bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiology of Plant Responses to Water Stress and Related Genes: A Review
Authors: Wu Jiaojiao , Wang Jingyan , Hui Wenkai , Zhao Feiyan , Wang Peiyun , Su Chengyi , Gong Wei
Published: February 2022

Drought and waterlogging seriously affect the growth of plants and are considered severe constraints on agricultural and forestry productivity; their frequency and degree have increased over time due to global climate change. The morphology, photosynthetic activity, antioxidant enzyme system and hormone levels of plants could change in response to water stress. The mechanisms of these changes are introduced in this review, along with research on key transcription factors and genes. Both drought and waterlogging stress similarly impact leaf morphology (such as wilting and crimping) and inhibit photosynthesis. The former affects the absorption and transportation mechanisms of plants, and the lack of water and nutrients inhibits the formation of chlorophyll, which leads to reduced photosynthetic capacity. Constitutive overexpression of 9-cis-epoxydioxygenase (NCED) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), key enzymes in abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, increases drought resistance. The latter forces leaf stomata to close in response to chemical signals, which are produced by the roots and transferred aboveground, affecting the absorption capacity of CO2, and reducing photosynthetic substrates. The root system produces adventitious roots and forms aerenchymal to adapt the stresses. Ethylene (ETH) is the main response hormone of plants to waterlogging stress, and is a member of the ERFVII subfamily, which includes response factors involved in hypoxia-induced gene expression, and responds to energy expenditure through anaerobic respiration. There are two potential adaptation mechanisms of plants (“static” or “escape”) through ETH-mediated gibberellin (GA) dynamic equilibrium to waterlogging stress in the present studies. Plant signal transduction pathways, after receiving stress stimulus signals as well as the regulatory mechanism of the subsequent synthesis of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes to produce ethanol under a hypoxic environment caused by waterlogging, should be considered. This review provides a theoretical basis for plants to improve water stress tolerance and water-resistant breeding.
Allometric Equation for Aboveground Biomass Estimation of Mixed Mature Mangrove Forest
Authors: Abdul-Hamid Hazandy , Mohamad-Ismail Fatin-Norliyana , Mohamed Johar , Samdin Zaiton , Abiri Rambod , Tuan-Ibrahim Tuan-Marina , Mohammad Lydia-Suzieana , Jalil Abdul-Majid , Naji Hamid-Reza
Published: February 2022

The disturbance of mangrove forests could affect climate regulation, hydrological cycles, biodiversity, and many other unique ecological functions and services. Proper biomass estimation and carbon storage potential are needed to improve forest reference on biomass accumulation. The establishment of a site-specific allometric equation is crucial to avert destructive sampling in future biomass estimation. This study aimed to develop a site-specific allometric equation for biomass estimation of a mix-mature mangrove forest at Sungai Pulai Forest Reserve, Johor. A stratified line transect was set up and a total of 1000 standing trees encompassing seven mangrove tree species were inventoried. Destructive sampling was conducted using the selective random sampling method on 15 standing trees. Five allometric equations were derived by using diameter at breast height (D), stem height (H), and wood density (ρ) which were then compared to the common equation. Simulations of each allometric equation regarding species were performed on 1000 standing trees. Results showed that the single variable (D) equation provided an accurate estimation, which was slightly improved when incorporated with the H variable. Both D and H variables, however, gave inconsistent results for large-scale data and imbalance of sampled species. Meanwhile, the best fit either for small-scale or large-scale data, as well as for imbalanced sample species was achieved following the inclusion of the ρ variable when developing the equation. Hence, excluding the H variable while including the ρ variable should be considered as an important determinant in mixed mangrove species and uneven-aged stand for aboveground biomass estimation. This valuation can both improve and influence decision-making in forest development and conservation.
Effect of Sea Salt and Taro Waste on Fungal Mortierella alpina Cultivation for Arachidonic Acid-Rich Lipid Production
Authors: Chen Yen-Hui , Ong Chang-Chng , Lin Ting-Yao
Published: February 2022

Arachidonic acid (ARA), an important polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), acts as a precursor for eicosanoid hormones, such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and other biological substances in human and animal bodies. Mortierella alpina is considered to be a potential strain for ARA production. Using agricultural waste as a substrate for microbial fermentation could achieve biorefinery concepts, and sea water utilization of the cultivation process could help to conserve fresh water resources. The objectives of this study were to find a potential M. alpina strain for ARA production, to investigate the tolerance of salinity and to evaluate the feasibility of the taro waste hydrolysate for M. alpina cultivation. The result showed that M. alpina FU30797 had the highest lipid content (25.97%) and ARA ratio (34.60%) among three strains. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between 0 and 10 g/L of sea salt solution on the biomass concentration and lipid content of M. alpina FU30797. The acidic hydrolysate and enzymatic hydrolysate of taro peel waste (TPW) were both utilized as culture substrates by M. alpina FU30797; however, the substrate up-take rate and lipid content in the TPW enzymatic hydrolysate cultivation were 292.33 mg/L-h and 30.68%, respectively, which are higher than those in acidic hydrolysate cultivation, and the ARA ratio was 33.05% in the enzymatic hydrolysate cultivation. From fed-batch cultivation in the bioreactor, the lipid content and ARA ratio reached 36.97% and 46.04%, respectively. In summary, the results from this project could potentially provide useful information for developing the PUFA-ARA bioprocess by using M. alpina.
Modeling Transport of SARS-CoV-2 Inside a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Bus
Authors: Goodson Matthew , Feaster Jeffrey , Jones Andy , McGowan Gregory , Agricola Lucas , Timms William , Uddin Mesbah
Published: February 2022

