bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Epidemiological Data of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Patients in Relation to Disease Severity—A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Diepold Julian , Deininger Christian , Von Amelunxen Berndt-Christian , Deluca Amelie , Siegert Paul , Freude Thomas , Wichlas Florian
Published: January 2023

A retrospective data analysis of 159 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients (n = 116 women, 73.0%, mean age 60.9 ± 14.4 years; n = 43 men, 27.0%, mean age 52.3 ± 16.7 years) was performed from 2009 to 2020. The right side was affected in 74 patients (46.5%), the left in 84 patients (52.8%), and 1 patient (0.7%) developed a bilateral CRPS. Data were analyzed for the frequency and distribution of symptoms. The number of reduction maneuvers and the number of Budapest criteria were compared in relation to the severity of CRPS. Hand and wrist (n = 107, 67.3%), followed by foot and ankle (n = 36, 22.6%) and other locations (n = 16, 10.1%) were mainly affected by CRPS. The main causes included direct trauma (n = 120, 75.5%), surgery without previous trauma (n = 25, 15.7%), other causes (n = 9, 5.7%), and spontaneous development (n = 3, 1.9%); there was also missing documentation (n = 2, 1.3%). The most common symptoms were difference in temperature (n = 156, 98.1%), limitation of movement (n = 149, 93.7%), and swelling (n = 146, 91.8%). There was no correlation between the number of reduction maneuvers and the number of Budapest criteria. In summary, patients with the following constellation are at increased risk of CRPS: a female, over 60 years old, who has fallen and has sustained a fracture in the hand or wrist with persistent pain and has been immobilized with a cast for approx. 4 weeks.
Nursing Home Residents Hospitalization at the End of Life: Experience and Predictors in Portuguese Nursing Homes
Authors: Bárrios Helena , Nunes José Pedro , Teixeira João Paulo Araújo , Rego Guilhermina
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Nursing Home (NH) residents are a population with health and social vulnerabilities, for whom emergency department visits or hospitalization near the end of life can be considered a marker of healthcare aggressiveness. With the present study, we intend to identify and characterize acute care transitions in the last year of life in Portuguese NH residents, to characterize care integration between the different care levels, and identify predictors of death at hospital and potentially burdensome transitions; (2) Methods: a retrospective after-death study was performed, covering 18 months prior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a nationwide sample of Portuguese NH with 614 residents; (3) Results: 176 deceased patients were included. More than half of NH residents died at hospital. One-third experienced a potentially burdensome care transition in the last 3 days of life, and 48.3% in the last 90 days. Younger age and higher technical staff support were associated with death at hospital and a higher likelihood of burdensome transitions in the last year of life, and Palliative Care team support with less. Advanced Care planning was almost absent; (4) Conclusions: The studied population was frail and old without advance directives in place, and subject to frequent hospitalization and potentially burdensome transitions near the end of life. Unlike other studies, staff provisioning did not improve the outcomes. The results may be related to a low social and professional awareness of Palliative Care and warrant further study.
The Emission Reduction Effect of Financial Agglomeration under China’s Carbon Peak and Neutrality Goals
Authors: Wu Yanan , Peng Biyu , Lao Yehui
Published: January 2023

The existing literature on the influencing factors of carbon emissions ignores the relationship between financial agglomeration and carbon emissions. Based on the analysis of the emission reduction history of major countries, this paper mainly uses the provincial-level data of China from 2002 to 2018 to explore the impact of financial agglomeration on carbon emissions. The conclusions are as follows: (1) China lacks carbon tax policies; there are many drawbacks in the carbon trading market, and a “bottom-up” voluntary emission reduction mechanism has not been formed. (2) China’s carbon emissions and financial development are characterized by spatial agglomeration. (3) Financial agglomeration can reduce carbon emissions. In central China, the low-carbon region, and the pilot regions for carbon trading, financial agglomeration has a greater impact on reducing emissions. (4) Financial agglomeration can reduce emissions by reducing the proportion of the secondary industry and increasing the proportion of the third industry. (5) Financial agglomeration can still lower carbon emissions when the spacing effect is taken into account. Finally, according to the conclusion, this paper puts forward relevant suggestions to help China reduce carbon emissions.
Comparing Backward Walking Performance in Parkinson’s Disease with and without Freezing of Gait—A Systematic Review
Authors: Milane Tracy , Hansen Clint , Chardon Matthias , Bianchini Edoardo , Vuillerme Nicolas
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor symptoms and gait impairments. Among them, freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most disabling manifestations. Backward walking (BW) is an activity of daily life that individuals with PD might find difficult and could cause falls. Recent studies have reported that gait impairments in PD were more pronounced in BW, particularly in people presenting FOG. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic review has synthetized the literature which compared BW performance in PD patients with and without FOG. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in BW performance between PD patients with FOG and PD patients without FOG. Methods: Two databases, PubMed and Web of Science, were systematically searched to identify studies comparing BW performance in PD patients with and without FOG. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) tool was used to assess the quality of the studies included. Results: Seven studies with 431 PD patients (179 PD with FOG and 252 PD without FOG) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Among them, 5 studies reported walking speed, 3 studies step length, stride length and lower limb range of motion, 2 studies functional ambulation profile, toe clearance height, swing, and stance percent and 1 study reported the decomposition index and stepping coordination. Compared to PD patients without FOG, PD patients with FOG showed slower walking speed and reduced step length in 3 studies, shorter stride length, lower functional ambulation profile and decreased ankle range of motion in 2 studies, and smaller swing percent, higher stance percent, worse stepping coordination, greater decomposition between movements, and lower toe clearance height in one study. Conclusion: Despite the small number of included studies, the findings of this review suggested that PD patients with FOG have worse gait performance during the BW task than PD without FOG.
The Significance of Cooperation in Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams as Perceived by Polish Medical Students
Authors: Bendowska Aleksandra , Baum Ewa
Published: January 2023

