bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Liver Pre-Metastatic Niche in Pancreatic Cancer: A Potential Opportunity for Intervention
Authors: Gumberger Peter , Bjornsson Bergthor , Sandström Per , Bojmar Linda , Zambirinis Constantinos P.
Published: June 2022

Cancer-related mortality is primarily a consequence of metastatic dissemination and associated complications. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies and tends to metastasize early, especially in the liver. Emerging evidence suggests that organs that develop metastases exhibit microscopic changes that favor metastatic growth, collectively known as “pre-metastatic niches”. By definition, a pre-metastatic niche is chronologically established before overt metastatic outgrowth, and its generation involves the release of tumor-derived secreted factors that modulate cells intrinsic to the recipient organ, as well as recruitment of additional cells from tertiary sites, such as bone marrow—all orchestrated by the primary tumor. The pre-metastatic niche is characterized by tumor-promoting inflammation with tumor-supportive and immune-suppressive features, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, angiogenic modulation and metabolic alterations that support growth of disseminated tumor cells. In this paper, we review the current state of knowledge of the hepatic pre-metastatic niche in PDAC and attempt to create a framework to guide future diagnostic and therapeutic studies.
Prompt Resumption of Screening Programme Reduced the Impact of COVID-19 on New Breast Cancer Diagnoses in Northern Italy
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Mancuso Pamela , Braghiroli Maria Barbara , Bisceglia Isabella , Campari Cinzia , Caroli Stefania , Marino Massimiliano , Caldarella Adele , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Pinto Carmine
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate the real impact of COVID-19 during the entire 2020 period, compared with 2019. The data comes from a Cancer Registry in Northern Italy and we compared clinical and treatment characteristics of breast cancer by age, stage, treatment, and status screening. In 2020 there was no decrease in invasive tumours nor in in situ (513 vs. 493 and 76 vs. 73, respectively), while there was a significant decrease in surgery and increase in neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.016). In the screening range (aged 45–74), no change in stage and grading was observed. In the four periods examined there was an increase in new diagnoses during pre-lockdown, a decrease in tumours especially at age 75+ [IRR 0.45; 95%CI 0.25–0.79] during lockdown, a recovery of new diagnoses in women 45+ in the low incidence period while in the last period there was a significant increase only for ages 45–74 [IRR 1.48; 95% CI 1.11–1.98]. Screening activities were suspended from March to May, but over the summer and autumn the backlog was addressed. This suggests that a prompt resumption of programmed screening may have limited the impact of the pandemic on the delay of breast cancer diagnoses.
Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors in Children with ADHD during Lockdown for COVID-19: The Role of Parental Emotions, Parenting Strategies, and Breaking Lockdown Rules
Authors: Melegari Maria Grazia , Muratori Pietro , Bruni Oliviero , Donolato Enrica , Giallonardo Martina , Mammarella Irene
Published: June 2022

Lockdown experience for COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exacerbating or promoting the onset of externalizing and internalizing symptoms. However, few studies have considered how externalizing and internalizing behaviors changed in relation to parental emotions and parenting strategies. In the present study, 992 caregivers of children and adolescents with ADHD from 5 to 18 years were presented with an online survey evaluating youths’ externalizing and internalizing behaviors, their non-compliance with lockdown rules, and parental factors related to parental emotions and parenting strategies. Two hierarchical linear regression models were performed to examine the contribution of children’s non-compliance with lockdown rules, parental emotions, and parenting strategies on children’s externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Results revealed that externalizing behaviors were higher in children and adolescents with ADHD non-compliant with lockdown rules. Moreover, positive parenting strategies moderated the relationship between non-compliance with lockdown rules and externalizing behaviors. Differently, higher internalizing behaviors were observed in children with ADHD who had parents reporting more negative emotions and positive parenting strategies. In this case, parents’ negative emotions had a moderator effect in the association between internalizing behaviors and non-compliance to lockdown measures. The clinical implications of these two different patterns of relations are discussed.
Children’s Health Literacy in Relation to Their BMI z-Score, Food Intake, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study among 8–11-Year-Old Children in The Netherlands
Authors: Rademakers Jany , Hahnraths Marla T. H. , van Schayck Onno C. P. , Heijmans Monique
Published: June 2022

