bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Small-Molecule Bioactive Constituents from the Leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum Confirms It as a Potential Functional Food with Health Benefits
Authors: Wang Yin-Yin , Zhang Jun-Sheng , Wang Xin-Xin , Tian Lin-Lin , Li Yu-Peng , Wang Chao , Ma Ren-Fen , Yin Yi-Ke , Bao Jie , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2023

The health benefits of Vaccinium bracteatum are well recorded in ancient Chinese medical books and were also demonstrated by modern researches. However, the relationship between its beneficial functions and specific chemical constituents has not been fully characterized. This study investigated the bioactive small-molecule constituents in the leaves of V. bracteatum, which afforded 32 compounds including ten new ones (1–9) and ten pairs of enantiomers (9–18). Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, especially nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses, with 1–4 bearing a novel revolving-door shaped scaffold. While half-compounds exhibited decent antioxidant activity by scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, all except 19 and 20 exerted significant capturing activity against diammonium 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radicals. In addition, the new iridoids 1, 5, 6, and 7 exerted apparent neuroprotective activity toward PC12 cells, with 1 being comparable to the positive control, and selective compounds also displayed anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting α-glucosidase and NO production, respectively. The current work revealed that the bioactive small-molecule constituents could be closely related to the functional food property of the title species.
Antioxidant Properties of Dried Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) var. Bentong
Authors: Mustafa Iswaibah , Chin Nyuk Ling
Published: January 2023

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a popular culinary herb used in the Eastern culture. The essential cultivar of the Zingiber genus is rich in antioxidants and is crucial in the fight against oxidative stress-related diseases. The antioxidant properties of dried ginger were evaluated and compared for their efficacy from different drying processes (sun-, oven-, vacuum- and freeze-drying) and using three extraction solvents: hot water, aqueous ethanol (80%, v/v) and ethanol. The drying process demonstrated a positive effect on the antioxidant activities of ginger. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the extracting ability of each solvent. Sun-dried ginger extracted with ethanol performed better than the fresh ginger extract in the form of increased yield (3.04-fold), TFC values (12.25-fold), reducing power (FRAP) (15.35-fold), total antioxidant activity (TAA) (6.82-fold) and inhibition of ABTS•+ radical cation (3.51-fold) and DPPH• radical (95%). Meanwhile, freeze-dried aqueous ginger extracts demonstrated significantly higher TPC (1.66-fold), TFC (3.71-fold), FRAP (3.26-fold), TAA (2.97-fold), ABTS•+ scavenging activity (1.48-fold) and DPPH• radical inhibition (77%), compared to fresh ginger extracts. In addition, it was found that ethanol was significantly superior to aqueous ethanol in phenolic content recovery, despite the lower yield. Furthermore, ethanol ginger extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than aqueous ethanol extracts. On the other hand, hot water was the least potent solvent for extraction. In summary, there was an excellent correlation between TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity. Sun-drying is the most desirable method for preserving and enhancing ginger quality due to its cost effectiveness and bioactive compound efficacy.
Shelf Life and Safety of Vacuum Packed HPP-Treated Soaked Cod Fillets: Effects of Salt Content and Multilayer Plastic Film
Authors: Ferri Gianluigi , Lauteri Carlotta , Scattolini Mauro , Vergara Alberto
Published: January 2023

High microbiological quality standards, food safety, and environmental sustainability represent crucial topics in food production chains. For this reason, fish industries, which import salted and seasoned fish products from supplier countries, i.e., Norway, Denmark, USA (Alaska State), etc., have tried to reduce the salt content of each carton during transportation (reducing carbon emissions and the weight of major quantities of transported fish). In the present study, 360 differently processed fish fillet samples, belonging to the species Gadus macrocephalus caught in FAO zone 67, were microbiologically and chemically screened. This study aimed to provide original data concerning the applicability of sustainable solutions investigating the combined effects of salt content reduction combined with new recyclable multilayer plastic film packaging (vacuum skin packaging with two different oxygen transmission rate values). The microbiological results showed no substantial changes comparing the two differently salted products, highlighting their high hygienic characteristics which were also observed in their chemical analysis. The shelf life evolutions (comparing the two different studied plastic films) highlighted that, after 35 days from HPP treatments, bacterial loads gained high values, over 6 log cfu/g. This study highlights that, compared to the currently used plastic films, the results of the new and sustainable multilayer plastic films show that they can provide safe food matrices in combination with HPP technologies. Therefore, this preliminary investigation brings closer attention to alternative and environmentally sustainable production systems with their designs based on the multidisciplinary approach of food production systems.
Antifungal Effect of Metabolites from a New Strain Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum LPP703 Isolated from Naturally Fermented Yak Yogurt
Authors: Peng Qian , Yang Jing , Wang Qiang , Suo Huayi , Hamdy Ahmed Mahmoud , Song Jiajia
Published: January 2023

