bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spanish Teachers’ Perceptions of Their Preparation for Inclusive Education: The Relationship between Age and Years of Teaching Experience
Authors: Triviño-Amigo Natalia , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Mañanas-Iglesias Carlos , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Adsuar José Carmelo , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Rojo-Ramos Jorge
Published: May 2022

Inclusive education (IE) refers to the education of all learners, with or without disabilities, irrespective of their status or origin, who share the same learning spaces. IE is a multidimensional approach based on rights and quality of life paradigms. As teachers are agents of change, they must have the knowledge and competencies to meet this challenge. This study aimed to find potential associations between teachers’ preparation and their age and years of teaching experience. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 1275 teachers working in early childhood, primary and secondary education was performed. They answered three dichotomic questions about their initial and ongoing preparation and The Evaluation of Teacher Preparation for Inclusion (CEFI-R) Questionnaire. The dichotomic questions showed that 26.4% of respondents felt qualified to face the challenges of their students’ diversity. There were significant inverse associations between the CEFI-R Dimension 1 (diversity conception), Dimension 3 (supports), and Dimension 4 (community participation) and the teachers’ age and years of teaching experience. This means that the higher the age or the years of experience, the teachers’ perceived preparation for inclusion is worse, which should encourage us to take measures to improve teachers’ competencies and preparedness.
Analysis of the Lifestyle of Spanish Undergraduate Nursing Students and Comparison with Students of Other Degrees
Authors: Sánchez-Ojeda María Angustias , Roldán Concepción , Melguizo-Rodríguez Lucía , de Luna-Bertos Elvira
Published: May 2022

Background: Nursing students are exposed to concepts of healthy lifestyles while they are attending university. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze whether nursing students have a healthier lifestyle than non-nursing students and to determine whether their behaviour is consistent with their beliefs. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with 293 university students was performed by using a validated questionnaire to measure beliefs and behaviour regarding health. Results: The lifestyle pattern of the nursing students evaluated was characterised by a high percentage of nurses with low levels of physical activity, poor balanced diet and smoking habits. The comparative analysis showed no significant differences between nursing students and students from other degrees. Conclusions: Students have a positive attitude and knowledge about healthy lifestyle, but do not transfer it to their own lives. Nurses’ lifestyle can unintentionally affect the behaviour of other people through their own behaviour and beliefs because they serve as a model for a healthy lifestyle. These findings support that nurse educators have an active role as promoter of health by using lessons to modify the behaviour of their students.
Visual Analysis of Global Carbon Mitigation Research Based on Scientific Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Su Na , Wang Zhenbo
Published: May 2022

Global temperature change is related to the destiny of all mankind, and carbon mitigation, as well as greenhouse gases control, are key points. In order to explore the basic knowledge, research hotspots and trends in global carbon mitigation research, this paper, based on 15,304 carbon mitigation articles from Web of Science, from 1991 to 2021, conducts spatio-temporal distribution, country distribution, research hotspots and cooperation network analysis, and draws frontier knowledge graphs of carbon mitigation by using CiteSpace, Gephi and other scientific knowledge mapping and literature analysis software. The key scholars, important literature, main contribution institutions and countries/regions in the field of carbon mitigation research were extracted, and the research basis and evolution law were displayed. The study found that: (1) The research on carbon mitigation is increasing every year, which can be roughly divided into four stages: germination, low-speed development, medium-speed development and high-speed development. (2) The spatial distribution of carbon mitigation research is unbalanced, mainly showing a characteristic of “one super and many strong” centered on the United States. (3) The research hotspots of carbon mitigation have gradually evolved from phenomenon analysis, policy guidance, method exploration to mechanism improvement. Further research might focus on ocean carbon sink, carbon trading and carbon-negative technology.
BRAINCODE for Cognitive Impairment Diagnosis in Older Adults: Designing a Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: Rocha Pedro , Dagnino Paulina Clara , O’Sullivan Ronan , Soria-Frisch Aureli , Paúl Constança
Published: May 2022

An early, extensive, accurate, and cost-effective clinical diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders will have advantages for older people and their families, but also for the health and care systems sustainability and performance. BRAINCODE is a technology that assesses cognitive impairment in older people, differentiating normal from pathologic brain condition, based in an EEG biomarkers evaluation. This paper will address BRAINCODE’s pilot design, which intends to validate its efficacy, to provide guidelines for future studies and to allow its integration on the SHAPES platform. It is expected that BRAINCODE confirms a regular clinical diagnosis and neuropsychologic tests to discriminate ‘normal’ from pathologic cognitive decline and differentiates mild cognitive impairment from dementia in older adults with/without subjective cognitive complains.
Family Supportive Supervisor Behaviors Moderate Associations between Work Stress and Exhaustion: Testing the Job Demands–Resources Model in Academic Staff at an Austrian Medical University
Authors: Komlenac Nikola , Stockinger Lisa , Hochleitner Margarethe
Published: May 2022

