bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Trends of Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides in the United States: A Population Study from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Wang Rui , Su Chang , Li Jianwen , Wu Zhenyu
Published: March 2022

The current study aimed to investigate temporal trends of serum organochlorine pesticide (OCP) concentrations in the general United States population, approximately 30 years after the prohibition of OCP usage, by using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The least square geometric means and percent change in OCP concentrations were calculated by a survey weighted multiple linear regression model. Over 2005–2016, OCP concentrations showed significant downward temporal trends. Females had substantially higher concentrations of β-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT, but lower concentrations of Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and trans-nonachlor. In addition, females had a more rapid decrease in p,p′-DDT levels over time than males. The overall OCP concentrations increased with age, and the two oldest age groups (aged 40–59 and 60+ years) had substantially lower rates of decrease than the younger age groups (aged 12–39 years). Concentrations and declines in OCPs (except for trans-nonachlor) were higher in Mexican Americans than both non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. There is a particular need for the ongoing monitoring of these banned chemicals, and measures should be taken to mitigate the exposure of vulnerable populations, including adults aged over 60, Mexican Americans, females for β-HCH, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT, and males for HCB and trans-nonachlor.
The Relationship between Flow Experience and Burnout Symptoms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aust Fabienne , Beneke Theresa , Peifer Corinna , Wekenborg Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Background: In today’s performance-oriented society, burnout symptoms, defined as consequences of chronic work stress, are an increasing problem. To counteract this development, the important aims are (1) to find protective and modifiable factors that reduce the risk of developing and harboring burnout symptoms and (2) to understand the underlying mechanisms. A phenomenon potentially furthering both aims is flow experience. Based on the earlier literature, we developed a psycho-physiological “Flow-Burnout-Model”, which postulates positive or negative associations between flow and burnout symptoms, depending on the prevailing situational and personal conditions. Methods: To test our Flow-Burnout-Model, we conducted a systematic literature search encompassing flow and burnout symptoms. Eighteen empirical studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Results: The findings of the systematic review as a whole suggest a negative association between flow and burnout symptoms, both cross-sectional and longitudinal. According to the findings from longitudinal studies, flow can be interpreted as a protective factor against burnout symptoms, and burnout symptoms can be interpreted as a factor inhibiting flow. In our conclusion, we maintain the assumption of a bidirectional association between flow and burnout symptoms in the Flow-Burnout-Model but modify the initially suggested positive and negative associations between flow and burnout symptoms towards a predominantly negative relationship. Discussion: Mindful of the heterogeneous findings of earlier studies, the resulting comprehensive Flow-Burnout-Model will lay the foundations for future hypothesis-based research. This includes physiological mechanisms explaining the relationship between flow and burnout symptoms, and likewise, the conditions of their longitudinal association.
Understanding the Impact of Generation Z on Risk Management—A Preliminary Views on Values, Competencies, and Ethics of the Generation Z in Public Administration
Authors: Dobrowolski Zbysław , Drozdowski Grzegorz , Panait Mirela
Published: March 2022

Gen Z, people born in the Internet age, are entering the labour market and soon will be responsible for public administration. Such a situation creates the need to study their professional motivations and competencies. We aim to determine: (1) What are the motivating factors of Gen Z representatives? (2) What is the factor’s structure of competencies of Gen Z employees? (3) Do Gen Z’s interest in public administration result from their needs to realise the public interest? These questions are fundamental for the strategy of hiring and training newcomers. This original paper’s insights have emerged iteratively based on a systematic literature searching method and data obtained from the surveys (n = 335). Research of Polish representatives of Gen Z showed that their expectations are similar to those found in other countries. However, their responses suggest that ethical issues are not the most important for them. The presence of generation G on the labor market will generate a paradigm shift in the activity of companies and public institutions that will be the employers of these young people. Reconfiguration of the principles of human resource management is necessary so that organizations benefit from the qualities of generation Z—they gravitate towards gamified processes because of mobile-centricity; they are natives of global communication, self-learners, and self-motivators; they appreciate transparency.
Using Musical Feedback Increases Stride Frequency in Recreational Runners
Authors: Sellés-Pérez Sergio , Eza-Casajús Lara , Fernández-Sáez José , Martínez-Moreno Miguel , Cejuela Roberto
Published: March 2022