Teamwork, as the preferred method of cooperation in healthcare, became prevalent in the 1960s, and since then has been universally recognized as a measure to improve the quality of healthcare. Research indicates that medical care based on interdisciplinary cooperation is associated with increased patient safety, lower hospitalization rates, and reduced rates of complications and medical errors. Furthermore, it enhances the coordination of care and improves patient access to medical services. This model of providing medical care also results in considerable benefits for medical professionals. These include greater job satisfaction and a reduced risk of professional burnout syndrome. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the opinions of medical students with regard to cooperation in the interdisciplinary team, as well as the factors affecting the formation of opinions. Material and methods: The study was conducted using the Polish version of the questionnaire Attitudes Towards Interprofessional Health Care Teams. The study involved 1266 participants, including students of medicine (n = 308), midwifery (n = 348), nursing (n = 316) and physiotherapy (n = 294). Results: According to the opinions of the students participating in the study, the therapeutic process based on the interdisciplinary model improves the quality of medical care provided, increases patient safety, and improves communication between members of the therapeutic team. The factors affecting the assessment of cooperation in interdisciplinary medical care teams included the faculty and the year of studies, gender, as well as participation in the multidisciplinary courses. Conclusions: Students recognize the need for interdisciplinary medical teams. The training of future medical professionals should incorporate the elements of interprofessional education. This form of education allows students to develop both a professional identity and identification with their own profession, as well as encourages teamwork skills and shapes the attitude of openness towards representatives of other medical professions. However, in order to provide the students with the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies, it is essential to respect their diversity in terms of the faculty, as well as to account for the impact of gender and the year of studies which may affect their readiness to engage in teamwork.
Effects of Grazing, Extreme Drought, Extreme Rainfall and Nitrogen Addition on Vegetation Characteristics and Productivity of Semiarid Grassland
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zuo Xiaoan , Lv Peng
Published: January 2023

Grassland use patterns, water and nutrients are the main determinants of ecosystem structure and function in semiarid grasslands. However, few studies have reported how the interactive effects of rainfall changes and nitrogen deposition influence the recovery of semiarid grasslands degraded by grazing. In this study, a simulated grazing, increasing and decreasing rainfall, nitrogen deposition test platform was constructed, and the regulation mechanism of vegetation characteristics and productivity were studied. We found that grazing decreased plant community height (CWMheight) and litter and increased plant density. Increasing rainfall by 60% from May to August (+60%) increased CWMheight; decreasing rainfall by 60% from May to August (–60%) and by 100% from May to June (−60 d) decreased CWMheight and coverage; −60 d, +60% and increasing rainfall by 100% from May to June (+60 d) increased plant density; −60% increased the Simpson dominance index (D index) but decreased the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H index); −60 d decreased the aboveground biomass (ABG), and −60% increased the underground biomass (BGB) in the 10–60 cm layer. Nitrogen addition decreased species richness and the D index and increased the H index and AGB. Rainfall and soil nitrogen directly affect AGB; grazing and rainfall can also indirectly affect AGB by inducing changes in CWMheight; grazing indirectly affects BGB by affecting plant density and soil nitrogen. The results of this study showed that in the semiarid grassland of Inner Mongolia, grazing in the nongrowing season and grazing prohibition in the growing season can promote grassland recovery, continuous drought in the early growing season will have dramatic impacts on productivity, nitrogen addition has a certain impact on the species composition of vegetation, and the impact on productivity will not appear in the short term.
Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Seasoning Flour Products in Hunan, China
Authors: Cheng Minghui , Tan Zhen , Zeng Xiwen , Liu Zhu , Liu Pingyu , Ali Anwar , Qiu Huali , Jiang Wenjun , Qin Hong
Published: January 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants with carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. Dietary intake is one of the significant exposure pathways of PAHs. In this study, gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to detect 16 priority PAHs listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in seasoning flour products distributed in Hunan Province. The consumption of seasoning flour products by the Hunan population was investigated by questionnaire. The results showed that the detection rate of PAHs in seasoning flour products in Hunan Province was 92.41%. Among them, benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), phenanthrene (PHE), fluoranthene (FLA), and chrysene (CHR) were dominant. The total PAHs and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) contents of soggy seasoning flour product samples were higher than those of crisp samples and chewy samples. The total amount of PAHs in rod-shaped and flaky samples were higher than that in filamentous and granular samples. The margin of exposure (MOE) values of various seasoning flour products and all age groups (children, adolescents, and adults) was much more significant than 10,000. Moreover, the incremental lifetime of cancer risk (ILCR) values of all age groups were below 1 × 10−5. The above results indicate that PAHs in seasoning flour products have a relatively low health risk for the Hunan population. Still, it is recommended that susceptible populations (children, adolescents, etc.) should control their intake of flour products.
Regulation Effectiveness and Mechanism of Biotransformation Pathway on the Toxicity of Microcystin-LR Target to Protein Phosphatase 2A
Authors: Yu Huiqun , Cui Jiyuan , Xu Yixue , Feng Li-Juan , Zong Wansong
Published: January 2023

