bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Effect of Pumpkin Flower (Cucurbita maxima) in Chicken Patties
Authors: Santos Eva María , Rodriguez Jose A. , Lorenzo Jose M. , Mondragón Alicia C. , Pateiro Mirian , Gutiérrez Evelin , Ferreira Thania Alexandra
Published: July 2022

In this work, the antioxidant effect of pumpkin flower powder was evaluated in chicken patties. For this purpose, three drying methods were proposed to obtain the pumpkin flower powder and preserve its properties (antioxidants, color, odor): foam-mat drying, freeze drying, and oven drying. The drying process of the powder plays an important role in the conservation of bioactive compounds. The foam-mat drying method would allow the preservation of these compounds after cooking and after cold storage due to encapsulation like mechanism of the added proteins. Thus, these powders were selected as the most adequate vehicle to incorporate in the formulation, since patties with these additives presented the better antioxidant scores for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP even after 7 days of storage. In addition, total polyphenolic content and the presence or thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were better scored in samples with the pumpkin flowers. The incorporation of the pumpkin flower additives in the patty formulation improved sensorial attributes of the chicken patties and consumers acceptance after cold storage.
Integration of Privacy Protection and Blockchain-Based Food Safety Traceability: Potential and Challenges
Authors: Lei Moyixi , Xu Longqin , Liu Tonglai , Liu Shuangyin , Sun Chuanheng
Published: July 2022

Concern about food safety has become a hot topic, and numerous researchers have come up with various effective solutions. To ensure the safety of food and avoid financial loss, it is important to improve the safety of food information in addition to the quality of food. Additionally, protecting the privacy and security of food can increase food harvests from a technological perspective, reduce industrial pollution, mitigate environmental impacts, and obtain healthier and safer food. Therefore, food traceability is one of the most effective methods available. Collecting and analyzing key information on food traceability, as well as related technology needs, can improve the efficiency of the traceability chain and provide important insights for managers. Technology solutions, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Privacy Preservation (PP), and Blockchain (BC), are proposed for food monitoring, traceability, and analysis of collected data, as well as intelligent decision-making, to support the selection of the best solution. However, research on the integration of these technologies is still lacking, especially in the integration of PP with food traceability. To this end, the study provides a systematic review of the use of PP technology in food traceability and identifies the security needs at each stage of food traceability in terms of data flow and technology. Then, the work related to food safety traceability is fully discussed, particularly with regard to the benefits of PP integration. Finally, current developments in the limitations of food traceability are discussed, and some possible suggestions for the adoption of integrated technologies are made.
Collective Behaviors of Star-Coupled Harmonic Oscillators with Fluctuating Frequency in the Presence of Stochastic Resonance
Authors: Ren Ruibin , Yuan George X.
Published: July 2022

The stochastic resonance (SR) of a star-coupled harmonic oscillator subject to multiplicative fluctuation and periodic force in viscous media is studied. The multiplicative noise is modeled as a dichotomous noise and the memory of viscous media is characterized by a fractional power kernel function. By using the Shapiro–Loginov formula and Laplace transform, we obtain the analytical expressions of the first moment of the steady-state response and study the relationship between the system response and the system parameters in the long-time limit. The simulation results show the nonmonotonic dependence between the response output gain and the input signal frequency, the noise parameters of the system, etc., which indicates that the bona fide resonance and the generalized SR phenomena appear. Furthermore, the fluctuation noise, the number of particles, and the fractional order work together, producing more complex dynamic phenomena compared with the integral-order system. In addition, all the theoretical analyses are supported by the corresponding numerical simulations. We believe that the results that we have found may be a certain reference value for the research and development of the SR.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Antarctic Pseudomonas Isolates with 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Transformation Capabilities Reveals Their Unique Features for Xenobiotics Degradation
Authors: Cabrera Ma. Ángeles , Márquez Sebastián L. , Pérez-Donoso José M.
Published: July 2022

