life. The aim of this paper was to examine the perspectives of social services providers for older persons with respect to their role and the challenges encountered in ensuring the quality of life of older beneficiaries. In order to answer our objectives, we employed a qualitative methodology, using the focus group method to collect information from social services providers (both residential and home care). Multiple factors are related to a good quality of life in old age: some are related to individual characteristics, while others are related to the provision of services. The provision of quality social services that adequately respond to the needs of beneficiaries contributes to increasing the degree of independence and maintaining the physical and mental health of dependent older persons.
Recent Insights into PARP and Immuno-Checkpoint Inhibitors in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Revythis Antonios , Limbu Anu , Mikropoulos Christos , Ghose Aruni , Sanchez Elisabet , Sheriff Matin , Boussios Stergios
Published: July 2022

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers and has the highest mortality rate of any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) accounts for approximately 90% of all ovarian malignancies. The standard therapeutic strategy includes cytoreductive surgery accompanied by pre- or postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy. Nevertheless, up to 80% of the patients relapse within the following 12–18 months from the completion of the treatment and then receive first-line chemotherapy depending on platinum sensitivity. Mutations in BRCA1/2 genes are the most significant molecular aberrations in EOC and serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors exploit defects in the DNA repair pathway through synthetic lethality. They have also been shown to trap PARP1 and PARP2 on DNA, leading to PARP-DNA complexes. Olaparib, rucaparib, and niraparib have all obtained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or the European Medicine Agency (EMA) approval for the treatment of EOC in different settings. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have improved the survival of several cancers and are under evaluation in EOC. However, despite the success of immunotherapy in other malignancies, the use of antibodies inhibiting the immune checkpoint programmed cell death (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) obtained modest results in EOC so far, with median response rates of up to 10%. As such, ICI have not yet been approved for the treatment of EOC. We herein provided a comprehensive insight into the most recent progress in synthetic lethality PARP inhibitors, along with the mechanisms of resistance. We also summarised data regarding the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the use of vaccination therapy, and adoptive immunotherapy in treating epithelial ovarian cancer.
Capillary Blood Recovery Variables in Young Swimmers: An Observational Case Study
Authors: Nowak Robert , Rój Konrad , Ciechanowicz Andrzej , Lewandowska Klaudyna , Kostrzewa-Nowak Dorota
Published: July 2022

Sport diagnostics is still in pursuit of the optimal combination of biochemical and hematological markers to assess training loads and the effectiveness of recovery. The biochemical and hematological markers selected for a panel should be specific to the sport and training program. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of selected biochemical and hematological variables in professional long-distance and sprint swimming. Twenty-seven participants aged 15–18 years took part in the study. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and creatinine (Cr), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, total bilirubin (TB), direct bilirubin (DB) and iron concentrations were measured for 10 weeks and compared with the traditional sport diagnostic markers of creatine kinase (CK) activity and urea (U) concentration. Additionally, capillary blood morphology was analyzed. An effective panel should consist of measurements of CK and AST activities and urea, TB, DB and ferritin concentrations. These markers provide a good overview of athletes’ post-training effort changes, can help assess the effectiveness of their recovery regardless of sex or competitive distance and are affordable. Moreover, changes in ferritin concentration can indicate inflammation status and, when combined with iron concentration and blood morphology, can help to avoid iron deficiencies, anemia and adverse inflammatory states in swimmers.
The Apapacho Violence Prevention Parenting Program: Conceptual Foundations and Pathways to Scale
Authors: Cuartas Jorge , Baker-Henningham Helen , Cepeda Andrés , Rey-Guerra Catalina ,   Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) Early Childhood Team
Published: July 2022

