bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospitalisations Related to the Combination of ACE Inhibitors and/or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers with Diuretics and NSAIDs: A Post Hoc Analysis on the Risks Associated with Triple Whammy
Authors: Mattioli Irene , Bettiol Alessandra , Crescioli Giada , Bonaiuti Roberto , Mannaioni Guido , Vannacci Alfredo , Lombardi Niccolò
Published: January 2023

This post hoc analysis aimed to assess and characterise adverse events (AEs) related to the triple whammy (i.e., combination therapy of ACE inhibitors, ACE-I, and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, ARBs, with diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs) leading to emergency department (ED) visits and/or hospitalisations in the Italian setting. The MEREAFaPS database was analysed. ED visits related to co-treatment with ACE-I and/or ARBs, diuretics, and NSAIDs were considered. Information on the AE (including classification, seriousness, and outcome), suspected and concomitant drugs, and concomitant conditions was retrieved and analysed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the reporting odds ratios (RORs) of hospitalisation associated with the drugs of interest. Between 1 January 2007, and 31 December 2018, 80 patients visited the ED for AEs related to the triple whammy, and a total of 261 suspected drugs were involved. Patients were mostly Caucasian females, with a median age of 85 years, and only 9 of them had renal manifestations. In this subset, drug–drug interaction contributed to kidney injury. Most patients presented a Charlson comorbidity index of 4–5. Overall, 47 patients were hospitalised (58.75%), but no significant differences in the risk of hospitalisation were found according to demographic, clinical, or therapeutic features.
Phase Angle and Nutritional Status: The Impact on Survival and Health-Related Quality of Life in Locally Advanced Uterine Cervical Cancer
Authors: González-Barba Faviola , Balderas-Peña Luz-Ma.-Adriana , Trujillo-Hernández Benjamín , Cervantes-González Luz-María , González-Rodríguez Javier-Andrés , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Leonardo-Xicotencatl , Alvarado-Zermeño Adriana , Alcaraz-Wong Aldo-Antonio , Gómez-Sánchez Eduardo , Carrillo-Núñez Gabriela-Guadalupe , Salazar-Páramo Mario , Nava-Zavala Arnulfo-Hernán , Rubio-Jurado Benjamín , Mireles-Ramírez Mario-Alberto , Martínez-Herrera Brenda-Eugenia , Sat-Muñoz Daniel
Published: January 2023

The phase angle, an indicator of muscle mass status and membrane cell integrity, has been associated with low survival, poorer clinical outcomes, and worse quality of life among cancer patients, but information on women with uterine cervical cancer (UCCa) is scarce. In this prospective study, we used a bioelectrical impedance analyzer to obtain the PA of 65 women with UCCa. We compared the health-related quality of life and inflammatory and nutritional indicators between low PA and normal PA. The mean age was 52 ± 13. The low PA and normal PA groups differed in terms of the C-reactive protein (15.8 ± 19.6 versus 6.82 ± 5.02, p = 0.022), glucose (125.39 ± 88.19 versus 88.78 ± 23.08, p = 0.021), albumin (3.9 ± 0.39 versus 4.37 ± 0.30, p = 0.000), EORTC QLQ-C30 loss of appetite symptom scale score (33.33 (0.0–100.00) versus 0.0 (0.0–0.0), p = 0.005), and EORTC QLQ-CX24 menopausal symptoms scale score (0.0 (0.0–33.33) versus 0.0 (0.0–100.0), p = 0.03). The main finding of the present study is the interaction between PA and obesity as critical cofactors in the UCCa adeno and adenosquamous histologic variants, to a greater extent than cervical squamous cell carcinoma.
Cancer Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mini-Review
Authors: Linjawi Maryam , Shakoor Hira , Hilary Serene , Ali Habiba I. , Al-Dhaheri Ayesha S. , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Stojanovska Lily
Published: January 2023

Since its emergence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the entire world and all commerce and industries, including healthcare systems. COVID-19 adversely affects cancer patients because they are immunocompromised. Increased COVID-19 infection and shortage of medical supplies, beds and healthcare workers in hospitals affect cancer care. This paper includes a description of the existing research that shows the impact of COVID-19 on the management of cancer patients. Aged people with various chronic conditions such as cancer and comorbidities face more challenges as they have a greater risk of disease severity. COVID-19 has affected care delivery, including patient management, and has been responsible for increased mortality among cancer patients. Cancer patients with severe symptoms require regular therapies and treatment; therefore, they have a higher risk of exposure. Due to the risk of transmission, various steps were taken to combat this disease; however, they have affected the existing operational efficiency. Herein, we present the changing priorities during COVID-19, which also affected cancer care, including delayed diagnosis, treatment, and surgeries.
Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions in Childbirth and Puerperium: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Suárez-Cortés María , Castaño-Molina María de los Ángeles , Ramos-Morcillo Antonio Jesús , Molina-Rodriguez Alonso , Jiménez-Ruiz Ismael , Hernández-López María Jesús , Harillo-Acevedo Francisco David , Carrillo-García César
Published: January 2023