We present in this paper a model of the transport of human respiratory particles on a Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus to examine the efficacy of interventions to limit exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The methods discussed here utilize a commercial Navier–Stokes flow solver, RavenCFD, using a massively parallel supercomputer to model the flow of air through the bus under varying conditions, such as windows being open or the HVAC flow settings. Lagrangian particles are injected into the RavenCFD predicted flow fields to simulate the respiratory droplets from speaking, coughing, or sneezing. These particles are then traced over time and space until they interact with a surface or are removed via the HVAC system. Finally, a volumetric Viral Mean Exposure Time (VMET) is computed to quantify the risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 under various environmental and occupancy scenarios. Comparing the VMET under varying conditions should help identify viable methods to reduce the risk of viral exposure of CATS bus passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simplified Analysis and Expanded Profiles of Avenanthramides in Oat Grains
Authors: Woolman Mike , Liu Keshun
Published: February 2022

Uniquely, oats contain avenanthramides (AVAs), a group of phenolic alkaloids, exhibiting many health benefits. AVA analysis involves extraction with alcohol-based solvents and HPLC separation with UV and/or mass spectrometer detectors. There are many reported methods to extract AVAs. Almost all entail multiple extractions. The whole procedure is time- and labor-intensive. Furthermore, most quantifications are limited to three common AVAs (2f, 2p, 2c). The present study compared three extraction methods (all at 50 °C) for their effects on AVA concentrations and composition (% relative to total AVA) of oat grains. These included triplicate extractions with 80% ethanol containing 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.0) (A), triplicate extractions with 80% ethanol (B), and a single extraction with 80% ethanol (C), while keeping solid/total solvent ratio at 1/60 (g/mL) and total extraction time of 60 min. Results showed that 80% buffered ethanol gave significantly lower AVA contents than 80% ethanol, while single and triplicate extractions with 80% ethanol produced the same extractability. However, the extraction method had no effect on AVA composition. Using 0.25 g sample size instead of 0.5 g saved extractants by half, without affecting AVA measurements. Consequently, a simplified method of extraction was developed, featuring Method C. The present study also expanded profiling individual AVAs beyond AVA 2c, 2p and 2f. Other AVAs identified and semi-quantified included 5p, 4p, 3f/4f, and 2pd. The simplified analysis was validated by measuring 16 selected oat grain samples. Some of these grains had relatively high contents of 4p, 3f/4f and 2pd, which have been considered minor AVAs previously.
Benefits of Fermented Papaya in Human Health
Authors: Leitão Mariana , Ribeiro Tatiana , García Pablo A. , Barreiros Luisa , Correia Patrícia
Published: February 2022

Fermented foods have been used for several years all over the world, due to their unique nutritional characteristics and because fermentation promotes conservation and food security. Moreover, fermented foods and beverages have a strong impact on human gut microbiota. Papaya is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant, traditionally used as a medicinal fruit, but there are also references to the use of the fermented form of this fruit. The main purpose of this review is to provide an improved understanding of fermented papaya nutritional and health applications. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were included. According to the retrieved studies, fermented papaya has proven to be an excellent antioxidant and an excellent nutraceutical adjuvant in combined therapies against several diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, allergic reactions, anticancer activity, and anemias. Therefore, it is concluded that fermented papaya has many benefits for human health and can be used as prevention or aid in the treatment of various diseases.
The Sensory Quality and the Physical Properties of Functional Green Tea-Infused Yoghurt with Inulin
Authors: Świąder Katarzyna , Florowska Anna
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the addition of inulin (3%, 6% and 9%) to green tea-infused set type yoghurt on its sensory quality and physical properties. Yogurts were made by combining green tea with milk and inulin and inoculated with freeze-dried starter cultures YO-122. Incubation was conducted at 43 °C for approximately 4.5 h until a pH value of 4.5–4.6 was achieved. For the prepared yoghurts, a panel of experts (n = 10) was selected, characterized 35 attributes and conducted a sensory quality assessment of these yoghurts using the Quantitative Descriptive Profile method. Additionally, instrumental analyses such as yield stress, adhesiveness, firmness, physical stability and color parameters were also carried out. The use of green tea infusion increased the perception of green tea flavor, bitterness, astringency, dark color of the yoghurt and the existing whey, which worsened the overall sensory quality of the yoghurt. The addition of inulin (9%) to the green tea yoghurt, increased the perception of sweet, peach flavor and aroma and improved the firmness of the yoghurt while reducing the perception of sour taste, which improved the sensory quality of the yoghurt. Both inulin and green tea affected the physical properties of the yoghurts, causing an increase in the yield stress (43%, and 20%, respectively) and deteriorated the stability of the yoghurts. Green tea affected the color of the yoghurts, causing the lightness to decrease. The L* parameter decreased from 89.80 for the control sample to 84.42 for the green tea infused yoghurt. The use of infused green tea in yoghurt production makes it necessary to use ingredients that will neutralize its adverse effects on sensory quality and physical parameters of yoghurt, and such an additive can be prebiotic fiber–inulin at a concentration of 9%.
Fractionation of Extracts from Black Chokeberry, Cranberry, and Pomegranate to Identify Compounds That Influence Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Niesen Sonja , Göttel Celina , Becker Hanna , Bakuradze Tamara , Winterhalter Peter , Richling Elke
Published: February 2022