Overweight and obesity in children are an increasing public health problem. Health literacy (HL) is a determinant of obesity and body mass index (BMI) rates in adults, but few studies have addressed the impact of children’s own HL on their weight and lifestyle. In this study, we aim to assess the impact of Dutch children’s HL on (1) their BMI z-score, (2) dietary behaviour, and (3) the amount of physical activity (PA) they engage in. A sample of 139 children (age 8–11 years) filled out a digital questionnaire, including an HL measurement instrument and questions regarding their food intake and PA. Furthermore, the height and weight of the children were measured, and background information was collected using a parental questionnaire. Multiple regression revealed a significant positive relation between children’s HL and their PA. No significant association between children’s HL and their BMI z-score or dietary behaviour was found. HL of children in primary school thus has an impact on some aspects of children’s lifestyle, although more research in a larger, more diverse sample is needed to further investigate this.
A Multiobjective Variable Neighborhood Strategy Adaptive Search to Optimize the Dynamic EMS Location–Allocation Problem
Authors: Sangkaphet Ponglert , Pitakaso Rapeepan , Sethanan Kanchana , Nanthasamroeng Natthapong , Pranet Kiatisak , Khonjun Surajet , Srichok Thanatkij , Kaewman Sasitorn , Kaewta Chutchai
Published: June 2022

An aging society increases the demand for emergency services, such as EMS. The more often EMS is needed by patients, the more medical staff are needed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of medical staff became a critical issue. This research aims to combine the allocation of trained volunteers to substitute for medical staff and solve the EMS relocation problem. The objective of the proposed research is to (1) minimize the costs of the system and (2) maximize the number of people covered by the EMS within a predefined time. A multiobjective variable neighborhood strategy adaptive search (M-VaNSAS) has been developed to solve the problem. From the computational results, it can be seen that the proposed method obtained a better solution than that of current practice and the genetic algorithm by 32.06% and 13.43%, respectively.
Chemical Compositions of Walnut (Juglans Spp.) Oil: Combined Effects of Genetic and Climatic Factors
Authors: Yang Hanbo , Xiao Xu , Li Jingjing , Wang Fang , Mi Jiaxuan , Shi Yujie , He Fang , Chen Lianghua , Zhang Fan , Wan Xueqin
Published: June 2022

Walnut oil is a high-value oil product. Investigation of the variation and the main climatic factors affecting the oil’s chemical composition is vital for breeding and oil quality improvement. Therefore, the fatty acid, micronutrients, and secondary metabolites compositions and contents in walnut oil were determined in three species: Juglans regia L. (common walnut), J. sigillata Dode (iron walnut), and their hybrids (Juglans sigillata Dode × J. regia L.), which were cultivated aat different sites. The major fatty acids were linoleic (51.39–63.12%), oleic (18.40–33.56%), and linolenic acid (6.52–11.69%). High variation in the contents of fatty acids, micronutrients, and secondary metabolites was found between both species and sites. Interestingly, myristic, margaric, and margaroleic acid were only detected in the hybrids’ walnut oil, yet α-tocopherol was only detected in common and iron walnut oil. Climatic factors significantly affected the composition and content of fatty acid, whereas δ-tocopherol was mostly dependent on the genetic factors. The average relative humidity explained the most variation in the fatty acids, micronutrients, and secondary metabolites, which showed a significant positive and negative effect on the monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. These findings contribute to the provision of better guidance in matching sites with walnut trees, and improvement of the nutritional value of walnut oil.
The Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Spirulina (Artrhospira platensis) Chlorophylls Microencapsulated in Different Ratios of Gum Arabic and Whey Protein Isolate
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hong , Yu Bangjie , Xu Qili , Bai Zhenyu , Ji Kai , Gao Xianli , Wang Bo , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Ma Haile , Xiao Rensong
Published: June 2022

Spirulina (Artrhospira platensis) is rich in chlorophylls (CH) and is used as a potential natural additive in the food industry. In this study, the CH content was extracted from spirulina powder after ultrasound treatment. Microcapsules were then prepared at different ratios of gum Arabic (GA) and whey protein isolate (WPI) through freeze-drying to improve the chemical stability of CH. As a result, a* and C* values of the microcapsules prepared from GA:WPI ratios (3:7) were −8.94 ± 0.05 and 15.44 ± 0.08, respectively. The GA fraction increased from 1 to 9, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of microcapsules also increased by 9.62%. Moreover, the absorption peaks of CH at 2927 and 1626 cm−1 in microcapsules emerged as a redshift detected by FT-IR. From SEM images, the morphology of microcapsules changed from broken glassy to irregular porous flake-like structures when the GA ratio increased. In addition, the coated microcapsules (GA:WPI = 3:7) showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (SADPPH) (56.38 ± 0.19) due to low moisture content and better chemical stability through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Conclusively, GA and WPI coacervates as the wall material may improve the stability of CH extracted from spirulina.
Whey Protein Peptides Have Dual Functions: Bioactivity and Emulsifiers in Oil-In-Water Nanoemulsion
Authors: Adjonu Randy , Doran Gregory S. , Torley Peter , Sampson Gilbert O. , Agboola Samson O.
Published: June 2022

