bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Link between Handgrip Strength and Executive Functioning: A Cross-Sectional Study in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Controls
Authors: Herold Fabian , Labott Berit K. , Grässler Bernhard , Halfpaap Nicole , Langhans Corinna , Müller Patrick , Ammar Achraf , Dordevic Milos , Hökelmann Anita , Müller Notger G.
Published: January 2022

Older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) who in addition to their memory deficits also suffer from frontal-executive dysfunctions have a higher risk of developing dementia later in their lives than older adults with aMCI without executive deficits and older adults with non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). Handgrip strength (HGS) is also correlated with the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the associations between HGS and executive functioning in individuals with aMCI, naMCI and healthy controls. Older, right-handed adults with amnestic MCI (aMCI), non-amnestic MCI (naMCI), and healthy controls (HC) conducted a handgrip strength measurement via a handheld dynamometer. Executive functions were assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT A&B). Normalized handgrip strength (nHGS, normalized to Body Mass Index (BMI)) was calculated and its associations with executive functions (operationalized through z-scores of TMT B/A ratio) were investigated through partial correlation analyses (i.e., accounting for age, sex, and severity of depressive symptoms). A positive and low-to-moderate correlation between right nHGS (rp (22) = 0.364; p = 0.063) and left nHGS (rp (22) = 0.420; p = 0.037) and executive functioning in older adults with aMCI but not in naMCI or HC was observed. Our results suggest that higher levels of nHGS are linked to better executive functioning in aMCI but not naMCI and HC. This relationship is perhaps driven by alterations in the integrity of the hippocampal-prefrontal network occurring in older adults with aMCI. Further research is needed to provide empirical evidence for this assumption.
Organic Food Consumption and Risk of Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Vidyasagar Kota , Khubchandani Jagdish
Published: January 2022

Recent epidemiological studies have explored the association between organic food consumption and the risk of obesity, but the results remain controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the association between organic food consumption and the risk of obesity. Rigorous methods for a comprehensive search were employed to search for literature in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase for relevant articles published until 30 November 2021. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model to understand the risk of obesity based on exposure to organic food. Four studies, comprising 104,488 healthy subjects and 39,425 adults who consumed organic food, reported 1625 incident cases of obesity. Compared with the unexposed group, organic food consumption was associated with a lower probability of obesity (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.97, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that this association was higher in the cohort (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63–0.92) than cross-sectional studies (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–1.00), respectively. Overall, organic food consumption had a modest reduction (11%) in the risk of obesity and can be an appropriate strategy to prevent obesity.
Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity Participation among Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Yu Siyi , Wang Taijin , Zhong Tianwei , Qian Yingtao , Qi Jing
Published: January 2022

Background: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have low levels of physical activity (PA). Understanding factors influencing the PA participation of this population is essential to the design of effective interventions. The purposes of this study were to identify and map the barriers and facilitators of PA participation among children and adolescents with ID. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with established methodology. Articles were evaluated for relevance using predetermined inclusion criteria in eight databases. Extracted barriers and facilitators were classified using the social ecological model as individual, interpersonal, or environmental factors. Results: Thirty-two studies published between 1992 and 2020 were included (24 quantitative, 6 qualitative, and 2 mixed-method). Thirty-four factors were identified. The most commonly reported barriers included disability-specific factors, low self-efficacy, lack of parental support, inadequate or inaccessible facilities, and lack of appropriate programs. The most commonly reported facilitators included high self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA, sufficient parental support, social interaction with peers, attending school physical education (PE) classes, and adapted PA programs. Conclusions: Continued exploration of factors influencing PA participation is required among children and adolescents with ID. Future interventions should involve families, schools, and wider support network in promoting their PA participation together.
Assessment of the Readability and Quality of Online Patient Education Material for Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Hoang Peter Minh , van Ballegooie Courtney
Published: January 2022

Patient education materials (PEMs) were assessed from chronic health condition associations to determine their quality and if they were above the 6th grade reading level (GRL) recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health. PEMs from 55 associations were assessed for their GRL using ten readability scales and underwent a difficult word analysis. The associations had their quality assessed using two methods: the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmarks and Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct certification (HONCode). Two thousand five hundred and ninety PEMs, collected between June and November 2021, were analyzed. The overall GRL average was 10.8 ± 2.8, with a range of 0 to 19. Difficult word analysis showed that 15.8% ± 4.8 contained complex words of 3 or more syllables and 25.7% ± 6.3 contained words which were unfamiliar. No association displayed all four indicators of quality according to JAMA Benchmarks or held an up-to-date HONCode certification. The PEM readability continues to be written at a level above the recommended GRL. Additionally, the lack of quality indicators from the associations’ websites may make it difficult for older adults to identify the sources as credible. This represents an opportunity to optimize materials that would be understood by a wider audience.
Technologies to Support Frailty, Disability, and Rare Diseases: Towards a Monitoring Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency
Authors: Giansanti Daniele , Pirrera Antonia , Meli Paola , Grigioni Mauro , De Santis Marta , Taruscio Domenica
Published: January 2022