The number of participants in popular races has increased in recent years, with most of them being amateurs. In addition, it has been observed that there is a high percentage of injuries among them, and some of these injuries may be related to a low stride frequency. The aim of this research was to check if a continuous running training program with a musical base improves the stride frequency of popular runners. For this purpose, the effect of a 6 week continuous running training program with the help of a musical track with a constant rhythm that was 10% higher than the preferred stride frequency of the subjects was analyzed and compared to a control group that performed the continuous running training without sound stimuli. Significant increases were found in the evolution of stride frequency in the experimental group between the pre- and post-test (p = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in the stride frequency of the control group. These results show that training with music feedback helps to improve stride frequency in recreational runners. Future research should study the evolution of the improvement obtained in time as it is unknown if the increase in stride rate has been integrated in the runner’s technique, making the improvement obtained permanent. Future research is needed to confirm these results by enlarging the sample and carrying out an exhaustive biomechanical study.
The Impact of Falls: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of People Receiving Haemodialysis
Authors: Young Hannah M. L. , Ruddock Nicki , Harrison Mary , Goodliffe Samantha , Lightfoot Courtney J. , Mayes Juliet , Nixon Andrew C. , Greenwood Sharlene A. , Conroy Simon , Singh Sally J. , Burton James O. , Smith Alice C. , Eborall Helen
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of falls is high in people receiving haemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to explore the experiences of people receiving HD who had fallen in the last six months. A qualitative study, informed by constructivist grounded theory, used semi-structured interviews in combination with falls diaries. Twenty-five adults (mean age of 69 ± 10 years, 13 female, 13 White British) receiving HD with a history of at least one fall in the last six months (median 3, IQR 2–4) participated. Data were organised within three themes: (a) participants’ perceptions of the cause of their fall(s): poor balance, weakness, and dizziness, exacerbated by environmental causes, (b) the consequences of the fall: injuries were disproportionate to the severity of the fall leading to loss of confidence, function and disruptions to HD, (c) reporting and coping with falls: most did not receive any specific care regarding falls. Those who attended falls services reported access barriers. In response, personal coping strategies included avoidance, vigilance, and resignation. These findings indicate that a greater focus on proactively identifying falls, comprehensive assessment, and timely access to appropriate falls prevention programmes is required to improve care and outcomes.
Impact of the Acceptance of Disability on Self-Esteem among Adults with Disabilities: A Four-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Jung Yun Hwa , Kang Soo Hyun , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Suk-Yong
Published: March 2022

This study identified the acceptance of disability’s impact on self-esteem among adults with disabilities in South Korea. This is a four-year follow-up study that obtained data from the Panel Survey of Employment for Persons with Disabilities from 2017 to 2020. In total, 3329 individuals participated. Logistic regression examined the acceptance of disability’s effect on self-esteem. These variables were categorized based on the acceptance of disability (high→high, low→high, high→low, and low→low) and self-esteem (low and not low). Compared to the participants with a consistently high acceptance of disability, those with constantly low acceptance were 2.35 times (95% CI 1.81–3.04) more likely to have low self-esteem. When the acceptance of disability was low→high and high→low, the low self-esteem probability was 1.23 and 1.66 times, respectively. Low self-esteem was prominent for the following: men, 50–64-year olds, married, urban, economic activists, the mid–low household income category, and those with sensory disability. Acceptance of disability can adversely affect self-esteem when it is consistently low or changes from high to low. Among socio-economic factors, there were several risk factors that could make individuals more vulnerable to low self-esteem. Therefore, it is necessary to help people accept their disabilities to maintain healthy self-esteem levels.
Effects of the Type of Sports Practice on the Executive Functions of Schoolchildren
Authors: Contreras-Osorio Falonn , Guzmán-Guzmán Iris Paola , Cerda-Vega Enrique , Chirosa-Ríos Luis , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , Campos-Jara Christian
Published: March 2022

There is a close relationship between the development of complex motor skills and executive functions during childhood. This study aimed to analyze the differences in different dimensions of executive functions in children practicing an open-skill sport (handball) and a closed-skill sport (athletics) and controls who did not participate in sports activities after a 12-week intervention period. School-aged male and female subjects (n = 90; mean ± standard deviation = 11.45 ± 0.68 years) participated in a non-randomized controlled study. Data analysis was performed using the STATA V.15 statistical software. The athletics intervention promoted semantic fluency (p = 0.007), whereas handball increased inhibition (p = 0.034). Additionally, physical activity improved in both intervention groups (p = < 0.001), whereas sprint performance improved in the handball group following intervention (p = 0.008), lower body muscular power improved in athletics (p = 0.04), and evidence of improvement in upper body muscular strength was noted in handball (p = 0.037). In turn, an increase in the Physical Activity Questionnaire for older Children score showed an association with the Standard Ten scores of executive functions. In conclusion, compared to controls, both athletics and handball induced meaningful improvements in physical activity and executive functions. However, sport-specific adaptations were noted after athletics (i.e., semantic fluency and lower body muscular power) and handball (i.e., inhibition, sprint, and upper-body muscular strength).
Increased Secondary Attack Rate among Unvaccinated Household Contacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients with Delta Variant in Japan
Authors: Ogata Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Hideo , Nozawa Yumiko , Mukouyama Kazue , Tanaka Emiko , Osaki Natsumi , Noguchi Etsuko , Seo Kayoko , Wada Koji
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to elucidate the household secondary attack rate (HSAR) of the Delta variant in comparison to the Alpha variant, and evaluate the risk factors among unvaccinated household contacts of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We studied household contacts of index cases of COVID-19 infected with Delta (L452R mutation), Alpha (N501Y mutation), and wild strain from December 2020 through November 2021 in Itako, Japan. The HSARs of the entire household contact, and the contact of index case with Delta variant were calculated and compared across the risk factors. We used a generalized estimating equation regression model for the multivariate analysis. We enrolled 1257 unvaccinated contacts from 580 households. The HSAR was higher in household contacts of index patients with Delta (48.5%) than with Alpha variant (21.7%) (aOR = 3.34, p = 0.000). In Delta variants, the HSAR was higher in household contacts with spousal relationships to index patients (63.4%) than contacts with other relationships (45.5%) (aOR 1.94, p = 0.026), and was lower in household contacts of index patients aged ≤19 (33.1%) than for contacts of index cases aged 20–59 years (52.6%) (aOR = 0.50, p = 0.027). The result of our study can be used to devise informed strategy to prevent transmission within households.
Embodied Carbon in China’s Export Trade: A Multi Region Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Yang Weixin , Gao Hao , Yang Yunpeng , Liao Jiacheng
Published: March 2022

