bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 Clinician Cohort (CoCCo) Study: Empirically Grounded Recommendations for Forward-Facing Psychological Care of Frontline Doctors
Authors: Daniels Jo , Ingram Jenny , Pease Anna , Wainwright Elaine , Beckett Kate , Iyadurai Lalitha , Harris Sophie , Donnelly Olivia , Roberts Tom , Carlton Edward
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to develop empirically grounded recommendations and a coherent model of psychological care derived from the experiences and psychological care needs of COVID-19 frontline doctors, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Participants were UK frontline doctors specialising in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, or Intensive Care (n = 31) purposively sampled for maximum variation on gender, specialty, ethnicity, and trauma-related distress; most worked in ICU during the pandemic (71%). Four themes were derived: (1) ‘coping strategies’, participants used many, including exercise, mindfulness, and “wait until it gets really bad”; (2) ‘sources of support’, participants valued embedded psychological support, digital services, and informal conversations with colleagues or family, though there was little opportunity; (3) ‘organisational influences on wellbeing’, participants reported a love–hate relationship for concepts like ‘wellbeing’, seen as important but insulting when basic workplace needs were unmet; (4) ‘improving engagement with support’, analysis suggests we must reduce physical and psychological barriers to access and encourage leaders to model psychologically supportive behaviours. Doctors’ frontline COVID-19 working experiences shine a ‘spotlight’ on pre-existing problems such as lack of physical resources and access to psychological care. Empirically grounded recommendations and a model of incremental psychological care are presented for use in clinical services.
User Requirements Analysis of an Embodied Conversational Agent for Coaching Older Adults to Choose Active and Healthy Ageing Behaviors during the Transition to Retirement: A Cross-National User Centered Design Study
Authors: Santini Sara , Stara Vera , Galassi Flavia , Merizzi Alessandra , Schneider Cornelia , Schwammer Sabine , Stolte Elske , Kropf Johannes
Published: September 2021

Background: Retirement is recognized as a factor influencing the ageing process. Today, virtual health coaching systems can play a pivotal role in supporting older adults’ active and healthy ageing. This study wants to answer two research questions: (1) What are the user requirements of a virtual coach (VC) based on an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) for motivating older adults in transition to retirement to adopt a healthy lifestyle? (2) How could a VC address the active and healthy ageing dimensions, even during COVID-19 times? Methods: Two-wave focus-groups with 60 end-users aged 55 and over and 27 follow-up telephone interviews were carried out in Austria, Italy and the Netherlands in 2019–2020. Qualitative data were analysed by way of framework analysis. Results: End-users suggest the VC should motivate older workers and retirees to practice physical activity, maintain social contacts and emotional well-being. The ECA should be reactive, customizable, expressive, sympathetic, not directive nor patronizing, with a pleasant and motivating language. The COVID-19 outbreak increased the users’ need for functions boosting community relationships and promoting emotional well-being. Conclusions: the VC can address the active and healthy ageing paradigm by increasing the chances of doing low-cost healthy activities at any time and in any place.
Predictors of Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Turkish Migrant Cohort in Germany
Authors: Krist Lilian , Dornquast Christina , Reinhold Thomas , Icke Katja , Danquah Ina , Willich Stefan N. , Becher Heiko , Keil Thomas
Published: September 2021

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting response measures have led to severe limitations of people’s exercise possibilities with diminished physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB). Since for migrant groups in Germany, no data is available, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with changes in PA and SB in a sample of Turkish descent. Participants of a prospective cohort study (adults of Turkish descent, living in Berlin, Germany) completed a questionnaire regarding COVID-19 related topics including PA and SB since February 2020. Changes in PA and SB were described, and sociodemographic, migrant-related, and health-related predictors of PA decrease and SB increase were determined using multivariable regression analyses. Of 106 participants, 69% reported a decline of PA, 36% reported an increase in SB. PA decrease and SB increase seemed to be associated with inactivity before the pandemic as well as with the female sex. SB increase appeared to be additionally associated with educational level and BMI. The COVID-19 pandemic and the response measures had persistent detrimental effects on this migrant population. Since sufficient PA before the pandemic had the strongest association with maintaining PA and SB during the crisis, the German government and public health professionals should prioritize PA promotion in this vulnerable group.
Evaluation of the Benefits, Satisfaction, and Limitations of Intergenerational Face-to-Face Activities: A General Population Survey in Spain
Authors: Canedo-García Alejandro , García-Sánchez Jesús-Nicasio , Díaz-Prieto Cristina , Pacheco-Sanz Deilis-Ivonne
Published: September 2021