Violence against children (VAC) is a major global issue with long-lasting negative consequences on individuals and societies. The present study presents a review of the literature on drivers of VAC and the core components of evidence-based violence prevention programs. Moreover, it analyzes the existing services and social infrastructure in Colombia to rigorously inform the design of the Apapacho violence prevention parenting program for families with children younger than five targeted toward Colombia. Findings indicate that (1) VAC in Colombia is a multidimensional issue with roots at the individual, family, community, and society levels, (2) evidence-based violence prevention programs share a common set of content and delivery strategies that could inform the components of the Apapacho program, and (3) there is an urgent need for scalable and flexible violence prevention programs for families with young children in Colombia. Considering existing evidence, the Apapacho violence prevention parenting program will be designed using ecological, developmental, and neuroscience-informed perspectives. This article concludes by presenting the initial components of the theory of change and discussing future directions for the design of the Apapacho program and other violence prevention interventions in LMICs.
Risk Assessment for Birth Defects in Offspring of Chinese Pregnant Women
Authors: Qu Pengfei , Zhao Doudou , Yan Mingxin , Liu Danmeng , Pei Leilei , Zeng Lingxia , Yan Hong , Dang Shaonong
Published: July 2022

Objective: This study aimed to develop a nomogram for the risk assessment of any type of birth defect in offspring using a large birth-defect database in Northwest China. Methods: This study was based on a birth-defect survey, which included 29,204 eligible women who were pregnant between 2010 and 2013 in the Shaanxi province of Northwest China. The participants from central Shaanxi province were assigned to the training group, while the subjects from the south and north of Shaanxi province were assigned to the external validation group. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any type of birth defect in the offspring. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to establish a prediction nomogram, while the discrimination and calibration were evaluated by external validation. Results: The multivariate analyses revealed that household registration, history of miscarriages, family history of birth defects, infection, taking medicine, pesticide exposure, folic acid supplementation, and single/twin pregnancy were significant factors in the occurrence of birth defects. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the prediction model was 0.682 (95% CI 0.653 to 0.710) in the training set. The validation set showed moderate discrimination, with an AUC of 0.651 (95% CI 0.614 to 0.689). Additionally, the prediction model had a good calibration (HL χ2 = 8.106, p= 0.323). Conclusions: We developed a nomogram risk model for any type of birth defect in a Chinese population based on important modifying factors in pregnant women. This risk-prediction model could be a tool for clinicians to assess the risk of birth defects and promote health education.
Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of the Self-Efficacy Scale for Clinical Nurse Leaders for the Portuguese Culture
Authors: Carvalho Marlene , Gaspar Filomena , Potra Teresa , Lucas Pedro
Published: July 2022

Studies related to the competencies of clinical nurse leaders as an advanced practice demonstrate that they are an asset to health organizations. However, it is pertinent to use an instrument to measure the self-efficacy of clinical nurse leaders in Portugal to facilitate managers’ decision-making. In this study, we aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Clinical Nurse Leader Self-Efficacy Scale for the Portuguese cultural context. This is a quantitative, observational, and descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample of this study was non-probabilistic and intentional, consisting of 329 nurses responsible for shift and specialist nurses. The translation and validation process followed the internationally recognized guidelines on the psychometric properties of measurement instruments. The factor analysis explained 62.1% of the variance and had a seven-dimensional structure. The seven factors were: Patient-Centred Care; Unit Management; Clinical Leadership; Strategic Leadership; Team Management; Cost Reduction; and Care Planning. The confirmatory analysis showed that the seven-factor model achieved a suitable adjustment in the Portuguese context. The self-efficacy scale for clinical nurse leaders can be considered a valid and reliable instrument for application in Portugal in any care context. This scale allows the assessment of the nurse’s perception of their ability to intervene effectively as a clinical leader in their care team.
Age Differences in Psychological Antecedents and Behavioral Consequences of Stigmatization Associated with COVID-19 among Koreans
Authors: Kang Seonwoo , Kang Jungsuk
Published: July 2022

