bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Lead-Time Weather Forecast Uncertainty on Outage Prediction Modeling
Authors: Yang Feifei , Cerrai Diego , Anagnostou Emmanouil N.
Published: July 2021

Weather-related power outages affect millions of utility customers every year. Predicting storm outages with lead times of up to five days could help utilities to allocate crews and resources and devise cost-effective restoration plans that meet the strict time and efficiency requirements imposed by regulatory authorities. In this study, we construct a numerical experiment to evaluate how weather parameter uncertainty, based on weather forecasts with one to five days of lead time, propagates into outage prediction error. We apply a machine-learning-based outage prediction model on storm-caused outage events that occurred between 2016 and 2019 in the northeastern United States. The model predictions, fed by weather analysis and other environmental parameters including land cover, tree canopy, vegetation characteristics, and utility infrastructure variables exhibited a mean absolute percentage error of 38%, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.54, and normalized centered root mean square error of 68%. Our numerical experiment demonstrated that uncertainties of precipitation and wind-gust variables play a significant role in the outage prediction uncertainty while sustained wind and temperature parameters play a less important role. We showed that, while the overall weather forecast uncertainty increases gradually with lead time, the corresponding outage prediction uncertainty exhibited a lower dependence on lead times up to 3 days and a stepwise increase in the four- and five-day lead times.
Roles of ncRNAs as ceRNAs in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ye Junhong , Li Jifu , Zhao Ping
Published: July 2021

Although ignored in the past, with the recent deepening of research, significant progress has been made in the field of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Accumulating evidence has revealed that microRNA (miRNA) response elements regulate RNA. Long ncRNAs, circular RNAs, pseudogenes, miRNAs, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) form a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network that plays an essential role in cancer and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune diseases. Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers, with a high degree of malignancy. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanism and treatment of GC, but GC’s mortality rate is still high. Studies have shown a complex ceRNA crosstalk mechanism in GC. lncRNAs, circRNAs, and pseudogenes can interact with miRNAs to affect mRNA transcription. The study of the involvement of ceRNA in GC could improve our understanding of GC and lead to the identification of potential effective therapeutic targets. The research strategy for ceRNA is mainly to screen the different miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, pseudogenes, and mRNAs in each sample through microarray or sequencing technology, predict the ceRNA regulatory network, and, finally, conduct functional research on ceRNA. In this review, we briefly discuss the proposal and development of the ceRNA hypothesis and the biological function and principle of ceRNAs in GC, and briefly introduce the role of ncRNAs in the GC’s ceRNA network.
ZEB2, the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Transcription Factor: Confirmations, Novel Functions, and Continuing Surprises
Authors: Birkhoff Judith C. , Huylebroeck Danny , Conidi Andrea
Published: July 2021

After its publication in 1999 as a DNA-binding and SMAD-binding transcription factor (TF) that co-determines cell fate in amphibian embryos, ZEB2 was from 2003 studied by embryologists mainly by documenting the consequences of conditional, cell-type specific Zeb2 knockout (cKO) in mice. In between, it was further identified as causal gene causing Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MOWS) and novel regulator of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). ZEB2’s functions and action mechanisms in mouse embryos were first addressed in its main sites of expression, with focus on those that helped to explain neurodevelopmental and neural crest defects seen in MOWS patients. By doing so, ZEB2 was identified in the forebrain as the first TF that determined timing of neuro-/gliogenesis, and thereby also the extent of different layers of the cortex, in a cell non-autonomous fashion, i.e., by its cell-intrinsic control within neurons of neuron-to-progenitor paracrine signaling. Transcriptomics-based phenotyping of Zeb2 mutant mouse cells have identified large sets of intact-ZEB2 dependent genes, and the cKO approaches also moved to post-natal brain development and diverse other systems in adult mice, including hematopoiesis and various cell types of the immune system. These new studies start to highlight the important adult roles of ZEB2 in cell–cell communication, including after challenge, e.g., in the infarcted heart and fibrotic liver. Such studies may further evolve towards those documenting the roles of ZEB2 in cell-based repair of injured tissue and organs, downstream of actions of diverse growth factors, which recapitulate developmental signaling principles in the injured sites. Evident questions are about ZEB2’s direct target genes, its various partners, and ZEB2 as a candidate modifier gene, e.g., in other (neuro)developmental disorders, but also the accurate transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of its mRNA expression sites and levels. Other questions start to address ZEB2’s function as a niche-controlling regulatory TF of also other cell types, in part by its modulation of growth factor responses (e.g., TGFβ/BMP, Wnt, Notch). Furthermore, growing numbers of mapped missense as well as protein non-coding mutations in MOWS patients are becoming available and inspire the design of new animal model and pluripotent stem cell-based systems. This review attempts to summarize in detail, albeit without discussing ZEB2’s role in cancer, hematopoiesis, and its emerging roles in the immune system, how intense ZEB2 research has arrived at this exciting intersection.
A KRT71 Loss-of-Function Variant Results in Inner Root Sheath Dysplasia and Recessive Congenital Hypotrichosis of Hereford Cattle
Authors: Jacinto Joana G. P. , Markey Alysta D. , Veiga Inês M. B. , Paris Julia M. , Welle Monika , Beever Jonathan E. , Drögemüller Cord
Published: July 2021