Polyphenols show a spectrum of bioactive effects, including an influence on lipid metabolism. In this study, we performed activity-guided fractionations of black chokeberry (aronia), cranberry, and pomegranate extracts to identify the biologically active compounds. The extracts were prepared from fruit juice concentrates with the adsorbent resin Amberlite XAD-7 and were separated into a copigment and an anthocyanin fraction, followed by fractionation into a polymer and monomeric fraction by means of hexane precipitation. For further fractionation of the cranberry and pomegranate copigment fractions, high-performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) was used. The compounds in each fraction were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS), and the quantification was performed by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (UHPLC-DAD) analyses. Each of the (sub-)fractions was tested in three in vitro assays: phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE) activity, lipid accumulation, and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 cells. The results showed that various fractions and subfractions can inhibit lipid accumulation and PDE activity as well as increase lipolysis, particularly copigments. Overall, our results indicate an influence of polyphenol-rich (sub-)fractions on the lipid metabolism.
Estimates for a Rough Fractional Integral Operator and Its Commutators on p-Adic Central Morrey Spaces
Authors: Sarfraz Naqash , Jarad Fahd
Published: February 2022

In the current paper, we obtain the boundedness of a rough p-adic fractional integral operator on p-adic central Morrey spaces. Moreover, we establish the λ-central bounded mean oscillations estimate for commutators of a rough p-adic fractional integral operator on p-adic central Morrey spaces.
The Effects of DNA Test Results on Biological and Family Identities
Authors: Theunissen Catherine Agnes
Published: February 2022

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing is increasingly affordable and accessible, and the potential implications from these tests are becoming more important. As additional people partake in DNA testing, larger population groups and information will cause further refinement of results and more extensive databases, resulting in further potential opportunities to connect biological relatives and increased chances of testers potentially having their identities re-aligned, reinforced or solidified. The effects of DNA testing were explored through 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with participants who had received their DNA test results. These participants came from diverse groups, genders and ethnic backgrounds. A thematic analysis found that notions of family were frequently challenged with unexpected DNA test results causing shifts in personal and social identities, especially in their family and biological identities. Discrepancies in DNA test results prompted re-negotiation of these identities and affected their feelings of belonging to their perceived social groups. Participants’ identities were important to them in varying degrees, with some feeling stronger connections with specific identities, thus having significant re-alignment of these identities and feelings of belonging. This article discusses the thematic analysis’s findings and explores how identities of the participants, many of whom took the test for genealogical purposes, were affected by DNA test results. As more people undertake DNA testing, it is important to explore how it may change the notions of family in the future and how their biological and family identities are affected.
Phenotyping Mediterranean Durum Wheat Landraces for Resistance to Zymoseptoria tritici in Tunisia
Authors: Ben M’Barek Sarrah , Laribi Marwa , Kouki Hajer , Castillo Dalma , Araar Chayma , Nefzaoui Meriem , Ammar Karim , Saint-Pierre Carolina , Yahyaoui Amor Hassine
Published: February 2022