Over the last decades, social isolation and loneliness among older adults have given rise to an increased interest in the study of intergenerational relationships. Intergenerational programs provide a great opportunity for older adults to connect with people of other generations. Many studies have reported the beneficial effects of these programs, improving the mental and physical health of the elderly and contributing to better academic formation and social skills in children. The aim of this study was to examine the benefits, satisfaction, and limitations of the intergenerational interactions derived from the performance of face-to-face activities, such as daily and healthcare activities, educational, cultural and leisure activities, and physical or sport activities. Participants were subjects living in Spain of any age (grouped into three age groups: <22, 22–40, and >40 years old) and from different social groups who completed an electronic 88-item questionnaire. The analysis of sociodemographic variables of the survey respondents revealed that people aged 40 or more, with personal autonomy, single or married, and living with a partner and/or other relative, and not retired, performed face-to-face activities with people of other generations with a significantly higher frequency than the rest of the groups for each variable. Most participants who participated in intergenerational face-to-face activities reported benefits to their physical and mental health, mood, relationships, self-determination, social participation, and academic education. Most participants were quite or very satisfied with the person with whom they performed this type of activities, especially if this person was a friend or a close relative. Except for grandparents, people who participated in intergenerational face-to-face activities and who had no limitations or disabilities were more frequently reported by the participants. In conclusion, intergenerational interactions derived from the performance of face-to-face activities can contribute to improve both the physical and mental health, social skills, and relationships of all people involved.
Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Interprofessional Collaboration with Physicians in Poland: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Zielińska-Tomczak Łucja , Cerbin-Koczorowska Magdalena , Przymuszała Piotr , Gałązka Natalia , Marciniak Ryszard
Published: September 2021

Over the years, many studies have emphasized the pharmacist’s importance as part of the patient care team. Still, the interprofessional collaboration between physicians and pharmacists in their everyday work seems rare. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the types of contact between them, possible mutual collaboration, and barriers to implementation. This study was conducted from April to August 2020. The study group included licensed pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Poland (n = 207). The results show that, according to the respondents, physician–pharmacist contact mainly concerns formal aspects, such as correcting prescription errors. They occasionally communicate for other matters, such as consultation regarding drug availability and drug dosage. However, when asked to divide responsibilities between them and physicians, pharmacists indicate areas that should involve interprofessional collaboration, e.g., monitoring adverse drug reactions, analysis of multi-drug therapy, and checking the regularity of taking medications. They indicated the lack of specific collaboration rules, limited willingness to establish relationships and low mutual respect and trust among existing barriers. It is worth considering the possibility of overcoming these barriers provided by interprofessional education in order to develop communication skills and build relationships based on respect.
Subjective Perceptions of South Korean Parents Regarding the Effectiveness of Taekwondo Education for Adolescents and Its Characteristics: The Q Methodology Application
Authors: Jeon Wonjae , Jang Seunghyun , Joung Kihong
Published: September 2021