With the rapid growth of China’s export trade and increasing pressure of domestic carbon emission reduction, the issue of carbon embodied in export trade has attracted increasing attention from academic circles. This paper has constructed a calculation model for embodied carbon in China’s export trade by using the multi-region input-output model and the international input-output data from the World Input-Output Database (WIOD) database in order to calculate the amount of embodied carbon. Our objective is to analyze the main source industry and specific sectors of embodied carbon in China’s export trade, and to provide a quantitative basis for emission reduction under the “carbon neutrality” strategy. The findings reveal that the embodied carbon in China’s export trade mainly comes from the secondary industry, which accounts for more than 90% of the total embodied carbon in export trade, while the proportions of embodied carbon in the primary industry and the tertiary industry are relatively low, about 1% and 5–7%, respectively. In terms of specific sectors, the crop and animal production and hunting sectors have the largest share (over 60%) of embodied carbon in the export trade of the primary industry; in the export trade of the secondary industry, the main sources of embodied carbon are the manufacturing sector and the power, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply sectors, respectively accounting for around 50% and 45% of the total embodied carbon in the export trade of the secondary industry; as for the tertiary industry, the transport and storage sectors have the largest share of embodied carbon in the export trade, which is around 70%. Based on the above research results, this paper has provided relevant policy recommendations, which are optimizing the export structure, improving the energy consumption structure and the carbon emissions trading system.
Health Behaviors and Health-Related Quality of Life in Female Medical Staff
Authors: Niestrój-Jaworska Maria , Dębska-Janus Małgorzata , Polechoński Jacek , Tomik Rajmund
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the intensity of health behaviors and health-related quality of life in female mid-level medical staff. The study group consisted of 153 female mid-level medical staff members. The intensity of health behaviors was examined with the Polish version of Health Behavior Inventory. Health-related quality of life was verified with the Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF 36v2). Among the participants, 33% had low, 39% average, and 28% high intensity of health behaviors. The mental component of health-related quality of life was rated higher (83.3 ± 15.3 points) compared to the physical one. The lowest health-related quality of life was observed in the domain of “bodily pain”, while the highest was found for the domain of “social functioning”. Both the physical and mental components of health-related quality of life were significantly positively correlated with health behavior prevalence in all its categories. The post-hoc tests revealed the variation in physical and mental components of HRQoL according to the level of health behavior intensity.
Psychosocial and Sociodemographic Determinants Related to Chronic Diseases in Immigrants Residing in Spain
Authors: Martos-Méndez María José , Gómez-Jacinto Luis , Hombrados-Mendieta Isabel , Melguizo-Garín Anabel , Ruiz-Rodríguez Iván
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of the psychosocial determinants of satisfaction with social support, resilience and satisfaction with life, and the sociodemographic determinants of age, gender and length of residence on chronic diseases in immigrants living in Spain. The sample was composed of 1131 immigrants from Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia. 47.1% were men and 52.9% were women. Most relevant results point to age as the sociodemographic variable with the highest predictive effect in the six chronic diseases analyzed. Gender, in this case female, predicts arthrosis, chronic back pain and migraine, whereas length of residence was only significant in the case of chronic allergies. Regarding psychosocial variables, resilience is a good predictor of hypertension, chronic allergies and arthrosis. However, satisfaction with social support appears to be the best predictor for chronic back pain in the regression equation, satisfaction with life being a significant variable in migraine, arthrosis, allergies and high cholesterol. Results are notably relevant for the design of preventive health programs in immigrants, as well as in ensuring their appropriate access to the health system so that their chronic diseases can be diagnosed. Given the relevance and incidence of the chronic diseases analyzed in immigrants, preventive strategies should be improved to tackle chronic diseases that can have a serious impact on immigrants’ health.
Cybervictimization and Depression among Adolescents: Coping Strategies as Mediators
Authors: Siah Poh Chua , Tee Xiang Yi , Tan Joanna Tjin Ai , Tan Chee Seng , Lokithasan Komathi , Low Sew Kim , Yap Chin Choo
Published: March 2022