Introduction (1): The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium. The objective of this study was to know the impact of visit restrictions, PCR performance and use of masks on delivery and puerperium care. Methods (2): A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A survey was used to assess the impact of COVID-19-related measures on women who had given birth in hospitals in the Region of Murcia, Spain, between March 2020 and February 2022. Results (3): The final sample size was 434 women. The average scores were 4.27 for dimension 1 (Visit restrictions), 4.15 for dimension 2 (PCR testing) and 3.98 for dimension 3 (Mask use). More specifically, we found that the restriction of visits was considered a positive measure for the establishment of the mother–newborn bond (mean score 4.37) and that the use of masks at the time of delivery should have been made more flexible (mean score 4.7). Conclusions (4): The policy of restricting hospital visits during the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has been considered beneficial by mothers, who expressed that they did not feel lonely during their hospital stay.
Acquisition Status of Basic Clinical Skills in Japanese Novice Rehabilitation Therapists: A Preliminary Single-Center Study
Authors: Fujimura Kenta , Sakurai Hiroaki , Koyama Soichiro , Takeda Kazuya , Ii Takuma , Suzumura Shota , Tanabe Shigeo , Kanada Yoshikiyo
Published: January 2023

The number of post-graduate rehabilitation therapists (novice therapists) is increasing due to the growing demand for rehabilitation services in Japan. This study investigated the acquisition status of Japanese novice therapists’ basic clinical skills to clarify their quality and characteristics. Eleven participants’ basic clinical skills (eight physical and three occupational therapists) were assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination. Tasks included exercises of joint range of motion, muscle strengthening, getting up, standing up and sitting down, and transferring between wheelchair and bed. Assessment items were subdivided into categories: attitude, preparation, intervention, safety management, and feedback. One-way ANOVA and Friedman test were used for statistical analysis to compare the data between tasks and categories. The scores for each task’s achievement rate were not statistically significant. However, the achievement rate of each category including tasks was 92.6% (SD 4.0%) for attitude, 81.4% (SD 11.1%) for preparation, 77.9% (SD 14.7%) for intervention, 87.6% (SD 17.3%) for safety management, and 64.0% (SD 14.2%) for feedback. There were significant differences between attitude and feedback (p < 0.001), and between safety management and feedback (p = 0.012). Post-graduate training programs should focus on improving the quality of clinical skills, especially in skills related to feedback.
Survival in Patients with Relapsed-Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Indirect Comparison of Six New Treatments
Authors: Cancanelli Luca , Rivano Melania , Di Spazio Lorenzo , Chiumente Marco , Mengato Daniele , Messori Andrea
Published: January 2023

In recent years, new treatments have been studied for relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), including two CAR-T products and a variety of non-CAR-T agents. Since direct comparisons between these innovative treatments are not available, indirect comparisons can be of interest. Reconstruction of individual patient data from Kaplan-Meier graphs (e.g., according to the Shiny method) has been the subject of numerous reports that have fully validated their performance. In the present systematic review, we evaluated six treatments proposed for RRMM, including two CAR-T products (ciltacabtagene autoleucel and idecabtagene vicleucel) and four treatments not based on a CAR-T (melflufen plus dexamethasone, isatuximab plus dexamethasone, selinexor, and belantamab). The endpoint was overall survival (OS). Our results showed statistically significant differences in OS across these treatments. In particular, ciltacabtagene autoleucel showed better OS than idecabtagene vicleucel. As regards non-CAR-T treatments, the ranking in OS was headed by isatuximab plus dexamethasone, followed by belantamab, selinexor, and melflufen plus dexamethasone. In conclusion, while the Shiny method has confirmed its validity in reconstructing individual patient data, our indirect comparisons have offered some original clues to interpret the results of OS published in these studies.
Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Chrysanthemum Physiological Characteristics and Photosynthesis under Drought Stress
Authors: Luo Yan , Hu Taotao , Huo Yunyun , Wang Lingling , Zhang Li , Yan Rui
Published: January 2023