Biotransformation is recognized as a potential pathway to regulate the environmental risk of microcystins (MCs). To explore the regulation effectiveness and mechanism of the biotransformation pathway, six typical MCLR-biotransformation products (MCLR-BTPs) were prepared, and their inhibition effects on protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were evaluated. The inhibition effects of the MCLR-BTPs generally decreased with the increase in biothiol molecular weights and polarity, indicating that biotransformation was an effective pathway through which to regulate MCLR toxicity. To further explore the regulation mechanism, the key interaction processes between the MCLR/MCLR-BTPs and the PP2A were explored by homology modeling and molecular docking. The introduced biothiols blocked the covalent binding of Mdha7 to Cys269 but strengthened the hydrogen bond “Mdha7”→Arg268. The changed “Mdha7” intervened the combination of MCLR-BTPs to PP2A by weakening the hydrogen bonds Arg4←Arg214, Arg4→Pro213, Adda5←His118, and Ala1←Arg268, and the ionic bond Glu6-Mn12+. The weakening combination of the MCLR-BTPs to PP2A further attenuated the interactions between the conserved domain and the Mn2+ ions (including the ionic bonds Asp57-Mn12+ and Asp85-Mn12+ and the metal bonds Asp57-Mn12+ and Asn117-Mn12+) and increased the exposure of the Mn2+ ions. Meanwhile, the weakened hydrogen bond Arg4←Arg214 facilitated the combination of the phosphate group to Arg214 (with increased exposure). In this way, the catalytic activity of the PP2A was restored.
A Community-Based Participatory Framework to Co-Develop Patient Education Materials (PEMs) for Rare Diseases: A Model Transferable across Diseases
Authors: Falcão Marta , Allocca Mariateresa , Rodrigues Ana Sofia , Granjo Pedro , Francisco Rita , Pascoal Carlota , Rossi Maria Grazia , Marques-da-Silva Dorinda , Magrinho Salvador C. M. , Jaeken Jaak , Castro Larisa Aragon , de Freitas Cláudia , Videira Paula A. , de Andrés-Aguayo Luísa , dos Reis Ferreira Vanessa
Published: January 2023

At least 50% of chronic disease patients don’t follow their care plans, leading to lower health outcomes and higher medical costs. Providing Patient Education Materials (PEMs) to individuals living with a disease can help to overcome these problems. PEMs are especially beneficial for people suffering from multisystemic and underrecognized diseases, such as rare diseases. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are ultra-rare diseases, where a need was identified for PEMs in plain language that can clearly explain complex information. Community involvement in the design of PEMs is extremely important for diseases whose needs are underserved, such as rare diseases; however, attempts to involve lay and professional stakeholders are lacking. This paper presents a community-based participatory framework to co-create PEMs for CDG, that is transferable to other diseases. A literature review and questionnaire were performed, and only four articles describing the development of PEMS for rare diseases have been found, which demonstrates a lack of standardized approaches. The framework and PEMs were co-developed with CDG families and will be crucial in increasing health literacy and empowering families. We will close a gap in the creation of PEMs for CDG by delivering these resources in lay language in several languages.
Research on Biogas Yield from Macroalgae with Inoculants at Different Organic Loading Rates in a Three-Stage Bioreactor
Authors: Zagorskis Alvydas , Dauknys Regimantas , Pranskevičius Mantas , Khliestova Olha
Published: January 2023