The time-intensive work of publishing in scientific journals is an important indicator of job performance that is given much weight during promotion procedures for academic positions. The current study applied the job demands–resources model and analyzed whether family supportive supervisor behaviors (FSSB) moderated associations between work stress and feelings of exhaustion as a job resource and whether feelings of exhaustion ultimately mediated the link between work stress and academic employees’ publication activity. The current online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in 133 academic employees (65.4% women, 34.6% men; Mage = 41.9, SD = 10.1) at an Austrian medical university and assessed employees’ numbers of publications, H-index, work stress, feelings of exhaustion, FSSB, and work–family services used. Manifest path models revealed that FSSB moderated the link between experiencing high levels of work stress and strong feelings of exhaustion, especially in employees who had at least one child below the age of 18. Part-time employment was most strongly linked with lower numbers of publications and lower H-index levels. The finding that FSSB acted as a job resource mostly for employees with at least one child below 18 underlines the fact that FSSB is different from other forms of supervisor support. The current study supports recommendations to increase the amount of work–family services and to change organizational norms to be supportive of the successful management of family and work obligations.
A Regulatory Game Analysis of Smart Aging Platforms Considering Privacy Protection
Authors: Shi Tengfei , Xiao Hanjie , Han Fengxia , Chen Lan , Shi Jianwei
Published: May 2022

Privacy and information protection are important issues in the era of big data. At present, China’s elderly care industry is gradually adopting the supply model of smart elderly care to alleviate the contradiction between supply and demand. However, the low level of regulation of smart aging platforms may lead to a low level of privacy protection on the platforms. Therefore, in this paper, based on the evolutionary game and Lyapunov theory, we discuss the willingness of elderly people to participate in regulation, the privacy protection status of platform service providers, and the degree of government regulation, as well as the key factors affecting the equilibrium of the three-party game system, and conduct simulation analysis and game system optimization using MATLAB. The simulation results show that A1(0,0,1) and A5(0,0,0) can be transformed to A8(1,1,0) by adjusting the parameters, i.e., the optimal ESS is participation, high-quality protection, and low investment supervision; the service income of the elderly, the loss of privacy leakage, the investment cost of service providers, and the amount of government rewards and punishments are the key factors affecting the tripartite game system. By analyzing the impact of factors, such as benefits and costs, on privacy protection and the regulation of smart senior care platforms, the level of privacy protection of smart senior care platforms can be improved and the process of the comprehensive regulation of domestic senior care services can be promoted.
“I’ll leave that to the case managers.” Healthcare Service Providers‘ Perceptions of Organizational Readiness for Change in a Randomized Controlled Trial—A Qualitative Analysis Exploring Implementation Success
Authors: Choi Kyung-Eun (Anna) , Lindert Lara , Schlomann Lara , Pfaff Holger
Published: May 2022

Up to 50% of unsuccessful implementations of organizational change are due to a lack of organizational readiness for change (ORC). This qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences of occupational physicians (OPs) and staff of test and training centers (ETTCs) with team effectiveness in the context of ORC. The change setting is the implementation of a new occupational health program in a multicentric randomized controlled trial for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in Germany. Two rounds of expert interviews with OPs (1st round: n = 10, 2nd round: n = 13) and one round of expert interviews with ETTCs (n = 9) were conducted and analyzed with a deductive–inductive procedure. The focus of the analysis was the assessment of change commitment and change efficacy, as well as their influence on general ORC on a collective level according to Weiner’s model (2009). Differential critical assessment of change by the care providers led to a missing collective change commitment and consequently to a missing organizational change commitment. Main inhibiting factors include lacking feedback about (e.g., recruitment) success, limited time resources of and narrow communication between responsible study staff, along with a low rate of utilization and limited adherence of the study population. Main facilitators include standardized procedures and documentation along with easy-access digital tools. Researchers may use the findings to improve the development of new intervention studies, especially in a randomized setting.
Authenticity, Involvement, and Nostalgia in Heritage Hotels in the Era of Digital Technology: A Moderated Meditation Model
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Azazz Alaa M. S. , Fayyad Sameh
Published: May 2022

Heritage hotels attract a large number of foreign and domestic tourists by offering luxurious experiences while also providing an opportunity to learn about the history, art, culture, tastes, traditions, and sentiments present in various eras in a region’s history. The literature on heritage lodging buildings is still sparse, limited, and lacking in well-established empirical evidence. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between perceived authenticity, visitor involvement, and nostalgia in heritage hotels, with self-congruity serving as a mediator and digital technology as a moderator in the tested relationships. A total of 278 guests of heritage sites participated in this study and the data were analysed by a structural equation modelling and smart PLS program. The empirical results provide evidence that perceived authenticity and visitor involvement positively impact heritage hotel nostalgia experience, this relationship was strengthened by self-congruity as a mediator and was dampened by digital technology as a moderator. Additionally, the theoretical and practical implications regarding the application of these findings to the tourism and hospitality industries are discussed.
“The System Doesn’t Let Us in”—A Call for Inclusive COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Rooted in Los Angeles Latinos’ Experience of Pandemic Hardships and Inequities
Authors: Castellon-Lopez Yelba M. , Carson Savanna L. , Mansfield Lisa , Garrison Nanibaa’ A. , Barron Juan , Morris D’Ann , Ntekume Ejiro , Vassar Stefanie D. , Norris Keith C. , Brown Arleen F. , Casillas Alejandra
Published: May 2022