The nitroaromatic explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a highly toxic and persistent environmental pollutant. Since physicochemical methods for remediation are poorly effective, the use of microorganisms has gained interest as an alternative to restore TNT-contaminated sites. We previously demonstrated the high TNT-transforming capability of three novel Pseudomonas spp. isolated from Deception Island, Antarctica, which exceeded that of the well-characterized TNT-degrading bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440. In this study, a comparative genomic analysis was performed to search for the metabolic functions encoded in the genomes of these isolates that might explain their TNT-transforming phenotype, and also to look for differences with 21 other selected pseudomonads, including xenobiotics-degrading species. Comparative analysis of xenobiotic degradation pathways revealed that our isolates have the highest abundance of key enzymes related to the degradation of fluorobenzoate, TNT, and bisphenol A. Further comparisons considering only TNT-transforming pseudomonads revealed the presence of unique genes in these isolates that would likely participate directly in TNT-transformation, and others involved in the β-ketoadipate pathway for aromatic compound degradation. Lastly, the phylogenomic analysis suggested that these Antarctic isolates likely represent novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, which emphasizes their relevance as potential agents for the bioremediation of TNT and other xenobiotics.
A Rare MSH2 Variant as a Candidate Marker for Lynch Syndrome II Screening in Tunisia: A Case of Diffuse Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Kabbage Maria , Ben Aissa-Haj Jihenne , Othman Houcemeddine , Jaballah-Gabteni Amira , Laarayedh Sarra , Elouej Sahar , Medhioub Mouna , Kettiti Haifa , Khsiba Amal , Mahmoudi Moufida , BelFekih Houda , Maaloul Afifa , Touinsi Hassen , Hamzaoui Lamine , Chelbi Emna , Abdelhak Sonia , Boubaker Mohamed , Azzouz Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Several syndromic forms of digestive cancers are known to predispose to early-onset gastric tumors such as Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) and Lynch Syndrome (LS). LSII is an extracolonic cancer syndrome characterized by a tumor spectrum including gastric cancer (GC). In the current work, our main aim was to identify the mutational spectrum underlying the genetic predisposition to diffuse gastric tumors occurring in a Tunisian family suspected of both HDGC and LS II syndromes. We selected the index case “JI-021”, which was a woman diagnosed with a Diffuse Gastric Carcinoma and fulfilling the international guidelines for both HDGC and LSII syndromes. For DNA repair, a custom panel targeting 87 candidate genes recovering the four DNA repair pathways was used. Structural bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict the effect of the revealed variants on the functional properties of the proteins. DNA repair genes panel screening identified two variants: a rare MSH2 c.728G>A classified as a variant with uncertain significance (VUS) and a novel FANCD2 variant c.1879G>T. The structural prediction model of the MSH2 variant and electrostatic potential calculation showed for the first time that MSH2 c.728G>A is likely pathogenic and is involved in the MSH2-MLH1 complex stability. It appears to affect the MSH2-MLH1 complex as well as DNA-complex stability. The c.1879G>T FANCD2 variant was predicted to destabilize the protein structure. Our results showed that the MSH2 p.R243Q variant is likely pathogenic and is involved in the MSH2-MLH1 complex stability, and molecular modeling analysis highlights a putative impact on the binding with MLH1 by disrupting the electrostatic potential, suggesting the revision of its status from VUS to likely pathogenic. This variant seems to be a shared variant in the Mediterranean region. These findings emphasize the importance of testing DNA repair genes for patients diagnosed with diffuse GC with suspicion of LSII and colorectal cancer allowing better clinical surveillance for more personalized medicine.
PHEXL222P Mutation Increases Phex Expression in a New ENU Mouse Model for XLH Disease
Authors: El Hakam Carole , Parenté Alexis , Baraige Fabienne , Magnol Laetitia , Forestier Lionel , Di Meo Florent , Blanquet Véronique
Published: July 2022

PhexL222P mouse is a new ENU mouse model for XLH disease due to Leu to Pro amino acid modification at position 222. PhexL222P mouse is characterized by growth retardation, hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia, reduced body bone length, and increased epiphyseal growth plate thickness and femur diameter despite the increase in PHEXL222P expression. Actually, PhexL222P mice show an increase in Fgf23, Dmp1, and Mepe and Slc34a1 (Na-Pi IIa cotransporter) mRNA expression similar to those observed in Hyp mice. Femoral osteocalcin and sclerostin and Slc34a1 do not show any significant variation in PhexL222P mice. Molecular dynamics simulations support the experimental data. P222 might locally break the E217-Q224 β-sheet, which in turn might disrupt inter-β-sheet interactions. We can thus expect local protein misfolding, which might be responsible for the experimentally observed PHEXL222P loss of function. This model could be a valuable addition to the existing XLH model for further comprehension of the disease occurrence and testing of new therapies.
Retrotransposon Insertion Polymorphisms (RIPs) in Pig Reproductive Candidate Genes
Authors: Du Zhanyu , D’Alessandro Enrico , Asare Emmanuel , Zheng Yao , Wang Mengli , Chen Cai , Wang Xiaoyan , Song Chengyi
Published: July 2022