Macroalgae can be a viable alternative to replace fossil fuels that have a negative impact on the environment. By mixing macroalgae with other substrates, higher quality biogas can be obtained. Such biogas is considered one of the most promising solutions for reducing climate change. In the work, new studies were conducted, during which biogas yield was investigated in a three-stage bioreactor (TSB) during the anaerobic digestion of Cladophora glomerata macroalgae with inoculants from cattle manure and sewage sludge at different organic loading rates (OLR). By choosing the optimal OLR in this way, the goal was to increase the energy potential of biomass. The research was performed at OLRs of 2.87, 4.06, and 8.13 Kg VS/m3 d. After conducting research, the highest biogas yield was determined when OLR was 2.87 Kg VS/m3 d. With this OLR, the average biogas yield was 439.0 ± 4.0 L/Kg VSadded, and the methane yield was 306.5 ± 9.2 L CH4/Kg VSadded. After increasing the OLR to 4.06 and 8.13 Kg VS/m3 d, the yield of biogas and methane decreased by 1.55 times. The higher yield was due to better decomposition of elements C, N, H, and S during the fermentation process when OLR was 2.87 Kg VS/m3 d. At different OLRs, the methane concentration remained high and varied from 68% to 80%. The highest biomass energy potential with a value of 3.05 kWh/Kg VSadded was determined when the OLR was 2.87 Kg VS/m3 d. This biomass energy potential was determined by the high yield of biogas and methane in TSB.
Internal Structure of the Work–Family Conflict Questionnaire (WFCQ) in Teacher Teleworking
Authors: Santa-Cruz-Espinoza Henry , Chávez-Ventura Gina , Domínguez-Vergara Julio , Merino-Soto César
Published: January 2023

The interference between family and work roles has led to the development of scales for their measurement. However, instrumental studies of work–family conflict have not been conducted in the context of teacher teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, the objectives of this study were set to obtain evidence of the internal structure and fairness of the Blanch and Aluja Work–Family Conflict Questionnaire, as well as its association with job satisfaction and other sociodemographic variables. A total of 235 Peruvian school teachers between the ages of 24 and 72 years (M = 43.79 and SD = 9.67) responded to the scale using the online form. The analysis employed the non-parametric item response theory modeling (Mokken scaling analysis). The structure of two correlated factors was confirmed: work conflict in the family (WCF) and family conflict in the work (FCW). Both dimensions were invariant with respect to sex group and educational level. The association of both dimensions with job satisfaction was theoretically convergent, and the gender of the teachers slightly moderated this relationship. The reliability was adequate for group research. Finally, the instrument can be useful in the organizational context of teachers who telework.
COVID-19 and Public Health: Analysis of Opinions in Social Media
Authors: Raskhodchikov Aleksey N. , Pilgun Maria
Published: January 2023

The article presents the results of research of public opinion during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. The study touches on the attitude of citizens to public health, as well as the reaction of social media users to government measures in a crisis situation during a pandemic. Special attention is paid to the phenomenon of infodemic and methods of detecting cases of the spread of false and unverified information about diseases. The article demonstrates the application of an interdisciplinary approach using network analysis of texts and sociological research. A model for detecting social stress in the textual communication of social network users using a specially trained neural network and linguistic analysis methods is presented. The validity and validity of the results of the analysis of social network data were verified using a sociological survey. This approach allows us to identify points of tension in matters of public health promotion, during crisis situations to improve interaction between the government and society, and to timely adjust government plans and actions to ensure resilience in emergency situations for public health purposes.
Time Trends in Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality Attributable to PM2.5 Exposure in Southeastern China from 1990 to 2019: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Zhou Nan , Yu Hao , Yang Huafeng , Zhou Jinyi , Hong Xin
Published: January 2023

PM2.5 exposure is a major environmental risk factor for the mortality of ischemic heart disease (IHD). This study aimed to analyze trends in IHD mortality attributable to PM2.5 exposure in Jiangsu Province, China, from 1990 to 2019, and their correlation with age, period, and birth cohort. Methods: Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD2019). The magnitude and direction of the trends in IHD mortality attributable to PM2.5 exposure were analyzed by Joinpoint regression. The age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to evaluate the cohort and period effect. Results: Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of IHD attributable to PM2.5 exposure decreased from 1990 to 2019, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of −1.71% (95%CI: −2.02~−1.40), which, due to ambient PM2.5 (APM) exposure and household PM2.5 (HPM) exposure increased with AAPCs of 1.45% (95%CI: 1.18~1.72) and −8.27% (95%CI: −8.84~−7.69), respectively. APC analysis revealed an exponential distribution in age effects on IHD mortality attributable to APM exposure, which rapidly increased in the elderly. The risk for IHD mortality due to HPM exposure showed a decline in the period and cohort effects, which, due to APM, increased in the period and cohort effects. However, favorable period effects were found in the recent decade. The overall net drift values for APM were above zero, and were below zero for HPM. The values for local drift with age both for APM and HPM exposures were initially reduced and then enhanced. Conclusion: The main environmental risk factor for IHD mortality changed from HPM to APM exposure in Jiangsu Province, China. Corresponding health strategies and prevention management should be adopted to reduce ambient air pollution and decrease the effects of APM exposure on IHD mortality.
The Implications of Health Disparities: A COVID-19 Risk Assessment of the Hispanic Community in El Paso
Authors: Cione Carina , Vetter Emma , Jackson Deziree , McCarthy Sarah , Castañeda Ernesto
Published: January 2023