Whey protein isolate (WPI)-derived bioactive peptide fractions (1–3, 3–5, 5–10, 1–10, and >10 kDa) were for the first time used as emulsifiers in nanoemulsions. The formation and storage stability of WPI bioactive peptide-stabilized nanoemulsions depended on the peptide size, enzyme type, peptide concentration, and storage temperature. The highly bioactive <10 kDa fractions were either poorly surface-active or weak stabilizers in nanoemulsions. The moderately bioactive >10 kDa fractions formed stable nanoemulsions (diameter = 174–196 nm); however, their performance was dependent on the peptide concentration (1–4%) and enzyme type. Overall, nanoemulsions exhibited better storage stability (less droplet growth and creaming) when stored at lower (4 °C) than at higher (25 °C) temperatures. This study has shown that by optimizing peptide size using ultrafiltration, enzyme type and emulsification conditions (emulsifier concentration and storage conditions), stable nanoemulsions can be produced using WPI-derived bioactive peptides, demonstrating the dual-functionality of WPI peptides.
Overcoming Choice Inertia through Social Interaction—An Agent-Based Study of Mobile Subscription Decision
Authors: Saha Barsha , Martínez-García Miguel , Bhattacharya Sharad Nath , Joshi Rohit
Published: June 2022

Subscription decision in the telecom market is quite complex and cumbersome, invoking decision inertia in consumers and resulting in suboptimal choices. We implemented choice inertia and consumer interaction as an agent-based model to better understand the process. The model illustrates that with adequate peer interactions with active consumers, inactive consumers could overcome their inertia significantly and switch to a better alternative. Furthermore, the newly converted active consumers influenced their inert neighbors as a ripple effect. Active consumers contribute to firm profits and healthy market competition. Moreover, in environments with low neighborhood effects and a stronger inertia threshold, firms are able to maintain profits by retaining inert consumers. We show that apart from the attractiveness of market offerings, firms can benefit from understanding consumer inertia and devising means to reduce it.
The Sweetpotato Voltage-Gated K+ Channel β Subunit, KIbB1, Positively Regulates Low-K+ and High-Salinity Tolerance by Maintaining Ion Homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Hong , Yang Xue , Li Qiyan , Guo Jiayu , Ma Tao , Liu Shuyan , Lin Shunyu , Zhou Yuanyuan , Zhao Chunmei , Wang Jingshan , Sui Jiongming
Published: June 2022

Voltage-gated K+ channel β subunits act as a structural component of Kin channels in different species. The β subunits are not essential to the channel activity but confer different properties through binding the T1 domain or the C-terminal of α subunits. Here, we studied the physiological function of a novel gene, KIbB1, encoding a voltage-gated K+ channel β subunit in sweetpotato. The transcriptional level of this gene was significantly higher in the low-K+-tolerant line than that in the low-K+-sensitive line under K+ deficiency conditions. In Arabidopsis, KIbB1 positively regulated low-K+ tolerance through regulating K+ uptake and translocation. Under high-salinity stress, the growth conditions of transgenic lines were obviously better than wild typr (WT). Enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging were activated in transgenic plants. Accordingly, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the accumulation of ROS such as H2O2 and O2− were lower in transgenic lines under salt stress. It was also found that the overexpression of KIbB1 enhanced K+ uptake, but the translocation from root to shoot was not affected under salt stress. This demonstrates that KIbB1 acted as a positive regulator in high-salinity stress resistance through regulating Na+ and K+ uptake to maintain K+/Na+ homeostasis. These results collectively suggest that the mechanisms of KIbB1 in regulating K+ were somewhat different between low-K+ and high-salinity conditions.
Knowledge and Prevalence of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease in Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Matysek Mikołaj , Wójcicki Krzysztof , Tokarek Tomasz , Dziewierz Artur , Rakowski Tomasz , Bartuś Stanisław , Dudek Dariusz
Published: June 2022

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a short hospital stay and fast recovery. However, it might be related to insufficient implementation of lifestyle changes after the procedure. Conversely, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a highly invasive technique that requires a prolonged hospital stay and long rehabilitation with more opportunities for education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CABG on adherence to lifestyle modifications and knowledge about coronary artery disease (CAD) in comparison with PCI. We also evaluated the level of education and tried to define groups of patients that might require targeted education. Methods: Data was collected using a self-designed 56-item questionnaire. Questions assessed the knowledge of CAD risk factors and the level of their control. Results: The study group consisted of 155 consecutive patients admitted to the Cardiology Department. Patients with a history of PCI (68%) (at least 8 weeks before) were included in the prior-PCI group, and patients with previous surgical revascularization (also at least 8 weeks before) were assigned to the prior-CABG group (32%). The knowledge score was higher in the prior-CABG group. The median (IQR) results in the prior-PCI vs. prior-CABG group were, respectively: 20 (12–24) vs. 22 (19–25) [points, per 31 max.]; p = 0.01. Similar results were obtained in the level of risk control (prior-PCI vs. prior-CABG, respectively: 6 (4–7) vs. 7 (6–8) [points, per 15 max.]; p = 0.002). Conclusions: The method of treatment of CAD might impact the implementation of lifestyle modifications after the procedure. More effort is required to improve secondary prevention, especially in PCI patients.
A Psychometric Analysis of the Nurse Satisfaction with the Quality of Care Scale
Authors: Alilyyani Bayan , Kerr Michael , Wong Carol , Wazqar Dhuha
Published: June 2022