Objective. Latino adults in Los Angeles have experienced disproportionate cases, deaths, and socioeconomic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study aimed to explore community perspectives on readiness for COVID-19 vaccination and to identify culturally tailored vaccine outreach strategies. Methods. We conducted virtual focus groups with Los Angeles County Latino/a residents via Zoom between December 2020 to January 2021, as the first COVID-19 vaccines were receiving Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Focus groups were facilitated in Spanish and English by bilingual members of the research team. Discussions were analyzed via Atlas.ti software using reflexive thematic analysis. Results. Three focus groups (n = 15; four to six people each; two Spanish focus groups; one English) were conducted. Thematic findings centered on Latino COVID-19 vaccine equity: (1) Disproportionate infection risk due to essential worker status and socioeconomic burdens, misinformation, and familial or cultural tensions (2) Concerns for inequitable vaccine access due to immigration fears and limited healthcare access, and (3) A need for community-centered COVID-19 vaccine outreach and access. Conclusions. Our study on early Latino adult reactions to vaccine roll-out suggests the need for outreach strategies centering on validating community hardships, combating dis-/misinformation through trusted sources, and addressing socio-economic needs impacted by the pandemic.
Effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on the Concentration of Salivary Immunoglobulin A
Authors: Skomro Piotr , Lietz-Kijak Danuta , Bogdziewicz-Wałęsa Olga , Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna
Published: May 2022

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF MF) therapy is effective in the treatment of injury, inflammation and postoperative complications. Its clinical applications relate to bone unification, pain reduction, soft tissue oedema and the decrease of electric potentials in the oral cavity. It enhances regeneration of periapical bone lesions. It is obvious that cells (leukocytes, platelets, keratinocytes, osteoblasts) and proteins (fibrin, collagen, elastin and growth factors) exhibit alterations when exposed to an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF MF) on the parotid gland on the concentration of salivary immunoglobulin A. The study group consisted of 24 patients, aged 14–16, who underwent ELF MF on the parotid gland region. The control group comprised 25 matching persons. The IgA concentration in saliva samples was established using radial immunodiffusion. Following ELF MF, a statistically significant increase in the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A was found in the study group, whereas in the control group, no statistically significant differences were noted. It can be concluded that an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field increases the activity of the immune system of the parotid gland.
Full-Scale Application of One-Stage Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification Coupled with Anammox Process for Treating Collagen Casing Wastewater
Authors: Yu Dayan , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Dunqiu , Jin Yue
Published: May 2022

The ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) concentration in the effluent released from the secondary sedimentation tank of the original collagen enteric coating wastewater treatment process considerably exceeded the Chinese effluent discharge standard. Therefore, a one-stage simultaneous nitrification and denitrification coupled with the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (SNDA) process was designed to terminally treat collagen enteric coating wastewater containing low COD/NH4+-N (C/N). The entire process start-up and NH4+-N loading (NLR) domestication phase was completed within two months. During the NLR domestication, the NH4+-N removal rate was more than 90% and its effluent concentration was less than 15 mg/L, guaranteeing that the NH4+-N in the subsequent effluent was within the standard value. The results of microbial diversity show that Acinetobacter, Bacillus, and other heterotrophic nitrification–aerobic denitrification bacteria, and anammox ammonia oxidation bacteria were the main functional bacteria at the genus level, exhibiting high denitrification performance. The one-stage SNDA process effectively and stably removed nitrogen; the treated sewage satisfied the national comprehensive wastewater discharge standard (GB8978-1996), effectively saving 30–40% of the floor area and reducing 67.6% of the additionally added alkali, wherein the system’s denitrifying bacteria compensated for some alkali consumed during the nitrification reaction.
Physical Activity for Children and Youth with Physical Disabilities: A Case Study on Implementation in the Municipality Setting
Authors: Præst Charlotte Boslev , Skovgaard Thomas
Published: May 2022