Retrotransposons account for more than one-third of the pig reference genome. On account of the genome variability in different breeds, structural variation (SV) caused by retrotranspos-on-generated deletion or insertion (indel) may have a function in the genome. Litter size is one of the most important reproductive traits and significantly impacts profitability in terms of pig production. We used the method of bioinformatics, genetics, and molecular biology to make an analysis among different pig genomes. Predicted 100 SVs were annotated as retrotransposon indel in 20 genes related to reproductive performance. The PCR detection based on these predicted SVs revealed 20 RIPs in 20 genes, that most RIPs (12) were generated by SINE indel, and eight RIPs were generated by the ERV indel. We selected 12 RIPs to make the second round PCR detection in 24 individuals among nine pig breeds. The PCR detection results revealed that the RIP-A1CF-4 insertion in the breed of Bama, Large White, and Meishan only had the homozygous genotype but low to moderately polymorphisms were present in other breeds. We found that RIP-CWH43-9, RIP-IDO2-9, RIP-PRLR-6, RIP-VMP1-12, and RIP-OPN-1 had a rich polymorphism in the breed of Large White pigs. The statistical analysis revealed that RIP-CWH43-9 had a SINE insertion profitable to the reproductive traits of TNB and NBA but was significantly affected (p < 0.01) and (p < 0.05) in the reproductive traits of litter birthweight (LW) in Large White. On the other hand, the SINE insertion in IDO2-9 may be a disadvantage to the reproductive traits of LW, which was significantly affected (p < 0.05) in Large White. These two RIPs are significant in pig genome research and could be useful molecular markers in the breeding system.
Upper Triassic Carbonate Records: Insights from the Most Complete Panthalassan Platform (Lime Peak, Yukon, Canada)
Authors: Del Piero Nicolò , Rigaud Sylvain , Peybernes Camille , Forel Marie-Beatrice , Farley Nicholas , Martini Rossana
Published: July 2022

Upper Triassic carbonate platforms from the Panthalassa Ocean remain less-understood and less-studied than their Tethyan equivalents. This imbalance is largely due to the poorer preservation state of Panthalassan carbonate rock successions in terms of rock quality and depositional geometries, which prevents good appreciation of depositional systems. In this context, carbonate exposures from Lime Peak (Yukon, Canada) represent an outstanding exception. There, the remains of an Upper Norian Panthalassan carbonate platform are well-exposed, show remarkably preserved depositional geometries and overall superior rock preservation. In this work, we analyse the carbonates from the Lime Peak area with particular attention to the vertical and lateral distribution of biotic assemblages and microfacies at the platform scale. Results demonstrate that the Lime Peak platform was surrounded by a basin with an aphotic sea bottom. The carbonate complex developed in warm waters characterized by high carbonate saturation. The area was also defined by moderate to high nutrient levels: this influenced the type of carbonate factory by favouring microbialites and sponges over corals. During its growth, Lime Peak was influenced by tectono-eustatism, which controlled the accommodation space at the platform top, primarily impacting the internal platform environments and the stability of the slope. Gaining better knowledge of the spatial distribution and dynamics of Upper Triassic organisms and sedimentary facies of Panthalassa in relation to tectono-eustatism lays the first foundations for reconstructing more robust platform models and understanding the evolution of other, more dismantled Upper Triassic Panthalassan carbonate systems through time.
Validation and Reliability of Polish Version of the Reflux Symptoms Index and Reflux Finding Score
Authors: Włodarczyk Elżbieta , Jetka Tomasz , Miaśkiewicz Beata , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: To confirm the credibility, consistency, and replicability of the Polish versions of the Reflux Symptoms Index (PL-RSI) and the Reflux Finding Score (PL-RFS). (2) Methods: The translation followed the WHO recommendations. The study group included 100 volunteers (age 15–87) with hoarseness and pharyngolaryngeal complaints. The control group comprised 55 healthy volunteers (age 20–75). Study participants completed the PL-RSI; then, two independent otolaryngologists completed the PL-RFS based on pharyngeal videostroboscopy. Questionnaires were repeated after 7 days, with no treatment before the second round. Additionally, patients underwent 24 h pH-metry. The control group had a single round of questionnaires followed by pH-metry. (3) Results: The PL-RSI is consistent, reliable (Cronbach’s alpha 0.77–0.83; test–retest reliability 0.83), and significantly correlated with other patient-filled tools (p < 0.001). The PL-RFS intra-rater reliability is 0.84–0.91, and inter-rater is 0.88. Both questionnaires strongly correlate with pH-metry (PL-RSI upright Ryan Score 0.35, PL-RFS—0.60). Both clearly distinguish (i) healthy from persons with voice disorders, but without acid LPR (p < 0.0001), and (ii) within patient group between subjects with and without acid LPR (p = 0.0002). (4) Conclusions: The PL-RSI and PL-RFS are reliable and can be recommended to Polish-speaking otolaryngologists. Our findings confirm the role of country-specific factors in RSI results and that practitioners should always use a proper control group.
Analyzing the within and between Players Variability of Heart Rate and Locomotor Responses in Small-Sided Soccer Games Performed Repeatedly over a Week
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , Aquino Rodrigo , Akyildiz Zeki , Vieira Luiz Palucci , Yıldız Mehmet , Birlik Sabri , Nobari Hadi , Praça Gibson , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: July 2022