The first goal of this study is to develop a conceptual model of the causal relationship between psychological antecedents (internal attribution, anger, dangerousness, fear) of stigmatization, stigmatization (public stigma, anticipated stigma), and the behavioral consequences (compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, COVID-19 testing intention) of stigmatization associated with COVID-19. The second goal of the study is to investigate the age differences in the conceptual model between younger and older adults unconfirmed with COVID-19 in Korea. After building the model based on previous studies, an online survey was conducted with Koreans in their 20s (n = 300, females: 50%) and 60s (n = 300, females: 50%) who had not been confirmed with COVID-19. The results revealed that for participants in their 20s and 60s, their internal attribution of COVID-19 infection to individuals confirmed with COVID-19 enhanced their anger at the individuals. Afterward, their anger increased their anticipated stigma of being confirmed with COVID-19 through enhancing the public stigma of the individuals confirmed with COVID-19. Unexpectedly, the fear of individuals confirmed with COVID-19 elicited by the dangerousness of the individuals had no effect on the public stigma of the individuals among participants in their 20s and 60s. The fear directly enhanced their compliance with the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. Next, for participants in their 20s, their anticipated stigma increased their compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, but not their COVID-19 testing intention. However, the anticipated stigma did not affect both the compliance with the COVID-19 prevention guidelines and COVID-19 testing intention among participants in their 60s. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Indian Immigrants in Australia towards Oral Cancer and Their Perceived Role of General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saraswat Nidhi , Everett Bronwyn , Pillay Rona , Prabhu Neeta , Villarosa Amy , George Ajesh
Published: July 2022

Oral cancer is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. With the increasing immigration of Indians to Australia, a potential rise in oral cancer cases can be expected if they continue engaging in oral cancer risk practices. Unfortunately, little is known on this topic in the Australian context. This study aimed to generate new insights into this area by examining Indian immigrants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer in Australia and their perceived role of general practitioners in raising oral cancer awareness. Exploring these aspects could determine the oral cancer risk behaviours of Indians in Australia along with any contributing factors which could help identify potential preventative strategies. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 164 Indians across Australia. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics. Respondents had varying levels of knowledge about oral cancer (mean total score 61%), particularly around risk factors such as alcohol and areca nut use as well as oral cancer-related signs/symptoms. The majority (87.7%) had not received any information about oral cancer in a health care setting but were receptive (71–90%) to general practitioners playing a more active role in this area. Respondents were engaging in positive preventative oral health care though few were currently (6.7%) or previously (14.7%) chewing tobacco preparations. Further research is needed through larger studies to confirm the study findings and inform the development of culturally tailored strategies particularly involving general practitioners, to raise oral cancer awareness and provide early screening for Indian immigrants.
“Balance Is Better”: The Wellbeing Benefits of Participating in a Breadth of Sports across a Variety of Settings during Adolescence
Authors: Wilson Oliver W. A. , Whatman Chris , Walters Simon , Keung Sierra , Enari Dion , Chiet Alex , Millar Sarah-Kate , Ferkins Lesley , Hinckson Erica , Hapeta Jeremy , Sam Michael , Richards Justin
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine how wellbeing is associated with the setting in which sport participation takes place and the breadth of sport participation. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation, (dis)ability status), recreational physical activity, and wellbeing were assessed in cohorts of adolescents (11–17 years) between 2017 and 2019 in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Better wellbeing was associated with participation in any sport vs. none (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.30–1.90). Better wellbeing was also associated with participating in any coached sport training (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.33–1.66), competitive sport (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.18–1.49), social sport (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.18–1.49), and uncoached sport training (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.03–1.31) compared to non-participation in the given setting. Wellbeing was not associated with participation in physical education or solo sport. Participating in sport in three to five different settings (3 settings: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01–1.44; 4 settings: OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.09–1.62; 5 settings: OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.07–1.75) or sports (3 sports: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04–1.51; 4 sports: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.06–1.61; 5 sports: OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.05–1.69) was associated with better wellbeing compared to participation in a single setting or sport, respectively. A balanced approach to participating across a variety of sport settings and sports that are facilitated by quality coaches may offer the largest additional wellbeing value.
Analysis of Attempted Suicide in a Pediatric Setting: Extracted Notes for Clinical Practice and Complexity of Help
Authors: Lesinskienė Sigita , Kinčinienė Odeta , Šambaras Rokas , Žilinskas Emilijus
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: Suicidality among adolescents is a global mental health issue. However, the post-suicidal care of minors is insufficient and lacks complexity, as repeated attempts occur. Further, little is known about the social (i.e., family setting) and psychological (for example, exposure to bullying, suicidality, or addiction within a close environment) backgrounds of minors who engage in suicidal behavior in Lithuania. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate and compare psychosocial factors that may influence minors’ decisions to attempt suicide for the first time and then repeatedly and to extract notes for future clinical practice. Materials and Methods: Data from 187 cases of suicide attempts by minors treated at the Children’s Hospital of Vilnius University Santara Clinics from January 2011 to January 2018 was obtained and analyzed. Results: The data showed that 48.7% of minors hospitalized because of a suicide attempt had a history of previous suicide attempts. Minors who attempted suicide repeatedly were more often engaged in non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (p = 0.033). Further, a small number had experienced suicide within their close surroundings (p = 0.045). The comparative analysis did not reveal any significant differences in psychosocial backgrounds between first-time attempters and those who attempted suicide for at least a second time. Conclusions: Social and psychological support after a suicide attempt in a pediatric setting is lacking efficiency, as minors who repeatedly attempt suicide suffer from similar psychosocial burdens. Complex and targeted follow-up care is needed.
Passive Smoking Is Associated with Multiple Heavy Metal Concentrations among Housewives in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Chen Huiting , Na Jigen , An Hang , Jin Ming , Jia Xiaoqian , Yan Lailai , Li Nan , Li Zhiwen
Published: July 2022