The concept of quality of nursing care can vary across healthcare organizations, and many different factors may affect the quality of nursing care as perceived by nurses. Measuring satisfaction with quality of nursing care from the nurse’s perspective is important as a valid and reliable indicator of care quality. The purpose of this study was to measure the psychometric properties of a researcher-developed instrument measuring nurse satisfaction with quality of care. A sample of 200 nurses was randomly selected from three different cities in Saudi Arabia and surveyed with the Nurse Satisfaction with Quality of Care Scale, which is a self-administrated five-item scale. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency analysis were conducted to assess aspects of the validity and reliability of the instrument. The results of exploratory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure that consisted of the five items. Confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed that the five items were integral to nurse satisfaction with quality of care. The Cronbach internal consistency of the scale was acceptable. The scale appeared to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing nurse perceptions of their satisfaction with the quality of care provided. Additional studies to further test psychometric properties of this scale in different contexts are warranted.
Daily Life Patterns, Psychophysical Conditions, and Immunity of Adolescents in the COVID-19 Era: A Mixed Research with Qualitative Interviews by a Quasi-Experimental Retrospective Study
Authors: Yu Ji-Eun , Eun Denny , Jee Yong-Seok
Published: June 2022

Background: This study investigated the daily lifestyle changes, prevalence of psychological depression, physical health status, and immunity of adolescents in Korea resulting from increased isolation and social restriction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: All subjects included 17-year-old male adolescents. A total of 117 subjects were assigned to one of four groups according to the degree of depression based on item #6 in the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) questionnaire as follows: no-depression group (NDG, n = 71; 61.0%), low-depression group (LDG, n = 23; 19.0%), moderate-depression group (MDG, n = 15; 13.0%), and high-depression group (HDG, n = 8; 7.0%). This study analyzed the data using quantitative and qualitative methods to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic affects adolescents’ daily lives, psychophysiological conditions, and immune function. Results: This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affects the daily lifestyle pattern, psychophysical condition, and immunocytes of adolescents. In terms of depression, 39.0% of adolescents felt depressed, and 7% of them felt depressed almost every day. Overall, HDG considered themselves unhealthy and felt prone to immune diseases, such as colds. HDG were prone to sleep late, eat more frequently, and work out less. Regarding physical fitness factors, the cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, and power of HDG were significantly lower than those of NDG, LDG, and MDG. Moreover, HDG had the worst body composition, including the lowest muscle mass. Finally, natural killer (NK) cells and T cells were significantly different among groups, with the levels in HDG being significantly lower than those of the other three groups. Conclusions: Since the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affects the daily lives, psychophysical conditions, and immunocytes of adolescents, there is an urgent need to create and provide solutions to adolescents with depression though the number of subjects is few.
Comprehensive Care after Myocardial Infarction (CCMI): Long-Term Investment in the Health of Polish Citizens
Authors: Kubielas Grzegorz , Hydzik Paulina , Rypicz Łukasz
Published: June 2022

The comprehensive care model after myocardial infarction (CCMI, in Polish: KOS-Zawał) has been in effect continuously since October 2017. Within the bundle of services financed by the Polish National Health Fund (NHF), patients receive a diagnosis, conservative and invasive treatment, early cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up visits for 12 months. The existing model of managing patients after myocardial infarction (MI) implements all crucial aspects of care recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), emphasised many times. The purpose of this paper was to report and describe the course of the implementation of the unique concept—CCMI model, including the scope of the introduced changes and the implementation and structural evaluation of its effects over the period 2017–2021. Our preliminary study reported that the CCMI programme reduces the risk of patient death in the first year after MI by 29%. Furthermore, the authors point out the strict cause and effect relationship between the cardiovascular disease prevention programme since 2004 as the key instrument for the primary systemic prevention implemented outside the CCMI model.
Study of the Reliability of Field Test Methods for Physical Fitness in Children Aged 2–3 Years
Authors: Ke Dandan , Wang Duona , Huang Hui , Hu Xiangying , Sasaki Jun , Liu Hezhong , Wang Xiaofei , Lu Dajiang , Wang Jian , He Gengsheng
Published: June 2022