Durum wheat landraces have huge potential for the identification of genetic factors valuable for improving resistance to biotic stresses. Tunisia is known as a hot spot for Septoria tritici blotch disease (STB), caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici (Z. tritici). In this context, a collection of 3166 Mediterranean durum wheat landraces were evaluated at the seedling and adult stages for STB resistance in the 2016–2017 cropping season under field conditions in Kodia (Tunisia). Unadapted/susceptible accessions were eliminated to reach the final set of 1059 accessions; this was termed the Med-collection, which comprised accessions from 13 countries and was also screened in the 2018–2019 cropping season. The Med-collection showed high frequency of resistance reactions, among which over 50% showed an immune reaction (HR) at both seedling and adult growth stages. Interestingly, 92% of HR and R accessions maintained their resistance levels across the two years, confirming the highly significant correlation found between seedling- and adult-stage reactions. Plant Height was found to have a negative significant effect on adult-stage resistance, suggesting that either this trait can influence disease severity, or that it can be due to environmental/epidemiological factors. Accessions from Italy showed the highest variability, while those from Portugal, Spain and Tunisia showed the highest levels of resistance at both growth stages, suggesting that the latter accessions may harbor novel QTLs effective for STB resistance.
Canalized Morphogenesis Driven by Inherited Tissue Asymmetries in Hydra Regeneration
Authors: Shani-Zerbib Lital , Garion Liora , Maroudas-Sacks Yonit , Braun Erez , Keren Kinneret
Published: February 2022

The emergence and stabilization of a body axis is a major step in animal morphogenesis, determining the symmetry of the body plan as well as its polarity. To advance our understanding of the emergence of body axis polarity, we study regenerating Hydra. Axis polarity is strongly memorized in Hydra regeneration even in small tissue segments. What type of processes confer this memory? To gain insight into the emerging polarity, we utilize frustrating initial conditions by studying regenerating tissue strips which fold into hollow spheroids by adhering their distal ends of opposite original polarities. Despite the convoluted folding process and the tissue rearrangements during regeneration, these tissue strips develop in a reproducible manner, preserving the original polarity and yielding an ordered body plan. These observations suggest that the integration of mechanical and biochemical processes supported by their mutual feedback attracts the tissue dynamics towards a well-defined developmental trajectory biased by weak inherited cues from the parent animal. Hydra thus provide an example of dynamic canalization in which the dynamic rules are instilled, but, in contrast to the classical picture, the detailed developmental trajectory does not unfold in a programmatic manner.
Successive Modes of Carbonate Precipitation in Microbialites along the Hydrothermal Spring of La Salsa in Laguna Pastos Grandes (Bolivian Altiplano)
Authors: Muller Elodie , Ader Magali , Aloisi Giovanni , Bougeault Cédric , Durlet Christophe , Vennin Emmanuelle , Benzerara Karim , Gaucher Eric C. , Virgone Aurélien , Chavez Marco , Souquet Pierre , Gérard Emmanuelle
Published: February 2022

Interpreting the paleoecosystems of ancient microbialites relies on our understanding of how modern microbialites form in relation with the bio-physico-chemical conditions of their environment. In this study, we investigated the formation of modern carbonate microbialites in the hydrothermal system of La Salsa in Laguna Pastos Grandes (Bolivia), which spans a wide range of physicochemical conditions and associated microbial communities. By combining dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) isotope mass balance modeling, analysis of carbonates solubility diagram, and imaging of the microorganisms–mineral assemblages within microbial mats, we found that several modes of carbonate precipitation dominate in distinct portions of the hydrothermal system. (1) In high-[DIC] waters, undersaturated to slightly saturated with respect to calcite, cyanobacterial calcification is promoted by CO2 degassing and photosynthetic activity within the microbial mats. (2) In alkaline waters undergoing sustained evaporation, the precipitation of an amorphous calcium carbonate phase seems to control the water a(Ca2+)/a(CO32−) ratio and to serve as a precursor to micritic calcite formation in microbial mats. (3) In saline ephemeral ponds, where the carbonate precipitation is the highest, calcite precipitation probably occurs through a different pathway, leading to a different calcite texture, i.e., aggregates of rhombohedral crystals.
Singing Experience Influences RSST Scores
Authors: Yagi Naomi , Sakai Yoshitada , Kawamura Naoko , Maezawa Hitoshi , Hata Yutaka , Hirata Masayuki , Kashioka Hideki , Yanagida Toshio
Published: February 2022

It has recently been shown that the aging population is refractory to the maintenance of swallowing function, which can seriously affect quality of life. Singing and vocal training contribute to mastication, swallowing and respiratory function. Previous studies have shown that singers have better vocal cord health. No consensus has been reached as to how vocal training affects swallowing ability. Our study was designed to establish evidence that singers are statistically superior at inducing the swallowing reflex. To test our hypothesis, we undertook a clinical trial on 55 singers and 141 non-singers (mean age: 60.1 ± 11.7 years). This cross-sectional study with propensity score matching resulted in significant differences in a repetitive saliva swallowing test among singers: 7.1 ± 2.4, n = 53 vs. non-singers: 5.9 ± 1.9, n = 53, p < 0.05. We conclude that singing can serve an important role in stabilizing the impact of voluntary swallowing on speech.
Effects of Grazing on Water Erosion, Compaction and Infiltration on Grasslands
Authors: Centeri Csaba
Published: February 2022