Genodermatoses, such as heritable skin disorders, mostly represent Mendelian conditions. Congenital hypotrichosis (HY) characterize a condition of being born with less hair than normal. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinicopathological phenotype of a breed-specific non-syndromic form of HY in Hereford cattle and to identify the causative genetic variant for this recessive disorder. Affected calves showed a very short, fine, wooly, kinky and curly coat over all parts of the body, with a major expression in the ears, the inner part of the limbs, and in the thoracic-abdominal region. Histopathology showed a severely altered morphology of the inner root sheath (IRS) of the hair follicle with abnormal Huxley and Henle’s layers and severely dysplastic hair shafts. A genome-wide association study revealed an association signal on chromosome 5. Homozygosity mapping in a subset of cases refined the HY locus to a 690 kb critical interval encompassing a cluster of type II keratin encoding genes. Protein-coding exons of six positional candidate genes with known hair or hair follicle function were re-sequenced. This revealed a protein-changing variant in the KRT71 gene that encodes a type II keratin specifically expressed in the IRS of the hair follicle (c.281delTGTGCCCA; p.Met94AsnfsX14). Besides obvious phenocopies, a perfect concordance between the presence of this most likely pathogenic loss-of-function variant located in the head domain of KRT71 and the HY phenotype was found. This recessive KRT71-related form of hypotrichosis provides a novel large animal model for similar human conditions. The results have been incorporated in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (OMIA) database (OMIA 002114-9913).
Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species (NUS) from the Apulia Region Worthy of Being Rescued and Re-Included in Daily Diet
Authors: Scarano Aurelia , Semeraro Teodoro , Chieppa Marcello , Santino Angelo
Published: July 2021

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are cultivated, semi-domesticated, or wild plant species, not included in the group of the major staple crops, since, in most cases, they do not meet the global market requirements. As they often represent resilient species and valuable sources of vitamins, micronutrients, and other phytochemicals, a wider use of NUS would enhance sustainability of agro-systems and a choice of nutritious foods with a strategic role for addressing the nutritional security challenge across Europe. In this review, we focused on some examples of NUS from the Apulia Region (Southern Italy), either cultivated or spontaneously growing species, showing interesting adaptative, nutritional, and economical potential that can be exploited and properly enhanced in future programs.
The Effect of Mycorrhizal Inoculum and Phosphorus Treatment on Growth and Flowering of Ajania (Ajania pacifica (Nakai) Bremer et Humphries) Plant
Authors: Vosnjak Matej , Likar Matevz , Osterc Gregor
Published: July 2021

The influence of mycorrhizal inoculum in combination with different phosphorus treatments on growth and flowering parameters of Ajania (Ajania pacifica (Nakai) Bremer et Humphries) plants was investigated in two growing seasons (2015 and 2016). Plants of the cultivar ‘Silver and Gold’ were transplanted into pots either with added mycorrhizal inoculum or without inoculum and assigned to four phosphorus treatments. Mycorrhizal colonization was assessed by evaluating the frequency of colonization, intensity of colonization and density of fungal structures (arbuscules, vesicles, coils and microsclerotia) in the roots. During the growing season, the content of plant available phosphorus in the soil was analyzed, and shoot length, number of shoots, number of inflorescences, number of flowers and flowering time were evaluated. Inoculated Ajania plants were successfully colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytic fungi. In the root segments, hyphae were mainly observed, as well as vesicles, coils, arbuscules and microsclerotia, but in lower density. The density of fungal structures did not differ among phosphorus treatments, but did differ between years, with a higher density of fungal structures in 2016. Mycorrhizal plants developed higher number of shoots in 2016, higher number of inflorescences, higher number of flowers, and they flowered longer compared to uninoculated plants.
Combined Effect of Salinity and LED Lights on the Yield and Quality of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Microgreens
Authors: Giménez Almudena , Martínez-Ballesta María del Carmen , Egea-Gilabert Catalina , Gómez Perla A. , Artés-Hernández Francisco , Pennisi Giuseppina , Orsini Francesco , Crepaldi Andrea , Fernández Juan A.
Published: July 2021