Studies have shown the relationships among cybervictimization, coping strategies, and depression, but no study has examined the mechanism that links the three variables. Accordingly, this study used the transactional model of stress and coping theory as a conceptual framework and proposed that coping strategies are mediators for the effects of cybervictimization on depression. A total of 387 adolescents were recruited by using the purposive sampling method. The results showed that cybervictimization is not directly associated with depression. All the coping strategies are found to be associated with cybervictimization, but only the avoidant coping strategy is the statistical mediator for the effects of cybervictimization on depression. This study’s findings suggest that the transactional model of stress and coping theory may provide a framework in the area of cyberbullying and recommend more actions to be taken in order to reduce the use of avoidance coping strategies among victims of cyberbullying.
Acute Alcohol Intake Impairs the Velocity Storage Mechanism and Affects Both High-Frequency Vestibular-Ocular Reflex and Postural Control
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Hong Sung Kwang , Park Su Kyoung , Lee Hyo-Jeong , Chang Jiwon
Published: March 2022

Background: Acute alcohol intake is known to cause gait instability, dizziness, and lack of psychomotor coordination. Previous studies demonstrated the positive effects of alcohol on the oculomotor system and the low-frequency vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). However, the low-frequency VORs is a rather un-physiologic stimulation, and the reported explanations regarding the relations between the alcohol-induced VOR changes and posture control are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates how acute alcohol intake affects more physiologic mid- to high-frequency VORs, postural control, and elucidates the connection between the VOR and posture control after alcohol intake. Methods: A total of 31 healthy volunteers participated. Each participant received calculated amounts of alcohol drinks according to their body weight and genders with the targeted blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.05% using the Widmark formula. A vestibular test battery composed of posturography, video head impulse test, rotatory chair test (slow harmonic acceleration (SHA) and step velocity), and subjective visual vertical/horizontal tests (SVV/SVH) were conducted twice in alcohol-free condition (no alcohol intake within 24 h) and acute alcohol condition. Results: Acute alcohol intake decreased stability scores in all NS/EO (normal stability-eyes open), NS/EC (normal stability- eyes closed), PS/EO (perturbed stability-eyes open), and PS/EC (perturbed stability-eyes closed) conditions. High-frequency VOR gains decreased, but mid-frequency VOR gains were not significantly affected by alcohol intake. In addition, time constants were reduced significantly after alcohol ingestion in both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation. Phase lead in SHA test and SVV/SVH was not affected by alcohol intake. Conclusion: Acute alcohol intake affected postural stability, high-acceleration head impulses, and the velocity storage mechanism.
Study on Filling Support Design and Ground Pressure Monitoring Scheme for Gob-Side Entry Retention by Roof Cutting and Pressure Relief in High-Gas Thin Coal Seam
Authors: Li Hui , Zu Haodong , Zhang Kanglin , Qian Jifa
Published: March 2022

To ensure the successful application of roof cutting and pressure relief in the gob, to retain the roadway in a high-gas thin coal seam, by taking the 2109 working face of the Mingxin coal mine as the engineering background, this paper comprehensively analyzes and studies the key parameters of high-water material filling and support and the law of ground pressure behavior. The results show that the high-water material filling body has the characteristics of high strength, rapid resistance increase, strong flexibility and high strength in the later stage, which can meet the requirements for retaining roadway support along the goaf. On this basis, we determined that the water-cement ratio for a high-water material filling body is 1.5:1 and the filling length, height and width each time are 3.6 m, 2.2 m and 1.0 m, respectively. In addition, a ground-pressure monitoring scheme for retaining the roadway along the goaf is put forward and the results show that the displacement of the roof and floor and the deformation of the filling body are both within a reasonable range, which proves high-water material filling support can effectively ensure the stability and integrity of the roof of the gob, thus retaining the roadway in a high-gas thin coal seam.
Barriers to Accessing Eye Health Services in Suburban Communities in Nampula, Mozambique
Authors: Sengo Dulnério B. , Marraca Neves A. , Muaprato Alcino M. , García-Sanjuan Sofía , Caballero Pablo , López-Izquierdo Inmaculada
Published: March 2022