Seventy-seven percent of all agricultural land is related to livestock, meat and dairy, including grazing land and arable fields used for animal feed production. The effect of livestock on the natural environment is well documented. Many types of research describe these effects on biodiversity. The surface runoff and soil erosion on grasslands and pastures are investigated with smaller intensity since grasslands are one of the two major land uses that are considered as natural or at least semi-natural lands. Still, mainly due to overuse, grazing on sloping pasture lands can cause severe soil damage, the trampling can cause compaction, compaction decrease infiltration and thus increase runoff and, consequently, soil loss. There are several consequences of the grazing pressure that cause water erosion and surface runoff above the acceptable limit, such as a dramatic decrease in grass densities and/or above-ground bio-mass, compaction, animal tracks, etc. Related research started as early as 1911 and continues until today. There are several methods to analyse the consequences of grazing pressure, e.g., in situ rainfall simulations, infiltration and soil resilience measurements, modelling of runoff, soil loss and infiltration, calculation of ecological costs, etc. Furthermore, most importantly, scientists are investigating the possibilities for improvement of the achieved unstable grazing system due to bad management. Numerous publications have been publishing results on positive changes with the removal of grazing livestock from the grasslands. However, since the socio-economic situation is changing on Earth, more people requiring the products of the pastures, an optimal grazing solution is greatly needed. One of the solutions can be the planning of the optimal animal unit per area, based on the expected grass yields. However, due to the big differences in yields, caused by the greatly unreliable weather, the solution for the future must be a multifunctional agriculture and a flexible land use.
Coronary Sinus Diameter as a Potential Marker of Right Ventricle Impairment
Authors: Młynarski Rafał , Młynarska Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the parameters of the coronary sinus (CS) on the parameters that describe the function of the right ventricle (RV), which were calculated using cardiac computed tomography. Methods: A CT scan of the heart was performed on 150 patients due to suspicion of coronary artery disease using a Siemens Somatom Force (2 × 192 × 0.6) and a syngo.via workstation. The “CT coronary” and in some cases the generic presets were used to measure the CS ostium in millimeters (mm). The functional measurements of right heart ventricles were examined using the “CT cardiac function” automatic function on a 256 × 256 matrix. Results: The average diameter of the CS ostium was 16.29 ± 4.37 mm. In the group with RV impairment, it was 16.56 ± 4.76, whereas in the group with normal values of the RV, it was 15.98 ± 3.88 mm, p = 0.4199. The average angle of the entrance of the CS into the right atrium was 107.25° ± 9.68°. In the group with an RV impairment, it was 105.91° ± 9.22°, while in the patients with normal values of the RV, it was 108.82° ± 10.04°; p = 0.0682. A multiple regression showed that end systolic volume (p = 0.0017) and stroke volume (p = 0.0144) are important predictors of the CS ostium. Conclusions: Some relationships were found between the CS and the selected parameters that describe the function of the RV. This may suggest a role for the CS as a right ventricular buffer, which could potentially be treated as a marker of an RV impairment.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Li Wenjie , Xiong Juan , Zheng Xujuan
Published: February 2022

Background: Owing to the high prevalence and detrimental consequences, postpartum depression (PPD) has been identified as one of the severe global public health issues in the last decade. Prior research found that during disasters or events, the prevalence rates of mental disorders among postpartum women are significantly high. However, the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on PPD and its risk factors remained unclear for postpartum women. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of PPD and to summarize risk factors for PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Three electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for articles from their commencements until 1 November 2021. Quality assessment of included studies, random-effects meta-analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed. Results: A total of eight studies with 6480 postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic were included, and most studies were conducted in developed countries. The pooled prevalence of PPD was 34% (95% CI: 21–46%) during the COVID-19 pandemic, much higher than the incident of previous research during the non-pandemic period. Risk factors for PPD during the COVID-19 pandemic were defined as socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, stress and anxiety, lack of various supports, and the COVID-19 related factors. Conclusion: The research findings indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic could make detrimental effects on maternal mental wellbeing among women after childbirth. Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of PPD among postpartum women could shed some light on their mental and emotional states; so that support measures and tailored interventions from health professionals and policymakers could be offered to improve the maternal and infant outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much more research on maternal psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was strongly recommended to undertake in the middle and low-income countries.
Thirty Minutes Identified as the Threshold for Development of Pain in Low Back and Feet Regions, and Predictors of Intensity of Pain during 1-h Laboratory-Based Standing in Office Workers
Authors: Rodríguez-Romero Beatriz , Smith Michelle D. , Pértega-Díaz Sonia , Quintela-del-Rio Alejandro , Johnston Venerina
Published: February 2022

