bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Care Teamwork in the Future: The Role of TeamSTEPPS® in the COVID-19 Pandemic and Implications for the Future
Authors: Terregino Carol A. , Jagpal Sugeet , Parikh Payal , Pradhan Archana , Weber Paul , Michaels Lauren , Nicastro Olivia , Escobar Jared , Rashid Hanin
Published: February 2023

At our institution, we observed inconsistency in the application of structural facilitators for interprofessional teamwork such as handoffs and communication of contingency planning, complete formation and engagement of teams on interprofessional rounds, regular situation monitoring, interprofessional huddles, use of “check back” during code situations, and standard debriefings after codes and procedures (TeamSTEPPS®). To enhance team performance, we piloted TeamSTEPPS® training and reinforcement for all healthcare team members in the medical intensive care unit (MICU), inclusive of trainees, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses, and respiratory therapists rotating through the unit. Seven months after the training launch, the initial COVID-19 surge interrupted the reinforcement stage of the pilot providing an opportunity to study the retention of TeamSTEPPS® principles and its potential role in response to a crisis. We conducted interprofessional focus groups after a year of crisis management during the pandemic. Themes revealed how TeamSTEPPS® training impacted teamwork and communication, as well as factors that influenced the use of TeamSTEPPS®. This work points to the value of team training in unexpected scenarios. Additional studies at multiple sites are needed to determine scalability for all MICU teams or for onboarding new team members.
Evaluation of SPAD Index for Estimating Nitrogen and Magnesium Contents in Three Blueberry Varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) on the Andean Tropics
Authors: Pinzón-Sandoval Elberth Hernando , Balaguera-López Helber Enrique , Almanza-Merchán Pedro José
Published: February 2023

In the Ericaceae family, blueberries are the most commercially important species. Estimating the nutritional and physiological status of plants is a common practice carried out by producers. However, conventional methods are destructive, costly and time consuming. In recent years, methodologies such as measurements with the SPAD chlorophyll index have become available, which has proven to be an easy, fast and non-destructive method for estimating chlorophyll, N and Mg contents in the field. Therefore, this research aimed to estimate variations in SPAD readings between varieties and to determine whether Chlorophyll Index (SPAD) values are associated with Nitrogen and Magnesium contents in blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) from the varieties ‘Biloxi’, ‘Legacy’ and ‘Victoria’ in the vegetative phase under the conditions in the municipality of Paipa-Boyacá (Colombia). The varieties presented statistical differences in the SPAD index values, with a linear correlation between the SPAD index and the contents of N and Mg with a coefficient of determination (R2) greater than 0.8 in the three varieties. This result confirmed the usefulness and importance of using SPAD as a nutrition management tool in the evaluated varieties based on the SPAD readings, with a subsequent relationship with the threshold values of the foliar N and Magnesium status under field conditions.
Barriers to Telemedicine Adoption during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Comparison of Perceived Risks by Socioeconomic Status Correlates
Authors: Wu Tzu-Chi , Ho Chien-Ta Bruce
Published: February 2023

Telemedicine is the use of technology to deliver healthcare services from a distance. In some countries, telemedicine became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its increasing popularity provides new research opportunities to unveil users’ perceptions toward its adoption and continued use. Existing studies have provided limited information and understanding of Taiwanese users and the various sociodemographic factors that influence their intention to use telemedicine services. Thus, the goals of this study were twofold: identifying the dimensions of perceived risks of telemedicine services in Taiwan and providing specific responses to those perceptions as well as determining strategies to promote telemedicine to local policymakers and influencers by providing a better understanding of the perceived risks in relation to socioeconomic status. We collected 1000 valid responses using an online survey and found performance risk to be the main barrier, which was followed by psychological, physical, and technology risks. Older adults with lower levels of education are less likely to use telemedicine services compared to other categories because of multiple perceived risks, including social and psychological concerns. Understanding the differences in perceived risks of telemedicine services by socioeconomic status may aid in identifying the actions required to overcome barriers and may consequently improve adoption of the technology and user satisfaction.
The Biomechanics of Healthy Older Adults Rising from the Floor Independently
Authors: Burton Elissa , Hill Keith D. , Davey Paul , Ng Yoke Leng , Williams Sîan A.
Published: February 2023

A third of older adults will fall each year and many will not be injured. Getting up from the floor in a timely manner is important, however it is unclear what technique older adults use to get themselves up off the ground unassisted, whether there are differences between men and women in getting up and what functional joint kinematics are used to rise from the floor. This study included a convenience sample of 20 older adults (65+ years) to answer these questions. Participants completed a series of movement tasks (i.e., rising from the floor using their own technique, a specified technique, walking 10 m and five repeated sit-to-stands), with temporospatial and joint kinematic data captured using an 18-camera 3D Vicon motion analysis system. Results found three techniques preferred by participants; the sit-up (n = 12), side-sit (n = 4) and the roll over (n = 4), with no differences found between sexes. The sit-up technique requires a higher degree of hip and knee flexion to complete compared to the side-sit and roll over. It may be beneficial for health professionals to work with older adults to identify their preferred technique for rising from the floor and encourage regular practice of this skill.
Sleep Quality as a Predictor of Quality-of-Life and Emotional Status Impairment in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sánchez-Díaz Manuel , Rodríguez-Pozo Juan Ángel , Latorre-Fuentes José María , Salazar-Nievas Maria Carmen , Alejandro Molina-Leyva , Arias-Santiago Salvador
Published: February 2023