Background: Small-sided games (SSGs) are drill-based and constrained exercises designed to promote a technical/tactical and physiological/physical stimulus on players while preserving some dynamics of the real game. However, as a dynamic game, they can offer some variability making the prediction of the stimulus hardest for the coach. Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the between-session and within-player variability of heart rates and locomotor responses of young male soccer players in 3v3 and 5v5 small-sided game formats. Methods: This study followed a repeated-measures study design. Twenty soccer players were enrolled in a study design in which the SSG formats 3v3 and 5v5 were performed consecutively across four days. Twenty under-17 male youth soccer players (16.8 ± 0.4 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were monitored using a Polar Team Pro for measuring the heart rate mean and maximum, distances covered at different speed thresholds, and peak speed. Results: Between-players variability revealed that maximum heart rate was the outcome with a smaller coefficient of variation (3v3 format: 3.1% to 11.1%; 5v5 format: 6.6% to 15.2%), while the distance covered at Z5 (3v3 format: 82.5% to 289.8%; 5v5 format: 94.0% to 221.1%). The repeated measures ANOVA revealed that the four games tested were different in the within-player variability considering the maximum heart rate (p = 0.032), total distance (p < 0.001), and distances at zone 1, 2, and 5 of speed (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The smaller small-sided game tested promotes greater within-player variability in locomotor demands while promoting smaller within-player variability heart rate responses. Possibly, 5v5 is more recommended to stabilize the locomotor demands, while the 3v3 is recommended to stabilize the heart rate stimulus.
Topical Agents for Nonrestorative Management of Dental Erosion: A Narrative Review
Authors: Chawhuaveang Darren Dhananthat , Yu Ollie Yiru , Yin Iris Xiaoxue , Lam Walter Yu Hang , Chu Chun Hung
Published: July 2022

A nonrestorative approach to the management of dental erosion is the foremost option: controlling dental erosion. The objectives of this study are to provide an overview and to summarise the effects and properties of topical anti-erosive agents as a nonrestorative treatment of dental erosion. A literature search was conducted on five databases of peer-reviewed literature—Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—to recruit articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2021. The literature search identified 812 studies; 95 studies were included. Topical anti-erosive agents can be broadly categorised as fluorides, calcium phosphate-based agents, organic compounds and other anti-erosive agents. In the presence of saliva, fluorides promote the formation of fluorapatite on teeth through remineralisation. Calcium phosphate-based agents supply the necessary minerals that are lost due to the acid challenge of erosion. Some organic compounds and other anti-erosive agents prevent or control dental erosion by forming a protective layer on the tooth surface, by modifying salivary pellicle or by inhibiting the proteolytic activity of dentine collagenases. Topical anti-erosive agents are promising in managing dental erosion. However, current evidence shows inconsistent or limited results for supporting the use of these agents in clinical settings.
“We Were Afraid”: Mental Health Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Two South African Districts
Authors: Rwafa-Ponela Teurai , Price Jessica , Nyatela Athini , Nqakala Sizwe , Mosam Atiya , Erzse Agnes , Lalla-Edward Samanta Tresha , Hove Jennifer , Kahn Kathleen , Tollman Stephen , Hofman Karen , Goldstein Susan
Published: July 2022

The impacts of pandemics are recognized to go beyond infection, physical suffering, and socio-economic disruptions. Other consequences include psychological responses. Using a mental wellbeing lens, we analyzed COVID-19-related stressors in healthcare workers (HCWs) and community members who provided and regularly accessed health services in South Africa, respectively. From February to September 2021, during the second COVID-19 wave we conducted a qualitative study in one urban and one rural district. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data among 43 HCWs and 51 community members purposely and conveniently selected. Most participants experienced mental health challenges regarding multiple aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting lockdown, with a few reporting positive adjustments to change. COVID-19 impacts on mental health were consistent among both HCWs and community members in urban and rural alike. Participants’ COVID-19-induced psychological responses included anxiety and fear of the unknown, perceived risk of infection, fear of hospitalization, and fear of dying. Physical effects of the pandemic on participants included COVID-19 infection and associated symptoms, possibilities of severe illness and discomfort of using personal protective equipment. These distresses were exacerbated by social repercussions related to concerns for family wellbeing and infection stigma. Lockdown regulations also intensified anxieties about financial insecurities and social isolation. At times when common coping mechanisms such as family support were inaccessible, cultural consequences related to lack of spiritual gatherings and limited funeral rites posed additional stress on participants. In preparation for future public health emergencies, recognition needs to be given to mental health support and treatment.
Profiling Police Forces against Stress: Risk and Protective Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Burnout in Police Officers
Authors: Anders Royce , Willemin-Petignat Lauriane , Rolli Salathé Cornelia , Samson Andrea C. , Putois Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Police officers are frequently exposed to highly stressful situations at work and have an increased risk to develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout (BO). It is currently not well understood which officers are most at risk to develop these disorders. The aim of this study was to determine which coping strategies and personality traits could act as protective or risk factors in relation to PTSD and BO. The second aim, in the interest of designating preventive and therapeutical measures, was to determine whether certain profiles of police officers could be identified as high risk for developing mental disorders. Herein, 1073 French-speaking police officers in Switzerland reported in an online survey about their PTSD and BO symptoms, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation, coping strategies, occupational stress, and personality factors. The cluster analysis highlighted three principal profiles of police officers: those who are not at risk of developing pathologies because they are not exposed or insensitive to these stressors, and those who are, among which personality and coping strategies oriented the risk of developing PTSD or BO. These same protective and risk factors were also corroborated in the linear and logistic regression analyses. These results may suggest that a crucial opportunity for mitigating mental health issues in the force could consist of screening recruits for risk-related personality traits and orienting them towards psychological training programs for the development of functional coping strategies.
Hearing Problems in Indonesia: Attention to Hypertensive Adults
Authors: Fitriana Melysa , Bai Chyi-Huey
Published: July 2022