This report illustrates the design and results of an activity of surveillance proposed by the National Centre for Innovative Technologies in Public Health and the National Centre for Rare Diseases of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità with the aim of monitoring the state-of-use of technologies by people with frailty, disabilities, and rare diseases. The results of the surveillance activity reported in this report are as follows: (a) An international Webinar; (b) A Full report published by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS); (c) an electronic survey tool, for periodic monitoring; (d) an initial summary of the survey (15 September–30 November 2020), giving an overall picture relating to the state-of-use of technologies by the interviewed; (e) an understanding of the needs that emerged, causing reflection on the current state-of-the-art and offering important stimuli for all the stakeholders involved.
Increased Risks of Mental Disorders: Youth with Inactive Physical Activity
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Franco-García Juan Manuel , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Pereira-Payo Damián , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Merellano-Navarro Eugenio , Adsuar José Carmelo
Published: January 2022

Before COVID-19, one of the most dangerous pandemics of the 21st century was physical inactivity (PI). Sedentary habits had increased in the last decades, reducing physical condition and increasing non-communicable diseases and mental disorders in the population. This study aimed to analyse the relationships between physical activity level (PAL) and the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders in Spanish young aged 15–35 years and to calculate the odd ratio (OR) of developing from these mental disorders in inactive young people, based on PAL. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 with 4195 participants was conducted. A descriptive analysis was performed. Possible differences between groups were analysed using the non-parametric statistical tests. OR and relative risks for mental disorders in inactive versus others PAL were calculated. Results: Dependence relationships were found between PAL and the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders (p < 0.001). In addition, the risk of developing: anxiety (OR: 6.14. 95% CI: 3.28–11.50), depression (OR: 5.35. 95% CI: 2.40–11.96), and other mental disorders (OR: 8.52. 95% CI: 2.90–25.06) was higher in inactive young people. Conclusions: PI is associated to high risk of mental disorders in Spanish young people.
Reporting Quality of Studies Developing and Validating Melanoma Prediction Models: An Assessment Based on the TRIPOD Statement
Authors: Kaiser Isabelle , Diehl Katharina , Heppt Markus V. , Mathes Sonja , Pfahlberg Annette B. , Steeb Theresa , Uter Wolfgang , Gefeller Olaf
Published: January 2022

Transparent and accurate reporting is essential to evaluate the validity and applicability of risk prediction models. Our aim was to evaluate the reporting quality of studies developing and validating risk prediction models for melanoma according to the TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a multivariate prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis) checklist. We included studies that were identified by a recent systematic review and updated the literature search to ensure that our TRIPOD rating included all relevant studies. Six reviewers assessed compliance with all 37 TRIPOD components for each study using the published “TRIPOD Adherence Assessment Form”. We further examined a potential temporal effect of the reporting quality. Altogether 42 studies were assessed including 35 studies reporting the development of a prediction model and seven studies reporting both development and validation. The median adherence to TRIPOD was 57% (range 29% to 78%). Study components that were least likely to be fully reported were related to model specification, title and abstract. Although the reporting quality has slightly increased over the past 35 years, there is still much room for improvement. Adherence to reporting guidelines such as TRIPOD in the publication of study results must be adopted as a matter of course to achieve a sufficient level of reporting quality necessary to foster the use of the prediction models in applications.
Electronic Cigarette Use and Other Factors Associated with Cigarette Smoking among Thai Undergraduate Students
Authors: Chulasai Phantara , Chinwong Surarong , Vientong Purida , Hall John J. , Chinwong Dujrudee
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of smoking among young adults in Thailand has gradually increased. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking among undergraduate students. This cross-sectional study used a self-administered, anonymous online questionnaire to gather data from undergraduate students across four universities in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. All 1126 participants were an average age of 21.30 years old (SD 1.48). The findings revealed seven factors significantly associated with cigarette smoking (p < 0.05), including male sex, having no medical conditions, consuming alcohol daily and consuming alcohol in the past, having brothers or sisters who smoked cigarettes, having a father or mother who smoked cigarettes, having parents who considered smoking acceptable and having parents who had uncertain concerns about smoking, and had or have used electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). These associated factors could be useful in implementing appropriate tobacco-control programs to prevent cigarette smoking among undergraduate students. Relevant organizations, universities and healthcare professionals should communicate correct and appropriate information about the illness and diseases caused by using tobacco products to strengthen the correct perceptions of the harms of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among undergraduate students. Furthermore, smoke-free policies should be monitored and strictly enforced, particularly in university areas.
Why Does the NOTION Trial Show Poorer than Expected Outcomes in the Surgical Arm?
Authors: Urso Stefano , Sadaba Rafael , Nogales Eliú , Portela Francisco
Published: January 2022