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) leads to a decreased quality of life in patients because of pruritus and skin lesions. However, there is still little evidence on the impact that a worse sleep quality could have on the quality of life and emotional disorders in these patients. The aims of the present study are to analyze the potential impact of sleep quality on the quality-of-life and emotional status of patients with CSU. A cross-sectional study of 75 CSU patients was performed. Socio-demographic variables and disease activity, quality of life, sleep, sexual disfunction, anxiety, depression and personality traits were collected. A majority of 59 of the patients suffered from poor sleep quality. Sleep quality impairment was associated with worse disease control, greater pruritus and swelling and poorer general and urticaria-related quality-of-life (p < 0.05). Patients with poor sleep quality showed an increased prevalence of anxiety (1.62-fold) and depression risk (3.93-fold). Female sexual dysfunction, but not male, was found to be linked to poorer sleep quality (p = 0.04). To conclude, sleep quality impairment in patients with CSU is related to poor quality-of-life, worse disease control and higher rates of anxiety and depression. Global management of the disease should take sleep quality into account to improve the care of CSU patients.
Association between Polymorphisms of Hemochromatosis (HFE), Blood Lead (Pb) Levels, and DNA Oxidative Damage in Battery Workers
Authors: Gomes Willian , Devóz Paula , Rocha Bruno , Grotto Denise , Serpeloni Juliana , Batista Bruno , Asimakopoulos Alexandros , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Barbosa Jr. Fernando , Barcelos Gustavo
Published: February 2023

Occupational exposure to lead (Pb) continues to be a serious public health concern and may pose an elevated risk of genetic oxidative damage. In Brazil, car battery manufacturing and recycling factories represent a great source of Pb contamination, and there are no guidelines on how to properly protect workers from exposure or to dispose the process wastes. Previous studies have shown that Pb body burden is associated with genetic polymorphisms, which consequently may influence the toxicity of the metal. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Pb exposure on DNA oxidative damage, as well as the modulation of hemochromatosis (HFE) polymorphisms on Pb body burden, and the toxicity of Pb, through the analysis of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), in subjects occupationally exposed to the metal. Male Pb-exposed workers (n = 236) from car battery manufacturing and recycling factories in Brazil participated in the study. Blood and plasma lead levels (BLL and PLL, respectively) were determined by ICP-MS and urinary 8-OHdG levels were measured by LC-MS/MS, and genotyping of HFE SNPs (rs1799945, C → G; and 1800562, G → A) was performed by TaqMan assays. Our data showed that carriers of at least one variant allele for HFE rs1799945 (CG + GG) tended to have higher PLL than those with the non-variant genotype (β = 0.34; p = 0.043); further, PLL was significantly correlated with the levels of urinary 8-OHdG (β = 0.19; p = 0.0060), while workers that carry the variant genotype for HFE rs1800562 (A-allele) showed a prominent increase in 8-OHdG, as a function of PLL (β = 0.78; p = 0.046). Taken together, our data suggest that HFE polymorphisms may modulate the Pb body burden and, consequently, the oxidative DNA damage induced by the metal.
Potential Benefits of a Single Session of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Walking in Sedentary Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Muñoz-Gómez Elena , Mollà-Casanova Sara , Sempere-Rubio Núria , Serra-Añó Pilar , Aguilar-Rodríguez Marta , Alonso-Aubin Diego , Chulvi-Medrano Iván , Inglés Marta
Published: February 2023

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has shown positive effects in endurance-type sports among healthy young individuals; however, its effects in endurance-type exercises in older adults have not been explored. We aimed to examine the acute effects of a single session of IPC prior to an endurance-type exercise on cardiovascular- and physical-function-related parameters in sedentary older adults. A pilot study with a time-series design was carried out. Nine participants were enrolled consecutively in the following intervention groups: (i) SHAM (sham IPC + walking) and (ii) IPC (IPC + walking) groups. The main outcomes were resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), endurance performance, and perceived fatigue. After the intervention, the IPC group showed a significant reduction in SBP, whereas SpO2 decreased in the SHAM group. The IPC group maintained quadriceps MIVC levels, whereas these levels dropped in the SHAM group. No changes in DBP, resting HR, endurance, or fatigue in any group were observed. These findings are of interest for the promotion of cardiovascular and physical health in older people.
Defining the Connotations of Oral Health Literacy Using the Conceptual Composition Method
Authors: Tian Zhiqiang , Wang Yanjun , Li Yang , Lu Jiao , Song Li , Ding Ling , Guo Xinyu , Zheng Jianzhong
Published: February 2023