The present work aims to explore the potential to improve quality of purslane microgreens by combining water salinity and LED lighting during their cultivation. Purslane plants were grown in a growth chamber with light insulated compartments, under different lighting sources on a 16 h d−1 photoperiod—fluorescent lamps (FL) and two LED treatments, including a red and blue (RB)) spectrum and a red, blue and far red (RB+IR) LED lights spectrum—while providing all of them a light intensity of 150 µmol m−2 s−1. Plants were exposed to two salinity treatments, by adding 0 or 80 mM NaCl. Biomass, cation and anions, total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoids content (TFC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total chlorophylls (Chl) and carotenoids content (Car) and fatty acids were determined. The results showed that yield was increased by 21% both in RB and RB+FR lights compared to FL and in salinity compared to non-salinity conditions. The nitrate content was reduced by 81% and 91% when microgreens were grown under RB and RB+FR, respectively, as compared to FL light, and by 9.5% under saline conditions as compared with non-salinity conditions. The lowest oxalate contents were obtained with the combinations of RB or RB+FR lighting and salinity. The content of Cl and Na in the leaves were also reduced when microgreens were grown under RB and RB+FR lights under saline conditions. Microgreens grown under RB light reached the highest TPC, while salinity reduced TFC, Chl and Car. Finally, the fatty acid content was not affected by light or salinity, but these factors slightly influenced their composition. It is concluded that the use of RB and RB+FR lights in saline conditions is of potential use in purslane microgreens production, since it improves the yield and quality of the product, reducing the content of anti-nutritional compounds.
Relationships between Vitamin D and Selected Cytokines and Hemogram Parameters in Professional Football Players—Pilot Study
Authors: Książek Anna , Zagrodna Aleksandra , Bohdanowicz-Pawlak Anna , Lwow Felicja , Słowińska-Lisowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

Vitamin D affects both innate and adaptive immunity. Most of the effects of vitamin D on innate immunity are anti-inflammatory. In monocytes/macrophages, vitamin D suppresses the production of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between 25(OH)D concentration and selected cytokines—IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, which are hemogram parameters for professional football players. We enrolled 41 Polish premier league soccer players. The mean age, career duration, and VO2max were, respectively: 22.7 ± 5.3 years, 14.7 ± 4.5 years, and 55.8 ± 4.0 mL/kg/min. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) using the Elecsys system (Roche, Switzerland). Serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA (R&D Systems, Minneapolis). Blood count with smear was measured on a Sysmex XT-4000i analyzer (Sysmex Corporation, Japan). Our study showed decreased serum 25(OH)D levels in 78% of the professional players. We found a significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D levels and TNF-α and LYMPH (%). The results also demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between vitamin D levels and NEUTH (%), NEUTH (tys/µL), and EOS (tys/µL). Based on the results of our study, we concluded that football players from Poland are not protected against vitamin D insufficiency in winter months. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency may be associated with an increased pro-inflammatory risk in well-trained athletes.
Lifestyle Habits among Pregnant Women in Denmark during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Compared with a Historical Period—A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hegaard Hanne Kristine , Rom Ane Lilleøre , Christensen Karl Bang , Broberg Lotte , Høgh Stinne , Christiansen Cecilie Holm , Nathan Nina Olsen , de Wolff Mie Gaarskjaer , Damm Peter
Published: July 2021

The first national lockdown in Denmark due to the COVID-19 pandemic was declared on 11 March 2020. From this date, national restrictions were imposed. We aimed to assess the potential influence of this first nationwide lockdown on exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking in early pregnancy. Using a cross-sectional study based on routinely collected patient-reported data, we compared the lifestyle habits of women who were pregnant during the first phase of the pandemic (COVID-19 group) (n = 685) with those of women who were pregnant the year before (Historical group) (n = 787). We found a reduction in any exercise (PR = 0.91, 95% CI (0.84 to 0.99), in adherence to national recommendations of exercise (PR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.80 to 0.99), in cycling (15% vs. 28%, p < 0.0001), and swimming (0.3% vs. 3%, p = 0.0002) in the COVID-19 group compared with the Historical group. The prevalence of binge drinking was reduced in the COVID-19 group compared with the Historical group (PR = 0.80, 95% CI (0.68 to 0.93). In contrast, the prevalence of any weekly alcohol consumption and smoking cessation during pregnancy was similar between groups. Our findings indicate that national restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the lifestyle habits of pregnant women and should be addressed in antenatal counseling.
Mercury and Prenatal Growth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dack Kyle , Fell Matthew , Taylor Caroline M. , Havdahl Alexandra , Lewis Sarah J.
Published: July 2021