The NOTION trial compares transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients. Looking carefully at the outcomes of this trial, there is no doubt that the transcatheter aortic valve implantation results were outstanding. The same thing cannot be said for the results of the surgery. We tried to understand the reason for that.
Development of an Improved Micropropagation Protocol for Red-Fleshed Pitaya ‘Da Hong’ with and without Activated Charcoal and Plant Growth Regulator Combinations
Authors: Lee Yu-Chi , Chang Jer-Chia
Published: January 2022

Micropropagation protocols for red-fleshed Hylocereus species (Cactaceae) have been developed; however, these methods prolong the sprout duration from areoles and produce irregular micro-propagules in ‘Da Hong’ pitaya. Thus, the present study aimed to establish an improved micropropagation protocol for this cultivar. Shoot regeneration and root induction of self-pollinating seedling segments were evaluated in response to combinations of activated charcoal (AC; 200 mg/L), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/L), and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 1.00, 2.00, and 4.00 mg/L). The correlations among plantlet growth characteristics and plantlet survival rate after transplantation under field conditions were calculated. Increasing the NAA concentration increased the number of roots but reduced root length. The addition of AC enhanced shoot length and prevented the regeneration of dried-out, clustered, and abnormal shoots. Plantlets treated with 200 mg/L AC and 0.10 mg/L NAA produced the highest number of shoots, i.e., 4.1 shoots, which however, were shorter and lighter than those cultured with AC alone. Plantlets grown on medium supplemented with BAP showed no advantage in shoot number, shoot weight, plantlet surface area, or plantlet volume. The weight and shoot surface area of plantlets were strongly correlated. All plantlets grew well at 4 weeks post-transplantation. Overall, these results support this improved micropropagation method to regenerate robust ex vitro plantlets.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Horticulturae in 2021
Authors:   Horticulturae Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Identification and Expression Analysis of Zinc Finger A20/AN1 Stress-Associated Genes SmSAP Responding to Abiotic Stress in Eggplant
Authors: Wan Faxiang , Xu Yuhu , Wang Sulong , Gao Jun , Lu Dan , Zhou Chenghong , Liao Yanqing , Ma Yanyan , Zheng Yu
Published: January 2022

Stress-associated proteins (SAP), a class of zinc-finger proteins, have been identified as novel stress regulatory proteins in stress responses. However, SAP genes in eggplant (SmSAP) have been little reported. It has important significance in identifying SAP members, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses, and tolerance. We performed a comprehensive study of the A20/AN1 domains, motifs, gene structures, phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal locations, gene replications, collinearity, cis-acting elements, and expression pattern responses to various abiotic stresses. Twenty-one SAP genes were identified in eggplant (SmSAP) and were localized on 10 chromosomes. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the SmSAP proteins showed a high homology with the tomato SAP members, and 21 members were divided into four groups based on the homology of the SAP members in eggplant, tomato, rice, and Arabidopsis. Further analysis revealed that SmSAP proteins contain the characteristic A20/AN1 domains, the A20 domain composed of motif 2 (ILCINNCGFFGSPATMNLCSKCYKDMJLK). Four pairs of tandem duplications were found in eggplant, and 10 SmSAP genes had collinearity with SAP genes from Arabidopsis, potato, or tomato, but only four SmSAP genes were collinear with SAP genes in the three species mentioned above. Moreover, the promoters of SmSAP genes were predicted to contain many cis-acting elements that respond to abiotic stress and hormones. A qRT-PCR analysis of the four selected SmSAP genes exhibited diverse expression levels in response to various environmental stresses. These results provided a comprehensive analysis of the SmSAP genes and lay a solid foundation for improving the understanding of the functional diversification of SAP genes under various environmental stresses in eggplant.
Development of a Gene-Based High Resolution Melting (HRM) Marker for Selecting the Gene ty-5 Conferring Resistance to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus
Authors: Wang Yinlei , Song Liuxia , Zhao Liping , Yu Wengui , Zhao Tongmin
Published: January 2022