Children and youth with disabilities participate less in physical activity (PA) than their peers. This qualitative multiple-case study aimed to assess how municipal practices support PA implementation for these children and youth. A total of 23 interviews were conducted, which covered participants from different departments and professional positions in two municipalities. Local policy documents were included. A thematic analysis was performed, which was based on Winter’s integrated implementation model and Gittell’s theory on relational coordination. The study findings indicate how PA implementation for children and youth with disabilities is a complex challenge that involves several departments and agents. The study demonstrates that having an explicit policy that focuses on parasport can positively influence organisational and interorganisational behaviour, and that coordinating consultants seem to play an essential role in PA implementation. However, there is room for improvement at the municipal level in order to promote a better overall performance in terms of the support for PA participation of children and youth with disabilities.
Changes in Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Representative Sample of Young Adults from Germany, Israel, Poland, and Slovenia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ochnik Dominika , Arzenšek Ana , Rogowska Aleksandra M. , Mars Bitenc Urša , Benatov Joy
Published: May 2022

The aim of this cross-national longitudinal study was to identify a change in mental health indicators: coronavirus-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perceived stress, and fear of vaccination (FoVac). The first measurement (T1) took place in February 2021, and the second (T2) took place in May–June 2021. The sample consisted of 1723 participants across Germany, Israel, Poland, and Slovenia, between the age of 20 and 40 (M = 30.74, SD = 5.74). A paired-samples Student’s t-test was used for testing the differences between T1 and T2. A repeated measures two-way ANOVA was performed to examine changes over time (T) and across the countries (C). A significant although small decrease at T2 was found for coronavirus-related PTSD, perceived stress, and FoVac. A significant main effect was found for T, C, and TxC for all variables, except the interaction effect for coronavirus-related PTSD and perceived stress. A medium effect size was found for coronavirus-related PTSD and FoVac across countries as well as perceived stress over time. A small effect size was revealed for coronavirus-related PTSD and FoVac over time, perceived stress across countries, and interaction for FoVac. A significant improvement in mental health was demonstrated across the four countries (particularly in Israel); however, there were still differences among each of them. Therefore, the cross-national context should be taken into consideration when analyzing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.
The Relation between Masticatory Function and Nutrition in Older Individuals, Dependent on Supportive Care for Daily Living
Authors: Stjernfeldt Per Elgestad , Faxén Irving Gerd , Wårdh Inger , Lundqvist Robert , Lantto Angelika
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Associations between masticatory function and nutritional status have been suggested. Masticatory function can be divided into two subdomains, the objective capacity of an individual to mix solid food and the individual’s subjectively assessed ability to masticate solid food. Aim: The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between these subdomains and nutritional variables in older, care-dependent individuals. Materials and methods: From a group of 355 individuals with care dependency and functional limitations, individuals aged 60 and older were selected. By home visits, the subjects underwent an oral examination and answered chewing related questions. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. A total of 196 individuals met the age requirement of 60 years or older. Of these, 86 subjects were able to answer the questions. Results: We could not find any concluding significant associations between the subdomains of masticatory function or the nutritional variables. Conclusions: The absence of associations could be explained by the lack of standardized and validated methods to assess masticatory function and they possibly reflect varying underlying constructs. Self-reported questionnaires seem less useful among older and care-dependent individuals, while an objective clinical measurement will be needed when evaluating masticatory function.
Progressive Changes in Lumbopelvic Alignment during the Three Month-Postpartum Recovery Period
Authors: Fukano Mako , Aisaka Kozo , Nose-Ogura Sayaka , Fujii Tomoyuki , Torii Suguru
Published: May 2022