The intrauterine environment is critical for healthy prenatal growth and affects neonatal survival and later health. Mercury is a toxic metal which can freely cross the placenta and disrupt a wide range of cellular processes. Many observational studies have investigated mercury exposure and prenatal growth, but no prior review has synthesised this evidence. Four relevant publication databases (Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus) were systematically searched to identify studies of prenatal mercury exposure and birth weight, birth length, or head circumference. Study quality was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool, and results synthesised in a narrative review. Twenty-seven studies met the review criteria, these were in 17 countries and used 8 types of mercury biomarker. Studies of birth weight (total = 27) involving populations with high levels of mercury exposure, non-linear methods, or identified as high quality were more likely to report an association with mercury, but overall results were inconsistent. Most studies reported no strong evidence of association between mercury and birth length (n = 14) or head circumference (n = 14). Overall, our review did not identify strong evidence that mercury exposure leads to impaired prenatal growth, although there was some evidence of a negative association of mercury with birth weight.
Assessment of Referrals and Hospitalizations in the Hospital Transformed into COVID-19 Facility in Poland during the “Spring Wave” of the Epidemic in 2020—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kasiukiewicz Agnieszka , Wojszel Zyta Beata
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to evaluate hospitalizations in a COVID-dedicated facility during the “spring wave” of the epidemic in 2020 in Poland and analyze changes in access to hospital treatment in the country in the early phase of the pandemic. We investigated all referrals and admissions to the Ministry of Interior and Administration hospital in Białystok from 14 April to 14 August 2020. A total of 238 patients were referred to the hospital (with a median age of 64.5 years; IQR, 44–78), most commonly with fever (n = 151; 63.5%). Only 135 (56.7%) were admitted (5.5% of the number hospitalized in the same period in 2019). SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in 42 (17.7%) cases. Older people with concomitant diseases and disabilities dominated. Seventeen patients (12.6%) required ICU treatment, and 19 (14%) died. Based on the National Health Fund data, we also examined changes in the rate of hospitalizations in Poland and in selected Polish COVID/ and non-COVID hospitals between February and August 2019 and 2020. The number of hospitalizations in Poland decreased dramatically in comparison to 2019. A very low hospitalization rate, significantly lower than in structurally similar non-COVID hospitals, was observed in transformed hospitals. Better use of hospital resources was observed when the hospital was semi-transformed and had the flexibility to adapt to epidemiological needs. The study seems to confirm that the system of transformed COVID hospitals resulted in unused healthcare resources and limited patient access to medical services in the early period of the epidemic. As a consequence, systemic modifications allowing the maximization and adequate use of the Polish healthcare system’s limited resources have been implemented.
Drug–Drug Interactions in Italian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Pangenotypic Direct Acting Agents: Insights from a Real-World Study
Authors: Mangia Alessandra , Scaglione Francesco , Toniutto Pierluigi , Pirisi Mario , Coppola Nicola , Di Perri Giovanni , Alvarez Nieto Gema , Calabrese Stefano , Hernandez Candido , Perrone Valentina , Degli Esposti Luca , Fagiuoli Stefano
Published: July 2021

This Italian observational real-world study aims to assess in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with pangenotypic direct acting agents (pDAAs) glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) the potential drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with concomitant medications prescribed, with a focus on cardiovascular and system nervous (CNS) co-medications. Data were collected from administrative databases covering 6.9 million health-assisted individuals. All patients prescribed SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB between 11/2017 and 12/2018 were included. Patients were analyzed while on DAA. DDIs were identified according to the Liverpool University tool. Overall, 3181 HCV patients were included: 1619 in the GLE/PIB cohort and 1562 in the SOF/VEL cohort. SOF/VEL patients were generally older than GLE/PIB ones (mean age 58.4 vs. 53.1, p < 0.001) and had more cardiovascular and CNS comorbidities (58% vs. 42%, p < 0.001 and 33% vs. 28%, p = 0.002, respectively). Contraindications due to DDIs in the GLE/PIB cohort affected 9.3% and 3.2% of patients before and on DAA, respectively, while the percentages in the SOF/VEL cohort were 3.2% before and 0.4% after pDAAs initiation. Among GLE/PIB patients, 2.7% had cardiovascular drugs (all statins) contraindicated while on DAA. The potential DDIs between cardiovascular drugs and SOF/VEL were mainly with statins (5%). SOF/VEL was prescribed in patients with older age and with more cardiovascular and CNS comorbidities. Despite this, a proportion of contraindicated drugs lower than that of GLE/PIB was registered.
Impact of Malocclusion, Tooth Loss and Oral Hygiene Habits on Quality of Life in Orthodontic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pereira Dinis , Machado Vanessa , Botelho João , Proença Luís , Rua João , Lemos Carolina , Mendes José João , Delgado Ana Sintra
Published: July 2021

We aimed to assess the impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a sample composed of adolescents, younger adults and adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Participants were consecutively enrolled from January 2019 to March 2020. The oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure the OHRQoL. The index of complexity, outcome and need (ICON) was used to assess malocclusion. Sociodemographic, medical, and clinical questionnaires were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed according as a function of sex and age range (15–30 or >30 years old). Linear and logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between OHIP-14 total score, malocclusion, and other relevant confounding variables. In a final sample of 93 participants (60 females and 33 males, aged 15 to 60 years), men reported significantly better OHRQoL (p = 0.005). Participants aged 30 years or older reported significantly worse OHRQoL (p = 0.042). OHIP-14 was significantly correlated with age (ρ = 0.259, p < 0.05) and the number of missing teeth (ρ = 0.369, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression showed OHIP-14 being associated with the number of missing teeth (B = 1.48, SE = 0.57, p < 0.05) and the presence of missing teeth (B = 1.38, SE = 0.65, p < 0.05). Malocclusion showed no association with OHRQoL. Age and the number of missing teeth may be key factors on self-perceived OHRQoL in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment.
Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Roles of Personal, Social and Organizational Resources on Perceived Stress and Exhaustion among Finnish University Employees
Authors: Mäkiniemi Jaana-Piia , Oksanen Atte , Mäkikangas Anne
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate whether personal, social and organizational level resources can buffer against the negative effects of perceived loneliness on stress and exhaustion. The data was collected from Finnish university employees (n = 1463) in autumn 2020 via an electronic survey. Of the respondents, about 78% were working remotely, and 64% were female. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the main and moderating (i.e., buffering) effects. The results indicated that perceived loneliness was directly and positively associated with stress and exhaustion. Further, as hypothesized, personal resilience moderated the relationship between loneliness and stress and exhaustion, and organizational support moderated the relationship between loneliness and stress. Unexpectedly, organizational support did not moderate the loneliness–exhaustion relationship. Moreover, a sense of social belonging was not associated with stress and exhaustion, nor did it moderate loneliness and well-being relationships. The results demonstrate the importance of personal resilience and organizational support in enhancing well-being in organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research directions and practical ways to promote resilience and to increase organizational support are discussed.
Utilization of Health Care Services and Common Disease Diagnoses among University Students: An Analysis of 35,249 Students from Thailand
Authors: Pliannuom Suphawita , Pinyopornpanish Kanokporn , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Pinyopornpanish Kanokwan , Wisetborisut Anawat , Likhitsathian Surinporn , Jiraporncharoen Wichuda
Published: July 2021