Physical fitness measures overall physical health. It is the ability of the body to work effectively and stay healthy during leisure and emergencies. Given the progressive integration of 2–3-year-olds into preschool, physical fitness testing of these children has become increasingly important. We aimed to develop and test the reliability of an appropriate field test method for physical fitness in 2–3-year-olds children. One hundred and three children (44 boys and 59 girls) volunteered for this study. Their height and weight were tested, and the same tester conducted the test twice for handgrip strength, 3 m balance walking, stair climbing, 5 m run, and kicking a ball at one-minute intervals. Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for reliability testing. The reliability of this field test method for physical fitness was high in the repetitive tests of Chinese 2–3-year-olds for the four items of handgrip strength, 3 m balance walking, stair climbing and 5 m run, and the reliability was moderate for the kicking the ball item. This study indicates that these field-based physical fitness test methods have good reliability and are simple, feasible, safe, and easy to be accepted and understood by 2–3-year-old children; thus, it may be used as a reference for professionals in China and abroad.
Validation of Content for an App for Caregivers of Stroke Patients through the Delphi Method
Authors: Andrades-González Ismael , Molina-Mula Jesús
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus among experts (using the Delphi technique) to validate the informative content that should be included in an App to be used by informal caregivers of stroke patients in order to improve their quality of life, facilitating access to the health care system and involving them in their own health. This technique was developed between June and December 2021. The group of experts was selected on the basis of previously established criteria, and the coefficient of variation (v) was used as a measure of consensus. In addition, the concordance index was calculated to determine the stability of the different rounds. In the first round, the preliminary content, previously elaborated by the research group, was evaluated as very appropriate for the objectives set (N-P < 1.07). In addition, averages of 4.5 out of five and a coefficient of variation of less than 0.5 were obtained, confirming the consensus. In the second round, suggestions were made by the experts on how to improve the content of the information, obtaining 100% agreement with the results obtained in the first round. The results obtained allow a positive evaluation of the use of the Delphi method for the elaboration of the information to be housed in an App.
“Immuni” and the National Health System: Lessons Learnt from the COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing in Italy
Authors: Ussai Silvia , Pistis Marco , Missoni Eduardo , Formenti Beatrice , Armocida Benedetta , Pedrazzi Tatiana , Castelli Francesco , Monasta Lorenzo , Lauria Baldassare , Mariani Ilaria
Published: June 2022

Since the early stage of the current pandemic, digital contact tracing (DCT) through mobile phone apps, called “Immuni”, has been introduced to complement manual contact tracing in Italy. Until 31 December 2021, Immuni identified 44,880 COVID-19 cases, which corresponds to less than 1% of total COVID-19 cases reported in Italy in the same period (5,886,411). Overall, Immuni generated 143,956 notifications. Although the initial download of the Immuni app represented an early interest in the new tool, Immuni has had little adoption across the Italian population, and the recent increase in its download is likely to be related to the mandatory Green Pass certification for conducting most daily activities that can be obtained via the application. Therefore, Immuni failed as a support tool for the contact tracing system. Other European experiences seem to show similar limitations in the use of DTC, leaving open questions about its effectiveness, although in theory, contact tracing could allow useful means of “proximity tracking”.
High Emotional Demands at Work and Poor Mental Health in Client-Facing Workers
Authors: Suh Chunhui , Punnett Laura
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the association between emotional demands and depression or anxiety in a wide range of jobs. We used data from the third Korean Working Conditions Survey (n = 50,032) for all occupational classifications, with no limitations placed on job title or employment type. Among the full set of regular paid workers in addition to self-employed, unpaid family workers, and informal employees such as independent contractors, 23,989 respondents worked with “customers, passengers, students, or patients” (i.e., clients). Emotional demands were evaluated using two questions: handling angry clients and needing to hide feelings for work performance. Any depression or anxiety over the last 12 months was taken to indicate poor mental health. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to calculate adjusted ORs with 95% confidence intervals for the influence of emotional demands on mental health, adjusting for demographic factors (age, gender, education, income), occupational psychological demands, decision latitude, social support, weekly work hours and job insecurity. The prevalence of emotional demands was higher in self-employed and informal employees than in regular paid employees. The more frequent the exposure to the two emotional demands combined was, the higher the risk of depression or anxiety. High psychological demands, low social support, and low job security each further increased the risk of poor mental health. Emotional demands turned out to be widespread in the entire economy, were not limited to service or sales occupations, and were more evident in precarious work. The contribution of emotional demands and other preventable job stressors to the burden of depression or anxiety in society may be substantial.
COVID-19 Pandemic Psychological Impact and Volunteering Experience Perceptions of Medical Students after 2 Years
Authors: Gómez-Durán Esperanza L. , Fumadó Carles Martin , Gassó Aina M. , Díaz Sandra , Miranda-Mendizabal Andrea , Forero Carlos G. , Virumbrales Montserrat
Published: June 2022