Globally, an estimated 2.2 billion people are visually impaired (VI) or blind, and a large proportion (90%) of those affected live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to eye health services is limited. This study aimed to identify barriers to accessing eye health services and associated factors in suburban communities of Nampula. A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out on adults ≥18 years old. A total of 338 adults were randomly selected from three communities (Muthita, Piloto, and Nthotta). Individual interviews were carried out and socio-demographic data, eye symptoms, date of last eye examination, and barriers to access to eye health services were extracted. Among participants, 49.4% had eye symptoms and 41.7% did not have their eye examinations up to date. The most cited barriers were crowding in hospitals (40.7%), financial difficulties (30.0%), self-medication (20.5%), traditional treatment (17.8%), and buying eyeglasses on the street (11.6%). Barriers limited the service target to 33%. Lower levels of schooling and monthly family income and farmer occupation were statistically associated with the most barriers as risk factors. The use of eye health services was lower due to barriers to accessing eye services. More specific intervention plans and greater cooperation between sectors are needed to improve these indicators.
LGBTQ+ Youth’s Identity Development in the Context of Peer Victimization: A Mixed Methods Investigation
Authors: Kiperman Sarah , Schacter Hannah L. , Judge Margaret , DeLong Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Research rarely explores LGBTQ+ youth bullying in the context of culture-specific outcomes (e.g., LGBTQ+ identity development) and what can mitigate the impact of peer stressors. This study used a concurrent mixed methods design to explore how experiences of peer victimization predicted LGBTQ+ youth’s identity development (i.e., stigma sensitivity, concealment motivation, and difficult process) and whether social support and outness served as protective, moderating factors. The mixed methods approach provides a culture-specific context via qualitative inquiry to inform whether the quantitative findings align with how youth qualitatively discuss their experience of peer victimization, negative outcomes, and social support. Our sample consisted of 349 LGBTQ+ youth 14–17 years old who completed a survey (quantitative sample) and a subset of 39 LGBTQ+ youth who completed a semi-structured interview (qualitative sample). Our quantitative findings indicated that greater overall peer victimization was positively related to LGBIS-revised subscales of stigma sensitivity, concealment motivation, and difficult process, where both outness and social support moderated such relations. Qualitatively, victimized youth also reported stigma sensitivity and concealment motivation while also endorsing how being out and having a support system played a role in their experience of being victimized. These qualitative findings align with our quantitative findings that classmate support mitigated the effects of peer victimization on the difficulty of coming out. Implications for practitioners and researchers are provided.
Illnesses and Symptoms in Older Adults at the End of Life at Different Places of Death in Korea
Authors: Kim Su Hyun
Published: March 2022

Context: A comprehensive plan has been launched by the Korean government to expand hospice and palliative care from hospital-based inpatient units to other services, such as palliative care at home, palliative consultation, and palliative care at a nursing home. Objective: To examine the illnesses and symptoms at the end of life associated with the place of death among older Korean adults. Methods: This secondary data analysis included a stratified random sample of 281 adults identified from the exit survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging aged ≥65 years and who died in 2017–2018. Results: Overall, 69% of the patients died at hospitals, 13% died at long-term care facilities (LTCF), and 18% died at home. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, and marital status, older adults who died in the hospital had higher odds (2.02–4.43 times) of having limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) as well as symptoms of anorexia, depression, weakness, dyspnea, and periodic confusion 1 month before death than those who died at home. Older adults who died in an LTCF were more likely to have limitations in ADL and instrumental ADL as well as a higher likelihood (2–5 times) of experiencing pain, anorexia, fatigue, depression, weakness, dyspnea, incontinence, periodic confusion, and loss of consciousness than those who died at home. Conclusion: Since the majority of subjects died either in a hospital or an LCTF, and this proportion is expected to increase, policy planning should focus on improving the palliative case in these settings. Future policies and clinical practices should consider the illness and symptoms of older patients at the end of life across different care settings.
“The Ugliness of It Seeps into Me”: Experiences of Vicarious Trauma among Female Psychologists Treating Survivors of Sexual Assault
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita , Gqomfa Nondumiso
Published: March 2022

The current study explores the lived experiences of female psychologists who provide psychological treatment to women survivors of sexual assault. These practitioners are a population of special interest due to the frequency of their exposure to narratives and graphic images of sexual trauma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 female South African psychologists. The data, which were analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, revealed experiences characteristic of vicarious traumatization. Participants reported having an enhanced sense of personal vulnerability to sexual assault and heightened awareness of the betrayals of trust that women experience from male figures, which has led to increased mistrust of men and hypervigilance regarding the safety of their daughters. Internalization of feelings of helplessness experienced by the victim evoked self-blame for practitioners and appraisals of being complicit in abuse. Practitioners also experienced survivor guilt about being spared from harm. Symptoms of intrusive re-experiencing of client trauma and cognitive and behavioral disengagement were evident. These findings have important implications for clinical practice and underscore the necessity for clinicians to cultivate an awareness of the impact of treating sexual trauma and working in ways that are self-protective.
Associations between Time Processing Ability, Daily Time Management, and Dementia Severity
Authors: Persson Ann-Christine , Janeslätt Gunnel , Dahlberg Lena , Löfgren Monika , Möller Marika
Published: March 2022