Melatonin has been confirmed to relieve drought stress in various plant species. However, the mechanism in garden chrysanthemums remains to be elucidated. Here, we examined the putative role of exogenous melatonin application in improving drought-stress tolerance in Chrysanthemum seedlings. Treatment with melatonin (100 µM) significantly mitigated the negative effects of drought stress on the seedling photosynthetic parameters and physiological and biochemical indexes. The increased tolerance conferred by exogenous melatonin was attributable to increased photosynthetic activity, which alleviates drought-induced oxidative damage by reducing malondialdehyde accumulation. In other words, the combined application of MT and PEG was better than their individual applications, as it prevented heat-induced membrane damages by declining the hydrogen peroxide (28%), malondialdehyde contents (38%), and relative electrical conductivity (19%) as compared to PEG. Interestingly, the melatonin application stimulated the activity of major antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (21%), catalase (26%) and polyphenol oxidase (35%). In addition, exogenous melatonin promoted photosynthesis. Compared with the PEG drought-stress treatment, the melatonin treatment significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate (39%), stomatal conductance (27%), and transpiration rates (18%), while decreasing the intercellular CO2 concentration (10%). The photochemical quenching coefficient (46%), photosystem II (PSII) maximum photochemical quantum yield (22%), apparent electron transfer rate (37%), and PSII potential photochemical efficiency (18%) showed an upward trend. In summary, exogenous spraying of MT can effectively improve drought tolerance and mitigate the damage caused by drought stress in the “Xuanqiu ninghong” Chrysanthemum.
Assessment of Thrips Diversity Associated with Two Olive Varieties (Chemlal & Sigoise), in Northeast Algeria
Authors: Mahmoudi Randa , Laamari Malik , Goldarazena Arturo
Published: January 2023

In this study, the diversity of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) on two varieties of olive trees (Chemlal and Sigoise) in northeast Algeria (Province of Batna), was evaluated for 3 years (2019–2021). In addition, the fluctuations in the numbers of phytophagous thrips were estimated according to the varieties phenological stages. A total of 19 species are identified and the olive thrips (Liothrips oleae) have just been reported for the first time in Algeria. Only 5 females of this species were collected in May 2021 on the Sigoise variety at the fruit-setting stage. Haplothrips tritici(17.25%), Frankliniella occidentalis (16.29%) and Thrips tabaci (16.29%) are the most present. It is noticed that the thrips were present on the olive tree only in spring (April to May), when the average monthly temperatures are between 10–26 °C, but linear regression analyses were not confirmed that temperature explain the variation in thrips numbers, which may be due to other climatic factors such as the rainfall, while olive varieties and phenological stages are affecting the population of thrips, their number was higher on the Sigoise variety, especially at flowering stage in the case of H. tritici and F. occidentalis while T. tabaci was most noticeable at the fruit growth stage. The number of this species was relatively low, just until the inflorescence stage, where thrips start to appear in Sigoise before Chemlal.
µ-CT Investigation of Hydrogen-Induced Cracks and Segregation Effects in Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Egels Gero , Schäffer Simon , Benito Santiago , Weber Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen can drastically degrade the mechanical properties of a variety of metallic materials. The so-called hydrogen environment embrittlement of austenitic CrNi-type steels is usually accompanied by the formation of secondary surface cracks, which can be investigated in order to assess the embrittlement process. The occurrence of hydrogen-induced cracks is often related to element segregation effects that locally impact the austenite stability. Since there is as yet a lack of investigation methods that can visualize both structures three-dimensionally, the present study investigates the imageability of hydrogen-induced cracks and element segregation structures in austenitic CrNi-steel via micro-computed tomography (CT). In order to improve the X-ray visibility of segregation structures, modified versions of the reference steel, X2CrNi18-9, that contain W and Si are designed and investigated. The investigations demonstrated that small differences in the X-ray attenuation, caused by the W or Si modifications, can be detected via CT, although segregation structures could not be imaged due to their small size scale and image noise. Hydrogen-induced cracks were characterized successfully; however, the detection of the smaller cracks is limited by the resolution capability.
Efficacy and Cost over 12 Hospitalization Weeks of Postacute Care for Stroke
Authors: Chou Hsiang-Yun , Tsai Ya-Wen , Ma Shang-Chun , Ma Shang-Min , Shih Chia-Li , Yeh Chieh-Ting
Published: January 2023

Few studies have investigated changes in functional outcomes and economic burden in patients in the postacute care cerebrovascular disease (PAC-CVD) program. We, for the first time, retrospectively investigated changes in functional performance and the national health insurance (NHI) cost over 12 PAC-CVD hospitalization weeks and evaluated the therapeutic effects of the PAC-CVD program on the NHI cost. Specifically, the functional outcomes and NHI cost of 263 stroke patients in the PAC-CVD program were analyzed. The repeated measures t test was used to compare functional performance over 0–3 weeks, and a one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare functional performance and NHI costs during weeks 0–6 and 0–9. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare functional performance over weeks 9–12. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to estimate the effects of functional performance on NHI costs during weeks 3, 6, and 9. Over weeks 0–12, all functional performance measures demonstrated significant improvements. Changes in NHI costs varied depending on whether hospitalization was extended. At any time point, functional performance did not have a significant impact on NHI cost. Therefore, the PAC-CVD program may aid patients with stroke in sustainably regaining functional performance and effectively controlling economic burden.
The Sequence of Steps: A Key Concept Missing in Surgical Training—A Systematic Review and Recommendations to Include It
Authors: Galvez-Yanjari Victor , de la Fuente Rene , Munoz-Gama Jorge , Sepúlveda Marcos
Published: January 2023

