bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Psychological Impacts on Children with Chronic Disease via Family Empowerment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mardhiyah Ai , Panduragan Santhna Letcmi , Mediani Henny Suzana
Published: October 2022

Chronic diseases cause physical and psychological impacts on sufferers. In dealing with illness, the family is not involved in the treatment of chronic diseases. Children also do not receive support from their families in dealing with their illness. Family empowerment is an important thing to implement in treating children with chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore family empowerment interventions as potential methods to reduce the impact of chronic disease. This study used the scoping review method. A literature review was conducted via CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest databases. The keywords used in English were “family empowerment OR family center empowerment” AND “child OR children” AND “chronic disease”. The criteria for articles in this study were full text, free access, randomized control trial or quasi-experiment research design, English language, population and samples of chronic disease, and the publication period of the last 10 years (2013–2022). We found nine articles that used a family empowerment intervention in an effort to reduce the impact of chronic disease on children. Most of the study designs were randomized control trial and quasi-experiment. Some of the benefits of family empowerment interventions were quality of life, family care, and self-ability. The interventions helped the families to be empowered and actively participate in caring for children with chronic diseases. There were nine articles that discussed family empowerment interventions that have an impact in dealing with the impact of chronic disease on children, namely improving quality of life, family care, and self-ability.
The Different Patterns of Over-the-Counter Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs or Analgesics Use in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and the General Population
Authors: Mulka-Gierek Maria , Krata Natalia , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Pączek Leszek , Mucha Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics are the most commonly used drugs worldwide and their availability over-the-counter is increasing. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of their use as well as the awareness of the associated risk of side effects in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to the patients at general practice (GP) offices. We found that 88.5% of the CKD and 97.1% of the GP group used NSAIDs and/or analgesics (p < 0.0001). Paracetamol was chosen the most often by both study groups, but the proportion of patients taking paracetamol was significantly higher in the CKD group (p < 0.006). On the contrary, the proportion of patients taking ibuprofen was significantly higher in GP group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, almost 37% of CKD and 60% of GP patients never consult with their doctor before taking NSAIDs or analgesics. The influence of advertisements on the decision to take these drugs was found to be marginal in both groups. In conclusion, the NSAIDs and/or analgesics use is very common. The differences between the studied cohorts in self-decision making and the type of drugs used between the studied cohorts warrant tailored educational approaches.
How Do We Address and Treat the Trauma of a 16-Year-Old Girl, Unaccompanied Minor, and Her Rape-Born Son? A Case Report
Authors: Radjack Rahmeth , Molino Luisa , Ogrizek Anaïs , Ngameni Elodie Gaelle , Moro Marie Rose
Published: October 2022

Background: The child psychiatry unit of the Cochin Hospital in Paris is specialized in a transcultural clinical approach and treatment of psychotraumatism. The clinical demands addressed to the service often combine several levels of vulnerability: recent migration, repeated and intentional traumas, isolation and breach in family bonds sometimes precarious living conditions. Mastering how to approach trauma content adapting to the person’s temporality while taking into account the individual, family and collective dimensions, is a key driver to the clinical intervention (of our approach). Objective and method: We describe a paradigmatic clinical situation articulating its multidimensional complexity: the case of Céline, a 16-year-old Mozambique teenager, unaccompanied minor (UM), who arrived in France three years ago with her 4-year-old child born out of rape. They are both cared for by Paris Child Welfare Bureau. The authors used the CARE guidelines for a rigorous approach to clinical case writing. Results and discussion: In the clinical discussion, we highlight the pertinence of transcultural abilities for the treatment of a complex PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). We describe the measures taken to adapt the clinical interview framework to the mother’s psychic temporality, while negotiating what can be said in attendance of the child. The idea of tranquility is primordial—whether she decides to tell or not tell the child. Removing the pressure to have to tell is an element of treatment. Conclusion: Working through a progressive narrative construction, the therapeutical process allowed for the restoration of multiple levels of continuity between times prior to the trauma and following it, as well as prior to migration and following it, to create a continuum from adolescence to adulthood. Restoring narrativity favors the process of becoming a mother and the one of negotiating this new identity. The therapeutic axes also focused on improving the well-being of the UM-mother and preventing the impacts of transgenerational trauma transmission to the child. For women with similar experiences, sharing their emotions and their stories with us makes their choice about telling their child legitimate and comfortable, regardless of the decision they make.
A Workcation Improves Cardiac Parasympathetic Function during Sleep to Decrease Arterial Stiffness in Workers
Authors: Negoro Hideyuki , Kobayashi Ryota
Published: October 2022