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is a common musculoskeletal problem, and postural changes are believed to be involved in these disorders. However, the lumbopelvic alignment changes in postpartum women remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether there are changes in lumbopelvic alignment following vaginal or cesarean delivery and when these alignment changes occur after delivery. Thirty postpartum females (PP group) and 20 nulliparous female controls (CTL group) underwent anteroposterior, lateral pelvic, and lower-back X-ray in a static upright position. Digital radiographic images were analyzed and three radiographic variables, the pelvic incidence, pubic symphysis width, and sacral slope, were measured. The pubic symphysis width of the PP group was significantly larger immediately and one month after childbirth (PP group: 6.0 ± 1.1 mm (immediately), 5.0 ± 1.2 mm (one month); CTL group: 3.4 ± 0.4 mm; F = 31.79, p < 0.001). The sacrum slope in the PP group was significantly larger than in the CTL group 1 month after childbirth (PP group: 39.9 ± 6.6°; CTL group: 32.8 ± 5.1°; F = 2.59, p = 0.05). A two-way analysis of variance indicated no statistically significant main effects or interaction effects between the delivery modes on the pubic symphysis width or the sacrum slope. This study suggested that the course of lumbopelvic alignment progressed towards recovery for at least one month, and that these changes were independent of the delivery method.
Smoking Cessation Rates among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Following the ‘Gold Standard Programme’ (GSP): A Prospective Analysis from the Danish Smoking Cessation Database
Authors: Laugesen Monika , Rasmussen Mette , Christensen Robin , Tønnesen Hanne , Bliddal Henning
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Smoking cessation may be very difficult, even if smoking aggravates the prognosis of a disease, which has been shown to be the case for persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In contrast, an association in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) is still disputed. The primary objective was to compare smokers diagnosed with RA and OA to controls, regarding smoking cessation rates after following the intensive ‘Gold Standard programme’ (GSP). Secondary objectives included the identification of significant prognostic factors for successful quitting. (2) Methods: In total, 24,652 patients were included in this prospective cohort study, after attending the national GSP for smoking cessation intervention 2006–2016, as registered in the Danish Smoking Cessation Database. Data were linked to the National Patient Register. Hereof, 227 patients (1%) were diagnosed with seropositive RA and 2899 (12%) with OA. Primary outcome was continuous abstinence six months after the planned quitting date. (3) Results: In total, 16,969 (69%) of the patients participated in the follow-up interviews. The adjusted odds ratios for successful quitting were similar to the control group for both RA (1.28, 95% CI: 0.90–1.80) and OA patients (0.92, 0.82–1.03). The outermost, strongest positive factor for successful quitting was compliance, defined as attending ≥75% of the meetings. To a lesser degree, attending an individual intervention was a positive predictor, while being heavy smokers, disadvantaged smokers, women, living with a smoker, and if GSP was recommended by health professionals were negative predictors. (4) Conclusions: The odds ratios for quitting were similar to controls for both RA and OR patients. Additional research is needed to determine effective actions towards increased attendance at the programmes.
Effectiveness of Standardized Protocol for Oxygen Therapy on Improving Nurses’ Performance and Patients’ Health Outcome
Authors: Diab Samar Salah Eldin Mohamed , Ali Shaimaa Ahmed Awad , Abed Shaymaa Najm , Elasrag Gehan Abd Elfattah Atia , Ramadan Osama Mohamed Elsayed
Published: May 2022

Aims: assess nurses’ knowledge and performance-related safe administration of oxygen (O2) therapy; apply an intervention program for nurses about standardized protocol for oxygen; and evaluate the effectiveness of standardized protocol for oxygen in improving nurses’ performance and patients’ health outcomes. Design: a quasi-experimental study was used. Setting: the current study was conducted at three hospitals in Sakaka City with totally different medical aid units (ICUs), CCUs, emergency care departments (ED), medical and surgical wards, pediatric care units (PICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric emergency care departments (PED) and pediatric inpatient\outpatient departments. Subjects: a convenience sample of 105 nurses and 105 patients was divided into 55 patients in the control group who received routine care and 50 patients in the study group who received intervention. Findings: 34.3% of studied nurses had poor knowledge pre-intervention compared with 17% post-intervention. Moreover, 33.3% of them had satisfactory knowledge pre-intervention versus 21% post-intervention. Only 5.7% of them had excellent knowledge pre-intervention, compared with 34.4% post-intervention. Concerning the complications of oxygen therapy, only 10.5% did not have complications in the control group versus 62.9% in the study group, 33.3% of the control group had cyanotic lips and fingernails pre-intervention, versus 7.6% in the study group; 10.5% had oxygen toxicity in the control group, versus 7.6% in the study group, with a highly statistically significant difference at p 0.001 for all. Conclusion: the current results of this study concluded that there was improvement in nurses’ knowledge and practice related to oxygen therapy post-intervention. Moreover, when the standard protocol for safe oxygen therapy was used in a positive way, it led to better health for patients and fewer problems with oxygen therapy.
Effects of the Family Solidarity on Romanian Left behind Children
Authors: Matei Aniela , Bobârnat Elen-Silvana
Published: May 2022

In families that have at least one parent working outside the country’s borders, known in the literature as transnational families, family solidarity is undergoing changes. The aim of this paper is to explore the process of transforming family solidarity in the context of migration and to identify the effects of the family solidarity on children left behind. A qualitative research methodology was employed consisting in 24 in-depth interviews with parents and grandparents from transnational families, in the two Romanian regions with the highest number of children left behind and with high poverty rates. Our results show that the decrease of material and financial support provided from the parent left abroad has great implications for the feeling of unity with the family and for the material and emotional well-being of children. The risk factors for the children are a lack of financial support, which translates to material deprivation and creates the context for school dropout, lack of emotional support, and poor closeness between the child and departed parent, which relate to a disrupting emotional experience for the children. Findings provide new insights in capturing the relationship between family solidarity and the well-being of the child.
Virtual Reality-Based Immersive Rehabilitation for Cognitive- and Behavioral-Impairment-Related Eating Disorders: A VREHAB Framework Scoping Review
Authors: So Bryan Pak-Hei , Lai Derek Ka-Hei , Cheung Daphne Sze-Ki , Lam Wing-Kai , Cheung James Chung-Wai , Wong Duo Wai-Chi
Published: May 2022