Background: Surgical procedures have an inherent feature, which is the sequence of steps. Moreover, studies have shown variability in surgeons’ performances, which is valuable to expose residents to different ways to perform a procedure. However, it is unclear how to include the sequence of steps in training programs. Methods: We conducted a systematic review, including studies reporting explicit teaching of a standard sequence of steps, where assessment considered adherence to a standard sequence, and where faculty or students at any level participated. We searched for articles on PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Results: We selected nine articles that met the inclusion criteria. The main strategy to teach the sequence was to use videos to demonstrate the procedure. The simulation was the main strategy to assess the learning of the sequence of steps. Non-standardized scoring protocols and written tests with variable validity evidence were the instruments used to assess the learning, and were focused on adherence to a standard sequence and the omission of steps. Conclusions: Teaching and learning assessment of a standard sequence of steps is scarcely reported in procedural skills training literature. More research is needed to evaluate whether the new strategies to teach and assess the order of steps work. We recommend the use of Surgical Process Models and Surgical Data Science to incorporate the sequence of steps when teaching and assessing procedural skills.
Adolescents’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards Traditional and Electronic Cigarettes—Results of Focus Group Interviews
Authors: Wojtecka Agnieszka , Kalinowska-Beszczyńska Olga , Tyrańska-Fobke Anna , Kaleta Dorota , Wojnarowska Małgorzata , Robakowska Marlena , Balwicki Łukasz
Published: January 2023

There is general agreement among scholars and policymakers that efforts to reduce smoking and prevent nicotine use should be intensified and focused on the most vulnerable part of society—adolescents. Regardless of common knowledge about the health consequences of smoking, according to data from 2020, about 51% of children in Poland had their first contact with smoking at the age of 15 and older. The objective of this research is to investigate motivations to start smoking or vaping, patterns of using tobacco products, perceptions of smoking/vaping and smokers/vapers, as well as attitudes toward nicotine addiction. The broad aim is to reflect on youth perceptions of nicotine use. A qualitative approach has been applied, utilising focus-group interviews. The sample included six focus groups, consisting of smokers and non-smokers of both genders, situated in three different cities in Poland. The interviewees were adolescents ages 16–18, attending high schools, technical schools, or vocational education. Interviews were transcribed and further analysed using the thematic analysis approach. This research enhances previously reported results by revealing new insights into the strategies applied by adolescents to mitigate financial barriers arising from high costs of nicotine products, as well as highlighting methods used to avoid the traditional antismoking messages placed on packaging.
Does the Digital Economy Increase Green TFP in Cities?
Authors: Zhao Chuanyu , Liu Zhongquan , Yan Xianfeng
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 accelerated the growth of the digital economy and digital transformation across the globe. Meanwhile, it also created a higher demand for productivity in the real economy. Hence, the correlation between the digital economy and green productivity is worth studying as COVID-19 prevention becomes the norm. The digital economy overcomes the limitations imposed by traditional factors of production on economic growth and empowers innovative R&D and resource allocation in all aspects. This study delved into the digital economy by focusing on its green value at different levels of development. The study gathered the green-productivity indices and the principal components of the digital economy for each prefecture-level city in China from 2011 to 2019 and meticulously portrayed their trends in spatial and temporal figures. Meanwhile, regression models were used to verify the mechanism through which digital-economy development influences the changes in green productivity. The results showed that: (1) a higher level of digital economy helps to increase urban green total-factor productivity (GTFP) and that the conclusions of this paper still held after potential endogeneity problems were solved through the instrumental-variables approach; (2) the digital economy will drive an increase in urban GTFP by upgrading firms’ production technologies and that digital-economy development encourages green patent applications from firms; and (3) as the digital economy develops, it will also drive urban GTFP increases by removing polluting enterprises from the market and that the higher the level of digital-economy development, the greater the number and probability of polluting enterprises exiting the market. In view of this study’s results, the government should increase the importance of the digital economy, strengthen the role of the digital economy in promoting urban green development, and provide more guidance on regional green development with the help of the digital economy.
Negative School Gossip and Youth Adolescents’ Mobile Phone Addiction: Mediating Roles of Anxiety and Experiential Avoidance
Authors: Xiong Jie , He Can , Wei Hua
Published: January 2023