Due to advancements in research, the concept of oral health literacy (OHL) has become rich in connotations, with over 250 definitions present in the literature and government and organizational reports. The diversity of OHL definitions and connotations not only produces conflicting results but also limits the production of accurate OHL measurement and assessment tools while simultaneously hindering the construction of health literacy intervention policies. To clarify the connotations of OHL and establish a scientific basis for evaluation, we conducted a systematic review, searching and analyzing the literature related to the conceptual connotations of OHL. Additionally, we extracted basic, methodological, and OHL conceptual connotation information from the literature. With reference to the review framework, we classified the conceptual connotations of OHL into antecedents of OHL, the core of OHL, mediators, and outcomes of OHL. The comprehensive conceptual connotations of OHL were obtained through a systematic review and concept mapping based on the related literature. Our analysis revealed that the antecedents of OHL can be classified in two categories: personal factors and external factors. The core conceptual connotations of OHL include three core dimensions (with 16 subdimensions): (1) basic skills—literacy, reading comprehension, numeracy, hearing, oral expression, communication, and knowledge; (2) information-related abilities—information acquisition, information understanding, information communication, information evaluation, information utilization, and information decision-making; and (3) oral health maintenance abilities—interpersonal skills, self-regulation, and goal achievement. The mediator of these connotations is oral health behaviors, with oral health being the result of OHL. This study further clarifies the conceptual connotations of OHL, serving as a reference for future OHL-related studies.
Tango-Therapy Intervention for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment Living in Nursing Homes: Effects on Quality of Life, Physical Abilities and Gait
Authors: Bracco Lucía , Cornaro Clara , Pinto-Carral Arrate , Koch Sabine C. , Mourey France
Published: February 2023

Cognitive impairment in older adults is associated with poor gait performance, physical decline, falls and poor quality of life. This paper analyzes the feasibility and efficacy of tango-based intervention in older people living in nursing homes with and without cognitive impairment. A multicenter study, with pre- and post-test, was carried out. Intervention attendance, well-being, physical abilities (short physical performance battery), walking performance, functional capacities (Katz Index) and quality of life (quality of life in Alzheimer’s disease) were assessed. Fifty-four participants (84.9 ± 6.7 years, mini mental state examination 14.5 ± 7.4) completed the protocol. Intervention attendance was 92%, and the mean subjective well-being after each session was 4.5 ± 0.5 (on a five-point scale). A statistically significant improvement was found in the quality of life (p = 0.030). Non-statistically significant changes were found in walking performance (p = 0.159), physical abilities (p = 0.876) and in functional capacities (p = 0.253). This study shows feasibility and suggests evidence for the effects of tango therapy on well-being and quality of life. Further studies are necessary to contrast these findings and to support the role of tango interventions as a holistic approach to prevent functional decline in older people with cognitive impairment.
Annual Direct Cost and Cost-Drivers of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study from CSTAR Registry
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Li Mengtao , Zou Kaiwen , Wang Yilin , Jia Qiaoling , Wang Li , Zhao Jiuliang , Wu Chanyuan , Wang Qian , Tian Xinping , Wang Yanhong , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: February 2023

Background: To estimate the annual direct costs and cost-drivers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in China. Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted based on the CSTAR registry. The information on demography and expenditures for outpatient and inpatient visits due to SLE were collected using online questionnaires. These patients’ medical records were from the database of the Chinese Rheumatology Information System (CRIS). The average direct costs and 95% confidence interval were estimated using the bootstrap method with 1000 bootstrap samples by resampling with replacement. The cost-drivers were identified using multivariate regression models. Results: A total of 1778 SLE patients from 101 hospitals participated in our study, with 92.58% as females, a mean age of 33.8 years old, a median duration of SLE of 4.9 years, 63.8% in an active disease state, 77.3% with two organs or more damaged, and 8.3% using biologics as treatment. The average annual direct cost per patient was estimated at CNY 29,727, which approximates to 86% for direct medical costs. For moderate to severe disease activities, the use of biologics, hospitalization, treatment of moderate or high dose glucocorticoids, and peripheral vascular, cardiovascular, and/or renal system involvements were found to substantially increase the direct costs, while health insurance slightly decreased the direct costs of SLE. Conclusions: This study provided reliable insight into financial pressures on individual SLE patients in China. The efforts focusing on preventing flare occurrences and limiting disease progression were recommended to further reduce the direct cost of SLE.
Effect of Combined Kinematic Chain Exercise on Physical Function, Balance Ability, and Gait in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: An Jungae , Son Young-Wan , Lee Byoung-Hee
Published: February 2023