Known as a silent disability, hearing loss is one of the major health burdens worldwide. Evidence implies that those suffering from hypertension can experience hearing disturbances. Self-reporting of hearing problems and self-reporting of hypertension may be useful in providing an alarm for detecting hearing problems. However, in the Indonesian population, this matter has not been properly reported. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of hearing problems and their relationships with other demographic factors. In total, 28,297 respondents of productive age from the Indonesian Family Life Survey 5th wave were assessed. A questionnaire and physical examination data were included in this survey. Self-reported hearing problems and their predictors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Hypertension awareness was a significant predictor of having a hearing problem (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)], p value: 2.715 [1.948~3.785], <0.001). Having a general check-up was also crucial for detecting hearing problems (2.192 [1.54~3.121], <0.001). There was a significant link between hearing problems and early adults who have isolated systolic hypertension. Hypertension awareness and having a general check-up had predictive value for detecting hearing problems in adults in the age range of 26~35 years. Therefore, public health strategies for hearing loss prevention might target this group by detecting and treating hypertension.
Coronian Education: Perceptions of Educational Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Arab Countries
Authors: Al Lily Abdulrahman Essa , Alhazmi Ahmed Ali
Published: July 2022

This article tackles the question: To what domains did education go when it left school buildings due to the coronavirus pandemic? To answer this question, 1184 observations of online activity, 1132 observations of face-to-face activity, 118 focus groups and 1110 individual interviews were undertaken. In addition, 1290 witticisms were collected, utilising humour to inform research. Data analysis reveals the relocation of education to three domains: the domestic, digital and political. Its relocation to the domestic domain has meant increased familial responsibility, fuelling domestic tensions and conflicting with home-based distractions. Its relocation to the digital domain has involved reduced physical interaction, rituality, social merit, mobility and student health. Its relocation to the political domain has given rise to issues of participation and reshaped the power, institutional fabrication and societal support of education. The conclusion introduces the concept of “coronian education”—a hybrid of the domestic, digital and political domains. Whereas pre-coronian education was limited to a single domain, the school, coronian education is fragmented across three domains. Although coronian education research is feasible in the digital and political domains, it is challenging to conduct such research in the domestic domain, as an enquiry into domesticity entails invading the private spaces of homes.
Dynamic Characteristics of Urbanization Based on Nighttime Light Data in China’s “Plain–Mountain Transition Zone”
Authors: Li Tingting , Guo Zengzhang , Ma Chao
Published: July 2022

China’s “plain–mountain transition zone” (hereinafter referred to as the “transition zone”) has experienced rapid and diverse urbanization processes. Assessing the dynamic characteristics of urbanization is particularly important for sustainable development of the transition zone. Nighttime light (NTL) data have been widely used to monitor urbanization. Based on the prolonged artificial nighttime-light dataset of China (PANDA) from 1984 to 2020, we partitioned the nighttime light of the study area into four types (low, medium, high, and extremely high) by adjusting the threshold of the brightness gradient (BG) method. The spatiotemporal characteristics of urbanization in 426 districts and counties of 71 prefecture-level cities in the transition zone were analyzed. Our results indicated that the middle region of the transition zone (Yanshan Mountains and Taihang Mountains) experienced the fastest urbanization development, and the urban expansion speed broke through the topographic limitation of the plain–mountain. However, the rapid development of urbanization in the middle plains resulted in the nighttime lighting area (NTLA) tending to become saturated, which caused an unsustainable potential crisis in urban development in this area. Urbanization was mainly manifested in the transition of the low nighttime lighting type (NTLT) to the medium NTLT or higher NTLT. The northern region of the transition zone (Greater Khingan Mountains) experienced the slowest urbanization development, with the lowest nighttime lighting density (NTLD) in the northern mountainous area, where the urbanization was mainly manifested by the expansion of the low NTLT. The urbanization development of the southern region in the transition zone (Wushan and Xuefeng Mountains) was at a medium level, and the urbanization of the plain in the southern region was also better than that of the mountainous area. Urbanization was mainly manifested in the expansion of the low NTLT, supplemented by the transition from the low NTLT to high NTLT. Whether in the north, middle, or south of the transition zone, the plain–mountain topographic variations caused a gap in urbanization, making the urbanization development of the mountains and plains unbalanced.
Influence and Mechanism of a Multi-Scale Built Environment on the Leisure Activities of the Elderly: Evidence from Hefei City in China
Authors: Han Huiran , Yang Kai , Yang Chengfeng , Yang Gang , Xu Lingyi
Published: July 2022