Being the target of negative school gossip, a form of relational aggression, has been shown to be associated with psychological and behavioral problems in youth adolescents. Based on the experience avoidance model, this study tested the association between negative school gossip and youth adolescents’ mobile phone addiction, and the serial mediation roles of anxiety and experience avoidance in this relationship. Junior high school students (N = 837; ages 12–15; 50% girls) completed the Negative School Gossip Scale, Anxiety Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and Mobile Phone Addiction Scale in their classrooms. The results of regression-based analyses showed that after controlling for age and gender, (1) negative school gossip was significantly associated with mobile phone addiction; (2) anxiety and experience avoidance each significantly mediated this association; (3) anxiety and experience avoidance serially mediated this association. The results support the experience avoidance model and highlight emotional factors as an internal mechanism by which negative school gossip is associated with youth adolescents’ mobile phone addiction. The results also have implications for preventing and reducing youth adolescents’ mobile phone addiction.
The Dilemma and Path of Rural Environmental Governance in China: From the Perspective of a Community with a Shared Future
Authors: Zhang Yigang , Guo Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

With the aim of achieving the goal of ecological livability in Chinese rural society, the issue of rural environmental governance has received great attention from the CCP and the government. However, due to local governments’ model of development in exchange for economic interests and the “urban and rural binary” structure of environmental governance, rural environmental governance faces many dilemmas, such as lack of normative standards, lack of environmental governance subjects, and lack of judicial security. In order to improve the development of rural ecological civilization and realize ecologically friendly agriculture, this paper proposes a solution path for rural environmental governance from the perspective of the idea of the community with a shared future for humanity. Specifically, this solution path includes establishing the concepts of cooperation and governance of environmental protection, improving villagers’ participation in environmental protection, balancing economic and environmental interests in rural environmental governance, and building a long-term mechanism for the rule of law in rural environmental governance.
Older Adults’ Experiences, Worries and Preventive Measures Regarding Home Hazards: A Survey on Home Safety in Sweden
Authors: Mauritzson Elin , McKee Kevin J. , Elf Marie , Borg Johan
Published: January 2023

Home safety is important for preventing injuries and accidents among older adults living at home. Feeling safe at home is also essential for older adults’ well-being. Thus, this study aimed to explore older adults’ perceptions of safety in their homes by examining their experiences, worries and preventive measures in relation to a range of potential home-based health and safety hazards. The study was a national cross-sectional telephone survey of 400 randomly selected adults over 70 years of age living at home in ordinary housing in Sweden. Participants were asked for their experience of, worry about, and preventive measures taken regarding fifteen home hazards. Data were also collected on background variables including age, health, and cohabitation status. Falls and stab/cut injuries were the most experienced hazards and worry was highest for burglary and falls, while preventive measures were most common for fire and burglary. While older adults’ experience and worry regarding home hazards were associated with preventive measures, these associations were not strong and other factors were associated with preventive behaviour. Further identification of the main determinants of older adults’ preventive behaviour can contribute to policy for effectively reducing home accidents.
Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Health—A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: van Baal Katharina , Stiel Stephanie , Schulte Peter
Published: January 2023

Climate change is inseparably linked to human health. Although there is growing awareness of the threats to human health caused by climate change, it remains unclear how the German population perceives the relevance of climate change and its health consequences. Between May and September 2022, German residents were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey that explored three content areas: (1) the relevance of climate change, (2) health risks in connection with climate change and (3) collective and individual options for action against climate change. A total of 697 full data sets were collected for analysis (72% female, 51% ≥55 years old). The majority of participants agreed that human-induced climate change exists (85%), and that it has an impact on human health (83%). They also perceived the global population to be more strongly impacted by climate change than themselves (89% versus 68%). Most participants (76%) claimed to personally contribute to climate protection and 23% felt that their city or council contributed to climate protection. Although the majority of participants saw climate change as a threat to human health, they perceived other population groups to be most strongly affected. Cognitive dissonance might explain this lack of individual concern and one approach to addressing such distorted perceptions might be the dissemination of appropriate risk communication with health professionals involved in the communication.
Impact of Rehabilitation on Physical and Neuropsychological Health of Patients Who Acquired COVID-19 in the Workplace
Authors: Müller Katrin , Poppele Iris , Ottiger Marcel , Zwingmann Katharina , Berger Ivo , Thomas Andreas , Wastlhuber Alois , Ortwein Franziska , Schultz Anna-Lena , Weghofer Anna , Wilhelm Eva , Weber Rainer-Christian , Meder Sylvia , Stegbauer Michael , Schlesinger Torsten
Published: January 2023

Workers, especially healthcare workers, are exposed to an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, less is known about the impact of rehabilitation on health outcomes associated with post-COVID. This longitudinal observational study examined the changes in physical and neuropsychological health and work ability after inpatient rehabilitation of 127 patients (97 females/30 males; age 21–69 years; Mean = 50.62) who acquired COVID-19 in the workplace. Post-COVID symptoms, functional status, physical performance, neuropsychological health, employment, and work ability were assessed before and after rehabilitation. Group differences relating to sex, professions, and acute COVID status were also analyzed. Except for fatigue, the prevalence of all post-COVID symptoms decreased after rehabilitation. Significant improvements in physical performance and neuropsychological health outcomes were determined. Moreover, healthcare workers showed a significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared to non-healthcare workers. Nevertheless, participants reported poor work ability, and 72.5% of them were still unable to work after discharge from rehabilitation. As most participants were still suffering from the impact of COVID-19 at rehabilitation discharge, ongoing strategies in aftercare are necessary to improve their work ability. Further investigations of this study population at 6 and 12 months after rehabilitation should examine the further course of post-COVID regarding health and work ability status.
A Classification System for the Sustainable Management of Contaminated Sites Coupled with Risk Identification and Value Accounting
Authors: Yi Shiyi , Li Xiaonuo , Chen Weiping
Published: January 2023