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis. However, evidence of combined kinematic chain exercise (CCE) in early-phase rehabilitation after TKA remains lacking. This study investigated the effects of CCE training on physical function, balance ability, and gait in 40 patients who underwent TKA. Participants were randomly assigned to the CCE (n = 20) and open kinematic chain exercise (OKCE) groups (n = 20). The CCE and OKCE groups were trained five times a week (for 4 weeks) for 30 min per session. Physical function, range of motion (ROM), balance, and gait were assessed before and after the intervention. The time × group interaction effects and time effect as measured with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, ROM, Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living, balancing ability (e.g., confidence ellipse area, path length, and average speed), and gait parameters (e.g., timed up-and-go test, gait speed, cadence, step length, and stride length) were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the group comparison of pre- and postintervention measurements for all variables, the CCE group showed substantial improvements compared to the OKCE group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant within-group improvement from baseline to postintervention. Our results suggest that CCE training positively affects physical function, balance ability, and gait as an early intervention for patients undergoing TKA.
The Urgent Need for Cardiopulmonary Fitness Evaluation among Wildland Firefighters in Thailand
Authors: Panumasvivat Jinjuta , Sirikul Wachiranun , Surawattanasakul Vithawat , Wangsan Kampanat , Assavanopakun Pheerasak
Published: February 2023

Wildland firefighting is a high-risk occupation. The level of cardiopulmonary fitness can indicate whether wildland firefighters are ready to perform their job duties. This study’s objective was to determine wildland firefighters’ cardiopulmonary fitness using practical methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to enroll all 610 active wildland firefighters in Chiang Mai. The participants’ cardiopulmonary fitness was assessed using an EKG, a chest X-ray, a spirometry test, a global physical activity questionnaire, and the Thai score-based cardiovascular risk assessment. The NFPA 1582 was used to determine “fitness” and “job restriction”. Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare cardiopulmonary parameters. With a response rate of 10.16%, only eight wildland firefighters met the cardiopulmonary fitness requirements. Eighty-seven percent of participants were in the job-restriction group. An aerobic threshold of eight METs, an abnormal EKG, an intermediate CV risk, and an abnormal CXR were the causes of restriction. The job-restriction group had a higher 10-year CV risk and higher systolic blood pressure, although these differences were not statistically significant. The wildland firefighters were unfit for their task requirements and were more at risk of cardiovascular health compared to the estimated risk of the general Thai population. To improve the health and safety of wildland firefighters, pre-placement exams and health surveillance are urgently needed.
Spatiotemporal Dynamic Distribution, Regional Differences and Spatial Convergence Mechanisms of Carbon Emission Intensity: Evidence from the Urban Agglomerations in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Zhang Chaohui , Dong Xin , Zhang Ze
Published: February 2023

Low-carbon transition is of great importance in promoting the high-quality and sustainable development of urban agglomerations in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). In this study, the spatial Markov chain and Dagum’s Gini coefficient are used to describe the distribution dynamics and regional differences in the carbon emission intensity (CEI) of urban agglomerations in the YRB from 2007 to 2017. Additionally, based on the spatial convergence model, this paper analyzed the impact of technological innovation, industrial structure optimization and upgrading, and the government’s attention to green development on the CEI’s convergence speed for different urban agglomerations. The research results show that: (1) The probability of adjacent type transfer, cross-stage transfer, and cross-space transfer of the CEI of urban agglomerations in the YRB is small, indicating that the overall spatiotemporal distribution type of CEI is relatively stable. (2) The CEI of urban agglomerations in the YRB has decreased significantly, but the spatial differences are still significant, with a trend of continuous increase, and regional differences mainly come from the differences between urban agglomerations. (3) Expanding innovation output, promoting the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure, and enhancing the government’s attention to green development has a significant positive effect on the convergence rate of the CEI of urban agglomerations in the YRB. This paper holds that implementing differentiated emission reduction measures and actively expanding regional collaborative mechanisms will play an important role in reducing the spatial differences in carbon emissions in urban agglomerations in the YRB, realizing the goals of peak carbon and carbon neutrality.
Lifestyle Changes Reduced Estimated White Matter Hyperintensities Based on Retinal Image Analysis
Authors: Lai Maria , Lee Jack , Li Xinxin , Kwok Chloe , Chong Marc , Zee Benny
Published: February 2023