This study aims to determine why Korean parents provide adolescent children with continuous physical education through Taekwondo. The Q methodology was applied. The final 25 Q-samples were selected by composing the Q-population. Twenty parents who provided their children with Taekwondo education for more than 10 years were designated as the P-sample. Q-sorting was performed on the P-sample. Centroid factor analysis and varimax rotation were performed using version 2.35 of PQ method program. The study observed four factors with a total explanatory variance of 69%. Types 1 to 4 (N = 5, 7, 5, and 3) pertained to a powerful means of enhancing mental health, the driving force behind stable school life and social development, improvement in psychological and social areas for a successful transition to adulthood, and increased awareness of the values of Taekwondo and importance of physical activity, with eigenvalues of 4.59, 6.42, 3.16, and 1.18 and explanatory variances of 0.16, 0.32, 0.12, and 0.09, respectively. Furthermore, consensus statements for each type were investigated as Q18 and Q17. These findings supported the academic foundation of proper Taekwondo education in adolescence and confirmed it as a powerful means of exerting a positive impact on adulthood.
Association of Vital Exhaustion with Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases, Quality of Life and Lifestyle in 41–44-Year-Old Muscovite Men
Authors: Kotova Marina B. , Rozanov Vyacheslav B. , Kiselev Anton R. , Maksimov Sergey A. , Drapkina Oxana M.
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Vital exhaustion (VE) is no less of an important risk factor (RF) for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cardiovascular events than the well-known RFs. Insufficient knowledge of the relationship between VE and CVD RF, quality of life, and lifestyle was the rationale for this study. (2) Methods: We examined 301 Muscovite men 41–44 years of age. The categorization of RFs for CVD was carried out in accordance with conventionally considered criteria. In order to evaluate the lifestyle and quality of life in study participants, we were offering them a self-filling questionnaire developed by I.A. Gundarov. The presence of VE signs was assessed using a 14-item short version of the Maastricht Vital Exhaustion Questionnaire scale (MVEQ). All study subjects were classified into three ordered groups depending on the distribution of VE indicators by tertiles: Group 1 consisted of men with a low VE (0–2 points), Group 2 included males with a medium VE score (3–5 points), and Group 3 comprised subjects with high VE scores (6–14 points). To analyze the obtained data, we used one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s chi-squaredtest (χ2), Goodman and Kruskal’s gamma, and linear regression analysis. (3) Results: We established that every third male (36.8%) had VE signs, while 10.6% of men had high VE levels. With an increase of VE in men, the frequency of arterial hypertension (AH) was increasing as well, and it was significantly higher in men with a high VE compared to their peers with a low VE (48.4% versus 33%; p = 0.03). A significant linear relationship was discovered between VE levels and excessive alcohol consumption (p = 0.001). The strongest linear associations were found between the VE level, and both psychosocial stress indicator and the amount of consumed ethanol. Self-assessment of personal happiness, job and sleep satisfaction, residential living conditions, and spiritual needs, as well as psychosocial stress indicator, total amount of consumed ethanol, and muscle strength (hand-grip dynamometry), were independent determinants of the VE level, and, collectively, they explained 46.6% of its variability. The greatest contribution to VE was made by the personal happiness level, explaining 25.5% of its variability. The proportions of the VE variance uniquely explained by various factors were as follows: 9.3% by the psychosocial stress, 4.9% by job satisfaction, 2.8% by sleep satisfaction, 2.3% by total consumption of ethanol, 1.6% by muscle strength, 1.1% by living conditions in the residential neighborhood, and just 0.8% by spiritual needs. (4) Conclusion: High VE levels in 41–44-year-old men are associated with AH, sedentary behavior, excessive alcohol consumption, and lower values of most indicators of both lifestyle and quality of life.
Evaluation of Knowledge and Risk Perception about Antibiotic Resistance in Biology and Mathematics Young Students in Nîmes University in France
Authors: Duvauchelle Valentin , Causse Elsa , Michon Julien , Rateau Patrick , Weiss Karine , Meffre Patrick , Benfodda Zohra
Published: September 2021

In response to the antimicrobial resistance issue, the World Health Organization developed and conducted a survey in 2015 dealing with habits, antibiotic use, awareness of appropriate use and sensitization to the issue of antibacterial resistance. In France, we conducted a similar survey to investigate the use of antibiotics and students’ perceptions of the antibiotic resistance risk. Our results indicated that antibiotics are moderately taken (42% in the last six months), but mistakes remain in appropriate practices and knowledge. Many people still believe that the body develops resistance to antibiotics and 24% responded that antibiotics can be stopped before the end of the treatment if they feel better. Furthermore, only 14% said antibiotics could be used to treat gonorrhea while 57% indicated that influenza could be treated with antibiotics. We looked at risk perception as well, and noticed that students in biology were more aware of risk (mean score = 48.87) and health consequences (mean score = 40.33) than mathematics students (mean score = 44.11 and 37.44). They were more aware of the threat, had a better understanding of antibiotic resistance and their denial of this risk was less significant (mean score = 27.04 against 23.81). However, the importance of providing a minimum level of knowledge to young students has been emphasized, regardless of the field of expertise.
Associations between Psychosocial Working Conditions and Quality of Care (i.e., Slips and Lapses, and Perceived Social Interactions with Patients)—A Cross-Sectional Study among Medical Assistants
Authors: Mambrey Viola , Vu-Eickmann Patricia , Angerer Peter , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: September 2021

Adverse psychosocial working conditions in the health care sector are widespread and have been associated with a reduced quality of patient care. Medical assistants (MA) assume that their unfavorable working conditions predominantly lead to a poorer quality of care in terms of slips and lapses, and poorer social interactions with patients. We examined those associations for the first time among MAs. A total of 944 MAs in Germany participated in a survey (September 2016–April 2017). Psychosocial working conditions were measured by the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire and a questionnaire specifically designed for MAs. Slips and lapses (3 items, e.g., measurement or documentation errors) and the quality of interactions (3 items) with patients were measured by a questionnaire developed by the study team based on prior qualitative research. We ran Poisson regression to estimate multivariable prevalence ratios (PRs). The ERI ratio and MA-specific working conditions were significantly associated with frequent self-reported slips and lapses (PR = 2.53 and PR ≥ 1.22, respectively) or poor interactions with patients (PR = 3.62 and PR ≥ 1.38, respectively) due to work stress. Our study suggests that various types of adverse psychosocial working conditions are associated with perceptions of slips and lapses or poorer interaction with patients due to work stress among MAs.
A Synthesis of Findings from ‘Rapid Assessments’ of Disability and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Response and Disability-Inclusive Data Collection
Authors: Hillgrove Tessa , Blyth Jen , Kiefel-Johnson Felix , Pryor Wesley
Published: September 2021