The antifungal effect of metabolites produced by a new strain of Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum LPP703, isolated from naturally fermented yak yogurt, was investigated. The results showed that Lpb. plantarum LPP703 significantly inhibited four fungal species, including Penicillium sp., Rhizopus delemar, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger. The metabolites produced after 20 h of Lpb. plantarum LPP703 fermentation showed the highest antifungal activity against Penicillium sp. Compared with the control group, the Lpb. plantarum LPP703 metabolites-treated Penicillium sp. spores were stained red by propidium iodide, indicating that the cell membrane of the fungal spores was damaged. Moreover, the antifungal effect of the Lpb. plantarum LPP703 metabolites on Penicillium sp. was not changed after heating or treatment with various proteases, but showed a sharp decrease when the pH value was regulated to 5.0 or above. The oleamide, trans-cinnamic acid, and citric acid were the three most abundant in the Lpb. plantarum LPP703 metabolites. Molecular docking predicated that the oleamide interacted with the active site of lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51, a crucial enzyme for fungal membrane integrity) through hydrogen bonds and had the lowest docking score, representing the strongest binding affinity to CYP51. Taken together, the metabolites from a new strain of Lpb. plantarum, LPP703, had potent antifungal activity against Penicillium sp., which might be associated with the damage of the active ingredient to fungal membrane integrity. This study indicated that Lpb. plantarum LPP703 and its metabolites might act as biological control agents to prevent fungal growth in the food industry.
Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of Short-Chain Fatty Acids-Rich Fermented Pistachio Milk in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lim Su-Jin , Kwon Hyuk-Cheol , Shin Dong-Min , Choi Yong-Jun , Han Seo-Gu , Kim Yea-Ji , Han Sung-Gu
Published: January 2023

Pistachio milk (PM), an extraction product of pistachio, is protein- and fat-dense food. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are known for inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis in colon carcinoma cells. This study aimed to find an optimal combination of probiotics that can produce a higher amount of SCFAs in PM. In addition, the anti-cancer effect of fermented PM on human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2) was determined. The combinations of probiotics were as follows: Streptococcus thermophilus + Lactobacillus bulgaricus (C); C + Lactobacillus acidophilus (C-La); C + Lactobacillus gasseri (C-Lg); C + Bifidobacterium bifidum (C-Bb). The results indicated that fermented PM was produced after a short fermentation time in all the probiotics combinations. C-Bb produced up to 1.5-fold more acetate than the other probiotics combinations did. A significant amount of cytotoxicity, i.e., 78, 56, and 29% cell viability was observed in Caco-2 cells by C-Bb-fermented PM at 1, 2.5 and 5%, respectively. C-Bb-fermented PM (5%) induced early and late apoptosis up to 6-fold. Additionally, Caco-2 cells treated with C-Bb-fermented PM significantly induced the downregulation of α-tubulin and the upregulation of cleaved caspase-3, as well as nuclear condensation and fragmentation. Our data suggest that fermented PM, which is rich in acetate, may have the potential as a functional food possessing anti-colon cancer properties.
Torulaspora delbrueckii May Help Manage Total and Volatile Acidity of Santorini-Assyrtiko Wine in View of Global Warming
Authors: Sgouros Georgios , Mallouchos Athanasios , Dourou Dimitra , Banilas Georgios , Chalvantzi Ioanna , Kourkoutas Yiannis , Nisiotou Aspasia
Published: January 2023

Non-Saccharomyces (NS) yeasts are gaining popularity in modern winemaking for improving wine quality. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges winegrowing now faces in warm regions. Here, Lachancea thermotolerans LtS1 and Torulaspora delbrueckii TdS6 combined with Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScS13 isolated from Assyrtiko grapes from Santorini island were evaluated in grape must fermentation with the aim to mitigate major consequences of temperature rise. Different inoculation protocols were evaluated, including simultaneous and sequential mixed-strain inoculations, displaying significant variation in the chemical and kinetic characteristics. Both LtS1 and TdS6 could raise the titratable acidity (TA). TdS6 also reduced the volatile acidity (VA) and was thus chosen for further evaluation in microvinifications and pilot-scale fermentations. Consistent with lab-scale trials, sequential inoculation exhibited the longest persistence of TdS6 resulting in minimum VA levels. Diethyl succinate, ethyl propanoate, and ethyl isobutyrate were significantly increased in sequential inoculations, although a decline in the net total ester content was observed. On the other hand, significantly higher levels of TA, succinic acid, and 2-methylpropanoic were associated with sequential inoculation. The overall performance of TdS6 coupled with a high compatibility with S. cerevisiae suggests its use in the fermentation of Santorini-Assyrtiko or other high sugar musts for the production of structured dry or sweet wines.
The Antifungal Effect of Gaseous Ozone on Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Stem-End Rot in ‘Keitt’ Mangoes
Authors: Bambalele Nonjabulo L. , Mditshwa Asanda , Mbili Nokwazi C. , Tesfay Samson Z. , Magwaza Lembe S.
Published: January 2023