Background: Passive smoking may increase the content of heavy metals in housewives. However, this association remains a subject of debate. Female passive smoking is widespread, particularly in Chinese rural areas. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between heavy metal accumulation and passive smoking status among rural housewives. Methods: 405 women were recruited in Shanxi Province of Northern China, and 384 (94.8%, 384/405) participants were included in the final study, of whom 117 women were exposed to passive smoking. The information on their basic characteristics was collected via a structured questionnaire. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to analyze the concentrations of nine heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and chromium (Cr), in hair samples. Results: The results indicated that higher As, Ge, Ti, and Fe concentrations were significantly associated with passive smoking. After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted odds ratios and the 95% confidence intervals of As, Ge, Ti, and Fe were (1.80 (1.13–2.90), p = 0.028), (1.78 (1.14–2.80), p = 0.007), (1.70 (1.09–2.67), p = 0.019), and (1.67 (1.07–2.63), p = 0.035), respectively. The statistically significant linear trend of the adjusted odds ratios at different levels further supported their association. Conclusion: Our research concluded that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke might contribute to As, Ge, Ti, and Fe accumulation among housewives.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics and Potential Risks of Sulfonamides in the Shaanxi Section of the Weihe River
Authors: Duan Lei , Yang Siyue , Sun Yaqiao , Ye Fei , Jiang Jie , Kou Xiaomei , Yang Fan
Published: July 2022

The hazards of antibiotics as emerging contaminants to aquatic ecosystems and human health have received global attention. This study investigates the presence, concentration levels, spatial and temporal distribution patterns, and their potential risks to aquatic organisms and human health of sulfonamides (SAs) in the Shaanxi section of the Weihe River. The SA pollution in the Weihe River was relatively less than that in other rivers in China and abroad. The spatial and temporal distribution showed that the total concentrations of SAs in the Weihe River were highest in the main stream (ND–35.296 ng/L), followed by the south tributary (3.718–34.354 ng/L) and north tributary (5.476–9.302 ng/L) during the wet water period. Similarly, the order of concentration from highest to lowest during the flat water period was main stream (ND–3 ng/L), north tributary (ND–2.095 ng/L), and south tributary (ND–1.3 ng/L). In addition, the ecological risk assessment showed that the SAs other than sulfadiazine (SDZ) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) posed no significant risk (RQS < 0.01) to the corresponding sensitive species during both periods, with no significant risk to human health for different age groups, as suggested by the health risk assessment. The risk of the six SAs to both aquatic organisms and human health decreased significantly from 2016 to 2021.
Technodiscipline of Work: Does Post-Pandemic Platform Employment Generate New Psychosocial Risks?
Authors: Llosa José Antonio , Agulló-Tomás Esteban
Published: July 2022