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Latinos have suffered from disproportionately high rates of hospitalization and death related to the virus. Health disparities based on race and ethnicity are directly associated with heightened mortality and burden of illness and act as underlying causes for the staggering impacts of COVID-19 in Latin communities in the United States. This is especially true in the city of El Paso, Texas, where over 82% of the population is Hispanic. To ascertain the level of danger that COVID-19 poses in El Paso, we constructed a point-in-time risk assessment of its Latin population and assessed a Latin individual’s likelihood of hospitalization or death related to COVID-19 by comparing relevant health profiles with high-risk co-morbidities that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified in 2020. Data for this risk assessment come from 1152 surveys conducted in El Paso. The assessment included comprehensive demographic, socioeconomic, and health data to analyze disparities across Hispanic sub-populations in the city. Results revealed that around 49.3% of Hispanics in the study had been previously diagnosed with a high-risk co-morbidity and therefore have an increased likelihood of hospitalization or death related to COVID-19. Additional factors that led to increased risk included low income, homelessness, lack of U.S. citizenship, and being insured. The findings from this study additionally demonstrate that structural inequality in the U.S. must be addressed, and preventive measures must be taken at local and state levels to decrease the mortality of pandemics. Baseline population health data can help with both of these goals.
SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol and Surface Detections in COVID-19 Testing Centers and Implications for Transmission Risk in Public Facing Workers
Authors: Stein Sarah J. , Ravnholdt Ashley R. , Herrera Vicki L. , Rivera Danielle N. , Williams Paul T. , Santarpia Joshua L.
Published: January 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and resulting COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic have required mass diagnostic testing, often taking place in testing sites within hospitals, clinics, or at satellite locations. To establish the potential of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission and to identify junctures during testing that result in increased viral exposure, aerosol and surface samples were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from locations within Nebraska Medicine COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics. Aerosols containing SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected within clinics suggest viral shedding from infected individuals. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in aerosol samples was shown to correlate with clinic operation and patient infection, as well as with community infection findings. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in surface samples collected from clinics. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols in these clinics supports the continued use of respiratory protection and sanitization practices for healthcare workers, and other workers with public facing occupations.
Impact of Antenatal Care on Perinatal Outcomes in New South Wales, Australia: A Decade-Long Regional Perspective
Authors: Ghimire Pramesh Raj , Buck Gretchen , Jackson Jackie , Woolley Emma , Bowman Rebekah , Fox Louise , Gallagher Shirlena , Sorrell Malindey , Dubois Lorraine
Published: January 2023

Low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth are adverse perinatal outcomes that pose a significant risk to a child’s healthy beginning. While antenatal care (ANC) is an established intervention for pregnancy care, little is understood about how the number and timing of ANC visits can impact these adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the impact of the number and timing of ANC visits on LBW and preterm birth in a regional setting. A decade-long perinatal dataset related to singleton live births that took place in the Southern New South Wales Local Health District (SNSWLHD) was utilized. The outcomes of interest were LBW and preterm birth, and the exposure variables were based on the Australian pregnancy guidelines on the number and timing of ANC visits. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to measure the association between outcome and exposure while adjusting for potential confounders. A greater level of protection against LBW and preterm birth was observed among mothers who had an adequate number of visits, with early entry (first trimester) into ANC. The protective effect of an adequate number of ANC visits against LBW and preterm birth among mothers with late entry into ANC (third trimester) was found to be statistically non-significant.
Dr. Google: Physicians—The Web—Patients Triangle: Digital Skills and Attitudes towards e-Health Solutions among Physicians in South Eastern Poland—A Cross-Sectional Study in a Pre-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Burzyńska Joanna , Bartosiewicz Anna , Januszewicz Paweł
Published: January 2023