This study investigated associations between time processing ability (TPA), daily time management (DTM), and dementia severity. Persons with dementia (PwDs) (n = 53) and their significant others (n = 49) participated in this cross-sectional study. Bivariate analyses were used to investigate associations between TPA and DTM and the dementia severity. Linear regression models were used to further predict the contribution of the subtests in the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for TPA results. The results showed significant correlations between TPA and dementia severity, where visuospatial functions were the most highly correlated. TPA also showed a significant correlation to proxy-rated DTM. In addition, proxy-rated DTM was significantly correlated with dementia severity and PwDs’ own self-ratings of their DTM. Knowledge of the association between TPA, dementia severity, and visuospatial functions can enable early detection of TPA impairments. For a comprehensive assessment of TPA and DTM, objective measures should be used in combination with self-ratings and proxy-ratings. The findings can be used in clinical research and healthcare settings to develop methods to compensate for impaired TPA and support DTM in PwDs.
Analysis of Risk Factors for In-Hospital Death Due to COVID-19 in Patients Hospitalised at the Temporary Hospital Located at the National Stadium in Warsaw: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Butkiewicz Sławomir , Zaczyński Artur , Hampel Michał , Pańkowski Igor , Gałązkowski Robert , Rzońca Patryk
Published: March 2022

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic has affected all aspects of social life and brought massive changes to the healthcare sector. The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the mortality of COVID-19 patients at a temporary hospital in Warsaw (Poland). The present study was conducted based on a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients hospitalised at the temporary hospital located at the National Stadium in Warsaw between 1 March 2020 and 30 April 2021. The study included all cases of patients who were brought directly or transferred to the National Hospital from other hospitals for further treatment. With regard to comorbidities, the analysis found that five comorbidities—namely, diabetes (OR = 1.750, 95% CI: 1.009–2.444, p < 0.05), stroke history (OR = 2.408, 95% CI: 1.208–4.801, p < 0.05), renal failure (OR = 2.141, 95% CI: 1.052–4.356, p < 0.05), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.044, 95% CI: 1.133–3.690, p < 0.05) and heart failure (OR = 1.930, 95% CI: 1.154–3.227, p < 0.05)—had a significant impact on the survival of COVID-19 patients. The analysis identified 14 factors that had a significant impact on the prognosis and mortality of the COVID-19 patients studied.
Attachment and School Completion: Understanding Young People Who Have Dropped Out of High School and Important Factors in Their Re-Enrollment
Authors: Ramsdal Gro Hilde , Wynn Rolf
Published: March 2022

When students drop out of high school, this is often negative for their development as well as for society, as those who drop out have an increased risk of unemployment, health problems, and social problems. The aim of the present study was to synthesize knowledge regarding processes related to school dropout in general and school re-enrollment in particular. We performed a narrative review of the literature, focusing on Norwegian and Nordic studies, but we also included studies from other countries when relevant. We discussed the findings in relation to attachment theory and our own research on the topic. As a result, we identified five main challenges to upholding education-related goals in long-term dropout processes: lack of relatedness, overchallenged self-regulation capacity, compensating for a history of failure, wounded learner identities, and coping with prolonged stress. In conclusion, the identified challenges converged on the importance of belonging and social support. The prerequisite for addressing the challenges seemed to be the establishment of a trustful relationship between the students who have dropped out and at least one teacher, and preferably also with other supportive adults. These relationships may provide sufficient social support and aid the students’ motivation to complete school.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Urban Green and Smart Development Level in China: Evidence from 232 Prefecture-Level Cities
Authors: Xu Lingyan , Wang Dandan , Du Jianguo
Published: March 2022

Green and smart city is an optimal choice for cities to realize their modernization of governance capacity and sustainable development. As such, it is necessary to clarify the evolutionary characteristics and driving mechanism of urban green and smart development level (GSDL) systematically. From the perspective of green total factor productivity (GTFP), this study adopted the SBM-GML (slack-based model & global Malmquist–Luenberger) method to measure the urban GSDL considering smart input-output elements. Based on the panel data of China’s 232 prefecture-level cities from 2005 to 2018, the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of urban GSDL were explored, and the factors and structural mutation points affecting urban GSDL were analyzed with quantile regression tests and threshold regression tests. The findings of this paper showed that (1) there is an upward trend in the volatility of urban GSDL from 2005 to 2018, in which the eastern region was highest, followed by the central and western regions, and the differentiation showed no converge among regions; (2) the effect of technical progress and technical efficiency improvement on the urban GSDL was demonstrated with a fluctuating “Two-Wheel-Drive” trend on the whole; (3) the urban GSDL was promoted by the opening-up level and urban scale significantly, while inhibited by the level of economic development and government size. Additionally, the effects of industrial structure, financial development level, and human capital level on the urban GSDL were distinctive at different loci; (4) the threshold effects of economic and financial development level on improving the positive effects of industrial structure and opening-up level on urban GSDL were significant. These findings may enrich the research literature on the evolutionary heterogeneity of green and smart cities and provide theoretical and practical exploration for the construction of green and smart cities.
Helicobacter pylori Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns: Friends or Foes?
Authors: Eletto Daniela , Mentucci Fatima , Voli Antonia , Petrella Antonello , Porta Amalia , Tosco Alessandra
Published: March 2022