A “Workcation” (combining work and vacation) has become increasingly common. Traditionally, the workcation focus has been on productivity; however, data showing associations between workcations and improvements in employees’ health are lacking. Therefore, this study examines the effects of a workcation on blood pressure, arterial stiffness, heart rate, autonomic nervous system function, and physical activity. Twenty healthy employees participating in a five-day workcation project at a large private company agreed to participate in this study. Data on arterial stiffness, heart rate, autonomic nerve activity, and physical activity were collected before, during, and after the workcation. Arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and heart rate significantly decreased (p < 0.05); meanwhile, physical activity levels and parasympathetic function during sleep significantly increased during the workcation (p < 0.05). Thus, a workcation implies a new way of working that improves employees’ cardiovascular indices and parasympathetic function during sleep.
Usability of Mobile Solutions Intended for Diagnostic Images—A Systematic Review
Authors: Kufel Jakub , Bargieł Katarzyna , Koźlik Maciej , Czogalik Łukasz , Dudek Piotr , Jaworski Aleksander , Magiera Mikołaj , Bartnikowska Wiktoria , Cebula Maciej , Nawrat Zbigniew , Gruszczyńska Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

Despite the growing popularity of mobile devices, they still have not found widespread use in medicine. This is due to the procedures in a given place, differences in the availability of mobile devices between individual institutions or lack of appropriate legal regulations and accreditation by relevant institutions. Numerous studies have been conducted and compared the usability of mobile solutions designed for diagnostic images evaluation on various mobile devices and applications with classic stationary descriptive stations. This study is an attempt to compare the usefulness of currently available mobile applications which are used in the medical industry, focusing on imaging diagnostics. As a consequence of the healthcare sector’s diversity, it is also not possible to design a universal mobile application, which results in a multitude of software available on the market and makes it difficult to reliably compile and compare studies included in this systematic review. Despite these differences, it was possible to identify both positive and negative features of portable methods analyzing radiological images. The mobile application of the golden mean in hospital infrastructure should be widely available, with convenient and simple usage. Our future research will focus on development in the use of mobile devices and applications in the medical sector.
Approaching Sarcopenic Obesity in Young and Middle-Aged Female Adults in Weight Management Settings: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pellegrini Massimo , Itani Leila , Rossi Andrea P. , Kreidieh Dima , El Masri Dana , Tannir Hana , El Ghoch Marwan
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a review of the available literature on sarcopenic obesity (SO) in young and middle-aged female adults with obesity in weight management settings. A literature review using the PubMed/Medline and Science Direct databases was conducted, and the data were summarized through a narrative approach. Firstly, some physical performance tests and questionnaires are available for screening young and middle-aged female adults with a high risk of SO. Secondly, these patients can undergo instrumental measurements such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to confirm or reject a diagnosis of SO, applying definitions that account for body mass. Thirdly, SO is a prevalent phenotype in females seeking weight management treatment, as well as being strongly associated (vs. non-SO) with obesity-related comorbidities that need to be promptly managed, initially with nutritional programs or/and in combination with medications. Finally, patients with SO have a reduced baseline resting energy expenditure and more sedentary behaviors, which seem to account for the relationship between SO and poorer weight management outcomes, such as a higher early dropout rate and major later difficulties in weight loss maintenance. Therefore, specific strategies for personalized weight management programs for patients with SO should be incorporated to determine a successful management of this phenotype.
Effect of Uncertainty in Illness and Fatigue on Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients on Dialysis: A Cross-Sectional Correlation Study
Authors: Cho Ok-Hee , Hong Insook , Kim Hyekyung
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of uncertainty in illness and fatigue on the health-related quality of life of patients on dialysis. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients on hemodialysis (n = 80) and peritoneal dialysis (n = 81) in Korea. Data were collated using self-reported structured questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify those factors affecting the physical and mental health-related quality of life of patients. Patients on peritoneal dialysis reported higher levels of fatigue (p < 0.001). Factors affecting the physical health-related quality of life of patients on dialysis were fatigue (p < 0.001), employment (p = 0.001), and exercise (p = 0.016), thus explaining the observed variance of 37%. Factors affecting mental health-related quality of life were fatigue (p < 0.001), uncertainty (p = 0.004), educational level (p = 0.005), and smoking (p = 0.035). To improve the health-related quality of life of patients on dialysis, clinicians should assess their fatigue levels and plan multidisciplinary interventions to manage it. In addition, education level and employment status should be considered, and tailored interventions should be provided to acquire positive coping strategies and health promotion behaviors to counter disease uncertainty.
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions for Managing Chronic Pain on Pain Reduction, Anxiety, Depression and Mood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wong Ka Po , Tse Mimi Mun Yee , Qin Jing
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Patients diagnosed with chronic pain suffer from long-term pain, which negatively affects their daily lives and mental health. Virtual reality (VR) technologies are considered a therapeutic tool to manage pain perception and mental health conditions. This systematic review aimed to appraise the efficacy of VR in improving pain intensity, anxiety, depression and mood among patients with chronic pain; (2) Methods: Five electronic databases were systematically searched using the terms representing VR and chronic pain. Quality assessment was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale; (3) Results: Seventeen peer-reviewed articles were included in this review. It was found that VR was able to reduce pain intensity in patients with phantom limb pain, chronic headache, chronic neck pain and chronic low-back pain. The effects of VR on the improvement of anxiety, depression and mood were not determined due to the inadequate amount of clinical evidence; (4) Conclusions: VR, especially immersive VR, improves pain outcomes and its effects may vary depending on the approach and study design. More research is still needed to investigate the clinical use of VR in patients with chronic pain.
Evaluation of the Contact Toxicity and Physiological Mechanisms of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Shoot Extract and Selected Major Constituent Compounds against Melanaphis sorghi Theobald
Authors: Liu Xuli , Xi Keyong , Wang Yanhong , Ma Jiawei , Huang Xinzheng , Liu Ran , Cai Xiaodong , Zhu Yongxing , Yin Junliang , Jia Qie , Liu Yiqing
Published: October 2022