This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ozone (O3) against stem-end rot of mango fruit (cv. Keitt). Mango fruit were exposed to gaseous ozone (0.25 mg/L) for 24 or 36 h during cold storage, and control fruit were untreated. Experimental fruit were stored at 90% relative humidity and 10 ± 0.5 °C for three weeks and ripened at ambient temperature for one week. Ozone treatment (24 h) inhibited the mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae by 60.35%. At day twenty-eight of storage, fruit treated with O3 for 36 h had low mass loss (%) and high firmness compared to the untreated control fruit. Treating mango fruit with O3 (36 h) maintained the color and concentration of total flavonoids throughout the storage time. At the end of storage, peroxidase activity under the O3 24 h treatment was significantly higher (0.91 U min−1 g−1 DM) compared to O3 (36 h) and control, which, respectively, had 0.80 U min−1 g−1 DM and 0.78 U min−1 g−1 DM. Gaseous ozone for 24 h is recommended as a cost-effective treatment for controlling stem-end rot. These findings suggest that gaseous ozone effectively controlled stem-end rot and enhanced the postharvest quality of mango fruit.
Understanding the Metabolism and Dissipation Kinetics of Flutriafol in Vegetables under Laboratory and Greenhouse Scenarios
Authors: Hergueta-Castillo María Elena , López-Ruiz Rosalía , Garrido Frenich Antonia , Romero-González Roberto
Published: January 2023

Flutriafol is a systemic triazole fungicide that is used to control diseases in various crops. A study was developed to evaluate the metabolism and dissipation of flutriafol in two different scenarios: laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Courgette and tomato samples treated with a commercial product (IMPACT® EVO) at the manufacturer recommended dose were analyzed, and courgette samples were also treated at double dose. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), performing targeted and non-targeted approaches (suspect screening and unknown analysis), were used to analyze the samples. The dissipation of flutriafol was fitted to a biphasic kinetic model, with a persistence, expressed as half-life (t1/2), lower than 17 days. During suspect screening, three metabolites (triazole alanine, triazole lactic acid and triazole acetic acid) were tentatively identified. Unknown analysis led to the identification of four additional metabolites (C16H14F2N4, C16H14F2N4, C19H17F2N5O2 and C22H23F2N3O6). The results revealed that the proposed methodology is reliable for the determination of flutriafol and its metabolites in courgette and tomato, and seven metabolites could be detected at low concentration levels. The highest concentration of metabolites was found in the laboratory conditions at 34.5 µg/kg (triazole alanine). The toxicity of flutriafol metabolites was also evaluated, and some of them could be more toxic than the parent compound.
Numerical Scheme for Singularly Perturbed Mixed Delay Differential Equation on Shishkin Type Meshes
Authors: Elango Sekar , Unyong Bundit
Published: January 2023

Two non-uniform meshes used as part of the finite difference method to resolve singularly perturbed mixed-delay differential equations are studied in this article. The second-order derivative is multiplied by a small parameter which gives rise to boundary layers at x=0 and x=3 and strong interior layers at x=1 and x=2 due to the delay terms. We prove that this method is almost first-order convergent on Shishkin mesh and is first-order convergent on Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh. Error estimates are derived in the discrete maximum norm. Some examples are provided to validate the theoretical result.
Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19 Transmission Using a Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Alkahtani Badr S.
Published: January 2023

In this article, the mathematical model of COVID-19 is analyzed in the sense of a fractional order Caputo operator with the consideration of an asymptomatic class. The suggested model is comprised of four compartments. The results from fixed point theory are used to theoretically analyze the existence and uniqueness of solution of the model in fractional perspective. For the numerical approximation of the suggested problem, a numerical iterative scheme is used, which is based on the Newton polynomial interpolation. For the efficiency and applicability of the suggested technique with a fractional Caputo operator, we simulate the results for various fractional orders.
Fractional-Order System: Control Theory and Applications
Authors: Dinh Thach Ngoc , Kamal Shyam , Pandey Rajesh Kumar
Published: January 2023

(Fractional) differential equations have seen increasing use in physics, signal processing, fluid mechanics, viscoelasticity, mathematical biology, electrochemistry, and many other fields over the last two decades, providing a new and more realistic way to capture memory-dependent phenomena and irregularities inside systems using more sophisticated mathematical analysis (see, for example, [...]
DNA Damage Response and Repair in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Mechetin Grigory V. , Zharkov Dmitry O.
Published: January 2023

