bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of 34 Cytokines and Vitamin D Status Reveal A Sexually-Dimorphic Active Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Amer Osama E. , Sabico Shaun , Sheshah Eman , Alotaibi Naif H , Aldisi Dara A. , Enani Mushira A. , Aljohani Naji J. , Alshingetti Naemah , Alomar Suliman Y. , Hussain Syed D. , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Elsaid Mohamed A. , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: December 2022

Background: Several observational studies have inconsistently demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection and severity. Discrepancies in results may partially be explained by the individuals’ immune profiles, which are modulated, in varying degrees, by vitamin D status and sex hormones. Methods: In this study we evaluated the differences and associations of serum levels of 25(OH)D with 34 cytokines in 220 adults (82 controls (41 males; 41 females) and 138 SARS-CoV-2 patients (79 males and 59 females)) with and without COVID-19. Results: Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in the SARS-CoV-2 group than in the controls. Serum IP-10, MCP-1, CRP, IFNγ, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17α, IL-23, and IL-6 were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Serum levels of VEGF, IFNγ, IL-13, and IL-5 were significantly higher in male patients than in females. 25(OH)D was significantly correlated with EFG (R = 0.39, p < 0.05) and IL-15 (R = 0.39, p < 0.05) in male patients, while it was inversely correlated with CRP (R = −0.51, p < 0.05) in female patients. Conclusions: Altered levels of cytokines, chemokines, and vitamin D were observed in SARS-CoV-2 adult patients. These expressions were sexually dimorphic and thus highlight the sex-specific nature of the active immune response following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Anxiety, Stress and the Resilience of University Students during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dafogianni Chrysoula , Pappa Despoina , Mangoulia Polyxeni , Kourti Freideriki Eleni , Koutelekos Ioannis , Dousis Evangelos , Margari Nikoletta , Ferentinou Eftychia , Stavropoulou Areti , Gerogianni Georgia , Fradelos Evangelos , Zartaloudi Afroditi
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on everyone’s daily lives with short-term or long-term consequences. Among the affected population, university students were studied by researchers specifically due to the total change to their educational way of learning and the courses they attended. The present study aimed to assess the psychological difficulties experienced by the university students of Greece during the first wave of the outbreak. Methods: 288 university nursing students completed an electronic questionnaire after consent. The sample included students from all years of study. The questionnaire included demographic data and questions about mental health status, resilience level, coping strategies, positive and negative emotions and an optimism assessment. Results: Depression (44.8%), anxiety (36.8%) and stress (40.3%) were experienced by the students. Females had significantly greater anxiety and stress signs compared to males (p < 0.001). The resilience score was significantly greater in males, as it was for the Positive Affect Score. Students in the fourth year of study used significantly more active/positive coping strategies than students in the first (p = 0.016) or second year of study (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Several students experienced serious mental disorders during the first period of the COVID-19 outbreak. Variables such as gender, year of study, age, positive and negative affect score, life orientation test score and coping strategies were identified as factors contributing to this situation. Special attention must be paid to female students as they mentioned negative emotions more frequently than males. Further research on the academic population could be beneficial to university administrators.
The Effects of Cancer Beliefs and Sociodemographic Factors on Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviours in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Kong Yujia , Shaver Lance Garrett , Shi Fuyan , Mu Huaxia , Bu Weixiao , Etchegary Holly , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Asghari Shabnam , Yi Yanqing , Wang Peizhong Peter
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This study investigated the beliefs about cancer treatment, outcomes, and screening among adults aged 50–74 in Newfoundland and Labrador and whether these beliefs or sociodemographic factors were associated with differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening behaviours. Methods: This analysis uses data collected from an online survey of adults on cancer awareness and prevention in NL. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences in distributions of beliefs based on CRC screening behaviour. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic factors independently associated with CRC screening behaviour. Results: A total of 724 participants were included in the analysis, 57.4% of which had ever had CRC screening. Most held positive beliefs about cancer outcomes and treatment. Only beliefs about screening affected CRC screening behaviour. People who never had CRC screening were more likely to believe their worries about what might be found would prevent them from screening (χ2 = 9.380, p = 0.009); screening is only necessary if they have symptoms (χ2 = 15.680, p < 0.001); and screening has a high risk of leading to unnecessary surgery (χ2 = 6.824, p = 0.032). Regression identified that men had higher likelihood of having had CRC screening than women in our study (OR = 1.689, 95%CI = 1.135–2.515), as did all age groups compared to ages 50–54. No associations were found with the other sociodemographic factors studied. Conclusion: Beliefs about cancer screening appear to play some role in CRC screening behaviour, but the absolute effect was small. The relatively few sociodemographic associations with screening behaviour suggest that NL’s CRC screening program is equitably reaching people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Competency in ECG Interpretation and Arrhythmias Management among Critical Care Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Aljohani Mohammed Saeed
Published: December 2022