This study with 40 office workers investigated (a) the effect of time spent standing on low- back and lower limb pain during a 1-h laboratory-based task; (b) the standing time after which a significant increase in pain is likely; and (c) the individual, physical and psychosocial factors that predict pain. The primary outcome was bodily location of pain and pain intensity on a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale recorded at baseline and every 15 min. Physical measures included trunk and hip motor control and endurance. Self-report history of pain, physical activity, psychosocial job characteristics, pain catastrophizing and general health status were collected. Univariate analysis and regression models were included. The prevalence of low-back pain increased from 15% to 40% after 30 min while feet pain increased to 25% from 0 at baseline. The intensity of low-back and lower limb pain also increased over time. A thirty-minute interval was identified as the threshold for the development and increase in low-back and feet pain. Modifiable factors were associated with low-back pain intensity—lower hip abductor muscle endurance and poorer physical health, and with feet symptoms—greater body mass index and less core stability.
An Innovative Framework for Sustainable Development in Healthcare: The Human Rights Assessment
Authors: Moldovan Flaviu , Blaga Petruta , Moldovan Liviu , Bataga Tiberiu
Published: February 2022

Healthcare providers are investing considerable resources for the development of quality management systems in hospitals. Contrary to these efforts, the number of tools that allow the evaluation of implementation efforts and the results of quality, security and sustainable development is quite limited. The purpose of the study is to develop a reference framework for quality and sustainable development in healthcare, Sanitary-Quality (San-Q) at the micro system level, which is compatible with applicable national and international standards in the field. The research method consisted of the study of literature, identification and analysis of good sustainability practices in healthcare, which allowed identification of the areas of the new San-Q framework: quality, economic, environmental, social, institutional and healthcare. These areas are incorporated into the core topics of social responsibility mentioned by ISO26000. A total of 57 indicators have been defined that make up the new reference framework. The evaluation format of the indicators is innovative through a couple of values: completion degree–significance. In the experimental part of the research, a pilot implementation of the San-Q framework at an emergency hospital was performed, the results recorded in terms of responsibility for human rights being presented. The conclusions of the study reveal the innovative aspects of the framework that facilitate the development of a sustainability strategy promoted through performance indicators, the results obtained after evaluation being useful in establishing a reference level of sustainability but also in developing sustainability policies.
Length of Stay Analysis of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Using a Count Regression Model and Quantile Regression: A Study in Bologna, Italy
Authors: Zeleke Addisu Jember , Moscato Serena , Miglio Rossella , Chiari Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to identify and explore the hospital admission risk factors associated with the length of stay (LoS) by applying a relatively novel statistical method for count data using predictors among COVID-19 patients in Bologna, Italy. The second goal of this study was to model the LoS of COVID patients to understand which covariates significantly influenced it and identify the potential risk factors associated with LoS in Bolognese hospitals from 1 February 2020 to 10 May 2021. The clinical settings we focused on were the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ordinary hospitalization, including low-intensity stays. We used Poisson, negative binomial (NB), Hurdle–Poisson, and Hurdle–NB regression models to model the LoS. The fitted models were compared using the Akaike information criterion (AIC), Vuong’s test criteria, and Rootograms. We also used quantile regression to model the effects of covariates on the quantile values of the response variable (LoS) using a Poisson distribution, and to explore a range of conditional quantile functions, thereby exposing various forms of conditional heterogeneity and controlling for unobserved individual characteristics. Based on the chosen performance criteria, Hurdle–NB provided the best fit. As an output from the model, we found significant changes in average LoS for each predictor. Compared with ordinary hospitalization and low-intensity stays, the ICU setting increased the average LoS by 1.84-fold. Being hospitalized in long-term hospitals was another contributing factor for LoS, increasing the average LoS by 1.58 compared with regular hospitals. When compared with the age group [50, 60) chosen as the reference, the average LoS decreased in the age groups [0, 10), [30, 40), and [40, 50), and increased in the oldest age group [80, 102). Compared with the second wave, which was chosen as the reference, the third wave did not significantly affect the average LoS, whereas it increased by 1.11-fold during the first wave and decreased by 0.77-fold during out-wave periods. The results of the quantile regression showed that covariates related to the ICU setting, hospitals with longer hospitalization, the first wave, and the out-waves were statistically significant for all the modeled quantiles. The results obtained from our study can help us to focus on the risk factors that lead to an increased LoS among COVID-19 patients and benchmark different models that can be adopted for these analyses.
Characterizing the Environmental Health Literacy and Sensemaking of Indoor Air Quality of Research Participants
Authors: Tomsho Kathryn S. , Polka Erin , Chacker Stacey , Queeley David , Alvarez Marty , Scammell Madeleine K. , Emmons Karen M. , Rudd Rima E. , Adamkiewicz Gary
Published: February 2022