The investment in digital e-health services is a priority direction in the development of global healthcare systems. While people are increasingly using the Web for health information, it is not entirely clear what physicians’ attitudes are towards digital transformation, as well as the acceptance of new technologies in healthcare. The aim of this cross-sectional survey study was to investigate physicians’ self-digital skills and their opinions on obtaining online health knowledge by patients, as well as the recognition of physicians’ attitudes towards e-health solutions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to emerge the variables from self-designed questionnaire and cross-sectional analysis, comparing descriptive statistics and correlations for dependent variables using the one-way ANOVA (F-test). A total of 307 physicians participated in the study, reported as using the internet mainly several times a day (66.8%). Most participants (70.4%) were familiar with new technologies and rated their e-health literacy high, although 84.0% reported the need for additional training in this field and reported a need to introduce a larger number of subjects shaping digital skills (75.9%). 53.4% of physicians perceived Internet-sourced information as sometimes reliable and, in general, assessed the effects of its use by their patients negatively (41.7%). Digital skills increased significantly with frequency of internet use (F = 13.167; p = 0.0001) and decreased with physicians’ age and the need for training. Those who claimed that patients often experienced health benefits from online health showed higher digital skills (−1.06). Physicians most often recommended their patients to obtain laboratory test results online (32.2%) and to arrange medical appointments via the Internet (27.0%). Along with the deterioration of physicians’ digital skills, the recommendation of e-health solutions decreased (r = 0.413) and lowered the assessment of e-health solutions for the patient (r = 0.449). Physicians perceive digitization as a sign of the times and frequently use its tools in daily practice. The evaluation of Dr. Google’s phenomenon and online health is directly related to their own e-health literacy skills, but there is still a need for practical training to deal with the digital revolution.
Medical Fuzzy-Expert System for Assessment of the Degree of Anatomical Lesion of Coronary Arteries
Authors: Wójcik Waldemar , Mezhiievska Iryna , Pavlov Sergii V. , Lewandowski Tomasz , Vlasenko Oleh V. , Maslovskyi Valentyn , Volosovych Oleksandr , Kobylianska Iryna , Moskovchuk Olha , Ovcharuk Vasyl , Lewandowska Anna
Published: January 2023

Background: Today, cardiovascular diseases cause 47% of all deaths among the European population, which is 4 million cases every year. In Ukraine, CAD accounts for 65% of the mortality rate from circulatory system diseases of the able-bodied population and is the main cause of disability. The aim of this study is to develop a medical expert system based on fuzzy sets for assessing the degree of coronary artery lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: The method of using fuzzy sets for the implementation of an information expert system for solving the problems of medical diagnostics, in particular, when assessing the degree of anatomical lesion of the coronary arteries in patients with various forms of coronary artery disease, has been developed. Results: The paper analyses the main areas of application of mathematical methods in medical diagnostics, and formulates the principles of diagnostics, based on fuzzy logic. The developed models and algorithms of medical diagnostics are based on the ideas and principles of artificial intelligence and knowledge engineering, the theory of experiment planning, the theory of fuzzy sets and linguistic variables. The expert system is tested on real data. Through research and comparison of the results of experts and the created medical expert system, the reliability of supporting the correct decision making of the medical expert system based on fuzzy sets for assessing the degree of anatomical lesion of the coronary arteries in patients with various forms of coronary artery disease with the assessment of experts was 95%, which shows the high efficiency of decision making. Conclusions: The practical value of the work lies in the possibility of using the automated expert system for the solution of the problems of medical diagnosis based on fuzzy logic for assessing the degree of anatomical lesion of the coronary arteries in patients with various forms of coronary artery disease. The proposed concept must be further validated for inter-rater consistency and reliability. Thus, it is promising to create expert medical systems based on fuzzy sets for assessing the degree of disease pathology.
The Use of the Static Posturography to Assess Balance Performance in a Parkinson’s Disease Population
Authors: Sebastia-Amat Sergio , Tortosa-Martínez Juan , Pueo Basilio
Published: January 2023

The literature has shown contradictory results so far about the use of posturography, especially static posturography, to evaluate balance performance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) populations. This study aimed to investigate the use of static posturography as a valid method to evaluate balance in a PD population. Fifty-two participants diagnosed with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage: 1–3) were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed the following assessments: Hoehn and Yahr scale, Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Tinetti Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, Timed Up and Go test, and Functional Reach Test. Sway parameters were analyzed with a baropodometric platform, under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions, in a bipodal stance. Small to large correlations were observed between clinical balance tests and static posturography parameters, although the majority of these parameters correlated moderately. Considering posturographic variables, the highest correlation values were detected for total excursion (TE), mean velocity (MV), mean (X-mean), and root-mean-square (X-RMS) displacements in the medio-lateral directions. It was observed that posturographic parameters worsened as the disease progresses, although differences were only significant between the stages 1 and 3 in the H&Y scale (p < 0.05). Regarding the test condition, the visual deprivation worsened significantly all the static posturography parameters (p < 0.05), except the antero-posterior mean displacement (Y-Mean). Comparing visual conditions, the EC presented slightly higher correlation values with the clinical balance tests. Static posturography could be used as an objective complementary tool to clinical balance tests in order to assess and control balance performance, mainly to detect postural instability problems.
Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria (Enteropathogens) Recovered from a Blend of Pig Manure and Pinewood Saw Dust during Anaerobic Co-Digestion in a Steel Biodigester
Authors: Manyi-Loh Christy Echakachi , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyin , Lues Ryk
Published: January 2023