This study evaluates if there is an association between lifestyle changes and the risk of small vessel disease (SVD) as measured by cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) estimated by the automatic retinal image analysis (ARIA) method. We recruited 274 individuals into a community cohort study. Subjects were assessed at baseline and annually with the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Questionnaire (HPLP-II) and underwent a simple physical assessment. Retinal images were taken using a non-mydriatic digital fundus camera to evaluate the level of WMH estimated by ARIA (ARIA-WMH) to measure the risk of small vessel disease. We calculated the changes from baseline to one year for the six domains of HPLP-II and analysed the relationship with the ARIA-WMH change. A total of 193 (70%) participants completed both the HPLP-II and ARIA-WMH assessments. The mean age was 59.1 ± 9.4 years, and 76.2% (147) were women. HPLP-II was moderate (Baseline, 138.96 ± 20.93; One-year, 141.97 ± 21.85). We observed a significant difference in ARIA-WMH change between diabetes and non-diabetes subjects (0.03 vs. −0.008, respectively, p = 0.03). A multivariate analysis model showed a significant interaction between the health responsibility (HR) domain and diabetes (p = 0.005). For non-diabetes subgroups, those with improvement in the HR domain had significantly decreased in ARIA-WMH than those without HR improvement (−0.04 vs. 0.02, respectively, p = 0.003). The physical activity domain was negatively related to the change in ARIA-WMH (p = 0.02). In conclusion, this study confirms that there is a significant association between lifestyle changes and ARIA-WMH. Furthermore, increasing health responsibility for non-diabetes subjects reduces the risk of having severe white matter hyperintensities.
Dreams Shared on Social Networks during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Tower of Babel or Noah’s Ark?—A Group-Analytic Perspective
Authors: Geller Shulamit , Van den Brink Gal , Akerman Yehoshua , Levy Sigal , Shazar Tuli , Goldzweig Gil
Published: February 2023

Dream sharing is a universal practice, and various incentives have been identified, including emotional processing, emotional relief, and demands for containment. Shared dreams can contribute to an individual’s understanding of social reality during traumatic and stressful events. The present study examined dreams shared on social network sites (SNS) during the first COVID-19 lockdown, applying a group-analytic approach. A qualitative dream content analysis conducted by a group of researchers analyzed 30 dreams shared on SNS, focusing on their contents, dominant emotions, and unique group processes. The dream content analysis yielded three meaningful and coherent themes: (1) dominant threats: enemy, danger, and COVID-19; (2) emotional fusion: confusion and despair alongside recovery and hope; and (3) group processes characterized by movement between being alone and being together. The results deepen our understanding of both unique social and psychological group processes and of people’s main experiences and key psychological coping mechanisms in times of collective trauma and natural disasters. They also demonstrate the transformative potential of dreamtelling for individuals’ coping experiences and building hope through the creative social relationships formed within SNS groups.
Nuclear Anxiety Amid the Russian-Ukrainian War 2022 (RUW-22): Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Drobov Anton , Alkasaby Muhammad Abdullatif , Peřina Aleš , Koščík Michal
Published: February 2023

Nuclear anxiety, which refers to the fear of nuclear war and its consequences, is expected to increase amid the Russian–Ukrainian War of 2022 (RUW-22). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nuclear anxiety and its associated variables among university students in the Czech Republic during the first weeks of RUW-22. A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out from March–April 2022, utilizing a digital self-administered questionnaire (SAQ) to collect data from the target population. The SAQ consisted of multiple-choice items inquiring about demographic characteristics; generalized anxiety symptoms using generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7); depressive symptoms using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); and attitudes towards civilian uses of nuclear power, and nuclear war-related anxiety. Of the 591 participating students, 67.7% were females, 68.2% were Czech nationals, and 61.8% followed the RUW-22 news at least once daily. The mean GAD-7 score of our participants was 7.86 ± 5.32 (0–21); and their mean PHQ-9 score was 8.66 ± 6.29 (0–27). Regarding the civilian uses of nuclear power, most participants agreed that nuclear power was safe (64.5%), denied being afraid that civilian use of nuclear power might deteriorate their health (79.7%), and thought that public acceptance was important for building new nuclear power plants (56.9%). About 42.1% and 45.5% of the participants reported feeling depressed at the possibility of nuclear war and agreed that the chances that there would be a nuclear war in their lifetime were very high, respectively. When asked about their preparedness measures during the previous four weeks, less than one quarter (23.9%) reported looking for recommendations for protection against nuclear accidents, and less than one-fifth (19.3%) were looking for the nearest bomb shelter. The depression about nuclear war possibility was positively and relatively strongly correlated with the level of “feeling concerned about the RUW-22” (rs = 0.401), and it was moderately correlated with GAD-7 (rs = 0.377) and PHQ-9 (rs = 0.274) scores and weakly correlated with RUW-2-related news-following frequency (rs = 0.196). Within the limitations of the present study, nuclear anxiety was common among Czech university students. Its associated factors may include but are not limited to the female gender; common psychological disorders such as generalized anxiety and depression; RUW-22-related news following-frequency; and the level of “feeling concerned”.
From Ancient Patterns of Hand-to-Hand Combat to a Unique Therapy of the Future
Authors: Kruszewski Artur
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this publication is to provide generalized knowledge of the area of changes that took place over past centuries in relation to health, social and cultural conditions. In Greek mythology, it was necessary to nurture both body and spirit to be a perfect human being. This link between the concepts of physical beauty and goodness can be also found in later works dedicated to ancient Greek history. Particularly in Greek myths, and in Greek education in general, it was believed that both physical and spiritual excellence were necessary to raise men to achieve their true form. Some of the main forms of implementing this idea were hand-to-hand combat exercises (wrestling, boxing and pankration). Ideas characteristic of the world of ancient Greece, in a general sense, can be observed in the culture of the Far East. The main difference is the fact that these principles did not survive in Western culture as a result of transformation into a consumer society focused on the rejection of moral principles. The brutalisation of the forms of the Roman Games meant that the ideals of the ancient world were forgotten for more than 1500 years. The modern Olympic Games were resurrected in the 19th century. Inspired by the ancient Greek cult of health of body and spirit, they gave rise to a movement known as Olympism. In the Olympic Charter written by Coubertin, Olympism was called “a philosophy of life exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind”. The combat sports disciplines have had their place there since the beginning of the modern Olympic Games. The evolution of hand-to-hand combat disciplines, including numerous scientific studies indicating a very broad impact in the area of health, led to this type of physical activity being reached for as an essential element in supporting the health-promoting behaviour of society. Nowadays, physical activity in the area of exercise with elements of hand-to-hand combat, combat sports, or martial arts is an indissoluble link in the prevention and treatment of 21st century diseases. For Parkinson’s disease patients, drug treatment is an essential resource for continuing to function in society, but it will not be completely effective without supporting the treatment with appropriate and attractive physical activity (e.g., “Rock Steady Boxing”). Of similar importance is the prevention of dangerous falls, which are common in this population as well as among the elderly or those affected by other diseases of civilisation. Implementing the principles and techniques of safe falling in the teaching of the young population significantly increases the likelihood of applying appropriate responses to these individuals in adulthood and old age. Actions that should be taken now for prevention can be implemented through social programmes, such as “Active today for a healthy future”.
Stem–Loop Structures in Iron-Regulated mRNAs of Giardia duodenalis
Authors: Plata-Guzmán Laura , Arroyo Rossana , León-Sicairos Nidia , Canizález-Román Adrián , López-Moreno Héctor , Chávez-Ontiveros Jeanett , Garzón-Tiznado José , León-Sicairos Claudia
Published: February 2023