Introduction: People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by disasters, including health emergencies, and responses are not always inclusive or accessible. Disability-inclusive response and recovery efforts require rapid, contextually relevant data, but little was known about either the experience of people with disabilities in the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, or how rapid needs assessments were conducted. Methods: We reviewed the available results from rapid assessments of impacts of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries in Asia and the Pacific. Rapid assessment methods and questions were examined to describe the current approaches and synthesise results. Results: Seventeen surveys met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that people with disabilities experienced less access to health, education, and social services and increased violence. The most rapid assessments were conducted by or with disabled person’s organisations (DPOs). The rapid assessment methods were varied, resulting in heterogeneous data between contexts. Efforts to standardise data collection in disability surveys are not reflected in practice. Conclusions: Persons with disabilities were disproportionately impacted by the ‘first wave’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite complex implementation challenges and methodological limitations, persons with disabilities have led efforts to provide evidence to inform disability-inclusive pandemic responses.
Total Worker Health® and Small Business Employee Perceptions of Health Climate, Safety Climate, and Well-Being during COVID-19
Authors: Brown Carol E. , Dexter Lynn , Schwatka Natalie V. , Dally Miranda , Tenney Liliana , Shore Erin , Newman Lee S.
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic created workplace challenges for employee safety and health, especially in small enterprises. We used linear mixed-effects regression to examine changes in health climate, safety climate, and worker well-being, prior to the pandemic and at two timepoints during it. We also examined whether employees at organizations that had received a TWH leadership development intervention prior to COVID-19 would better maintain pre-pandemic perceptions of climates and well-being. The final study cohort consisted of 261 employees from 31 organizations. No differences were observed in mean outcome scores between the leadership intervention groups at any of the survey timepoints. We combined intervention groups to examine the difference across timepoints. Perceptions of health and safety climates remained stable across all timepoints. However, employee well-being scores declined between the pre-pandemic period and subsequent COVID-19 timepoints. These findings suggest that while small organizations continued to be viewed as supporting employees’ health and safety over the course of the pandemic, well-being scores declined, indicating that other factors contributed to decreased well-being. The findings from this study have implications for small business leaders as they navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health, safety, and well-being on their organizations and employees.
One-Year Changes in Activities of Daily Living, Usability, Falls and Concerns about Falling, and Self-Rated Health for Different Housing Adaptation Client Profiles
Authors: Malmgren Fänge Agneta , Chiatti Carlos , Axmon Anna
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate one-year changes and differences in changes in activities of daily living (ADL), usability, a history of falls, concerns about falling, and self-rated health across five housing adaptation (HA) client profiles identified previously using a cluster analysis approach: older adults with low level of disability (n = 59); older adults with medium/high level of disability (n = 26); adults with low level of disability (n = 10); adults with high level of disability (n = 8); and older adults with medium level of disability including at least moderate cognitive impairment (n = 5). Comparisons between the five profiles include secondary analyses aggregating those with low level of disability and those with medium/high level of disability. Changes within the client profiles demonstrate a complex pattern of improvements and declines, depending on outcome, with no profile showing consistent improvement or decline across all outcomes. The risks of deterioration over one year were the highest among those with cognitive impairments at baseline, but no recommendation of prioritization decisions based on baseline profiles can be made. Instead, it seems that all HA clients, independently of baseline profile, are at risk of increasing disability over time and require follow-up evaluations regularly.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men (BMSM) in the Southern U.S.
Authors: Adeagbo Oluwafemi , Harrison Sayward , Qiao Shan , Li Xiaoming
Published: September 2021

Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) living in the United States (U.S.) South are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience significant disparities in HIV incidence, access to HIV care, and prevention across ages and socio-economic statuses. The aim of this commentary is to critically review current literature on the state of PrEP use among BMSM in the U.S. South, including identifying barriers and facilitators to PrEP use in order to inform intervention development. Extant literature shows that despite the documented benefits of PrEP as an effective HIV-prevention method, its uptake among BMSM is limited across the U.S. South. Common barriers to PrEP uptake included stigma, homophobia, mistrust of healthcare systems, negative attitudes from healthcare providers, access and transportation issues, poverty, and misinformation about PrEP. These barriers are likely to have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited access to PrEP and other HIV-prevention programs, such as HIV testing, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and condoms for BMSM are likely increase HIV incidence in this community. Moreover, the rapid expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 period may offer increased opportunity to scale-up PrEP through telehealth interventions, especially if in-person services remain limited due to pandemic precautions. Given the intersectional barriers that limit the access and uptake of PrEP among BMSM, we suggest that tailored programs or interventions that seek to address PrEP disparities among Southern BMSM should adopt intersectional and interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the complex challenges of scaling up PrEP. More studies are needed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV-prevention services among BMSM and to understand how to co-develop—with the BMSM community and healthcare providers—culturally acceptable interventions to reduce the identified challenges using intersectional and interdisciplinary approaches.
Cross-Sectional, Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Effects of Dietary Pattern on Frailty in Taiwan
Authors: Shiau Mei-Huey , Lee Meng-Chih , Lin Fang-Ling , Hurng Baai-Shyun , Yeh Chih-Jung
Published: September 2021