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) causes serious yield reductions in China. The use of certain resistance genes in tomato varieties has alleviated the impact of the virus to a certain extent. Recently, varieties with the Ty-1, Ty-2, or Ty-3 genes lost their resistance to TYLCV in some areas in China. New genes should be introduced into tomato to maintain the resistance to TYLCV. Tomato line AVTO1227 has excellent resistance to disease due to the resistance gene ty-5. In this study, we screened different types of markers in a tomato F2 population to compare their accuracy and efficiency. The sequencing analysis results were consistent with the high resolution melting (HRM) marker genotype and field identification results. The result confirmed that the functional marker of ty-5 was accurate and reliable. The single nucleotide polymorphism-based HRM genotyping method established in this study can be used for the selection of breeding parent material, gene correlation analysis, and molecular marker-assisted breeding.
Towards Coupling of 1D and 2D Models for Flood Simulation—A Case Study of Nilwala River Basin, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dhanapala Lanthika , Gunarathna M. H. J. P. , Kumari M. K. N. , Ranagalage Manjula , Sakai Kazuhito , Meegastenna T. J.
Published: January 2022

The Nilwala river basin is prone to frequent flooding during the southwest monsoon and second intermonsoon periods. Several studies have recommended coupling 1D and 2D models for flood modelling as they provide sufficient descriptive information of floodplains with greater computational efficiency. This study aims to couple a 1D hydrological model (HEC-HMS) with a 2D hydraulic model (iRIC) to simulate flooding in the Nilwala river basin. Hourly rainfall and streamflow data of three flood events were used for calibration and validation of HEC-HMS. The model performed exceptionally well considering the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient, percent bias, and root mean square error. The flood event of May 2017 was simulated on iRIC using the streamflow hydrographs modelled by HEC-HMS. An overall accuracy of 81.5% was attained when the simulated extent was compared with the surveyed flood extent. The accuracy of the simulated flood depth was assessed using the observed water level at Tudawa gauging station, which yielded an NSE of 0.94, PBIAS of −4.28, RMSE of 0.18 and R2 of 0.95. Thus, the coupled model provided an accurate estimate of the flood extent and depth and can be further developed for hydrological flood forecasting on a regional scale.
On the Role of Atmospheric Weathering on Paint Dust Aerosol Generated by Mechanical Abrasion of TiO2 Containing Paints
Authors: Nored Adam W. , Shedd Jacob S. , Chalbot Marie-Cecile G. , Kavouras Ilias G.
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the introduction and use of new nanomaterials in construction has increased at a rapid rate. Exterior surface paints have been a product that have had these nanomaterials added to them. In this study, the effects of natural weathering and exposure to atmospheric agents was examined to determine the detrimental effects on outdoor paint that has been created with nanomaterials. Data collected over the course of the yearlong study indicate that the nanoparticles of the titanium dioxide were eliminated rapidly. Further testing indicated that various elements of weathering were affecting the physical integrity of the paint. The weathering agents that appeared to have the greatest effect on the samples were acid deposition and total precipitation. There was a strong association between carbon monoxide and the effects on the panels. These results can lead to new plans for assessments involving the synergistic effects of all weathering agents.
Teleworking, Work Engagement, and Intention to Quit during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Same Storm, Different Boats?
Authors: Parent-Lamarche Annick
Published: January 2022

The ability to retain and engage employees is now, more than ever, a major strategic issue for organizations in the context of a pandemic paired with a persistent labor shortage. To this end, teleworking is among the work organization conditions that merit consideration. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the direct and indirect effects of teleworking on work engagement and intention to quit, as well as the potential moderating effect of organizational and individual characteristics on the relationship between teleworking, work engagement, and intention to quit during the COVID-19 pandemic, based on a sample of 254 Canadian employees from 18 small and medium organizations. To address these objectives, path analyses were conducted. Overall, we found that teleworking, use of emotion, skill utilization, and recognition appear to be key considerations for organizations that wish to increase work engagement and decrease intention to quit, in the context of a pandemic paired with a labor shortage. Our results extend the literature by revealing the pathways through which teleworking, use of emotion, skill utilization, and recognition are linked to work engagement and intention to quit, and by suggesting specific interventions and formation plans that are needed.
Everyone Can Implement Eduball in Physical Education to Develop Cognitive and Motor Skills in Primary School Students
Authors: Wawrzyniak Sara , Korbecki Marcin , Cichy Ireneusz , Kruszwicka Agnieszka , Przybyla Tomasz , Klichowski Michal , Rokita Andrzej
Published: January 2022