Background: Electrographic interpretation skills are important for healthcare practitioners caring for patients in need of cardiac assessment. Competency in ECG interpretation skills is critical to determine any abnormalities and initiate the appropriate care required. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of competence in electrocardiographic interpretation and knowledge in arrhythmia management of nurses in critical care settings. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 255 critical care nurses from 4 hospitals in the Al-Madinah Region in Saudi Arabia was used. A questionnaire was designed containing a participant’s characteristics and 10 questions with electrocardiographic strips. A pilot test was carried out to evaluate the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, or bi-variate correlation tests, as appropriate. A statistical significance of p < 0.05 was assumed. Results: Females comprised 87.5% of the sample, and the mean age of the sample was 32.1 (SD = 5.37) years. The majority of the participants (94.9%) had taken electrocardiographic interpretation training courses. The mean total score of correct answers of all 10 ECG strips was 6.45 (±2.54) for ECG interpretation and 4.76 (±2.52) for arrhythmia management. No significant differences were observed between ECG competency level and nursing experience or previous training. Nurses working in the ICU and CCU scored significantly higher than those working in ED. Conclusions: The electrocardiographic knowledge in ECG interpretation and arrhythmia management of critical care nurses is low. Therefore, improving critical care nurses’ knowledge of ECGs, identification, and management of cardiac arrhythmias is essential.
Efficacy of Different Dosing Regimens of IgE Targeted Biologic Omalizumab for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Adult and Pediatric Populations: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Manzoor Humayun , Razi Foha , Rasheed Amina , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Robles-Velasco Karla , Felix Miguel , Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan
Published: December 2022

Chronic urticaria is a debilitating skin condition that is defined as itchy hives at least twice a week and lasting for six or more weeks, with or without angioedema. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a form of disease that is witnessed in two-thirds of those with chronic urticaria. This meta-analysis explores the efficacy of differential dosages of omalizumab for outcomes of weekly itching scores, weekly wheal scores, urticarial assessment score 7 (UAS7), and responder rates. Adhering to PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted until 15 September 2022. A combination of the following keywords was used: omalizumab and chronic urticaria. Data comprising clinical trial ID, name, author/year, country, dosage and time of intervention, inclusion criteria, mean age, female gender, and racial grouping information were obtained. The meta-analytical outcomes were analyzed in RevMan 5.4. The risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). A total of 10 trials comprising 1705 patients with CSU were included. Notably, 1162 belonged to the intervention group, while 543 were controls. A total of 70.4% of the participants were female in the intervention group, while 65.6% of them were female in the control group. The overall mean age was 38.64 ± 10.66 years. Weekly itch score outcomes were most notable with 150 mg dosage (Cohen’s d = −2.6, 95% CI = −4.75, −0.46, p = 0.02). The weekly wheal score outcomes had the largest effect size with 300 mg dosage (Cohen’s d = −1.45, 95% CI = −2.2, −0.69, p = 0.0002). For UAS7 outcomes, the largest effect size was yielded with 150 mg dosage (Cohen’s d = −6.92, 95% CI: −10.38, −3.47, p < 0.0001). The response rate to omalizumab had a likelihood of being higher with 300 mg of intervention compared to placebo (OR = 8.65, 95% CI = 4.42, 16.93, p < 0.0001). Well-rounded urticarial symptom resolution was observed with 150 mg and 300 mg dosages of omalizumab. Improvement of UAS7 was more comparable with 150 mg dosage, whereas the chance of response to treatment was higher with 300 mg dosage. Our findings support omalizumab as an effective intervention for adult and pediatric populations that are resistant to many therapies, including high-dose H1-antihistamines.
Could an Early Treatment with GA and BA Impact Prolonged Cold Storage and Shelf Life of Apricot?
Authors: Milović Maja , Kevrešan Žarko , Mastilović Jasna , Kovač Renata , Kalajdžić Jelena , Magazin Nenad , Bajić Aleksandra , Milić Biserka , Barać Gordana , Keserović Zoran
Published: December 2022

Application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) in apricot orchards is a common practice with a goal of improving yield and/or quality of fruits at harvest. However, the question of whether such treatment alters postharvest properties is seldom answered. The effects of an early application of PGRs on postharvest changes on apricots were investigated on cultivar NS-4, grown on Myrobalan rootstock with blackthorn interstock in a 5-year-old orchard. PGR treatments included 50 and 100 ppm of benzyladenine (BA) and 200 ppm of gibberellic acid (GA3), which were applied when the green ovary was surrounded by dying a sepal crown, at the stage where sepals beginning to fall. Apricots at the stage of commercial ripeness were used for the postharvest experiments. Analysis was performed at harvest, after 21 days of cold storage (at 1 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 10% RH), and after 3 days of shelf life (24 ± 2 °C). At harvest, significant differences were observed between treated and untreated fruits regarding flesh firmness, color, ethylene production and respiration rate, flavonoid, carotenoid and citric acid content, while application of BA100 changed TA and TSS. Prolonged cold storage reduced the initial differences in firmness, respiration rate, flavonoid and carotenoid contents, but new differences in fructose, malic and succinic acid contents began to appear. Shelf life reduced the difference in citric acid, but differences in TA, TSS, phenol and flavonoid content appeared. There is no difference in the sensory properties of treated and non-treated fruit after cold storage and shelf life.
Hillslope Hydrology in a Deeply Weathered Saprolite and Associated Nitrate Transport to a Valley Bottom Wetland in Central Uganda
Authors: Schepp Claudia , Diekkrüger Bernd , Becker Mathias
Published: December 2022