Undergraduate healthcare students were mobilized to support healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have scarce information regarding their experience and its impact on their wellbeing. An anonymous online survey was conducted among undergraduate students and recently graduated physicians of a medical university in Spain, regarding their symptoms and volunteering experience during the initial months of the Spanish COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents showed a high prevalence of perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, measured by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. 14.5% reported healthcare-related volunteering tasks. Volunteering was a satisfactory experience for most of the respondents and the majority felt ready to do volunteering tasks (66.6%). Yet, 16.6% acknowledged not getting appropriate specific-task education before starting, 20.8% reported not having appropriate supervision, and 33.3% feel they did not have proper protective equipment. More than half of volunteers feared getting infected, more than 70% feared infecting their relatives or friends, and 54.2% reported stigmatization. Volunteers showed significantly higher stress, anxiety, and depression scores than the rest of the respondents, and 32% reported a highly traumatic event during volunteering, with high scores on the IES-R in the 16% of volunteers. Our results should help guide future potential volunteering processes in emergencies, enhance academic programs at medical schools and provide valuable data for psychological support services.
Dynamic Variation of Ecosystem Services Value under Land Use/Cover Change in the Black Soil Region of Northeastern China
Authors: Li Quanfeng , Wang Lu , Du Guoming , Faye Bonoua , Li Yunkai , Li Jicheng , Liu Wei , Qu Shijin
Published: June 2022

A better understanding of the dynamic variation in the ecosystem service value (ESV) under land use/cover change (LUCC) is conductive to improving ecosystem services and environmental protection. The present study took Landsat TM/ETM remote sensing images and socio-economic statistic data as data sources and extracted land-use data using RS and GIS technology at 5-year intervals from 1990 to 2020. Then, we interpreted the spatio-temporal characteristics of LUCC and analyzed ESV changes using the value equivalence method in the black soil region of northeastern China (BSRNC). The main results showed that land use changed significantly during the study period. Cultivated land continued to expand, especially paddy areas, which increased by 1.72 × 106 ha, with a relative change of 60.9% over 30 years. However, grassland decreased by 2.47 × 106 ha, with a relative change of −60.6% over 30 years. The ESV showed a declining trend, which decreased by CNY 607.96 million during 1990–2020. The decline in forest and grassland caused a significant decline in the ESV. Furthermore, the ESV sensitivity coefficients were less than one for all of the different categories of ecosystem services. LUCC has a considerable impact on ESV in the BSRNC, resulting in ecosystem function degradation. As a result, future policies must emphasize the relationship between food security and environmental protection in situations of significant land-use change.
The Impact of Air Pollution on Residents’ Happiness: A Study on the Moderating Effect Based on Pollution Sensitivity
Authors: Tian Xuan , Zhang Cheng , Xu Bing
Published: June 2022

Promoting people’s happiness is a vital goal of public policy, and air pollution, as the focus of public opinion, is an important influencing factor of residents’ happiness. Although previous literature has explored the relationship between air pollution and happiness, the impact of pollution sensitivity on the relationship has so far received little attention. This paper uses the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey database (CLDS) to study the impact of air pollution on personal happiness and dissects the moderating effect of air pollution sensitivity from the stock and incremental perspectives. The results found that (1) there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between air pollution and residents’ happiness, such that happiness increases and then decreases with increasing air pollution. The PM10 concentration at the turning point is 119.69 μg/m3, which exceeds the national secondary standard limit (70 μg/m3) by 70.99% and is at the intermediate stage of mild pollution, exceeding the WHO recommended standard (20 μg/m3) by 498.45%, far higher than the international standard recommended level; (2) both air pollution stock sensitivity and incremental sensitivity have a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between air pollution and happiness, and pollution sensitivity exacerbates the negative effect of air pollution on residents’ happiness by shifting the curve turning point to the left and steepening the curve shape; (3) in addition, the effect of air pollution on different groups is significantly heterogeneous, with lower-age and male groups more likely to have lower happiness due to air pollution; the positive moderating effect of pollution sensitivity is more significant in lower-age, female, and higher-income groups. Therefore, in order to enhance residents’ happiness, the government should not only improve air quality, but also focus on helping residents establish an appropriate subjective perception of air quality.
Non-Ionic Surfactant Recovery in Surfactant Enhancement Aquifer Remediation Effluent with Chlorobenzenes by Semivolatile Chlorinated Organic Compounds Volatilization
Authors: Sáez Patricia , Santos Aurora , García-Cervilla Raúl , Romero Arturo , Lorenzo David
Published: June 2022

Surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation is a common treatment to remediate polluted sites with the inconvenience that the effluent generated must be treated. In this work, a complex mixture of chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzenes in a non-ionic surfactant emulsion has been carried out by volatilization. Since this techhnique is strongly affected by the presence of the surfactant, modifying the vapour pressure, Pv0, and activity coefficient, γ, a correlation between Pvj0γj and surfactant concentration and temperature was proposed for each compound, employing the Surface Response Methodology (RSM). Volatilization experiments were carried out at different temperatures and gas flow rates. A good agreement between experimental and predicted remaining SVCOCs during the air stripping process was obtained, validating the thermodynamic parameters obtained with RSM. Regarding the results of volatilization, at 60 °C 80% of SVCOCs were removed after 6 h, and the surfactant capacity was almost completely recovered so the solution can be recycled in soil flushing.
Spatial Inequalities and Influencing Factors of Self-Rated Health and Perceived Environmental Hazards in a Metropolis: A Case Study of Zhengzhou City, China
Authors: Zhao Hongbo , Yue Li , Jia Zeting , Su Lingling
Published: June 2022