Botanical pesticides have gradually become accepted for use in the control of agricultural pests. In order to clarify the active compounds of the ginger (Zingiber officinale) shoot extract (GSE) and its inhibitory effect on the growth of sorghum aphids (Melanaphis sorghi). In this study, LC-MS/MS was used to determine the major active compounds of the GSE, and leaf disc method was used to explore the insecticidal effect of the active compounds of ginger on sorghum aphids and the response mechanism of sorghum aphids. The results showed that phenolic acids were identified as the main active compounds, followed by flavonoids. The aphidicidal activity test using the above compounds found that 6-gingerol, and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside exhibited aphidicidal activity (GSE > quercetin-3-O-rutinoside > 6-gingerol). The growth of sorghum aphid was evaluated by using different concentrations of the GSE. It was found that with the increase of concentration and treatment time, the litter size, longevity and molting of aphids significantly decreased, and the mortality of aphids increased. The enzyme activity of aphids treated with 15 mg·mL−1 GSE was determined, and it was found that the GSE could significantly inhibit the activities of pepsin, lipase and α-amylase of aphids, while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly activated. The activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) increased at first and then decreased. In detoxification enzymes, the carboxylesterase (CarE) activity was significantly activated, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly inhibited, and the glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity increased at first and then decreased. The above results indicated that the GSE may become a botanical pesticide for aphid control and provide new resources for the development of aphid biological agents.
Yield and Fruit Quality Response of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) to Foliar Spray of Potassium, Calcium and Kaolin
Authors: Al-Saif Adel M. , Mosa Walid F. A. , Saleh Abaidalah A. , Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Sas-Paszt Lidia , Abada Hesham S. , Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud
Published: October 2022

To study the effect of potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate and kaolin (Aluminum silicate) on pomegranate cv. Wonderful, this study was conducted during 2020–2021 to investigate the possibility of minimizing the percentages of sunburn and fruit cracking and ameliorating the yield and fruit quality of pomegranate during the aforementioned period. Four sprays consisting of potassium nitrate at 1%, 2% and 3%, calcium nitrate at 2%, 3% and 4%, kaolin at 2%, 4% and 6% and water only (control) were sprayed on pomegranate trees during May, July, and August. The results showed that through spraying the fruit at set percentages, fruit yield was greatly increased through the spraying of potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate and kaolin, particularly the application of potassium nitrate at 3% and 4% and kaolin at 6% as opposed to than the other percentages. In addition, the percentages of fruit cracking and sunburn were markedly lessened by the application of calcium nitrate at 4% and 6% and also by kaolin at 6%. Moreover, the fruit content from TSS, total sugars and anthocyanin, was improved through the spraying of potassium nitrate at 2% and 3%, whereas the fruit weight and firmness were improved by the application of calcium nitrate at 4% and kaolin at 6%.
Effect of Bacillus methylotrophicus on Tomato Plug Seedling
Authors: Sun Min , Meng Xiangguang , Peng Tieli , Hu Xiaohui
Published: October 2022