Currently, site contamination is considered to be a sustained, international environmental challenge, and there is an urgent practical need to build a core theoretical system and technical methodology for the sustainable risk management of soil contamination, together with its prevention and control. We aim to improve the risk management of contaminated sites in the post-remediation era, in line with the current trend of sustainable development. The work is based on the theory of sustainability science and the eco-environmental zoning system., In this study, we build a conceptual model that can be used to classify the sustainable performance of contaminated sites in terms of risk management in line with the existing environmental management system for contaminated sites in China. To provide a scientific decision-making basis and technical support for the refined classification management of soil environments in China during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, five typical contaminated sites were selected for a quantitative evaluation by applying multi-technical approaches, including sociological, economic and statistical methods. The results showed that the sustainable performance of contaminated sites with regard to management was affected not only by pollution risk factors but also by potential utility benefits. Specified management strategies should be developed according to different levels of sustainability so as to achieve the goals of improving land use efficiency and enhancing urban functions.
The Characteristics of the Reduction of Interference Effect during Dual-Task Cognitive-Motor Training Compared to a Single Task Cognitive and Motor Training in Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wiśniowska Justyna , Łojek Emilia , Olejnik Agnieszka , Chabuda Anna
Published: January 2023

Many studies have indicated a weakening in several areas of cognitive functioning associated with the normal ageing process. One of the methods supporting cognitive functions in older adults is dual-task training which is based on performing cognitive and motor exercises at the same time. The study aimed at examining the characteristics of dual-task training compared to single-task training in participants over 65 years of age. Sixty-five subjects took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to three groups: dual-task cognitive-motor training (CM), single-task cognitive training (CT), and single-task motor training (MT). The training program in all groups encompassed 4 weeks and consisted of three, 30-min meetings a week. Specialized software was designed for the study. The main indicators, such as orientation and planning time and the number of errors, were monitored during the whole training in all groups. The obtained results have shown that the dual-task training was associated with a significantly greater number of movement errors, but not with a longer task planning time compared to the single-task condition training. There was a decrease in the time needed to plan a path in the mazes by subjects training in the CM, CT, and MT groups. The results indicate that after each type of training, the number of errors and the time needed to plan the path decrease, despite the increasing difficulty of the tasks. The length of planning time was strongly correlated with the number of errors made by individuals in the CM group (r = 0.74, p = 0.04), compared to the ST group—for which the said correlation was not significant (r = 0.7, p = 0.06). The dual-task cognitive-motor training is more cognitively demanding compared to the single-task cognitive and motor training. It manifests in a greater number of errors, but it does not extend the orientation and planning time.
Interprofessional Training on Substance Misuse and Addiction: A Longitudinal Assessment of a Brazilian Experience
Authors: Domingues Liz Paola , Dos Santos Elaine Lucas , Locatelli Danilo Polverini , Bedendo André , Noto Ana Regina
Published: January 2023