Research on environmental pollution and public health has aroused increasing concern from international scholars; particularly, environmental hazards are among the important issues in China, focusing public attention on significant health risks. However, there are few studies concentrated on how perceived environmental hazards are characterized by spatial variation and on the impact of these risks on residents’ health. Based on a large-scale survey of Zhengzhou City in 2020, we investigated how the self-rated health of residents and the environmental hazards perceived by them were spatially inequal at a fine (subdistrict) scale in Zhengzhou City, China, and examined the relationship among self-rated health, environmental hazards, and geographical context. The Getis–Ord Gi* method was applied to explore the spatially dependent contextual (neighborhood) effect on environmental health inequality, and the ordered multivariate logistic regression method was used to examine the correlative factors with environmental hazards, geographical context, and health inequality. The results reveal that self-rated health and environmental hazards were disproportionately distributed across the whole city and that these distributions showed certain spatial cluster characteristics. The hot spot clusters of self-rated health had favorable environmental quality where the hot spot clusters of environmental hazards were located and vice versa. In addition, health inequality was evident and was related to gender, income level, educational attainment, and housing area of residents, and the inequalities of environmental hazards existed with respect to income and housing area. Meanwhile, environmental risk inequalities associated with the social vulnerability of residents (the poor and those with low educational attainment) were obvious, with those residents experiencing a disproportionately high exposure to environmental hazards and reporting bad health conditions. The role of the geographical context (subdistrict location feature) also helps to explain the spatial distribution of health and environmental inequalities. Residents with better exposure to green coverage generally reported higher levels of self-rated health condition. In addition, the geographical location of the subdistrict also had a significant impact on the difference in residents’ self-rated health status. The purpose of this study is to provide reference for policy makers to optimize the spatial pattern of urban public services and improve public health and environmental quality at a fine scale.
Number of Bacteria in Saliva in the Perioperative Period and Factors Associated with Increased Numbers
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Tanabe Arisa , Moriyama Makiko , Otsuka Yoshihiko , Funahara Madoka , Soutome Sakiko , Umeda Masahiro , Kojima Yuka
Published: June 2022

Perioperative oral management is performed to prevent postoperative complications, but its indication and management method are unclear. This study aimed to investigate salivary bacterial counts pre-and postoperatively, and factors related to increased bacterial count postoperatively. We included 121 patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia and perioperative oral management. The bacterial count in saliva was determined preoperatively, and first and seventh days postoperatively using the dielectrophoresis and impedance measurement methods. The relationships between salivary bacterial count and various variables were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The salivary bacterial count increased significantly on the first day postoperatively but decreased on the seventh day. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p = 0.004, standardized coefficient β = 0.283) and xerostomia (p = 0.034, standardized coefficient β = 0.192) were significantly correlated with increased salivary bacterial count preoperatively. Salivary bacterial count on the day after surgery was significantly increased in patients with a large number of bacterial counts on the day before surgery after preoperative oral care (p = 0.007, standardized coefficient β = 0.241) and postoperative fasting (p = 0.001, standardized coefficient β = −0.329). Establishing good oral hygiene before surgery and decreasing salivary bacterial count are necessary in patients with a high risk of postoperative surgical site infection or pneumonia, especially in older adults or postoperative fasting.
Healthcare Burden of Rare Diseases: A Population-Based Study in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Baldacci Silvia , Santoro Michele , Pierini Anna , Mezzasalma Lorena , Gorini Francesca , Coi Alessio
Published: June 2022

Patients with rare diseases (RDs) need tailored, continuous, and multidisciplinary hospital care. This retrospective cohort study aimed to analyse the healthcare burden of RD patients using a multi-database approach, by linking the data of the Rare Diseases Registry of Tuscany with the regional hospital discharge database. The study population included 21,354 patients diagnosed with a RD between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2017. The healthcare burden was evaluated for all the RDs during 2009–2018 period. The hospitalisation rate (per 1000) decreased over the years, ranging from 606.9 in 2009 (95% CI: 589.2–625.0) to 443.0 in 2018 (95% CI: 433.2–453.0). A decrease in the average length of stay (LOS) was observed in the earlier years, followed by an increase up to a steady trend (8.3 days in 2018). The patients with RDs of metabolism and the genitourinary system showed the highest hospitalisation rate (903.3 and 644.0 per 1000, respectively). The patients with rare immune system disorders and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue showed the highest LOS (9.7 and 9.5 days, respectively). The methodological approach presented in this population-based study makes it possible to estimate the healthcare burden of RDs, which is crucial in the decision-making and planning aimed at improving patient care.
Bone Metastasis and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Microenvironment and Possible Clinical Implications
Authors: Del Conte Alessandro , De Carlo Elisa , Bertoli Elisa , Stanzione Brigida , Revelant Alberto , Bertola Manuela , Spina Michele , Bearz Alessandra
Published: June 2022