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an approach to the radiotherapy of solid tumors that was first outlined in the 1930s but has attracted considerable attention recently with the advent of a new generation of neutron sources. In BNCT, tumor cells accumulate 10B atoms that react with epithermal neutrons, producing energetic α particles and 7Li atoms that damage the cell’s genome. The damage inflicted by BNCT appears not to be easily repairable and is thus lethal for the cell; however, the molecular events underlying the action of BNCT remain largely unaddressed. In this review, the chemistry of DNA damage during BNCT is outlined, the major mechanisms of DNA break sensing and repair are summarized, and the specifics of the repair of BNCT-induced DNA lesions are discussed.
Numerical Modeling of the Effect of Desaturation on Liquefaction Hazard Mitigation
Authors: Nateghi Ataollah , El Shamy Usama
Published: January 2023

Earthquake-induced liquefaction is always a concern when the soil near the surface of a site is composed of relatively loose saturated sand. One of liquefaction mitigation methods is to induce gas bubbles into the deposit to reduce the degree of saturation. A coupled pore-scale model is presented herein to investigate liquefaction resistance of desaturated granular materials. The multiphase fluid, which mimics the behavior of air and water, is modeled using the multiphase single component lattice Boltzmann method. The solid phase is modeled using the discrete element method. The coupled framework was utilized to study the behavior of a soil deposit with the different degrees of saturation of 100%, 92%, and 82% during an earthquake loading. Based on the results of the simulations performed, liquefaction occurred in the fully saturated granular deposit and was not observed anywhere at depth in the desaturated deposits. It has also been found that reducing the saturation level from 100% to 92% significantly affects behavior. In desaturated deposits, higher average coordination number, lower pore pressure buildup, and slower effective stress decay were observed compared to fully saturated deposits. However, it turned out that a further reduction in the degree of saturation from 92% to 82% does not have a significant impact on the calculated parameters.
Are Bubbles the Future of Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review Analysing Evidence on the Use of Carbonated Liquids in Dysphagia Rehabilitation
Authors: Price Kathryn , Isbister Grace , Long Susannah , Mirams John , Smithard David
Published: January 2023

Background: Dysphagia poses a huge health issue in our ageing population, impacting patients psychologically and through risk of aspiration, malnutrition and airway obstruction. The use of carbonated liquids to provide sensory enhancement as a tool to stimulate neuromuscular activity in dysphagia rehabilitation remains an area with limited research. This article reviews current evidence. Method: A data search of PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane was undertaken with set search terms. Abstracts were reviewed and selected by two clinicians according to inclusion criteria and papers were assessed using PRISMA methodology. Results: Selected publications (1992–2022) involved a median of 23 participants with predominantly neurogenic dysphagia. Despite the differences in study designs all used videofluroscopy (VF) to assess outcome measures except Morishita et al. who used fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES). The studies were small scale but showed encouraging results. However, there was heterogeneity between results of specific outcome measures. One study surveyed taste which was overall positively received. Conclusions: There continues to remain limited evidence to direct the use of carbonated liquids in rehabilitation of dysphagia, however its role shows some promise. The heterogeneity of not just study designs but also study participants seems to be a primary barrier. Whilst evidence is encouraging, further prospective studies standardising patient cohorts, methodologies and quantitative outcome measures must be carried out. Longitudinal studies to look at the role of carbonated liquids in secretion management is another area of potential interest. In conclusion the use of carbonated liquid in dysphagia rehabilitation may have a potential role but without firm evidence-based research, successful use in clinical practice cannot be implemented.
Positive Association between Peri-Surgical Opioid Exposure and Post-Discharge Opioid-Related Outcomes
Authors: Kim Kibum , Biskupiak Joseph E. , Babin Jennifer L. , Ilham Sabrina
Published: January 2023

Background: Multiple studies have investigated the epidemic of persistent opioid use as a common postsurgical complication. However, there exists a knowledge gap in the association between the level of opioid exposure in the peri-surgical setting and post-discharge adverse outcomes to patients and healthcare settings. We analyzed the association between peri-surgical opioid exposure use and post-discharge outcomes, including persistent postsurgical opioid prescription, opioid-related symptoms (ORS), and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). Methods: A retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, spine surgery, total hip arthroplasty, or total knee arthroplasty in an academic healthcare system between January 2015 and June 2018. Peri-surgical opioid exposure was converted into morphine milligram equivalents (MME), then grouped into two categories: high (>median MME of each surgery cohort) or low (≤median MME of each surgery cohort) MME groups. The rates of persistent opioid use 30 and 90 days after discharge were compared using logistic regression. Secondary outcomes, including ORS and HCRU during the 180-day follow-up, were descriptively compared between the high and low MME groups. Results: The odds ratios (95% CI) of high vs. low MME for persistent opioid use after 30 and 90 days of discharge were 1.38 (1.24–1.54) and 1.41 (1.24–1.61), respectively. The proportion of patients with one or more ORS diagnoses was greater among the high-MME group than the low-MME group (27.2% vs. 21.2%, p < 0.01). High vs. low MME was positively associated with the rate of inpatient admission, emergency department admissions, and outpatient visits. Conclusions: Greater peri-surgical opioid exposure correlates with a statistically and clinically significant increase in post-discharge adverse opioid-related outcomes. The study findings warrant intensive monitoring for patients receiving greater peri-surgical opioid exposure.
COVID-19, Anti-Intellectualism, and Health Communication: Assessing the Chinese Social Media Platform Sina Weibo
Authors: Guo Shouyun , Lin Teng , Akhtar Nadeem , Du Juana
Published: January 2023