The health care services for university students are important to improve student health and well-being. Analyzing the database of health conditions in the health service system will identify common health problems, which could be useful in further appropriate and specific health service planning. This study aims to investigate the utilization of health care services and common disease diagnoses among university students enrolled at Chiang Mai University during the academic year of 2018. A retrospective study was carried out using health data from the electronic health records (EHR) database of the university hospital. Ethical procedures were followed. Out of the overall 35,249 students in the academic year 2018, 17,284 students (49.03%) had visited an outpatient department (65,150 outpatient department visits), and 407 students (1.15%) had been admitted to the hospital (458 inpatient department admissions). The proportions of utilization between each field of education and training were similar across both groups. The top five categories of diagnosis, for both outpatient department visits and inpatient department admissions, differed between gender. Some of the most common diseases included trauma and injury conditions, respiratory diseases, and mental health. The conclusion of the study is that integration of a health promotion program with preventive methods, especially regarding traffic injury, transmitted diseases, mental health support, and safe environments are essential for university students. A general overview of utilization and common diseases among university students, which is still lacking in the literature, could be useful as a platform to enhance health care services for common diseases.
Exploring Differential Perceptions and Barriers to Advance Care Planning in Dementia among Asian Patient–Caregiver Dyads—A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Ali Noorhazlina , Anthony Philomena , Lim Wee Shiong , Chong Mei Sian , Poon Edward Wing Hong , Drury Vicki , Chan Mark
Published: July 2021

A parallel mixed-methods study on 20 patient–caregiver dyads in an Asian population was conducted to explore the differential perceptions and barriers to ACP in dementia. We recruited English-speaking patients with mild dementia and their caregivers. A trained ACP facilitator conducted ACP counseling. Patient–caregiver dyads completed pre–post surveys and participated in post-counseling qualitative interviews. We used mixed-methods analysis to corroborate the quantitative and qualitative data. Differential perceptions of ACP were reported among dyads, with caregivers less inclined for further ACP discussions. Post-ACP counseling, caregivers were significantly more likely to acknowledge barriers to ACP discussions than patients (57.9% versus 10.5%, p = 0.005). Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed four themes around barriers to ACP: patient-related factors (transference of decision making, poor cognition and lack of understanding, and dis-inclination to plan for the future), caregiver-related factors (perceived negative impact on the patient, caregiver discomfort, and confidence in congruent decision making), socio-cultural factors (taboos, superstitions, and religious beliefs), and the inappropriate timing of discussions. In a collectivist Asian culture, socio-cultural factors pose important barriers, and a family-centric approach to initiation of ACP may be the first step towards engagement in the ACP process. For ACP in dementia to be effective for patients and caregivers, these discussions should be culturally tailored and address patient, caregiver, socio-cultural, and timing barriers.
Fundamental Pedagogical Aspects for the Implementation of Models-Based Practice in Physical Education
Authors: Hernando-Garijo Alejandra , Hortigüela-Alcalá David , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro Antonio , González-Víllora Sixto
Published: July 2021

The implementation of pedagogical models (PMs) in the subject of Physical Education (PE) is presented as a pedagogical approach that is based on the educational context as a means to overcome the serious limitations that arise from traditional approaches. The effective implementation of this approach has demonstrated benefits in terms of student motivation, student involvement and improved learning. Thus, its application and international relevance, the variability of content covered, the possibility of replicability in a variety of contexts and the fact that it favors a reflective framework and common action by teachers are some of the reasons that justify its use. In this sense, the need for teacher training, as well as the intention to generate more scientific evidence based on its application in the classroom, are some of the key aspects to be taken into account for its implementation and consequent consolidation in the educational field.
Assessment of the Influence of Technology-Based Distracted Driving on Drivers’ Infractions and Their Subsequent Impact on Traffic Accidents Severity
Authors: García-Herrero Susana , Febres Juan Diego , Boulagouas Wafa , Gutiérrez José Manuel , Mariscal Saldaña Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2021