Built environment characteristics such as walkability, land use diversity, infrastructure accessibility and attractiveness may support or hinder the elderly’s leisure activities, which in turn affects their health. Promoting the elderly’s leisure activities through the creation of a positive built environment is of great relevance to healthy aging. In the context of the continuous increasing of aging in China, promoting leisure activities for the elderly through improving the built environment has become an essential issue in urban geography and urban planning. Based on the questionnaire survey data of the elderly in Hefei City, a multilevel ordered probit regression model was used to investigate the mechanism of the multi-scale built environment on leisure activities of the elderly. The results show that: (1) more than 60% of the elderly can carry out leisure activities more than seven times a week, more than 50% of the elderly have a duration of fewer than 30 min for each leisure activity, and there are significant spatial differences in the frequency and duration of their trips at multiple scales in city, community and residential district. (2) Residential quality and community-level land use mixture, the density of leisure facilities, proximity to high-level urban roads, community security, living in the old city, and individual characteristic variables such as age, education, and satisfaction with neighborhood interaction positively contribute to the leisure activities of the elderly. In contrast, the community activity participation and the location close to expressways and railway lines have a significantly negative impact on the leisure activities of the elderly. (3) The mechanism of interactions between multi-scale built environments on the leisure activities of the elderly is mainly summarized as the transmission effect and substitution effect. The transmission effect shows that the differences in the community-level built environment are primarily caused by the differences in the city-level built environment. In contrast, the substitution effect shows that the multi-scale built environment such as residential districts, communities, and cities jointly affect the leisure activities of the elderly. Based on the mechanism of the built environment at different scales, this study can provide theoretical references and planning implications to improve the built environment through planning means such as enhancing the walkability of streets, the accessibility of facilities and the scale of greenery in order to promote active leisure activities and improve the health of the elderly.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Risk Associated with Squats: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pereira Pablo Monteiro , Baptista João Santos , Conceição Filipe , Duarte Joana , Ferraz João , Costa José Torres
Published: July 2022

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is highly prevalent; it can cause severe pain and evolve into progressive functional loss, leading to difficulties performing daily tasks such as climbing and descending stairs and squatting. This systematic review aimed to find evidence, in the literature, of squat movements that can cause or worsen PFPS. This work was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and its protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019128711). From the 6570 collected records, 37 were included. From these 37 articles, 27 present a causal relationship between knee flexion and PFPS, 8 describe a relationship, considering the greater existence of muscle contractions, and one article did not describe this relationship in its results. The main limitations stem from the fact that different studies used different evaluation parameters to compare the force exerted on the patellofemoral joint. Furthermore, most studies are focused on sports populations. After analysing the included works, it was concluded that all squat exercises can cause tension overload in the knee, especially with a knee flexion between 60° and 90° degrees. The main causal/worsening factors of PFPS symptoms are the knee translocation forward the toes (on the same body side) when flexing the knee, and the muscle imbalance between the thigh muscles.
Stress, Marginalization, and Disruption: A Qualitative Rapid Situational Assessment of Substance Users and HIV Risk in Lebanon
Authors: Khoshnood Kaveh , Smoyer Amy B. , Maviglia Francesca , Kara Janine , Khouri Danielle , Fouad Fouad M. , Heimer Robert
Published: July 2022

Lebanon is a diverse and dynamic nation of six million people that has experienced considerable disruption for the last two decades. The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, resulted in the displacement of 1.1 million Syrians to Lebanon. Today, Lebanon is the country with the largest per capita number of refugees in the world. In addition, the country experienced a social, economic, and political crisis in 2019 that destabilized the entire society—circumstances that were further complicated by COVID-19 pandemic. With all of the competing calamities in Lebanon, there has been limited scientific investigation into substance use and the risk of HIV infection among the country’s population. To address this gap in knowledge, a qualitative rapid situational assessment (RSA) of substance use and risk of HIV infection in and around Beirut, the nation’s capital, was conducted. The goal of this analysis is to describe the demographics and drug use patterns of this population, explore their HIV knowledge and risks, and build knowledge about their perceptions of and access to substance use treatment and other social services.
Identification of Cognitive Strategies Used by Cancer Patients as a Basis for Psychological Self-Support during Oncological Therapy
Authors: Osowiecka Karolina , Kieszkowska-Grudny Anna , Środa Radosław , Olejniczak Dominik , Rucińska Monika
Published: July 2022