Virtual reality (VR) technology is one of the promising directions for rehabilitation, especially cognitive rehabilitation. Previous studies demonstrated successful rehabilitation in motor, cognitive, and sensorial functions using VR. The objective of this review is to summarize the current designs and evidence on immersive rehabilitation interventions using VR on cognitive- or behavioral-related eating disorders, which was mapped using a VREHAB framework. Two authors independently searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Ten (n = 10) articles were eligible for review. Treatments for anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorder/bulimia nervosa were reported through enhanced/experimental cognitive behavior therapy (ECT), cue exposure therapy (CET), and body exposure therapy (BET) via the virtual environment. Some studies reported that the VR effects were superior or comparable to traditional treatments, while the effects may last longer using VR technology. In addition, VR was perceived as acceptable and feasible among patients and therapists and could be valuable for supplementing existing therapies, relieving manpower and caregiver burdens. Future studies may consider incorporating haptic, smell, and biofeedback to improve the experience, and thus the effects of the treatments for the users.
Efficacy of Magnetic Therapy in Pain Reduction in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Pedro Negri Alicia , Ruiz Prieto María , Díaz-Mohedo Esther , Martín-Valero Rocío
Published: May 2022

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), is a common and painful condition. However, its treatment is still a challenge. The findings about the beneficial effects of electromagnetic therapy provide a new, potentially valid, therapeutic alternative for the management of patients with CPP. Objectives: to analyze the efficacy of magnetic field therapy in pain reduction in patients with CPP and for other variables, such as urinary symptoms and quality of life, as well as to review the evidence, in order to establish an action protocol. A qualitative systematic review was carried out, based on the PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022285428). A search was performed in the PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro, BVS, and WOS databases, including those articles in which the patients suffered from CPP; the study variable was pain, and the intervention was based on the application of magnetic fields. Results: Among the 81 articles found, five clinical trials were considered (with an average score of 7.2 in the PEDro scale), with a total of 278 participants, most of whom presented improvements in perceived pain (p ≤ 0.05), as well as in quality of life (p < 0.05) and urinary symptoms (p = 0.05), evaluated through the NIH-CPSI and VAS scales. The therapy was conducted as a monotherapy or in combination with a pharmacological treatment. There was no common protocol among the different articles. Conclusions: Intervention programs through electromagnetic therapy, on their own or with other therapies, can be effective in patients with CPP.
The Young Carers’ Journey: A Systematic Review and Meta Ethnography
Authors: Saragosa Marianne , Frew Melissa , Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , Orchanian-Cheff Ani , Abrams Howard , Okrainec Karen
Published: May 2022

Despite growing international interest, the caregiving body of literature lacks a recent understanding of young carers’ experiences and their contact with the health care system. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to (1) synthesize more recent qualitative evidence on young carers’ experience, and (2) to identify how these young carers interact with the health care system in their caregiving role. Using a meta-ethnographic synthesis, a total of 28 empirical studies met inclusion. Key findings helped inform an overarching framework of the experience of young carers as illustrated by a journey map. The journey map is a visual depiction of the stages these young carers go through when in a caregiving role framed by three themes: (1) encountering caregiving; (2) being a young caregiver, and (3) moving beyond caregiving. The caregiving experience is perceived by young people as challenging and complex, which could be improved with more informational navigation and emotional support. Understanding these experiences provides insight into gaps in health services and potential solutions that align with the stages outlined in the journey map.
The Association between Nutritional Status and Length of Hospital Stay among Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Czapla Michał , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Łokieć Katarzyna , Wleklik Marta , Karniej Piotr , Smereka Jacek
Published: May 2022

Background: Nutritional status is related to the prognosis and length of hospital stay (LOS) of patients with hypertension (HT). This study aimed to assess how nutritional status and body mass index (BMI) affect LOS for patients with hypertension. Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of 586 medical records of patients who had been admitted to the Institute of Heart Diseases of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland. Results: A total of 586 individuals were included in the analysis. Individuals who were at a nutritional risk represented less than 2% of the study population, but more than 60% were overweight or obese. The mean BMI was 28.4 kg/m2 (SD: 5.16). LOS averaged 3.53 days (SD = 2.78). In the case of obese individuals, hospitalisation lasted for 3.4 ± 2.43 days, which was significantly longer than for patients of normal weight. For underweight patients, hospitalisation lasted for 5.14 ± 2.27 days, which was also significantly longer than for those in other BMI categories (p = 0.017). The independent predictors of shorter hospitalisations involved higher LDL concentration (parameter of regression: −0.015) and HDL concentration (parameter of regression: −0.04). Conclusions: The study revealed that with regard to the nutritional status of hypertensive patients, being either underweight or obese was associated with longer LOS. Additional factors that related to prolonged LOS were lower LDL and HDL levels and higher CRP concentrations.
Quantifying Urban Expansion from the Perspective of Geographic Data: A Case Study of Guangzhou, China
Authors: Huang Qingyao , Liu Yihua , Chen Chengjing
Published: May 2022