Studies suggest that incorporating core academic subjects into physical education (PE) stimulates the development of both motor and cognitive skills in primary school students. For example, several experiments show that children’s participation in Eduball, i.e., a method that uses educational balls with printed letters, numbers, and other signs, improves their physical fitness while simultaneously developing their mathematical and language skills. However, the question of who should conduct such classes to make them most effective (regular classroom teachers, physical education teachers, or maybe both in cooperation?) remains unanswered. Here, we replicated a previous Eduball experiment, but now, instead of one experimental group, there were three. In the first, Eduball-classes were conducted by the classroom teacher, in the second, by the physical education teacher, and in the third, collaboratively. After one year intervention, all experimental groups significantly improved both their cognitive (mathematical, reading, and writing) and gross motor (locomotor and object control) skills, and these effects were larger than in the control group participating in traditional PE. Importantly, there were no differences in progression between the Eduball-groups. Thus, our study demonstrates that methods linking PE with cognitive tasks can be effectively used by both PE specialists and general classroom teachers.
Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Depressive Symptoms: A Psychosocial Mechanism
Authors: Shen Liang , Gu Xiangli , Zhang Tao , Lee Joonyoung
Published: January 2022

Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991), this study aimed to test a hypothesized path model of TPB variables (i.e., attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention) with physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms. A total of 792 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 16.9; SD = 0.82; 54.5% females) completed previously validated questionnaires assessing their TPB variables, PA, and depressive symptoms. Correlation analysis revealed TPB variables were positively associated with PA (p < 0.01), and negatively correlated to depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). The path analyses indicated that the hypothesized model produces a goodness of fit (χ2/df = 16.14/5, CFI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.06). The findings support the theoretical tenets of TPB and provide empirical evidence of the psychosocial mechanism of PA and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents. It suggests that building PA intervention strategies while considering the TPB framework may promote adolescents’ physical and mental health.
Advanced Operationalization Framework for Climate-Resilient Urban Public Health Care Services: Composite Indicators-Based Scenario Assessment of Khon Kaen City, Thailand
Authors: Puntub Wiriya , Greiving Stefan
Published: January 2022

Conventional local public health planning and monitoring are insufficiently addressing the conjugated impact of urban development change and climate change in the future. The existing checklist and index often ignore the spatial-network interaction determining urban public health services in forward-looking aspects. This study offers and demonstrates a climate-resilient operationalization framework for urban public health services considering the interaction between urban development change and climate change across scales. A combination of collaborative scenario planning and tailor-made composite indicators were applied based on the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5)’s climate risk concept to adhere to local realities and diverse sets of scenarios. The framework was contested in a medium-sized city with a universal health care coverage setting, Khon Kaen city, Thailand. The results show that the coupling of collaborative scenario planning and composite indicators allows local public health care to operationalize their potential impact and climate-resilient targets in the future(s) in multiple service operation aspects. The scenarios assessment outcomes prove that although public health devotion can be fail-safe, achieving climate-resilient targets requires sectoral integration with urban development and health determining domains. Further exploration and disputation of the framework with a wider scale and diversified settings are recommended to enhance their robustness and universality.
Feeling and Thinking about It Are Two Different Things: How to Capture Momentary Emotions of Extreme Sports in the Field
Authors: Hetland Audun
Published: January 2022

To learn about extreme sports and what motivates such activities, we need to understand the emotions embedded in the experience itself. However, how we go about assessing these emotions might provide us with very different answers. An experience is a fleeting and ever-changing phenomenon, rich in detail and filled with nuances. What we remember and, therefore, what we are able to report from our experience might, however, be strikingly different to what we experienced. Our memories are grained by time, impaired by arousal, and affected by context. Despite these limitations, the most common way to measure an experience is by self reporting. The current paper reviews some of the relevant theory on emotions and how this might impact different assessments. I also describe a new way of measuring momentary emotions in the field by use of video cameras and automatic coding of facially expressed emotions. Extreme sports may leave us with positive memories but may be anything but pleasant while in the midst of them. In the end, this paper may give some hints to why.
Factors Associated with Oral Cancerous and Precancerous Lesions in an Underserved Community: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Badri Parvaneh , Lai Hollis , Ganatra Seema , Baracos Vickie , Amin Maryam
Published: January 2022