While interflow from the slopes can be crucial for water and nutrient availability in low-input farming systems in wetlands in East Africa, very little data exist on hillslope hydrology and associated nutrient transport in deeply weathered saprolites over crystalline rocks. This study aims for a better process understanding of interflow generation and routing in this environment and its contribution to water and nitrate availability at the wetland fringe of a valley bottom wetland in central Uganda. The study was set up as a plot study following a multi-method approach, including interflow trenches, soil analysis, and geo-electrical measurements. We found that interflow generation was related to the undulating subsurface topography and the conductivity of the upper saprolite, while interflow was conducted to the slope toe via small, perched aquifers and preferential flow paths within the saprolite, which are connected during the rainy season. Interflow volumes and nitrate transport were strongly related to the land-use type and rainfall characteristics. As the nitrate delivered from the slopes was quickly lost in the anaerobic environment of the wetland fringe, sustainable agricultural management should focus on the slope toe and the upland positions.
The Interaction between Occupational Stress and Smoking, Alcohol Drinking and BMI on Hypertension in Chinese Petrochemical Workers
Authors: Gu Zhihui , Qu Yunting , Wu Hui
Published: December 2022

Background: Hypertension is one of the most vital risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, so we wanted to explore the impact of the interaction between occupational stress and smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on hypertension in Chinese petrochemical workers. Methods: A total of 1488 employees participated. Questionnaires included the value of blood pressure, occupational stress (assessed by the effort–reward imbalance scale), demographic factors and work conditions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore related factors, and the interactions between occupational stress and smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on hypertension were analyzed using an additive model. Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 34.3%. Age ≥ 56 (OR = 3.19, 95%CI: 1.841–5.526), male (OR = 1.436, 95%CI: 1.056–1.954), BMI ≥ 25 (OR = 1.86, 95%CI: 1.468–2.346), smoking (OR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.191–1.951) and alcohol drinking (OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.180–1.972), ERI > 1 (OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.133–1.960) are risk factors for hypertension, and a higher education level (OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.438–0.754) is a protective factor against hypertension. Positive interactions existed between occupational stress and smoking (RERI = 2.134, AP = 0.328, S = 1.635), alcohol drinking (RERI = 2.332, AP = 0.361, S = 1.746) and BMI (RERI = 1.841, AP = 0.340, S = 1.717) on hypertension in petrochemical workers. Conclusions: Age, gender, educational level, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking and occupational stress are closely related to the risk of hypertension. There are also positive interactions between occupational stress and alcohol drinking, smoking and BMI, which have a certain impact on hypertension.
Indigenous Australians’ Experiences of Cancer Care: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Sanjida Saira , Garvey Gail , Ward James , Bainbridge Roxanne , Shakeshaft Anthony , Hadikusumo Stephanie , Nelson Carmel , Thilakaratne Prabasha , Hou Xiang-Yu
Published: December 2022

To provide the latest evidence for future research and practice, this study critically reviewed Indigenous peoples’ cancer care experiences in the Australian healthcare system from the patient’s point of view. After searching PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus databases, twenty-three qualitative studies were included in this review. The inductive approach was used for analysing qualitative data on cancer care experience in primary, tertiary and transitional care between systems. Three main themes were found in healthcare services from Indigenous cancer care experiences: communication, cultural safety, and access to services. Communication was an important theme for all healthcare systems, including language and literacy, understanding of cancer care pathways and hospital environment, and lack of information. Cultural safety was related to trust in the system, privacy, and racism. Access to health services was the main concern in transitional care between healthcare systems. While some challenges will need long-term and collective efforts, such as institutional racism as a downstream effect of colonisation, cultural training for healthcare providers and increasing the volume of the Indigenous workforce, such as Indigenous Liaison Officers or Indigenous Care Coordinators, could effectively address this inequity issue for Indigenous people with cancer in Australia in a timely manner.
Physical Performance of Brazilian Military Policemen: A Longitudinal Analysis by Occupational Specialties
Authors: Rezende Luiz , Dellagrana Rodolfo A. , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues , Cruz Arthur Duarte Fantesia Costa , da Silva Mota Maycon Felipe , Coelho-Ravagnani Christianne F.
Published: December 2022