Understanding and quantifying urban expansion is critical to urban management and urban planning. The accurate delineation of built-up areas (BUAs) is the foundation for quantifying urban expansion. To quantify urban expansion simply and efficiently, we proposed a method for delineating BUAs using geographic data, taking Guangzhou as the study area. First, Guangzhou’s natural cities (NCs) in 2014 and 2020 were derived from the point of interest (POI) data. Second, multiple grid maps were combined with NCs to delineate BUAs. Third, the optimal grid map for delineating BUA was determined based on the real BUA data and applying accuracy evaluation indexes. Finally, by comparing the 2014 and 2020 BUAs delineated by the optimal grid maps, we quantified the urban expansion occurring in Guangzhou. The results demonstrated the following. (1) The accuracy score of the BUAs delineated by the 200 m × 200 m grid map reaches a maximum. (2) The BUAs in the central urban area of Guangzhou had a smaller area of expansion, while the northern and southern areas of Guangzhou experienced considerable urban expansion. (3) The BUA expansion was smaller in all spatial orientations in the developed district, while the BUA expansion was larger in all spatial orientations in the developing district. This study provides a new method for delineating BUAs and a new perspective for mapping the spatial distribution of urban BUAs, which helps to better understand and quantify urban expansion.
Deep Probabilistic Learning Model for Prediction of Ionic Liquids Toxicity
Authors: Chipofya Mapopa , Tayara Hilal , Chong Kil To
Published: May 2022

Identification of ionic liquids with low toxicity is paramount for applications in various domains. Traditional approaches used for determining the toxicity of ionic liquids are often expensive, and can be labor intensive and time consuming. In order to mitigate these limitations, researchers have resorted to using computational models. This work presents a probabilistic model built from deep kernel learning with the aim of predicting the toxicity of ionic liquids in the leukemia rat cell line (IPC-81). Only open source tools, namely, RDKit and Mol2vec, are required to generate predictors for this model; as such, its predictions are solely based on chemical structure of the ionic liquids and no manual extraction of features is needed. The model recorded an RMSE of 0.228 and R2 of 0.943. These results indicate that the model is both reliable and accurate. Furthermore, this model provides an accompanying uncertainty level for every prediction it makes. This is important because discrepancies in experimental measurements that generated the dataset used herein are inevitable, and ought to be modeled. A user-friendly web server was developed as well, enabling researchers and practitioners ti make predictions using this model.
Enhancement of Farnesoid X Receptor Inhibits Migration, Adhesion and Angiogenesis through Proteasome Degradation and VEGF Reduction in Bladder Cancers
Authors: Lai Chien-Rui , Wang Hisao-Hsien , Chang Hsin-Han , Tsai Yu-Ling , Tsai Wen-Chiuan , Lee Chen-Ray , Changchien Chih-Ying , Cheng Yu-Chen , Wu Sheng-Tang , Chen Ying
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor mainly caused by exposure to environmental chemicals, with a high recurrence rate. NR1H4, also known as Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), acts as a nuclear receptor that can be activated by binding with bile acids, and FXR is highly correlated with the progression of cancers. The aim of this study was to verify the role of FXR in bladder cancer cells. (2) Methods: A FXR overexpressed system was established to investigate the effect of cell viability, migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis in low-grade TSGH8301 and high-grade T24 cells. (3) Results: After FXR overexpression, the ability of migration, adhesion, invasion and angiogenesis of bladder cancer cells declined significantly. Focal adhesive complex, MMP2, MMP9, and angiogenic-related proteins were decreased, while FXR was overexpressed in bladder cancer cells. Moreover, FXR overexpression reduced vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein expression and secretion in bladder cancer cells. After treatment with the proteosome inhibitor MG132, the migration, adhesion and angiogenesis caused by FXR overexpression were all reversed in bladder cancer cells. (4) Conclusions: These results may provide evidence on the role of FXR in bladder cancer, and thus may improve the therapeutic efficacy of urothelial carcinoma in the future.
Disulfiram Exerts Antifibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Effects on Perimysial Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves’ Orbitopathy
Authors: Wang Xing , Ye Huijing , Yang Shenglan , Sha Xiaotong , Wang Xiandai , Zhang Te , Chen Rongxin , Xiao Wei , Yang Huasheng
Published: May 2022