Background: Cancer diagnosis is associated not only with health problems but also with psycho-social disability. Both medical and non-medical problems have impacts on cancer patients’ quality of life. The aim of the study was the identification of cognitive emotion regulation strategies among cancer patients during radiotherapy. Methods: The study was conducted on 78 radically treated cancer patients (median 63 years). A Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) was used. Results: Cancer patients mostly used acceptance, positive refocusing, putting into perspective and refocus on planning. Age was inversely correlated with refocus on planning. Patients with higher levels of education tended to use rumination and catastrophizing less frequently (p < 0.05). Adaptive cognitive strategies based on putting into perspective were more frequently used by professionally active patients (p < 0.05). Patients who lived in cities used positive refocusing and putting into perspective significantly often and patients who lived in villages more frequently used catastrophizing (p < 0.05). Among lung cancer patients, catastrophizing and rumination were popular (p < 0.05) and breast cancer patients rarely used non-adaptive cognitive strategies. Conclusion: Cancer patients tended to use adaptive cognitive strategies. Personalized psychological support should be focused on lung cancer patients and older, less educated, unemployed individuals and people who lived in the countryside.
Assessment of Anti-Bacterial Effectiveness of Hand Sanitizers Commonly Used in South Africa
Authors: Muleba Lufuno , Van Wyk Renay , Pienaar Jennifer , Ratshikhopha Edith , Singh Tanusha
Published: July 2022

Hand sanitizers are used as an alternative to hand washing to reduce the number of viable microorganisms when soap and water are not readily available. This study aimed to investigate the anti-bacterial effectiveness of commercially available hand sanitizers and those commonly used in healthcare and community settings. A mapping exercise was done to select and procure different hand sanitizers (n = 18) from retailers. Five microorganisms implicated in hospital-acquired infections were selected and tested against each hand sanitizer: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Twenty-one volunteers were recruited to do a handprint before and after applying the hand sanitizer. Only four out of eighteen hand sanitizers (22%) were effective against all tested bacterial species, and an equal number (22%) were completely ineffective. Seven hand sanitizers with a label claim of 99.99% were only effective against E. coli. Only five hand sanitizers (27%) effectively reduced bacteria on participants’ hands. This study showed that only a fifth of hand sanitizers were effective against selected microorganisms. The findings raise a concern about the effectiveness of hand sanitizers and their role in infection, prevention, and control if not well regulated.
Association between Loneliness and Depression among Community-Dwelling Older Women Living Alone in South Korea: The Mediating Effects of Subjective Physical Health, Resilience, and Social Support
Authors: Lim Young Mi , Baek Juha , Lee Sungmin , Kim Jung Sug
Published: July 2022

Social isolation and loneliness are the key risk factors for depression in late life. Older adults living alone and socially isolated are at greater risk for physical and mental health. This study aims to examine the mediating effects of subjective physical health, resilience, and social support on the association between loneliness and depression among the elderly female population living alone in South Korea. We included a total of 308 older women aged 60 years or older who live alone in a medium-sized city in South Korea. The survey data was collected using the validated survey instruments between November 2015 and April 2016. A parallel mediation model was performed to investigate whether physical health, resilience, and social support had mediating effects on the association of loneliness with depression. The findings of this study showed that loneliness was directly and indirectly associated with depression through its association with the subjective physical health, resilience, and social support among the older female population living alone. Our results suggest the importance of supporting community-based programs to improve physical and mental health of the elderly people as a way to minimize the level of loneliness and prevent depression.
Nine-Year Trends in Atrial Fibrillation Prevalence among Romanian Adult Hypertensives: A Post-Hoc Analysis of SEPHAR II-IV Surveys
Authors: Cojocaru Cosmin , Vîjîiac Aura-Elena , Gheorghe-Fronea Oana , Mohaiu Teodora , Itu Lucian , Dorobanțu Maria
Published: July 2022