Although several trainings have been offered to improve professional expertise on alcohol and other drugs, few have used an interdisciplinary approach and evaluated long-term improvements in the professional’s work routine. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of an interprofessional training program on alcohol and other drugs offered by a Regional Reference Center for Drugs of the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: the evaluation was carried out longitudinally using mixed methods (questionnaires (n = 29–177) and semistructured interviews (n = 28)). The participants were current workers from public institutions of health, education, social assistance, justice, and security system who attended the training. Data were collected at the beginning, the end, and one year after the end of the training. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed for quantitative data and thematic content analyses for qualitative data. Results: professionals who attended the training enhanced their understanding of substance-related issues, reduced stigma, changed their attitude, and improved their networking among the different services providing care to users. The main characteristics related to these outcomes were the interprofessional and biopsychosocial approach, and the experiential activities developed during the training. Most participants reported difficulties in implementing changes in their work routine, but those in managerial roles have reported having more autonomy to carry out such changes. Conclusions: the mixed methods converged in terms of their results. The training promoted a better understanding of issues related to substance use disorders, reduced stigma and expanded the repertoire of skills. The interprofessional and biopsychosocial approach and field activities seem to be related to these outcomes. The potential for implementing changes in daily practice was prominent among those occupying a managerial role.
Long-Term Symptoms after Mild Coronavirus Disease in Healthy Healthcare Professionals: A 12-Month Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: da Costa e Silva Grazielle Rosa , Moura Winny Éveny Alves , dos Santos Kamila Cardoso , Gomes Davi Oliveira , Bandeira Gabriela Nolasco , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Rosso Claci Fátima Weirich , Bazilio Gabriela Silvério , Leite Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem Cruz , Caetano Karlla Antonieta Amorim , Carneiro Megmar Aparecida dos Santos , Teles Sheila Araújo
Published: January 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the course of human history and killed millions of people worldwide. Its long-term consequences remain uncertain. This study aimed to describe the short- and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 among individuals in Goiás, central Brazil, who experienced acute mild or non-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic. This prospective cohort study included 110 healthcare workers, 18 safety workers, and 19 administrative support workers, who were followed up for 12 months after the onset of COVID-19. Most participants were healthy adult female healthcare professionals. At the onset of infection, the major symptoms were headache, myalgia, nasal congestion, cough, coryza, anosmia, ageusia, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Furthermore, 20.3% of the participants had three or more COVID-19 symptoms that persisted for at least 12 months. These included coryza, congestion, hair loss, sore throat, headache, myalgia, cough, memory loss, anosmia, and fatigue. This study revealed a high prevalence of persistent symptoms of COVID-19 in healthy individuals from central Brazil, which may present an additional burden on healthcare services. Further studies are required to investigate the sequelae of COVID-19 over periods greater than 12 months.
Eating Behaviors, Lifestyle, and Ischemic Stroke: A Lebanese Case-Control Study
Authors: Maalouf Elise , Hallit Souheil , Salameh Pascale , Hosseini Hassan
Published: January 2023

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability on a global scale. Most clinicians tend to underestimate the importance of diet and inadequate or dysfunctional eating attitudes in patients with a complicated relationship with food. Concerned about the potential of an independent Lebanese approach, and also because prior international research has revealed a link between eating intake or choice and ischemic stroke risk, it was considered vital to broaden the scope of the literature and evaluate further the association of disordered eating attitudes and focus on the distinct relationship with food in the case of orthorexia nervosa (ON) in the Lebanese community. Consequently, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the potential association between pre-existing disordered eating attitudes, specifically ON, and ischemic stroke risk, with an emphasis on the evidence supporting a Mediterranean-style diet. Methods: This research is a case-control survey study involving 113 Lebanese individuals with ischemic stroke and 451 age-(within 5 years) and sex-matched controls recruited from several hospitals in Lebanon (April 2020–April 2021). Results: According to the findings of our first regression model, living 100 m from a crowded road (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.421, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.585–7.387), living 100 m from an electricity generator (aOR: 3.686, 95% CI: 1.681–8.085), higher waterpipe dependence (aOR: 1.204, 95% CI: 1.117–1.297), higher exposure to passive smoking (aOR: 2.651, 95% CI: 2.051–3.426), being married (aOR: 3.545, 95% CI: 1.297–9.689), having a low educational attainment (aOR: 0.239, 95% CI: 0.084–0.679), vigorous physical activity (aOR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.006), and having more inappropriate eating (aOR: 1.040, 95% CI: 1.006–1.074) were all associated with higher odds of having ischemic stroke. Furthermore, atrial fibrillation (aOR: 2.945, 95% CI: 1.010–8.585), diabetes (aOR: 2.550, 95% CI: 1.169–5.561), heart diseases (aOR: 6.193, 95% CI: 2.196–17.463), and hypertension (aOR: 2.744, 95% CI: 1.049–7.180) were also linked to an increased risk of stroke. Moreover, having more orthorexia nervosa tendencies (aOR: 1.123, 95% CI: 1.021–1.235) was related to a higher odds of having an ischemic stroke, whereas better adherence to the MeD was significantly linked (aOR: 0.691, 95% CI: 0.583–0.819) to lower odds of ischemic stroke. Conclusions: Ischemic stroke patients were more likely to have disordered eating attitudes and orthorexic behaviors. Furthermore, the MeD has been found to be beneficial in reducing ischemic stroke risk. Despite the study’s focus, outdoor pollution, waterpipe dependence, and passive smoking were linked to ischemic stroke. In summary, this review suggests that improving one’s nutritional status and making a few lifestyle changes are key stroke prevention and treatment methods.
Microbiome and Prostate Cancer: A Novel Target for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Kustrimovic Natasa , Bombelli Raffaella , Baci Denisa , Mortara Lorenzo
Published: January 2023