Street-involved people with limited access to regular healthcare have an increased risk of developing oral cancer and a lower survival rate. The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of oral cancerous/precancerous lesions and determine their associated risk factors in a high-risk, underserved population. In this cross-sectional study, English-speaking adults aged 18 years and older living in a marginalized community in Edmonton were recruited from four non-profit charitable organizations. Data were collected through visual oral examinations and a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and logistic regressions were applied. In total, 322 participants with a mean (SD) age of 49.3 (13.5) years completed the study. Among them, 71.1% were male, 48.1% were aboriginal, and 88.2% were single. The prevalence of oral cancerous lesions was 2.4%, which was higher than the recorded prevalence in Canada (0.014–1.42: 10,000) and in Alberta (0.011–1.13: 10,000). The clinical examinations indicated that 176 (54.7%) participants had clinical inflammatory changes in their oral mucosa. There was a significant association between clinical inflammatory oral lesions and oral cancerous/precancerous lesions (p < 0.001). Simple logistic regression showed that the risk of the presence of oral cancerous/precancerous lesions was two times higher in participants living in a shelter or on the street than in those living alone (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.15–3.82; p-value: 0.021). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the risk of oral cancerous/precancerous lesions was 1.68 times higher in participants living in a shelter or on the street vs. living alone after accounting for multiple predictors (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.19–2.37; p-value: 0.022). The results demonstrated a high prevalence of cancerous/precancerous lesions among the study participants, which was significantly associated with clinical inflammatory oral lesions. The evidence supports the need for developing oral cancer screening and oral health promotion strategies in underserved communities.
Assessment of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Pro-Health Behavior of Poles
Authors: Hoffmann Karolina , Paczkowska Anna , Bońka Aleksandra , Michalak Michał , Bryl Wiesław , Kopciuch Dorota , Zaprutko Tomasz , Ratajczak Piotr , Nowakowska Elżbieta , Kus Krzysztof
Published: January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has exerted enormous impacts on individuals’ lifestyle, economics and social life. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-promoting behaviors of a sample of the Polish population, including dietary supplementation, physical activity, eating habits, and the implementation of preventive vaccinations. Within the scope of a survey, data was collected from 1101 adult respondents residing in Poland (862 women and 239 men). An anonymous questionnaire prepared based on the scientific literature was used as a research tool. The survey was conducted during the second wave of COVID-19 using the CAWI (Computer—Assisted Web Interview) method by disseminating the questionnaire using selected social media. We found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the respondents were more likely to maintain healthy eating habits and use dietary supplementation; however, the majority engaged in physical activity less frequently and had a sedentary lifestyle. Most felt no need to undergo preventive influenza vaccinations. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the health awareness of the analyzed group from the Polish population. However, the obtained results are not fully satisfactory; therefore, there is a need to promote a healthy lifestyle and pro-health behaviors as part of social campaigns.
Socio-Economic Determinants of Dental Service Expenditure: Findings from a French National Survey
Authors: Bas Anne-Charlotte , Azogui-Lévy Sylvie
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: This study investigated how individual enabling resources influence (i) their probability of using dental services and (ii) consumers’ expenditure on dental treatment. (2) Methods: Data were derived from a self-administered national health survey questionnaire and from expenditure data from national health insurance. Multiple linear regression methods were used to analyze entry into the dental health system (yes/no) and, independently, the individual expenditure of dental care users. (3) Results: People with the highest incomes were more likely to use dental service (aOR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.28, 1.97), as were those with complementary health insurance and the lowest deprivation scores. For people using dental services, good dental health status was associated with less expenditure (−70.81 EUR; 95% CI = −116.53, −25.08). For dental service users, the highest deprivation score was associated with EUR +43.61 dental expenditure (95% CI = −0.15; 87.39). (4) Conclusion: Socioeconomic determinants that were especially important for entry into the dental health service system were relatively insignificant for ongoing service utilization. These results are consistent with our hypothesis of a dental care utilization process in two steps. Public policies in countries with private fees for dentistry should improve the clarity of dental fees and insurance payments.
Recommendations to Enhance Parental Involvement and Adolescent Participation in Physical Activity
Authors: Cozett Colleen , Roman Nicolette V.
Published: January 2022