South Africa adopts intensive livestock farming, embracing the employment of huge quantities of antibiotics to meet the increased demand for meat. Therefore, bacteria occurring in the animal products and manure might develop antibiotic resistance, a scenario which threatens public health. The study investigated the occurrence of Gram-negative bacteria from eighteen pooled samples withdrawn from a single-stage steel biodigester co-digesting pig manure (75%) and pine wood saw dust (25%). The viable counts for each bacterium were determined using the spread plate technique. The bacterial isolates were characterised based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, using the Analytical Profile Index 20 e test kit. In addition, isolates were characterised based on susceptibility to 14 conventional antibiotics via the disc diffusion method. The MAR index was calculated for each bacterial isolate. The bacterial counts ranged from 104 to 106 cfu/mL, indicating manure as a potential source of contamination. Overall, 159 bacterial isolates were recovered, which displayed diverse susceptibility patterns with marked sensitivity to amoxicillin (100% E. coli), streptomycin (96.15% for Yersinia spp.; 93.33% for Salmonella spp.) and 75% Campylobacter spp. to nitrofurantoin. Varying resistance rates were equally observed, but a common resistance was demonstrated to erythromycin (100% of Salmonella and Yersinia spp.), 90.63% of E. coli and 78.57% of Campylobacter spp. A total of 91.19% of the bacterial isolates had a MAR index > 0.2, represented by 94 MAR phenotypes. The findings revealed multidrug resistance in bacteria from the piggery source, suggesting they can contribute immensely to the spread of multidrug resistance; thus, it serves as a pointer to the need for the enforcement of regulatory antibiotic use in piggery farms. Therefore, to curb the level of multidrug resistance, the piggery farm should implement control measures in the study area.
A Survey Exploring How Watch Officers Manage Effects of Sleep Restrictions during Maritime Navigation
Authors: Giot Claire , Lejeune Laure , Bessot Nicolas , Davenne Damien
Published: January 2023

Merchant marine officers work shifted hours with a sometimes very tiring work/rest rhythm that can lead to sleep restrictions and increased sleepiness during navigation. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of sleep deprivation-related sleepiness during navigation and the factors contributing to this risk. A second objective is to evaluate the use and effectiveness of sleepiness countermeasures. An online quantitative survey of 43 questions was conducted on 183 French maritime officers. A total of 39.9% of the participants experienced at least occasionally severe sleepiness and 29% had fallen asleep during navigation. A total of 42.6% reported not being able to experience enough sleep on board. Sleep requirements were affected by time spent on board, area of activity, and watch system. Sleepiness was more common during monotonous than demanding sailing. Officers frequently use caffeine, as well as vigilance-enhancing activities that they consider effective, which are not yet validated, (i.e., social interactions). However, they are not inclined to seek replacements in case of severe sleepiness. Sleep deprivation is common among maritime officers and leads to the risk of severe sleepiness while operating the vessel, with few effective countermeasures available. Strategies used for sleep management and sleepiness prevention should focus more on sleep duration, safety culture, and improving countermeasures to sleepiness.
Participation in Household Physical Activity Lowers Mortality Risk in Chinese Women and Men
Authors: Hu Lan , Wang Lu , Zhang Yunquan , Wang Ke , Wang Yaqi , Tan Huiyue , Zhang Yin
Published: January 2023