Fibrosis of extraocular muscles (EOMs) is a marker of end-stage in Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). To determine the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of disulfiram (DSF) on perimysial orbital fibroblasts (pOFs) in a GO model in vitro, primary cultures of pOFs from eight patients with GO and six subjects without GO (NG) were established. CCK-8 and EdU assays, IF, qPCR, WB, three-dimensional collagen gel contraction assays, cell scratch experiments, and ELISAs were performed. After TGF-β1 stimulation of pOFs, the proliferation rate of the GO group but not the NG group increased significantly. DSF dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation, contraction, and migration of pOFs in the GO group. Additionally, DSF dose-dependently inhibited fibrosis and extracellular matrix production markers (FN1, COL1A1, α-SMA, CTGF) at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, DSF mediates antifibrotic effects on GO pOFs partially through the ERK-Snail signaling pathway. In addition, DSF attenuated HA production and suppressed inflammatory chemokine molecule expression induced by TGF-β1 in GO pOFs. In this in vitro study, we demonstrate the inhibitory effect of DSF on pOFs fibrosis in GO, HA production, and inflammation. DSF may be a potential drug candidate for preventing and treating tissue fibrosis in GO.
Dimerization Tendency of 3CLpros of Human Coronaviruses Based on the X-ray Crystal Structure of the Catalytic Domain of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro
Authors: Jo Seri , Kim Hwa Young , Shin Dong Hae , Kim Mi-Sun
Published: May 2022

3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 is a promising target for developing anti-COVID19 agents. In order to evaluate the catalytic activity of 3CLpros according to the presence or absence of the dimerization domain, two forms had been purified and tested. Enzyme kinetic studies with a FRET method revealed that the catalytic domain alone presents enzymatic activity, despite it being approximately 8.6 times less than that in the full domain. The catalytic domain was crystallized and its X-ray crystal structure has been determined to 2.3 Å resolution. There are four protomers in the asymmetric unit. Intriguingly, they were packed as a dimer though the dimerization domain was absent. The RMSD of superimposed two catalytic domains was 0.190 for 182 Cα atoms. A part of the long hinge loop (LH-loop) from Gln189 to Asp197 was not built in the model due to its flexibility. The crystal structure indicates that the decreased proteolytic activity of the catalytic domain was due to the incomplete construction of the substrate binding part built by the LH-loop. A structural survey with other 3CLpros showed that SARS-CoV families do not have interactions between DM-loop due to the conformational difference at the last turn of helix α7 compared with others. Therefore, we can conclude that the monomeric form contains nascent enzyme activity and that its efficiency increases by dimerization. This new insight may contribute to understanding the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and thus be useful in developing anti-COVID-19 agents.
The Benefits of Fibrinolysis Combined with Venous Systemic Oxygen Persufflation (VSOP) in a Rat Model of Donation after Circulatory Death and Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kröger Nadja , Czigany Zoltan , Jiang Jipin , Afify Mamdouh , Paschenda Pascal , Nagai Kazuyuki , Yagi Shintaro , Tolba René H.
Published: May 2022

Organ shortage has led to the increasing utilization of livers retrieved from donors after circulatory death (DCD). These pre-damaged organs are susceptible to further warm ischemia and exhibit minimal tolerance for cold storage. The aim was thus to examine the effects of fibrinolysis combined with Venous Systemic Oxygen Persufflation (VSOP) on the preservation of DCD livers in vivo. Livers of male Lewis rats were explanted after 45 min of warm ischemia, cold-stored for 18 h, and transplanted into a recipient animal. Livers were left untreated or underwent either VSOP or fibrinolysis via Streptokinase (SK) or received combined SK and VSOP. Combined treatment exhibited improved microvascular flow at 168 h (p = 0.0009) and elevated microperfusion velocity at 24 h post-transplantation (p = 0.0007). Combination treatment demonstrated increased portal venous flow (PVF) at 3 and 24 h post-transplantation (p = 0.0004, p < 0.0001), although SK and VSOP analogously achieved increases at 24 h (p = 0.0036, p = 0.0051). Enzyme release was decreased for combination treatment (p = 0.0002, p = 0.0223) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) measurements were lower at 24 h post-transplantation (p = 0.0287). Further supporting findings have been obtained in terms of serum cytokine levels and in the alterations of endothelial injury markers. The combination treatment of SK + VSOP might provide improved organ integrity and viability and may therefore warrant further investigation as a potential therapeutic approach in the clinical setting of DCD.
Crosstalk between Mitochondrial Protein Import and Lipids
Authors: Hoffmann Juliane J. , Becker Thomas
Published: May 2022

Mitochondria import about 1000 precursor proteins from the cytosol. The translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex) forms the major entry site for precursor proteins. Subsequently, membrane-bound protein translocases sort the precursor proteins into the outer and inner membrane, the intermembrane space, and the matrix. The phospholipid composition of mitochondrial membranes is critical for protein import. Structural and biochemical data revealed that phospholipids affect the stability and activity of mitochondrial protein translocases. Integration of proteins into the target membrane involves rearrangement of phospholipids and distortion of the lipid bilayer. Phospholipids are present in the interface between subunits of protein translocases and affect the dynamic coupling of partner proteins. Phospholipids are required for full activity of the respiratory chain to generate membrane potential, which in turn drives protein import across and into the inner membrane. Finally, outer membrane protein translocases are closely linked to organellar contact sites that mediate lipid trafficking. Altogether, intensive crosstalk between mitochondrial protein import and lipid biogenesis controls mitochondrial biogenesis.