Multitasking while driving negatively affects driving performance and threatens people’s lives every day. Moreover, technology-based distractions are among the top driving distractions that are proven to divert the driver’s attention away from the road and compromise their safety. This study employs recent data on road traffic accidents that occurred in Spain and uses a machine-learning algorithm to analyze, in the first place, the influence of technology-based distracted driving on drivers’ infractions considering the gender and age of the drivers and the zone and the type of vehicle. It assesses, in the second place, the impact of drivers’ infractions on the severity of traffic accidents. Findings show that (i) technology-based distractions are likely to increase the probability of committing aberrant infractions and speed infractions; (ii) technology-based distracted young drivers are more likely to speed and commit aberrant infractions; (iii) distracted motorcycles and squad riders are found more likely to speed; (iv) the probability of committing infractions by distracted drivers increases on streets and highways; and, finally, (v) drivers’ infractions lead to serious injuries.
A Possible Preventive Role of Physically Active Lifestyle during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic; Might Regular Cold-Water Swimming and Exercise Reduce the Symptom Severity of COVID-19?
Authors: Bielik Viktor , Grendar Marian , Kolisek Martin
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and course of COVID-19 and the risk of an upper respiratory tract infection in a group of people with physically active lifestyles. Data were collected anonymously using an online survey platform during December 2020. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 65 years. Out of 2343 participants, 11.5% overcame COVID-19 infection. Relative to the control group (CTRL), physically active, cold-water swimmers (PACW) did not exhibit a lower risk of incidence for COVID-19 (RR 1.074, CI 95% (0.710–1.625). However, PACW had a higher chance of having an asymptomatic course of COVID-19 (RR 2.321, CI 95% (0.836–6.442); p < 0.05) and a higher chance of only having an acute respiratory infection once or less per year than CTRL (RR 1.923, CI 95% (1.1641–2.253); p < 0.01). Furthermore, PACW exhibited a lower incidence of acute respiratory infection occurring more than twice per year (RR 0.258, CI 95% (0.138–0.483); p < 0.01). Cold-water swimming and physical activity may not lessen the risk of COVID-19 in recreational athletes. However, a physically active lifestyle might have a positive effect on the rate of incidence of acute respiratory infection and on the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.
Mental Health and Traumatization of Newly Arrived Asylum Seeker Adults in Finland: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Garoff Ferdinand , Skogberg Natalia , Klemettilä Antti , Lilja Eero , Ahmed Haji Omar Awa , Snellman Olli , Castaneda Anu E.
Published: July 2021