Giardia duodenalis is a significant cause of waterborne and foodborne infections, day-care center outbreaks, and traveler’s diarrhea worldwide. In protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica, iron affects the growth, pathogenicity mechanisms, and expression of virulence genes. One of the proposed iron regulatory mechanisms is at the post-transcriptional level through an IRE/IRP-like (iron responsive element/iron regulatory protein) system. Recently, the expression of many putative giardial virulence factors in the free-iron levels has been reported in subsequent RNAseq experiments; however, the iron regulatory mechanism remains unknown. Thus, this work aimed to determine the effects of iron on the growth, gene expression, and presence of IRE-like structures in G. duodenalis. First, the parasite’s growth kinetics at different iron concentrations were studied, and the cell viability was determined. It was observed that the parasite can adapt to an iron range from 7.7 to 500 µM; however, in conditions without iron, it is unable to survive in the culture medium. Additionally, the iron modulation of three genes was determined by RT-PCR assays. The results suggested that Actin, glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase, and cytochrome b5 mRNA were down-regulated by iron. To investigate the presence of IRE-like structures, in silico analyses were performed for different mRNAs from the Giardia genome database. The Zuker mfold v2.4 web server and theoretical analysis were used to predict the secondary structures of the 91 mRNAs analyzed. Interestingly, the iron-induced downregulation of the genes analyzed corresponds to the location of the stem–loop structures found in their UTR regions. In conclusion, iron modulates the growth and expression of specific genes, likely due to the presence of IRE-like structures in G. duodenalis mRNAs.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Is Associated with an Increased Risk for Migraine Diagnosis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Shih I-An , Hsu Chung-Y. , Li Tsai-Chung , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: February 2023