In the digital media era, new media platforms have become the main channels for transmitting medical and health information in China. However, anti-intellectualism limits the effectiveness of disseminating health information. Therefore, in China, the government and health departments have made efforts to determine how to control anti-intellectualism to effectively disseminate medical and health information, given the situation of a global pandemic and its counter-measures. Against this backdrop, this study applied textual analysis to explore the manifestations of anti-intellectualism in network platforms. The key findings indicate that the irrational behavior of anti-intellectuals is manifested in emotional dominance, abusive behavior, overconfidence and trusting rumors. Based on these results, the authors propose some measures to balance the relationship between anti-intellectualism and health communication. The findings of the study have significant implications for improving the effectiveness of health communication in China.
Bandwidth Improvement in Ultrasound Image Reconstruction Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Awasthi Navchetan , van Anrooij Laslo , Jansen Gino , Schwab Hans-Martin , Pluim Josien P. W. , Lopata Richard G. P.
Published: January 2023

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a medical imaging modality that uses the reflection of sound in the range of 2–18 MHz to image internal body structures. In US, the frequency bandwidth (BW) is directly associated with image resolution. BW is a property of the transducer and more bandwidth comes at a higher cost. Thus, methods that can transform strongly bandlimited ultrasound data into broadband data are essential. In this work, we propose a deep learning (DL) technique to improve the image quality for a given bandwidth by learning features provided by broadband data of the same field of view. Therefore, the performance of several DL architectures and conventional state-of-the-art techniques for image quality improvement and artifact removal have been compared on in vitro US datasets. Two training losses have been utilized on three different architectures: a super resolution convolutional neural network (SRCNN), U-Net, and a residual encoder decoder network (REDNet) architecture. The models have been trained to transform low-bandwidth image reconstructions to high-bandwidth image reconstructions, to reduce the artifacts, and make the reconstructions visually more attractive. Experiments were performed for 20%, 40%, and 60% fractional bandwidth on the original images and showed that the improvements obtained are as high as 45.5% in RMSE, and 3.85 dB in PSNR, in datasets with a 20% bandwidth limitation.
Conceptual Framework for Rape Survivors Diagnosed with PTSD in the North West Province of South Africa
Authors: Sepeng Nombulelo Veronica , Makhado Thendo Gertie , Makhado Lufuno
Published: January 2023

The lack of a conceptual framework that can be utilized to manage rape survivors diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders presents a challenge in the North-West province. The study aims to provide a conceptual framework for managing rape survivors with PTSD in the province of the North-West using Practice-Oriented Theory and Donabedian’s Structure Process Outcome Model Features. The research was conducted using an explanatory, sequential and mixed-methods approach. Additionally, used was the descriptive and explorative programme evaluation design. The results of the study demonstrated the significance of PTSD assessment before management interventions for rape survivors. The study findings outlined and designed a framework to assess and manage PTSD among rape survivors consulting at Thuthuzela Care Centre and those referred to hospitals for further management. The Practice-Oriented theory by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach, and the Structure Process Outcome model by Donabedian served as points of reference for the development of the conceptual framework. The study is limited to North-West provincial healthcare facilities and Thuthuzela care centres (TCCs), however, it highlights the lack of a conceptual framework pertaining to the psychological management of PTSD rape survivors in the province and South Africa.
Effects of Heat-Not-Burn Cigarette Smoking on the Secretion of Saliva and Its Innate Immune System Components
Authors: Mori Yukihiro , Tanaka Mamoru , Kozai Hana , Aoyama Yuka , Shigeno Yukihiro , Hotta Kiyoshi , Aoike Makoto , Kawamura Hatsumi , Tsurudome Masato , Ito Morihiro
Published: January 2023