Maintenance of good levels of physical fitness is essential during occupational tasks for the general health of the military police. However, no studies have evaluated longitudinal changes in the physical fitness of Brazilian military police officers according to their specialties. Thus, the objective of the current study was to analyze the changes in the physical fitness of military police officers according to their specialty, over a period of five years. Retrospective data (2015–2019) from 290 police officers were analyzed, including age and physical fitness tests (12-min run test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups on the bar). The sample was divided into four groups (Specialized; Border; Urban; and Environmental). ANCOVA was used to describe differences in physical fitness components between groups of police officers after adjusting for age. Initial fitness was higher among police officers in the Specialized group (i.e., those with greater physical demands). During the five-year follow-up period, there was an age-related decrease in physical capacity for all groups, regardless of specialty. However, Urban police showed improvement in running and sit-up tests (p < 0.05) over time. Changes in physical capacity during follow-up differed depending on the physical component analyzed and the occupational specialty.
COVID-19: A Comparative Study of Contagions Peaks in Cities from Europe and the Americas
Authors: Bertin Karine , Garzón Johanna , San Martín Jaime , Torres Soledad
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a group of viruses that provoke illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. COVID-19 started in China and spread rapidly from a single city to an entire country in just 30 days and to the rest of the world in no more than 3 months. Several studies have tried to model the behavior of COVID-19 in diverse regions, based on differential equations of the SIR and stochastic SIR type, and their extensions. In this article, a statistical analysis of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in eleven different cities in Europe and America is conducted. Log-linear models are proposed to model the rise or drop in the number of positive cases reported daily. A classification analysis of the estimated slopes is performed, allowing a comparison of the eleven cities at different epidemic peaks. By rescaling the curves, similar behaviors among rises and drops in different cities are found, independent of socioeconomic conditions, type of quarantine measures taken, whether more or less restrictive. The log-linear model appears to be suitable for modeling the incidence of COVID-19 both in rises and drops.
Marginal Effects and Spatial Variations of the Impact of the Built Environment on Taxis’ Pollutant Emissions in Chengdu, China
Authors: Zhao Guanwei , Pan Zeyu , Yang Muzhuang
Published: December 2022

Understanding the impact of the urban built environment on taxis’ emissions is crucial for sustainable transportation. However, the marginal effects and spatial heterogeneity of this impact is worth noting. To this end, we calculated the taxis’ emissions on weekdays and weekends in Chengdu, China, and investigated the impact of the built environment on taxis’ emissions by applying multi-source data and several spatial regression models. The results showed that the taxis’ daily emissions on weekdays were higher than the emissions on weekends. The time heterogeneity of hourly taxis’ emissions was not significant, while the spatial heterogeneity of taxis’ emissions was significant. Except the HHI, the selected built environment variables both had a significant positive effect on taxis’ emissions on the global scale. There was a marginal effect of some built environment variables on taxis’ emissions, such as the density of bus stops and population density. The former exhibited an inhibitory effect on taxis’ emissions only when it was greater than 9 stops/km2, while the latter showed an inhibitory effect only in the range between 16,000 people/km2 and 22,000 people/km2. There were some spatial variations in the effects of built environment factors on taxis’ emissions, with HHI, road density, and accommodation service facilities density showing the most significant variation. The marginal effect and spatial variation of the impact needs to be considered when developing strategies to reduce taxis’ pollutant emissions.
An Exploration of the Multiplicative Effect of “Other People” and Other Environmental Effects on Violence in the Night-Time Environment
Authors: Moore Simon , Woolley Thomas , White James
Published: December 2022