Tomato production is gradually shifting to modern production, which requires the factorization of tomato seedlings to shorten the seedling cycle and improve the seedling quality. Bacillus methylotrophicus, as a biofertilizer for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, can promote plant growth and enhance native plant defenses. However, reports on the role of this type of bacterial agent in horticultural crop seedlings are limited. We investigated the effects of different dosages of Bacillus methylotrophicus (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 g/strain) on tomato plug seedlings and aimed to screen out the suitable dosage of Bacillus methylotrophicus for tomato seedlings in 50-hole cavity trays. In this experiment, with the increase in Bacillus methylotrophicus, the number of leaves, plant height, stem thickness, leaf area, dry matter accumulation in each organ, growth function (G value), and seedling strength index of tomato seedlings showed an increasing trend, followed by a decreasing one. The appropriate dosage (0.50–1.25 g/strain) of bacterial agent increased the activities of the substrates urease, sucrase, and catalase, thus forming a good microbial community to maintain the balance of organic and inorganic carbon and guaranteeing the normal development of the root system. Meanwhile, under the treatment of 1.00 and 1.25 g/strain of inoculum, the absorption range of tomato roots increased, more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were absorbed from the substrate, and more nutrients were transported from the underground to the above-ground parts, which promoted shoot elongation and thickening of the shoots, increased the leaf number and dry matter accumulation, and improved the seedling quality. In this study, the mechanism of action of this microbial product on tomato seedlings was studied from the perspective of nutrient uptake and supply, and a sowing root application of 1.00 g/strain of Bacillus methylotrophicus in 50-hole cavity trays can improve the quality of tomato seedlings.
Physiological Responses of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to Soil Contamination with Pb
Authors: Ikkonen Elena , Kaznina Natalia
Published: October 2022

Contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metal leads to a decrease in the crop quality and yield, as well as increases in public health risks. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of soil contamination with lead (Pb) on the growth, photosynthesis, respiration, and coupling between these physiological processes, as well as temporal dynamics of Pb uptake and accumulation by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants. For this 46-day pot experiment, Pb(NO3)2 was mixed with loamy Retisol soil with the rate of 0, 50, and 250 mg kg−1. No significant differences in plant biomass accumulation were found between plants grown on Pb-free and Pb-rich soil, but root-weight ratio, root-to-shoot weight ratio, and leaf area were lower, and the number of leaves and leaf weight per unit area were significantly higher in plants grown on soil contaminated with Pb than in their counterparts grown on Pb-free soil. The concentration of Pb in plant root and shoot followed the increase in soil Pb, with Pb content in the roots being higher than in the shoots. Soil Pb decreased chlorophyll content, net CO2 assimilation rate and photosynthetic light use efficiency, but caused an increase in the leaf respiration rate regardless of whether respiration was performed in the light or in darkness. Increased ratio of respiration to photosynthesis reflects the shift in the carbon balance of lettuce plants toward carbon losses under stress conditions of soil contamination with Pb.
Chemical Composition and Polyphenol Compounds of Vaccinium floribundum Kunth (Ericaceae) from the Volcano Chimborazo Paramo (Ecuador)
Authors: Caranqui-Aldaz Jorge M. , Muelas-Domingo Raquel , Hernández Francisca , Martínez Rafael
Published: October 2022

Mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) is considered a “superfruit” due to its antioxidant capacity and possible health benefits. To date, there is no known study that addresses the biochemical characterization of mortiño berries from the paramo of the Chimborazo volcano (Ecuador). So, the aim of this research was to evaluate for the first time the effect of the stage of development of the mortiño berries (two stages) and environment of origin (three sampling areas) on fruit quality. Polyphenol compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MSn) and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Moreover, antioxidant properties (ABTS•+, and DPPH), sugar and organic acids, and minerals were examined. The main organic acids were quinic and citric acid, while glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose, and sorbitol were the main sugars determined in the mortiño fruits. The main constituents of the mortiño berries included hydroxycinnamic acids (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid), flavonols (quercetin 3-hexoside, quercetin 5-hexoside, quercetin 3-pentoside, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) and anthocyanins. Seven anthocyanins were identified: glycosides of cyanidin, delphinidin, petunidin, peonidin, and pelargonidin. The research confirms that the mortiño berries produced in the Ecuadorian paramo area are a valuable source of polyphenolics, rich in sugars and organic acids, and can be classified as a good source of microelements.
Treated Wastewater Use for Maintenance of Urban Green Spaces for Enhancing Regulatory Ecosystem Services and Securing Groundwater
Authors: Ramaiah Manish , Avtar Ram , Kumar Pankaj
Published: October 2022