Previous studies reported an increased risk of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in patients with migraine. Hence, we aimed to assess the risk of migraine in patients with BPPV. This cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The BPPV cohort consisted of patients aged <45 years with a diagnosis of BPPV between 2000 and 2009. An age- and sex-matched comparison group free from a history of BPPV or migraine was selected. All cases were followed up from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2010 or until death or a diagnosis of migraine. The baseline demographic characteristics in both groups were compared using Student’s t-test and the chi-square test. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio for migraine in the BPPV cohort compared with the comparison group after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. Notably, 117 of the 1386 participants with BPPV and 146 of the 5544 participants without BPPV developed migraine. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, BPPV showed an adjusted hazard ratio indicating a 2.96-fold increased risk of migraine (95% confidence interval: 2.30–3.80, p < 0.001). We found that BPPV is associated with an increased risk of a migraine diagnosis.
Exploratory Study on the Associations between Lifetime Post-Traumatic Stress Spectrum, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythm Parameters in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Carmassi Claudia , Cruz-Sanabria Francy , Gravina Davide , Violi Miriam , Bonelli Chiara , Dell’Oste Valerio , Pedrinelli Virginia , Frumento Paolo , Faraguna Ugo , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed at exploring whether lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms are associated with chronotype in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Moreover, we explored whether the chronotype can moderate the potential associations between lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms and rest–activity circadian and sleep-related parameters. A total of 74 BD patients were administered the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR) lifetime version for lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for self-reported sleep quality, and the Reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) to discriminate evening chronotypes (ETs), neither chronotype (NT), and morning chronotype (MT). Actigraphic monitoring was used to objectively evaluate sleep and circadian parameters. Patients classified as ET reported significantly higher scores in the re-experiencing domain, as well as poorer sleep quality, lower sleep efficiency, increased wake after sleep onset, and delayed mid-sleep point compared with both NT and MT (p-value ≤ 0.05). Moreover, ET presented significantly higher scores in the TALS-SR maladaptive coping domain than NT and lower relative amplitude than MT (p-value ≤ 0.05). Moreover, higher TALS-SR total symptomatic domains scores were significantly correlated with poor self-reported sleep quality. Regression analyses showed that the PSQI score maintained the association with the TALS total symptomatic domains scores after adjusting for potentially confounding factors (age and sex) and that no interaction effect was observed between the chronotype and the PSQI. Conclusions: This exploratory study suggests that patients with BD classified as ET showed significantly higher lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms and more disrupted sleep and circadian rhythmicity with respect to other chronotypes. Moreover, poorer self-reported sleep quality was significantly associated with lifetime post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms. Further studies are required to confirm our results and to evaluate whether targeting sleep disturbances and eveningness can mitigate post-traumatic stress symptoms in BD.
The Work, Economic, and Remittance Stress and Distress of the COVID-19 Pandemic Containment Policies: The Case of Venezuelan Migrants in Argentina and Chile
Authors: Del Real Deisy , Crowhurst-Pons Felipe , Olave Lizeth
Published: February 2023

According to the social stress process model, global crises are macro-level stressors that generate physiological stress and psychological distress. However, existing research has not identified immigrants’ COVID-19 containment policy stressors or examined the social stress of sending remittances amid crises. Drawing on in-depth longitudinal interviews with 46 Venezuelan immigrants—half before and half during the pandemic—in Chile and Argentina, we identified the COVID-19 containment policies’ stressors. We focused on Venezuelan immigrants because they constitute one of the largest internationally displaced populations, with most migrating within South America. We found that the governmental COVID-19 containment measures in both countries generated four stressors: employment loss, income loss, devaluation of employment status, and inability to send needed remittances. Moreover, sending remittances helped some migrants cope with concerns about loved ones in Venezuela. However, sending remittances became a social stressor when immigrants struggled to simultaneously sustain their livelihoods and send financial support to relatives experiencing hardships in Venezuela. For some immigrants, these adversities generated other stressors (e.g., housing instability) and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Broadly, for immigrants, the stressors of global crises transcend international borders and generate high stress, which strains their psychological well-being.
Too Committed to Switch Off—Capturing and Organizing the Full Range of Work-Related Rumination from Detachment to Overcommitment
Authors: Weigelt Oliver , Seidel J. , Erber Lucy , Wendsche Johannes , Varol Yasemin , Weiher Gerald , Gierer Petra , Sciannimanica Claudia , Janzen Richard , Syrek Christine
Published: February 2023

Work-related thoughts during off-job time have been studied extensively in occupational health psychology and related fields. We provide a focused review of the research on overcommitment—a component within the effort–reward imbalance model—and aim to connect this line of research to the most commonly studied aspects of work-related rumination. Drawing on this integrative review, we analyze survey data on ten facets of work-related rumination, namely (1) overcommitment, (2) psychological detachment, (3) affective rumination, (4) problem-solving pondering, (5) positive work reflection, (6) negative work reflection, (7) distraction, (8) cognitive irritation, (9) emotional irritation, and (10) inability to recover. First, we apply exploratory factor analysis to self-reported survey data from 357 employees to calibrate overcommitment items and to position overcommitment within the nomological net of work-related rumination constructs. Second, we apply confirmatory factor analysis to self-reported survey data from 388 employees to provide a more specific test of uniqueness vs. overlap among these constructs. Third, we apply relative weight analyses to assess the unique criterion-related validity of each work-related rumination facet regarding (1) physical fatigue, (2) cognitive fatigue, (3) emotional fatigue, (4) burnout, (5) psychosomatic complaints, and (6) satisfaction with life. Our results suggest that several measures of work-related rumination (e.g., overcommitment and cognitive irritation) can be used interchangeably. Emotional irritation and affective rumination emerge as the strongest unique predictors of fatigue, burnout, psychosomatic complaints, and satisfaction with life. Our study is intended to assist researchers in making informed decisions on selecting scales for their research and paves the way for integrating research on the effort–reward imbalance into work-related rumination.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (VeNS) on Insomnia Adults: Study Protocol of a Double-Blinded, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Cheung Teris , Lam Joyce Yuen Ting , Fong Kwan Hin , Cheng Calvin Pak-Wing , Ho Alex , Sittlington Julie , Xiang Yu-Tao , Li Tim Man Ho
Published: February 2023