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop bone metastasis (BoM) in more than 50% of cases during the course of the disease. This metastatic site can lead to the development of skeletal related events (SREs), such as severe pain, pathological fractures, spinal compression, and hypercalcemia, which reduce the patient’s quality of life. Recently, the treatment of advanced NSCLC has radically changed due to the advent of immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) alone or in combination with chemotherapy have become the main therapeutic strategy for advanced or metastatic NSCLC without driver gene mutations. Since survival has increased, it has become even more important to treat bone metastasis to prevent SRE. We know that the presence of bone metastasis is a negative prognostic factor. The lower efficacy of immunotherapy treatments in BoM+ patients could be induced by the presence of a particular immunosuppressive tumor and bone microenvironment. This article reviews the most important pre-clinical and clinical scientific evidence on the reasons for this lower sensitivity to immunotherapy and the need to combine bone target therapies (BTT) with immunotherapy to improve patient outcome.
Sequence, Expression, and Anti-GCRV Function of the Ferritin from the Grass Carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus
Authors: Xiao Tiaoyi , Li Dongfang , Tang Hao , Liao Yijing , Zou Jun , Li Yaoguo
Published: June 2022

Ferritin possesses an immune function to defend against pathogen infection. To elucidate the immunity-protecting roles of ferritin from Ctenopharyngodon idellus (Ciferritin) against virus infection, the cDNA and promoter sequences of Ciferritin were determined, and the correlations between Ciferrtin expressions and promoter methylation levels were analyzed. In addition, the functional role of Ciferrtin on GCRV (grass carp reovirus) infection was assessed. The full-length cDNA of Ciferritin is 1053 bp, consists of a 531 bp open-reading frame, and encodes 176 amino acids. Ciferritin showed the highest sequence identity with the ferritin middle subunit of Mylopharyngodon piceus (93.56%), followed by the subunits of Megalobrama amblycephala and Sinocyclocheilus rhinocerous. Ciferritin contains a conserved ferritin domain (interval: 10–94 aa), and the caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and Rubrerythrin domain were also predicted. In the spleen and kidney, significantly higher Ciferritin expressions were observed at 6, 12, 24, or 168 h post GCRV infection than those in the PBS injection group (p < 0.05). The Ciferrtin expression level in the progeny of maternal-immunized grass carp was significantly higher than that in the progeny of common grass carp (p < 0.05). Ciferritin promoter methylation level in the progeny from common grass carp was 1.27 ± 0.15, and in the progeny of the maternal-immunized group was 1.00 ± 0.14. In addition, methylation levels of “CpG9” and “CpG10” loci were significantly lower in the progeny of maternal-immunized fish than those in the common group. Except for the “CpG5”, methylation levels of all other detected “CpG” loci negatively correlated with Ciferritin expression levels. Furthermore, the total methylation level of “CpG1–10” negatively correlated with the Ciferritin expressions. The Ciferritin expression level was significantly up-regulated, and the VP7 protein levels were significantly reduced, at 24 h post GCRV infection in the Ciferritin over-expression cells (p < 0.05). The results from the present study provide sequence, epigenetic modification and expression, and anti-GCRV functional information of Ciferritin, which provide a basis for achieving resistance to GCRV in grass carp breeding.
Role of Nano-miRNAs in Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Coradduzza Donatella , Bellu Emanuela , Congiargiu Antonella , Pashchenko Aleksei , Amler Evzen , Necas Alois , Carru Ciriaco , Medici Serenella , Maioli Margherita
Published: June 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are key regulators of gene expression, controlling different biological processes such as cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. The relationships between miRNA expression and the onset and progression of different diseases, such as tumours, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, and neurological disorders, are well known. A nanotechnology-based approach could match miRNA delivery and detection to move beyond the proof-of-concept stage. Different kinds of nanotechnologies can have a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of miRNA-related diseases such as cancer. Developing novel methodologies aimed at clinical practice represents a big challenge for the early diagnosis of specific diseases. Within this context, nanotechnology represents a wide emerging area at the forefront of research over the last two decades, whose potential has yet to be fully attained. Nanomedicine, derived from nanotechnology, can exploit the unique properties of nanometer-sized particles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Through nanomedicine, specific treatment to counteract only cancer-cell proliferation will be improved, while leaving healthy cells intact. In this review, we dissect the properties of different nanocarriers and their roles in the early detection and treatment of cancer.