Saliva and salivary antimicrobial proteins play important roles in the innate immunity, which prevents infections of orally invading bacteria and viruses. In this study, we compared the secretion rates of salivary lactoferrin (Lac) and lysozyme (Lys) in heat-not-burn (HNB) cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The analysis population for this study included 212 members of the fire department, including 32 HNB cigarette smokers, 17 paper cigarette smokers, 14 combined HNB and paper cigarette smokers, and 149 non-smokers. Salivary Lac and Lys concentrations were assessed using enzyme immunoassay. Saliva secretion was significantly lower among HNB cigarette smokers (p < 0.01) than among non-smokers. Accompanying this result, salivary Lac and Lys secretion rates were significantly lower among smokers, particularly HNB cigarette smokers, than among non-smokers (all p < 0.01). Our findings suggest a possible adverse effect of HNB cigarette on the amount of Lac and Lys released into the oral cavity.
A Review on the Use of the Educational Value Unit (EVU) among Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Husain Alina , Chen Darren A. , Lelli Gary J.
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: In recent years, medical institutions across the U.S. have implemented a points system based on the Educational Value Unit (EVU) to assess and reward faculty for their educational efforts. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current literature on EVU systems and to evaluate their utility in the U.S. healthcare system. (2) Methods: We searched the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases to identify literature describing the inception of EVU systems and current systems implemented by U.S. academic medical centers and medical schools. In total, a combined 48 studies and abstracts pertaining to EVU systems were reviewed, and a combined 26 published studies and abstracts from 1999 to 2022 pertaining to EVU systems were included. (3) Results: To our knowledge, at least 40 U.S. academic medical centers have used an educational metrics system, of which 21 institutions have published studies describing EVU systems in one or more of their medical departments. The outcomes associated with these self-described EVU systems are the focus of this study. EVU systems increase the number of faculty who meet baseline educational requirements, promote educational productivity, redistribute educational burden and funding among faculty members, and shift physician priorities towards education. The monetary reward associated with EVU systems is unlikely to be a significant factor contributing to these changes; instead, intrinsic motivation and a sense of academic responsibility play a larger role. (4) Conclusions: EVU systems are an effective way to evaluate and reward individual and departmental educational efforts in U.S. academic medical centers and medical schools. The adoption of EVUs will likely become more commonplace as U.S. academic medical centers and medical schools place additional emphasis on medical education.
The Efficacy of Short-Term Toe Resistance Training in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kataoka Hiroaki , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Matsuda Naoko , Hikasa Yasuaki , Kitayama Naomi , Nagai Shion , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: January 2023

Resistance training is effective in chronic hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its effect on toe pinch force (TPF) is unknown. This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted at three hospitals to investigate the effect of short-term toe resistance training on TPF in chronic hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes. The patients were randomly allocated to intervention (performed aerobic exercise and four toe resistance training exercises) and control (performed aerobic exercise only) groups. After 2 weeks of exercise intervention program, evaluations of TPF and clinical parameters were performed. In addition, the rate of retention of exercise therapy was assessed 6 months after the exercise intervention program was completed. After the exercise intervention program, TPF was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The intervention group had a significantly higher rate of continuation of exercise therapy. Two weeks of toe resistance training significantly increased the TPF in chronic hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes. Toe resistance training was shown to be an effective training method for continuing exercise therapy. Toe resistance training is recommended in clinical practice for chronic hemodialysis patients with type 2 diabetes.
IoT-Based Medical Image Monitoring System Using HL7 in a Hospital Database
Authors: Harun-Ar-Rashid Md. , Chowdhury Oindrila , Hossain Muhammad Minoar , Rahman Mohammad Motiur , Muhammad Ghulam , AlQahtani Salman A. , Alrashoud Mubarak , Yassine Abdulsalam , Hossain M. Shamim
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the healthcare system, along with the technology that surrounds it, has become a sector in much need of development. It has already improved in a wide range of areas thanks to significant and continuous research into the practical implications of biomedical and telemedicine studies. To ensure the continuing technological improvement of hospitals, physicians now also must properly maintain and manage large volumes of patient data. Transferring large amounts of data such as images to IoT servers based on machine-to-machine communication is difficult and time consuming over MQTT and MLLP protocols, and since IoT brokers only handle a limited number of bytes of data, such protocols can only transfer patient information and other text data. It is more difficult to handle the monitoring of ultrasound, MRI, or CT image data via IoT. To address this problem, this study proposes a model in which the system displays images as well as patient data on an IoT dashboard. A Raspberry Pi processes HL7 messages received from medical devices like an ultrasound machine (ULSM) and extracts only the image data for transfer to an FTP server. The Raspberry Pi 3 (RSPI3) forwards the patient information along with a unique encrypted image data link from the FTP server to the IoT server. We have implemented an authentic and NS3-based simulation environment to monitor real-time ultrasound image data on the IoT server and have analyzed the system performance, which has been impressive. This method will enrich the telemedicine facilities both for patients and physicians by assisting with overall monitoring of data.
CanCOG®: Cultural Adaptation of the Evidence-Based UCLA Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention Program for Cancer Survivors in Portugal
Authors: Oliveira Ana F. , Sosa-Napolskij Milaydis , Torres Ana , Queiroz Diâner Felipe , Bártolo Ana , Sousa Helena , Monteiro Sara , Van Dyk Kathleen , Ercoli Linda M. , Santos Isabel M.
Published: January 2023