Rising land surface temperature (LST), urban heat island (UHI) effects, and stress on surface-, processed-, potable-, and ground-water resources are some undesirable ecological changes due to rapid urbanization. Treating and reusing city-generated wastewater for maintaining urban green spaces (UGS) helps in reducing/preventing groundwater extraction, ensuring sufficient supply of potable water, and bringing down LST. However, the benefits of reusing treated wastewater in UGS for enhancing regulatory ecosystem services (RES) and ushering in a circular economy are yet to be realized. In view of these, the transportation costs of treated wastewater for irrigating the UGS of Panaji city—proposed to be developed as a smart city—were assessed. Field surveys were conducted at seven gardens/parks to collect the primary data on vegetation type (ground cover, hedge plants, and trees) and their daily water requirement. As the main focus of this study, a cost–benefit analysis of (a) drawing the groundwater using borewells versus use of treated wastewater from the city’s STP, and (b) two modes of treated wastewater transport: water tankers vs. pipeline was performed. Our analyses suggest that the copiously available 14 MLD treated wastewater from the STP, which meets all the safety standards, is far in excess of the current requirement of 6.24 MLD for watering the vegetation in all 17 parks/gardens in the city. Pipeline is an efficient (less energy, labor, and time) and economical (~47% more than water that is tanker-based) transportation mode. By utilizing the otherwise unused treated wastewater, which is processed at a cost of over USD half a million annually, the RES offered by the use of treated wastewater are (a) partially curtailing a combined loss of ~16 MLD due to the extraction of groundwater plus evapotranspiration (@8.86 mm d−1) from Panaji city’s 1.86 km2 UGS, and (b) reduction in LST ~3–4 °C in all of Panaji city. In addition, with the proficient and sustainable management of UGS and the meeting of many UNSDGs, the enhanced vegetation growth plus elevated carbon sequestration rates in the UGS are possible through the reuse of treated wastewater.
Biohazard Accidents, Harmful Elements to the Wellness of Healthcare Workers, and Their Risk Factors
Authors: Tejada-Pérez Juan José , Herrera-Burgos María Renée , Parrón-Carreño Tesifón , Alarcón-Rodríguez Raquel
Published: October 2022

Background. For healthcare personnel, biohazard accidents pose a significant risk to their health. These exposures can enable the transmission of pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective. To indicate and quantify the risk associated with higher threatening situations, such as biohazard accidents on repeated occasions or incorrect notifications to injured healthcare professionals. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Poniente Hospital in Almeria (Spain). In total, 592 participants reported 1062 accidents and their characteristics and notifications were analyzed. Results. It was found that women (OR = 1.29) working in the surgical area (OR = 2.92), those on indefinite contracts (OR = 1.67), and those with high work experience (OR = 1.14) were the main risk factors for multiple biohazard accidents. Concerning the incorrect notification of these accidents, the main risk factors were work performance during the afternoon shift (OR = 1.72) and the fact that the accident was caused by the injured worker himself (OR = 1.53). Conclusions. This study outlined the main factors that can contribute to healthcare professionals suffering these accidents. As a result, corrective measures must be taken against these risk factors to improve safety for healthcare workers in the future.
Adverse Effects of Co-Exposure to Cd and Microplastic in Tigriopus japonicus
Authors: Shi Wenzhuo , Guo Hao , Wang Junqiang , Han Xuemeng , Cai Wenqian
Published: October 2022

There is increasing concern about the adverse impact of exposure to microplastic, as an emerging pollutant, on wild organisms, and particularly on organisms co-exposed to microplastic and other environmental contaminants. It has been widely reported that the combination of microplastics and heavy metals showed obvious toxicity to organisms in terms their growth and development. The present study was performed to determine the impact of binary metal mixtures of cadmium (Cd) and polystyrene microplastic (PS-microplastic) on Tigriopus japonicus, a typical marine model organism, using a titration design. Increasing concentrations of PS-microplastic (2 μg/L, 20 μg/L, and 200 μg/L) were titrated against a constant concentration of Cd (15.2 μg/L). The results showed no significant impact of exposure to this dose of Cd or co-exposure to Cd and the lowest dose of PS-microplastic examined (2 μg/L). However, the feeding rate, filtration rate, oxygen consumption rate, and hatching number declined significantly in T. japonicus co-exposed to Cd and higher concentrations of PS-microplastic (20 μg/L and 200 μg/L) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the development of F1 larvae from nauplius stage (N) to adult stage (A) was markedly delayed when co-exposed to Cd and higher doses of PS-microplastic (20 and 200 μg/L), and the effects persisted to the F2 larval stage. Interestingly, the present titration design did not affect the sex ratio or number of oocysts in either the F1 or F2 generation. These results indicated that the current marine environmental concentrations of Cd and microplastic are safe for wild organisms. Further studies are required to address the knowledge gap regarding toxicological effects at the cellular and molecular levels.
Global Self-Esteem, Physical Activity, and Body Composition Changes Following a 12-Week Dietary and Physical Activity Intervention in Older Women
Authors: Grajek Mateusz , Gdańska Agnieszka , Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Głogowska-Ligus Joanna , Kobza Joanna
Published: October 2022