In the publication Uses of work and forms of governance: precarious work as a tool of discipline Alonso and Fernández [...]
Crime Prediction and Monitoring in Porto, Portugal, Using Machine Learning, Spatial and Text Analytics
Authors: Saraiva Miguel , Matijošaitienė Irina , Mishra Saloni , Amante Ana
Published: July 2022

Crimes are a common societal concern impacting quality of life and economic growth. Despite the global decrease in crime statistics, specific types of crime and feelings of insecurity, have often increased, leading safety and security agencies with the need to apply novel approaches and advanced systems to better predict and prevent occurrences. The use of geospatial technologies, combined with data mining and machine learning techniques allows for significant advances in the criminology of place. In this study, official police data from Porto, in Portugal, between 2016 and 2018, was georeferenced and treated using spatial analysis methods, which allowed the identification of spatial patterns and relevant hotspots. Then, machine learning processes were applied for space-time pattern mining. Using lasso regression analysis, significance for crime variables were found, with random forest and decision tree supporting the important variable selection. Lastly, tweets related to insecurity were collected and topic modeling and sentiment analysis was performed. Together, these methods assist interpretation of patterns, prediction and ultimately, performance of both police and planning professionals.
Hybrid Machine Learning Approach for Gully Erosion Mapping Susceptibility at a Watershed Scale
Authors: Hitouri Sliman , Varasano Antonietta , Mohajane Meriame , Ijlil Safae , Essahlaoui Narjisse , Ali Sk Ajim , Essahlaoui Ali , Pham Quoc Bao , Waleed Mirza , Palateerdham Sasi Kiran , Teodoro Ana Cláudia
Published: July 2022

Gully erosion is a serious threat to the state of ecosystems all around the world. As a result, safeguarding the soil for our own benefit and from our own actions is a must for guaranteeing the long-term viability of a variety of ecosystem services. As a result, developing gully erosion susceptibility maps (GESM) is both suggested and necessary. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of three hybrid machine learning (ML) algorithms with the bivariate statistical index frequency ratio (FR), named random forest-frequency ratio (RF-FR), support vector machine-frequency ratio (SVM-FR), and naïve Bayes-frequency ratio (NB-FR), in mapping gully erosion in the GHISS watershed in the northern part of Morocco. The models were implemented based on the inventory mapping of a total number of 178 gully erosion points randomly divided into 2 groups (70% of points were used for training the models and 30% of points were used for the validation process), and 12 conditioning variables (i.e., elevation, slope, aspect, plane curvature, topographic moisture index (TWI), stream power index (SPI), precipitation, distance to road, distance to stream, drainage density, land use, and lithology). Using the equal interval reclassification method, the spatial distribution of gully erosion was categorized into five different classes, including very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. Our results showed that the very high susceptibility classes derived using RF-FR, SVM-FR, and NB-FR models covered 25.98%, 22.62%, and 27.10% of the total area, respectively. The area under the receiver (AUC) operating characteristic curve, precision, and accuracy were employed to evaluate the performance of these models. Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), the results showed that the RF-FR achieved the best performance (AUC = 0.91), followed by SVM-FR (AUC = 0.87), and then NB-FR (AUC = 0.82), respectively. Our contribution, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), plays a crucial role for understanding and identifying the issue of “where and why” gully erosion occurs, and hence it can serve as a first pathway to reducing gully erosion in this particular area.
Special Issue: Cholinergic Control of Inflammation
Authors: Benfante Roberta
Published: July 2022

Inflammation caused by infection, tissue trauma, and disease states such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease is perceived by the Central nervous System (CNS) through different routes that, by means of neural reflex circuits, regulate the immune system response [...]