Cognitive difficulties are highly prevalent and negatively impact cancer survivors’ quality of life. The UCLA Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention Program (in short, UCLA program) is an evidence-based intervention developed and tested in the US to address the cognitive complaints of cancer survivors. Since there are no cognitive rehabilitation programs available for Portuguese cancer-related settings, this study aimed to culturally adapt the UCLA program to Portugal. Nine steps were implemented for this cultural adaptation: needs assessment, initial contacts, translation, cultural adaptation, independent review by a panel of experts (n = 6), focus group discussions with cancer survivors (n = 11), systematization of inputs and improvement of the final materials, fidelity check, and preliminary acceptability assessment. The findings suggested that changes to the original materials were needed. A Portuguese name, “CanCOG®—Reabilitação Cognitiva no Cancro” (in English “CanCOG®—Cognitive Rehabilitation in Cancer”), and a logo were created to make it more memorable and appealing for the Portuguese population. The language was adjusted to ensure content accessibility and semantic and conceptual equivalence. Finally, references to several cultural aspects, such as habits, customs, and traditions, were adapted to fit the new cultural context. The UCLA program may be a promising tool to help alleviate the cognitive difficulties reported by cancer survivors in different cultural contexts. Future research is needed to confirm the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of its Portuguese version, “CanCOG®—Reabilitação Cognitiva no Cancro”.
Identifying Future Study Designs for Mental Health and Social Wellbeing Associated with Diets of a Cohort Living in Eco-Regions: Findings from the INSUM Expert Workshop
Authors: Elsner Friederike , Matthiessen Lea Ellen , Średnicka-Tober Dominika , Marx Wolfgang , O’Neil Adrienne , Welch Ailsa A. , Hayhoe Richard Peter , Higgs Suzanne , van Vliet Marja , Morphew-Lu Ephimia , Kazimierczak Renata , Góralska-Walczak Rita , Kopczyńska Klaudia , Steenbuch Krabbe Bruun Thea , Rosane Beatriz Philippi , Gjedsted Bügel Susanne , Strassner Carola
Published: January 2023

Diets influence our mental health and social wellbeing (MHSW) in multiple ways. A rising community concept, Eco-Regions, has gained interest. The research project “Indicators for assessment of health effects of consumption of sustainable, organic school meals in Ecoregions” (INSUM) aims to develop future-oriented research approaches to measure the potential health effects of more sustainable and healthy diets. This first part of the project focuses on MHSW with the goal to identify suitable study designs and indicators. The methodology is based on a 2-day workshop with an interdisciplinary group of experts. This paper describes commonly applied research methods on the nexus between diet and MHSW as presented by the experts and summarises key points from the discussions. The results show that the dominating tool to investigate MSHW is questionnaires. Questionnaires vary largely depending on the research design, such as participants or distribution channels. Cohort studies addressing families and including in-depth interventional and/or experimental studies may be suitable for an Eco-Region investigation. Those MHSW studies can be conducted and combined with measurements of somatic health effects. We conclude that indicators should be seen as complementary rather than independent. Explorative research designs are required to investigate complex Eco-Regions.
Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Reservoirs of South Korea
Authors: Lee Da-Yeong , Lee Dae-Seong , Park Young-Seuk
Published: January 2023

Numerous community indices have been developed to quantify the various aspects of communities. However, indices including functional aspects have been less focused on. Here, we examined how community composition varies in response to the environment and discovered the relationship between taxonomic diversity and functional diversity while considering the environment. Macroinvertebrate communities were collected from 20 reservoirs in South Korea. To characterize functional diversity, functional traits in four categories were considered: generation per year, adult lifespan, adult size, and functional feeding groups. Based on their community composition, we classified the reservoirs using hierarchical cluster analysis. Physicochemical and land use variables varied considerably between clusters. Non-metric multidimensional scaling indicated differences between reservoirs and clusters in terms of structure, functional diversity, and environmental variables. A self-organizing map was used to categorize functional traits, and network association analysis was used to unravel relationships between functional traits. Our results support the characteristics of species’ survival strategies such as r- and K-selection. Functional richness exhibited a relationship with taxonomic diversity. Our findings suggest that different types of diversity could play complementary roles in identifying biodiversity. Our findings should prove useful in developing new criteria for assessing freshwater ecosystem health, as well as in evaluating and predicting future alteration of benthic macroinvertebrate communities facing anthropogenic disturbances.
Exploring the Application of Intersectionality as a Path toward Equity in Perinatal Health: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hoang Tuyet-Mai H. , Wong Ainslee
Published: January 2023