Microbial infections are sensed by the host immune system by recognizing signature molecules called Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns—PAMPs. The binding of these biomolecules to innate immune receptors, called Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs), alerts the host cell, activating microbicidal and pro-inflammatory responses. The outcome of the inflammatory cascade depends on the subtle balance between the bacterial burn and the host immune response. The role of PRRs is to promote the clearance of the pathogen and to limit the infection by bumping inflammatory response. However, many bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, evolved to escape PRRs’ recognition through different camouflages in their molecular pattern. This review examines all the different types of H. pylori PAMPs, their roles during the infection, and the mechanisms they evolved to escape the host recognition.
Modulation of Notch Signaling Pathway by Bioactive Dietary Agents
Authors: Kiesel Violet A. , Stan Silvia D.
Published: March 2022

Notch signaling is often aberrantly activated in solid and hematological cancers and regulates cell fate decisions and the maintenance of cancer stem cells. In addition, increased expression of Notch pathway components is clinically associated with poorer prognosis in several types of cancer. Targeting Notch may have chemopreventive and anti-cancer effects, leading to reduced disease incidence and improved survival. While therapeutic agents are currently in development to achieve this goal, several researchers have turned their attention to dietary and natural agents for targeting Notch signaling. Given their natural abundance from food sources, the use of diet-derived agents to target Notch signaling offers the potential advantage of low toxicity to normal tissue. In this review, we discuss several dietary agents including curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol, and isothiocyanates, which modulate Notch pathway components in a context-dependent manner. Dietary agents modulate Notch signaling in several types of cancer and concurrently decrease in vitro cell viability and in vivo tumor growth, suggesting a potential role for their clinical use to target Notch pathway components, either alone or in combination with current therapeutic agents.
Effects of Sterilization Methods on Different 3D Printable Materials for Templates of Physician-Modified Aortic Stent Grafts Used in Vascular Surgery—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Rynio Paweł , Galant Katarzyna , Wójcik Łukasz , Grygorcewicz Bartłomiej , Kazimierczak Arkadiusz , Falkowski Aleksander , Gutowski Piotr , Dołęgowska Barbara , Kawa Miłosz
Published: March 2022

Three-dimensionally-printed aortic templates are increasingly being used to aid in the modification of stent grafts in the treatment of urgent, complex aortic disorders, often of an emergency nature. The direct contact between the aortic template and the stent graft implies the necessity of complete sterility. Currently, the efficacy of sterilizing aortic templates and the effect of sterilization on the geometry of tubular aortic models are unknown. A complex case of aortic arch dissection was selected to prepare a 3D-printed aortic arch template, which was then manufactured in six popular printing materials: polylactic acid (PLA), nylon, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and a rigid and flexible photopolymer resin using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA). The 3D models were contaminated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus broth and Bacillus atrophaeus. The sterilization was performed using three different methods: heat (105 °C and 121 °C), hydrogen peroxide plasma, and ethylene oxide gas. Before and after sterilization, the aortic templates were scanned using computed tomography to detect any changes in their morphology by comparing the dimensions. All sterilization methods were effective in the elimination of microorganisms. Steam sterilization in an autoclave at 121 °C caused significant deformation of the aortic templates made of PLA, PETG, and PP. The other materials had stable geometries, and changes during mesh comparisons were found to be submillimeter. Similarly, plasma, gas, and heat at 105 °C did not change the shapes of aortic templates observed macroscopically and using mesh analysis. All mean geometry differences were smaller than 0.5 mm. All sterilization protocols tested in our study were equally effective in destroying microorganisms; however, differences occurred in the ability to induce 3D object deformation. Sterilization at high temperatures deformed aortic templates composed of PLA, PETG, and PP. This method was suitable for nylon, flexible, and rigid resin-based models. Importantly, plasma and gas sterilization were appropriate for all tested printing materials, including PLA, PETG, PP, nylon, flexible and rigid resins. Moreover, sterilization of all the printed models using our novel protocol for steam autoclaving at 105 °C was also 100% effective, which could represent a significant advantage for health centers, which can therefore use one of the most popular and cheap methods of medical equipment disinfection for the sterilization of 3D models as well.
Translational Read-Through Drugs (TRIDs) Are Able to Restore Protein Expression and Ciliogenesis in Fibroblasts of Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by a Premature Termination Codon in FAM161A
Authors: Beryozkin Avigail , Samanta Ananya , Gopalakrishnan Prakadeeswari , Khateb Samer , Banin Eyal , Sharon Dror , Nagel-Wolfrum Kerstin
Published: March 2022