Background: The characteristics of night-time environments (NTEs) in which alcohol is consumed and that contribute to violence are poorly described. We explore competing explanations for violence in the NTE, with a particular focus on the number of patrons and its association with assault-related visits to a hospital emergency department. Other environmental features including the weather and notable events were also considered. The primary aim was to stimulate debate around the causal mechanisms responsible for violence. Methods: Assault-related ED visits occurring between 8 pm and 4 am were recorded at the University Hospital of Wales, the single Emergency Department (ED) serving Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Footfall was derived from the total number of unique MAC addresses recorded per hour collected from ten wireless fidelity monitoring tools located in the city centre. A narrative review of the literature concerning alcohol and violence informed exploratory analyses into the association between night-time footfall, sporting events, the weather, and other potential predictors of assault-related visits to the ED. We developed analytic methods from formal accounts of queueing. Results: International rugby matches at home, the weather (temperature), national holidays, the day of the week, and number of patrons in the NTE predicted assault-related injury (R2 = 0.70), with footfall yielding a positive non-linear exponential association consistent with predictions derived from mathematical models of queueing. Discussion: Assault-related visits to the ED have a non-linear association with the number of people socialising in the night-time environment and are further influenced by the weather and notable events. Opportunities for further research that might inform policy and interventions aimed at better managing NTEs are discussed.
Protective Effect of Thyme and Chestnut Honeys Enriched with Bee Products against Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Sánchez-Martín Vanesa , Haza Ana I. , Iriondo-DeHond Amaia , del Castillo María Dolores , Hospital Xavier F. , Fernández Manuela , Hierro Eva , Morales Paloma
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present study was to validate the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and preventive potential against benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)-induced DNA damage of nine samples of thyme and chestnut honeys enriched with bee products (royal jelly and propolis, 2–10%). Cell viability was determined by the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay (0–250 mg/mL) to select nontoxic concentrations, and DNA damage (0.1–10 μg/mL) was evaluated by the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis or comet assay. Treatment with honey samples or royal jelly and propolis did not affect the viability of HepG2 cells up to 100 and 50 mg/mL, respectively. Treatment with 100 μM BaP significantly increased (p ≤ 0.001) the levels of the DNA strand breaks. None of the tested concentrations (0.1–10 μg/mL) of the honey samples (thyme and chestnut), royal jelly, and propolis caused DNA damage per se. All tested samples at all the concentrations used decreased the genotoxic effect of BaP. In addition, all mixtures of thyme or chestnut honeys with royal jelly or propolis showed a greater protective effect against BaP than the samples alone, being the thyme and chestnut honey samples enriched with 10% royal jelly and 10% propolis the most effective (70.4% and 69.4%, respectively). The observed protective effect may be associated with the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the studied samples. In conclusion, the thyme and chestnut honey samples enriched with bee products present potential as natural chemoprotective agents against the chemical carcinogen BaP.
Bullying Victimization and Quality of Life among Chinese Adolescents: An Integrative Analysis of Internet Addiction and Social Withdrawal
Authors: Ding Ning , Zhang Xinwen
Published: December 2022

Bullying victimization has been proven to be a direct predictor of adolescents’ quality of life, whereas elaborate mechanisms remain inconclusive. This study aims to explore the mediating pathway of Internet addiction and social withdrawal on the relationship between bullying victimization and quality of life among Chinese adolescents. This study used the cross-sectional data collected by self-reported questionnaires, including multidimensional peer-victimization scale, youth quality of life instrument-short form, prolonged social withdrawal questionnaire, and compulsive Internet use scale. A total of 1278 participants from four junior middle schools and two high schools participated in the questionnaire survey. SPSS 25.0 and Amos 25.0 were adopted to analyze the data. The results indicated that bullying victimization was directly and indirectly associated with adolescents’ quality of life. Internet addiction and social withdrawal partially mediated the relationship between bullying victimization and quality of life among adolescents. The current study demonstrated the underlying pathway of how bullying victimization affected adolescents’ quality of life, which could provide an intervention perspective for governments and social workers to improve adolescents’ quality of life by controlling Internet addiction and social withdrawal.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Supervised Flexibility Training in Older Adults: A Comparison of Two Different Conditioning Programs
Authors: La Greca Stefano , Rapali Mariano , Ciaprini Giuliano , Russo Luca , Vinciguerra Maria Giulia , Di Giminiani Riccardo
Published: December 2022

Flexibility training is a fundamental biological process that improves the quality of life of the elderly by improving the ranges of motion of joints, postural balance and locomotion, and thus reducing the risk of falling. Two different training programs were assessed acutely and after 12 weeks by means of the sit-and-reach test. Thirty-one healthy older adults were randomly divided into three groups: the Experiment I group (Exp) performed strength and static stretching exercises; the Experiment II group performed dynamic and static stretching exercises; and participants assigned to the control group maintained a sedentary lifestyle for the entire period of the study. Flexibility acutely increased in Exp I by the first (ΔT0 = 7.63 ± 1.26%; ES = 0.36; p = 0.002) and second testing sessions (ΔT1 = 3.74 ± 0.91%; ES = 0.20; p = 0.002). Similarly, it increased in Exp II significantly by the first (ΔT0 = 14.21 ± 3.42%; ES = 0.20; p = 0.011) and second testing sessions (ΔT1 = 9.63 ± 4.29%; ES = 0.13; p = 0.005). Flexibility significantly increased over the 12 weeks of training in Exp I (ΔT0 − T1 = 9.03 ± 3.14%; ES = 0.41; p = 0.020) and Exp II (ΔT0 − T1 = 22.96 ± 9.87%; ES = 0.35; p = 0.005). The acute and chronic differences between the two groups were not significant (p > 0.05). These results suggest the effectiveness of different exercise typologies in improving the flexibility of the posterior muscular chains in older adults. Therefore, the selection of a program to optimize training interventions could be based on the physical characteristics of the participants.
Research Infrastructure Core Facilities at Research Centers in Minority Institutions: Part I—Research Resources Management, Operation, and Best Practices
Authors: Tchounwou Paul B. , Malouhi Mohamad , Ofili Elizabeth O. , Fernández-Repollet Emma , Sarpong Daniel F. , Yanagihara Richard , Aguilera Renato J. , Ayón Cecilia , Chen Xiaoxin , Dasmahapatra Asok , Gao Song , Hinton Cimona V. , Holt Robert , Kolesnichenko Vladimir , Powell Michael D. , Merchant Fatima , Redda Kinfe K. , Roche-Lima Abiel , Shikuma Cecilia M. , Stevens Jacqueline J. , Torres Jose A. , Trotter Robert T. , Wachira James , Wang Paul , Wells Kristen J. , White Jason , Wu Yanyuan
Published: December 2022

Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program fosters the development and implementation of innovative research aimed at improving minority health and reducing or eliminating health disparities. Currently, there are 21 RCMI Specialized (U54) Centers that share the same framework, comprising four required core components, namely the Administrative, Research Infrastructure, Investigator Development, and Community Engagement Cores. The Research Infrastructure Core (RIC) is fundamentally important for biomedical and health disparities research as a critical function domain. This paper aims to assess the research resources and services provided and evaluate the best practices in research resources management and networking across the RCMI Consortium. We conducted a REDCap-based survey and collected responses from 57 RIC Directors and Co-Directors from 98 core leaders. Our findings indicated that the RIC facilities across the 21 RCMI Centers provide access to major research equipment and are managed by experienced faculty and staff who provide expert consultative and technical services. However, several impediments to RIC facilities operation and management have been identified, and these are currently being addressed through implementation of cost-effective strategies and best practices of laboratory management and operation.
Epidemiology and Management of Proximal Femoral Fractures in Italy between 2001 and 2016 in Older Adults: Analysis of the National Discharge Registry
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Viganò Marco , de Girolamo Laura , Banfi Giuseppe , Salvatore Giuseppe , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine the annual incidence of proximal femoral fractures in Italy in the period between 2001 and 2016 among older adults, and to describe the trends in the clinical management of these cases. Data were retrieved from the National Hospital Discharge records issued by the Italian Ministry of Health and from the Italian Institute for Statistics. The number of hospitalizations increased between 2001 and 2016, while the age-adjusted yearly incidence decreased from 832.2 per 100,000 individuals to 706.2. The median age was 83 years (IQR 78–88) with a large majority of females (76.6%). The type of fracture varied with age in female subjects, with older women more frequently reporting pertrochanteric fractures. Therapeutic strategies for the different types of fracture depended on patients’ age. During the study years, improvements in fracture classification and management strategies were observed, with a clear decreasing trend for non-operative solutions. In conclusion, the number of proximal femur fractures in older adults is growing, even if at a lower rate compared to population aging. The Italian surgical practice changed during the study period towards the implementation of the most recent guidelines.
Effects of Sulfide Input on Arsenate Bioreduction and Its Reduction Product Formation in Sulfidic Groundwater
Authors: Yang Yang , Xie Xi , Chen Mengna , Xie Zuoming , Wang Jia
Published: December 2022

Microbes have important impacts on the mobilization of arsenic in groundwater. To study the effects of sulfide on As(V) bioreduction in sulfidic groundwater, Citrobacter sp. JH012-1 isolated from sediments in the Jianghan Plain was used in a microcosm experiment. The results showed that sulfide significantly enhanced As(V) bioreduction as an additional electron donor. The reduction rates of As(V) were 21.8%, 34.5%, 73.6% and 85.9% under 0, 15, 75 and 150 µM sulfide inputting, respectively. The main products of As(V) bioreduction were thioarsenite and orpiment and the concentration of thioarsenite reached to 5.5 and 7.1 µM in the solution with the initial 75 and 150 µM sulfide, respectively. However, under 0 and 15 µM sulfide inputting, the dominant product was arsenite with no thioarsenite accumulation. The decrease in pH enhanced the bioreduction of As(V) and promoted the formation of thioarsenite and orpiment. In addition, the percentage of thioarsenite in total arsenic decreased with the decrease in the ratio of sulfur to arsenic, indicating that the formation of thioarsenite was limited by the concentration of initial sulfide. Therefore, the presence of sulfide had a significant effect on the transformation of arsenic in groundwater. This study provides new insights into the bioreduction of As(V) and the formation of thioarsenite in sulfidic groundwater.
Associations of Indoor Environmental Quality Parameters with Students’ Perceptions in Undergraduate Dormitories: A Field Study in Beijing during a Transition Season
Authors: Miao Dan , Cao Xiaodong , Zuo Wenxin
Published: December 2022