Asylum seekers frequently experience potentially traumatic events (PTEs), but the type and frequency vary depending on the country of origin. The cumulative effect of multiple PTEs and other stressors expose asylum seekers to a significant risk of mental ill health. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of PTEs, depression and anxiety symptoms, risk for psychological trauma, psychotropic medication use and previous mental health diagnoses among adult asylum seekers in the Asylum Seekers Health and Wellbeing (TERTTU) Survey (n = 784 respondents, participation rate 78.6%). A substantial majority (88.7%, 95% CI 86.9–90.3) of asylum seekers reported one or more PTEs before arriving to Finland. PTEs during the asylum-seeking journey were reported at 12.0% (95% CI 10.7–13.4), however, when examined by region of origin, the proportion was 34.5% (95% CI 29.5–39.8) for asylum seekers from Africa (excluding North Africa). Significant symptoms of depression were reported by 41.7% (95% CI 39.6–43.9) of asylum seekers and symptoms of anxiety by 34.2% (95% CI 32.1–36.2). Half of the asylum seekers were assessed as having at least a medium-risk for psychological trauma. Prevalence rates were higher among females and asylum seekers from Africa. This study highlights the importance of using screening tools to identify asylum seekers with severe mental health problems that may need referral to further assessment and treatment. Asylum seekers from Africa (excluding North Africa) should be given additional attention in initial health screenings and examinations.
Quality of Life and Psychosocial Impacts of the Different Restrictive Measures during One Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Cancer in Italy: An Ecological Study
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Langiano Elisa , Falese Lavinia , De Marco Antonella , De Vito Elisabetta
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the perceived quality of life and the psychosocial impact of the various restrictive measures due to COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients in Italy, as well as their perception of the relationship with doctors and caregivers. Methods: This study compares three population-based observational studies of patients with cancer carried out in three consecutive time periods characterized by different restrictive measures using a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: Among the basic needs, psychological and medical support appeared to be prevalent; so did the need for safe transportation to reach the treatment facilities. Internet was the main source of information on the coronavirus. Although 74.6% of the total number of patients did not give up hospital therapies, 34.8% complained about variations in the continuity of treatment, with different percentages in the three samples. The majority of the sample (73.8%) was worried of being infected, but 21.9% did not share their anxieties and worries with others. The multivariate regression analysis showed that a pessimistic perception of quality of life was influenced by living in extra-urban areas and alone (OR = 1.4; OR = 2.1); while a perception of a reduced physical function result affected by the state of anxiety and stress (OR = 1.9) and the difficulties in continuity of medical assistance (OR = 2.2). The scoring of the SF-12 in the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores showed a fluctuating trend throughout the three periods investigated. Conclusions: It is important for health professionals, caregivers and social workers to identify the new needs in order to enhance home care interventions, personalize and optimize care, ensure continuity of care and guarantee a high quality of life even in a health emergency situation.
Investigating the Antioxidant and Cytocompatibility of Mimusops elengi Linn Extract over Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Bhavikatti Shaeesta Khaleelahmed , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Zainuddin Siti Lailatul Akmar , Marya Anand , Nadaf Sameer J. , Sawant Vijay J. , Patil Sandeep B. , Venugopal Adith , Messina Pietro , Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Background—chlorhexidine (CHX) is most commonly used as a chemical plaque control agent. Nevertheless, its adverse effects, including teeth discoloration, taste alteration and calculus build-up, limit its use and divert us to medicinal herbs. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and cytotoxic effects of Mimusops elengi Linn extract (ME) over normal human cultured adult gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods—in vitro phytochemical screening, total flavonoid content, antioxidant potential by DPPH and Nitric Oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxic effects of ME extracts over HGF were explored. The viability of HGF cells was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red uptake, and trypan blue assay after treatment with different concentrations of CHX and ME (0.3125 to 10 µg/mL). Results—ME showed some alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids exhibited relatively moderate-to-good antioxidant potential. Increasing the concentration of CHX and ME from 0.3125 to 10 µg/mL reduced cell viability from 29.71% to 1.07% and 96.12% to 56.02%, respectively. At higher concentrations, CHX reduced the viability of cells by 52.36-fold compared to ME, revealed by MTT assay. At 10 µg/mL concentration, the mean cell viability of CHX and ME-treated cells was 2.24% and 57.45%, respectively, revealed by a neutral red assay. The viability of CHX- and ME-treated HGF cells estimated at higher concentrations (10 µg/mL) using trypan blue assay was found to be 2.18% and 47.36%, respectively. A paired t-test showed significance (p < 0.05), and one-way ANOVA difference between the mean cell viability of CHX- and ME-treated cells at different concentrations. One-way ANOVA confirmed the significant difference between the viability of CHX- and ME-treated cells. Conclusions—The cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of ME emphasize its potential benefits. Therefore, it could emerge as a herbal alternative and adjunct to conventional oral hygiene methods, that can diminish periodontal tissue destruction.
“You Need to Get Over the Difficulties and Stand Up Again”—A Qualitative Inquiry into Young Nurses’ Coping with Lateral Violence from the Feminist Perspective
Authors: Mao Aimei , Tam Hon Lon , Cheong Pak Leng , Van Iat Kio
Published: July 2021

Previous studies have reported lateral violence (LV) styles among nurses and the adverse impacts of LV on nurses and nursing. Young nurses, including nursing students and novice nurses, are often victims of LV. A large qualitative research study that contained three sub-studies exploring professional identity development in different professional stages was conducted by a research team in Macau, Special Administrative Region of China. Semi-structured interviews with nursing students and clinical nurses were carried out; among the 58 participants in the three sub-studies, 20 described some forms of LV and their ways of dealing with them. Framed by the feminist perspective, the researchers explored young nurses’ coping strategies in dealing with LV perpetrated by senior colleagues. Two themes were developed reflecting the coping strategies for LV: “making extra efforts” and “soothing emotional distress”. Three sub-themes were under the theme of “making extra efforts”: “catching up knowledge”, “making the most use of learning resources”, “adjusting communication manner”; another batch of sub-themes was under the theme of “soothing emotional distress”: “seeking support from schoolmates”, “living with family but crying alone”, and “adjusting lifestyle”. The study implied that young nurses exerted their agency in coping with LV in clinical practices. Nursing managers and educators should support young nurses’ efforts in overcoming power-based LV and incivility.
Risk Factors for Tooth Loss in Patients with ≥25 Remaining Teeth Undergoing Mid-Long-Term Maintenance: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kawahara Hiroo , Inoue Miho , Okura Kazuo , Oshima Masamitsu , Matsuka Yoshizo
Published: July 2021

Tooth loss represents a diffused pathologic condition affecting the worldwide population. Risk factors have been identified in both general features (smoking, diabetes, economic status) and local tooth-related factors (caries, periodontitis). In this retrospective study, we examined the data of 366 patients with a large number of remaining teeth (≥25) undergoing maintenance therapy in order to identify specific risk factors for tooth loss. The number of remaining teeth, number of non-vital teeth, and number of occlusal units were investigated for their correlation with tooth loss. The mean follow-up of patients was 9.2 years (range 5 to 14). Statistically significant risk factors for tooth loss were identified as number of remaining teeth at baseline (p = 0.05), number of occlusal units (p = 0.03), and number of non-vital teeth in posterior regions (p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of occlusal units and number of non-vital teeth in the posterior regions were significantly associated with a greater risk of tooth loss (odds ratio 1.88 and 3.17, respectively). These results confirm that not only the number of remaining teeth, but also their vital or non-vital status and the distribution between the anterior and posterior regions influence the long-term survival.
Utilization of Subcutaneous Cardioverter-Defibrillator in Poland and Europe–Comparison of the Results of Multi-Center Registries
Authors: Kempa Maciej , Przybylski Andrzej , Budrejko Szymon , Fabiszak Tomasz , Lewandowski Michał , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Tajstra Mateusz , Grabowski Marcin , Mitkowski Przemysław , Tubek Stanisław , Jędrzejczyk-Patej Ewa , Lenarczyk Radosław , Jagielski Dariusz , Romanek Janusz , Rydlewska Anna , Orski Zbigniew , Zakrzewska-Koperska Joanna , Filipecki Artur , Janowski Marcin , Potpara Tatjana , Boveda Serge
Published: July 2021