This study examined the association between dietary patterns and the development of frailty during 4-, 8-, 12-year follow-up periods in the population-based Taiwan Study. We used the data of an elderly population aged 53 years and over (n = 3486) from four waves of the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging. Frailty was identified by using the modified Fried criteria and the values were summed to derive a frailty score. We applied reduced rank regression to determine dietary patterns, which were divided into tertiles (healthy, general, and unhealthy dietary pattern). We used multinomial logistic regression models to assess the association between dietary patterns and the risk of frailty. The healthy dietary pattern was characterized by a higher intake of antioxidant drinks (tea), energy-rich foods (carbohydrates, e.g., rice, noodles), protein-rich foods (fish, meat, seafood, and eggs), and phytonutrient-rich foods (fruit and dark green vegetables). Compared with the healthy pattern, the unhealthy dietary pattern showed significant cross-sectional, short-term, medium-term, and long-term associations with a higher prevalence of frailty (odds ratios (OR) 2.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.94–3.87, OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.67–3.88, OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.07–2.57, and OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.27–4.34, respectively). Our findings support recommendations to increase the intake of antioxidant drinks, energy-rich foods, protein-rich foods, and phytonutrient-rich foods, which were associated with a non-frail status. This healthy dietary pattern can help prevent frailty over time in elderly people.
The Association between Use of Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Nationwide Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Hsu Tien-Wei , Chen Hsiu-Min , Chen Tien-Yu , Chu Che-Sheng , Pan Chih-Chuan
Published: September 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent upper airway collapse. Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) are associated with pharyngeal muscle relaxation, increased apnea duration, and hypoxia, which might worsen OSA. This study aimed to examine the association between the use of BZRAs and the risk of OSA. The study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Database of Taiwan between 2002 and 2011. We only included new users who were never exposed to any BZRAs and identified 1848 participants with OSA, and 1848 matched controls. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between the use of BZRAs and the development of OSA. BZRA exposure was divided into usage patterns, dosage, duration, and pharmacokinetic class. We found an increased risk of OSA in current users and recent past users compared with distant past users. Patients with a higher cumulative dose of BZRAs were more likely to develop OSA compared to those with a lower cumulative dose. We found an increased risk of OSA in patients treated with BZRAs, especially for current users and those with higher cumulative doses. A reduced risk of OSA was found in Z-drug users compared with benzodiazepine users.
Preventing and Monitoring Work-Related Diseases in Firefighters: A Literature Review on Sensor-Based Systems and Future Perspectives in Robotic Devices
Authors: Taborri Juri , Pasinetti Simone , Cardinali Ludovica , Perroni Fabrizio , Rossi Stefano
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the necessity to prevent work-related diseases has led to the use of sensor-based systems to measure important features during working activities. This topic achieved great popularity especially in hazardous and demanding activities such as those required of firefighters. Among feasible sensor systems, wearable sensors revealed their advantages in terms of possibility to conduct measures in real conditions and without influencing the movements of workers. In addition, the advent of robotics can be also exploited in order to reduce work-related disorders. The present literature review aims at providing an overview of sensor-based systems used to monitor physiological and physical parameters in firefighters during real activities, as well as to offer ideas for understanding the potentialities of exoskeletons and assistive devices.
Bone Mineral Density in Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy: The Role of Bone Marrow Tissue, Adipokines, and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Freire Erika , d’Alva Catarina , Madeira Mayara , Lima Grayce , Montenegro Ana , Fernandes Virginia , Montenegro Junior Renan ,   Brazilian Group for the Study of Inherited and Acquired Lipodystrophies (BRAZLIPO)
Published: September 2021

Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare syndrome characterized by the almost total absence of subcutaneous adipose tissue due to the inability of storing lipid in adipocytes. Patients present generalized lack of subcutaneous fat and normal to low weight. They evolve with severe metabolic disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, early cardiac abnormalities, and infectious complications. Although low body weight is a known risk factor for osteoporosis, it has been reported that type 1 and 2 CGL have a tendency of high bone mineral density (BMD). In this review, we discuss the role of bone marrow tissue, adipokines, and insulin resistance in the setting of the normal to high BMD of CGL patients. Data bases from Pubmed and LILACS were searched, and 113 articles published until 10 April 2021 were obtained. Of these, 76 were excluded for not covering the review topic. A manual search for additional literature was performed using the bibliographies of the studies located. The elucidation of the mechanisms responsible for the increase in BMD in this unique model of insulin resistance may contribute to the understanding of the interrelationships between bone, muscle, and adipose tissue in a pathophysiological and therapeutic perspective.
Assessing Self-Efficacy and Communication Regarding Sexual Agreements among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the USA: Development and Validation of Two Novel Scales
Authors: Neilands Torsten B. , Chakravarty Deepalika , Darbes Lynae A. , O’Brien Nathan P. , Gonzalez Ilse S. , Hoff Colleen C.
Published: September 2021

HIV disproportionately impacts men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA. Building upon research on relationship constructs unique to MSM couples’ HIV-prevention needs, we developed two new scales measuring sexual agreement self-efficacy (SASE) and importance of sexual agreement communication (ISAC). Following qualitative item development, we used two large independent samples of MSM couples (N1 = 441, N2 = 388) to conduct scale validation. Exploratory factor analyses indicated both SASE and ISAC to be unidimensional with 7 and 5 items (eigenvalues = 5.68 and 3.50), respectively, with strong factor loadings. Confirmatory factor analyses yielded satisfactory model fit for SASE (CFI = 0.99; SRMR = 0.03) and ISAC (CFI = 0.99; SRMR = 0.05). Reliability was high for SASE (ω = 0.92) and ISAC (ω = 0.84). Predictive validity analysis revealed a protective association between higher scores on both scales and the outcomes of sexual risk behavior and agreement breaks. Convergent and discriminant validity analyses demonstrated associations in the expected directions between these scales and multiple measures of relationship quality. Therefore, SASE and ISAC are two brief, valid, and reliable scales that can facilitate more in-depth explorations of sexual agreements in MSM and thereby contribute greatly to improving our understanding of and ability to intervene on sexual agreements to improve health and relationship outcomes.
Food Safety in Local Farming of Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Macieira Ariana , Barbosa Joana , Teixeira Paula
Published: September 2021

The world’s population will be around 9 billion people by 2050. Humans need to feed in order to survive and thus the high demographic growth may impact the sustainability of our food systems. Sustainable food production practices such as local farming have been explored. Consumption of vegetables and fruits has been increasing due to their health benefits, but this increase is also related to a significant number of foodborne outbreaks. Foodborne outbreaks pose a threat to public health and the economy on a local and national scale. Food safety begins on the farm and proceeds over the supply chain. Thus, to provide safe products, food producers must follow specific procedures to avoid food hazards along the supply chain. This work aimed to present the importance of food safety in vegetables and fruits in local farming, as this form of production and consumption has increased in several countries of the northern hemisphere and as these are considered a form of providing more sustainable food products.
Impact Measurement of COVID-19 Lockdown on China’s Electricity-Carbon Nexus
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Niu Yuqing , Tian Lei , Liu Yizhi , Zhai Qiang
Published: September 2021

Lockdown measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in the plummeting of China’s overall electric-power demand and production. To date, power generation remains one of the largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting sectors of China on account of its high carbon intensity. Within this context, our study seeks to measure the impacts of COVID-19 lockdown on the electricity-power related carbon footprints on both generation and consumption sides. Built on statistical data of electricity generation and consumption released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBSC), we calculate he nationwide electricity related CO2 emission changes in regional, economic-sectoral and technological dimensions during January–April 2020, when the strictest lock-down measures were taken in China and compare the results with the same months of the year prior. Our results show that both east and central China power grids witnessed drastic reduction (15.0% and 13.8%) in electricity-generation caused CO2 emissions; and the biggest falls of provincial-scale electricity-generation CO2 emission took place in Hubei (27.3%). Among China’s electricity production mix, coal remains the biggest CO2 emitter and contributed 95.7% of the overall nationwide reduction. The most significant decline of the nationwide consumptive-electricity carbon footprint was by 10.1% in February, with the secondary economic sector the biggest contributor.
Using Multiple Scale Space-Time Patterns to Determine the Number of Replicates and Burn-In Periods in Spatially Explicit Agent-Based Modeling of Vector-Borne Disease Transmission
Authors: Kang Jeon-Young , Aldstadt Jared
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: The stochastic nature of agent-based models (ABMs) may be responsible for the variability of simulated outputs. Multiple simulation runs (i.e., replicates) need to be performed to have enough sample size for hypothesis testing and validating simulations. The simulation outputs in the early-stage of simulations from non-terminating ABMs may be underestimated (or overestimated). To avoid this initialization bias, the simulations need to be run for a burn-in period. This study proposes to use multiple scale space-time patterns to determine the number of required replicates and burn-in periods in spatially explicit ABMs, and develop an indicator for these purposes. (2) Methods: ABMs of vector-borne disease transmission were used as the case study. Particularly, we developed an index, D, which enables to take into consideration a successive coefficient of variance (CV) over replicates and simulation years. The comparison between the number of replicates and the burn-in periods determined by D and those chosen by CV was performed. (3) Results: When only a single pattern was used to determine the number of replicates and the burn-in periods, the results varied depending on the pattern. (4) Conclusions: As multiple scale space-time patterns were used for the purposes, the simulated outputs after the burn-in periods with a proper number of replicates would well reproduce multiple patterns of phenomena. The outputs may also be more useful for hypothesis testing and validation.
Formalizing Parameter Constraints to Support Intelligent Geoprocessing: A SHACL-Based Method
Authors: Hou Zhi-Wei , Qin Cheng-Zhi , Zhu A-Xing , Wang Yi-Jie , Liang Peng , Wang Yu-Jing , Zhu Yun-Qiang
Published: September 2021