Older adults show lower physical activity. These changes altogether promote the development of overweight, obesity, and other chronic diseases. These factors substantially influence the quality of life and self-esteem of older adults. This phenomenon is especially visible after the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 12-week reductive diet and a 12-week physical activity plan for older adults on the global self-esteem of lifestyle in 60–70-year-old women. Materials and methods: Our participants were 600 women with increased body mass (BMI > 25 kg/m2) aged 60–70 years. After the initial evaluation, the participants were randomly divided into three groups: CG—control group (n = 200); DI—dietary group (n = 200) that committed to a 12-week reductive diet; PA—physical activity group (n = 200) that committed to a 12-week physical activity plan. The global self-esteem score (using the SES Rosenberg scale) and the anthropometric measurements were collected before and after the 12-week study. In the statistical analysis of data, the significance level was assumed to be 0.05. Results: The global self-esteem score for all groups before the study started was 30–31 points, which corresponded to average self-esteem. After a 12-week dietary or physical activity intervention, the score in the DI group was 33, which corresponded with high self-esteem. In the CG group, the self-esteem score remained unchanged (30 points). The average body mass loss was 0.5 kg/m2 for CG, 1.92 kg/m2 for DI, and 1.10 kg/m2 for the PA group. The average waist–hip ratio (WHR) change for CG, DI, and PA was 1 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm, respectively. A decrease in body mass and body composition indicators (BMI and WHR) corresponded to participants’ global self-esteem increase (p < 0.05); the greater the decrease noted for BMI and WHR, the greater the global self-esteem score that was achieved. In the CG group, a negative correlation between global self-esteem and BMI value (p < 0.05) was observed. Conclusions: A 12-week reductive diet and a 12-week regular physical activity plan lowered participants’ body mass. Adipose tissue content was reflected by decreased BMI and WHR indicators of participants from the DI and PA groups and was accompanied by higher global self-esteem scores.
Dynamic Changes and Regional Differences of Net Carbon Sequestration of Food Crops in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China
Authors: Zhao Liping , Li Xincheng , Li Xiangmei , Ai Chenyang
Published: October 2022

The carbon sequestration of food crops is of great significance to slow down agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural production and management. This paper analyzes the dynamic change and regional differences of net carbon sequestration of food crops from temporal and spatial perspectives for the case study area of the Yangtze River economic belt (YREB) in China. We use the calculation formula of carbon sequestration and carbon emission to calculate the net carbon sequestration in the Yangtze River economic belt. On this basis, we analyze the dynamic trend and regional differences of net carbon sequestration in the Yangtze River economic belt. Furthermore, we use the Gini coefficient to measure the quantitative gap of net carbon sequestration of grain crops in different regions of the Yangtze River economic belt. The results show that: (1) from 2000–2018, the net carbon sequestration of food crops keeps rising within the studied area, while the carbon emission shows a fluctuating downward trend; (2) remarkable regional differences in the net carbon sequestration of food crops have occurred, and most provinces (cities) show an upward trend for the studied area; (3) the unequitable distribution of net carbon sequestration of food crops is clearly displayed in the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the studied area. Moreover, the most uneven place is located on the lower reaches, and the least uneven place is in the upper reaches. These findings are important points of reference for reducing the carbon emissions of the agricultural industry in the Yangtze River economic belt of China and in China more generally.
Predictors of New-Onset Diabetes in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Făgărășan Iulia , Rusu Adriana , Cristea Maria , Bala Cornelia-Gabriela , Vulturar Damiana-Maria , Cristea Ciprian , Todea Doina-Adina
Published: October 2022

The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is one of the world’s most disruptive health crises. The presence of diabetes plays an important role in the severity of the infection, and a rise in newly diagnosed diabetes cases has been identified. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of new-onset diabetes (NOD) and predictive factors with their cut-off values for patients hospitalized with COVID-19. All patients (n = 219) hospitalized for COVID-19 during three consecutive months were included. NOD was diagnosed in 26.48% of patients. The severity of the infection, hospital admission values for fasting plasma glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), PaO2/FiO2 ratio, the peak values for leucocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, and the need for care in the intensive care unit were predictors for the occurrence of NOD in univariate analysis, while only LDH level remained a significant predictor in the multivariable analysis. In conclusion, the results of the study showed a high incidence of NOD in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and identified LDH levels at hospital admission as a significant predictor of NOD during SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the persistence of NOD after the COVID-19 infection is not known, therefore, the results must be interpreted with caution.
Barriers and Expectations of Adolescents Regarding the Identification and Management of Their Psychoactive Substance Use by Their General Practitioner
Authors: Fortin Frédéric , Roche Stéphanie , Dupouy Julie , Bernard Pierre , Lachal Jonathan , Lambert Céline , Laporte Catherine
Published: October 2022