The implantation of a subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) may be used instead of a traditional transvenous system to prevent sudden cardiac death. Our aim was to compare the characteristics of S-ICD patients from the multi-center registry of S-ICD implantations in Poland with the published results of the European Snapshot Survey on S-ICD Implantation (ESSS-SICDI). We compared data of 137 Polish S-ICD patients with 68 patients from the ESSS-SICDI registry. The groups did not differ significantly in terms of sex, prevalence of ischemic cardiomyopathy, concomitant diseases, and the rate of primary prevention indication. Polish patients had more advanced heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III: 11.7% vs. 2.9%, NYHA II: 48.9% vs. 29.4%, NYHA I: 39.4% vs. 67.7%, p < 0.05 each). Young age (75.9% vs. 50%, p < 0.05) and no vascular access (7.3% vs. 0%, p < 0.05) were more often indications for S-ICD. The percentage of patients after transvenous system removal due to infections was significantly higher in the Polish group (11% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.05). In the European population, S-ICD was more frequently chosen because of patients’ active lifestyle and patients’ preference (both 10.3% vs. 0%, p < 0.05). Our analysis shows that in Poland, compared to other European countries, subcutaneous cardioverters-defibrillators are being implanted in patients at a more advanced stage of chronic heart failure. The most frequent reason for choosing a subcutaneous system instead of a transvenous ICD is the young age of a patient.
Physical Activity and Quality of Life in High School Students: Proposals for Improving the Self-Concept in Physical Education
Authors: Vaquero-Solís Mikel , Tapia-Serrano Miguel Angel , Hortigüela-Alcalá David , Sierra-Díaz Manuel Jacob , Sánchez-Miguel Pedro Antonio
Published: July 2021

Adolescence is a critical period for the acquisition of health-related behaviors that will transcend later psychological well-being in adulthood. The present study presents a theoretical model whose objective is to analyze how physical activity predicts an adequate quality of life through self-concept and subjective happiness among adolescents. A total of 452 students aged 12 to 15 (M = 13.8; SD = 0.77) from four Compulsory Secondary Education institutes of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura participated, including boys (n = 258) and girls (n = 194). The students reported information on the following variables: physical activity, body mass index, self-concept, subjective happiness, and quality of life. The results show acceptable fit indices for the proposed theoretical model, which showed the importance of physical activity through self-concept and subjective happiness in quality of life: MRLχ2 = 67.533, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.05, and RMSA = 0.07. Likewise, the model presented a better fit index for males than females. This study draws conclusions on the importance of physical activity as a predictor of quality of life mediated by the perception of self-concept and mood in adolescents.
Stage-Specific Role of Amelx Activation in Stepwise Ameloblast Induction from Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Miao Xinchao , Niibe Kunimichi , Zhang Maolin , Liu Zeni , Nattasit Praphawi , Ohori-Morita Yumi , Nakamura Takashi , Jiang Xinquan , Egusa Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Amelogenin comprises ~90% of enamel proteins; however, the involvement of Amelx transcriptional activation in regulating ameloblast differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) remains unknown. In this study, we generated doxycycline-inducible Amelx-expressing mouse iPSCs (Amelx-iPSCs). We then established a three-stage ameloblast induction strategy from Amelx-iPSCs, including induction of surface ectoderm (stage 1), dental epithelial cells (DECs; stage 2), and ameloblast lineage (stage 3) in sequence, by manipulating several signaling molecules. We found that adjunctive use of lithium chloride (LiCl) in addition to bone morphogenetic protein 4 and retinoic acid promoted concentration-dependent differentiation of DECs. The resulting cells had a cobblestone appearance and keratin14 positivity. Attenuation of LiCl at stage 3 together with transforming growth factor β1 and epidermal growth factor resulted in an ameloblast lineage with elongated cell morphology, positivity for ameloblast markers, and calcium deposition. Although stage-specific activation of Amelx did not produce noticeable phenotypic changes in ameloblast differentiation, Amelx activation at stage 3 significantly enhanced cell adhesion as well as decreased proliferation and migration. These results suggest that the combination of inducible Amelx transcription and stage-specific ameloblast induction for iPSCs represents a powerful tool to highlight underlying mechanisms in ameloblast differentiation and function in association with Amelx expression.