Objectives: There are limited epidemiological data regarding atrial fibrillation (AF) in hypertensive (HT) Romanian adults. We sought to evaluate AF prevalence trends in the SEPHAR surveys (Study for Evaluation of Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk in an Adult Population in Romania) during a nine-year interval (2012–2016–2021). Methods: Three consecutive editions of a national epidemiological survey regarding HT included representative samples of subjects stratified by age, gender and area of residence (SEPHAR II-IV—in total, 5422 subjects, mean age 48.69 ± 16.65 years, 57.5% (n = 3116) females). A post-hoc analysis of AF prevalence and oral anticoagulation (OAC) rates was performed. AF definition was based on a documented medical history of AF and/or AF documentation by study electrocardiogram. Results: General AF prevalence was 5.5% (n = 297). AF prevalence in HT subjects was 8.9% (n = 209) and has risen since SEPHAR II—7.2% (n = 57) and SEPHAR III—8.1% (n = 72) to SEPHAR IV—11.8% (n = 80), respectively (p = 0.001). AF prevalence has increased in HT males (SEPHAR II—5.3% (n = 19), SEPHAR III—7.6% (n = 26) and SEPHAR IV—11.7% (n = 35) (p = 0.010)) and in HT from urban areas (SEPHAR II—7.8% (n = 37), SEPHAR III—7.8% (n = 40), SEPHAR IV—14.7% (n = 50), p < 0.001). In SEPHAR III-IV, only 19.3% (n = 23) of HT AF patients with OAC indication were anticoagulated. Conclusions: AF prevalence has increased by ~64% in hypertensive Romanian adults between 2012 and 2021. However, anticoagulation strategies may be suboptimal in patients with cardioembolic risk.
The Impact of Interface Design Element Features on Task Performance in Older Adults: Evidence from Eye-Tracking and EEG Signals
Authors: Zhou Chengmin , Yuan Fangfang , Huang Ting , Zhang Yurong , Kaner Jake
Published: July 2022

It is crucial that the interface design of mobile apps be age-appropriate at this stage of global aging, as the new epidemic has resulted in a higher sense of isolation among older persons. In this study, four typical senior social service mobile applications were chosen to give older persons the ability to complete user login duties. The participants were 16 older adults (7 men and 9 women) aged 55 to 76. Both objective and subjective data, including task completion time, gaze length, pupil diameter changes, EEG wave amplitude changes, and subjective sensations of older persons, were gathered using a combination of eye-movement and EEG signal approaches. The program was created to investigate the effects of interface design aspects on older people’s task performance, including interface layout, interface color, information density, icon size and position, etc. The study’s findings revealed that when the user task completion time and average fixation duration were shorter, the line of sight was more equally distributed, the visual focus was closer to the login button, and the average EEG amplitude of the user changed more, the older adults performed better. The palace layout had a more positive effect on job completion among older individuals when it came to interface layout. In terms of interface color, colored (contrasting) colors should serve to highlight the interface’s essential information points while they can be removed. In terms of interface information density, a low-density level interface design can simplify and lower the cognitive load of task execution for older people. The first level of icons in the interface and their position in the visual center of the interface is the best interface design for older persons in terms of icon size and position. The results of this study have theoretical ramifications for a thorough understanding of the factors influencing older people’s task performance, practical ramifications for the design of older people-centered interfaces, and they contribute to our understanding of the characteristics of older people’s interface interaction behavior.
The Role of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) in Enhancing Athletic Performance in Trained Individuals: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Xing , Feng Siyuan , Peng Rui , Li Hansen
Published: July 2022

Velocity-based training (VBT) is a rising auto-regulation method that dynamically regulates training loads to promote resistance training. However, the role of VBT in improving various athletic performances is still unclear. Hence, the presented study aimed to examine the role of VBT in improving lower limbs’ maximum strength, strength endurance, jump, and sprint performance among trained individuals. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies on VBT for lower limb strength training via databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane, CNKI (in Chinese), and Wanfang Database (in Chinese). Controlled trials that deployed VBT only without extra training content were considered. Eventually, nine studies with a total of 253 trained males (at least one year of training experience) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results suggest that VBT may effectively enhance lower limbs’ maximum strength (SMD = 0.76; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), strength endurance (SMD = 1.19; p < 0.001; I2 = 2%), countermovement jump (SMD = 0.53; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and sprint ability (SMD of sprint time = −0.40; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). These findings indicate the positive role of VBT in serving athletic training. Future research is warranted to focus on the effect of velocity loss of VBT on athletic performance.
ePSICONUT: An e-Health Programme to Improve Emotional Health and Lifestyle in University Students
Authors: Cantisano Luisa Marilia , Gonzalez-Soltero Rocio , Blanco-Fernández Ascensión , Belando-Pedreño Noelia
Published: July 2022

The use of information and communication technologies in the health field is known as eHealth. Nowadays, the application of technological and digital tools for maintaining/improving physical and mental health is experiencing an exponential boom. These tools have been perceived as a powerful support for face-to-face therapies and lifestyle changes. Nevertheless, there is not enough scientific research that analyses the impact and consequences of eHealth interventions. More studies are needed to validate its application. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of eHealth tools in a programme called ePSICONUT. This programme was created to promote healthy lifestyle habits in university students. The sample consisted of 16 university students from the Dominican Republic aged 18–24 years (x¯  = 20.69; s = 1.74). ePSICONUT was developed in 12 weeks and its impact was analyzed by comparing the initial and the final psychological and lifestyle tests results, which were completed online by the participants. Results reported that the professionally supervised use of eHealth tools was associated with better psychological well-being, lees anxiety and depression, and better lifestyle habits (such as diet quality), even in stressful and changing situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic circumstances. However, more studies are needed to validate and promote the use of eHealth-based intervention programmes.