A healthy and comfortable dormitory environment is crucial to the quality of students’ daily lives. In this field study, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters of undergraduate dormitories in Beijing were measured, while questionnaire surveys were conducted to evaluate the corresponding subjective perceptions of students. Integrated environmental monitoring kits were used to collect temperature, relative humidity, CO2, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, formaldehyde, and noise data in the investigated dormitories, during the transition season from winter to spring. Questionnaires and scales were distributed to obtain the students’ subjective perceptions of and satisfaction with the IEQ, and their health and well-being status. The measured IEQ data showed that the thermal environment tended to be warm and dry during the heating period. The CO2 concentrations seriously exceeded standard levels due to insufficient indoor natural ventilation. Noise exposure could sometimes interfere with students’ rest. The students’ overall satisfaction with the dormitory environment was low, especially in terms of air quality and acoustic environment. The unsatisfactory IEQ factors have led to several health symptoms, poor sleep quality, and slightly lower well-being. Correlations were found between the IEQ parameters and the corresponding subjective perceptions and satisfaction levels. It was speculated that students’ satisfaction and well-being could be effectively improved by appropriately adjusting the corresponding IEQ parameters.
Cause Analysis and Preventive Measures of Guizhou D2809 Train Derailment Accident in Guizhou, China on 4 June 2022
Authors: Wang Yan-Ning , Chen Han , Jiang Bin-Song , Peng Jing-Rui , Chen Jun
Published: December 2022

This paper summarizes the cause of the debris flow impact train accident by investigating the local geological condition, meteorological data and field investigation that happened in Guizhou, China on 4 June 2022. The result showed that the major reason is the continuous heavy rain in the surrounding area, which led to a small landslide at the upper right of the tunnel entrance. Besides, the construction of the Jianrong Expressway in the upper reaches increased the catchment area, which makes the water content of the upper soil increase while the shear strength decreases. Such large-scale catastrophic accidents significantly threaten the local environment and public safety. Therefore, it is urgent to pay special attention to the changes in geological conditions along the line, especially the adverse effects of construction, to improve the early risk warning and post-accident treatment ability.
Allostatic Load Measurement: A Systematic Review of Reviews, Database Inventory, and Considerations for Neighborhood Research
Authors: Beese Shawna , Postma Julie , Graves Janessa M.
Published: December 2022

Background: Neighborhoods are critical to understanding how environments influence health outcomes. Prolonged environmental stressors, such as a lack of green spaces and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, have been associated with higher allostatic load levels. Since allostatic load levels experienced earlier in life have stronger associations with mortality risk, neighborhoods may be uniquely suited to monitor and mitigate the impacts of environmental stressors. Researchers often study allostatic load in neighborhoods by utilizing administrative boundaries within publicly accessible databases as proxies for neighborhoods. Methods: This systematic review of reviews aims to identify commonly used biomarkers in the measurement of allostatic load, compare measurement approaches, inventory databases to study allostatic load, and spotlight considerations referenced in the literature where allostatic load is studied in neighborhoods. The review was conducted using the search term “allostatic load” in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsychINFO databases. The search results were filtered to include reviews. Results: The search returned 499 articles after deduplication. Overall, 18 synthesis reviews met the inclusion criteria and were retained for extraction. The synthesis reviews analyzed represented 238 studies published from 1995 to 2020. The original ten biomarkers were most often used to measure allostatic load. More recently, body mass index and C-reactive protein have additionally been frequently used to measure allostatic load burden. Conclusions: The scientific contributions of this study are that we have identified a clear gap in geographic considerations when studying allostatic load. The implication of this study is that we have highlighted geographic concepts when conducting neighborhood-level research using administrative databases as a neighborhood proxy and outlined emerging future trends that can enable future study of allostatic load in the neighborhood context.
Nutritional Status and Sarcopenia in Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hua Nan , Zhang Yifan , Tan Xiangmin , Liu Li , Mo Yihan , Yao Xuemei , Wang Xiuhua , Wiley James , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: December 2022

Objective: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and sarcopenia in older people living in nursing homes. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 386 older adults in nursing homes in Hunan Province, China. Assessments included the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form for nutrition risk, Dietary Diversity Score for dietary diversity and Mini Mental State Examination for cognitive status. Sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex and educational level), health-related characteristics (e.g., food intake, self-care status and medication), body composition (e.g., body mass index [BMI], protein, body fat mass [BFM], percent body fat [PBF], skeletal muscle index [SMI] and total body water [TBW]) and anthropometric parameters data (e.g., calf circumference [CC], upper arm circumference [UAC], handgrip and gait speed) were also collected. Malnutrition and their associated risk were analyzed by multivariable Poisson regression analysis. Results: In total, 32.4% of participants (n = 125) were at risk of malnutrition and 49.7% (n = 192) suffered from sarcopenia. Nutritional status was positively associated with age (risk ratio [RR] = 1.03), sarcopenia (RR = 1.88), tooth loss affecting food intake (RR = 1.45), low self-care status (RR = 1.82) and moderate/inadequate dietary diversity (RR = 2.04) and negatively associated with one child (RR = 0.27), BMI (RR = 0.82), protein (RR = 0.76), BFM (RR = 0.91), PBF (RR = 0.94), SMI (RR = 0.65), TBW (RR = 0.94), CC (RR = 0.89) and UAC (RR = 0.86). Conclusions: Age, number of children, sarcopenia, food intake, self-care status, dietary diversity and body composition were associated with malnutrition among nursing home residents. For vulnerable groups, researchers should focus on raising the body composition indicators, such as BMI, protein, BFM, SMI and TBW and measuring CC and UAC for initial screening.
Responding to COVID-19: The Suitability of Primary Care Infrastructure in 33 Countries
Authors: Windak Adam , Nessler Katarzyna , Van Poel Esther , Collins Claire , Wójtowicz Ewa , Murauskiene Liubove , Hoffmann Kathryn , Willems Sara
Published: December 2022