This study is based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with the participants of an indoor air quality monitoring study. The purpose of the interviews was to capture participants’ perceptions of indoor air quality and engage them in a discussion of those factors that influenced their behavior. Interview study participants (n = 20) noted the importance of family health concerns and their own sensory awareness of possible contaminants. They discussed their level of personal control over their home environment as well as their access to needed resources. This study is based on grounded theory and applies interpretivist epistemological methods. Study findings offer insights into how people perceive their home environment and what influences their decision making and action. Analyses indicate that perceived agency, risk perception, access to resources, and information all influenced participants’ sense of ability to take action as well as their interest in taking action. These insights serve to challenge some of the current work in environmental health literacy which tends to focus on and measure an individual’s knowledge or skills. Our analysis suggests that consideration be given to a number of factors that include perceived agency, access to resources, and the quality of information provided.
Initiatives Addressing Precarious Employment and Its Effects on Workers’ Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gunn Virginia , Kreshpaj Bertina , Matilla-Santander Nuria , Vignola Emilia F. , Wegman David H. , Hogstedt Christer , Ahonen Emily Q. , Bodin Theo , Orellana Cecilia , Baron Sherry , Muntaner Carles , O’Campo Patricia , Albin Maria , Håkansta Carin
Published: February 2022

The prevalence of precarious employment has increased in recent decades and aspects such as employment insecurity and income inadequacy have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, appraise, and synthesise existing evidence pertaining to implemented initiatives addressing precarious employment that have evaluated and reported health and well-being outcomes. We used the PRISMA framework to guide this review and identified 11 relevant initiatives through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and three sources of grey literature. We found very few evaluated interventions addressing precarious employment and its impact on the health and well-being of workers globally. Ten out of 11 initiatives were not purposefully designed to address precarious employment in general, nor specific dimensions of it. Seven out of 11 initiatives evaluated outcomes related to the occupational health and safety of precariously employed workers and six out of 11 evaluated worker health and well-being outcomes. Most initiatives showed the potential to improve the health of workers, although the evaluation component was often described with less detail than the initiative itself. Given the heterogeneity of the 11 initiatives regarding study design, sample size, implementation, evaluation, economic and political contexts, and target population, we found insufficient evidence to compare outcomes across types of initiatives, generalize findings, or make specific recommendations for the adoption of initiatives.
Frailty Syndrome in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Diseases–What Do We Know and What Requires Further Research?
Authors: Wleklik Marta , Denfeld Quin , Lisiak Magdalena , Czapla Michał , Kałużna-Oleksy Marta , Uchmanowicz Izabella
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) affect 60% of people over 60 years of age and are one of the main causes of death in the world. Diagnosed cardiovascular disease also triples the likelihood of Frailty syndrome (FS). FS has become increasingly relevant in cardiology and cardiac surgery and occurs in a significant number of patients with CVD, with prevalence ranging from 25% to 62%. Viewed in a multidimensional, biopsychosocial perspective, FS increases a patient’s vulnerability, making them susceptible to several adverse clinical outcomes. Frailty syndrome also is a predictor of mortality in patients with CVD regardless of age, severity of disease, multi-morbidity, and disability. Frailty syndrome potentially can be prevented in patients with CVD and its early identification is important to avoid the development of disability, dependence on others and reduced quality of life. The aim of this paper is to show the relationship between FS and specific CVDs (coronary artery disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure) and cardiac procedures (device implantation, cardiac surgery, and transcatheter aortic valve implantation). Furthermore, we highlight those areas that require further research to fully understand the relationship between FS and CVD and to be able to minimize or prevent its adverse effects.
Experiential Value of Technologies: A Qualitative Study with Older Adults
Authors: Desai Shital , McGrath Colleen , McNeil Heather , Sveistrup Heidi , McMurray Josephine , Astell Arlene
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the experiences of older adults with technologies they own and determined how they value them. Thirty-seven older adults participated in a Show and Tell co-creation session at a one-day workshop. Participants described why they loved or abandoned technologies they own. Their responses were recorded and analysed using Atlas.ti 22.0.0. Seven main themes representing experiential value in older adults emerged from the analysis: Convenience, Economy, Learning and Support, Currency of Technology, Privacy and Security, Emotions and Identity aspects of their experiences. This qualitative study has resulted in implications to design that recommends (a) Design for product ecosystems with technologies and services well-coordinated and synchronized to facilitate use of the technology (b) Create awareness and information on privacy and security issues and technical language associated with it (c) Make anti-virus and anti-phishing software accessible to older population (d) Design technologies as tools that allow older adults to identify themselves in the community and family (e) Create services that make technologies and services in the ecosystem affordable for the older adults. The outcomes of this study are significant as they provide recommendations that target systemic issues which present barriers in the use of technology.
Personal Characteristics for Successful Senior Cohousing: A Proposed Theoretical Model
Authors: Monton Pilar , Reyes Luisa-Eugenia , Alcover Carlos-María
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to propose an integrated theoretical model with which to identify the personal characteristics, behaviors, and competencies of individuals who have successfully seen a senior cohousing project through to the residential stability phase. Numerous early-stage senior cohousing projects are registered each year. However, only a few of them are actually built, and when they are, the construction process takes an average of 10 years. Would-be cohousing residents have to put their tenacity and other competencies to the test to overcome the obstacles in their path before their residential complex is completed. The model proposed here analyzes senior cohousing initiatives as entrepreneurial undertakings. To this end, it draws upon a comprehensive review of the literature on entrepreneurship to identify the personal characteristics, behaviors, and competencies typical of entrepreneurs. In this model, participants in senior cohousing projects make use of these entrepreneurial competencies to help them overcome the obstacles to completing their housing development. However, for the would-be cohousing residents, the objective is not simply to build the residential complex but to enjoy the satisfaction and well-being this housing typology offers. Here, too, we find their entrepreneurial competencies can play a role.
Identifying Learners’ Interaction Patterns in an Online Learning Community
Authors: Wu Xuemei , He Zhenzhen , Li Mingxi , Han Zhongmei , Huang Changqin
Published: February 2022