Aims. General practitioners (GPs), who are the most frequently consulted health professionals by adolescents, play a key role in screening for psychoactive substance (PAS) use. The purpose of our study was to determine the barriers and expectations of adolescents regarding the identification and management of their PAS use by their general practitioner. Methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional study of a population of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, followed up in general practice in France. Adolescents were recruited from general practice offices by open-access questionnaires. An opaque box was provided to ensure the anonymity of the adolescents. Results. A total of 277 adolescents were included: 155 girls, mean age 14.5 ± 1.7 years, 113 adolescents (41%) had used a PAS at least once in the past 12 months. Alcohol was the most used PAS, followed by tobacco and cannabis. Three groups were identified: the nonusers group (n = 134); the group of moderate users (n = 71); the group of users at risk of substance abuse or misusing (n = 38). Regardless of group, adolescents felt that their GP was attentive, responsive, competent, understanding, and took the time to ask the appropriate questions in their role. The at-risk group was less confident and less comfortable, and they felt more judged and more afraid of the GP telling their parents. Despite this, the at-risk group was the most willing to talk to their GP about their PAS. Almost half of the adolescents surveyed found it useful to use a questionnaire to discuss PAS. Conclusions. Reminding each consultation of the principles of the relationship of trust and confidentiality while maintaining an empathetic attitude would make it easier for GPs to remove adolescents’ inhibitions about communicating about their PAS use.
Swimming at the Time of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study among Young Italian Competitive Athletes
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Protano Carmela , Zaccarin Matteo , Zanni Stefano , Valeriani Federica , Liguori Giorgio , Romano Spica Vincenzo , Vitali Matteo
Published: October 2022

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several restriction measures were imposed to control the virus transmission, with important repercussions on different sectors, including sport. This study aimed to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian competitive swimmers by analyzing how the disease and the restriction measures affected their training. In total, 396 competitive swimmers (mean age 16.0 ± 3.2 years) participated. A questionnaire was used to collect their general information, to assess whether they had had COVID-19 and the number of training days lost due to the disease or to the closure of swimming facilities, and the possible alternative training adopted. Twenty-four (6.1%) participants had had COVID-19 and lost, on average, 32 training days. The closure of facilities caused an interruption in swimming training for about 18% of the participants. The majority of these continued their training, mainly through home-based exercise, but reduced their weekly training time (-8 median hours/week). A positive association was found between regularly adopted weekly training volume and that assumed during pandemic closure (OR 9.433, CI95% 1.644–54.137, p = 0.012), suggesting that the previous level of engagement in sport can represent a predictor of exercise maintenance in challenging situations such as a pandemic. Further studies are needed to identify personal, environmental, and social resources that can help individuals to counteract the negative effects of restriction measures.
Sex Differences in Training Behaviors of 10 km to Ultra-Endurance Runners (Part A)—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)
Authors: Tanous Derrick , Motevalli Mohamad , Wirnitzer Gerold , Leitzmann Claus , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat , Wirnitzer Katharina
Published: October 2022

Training for running events is fundamental for successful participation in various running events such as 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, or ultra-marathon distances. Training behaviors are likely based on runner motivations and social constraints, particularly for females. Participants completed a questionnaire following a cross-sectional approach, including questions on sociodemographics, general training behaviors, and periodization training strategies. The final sample included 245 participants (141 females, 104 males), mostly from Germany (72%), Austria (18%), and Switzerland (5%), with a median age of 39 years (IQR 17) and a BMI of 21.7 kg/m² (IQR 3.5). Males more often trained alone and independently, whereas females were most likely to follow an external resource (p = 0.037). Non-parametric ANOVA revealed significant training differences between sexes in daily training mileages and durations at each phase and stage (p < 0.05) as well as in weekly training mileages and durations for general basic training and race-specific training (p < 0.05). Critical sex differences in training behaviors may arise from physiological differences and social expectations, which may be related to the distances they prefer to race at as well as their motivations for running and racing. This study provides a wide overview of training behaviors for endurance runners or professionals guiding healthy running performance.
In Situ Simultaneous Analysis of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Migration in Urban Black Odorous Runoff
Authors: Chen Ying , Yao Yu , Han Xiaoxiang , Li Dujun , Han Ruiming
Published: October 2022

The extremely serious urban runoff eutrophication and black odorous phenomenon pose a significant threat to the lake aquatic ecosystem, resulting in a significantly increased frequency, magnitude, and duration of algal blooms in lakes. However, few investigations focus on small tributaries of the lakes, despite the ubiquity and potential local importance of these runoffs. Thus, the labile sediments NH4+-N, NO3−-N, PO43−, Fe2+, and S2− in black odorous runoff at Wuxi were overall analyzed at high resolution using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). The variations in labile N, P, Fe, and S distribution profiles at different sampling sites indicated high heterogeneity in sediments. The concentrations of labile P, Fe, and S showed synchronous variation from the sediment-water interface (SWI) up to −20 mm along sediment profiles. Moreover, there existed a significant positive correlation among labile P, Fe, and S concentrations (p < 0.05), which might represent typical odor compounds’ FeS and H2S synchronous release process in urban runoff. Furthermore, the apparent diffusion fluxes of labile P, Fe, and S across the SWI were all released upward, while fluxes of NH4+-N and NO3−-N release downward, indicating the sediments act as source and sink of P and N, respectively. Sediments’ potential for endogenous P and N fractions release results in the black−odorous water, and sediment finally abouchement the Taihu, which intensifies further lake eutrophication phenomenon.
Relationships between Spirituality, Religious Fundamentalism and Environmentalism: The Mediating Role of Right-Wing Authoritarianism
Authors: Skalski Sebastian Binyamin , Loichen Teresa , Toussaint Loren L. , Uram Patrycja , Kwiatkowska Anna , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: October 2022