The health benefits of sport and physical exercise (SPE) have been well documented, while the influence of household physical activity (HPA) on health has received much less research attention. This study aims to provide epidemiologic insight into the role HPA plays in the development of all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease (RESP), and cancer mortality in a nationwide cohort of Chinese adults. We conceived a prospective cohort comprising 30,791 participants aged ≥16 years from 25 provinces of China using data derived from baseline (2010) and 4 waves of follow-up (2012–2018) investigations of the China Family Panel Studies. Self-reported times of HPA and SPE were collected by interviewing participants with a standard questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations of HPA and SPE with all-cause, CVD, RESP, and cancer mortality, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and health status. A restricted cubic spline smoother was used to investigate the dose–response relationships of HPA and SPE with mortality outcomes. Sex subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the potential effect disparity between men and women. To investigate the interactive effects of HPA and SPE, we calculated the relative excess risk due to the interaction and attributable proportion of additive effects to the total observed effects. During a median follow-up of 7.2 years, a total of 1,649 deaths occurred, with 209 cases from CVD, 123 from RESP, and 323 from cancer. HPA was identified to be associated with reduced mortality outcomes, suggesting remarkably reduced risks of 43–60% in all-cause mortality, 42–50% in CVD mortality, 36–71% in RESP mortality, and 38–46% in cancer mortality. In general, higher levels of HPA tended to be associated with lower risks. An approximately inverted J-shape association was identified between HPA and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, suggesting strong evidence for potential nonlinearity. Women performing HPA had a lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. We did not identify significant evidence for additive interaction between HPA and SPE. HPA is independently associated with a reduced risk of mortality in Chinese women and men. More biological studies are needed to validate our findings and clarify the mechanisms underlying the association.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory among Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Adult Men
Authors: Santos Cleonaldo Gonçalves , Almeida Maurício , de Oliveira Júnior Mauro Lúcio , Brown Tiffany A. , de Carvalho Pedro Henrique Berbert
Published: January 2023

Despite high levels of muscularity concerns among sexual-minority men, most of the existing literature on the drive for muscularity and muscle dysmorphia focuses on heterosexual men and has mainly been conducted in Western and English-speaking regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men who were 18–50 years old. We evaluated the factor structure of both measures using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 704) and confirmatory (CFA; n = 705) factor-analytic approach, which supported the original three-factor structure of the MDDI and resulted in a reduced two-factor solution with 13 items for the DMS. Convergent validity was supported through associations of the DMS and the MDDI with eating disorder symptoms, body-ideal internalization, self-objectification beliefs and behaviors, and body appreciation measures. Additionally, we found good internal consistency, and test–retest reliability of both measures. Results support the validity and reliability of the DMS and the MDDI in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and will support future studies exploring these constructs in Brazilian sexual-minority men.
Preliminary Evaluation of Sedentary Lifestyle in Italian Children after Solid Transplant: What Role Could Physical Activity Play in Health? It Is Time to Move
Authors: Tranchita Eliana , Cafiero Giulia , Giordano Ugo , Guzzo Isabella , Labbadia Raffaella , Palermi Stefano , Cerulli Claudia , Candusso Manila , Spada Marco , Ravà Lucilla , Gentili Federica , Drago Fabrizio , Turchetta Attilio
Published: January 2023

Background: Advances in the medical–surgical field have significantly increased survival after solid organ transplantation in the pediatric population. However, these patients are predisposed to the development of long-term complications (e.g., cardiovascular disease). The therapeutic role of physical activity (PA) to counteract these complications is well known. The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of PA in a pediatric population after solid organ transplantation. Methods: In the first 4 weeks at the beginning of the school year, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and Adolescents was administered to young patients who had previously undergone solid transplants at our institute. Results: Questionnaires of 49 patients (57.1% female, mean age 13.2 ± 3.5 years) were analyzed and 32.7% of subjects did not perform any exercise during school physical education classes. Only 24% practiced a moderate quantity of exercise in the previous week (2–3 times/week) and 72% engaged in sedentary behaviors during weekends. Conclusions: Preliminary data confirmed that young recipients are still far from meeting the minimum indications of the World Health Organization on PA and sedentary behavior. It will be necessary to increase their involvement in PA programs in order not only to increase their life expectancy but also to improve their quality of life.
#SexyBodyPositive: When Sexualization Does Not Undermine Young Women’s Body Image
Authors: Di Michele Daniela , Guizzo Francesca , Canale Natale , Fasoli Fabio , Carotta Francesca , Pollini Arianna , Cadinu Mara
Published: January 2023

Research suggests that exposure to social networking sites portraying a thin and often sexualized beauty ideal reduces young women’s body satisfaction, while exposure to body-positive content improves it. However, it is unclear whether sexualization could impair the beneficial effects of body-positivity messages. Young Italian women were exposed to one of three experimental conditions showing sexualized beauty ideals, sexualized body positivity, or non-sexualized body positivity that appeared either on Instagram (Study 1, N = 356) or TikTok (Study 2, N = 316). Across the two studies, results showed that, regardless of sexualization, exposure to body positivity increased body satisfaction and positive mood compared with pre-exposure measures, while exposure to sexualized beauty ideals reduced it. Participants in the sexualized beauty ideal condition also engaged in upward appearance social comparison whereas body positivity elicited downward comparison. Problematic social networking sites’ use moderated the effects of condition on body satisfaction, appearance social comparison, and positive mood, while downward comparison mediated the relation between condition and body satisfaction and positive mood. Our results highlight both beneficial and critical aspects of body positivity that should be taken into consideration when designing body image interventions and policymaking.