The interactions among all members of an online learning community significantly impact collaborative reflection (co-reflection). Although the relationship between learners’ roles and co-reflection levels has been explored by previous researchers, it remains unclear when and with whom learners at different co-reflection levels tend to interact. This study adopted multiple methods to examine the interaction patterns of diverse roles among learners with different co-reflection levels based on 11,912 posts. First, the deep learning technique was applied to assess learners’ co-reflection levels. Then, a social network analysis (SNA) was conducted to identify the emergent roles of learners. Furthermore, a lag sequence analysis (LSA) was employed to reveal the interaction patterns of the emergent roles among learners with different co-reflection levels. The results showed that most learners in an online learning community reached an upper-middle co-reflection level while playing an inactive role in the co-reflection process. Moreover, higher-level learners were superior in dialog with various roles and were more involved in self-rethinking during the co-reflection process. In particular, they habitually began communication with peers and then with the teacher. Based on these findings, some implications for facilitating online co-reflection from the perspective of roles is also discussed.
Survival of Frail Elderly with Delirium
Authors: Cano-Escalera Guillermo , Graña Manuel , Irazusta Jon , Labayen Idoia , Besga Ariadna
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine when frailty increases the risks of delirium mortality. Hospital patients falling into the elderly frail or pre-frail category were recruited, some without delirium, some with delirium at admission, and some who developed delirium during admission. We screened for frailty, cognitive status, and co-morbidities whenever possible and extracted drug information and mortality data from electronic health records. Kaplan–Meier estimates of survival probability functions were computed at four times, comparing delirium versus non delirium patients. Differences in survival were assessed by a log-rank test. Independent Cox’s regression was carried out to identify significant hazard risks (HR) at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Delirium predicted mortality (log-rank test, p < 0.0001) at all four censoring points. Variables with significant HRs were frailty indicators, comorbidities, polypharmacy, and the use of specific drugs. For the delirium cohort, variables with the most significant 2-year hazard risks (HR(95%CI)) were: male gender (0.43 20 (0.26,0.69)), weight loss (0.45 (0.26,0.74)), sit and stand up test (0.67 (0.49,0.92)), readmission within 30 days of discharge (0.50 (0.30,0.80)), cerebrovascular disease (0.45 (0.27,0.76)), head trauma (0.54 22 (0.29,0.98)), number of prescribed drugs (1.10 (1.03,1.18)), and the use of diuretics (0.57 (0.34,0.96)). These results suggest that polypharmacy and the use of diuretics increase mortality in frail elderly patients with delirium.
Heart Rate Variability and Sympathetic Activity Is Modulated by Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet
Authors: Polito Rita , Valenzano Anna , Monda Vincenzo , Cibelli Giuseppe , Monda Marcellino , Messina Giovanni , Villano Ines , Messina Antonietta
Published: February 2022

Obesity is characterized by an energy imbalance and by the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue. The energy balance is controlled by a complex set of balanced physiological systems that provide hunger and satiety signals to the brain and regulate the body’s ability to consume energy. The central nervous system controls the metabolic state, influencing the activity of other systems and receiving information from them. Heart rate variability (HRV) is the natural variability of the heart rate in response to several factors. HRV is related to the interaction between the SNS and the parasympathetic. In the light of this evidence, the aim of this study is to investigate the possible effects of the two different dietary regimens such as very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) vs. low caloric diet (LCD), on the functions of the nervous system, with particular attention to the autonomous control of heart rate variability (HRV). A total of 26 obese subjects underwent diet therapy in order to reduce body weight; they were also randomly divided into two groups: the VLCKD group and the LCD group. Our results showed that in both groups, there is a reduction in heart rate as an indicator of sympathetic activity; we found a statistically significant variation only in the VLCKD group. Therefore, this study supports the notion that the sympathovagal balance can be modulated by a specific diet, but further studies are needed to clarify the molecular pathway undergoing this modulation.