According to past research, religious attitudes can strongly influence individuals’ beliefs and behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between spirituality (the Scale of Spirituality; dimensions include religious spirituality, expanding consciousness, searching for meaning, sensitivity to art, doing good, and sensitivity to inner beauty), religious fundamentalism (the Religious Fundamentalism Scale), support for right-wing authoritarianism (the Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale), climate concerns (the Environmental Concern Scale), and pro-environmental behavior (the Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale). The cross-sectional study involved 512 Poles aged 18–63 (M = 34.63, SD = 5.96; Mdn = 33), including 51% females. Multiple regression analysis revealed that two dimensions of spirituality (sensitivity to art and doing good) and religious fundamentalism are significant and opposite predictors of climate concern and pro-environmental behavior. Spirituality appeared to foster increased climate concern and caring behavior, while religious fundamentalism negatively predicted the same variables. Mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between religion and environmentalism could be explained in part by differences in support for right-wing authoritarianism (authoritarianism itself was negatively related to environmental outcomes). In addition, analysis of variance revealed that believers (70% of participants in the study were Catholic) showed significantly lower scores regarding climate concerns and pro-environmental behavior than non-believers, yet the inclusion of support for right-wing authoritarianism as a covariate in the equation reduced intergroup differences to statistical insignificance. The data obtained suggest that religious attitudes and socio-political views may play important roles in solving environmental problems.
Conceptual Framework for Implementation of Internationalization in Dental Education with Foundations in Dental Student Life
Authors: Burad Meghna , Laowanichwith Chanon , Kiatsukasem Aimwadee , Supa-amornkul Sirirak , Sipiyaruk Kawin
Published: October 2022

The integration of internationalization within higher education has gained attention in both international and local programs, which allows the enrichment of the institutional quality. Previous literature reveals multidimensional considerations to determine the level of internationalization, considered as pre-existing performance indicators, including: (1) ‘Curriculum and academic offerings’; (2) ‘Collaboration and partnership’; (3) ‘Student and academic staff mobility’; (4) ‘Institutional policy’; (5) ‘Resources’; (6) ‘Campus life’; and (7) ‘Performance review and accountability’. This study aimed to investigate the impact of performance indicators of internationalization on academic performance and extracurricular activities among dental students. A validated online self-administered questionnaire was distributed to dental undergraduates. The data from 93 students (response rate: 96.86%) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regressions. The findings demonstrated that all performance indicators appeared to have significant impact on self-perceived participations of extracurricular activities (p < 0.05), while only ‘Collaboration and partnership’ (p = 0.016), ‘Student and academic staff mobility’ (p = 0.009), ‘Institutional policy’ (p = 0.008), and ‘Campus life’ (p = 0.005) significantly affected actual participations. None of them appeared to be significant predictors for actual and self-perceived academic performance (p > 0.05). The statistical model constructed in this research can be utilized as a conceptual framework in the future establishment of internationalization among dental schools.
Perceived Risk for Dengue Infection Mediates the Relationship between Attitude and Practice for Dengue Prevention: A Study in Seremban, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Zamzuri Mohd ‘Ammar Ihsan , Abd Majid Farah Nabila , Dapari Rahmat , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Isa Abd Majid Mohd
Published: October 2022

Dengue remains a public health concern due to limited curative treatment and safe vaccine availability. Prevention by individual is utmost necessary but its practice is still lacking. Perceived risk to disease has been reported to exert a good effect on health behaviour change. However, limited evidence showed its relationship towards attitude and practice for dengue prevention. Hence, we aim to measure the mediating effect of dengue risk perception in the relationship between dengue attitude and dengue prevention practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to November 2021 in a district of Seremban using a pre-validated questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the respondents prior to inclusion in the study. The study was approved by the ethical research committee. A total of 347 respondents took part in the survey, but only 341 data points were included in the final analysis. The majority of the respondents were female (63.0%), of Malay ethnicity (86.8%), married (55.4%), and currently employed (71.0%). The pooled confirmatory factor analysis result demonstrated an RMSEA value of 0.038 (<0.08), CFI value of 0.969 (>0.90), TLI value of 0.9565 (>0.90), and ChiSq/df = 1.479 (<3.0). All the hypotheses for direct effect yielded a significant and positive relationship. Bootstrapping analysis to test for mediation revealed a partial mediation effect as both indirect and direct effects are significant. Risk perception is a mediator variable between attitude and dengue prevention practice. Therefore, our recommendation is to increase health awareness activity that helps to improve individual’s risk perception through active health promotion and a health educational campaign that inculcates dengue risk messages. Ultimately, this effort can enhance good health prevention behaviour.