Intelligent geoprocessing relies heavily on formalized parameter constraints of geoprocessing tools to validate the input data and to further ensure the robustness and reliability of geoprocessing. However, existing methods developed to formalize parameter constraints are either designed based on ill-suited assumptions, which may not correctly identify the invalid parameter inputs situation, or are inefficient to use. This paper proposes a novel method to formalize the parameter constraints of geoprocessing tools, based on a high-level and standard constraint language (i.e., SHACL) and geoprocessing ontologies, under the guidance of a systematic classification of parameter constraints. An application case and a heuristic evaluation were conducted to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is not only comparatively easier and more efficient than existing methods but also covers more types of parameter constraints, for example, the application-context-matching constraints that have been ignored by existing methods.
An Analysis of the Work Resumption in China under the COVID-19 Epidemic Based on Night Time Lights Data
Authors: Tian Suzheng , Feng Ruyi , Zhao Ji , Wang Lizhe
Published: September 2021

Public emergencies often have an impact on the production and operation of enterprises. Timely and effective quantitative measurement of enterprises’ offline resumption of work after public emergencies is conducive to the formulation and implementation of relevant policies. In this study, we analyze the level of work resumption after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-influenced Chinese Spring Festival in 2020 with night time lights remote sensing data and Baidu Migration data. The results are verified by official statistics and facts, which demonstrates that COVID-19 has seriously affected the resumption of work after the Spring Festival holiday. Since 10 February, work has been resuming in localities. By the end of March, the work resumption index of most cities exceeded 70% and even Shanghai, Nanjing and Suzhou had achieved complete resumption of work. Wuhan only started to resume work in the last week of March due to the more severe outbreak. Although the level of work resumption is gradually increasing in every area, the specific situation of resumption of work varies in different regions. The process of work resumption in coastal areas is faster, while the process is relatively slow in inland cities.
Tryptophan: From Diet to Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Melhem Nada Joe , Taleb Soraya
Published: September 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Inflammation is the underlying common mechanism involved in CVD. It has been recently related to amino acid metabolism, which acts as a critical regulator of innate and adaptive immune responses. Among different metabolites that have emerged as important regulators of immune and inflammatory responses, tryptophan (Trp) metabolites have been shown to play a pivotal role in CVD. Here, we provide an overview of the fundamental aspects of Trp metabolism and the interplay between the dysregulation of the main actors involved in Trp metabolism such as indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO) and CVD, including atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. IDO has a prominent and complex role. Its activity, impacting on several biological pathways, complicates our understanding of its function, particularly in CVD, where it is still under debate. The discrepancy of the observed IDO effects could be potentially explained by its specific cell and tissue contribution, encouraging further investigations regarding the role of this enzyme. Thus, improving our understanding of the function of Trp as well as its derived metabolites will help to move one step closer towards tailored therapies aiming to treat CVD.
Deficiency of AMPKα1 Exacerbates Intestinal Injury and Remote Acute Lung Injury in Mesenteric Ischemia and Reperfusion in Mice
Authors: Hayes Hannah V. , Wolfe Vivian , O’Connor Michael , Levinsky Nick C. , Piraino Giovanna , Zingarelli Basilia
Published: September 2021

Mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury can ensue from a variety of vascular diseases and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. It causes an inflammatory response associated with local gut dysfunction and remote organ injury. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator of metabolic homeostasis. The catalytic α1 subunit is highly expressed in the intestine and vascular system. In loss-of-function studies, we investigated the biological role of AMPKα1 in affecting the gastrointestinal barrier function. Male knock-out (KO) mice with a systemic deficiency of AMPKα1 and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to a 30 min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Four hours after reperfusion, AMPKα1 KO mice exhibited exaggerated histological gut injury and impairment of intestinal permeability associated with marked tissue lipid peroxidation and a lower apical expression of the junction proteins occludin and E-cadherin when compared to WT mice. Lung injury with neutrophil sequestration was higher in AMPKα1 KO mice than WT mice and paralleled with higher plasma levels of syndecan-1, a biomarker of endothelial injury. Thus, the data demonstrate that AMPKα1 is an important requisite for epithelial and endothelial integrity and has a protective role in remote organ injury after acute ischemic events.
Angiogenesis and Anti-Angiogenic Treatment in Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms of Action and Molecular Targets
Authors: Ioannidou Evangelia , Moschetta Michele , Shah Sidrah , Parker Jack Steven , Ozturk Mehmet Akif , Pappas-Gogos George , Sheriff Matin , Rassy Elie , Boussios Stergios
Published: September 2021

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Many therapeutic advances over the last two decades have led to an improvement in the survival of patients with metastatic PC, yet the majority of these patients still succumb to their disease. Antiagiogenic therapies have shown substantial benefits for many types of cancer but only a marginal benefit for PC. Ongoing clinical trials investigate antiangiogenic monotherapies or combination therapies. Despite the important role of angiogenesis in PC, clinical trials in refractory castration-resistant PC (CRPC) have demonstrated increased toxicity with no clinical benefit. A better understanding of the mechanism of angiogenesis may help to understand the failure of trials, possibly leading to the development of new targeted anti-angiogenic therapies in PC. These could include the identification of specific subsets of patients who might benefit from these therapeutic strategies. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the pathways involved in the angiogenesis, the chemotherapeutic agents with antiangiogenic activity, the available studies on anti-angiogenic agents and the potential mechanisms of resistance.
Uridine Treatment of the First Known Case of SLC25A36 Deficiency
Authors: Jasper Luisa , Scarcia Pasquale , Rust Stephan , Reunert Janine , Palmieri Ferdinando , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: September 2021

SLC25A36 is a pyrimidine nucleotide carrier playing an important role in maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis. Deficiencies in SLC25A36 in mouse embryonic stem cells have been associated with mtDNA depletion as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. In human beings, diseases triggered by SLC25A36 mutations have not been described yet. We report the first known case of SLC25A36 deficiency in a 12-year-old patient with hypothyroidism, hyperinsulinism, hyperammonemia, chronical obstipation, short stature, along with language and general developmental delay. Whole exome analysis identified the homozygous mutation c.803dupT, p.Ser269llefs*35 in the SLC25A36 gene. Functional analysis of mutant SLC25A36 protein in proteoliposomes showed a virtually abolished transport activity. Immunoblotting results suggest that the mutant SLC25A36 protein in the patient undergoes fast degradation. Supplementation with oral uridine led to an improvement of thyroid function and obstipation, increase of growth and developmental progress. Our findings suggest an important role of SLC25A36 in hormonal regulations and oral uridine as a safe and effective treatment.
Neuroprotective Effect of 1,4-Naphthoquinones in an In Vitro Model of Paraquat and 6-OHDA-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Menchinskaya Ekaterina , Chingizova Ekaterina , Pislyagin Evgeny , Likhatskaya Galina , Sabutski Yuri , Pelageev Dmitry , Polonik Sergei , Aminin Dmitry
Published: September 2021

Targeted screening using the MTT cell viability test with a mini-library of natural and synthetic 1,4-naphthoquinones and their derivatives was performed in order to increase the survival of Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells in in vitro paraquat and 6-hydroxydopamine models of Parkinson’s disease. As a result, 10 compounds were selected that could protect neuronal cells from the cytotoxic effects of both paraquat and 6-hydroxydopamine. The five most active compounds at low concentrations were found to significantly protect the activity of nonspecific esterase from the inhibitory effects of neurotoxins, defend cell biomembranes from lytic destruction in the presence of paraquat and 6-hydroxydopamine, and normalize the cell cycle. The protective effects of these compounds are associated with the suppression of oxidative stress, decreased expression of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide formation in cells and normalization of mitochondrial function, and restoration of the mitochondrial membrane potential altered by neurotoxins. It was suggested that the neuroprotective activity of the studied 1,4-NQs is attributable to their pronounced antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity and their ability to reduce the amount of reactive oxygen species formed by paraquat and 6-hydroxydopamine action on neuronal cells. The significant correlation between the neuroprotective properties of 1,4-naphthoquinones and Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship descriptors describing the physicochemical properties of these compounds means that the hydrophobicity, polarity, charge, and shape of the molecules can be of decisive importance in determining the biological activity of studied substances.