Ataluren and Gentamicin are translational readthrough drugs (TRIDs) that induce premature termination codon (PTC) readthrough, resulting in the production of full-length proteins that usually harbor a single missense substitution. FAM161A is a ciliary protein which is expressed in photoreceptors, and pathogenic variants in this gene cause retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Applying TRIDs on fibroblasts from RP patients due to PTC in the FAM161A (p.Arg523*) gene may uncover whether TRIDs can restore expression, localization and function of this protein. Fibroblasts from six patients and five age-matched controls were starved prior to treatment with ataluren or gentamicin, and later FAM161A expression, ciliogenesis and cilia length were analyzed. In contrast to control cells, fibroblasts of patients did not express the FAM161A protein, showed a lower percentage of ciliated cells and grew shorter cilia after starvation. Ataluren and Gentamicin treatment were able to restore FAM161A expression, localization and co-localization with α-tubulin. Ciliogenesis and cilia length were restored following Ataluren treatment almost up to a level which was observed in control cells. Gentamicin was less efficient in ciliogenesis compared to Ataluren. Our results provide a proof-of-concept that PTCs in FAM161A can be effectively suppressed by Ataluren or Gentamicin, resulting in a full-length functional protein.
Polyploidy as a Fundamental Phenomenon in Evolution, Development, Adaptation and Diseases
Authors: Anatskaya Olga V. , Vinogradov Alexander E.
Published: March 2022

DNA replication during cell proliferation is ‘vertical’ copying, which reproduces an initial amount of genetic information. Polyploidy, which results from whole-genome duplication, is a fundamental complement to vertical copying. Both organismal and cell polyploidy can emerge via premature cell cycle exit or via cell-cell fusion, the latter giving rise to polyploid hybrid organisms and epigenetic hybrids of somatic cells. Polyploidy-related increase in biological plasticity, adaptation, and stress resistance manifests in evolution, development, regeneration, aging, oncogenesis, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the prevalence in nature and importance for medicine, agri- and aquaculture, biological processes and epigenetic mechanisms underlying these fundamental features largely remain unknown. The evolutionarily conserved features of polyploidy include activation of transcription, response to stress, DNA damage and hypoxia, and induction of programs of morphogenesis, unicellularity, and longevity, suggesting that these common features confer adaptive plasticity, viability, and stress resistance to polyploid cells and organisms. By increasing cell viability, polyploidization can provide survival under stressful conditions where diploid cells cannot survive. However, in somatic cells it occurs at the expense of specific function, thus promoting developmental programming of adult cardiovascular diseases and increasing the risk of cancer. Notably, genes arising via evolutionary polyploidization are heavily involved in cancer and other diseases. Ploidy-related changes of gene expression presumably originate from chromatin modifications and the derepression of bivalent genes. The provided evidence elucidates the role of polyploidy in evolution, development, aging, and carcinogenesis, and may contribute to the development of new strategies for promoting regeneration and preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Rickettsial Pathogen Perturbs Tick Circadian Gene to Infect the Vertebrate Host
Authors: Khanal Supreet , Taank Vikas , Anderson John F. , Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish
Published: March 2022

Ixodes scapularis is a medically important tick that transmits several microbes to humans, including rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In nature, these ticks encounter several abiotic factors including changes in temperature, humidity, and light. Many organisms use endogenously generated circadian pathways to encounter abiotic factors. In this study, we provide evidence for the first time to show that A. phagocytophilum modulates the arthropod circadian gene for its transmission to the vertebrate host. We noted a circadian oscillation in the expression of arthropod clock, bmal1, period and timeless genes when ticks or tick cells were exposed to alternate 12 h light: 12 h dark conditions. Moreover, A. phagocytophilum significantly modulates the oscillation pattern of expression of these genes. In addition, increased levels of clock and bmal1 and decreased expression of Toll and JAK/STAT pathway immune genes such as pelle and jak, respectively, were noted during A. phagocytophilum transmission from ticks to the vertebrate host. RNAi-mediated knockdown of clock gene expression in ticks resulted in the reduced expression of jak and pelle that increased bacterial transmission from ticks to the murine host. Furthermore, clock-deficient ticks fed late and had less engorgement weights. These results indicate an important role for circadian modulation of tick gene expression that is critical for arthropod blood feeding and transmission of pathogens from vector to the vertebrate host.