Background: Adolescents are influenced by external factors which may impact their level of physical activity. Parents require specific strategies to become involved and to increase physical activity participation in adolescence. Objective: Thus, the current study aimed to design recommendations to increase physical activity participation and parental involvement. Methods: The current study forms part of a broader mixed-method study in which the results of the phases and stages of the pre-studies informed the current study. Thus, the current study uses an agreement workshop to develop recommendations with stakeholder and expert input in two rounds. Participants were invited to participate in the current study n = 100, and n = 65 participated in round one. Round two consisted of n = 20 experts invited to an agreement workshop, with n = 11 attending and making an input on the final recommendations. Therefore, experts and parents in the field of parenting, physical activity, and physical education, were invited to participate in the study rounds. After each round, the responses from the panellists were collated, interpreted, and developed into a framework for recommendations using thematic analysis. Themes were generated and refined using an agreement format. Results: After results from the stages and phases were consolidated and refined, six themes and 51 sub-themes were identified in a framework for recommendations. The framework was further refined using expert input and the final recommendations were derived using an agreement or agreement. Thus, with input from experts input through the agreement workshop, the findings were discussed, refined, and drafted into recommendations. Agreement and agreement were achieved on six broad recommendations and fifty-one sub-themes. The final recommendations were presented in the current study to increase parental involvement and physical activity in adolescents. Discussion: Recommendations and physical activity resources were developed and are presented as a form of support to parents and adolescents. The recommendations are intended as a source of unbiased information for parents to become more involved and for adolescents to increase physical activity participation.
Direct Observation of COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Physical Activity in Public Open Spaces
Authors: Suminski Richard R. , Dominick Gregory M. , Wagner Norman J. , Obrusnikova Iva
Published: January 2022

Mask wearing and physical distancing are effective at preventing COVID-19 transmission. Little is known about the practice of these behaviors during physical activity (PA). In this longitudinal study, direct observation was used to describe COVID-19 prevention behaviors among physically active individuals. The Viral Transmission Scan (VT-Scan) was used to assess COVID-19 prevention behaviors of people standing, sitting, walking, jogging, and cycling in educational, retail, and residential areas. The VT-Scan was performed once per week over 22 weeks between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Information was manually extracted from videos collected during VT-Scans. A total of 4153 people were described, of which 71.2% were physically active, 80.0% were 18–30 years of age, 14.0% were non-white, 61.0% were female, and were 19.6% obese. Individuals not engaged in PA were less compliant with COVID-19 prevention behaviors than physically active people. Compliance differed by PA type, with walkers less compliant with COVID-19 prevention behaviors than joggers and cyclists. Among those physically active, non-compliance with COVID-19 prevention behaviors was higher in 18–30-year-olds, whites, and men. Engagement in COVID-19 prevention behaviors varies as a function of PA. Efforts to promote compliance with recommendations may benefit from tailored messaging, taking into account PA participation, PA type, and characteristics of physically active individuals.
Input-Output Efficiency of Water-Energy-Food and Its Driving Forces: Spatial-Temporal Heterogeneity of Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Ge Min , Yu Kaili , Ding Ange , Liu Gaofeng
Published: January 2022

The high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) plays a crucial role in economic transformation in China. Climate change, rapid population growth, and increased urbanization have contributed towards increased pressures on the water, energy, food (WEF) nexus system of YREB. Thus, there is an imperative need to improve the efficiency of WEF in YREB. However, few studies have conducted spatial-temporal heterogeneity exploration of YREB about the input-output efficiency of WEF (IOE-WEF). Using panel data from 2008–2017, a super slack based model (SSBM), combined with the spatial autocorrelation and spatial econometric method, were proposed to calculate the IOE-WEF of YREB’s 11 provinces, the results indicated that: (1) From the perspective of time, the IOE-WEF in YREB was relatively low and displayed a fluctuating downward pattern while considering the undesirable outputs. (2) From the perspective of space, the spatial distribution of IOE-WEF in YREB was uneven. The efficiency values of the three sub-regions of YREB were “the lower reaches > the middle reaches > the upper reaches”. The IOE-WEF of YREB had a prominent positive spatial correlation and also had a spatial spillover effect. (3) The spatial aggregation effect of IOE-WEF of YREB is gradually weakening. The spatial aggregation types of IOE-WEF in YREB were “high-high” cluster areas in lower reaches and “low-low” cluster areas in upper reaches. (4) From the perspective of driving forces, environmental regulation and technological innovation promoted the improvement of IOE-WEF of YREB, while the industrial structure and mechanization level inhibited the improvement of IOE-WEF of YREB. Furthermore, the role of government support of IOE-WEF of YREB was not obvious. The improvement of IOE-WEF in adjacent regions also had a notable positive spatial spillover effect on the region.
Assessment of the Relative Performance of the EQ-5D-3L, ICIQ-UI SF and POP-SS Using Data from the OPAL Trial
Authors: Fenocchi Linda , Collins Marissa , Elders Andrew , Hagen Suzanne
Published: January 2022