Growing evidence of the microbiome’s role in human health and disease has emerged since the creation of the Human Microbiome Project. Recent studies suggest that alterations in microbiota composition (dysbiosis) may play an essential role in the occurrence, development, and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa), which remains the second most frequent male malignancy worldwide. Current advances in biological technologies, such as high-throughput sequencing, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, have enabled research on the gut, urinary, and intra-prostate microbiome signature and the correlation with local and systemic inflammation, host immunity response, and PCa progression. Several microbial species and their metabolites facilitate PCa insurgence through genotoxin-mediated mutagenesis or by driving tumor-promoting inflammation and dysfunctional immunosurveillance. However, the impact of the microbiome on PCa development, progression, and response to treatment is complex and needs to be fully understood. This review addresses the current knowledge on the host–microbe interaction and the risk of PCa, providing novel insights into the intraprostatic, gut, and urinary microbiome mechanisms leading to PCa carcinogenesis and treatment response. In this paper, we provide a detailed overview of diet changes, gut microbiome, and emerging therapeutic approaches related to the microbiome and PCa. Further investigation on the prostate-related microbiome and large-scale clinical trials testing the efficacy of microbiota modulation approaches may improve patient outcomes while fulfilling the literature gap of microbial–immune–cancer-cell mechanistic interactions.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa RpoH (σ32) Regulon and Its Role in Essential Cellular Functions, Starvation Survival, and Antibiotic Tolerance
Authors: Williamson Kerry S. , Dlakić Mensur , Akiyama Tatsuya , Franklin Michael J.
Published: January 2023

The bacterial heat-shock response is regulated by the alternative sigma factor, σ32 (RpoH), which responds to misfolded protein stress and directs the RNA polymerase to the promoters for genes required for protein refolding or degradation. In P. aeruginosa, RpoH is essential for viability under laboratory growth conditions. Here, we used a transcriptomics approach to identify the genes of the RpoH regulon, including RpoH-regulated genes that are essential for P. aeruginosa. We placed the rpoH gene under control of the arabinose-inducible PBAD promoter, then deleted the chromosomal rpoH allele. This allowed transcriptomic analysis of the RpoH (σ32) regulon following a short up-shift in the cellular concentration of RpoH by arabinose addition, in the absence of a sudden change in temperature. The P. aeruginosa ∆rpoH (PBAD-rpoH) strain grew in the absence of arabinose, indicating that some rpoH expression occurred without arabinose induction. When arabinose was added, the rpoH mRNA abundance of P. aeruginosa ∆rpoH (PBAD-rpoH) measured by RT-qPCR increased five-fold within 15 min of arabinose addition. Transcriptome results showed that P. aeruginosa genes required for protein repair or degradation are induced by increased RpoH levels, and that many genes essential for P. aeruginosa growth are induced by RpoH. Other stress response genes induced by RpoH are involved in damaged nucleic acid repair and in amino acid metabolism. Annotation of the hypothetical proteins under RpoH control included proteins that may play a role in antibiotic resistances and in non-ribosomal peptide synthesis. Phenotypic analysis of P. aeruginosa ∆rpoH (PBAD-rpoH) showed that it is impaired in its ability to survive during starvation compared to the wild-type strain. P. aeruginosa ∆rpoH (PBAD-rpoH) also had increased sensitivity to aminoglycoside antibiotics, but not to other classes of antibiotics, whether cultured planktonically or in biofilms. The enhanced aminoglycoside sensitivity of the mutant strain may be due to indirect effects, such as the build-up of toxic misfolded proteins, or to the direct effect of genes, such as aminoglycoside acetyl transferases, that are regulated by RpoH. Overall, the results demonstrate that RpoH regulates genes that are essential for viability of P. aeruginosa, that it protects P. aeruginosa from damage from aminoglycoside antibiotics, and that it is required for survival during nutrient-limiting conditions.
Identification of Aging and Young Subtypes for Predicting Colorectal Cancer Prognosis and Immunotherapy Responses
Authors: Tan Lulu , Xiaohalati Xiakeerzhati , Liu Feng , Liu Jia , Fu Haoyu , Zhang Yang , Gao Jinbo , Tao Kaixiong , Wang Guobin , Wang Lin , Wang Zheng
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is critically related to aging and severely threatens human lives. To better explore the effects of aging on CRC progression and therapy outcome, a reliable aging subtypes identification of CRC is urgently desired. Here, 28 aging-related genes associated with the CRC prognosis were selected by univariate Cox analyses. Based on these 28 genes, CRC patients were divided into the aging subtype and young subtype by non-negative matrix factorization clustering. Aging subtype and young subtype of CRC were identified with distinct molecular features and clinical prognosis. The aging subtype was characterized by upregulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype, higher frequencies of TP53 and immune checkpoint molecules, and high sensitivity to protein kinase and angiogenesis inhibitors. Furthermore, 14 genes were selected by LASSO penalized Cox regression analyses for aging-related risk signature construction. The constructed aging risk signature exhibited good prediction and the nomogram showed robust discrimination power over the traditional CRC staging system. In conclusion, this study successfully established aging subtype and young subtype of CRC, which is helpful to identify patients with aging characteristics to evaluate prognosis and treatment outcomes. Introducing aging-based subtypes into clinical concern and patient prognostication provides new opportunities for personalized CRC treatment.