Objective: To conduct a scoping review to determine how past studies have applied the theory of intersectionality, a critical feminist research paradigm, to understand the physical health and mental health outcomes of perinatal people as a step toward addressing maternal health disparities and injustice. The study includes a review of existing research on maternal physical and mental health outcomes, presents the strengths and limitations of existing studies, and provides recommendations on best practices in applying intersectionality in research to address systemic issues and improve outcomes for the perinatal population. Methods: We conducted an extensive literature search across four search engines, yielding 28 publications using the intersectionality framework that focused on the outcomes of perinatal people, with a total sample of 9,856,042 participants. We examined how these studies applied intersectionality and evaluated them based on three areas: conceptualization, research method, and interpretation/findings. Results: Our findings indicate that maternal health researchers have provided good descriptions of the interaction of systemic inequalities and have used analysis that allows for the examination of interlocking and mutually reinforcing social positions or systems. We find that improvement is needed in the areas of conceptualization, reflexivity, and understanding of power structure. Recommendations are provided in the form of a checklist to guide future research toward an impactful approach to addressing perinatal health disparities. Relevance: Our scoping review has implications for improving applied health research to address perinatal health disparities, mortality, and morbidity. Recommendations are given along with references to other tools, and a guidance checklist is provided to support scholars in creating an impactful approach to applying intersectionality in the goal of addressing maternal health disparities.
Bioimpedance-Derived Membrane Capacitance: Clinically Relevant Sources of Variability, Precision, and Reliability
Authors: Garr Barry Valene , Chiang Jasmine L. , Bowman Kaylan G. , Johnson Kristina D. , Gower Barbara A.
Published: January 2023

Membrane capacitance (CM), a bioimpedance-derived measure of cell membrane health, has been suggested as an indicator of health status. However, there are few published data to support its use in clinical settings. Hence, this study evaluated clinically relevant sources of variation, precision, and reliability of CM measurements. This longitudinal study included 60 premenopausal women. Sources of variability (e.g., demographics, body composition, serum measures, diet) were identified by stepwise regression. Precision and reliability were assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and technical error of the measurement (TEM) for intra-day (30 min apart) and inter-day measurements (7–14 days apart). Body composition, temperature, and metabolic activity were identified as sources of variability. CM measurements had high precision (CV = 0.42%) and high reliability for intra-day (ICC = 0.996) and inter-day (ICC = 0.959) measurements, independent of menstrual cycle and obesity status. Our results showed that CM measurements are sensitive to clinical factors and have high precision and reliability. The results of this study suggest that CM is sufficiently reliable for health status monitoring in conditions with variation in body composition, metabolic activity, or body temperature among premenopausal women.
A Work Time Control Tradeoff in Flexible Work: Competitive Pathways to Need for Recovery
Authors: Edvinsson Johanna , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Bjärntoft Sofie , Jahncke Helena , Hartig Terry , Hallman David M.
Published: January 2023

Work time control may offer opportunities, but also implies risks for employee recovery, influenced by increased work-related ICT use and overtime work. However, this risk–opportunity tradeoff remains understudied. This study aimed to test two different models of associations between work time control, work-related ICT use, overtime work, and the need for recovery. These models were constructed based on data on office workers with flexible work arrangements. Cross-sectional data were obtained with questionnaires (n = 2582) from employees in a Swedish multi-site organization. Regression models treated the three determinants of the need for recovery either as independent, or as linked in a causal sequence. The test of independent determinants confirmed that more work time control was associated with less need for recovery, whereas more ICT use and overtime work were associated with a higher need for recovery. In a test of serial mediation, more work time control contributed to a greater need for recovery through more ICT use and then more overtime work. Work time control also had a competitive, indirect effect through a negative association with overtime work. Our results suggest that work time control is beneficial for employee recovery, but may for some be associated with more work-related ICT use after regular working hours, thus increasing recovery needs. Policies that support work time control can promote recovery, but employers must attend to the risk of excessive use of ICT outside of regular working hours.
Association between Child Abuse, Depression, and School Bullying among Chinese Secondary School Students
Authors: Liu Liu , Wang Xiaotao , Chen Binli , Chui Wing-Hong , Wang Xiying
Published: January 2023

Introduction: School bullying is a serious social and public health problem. This article aims to explore the association between experiences of childhood abuse and involvement in school bullying, especially considering the mediating effects of depression. Methods: The sample of this study was 3059 students (1584 males and 1475 females) aged from 12 to 20, in eleven Chinese secondary schools, which included six middle schools, four high schools, and one vocational high school in both urban and rural areas. The multinomial logit regression and linear regression were conducted by the two gender groups, to determine the mediating effect of depression in the association between child abuse experiences and involvement in school bullying. Results: This study indicated that female students were less likely to be involved in school bullying. Male students were more represented in the bully-victim group and experienced more physical and mental abuse during childhood. Depression was a mediator between childhood abuse and involvement in school bullying. Nevertheless, there was a gender difference in that depression fully mediated the relationship between the two variables among female students, while it only partially meditated such a relationship for male students. Conclusions: These findings indicate that more school-based service interventions and evidence-based research are needed to more thoroughly investigate school bullying and its predictors in China.