Conducting economic evaluations alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is an efficient way to collect cost-effectiveness data. Generic preference-based measures, such as EQ-5D, are often used alongside clinical data measures in RCTs. However, in the case of female urinary incontinence (UI), evidence of the relative performance of EQ-5D with condition-specific measures such as the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), measuring severity of UI, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS), measuring severity of prolapse symptoms, is limited. This study employed secondary analysis of outcome measures data collected during the Optimal Pelvic floor muscle training for Adherence Long-term (OPAL) RCT, which compared biofeedback-mediated pelvic floor muscle training to basic pelvic floor muscle training for women with UI. The relative performance of EQ-5D-3L and ICIQ-UI SF, and EQ-5D-3L and POP-SS was assessed for concurrent validity and known-groups validity. Data for 577 women (mean age 48) were available for EQ-5D-3L/ICIQ-UI SF, and 555 women (mean age 47) for EQ-5D-3L/POP-SS. Overall, EQ-5D-3L exhibited very weak association with the ICIQ-UI SF total score, or any subscale. EQ-5D-3L and POP-SS were found to be weakly correlated. EQ-5D-3L was able to distinguish between groups with known differences in severity of UI and also between types of UI. These findings provide useful information to guide researchers in selecting appropriate outcome measures for use in future clinical trials.
Leg Fidgeting Improves Executive Function following Prolonged Sitting with a Typical Western Meal: A Randomized, Controlled Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Fryer Simon , Paterson Craig , Stoner Lee , Brown Meghan A. , Faulkner James , Turner Louise A. , Aguirre-Betolaza Aitor Martínez , Zieff Gabriel , Stone Keeron
Published: January 2022

Prolonged uninterrupted sitting and a typical Western meal, high in fat and refined sugar, can additively impair cognitive and cerebrovascular functions. However, it is unknown whether interrupting these behaviours, with a simple desk-based activity, can attenuate the impairment. The aim of this study was to determine whether regular leg fidgeting can off-set the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting following the consumption of a typical Western meal, on executive and cerebrovascular function. Using a randomized cross-over design, 13 healthy males consumed a Western meal and completed 180-min of prolonged sitting with leg fidgeting of 1 min on/4 min off (intervention [INT]) and without (control [CON]). Cognitive function was assessed pre and post sitting using the Trail Maker Test (TMT) parts A and B. Common carotid artery (CCA) blood flow, as an index of brain flow, was measured pre and post, and cerebral (FP1) perfusion was measured continuously. For TMT B the CON trial significantly increased (worsened) completion time (mean difference [MD] = 5.2 s, d = 0.38), the number of errors (MD = 3.33, d = 0.68) and cognitive fatigue (MD = 0.73, d = 0.92). Compared to CON, the INT trial significantly improved completion time (MD = 2.3 s, d = 0.97), and prevented declines in cognitive fatigue and a reduction in the number of errors. No significant changes in cerebral perfusion or CCA blood flow were found. Leg fidgeting for 1-min on/4-min off following a meal high in fats and refined sugars attenuated the impairment in executive function. This attenuation in executive function may not be caused by alterations in CCA blood flow or cerebral perfusion.
Analysis of Clinical Parameters, Drug Consumption and Use of Health Resources in a Southern European Population with Alcohol Abuse Disorder during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lear-Claveras Ana , González-Álvarez Beatriz , Couso-Viana Sabela , Clavería Ana , Oliván-Blázquez Bárbara
Published: January 2022

The disruption in healthcare attention to people with alcohol dependence, along with psychological decompensation as a consequence of lockdown derived from the COVID-19 pandemic could have a negative impact on people who suffer from alcohol abuse disorder. Observational real world data pre-post study included 9966 men aged >16 years registered as having the diagnosis of alcohol abuse disorder in the electronic medical records (EMR) of the Aragon Regional Health Service (Spain). Clinical (Glutamate-oxaloacetate -GOT-, Glutamate pyruvate -GPT-, creatinine, glomerular filtration, systolic blood pressure -SBP-, diastolic blood pressure -DBP-, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and body mass index -BMI-), pharmacological (dose per inhabitant per day, DHD, of drugs used in addictive disorders, benzodiazepines and antidepressants) and health resource use variables (primary and specialized care) were considered. A Student’s t-test for matched samples was performed to analyze the changes in clinical variables between alcohol abuse disorder patients with and without COVID-19. Only creatinine and LDL showed a significant but clinically irrelevant change six months after the end of the strict lockdown. The total number of DHDs for all drugs included in the study (except for benzodiazepines), decreased. In the same way, the use of health services by these patients also decreased. The impact of COVID-19 among this group of patients has been moderate. The reorganization of health and social services after the declaration of the state of alarm in our country made possible the maintenance of care for this vulnerable population.