COVID-19 proved that primary care (PC) providers have an important role in managing health emergencies, such as epidemics. Little is known about the preparedness of primary care practice infrastructure to continue providing high quality care during this crisis. The aim of this paper is to describe the perceived limitations to the infrastructure of PC practices during COVID-19 and to determine the factors associated with a higher likelihood of infrastructural barriers in providing high quality care. This paper presents the results of an online survey conducted between November 2020 and November 2021 as a part of PRICOV-19 study. Data from 4974 practices in 33 countries regarding perceived limitations and intentions to make future adjustments to practice infrastructure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were collected. Approximately 58% of practices experienced limitations to the building or other practice infrastructure to provide high-quality and safe care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 54% making adjustments to the building or the infrastructure was considered. Large variations between the countries were found. The results show that infrastructure constraints were directly proportional to the size of the practice. Better pandemic infection control equipment, governmental support, and a fee-for-service payment system were found to be associated with a lower perceived need for infrastructural changes. The results of the study indicate the need for systematic support for the development of practice infrastructure in order to provide high-quality, safe primary care in the event of future crises similar to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Longitudinal Associations of Work Stress with Changes in Quality of Life among Patients after Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Wang Luqiao , Shi Yunke , Hu Zhao , Li Yanyan , Ang Yan , Jing Pan , Zhang Bangying , Cao Xingyu , Loerbroks Adrian , Li Jian , Zhang Min
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Targeting a sample of Chinese employees in this study, the correlation of work stress with changes in quality of life (QoL) was explored subsequent to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). (2) Methods: Patients suffering from the first ACS episode, with regular paid work before ACS, were eligible for this one-year longitudinal study. Effort–reward imbalance (ERI), together with job strain (JS) models, were employed to evaluate work stress before discharge, and QoL prior to discharge (baseline), as well as at 1, 6, and 12 months following discharge, were measured using the 8-Items Short Form (SF-8), in addition to the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Moreover, generalized estimating equations were used to determine the relationship of work stress to longitudinal QoL variations. (3) Results: After adjusting for covariates, high work stress at the baseline measured by JS was associated with the slow recovery of both mental health (p < 0.01) and physical health (p < 0.05) in SF-8, while ERI-measured work stress was related to slower improvement in SF-8 physical health (p < 0.001), SAQ-angina stability (AS) (p < 0.05), SF-8 mental health (p < 0.001), and SAQ-angina frequency (AF) (p < 0.05). After mutual adjustment for JS and ERI, high work stress as assessed by JS displayed no correlation with any QoL alteration (all p > 0.05), whereas ERI-determined work stress at a high level still presented a relationship to slow improvement in SF-8 physical health, SAQ-AS, SF-8 mental health, and SAQ-AF (all p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: Work stress was associated with slow recovery of QoL in patients with ACS across one year. For ACS patients, ERI was a stronger predictor of QoL variations than JS.
Age- and Gender-Specific Differences in the Seasonal Distribution of Diabetes Mortality in Shandong, China: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Zheng Wenxiu , Chu Jie , Ren Jie , Dong Jing , Bambrick Hilary , Wang Ning , Mengersen Kerrie , Guo Xiaolei , Hu Wenbiao
Published: December 2022

Diabetes mortality in Shandong is higher than the national average in China. This study first explored diabetes mortality variation spatially at the county/district level among adults aged over 30 years in terms of age and gender, specifically by season. Daily diabetes mortality data were collected from 31 mortality surveillance points across Shandong Province in 2014. A geographic information system, spatial kriging interpolation and a spatial clustering method were used to examine the spatial patterns of diabetes mortality at the county/district level by season. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using diabetes mortality data from 10 mortality surveillance points from 2011 to 2020. As a result, the total diabetes mortality in eastern counties/districts was the highest (relative risk (RR) of cluster: 1.58, p = 0.00) across the whole province. For subgroups, women had higher mortality (16.84/100,000) than men (12.15/100,000), people aged over 75 years were the most vulnerable (93.91/100,000) and the highest-risk season was winter. However, the mortality differences between winter and summer were smaller in eastern and coastal regions than in other regions for all gender- and age-specific groups. The findings provide further evidence for early warning and precision preventative strategies for diabetes mortality in different regions of Shandong Province. Future research is required to identify the risk factors for diabetes and understand the differences in the social and environmental contexts.