Insomnia is a common health problem in the general population. There are different ways to improve sleeping habits and quality of sleep; however, there is no clinical trial using transdermal neurostimulation to treat individuals with symptoms of insomnia in Asia. This gives us the impetus to execute the first study in Asia which aims to evaluate the efficacy of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (VeNS) on individuals with insomnia in Hong Kong. This study proposes a two-armed, double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial including the active VeNS and sham VeNS group. Both groups will be measured at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and at the 1-month (T3) and 3-month follow-up (T4). A total of 60 community-dwelling adults aged 18 to 60 years, with insomnia symptoms will be recruited in this study. All subjects will be computer randomized into either the active VeNS group or the sham VeNS group on a 1:1 ratio. All subjects in each group will receive twenty 30-min VeNS sessions during weekdays, which will be completed in a 4-week period. Baseline measurements and post-VeNS evaluation of the psychological outcomes (i.e., insomnia severity, sleep quality and quality of life) will also be conducted on all participants. The 1-month and 3-month follow-up period will be used to assess the short-and long-term sustainability of the VeNS intervention. For statistical analysis, a mixed model will be used to analyze the repeated measures data. Missing data will be managed by multiple imputations. The level of significance will be set to p < 0.05. Significance of the study: The results of this study will be used to determine whether this VeNS device can be considered as a self-help technological device to reduce the severity of insomnia in the community setting. We registered this clinical trial with the Clinical trial government, identifier: NCT04452981.
Insight into the Organization of the B10v3 Cucumber Genome by Integration of Biological and Bioinformatic Data
Authors: Turek Szymon , Pląder Wojciech , Hoshi Yoshikazu , Skarzyńska Agnieszka , Pawełkowicz Magdalena
Published: February 2023

The availability of a well-organized and annotated reference genome is essential for genome research and the analysis of re-sequencing approaches. The B10v3 cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) reference genome has been sequenced and assembled into 8035 contigs, a small fraction of which have been mapped to individual chromosomes. Currently, bioinformatics methods based on comparative homology have made it possible to re-order the sequenced contigs by mapping them to the reference genomes. The B10v3 genome (North-European, Borszczagowski line) was rearranged against the genomes of cucumber 9930 (‘Chinese Long’ line) and Gy14 (North American line). Furthermore, a better insight into the organization of the B10v3 genome was obtained by integrating the data available in the literature on the assignment of contigs to chromosomes in the B10v3 genome with the results of the bioinformatic analysis. The combination of information on the markers used in the assembly of the B10v3 genome and the results of FISH and DArT-seq experiments confirmed the reliability of the in silico assignment. Approximately 98% of the protein-coding genes within the chromosomes were assigned and a significant proportion of the repetitive fragments in the sequenced B10v3 genome were identified using the RagTag programme. In addition, BLAST analyses provided comparative information between the B10v3 genome and the 9930 and Gy14 data sets. This revealed both similarities and differences in the functional proteins found between the coding sequences region in the genomes. This study contributes to better knowledge and understanding of cucumber genome line B10v3.
Transgenic Zebrafish Expressing Rat Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1): Augmentation of Acetaminophen-Induced Toxicity in the Liver and Retina
Authors: Sato Yoshinori , Dong Wenjing , Nakamura Tatsuro , Mizoguchi Naohiro , Nawaji Tasuku , Nishikawa Miyu , Onaga Takenori , Ikushiro Shinichi , Kobayashi Makoto , Teraoka Hiroki
Published: February 2023

Metabolic activation is the primary cause of chemical toxicity including hepatotoxicity. Cytochrome P450 2E (CYP2E) is involved in this process for many hepatotoxicants, including acetaminophen (APAP), one of the most common analgesics and antipyretics. Although the zebrafish is now used as a model for toxicology and toxicity tests, the CYP2E homologue in zebrafish has not been identified yet. In this study, we prepared transgenic zebrafish embryos/larvae expressing rat CYP2E1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) using a β-actin promoter. Rat CYP2E1 activity was confirmed by the fluorescence of 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC), a metabolite of 7-methoxycoumarin that was specific for CYP2 in transgenic larvae with EGFP fluorescence (EGFP [+]) but not in transgenic larvae without EGFP fluorescence (EGFP [−]). APAP (2.5 mM) caused reduction in the size of the retina in EGFP [+] larvae but not in EGFP [−] larvae, while APAP similarly reduced pigmentation in both larvae. APAP at even 1 mM reduced the liver size in EGFP [+] larvae but not in EGFP [−] larvae. APAP-induced reduction of liver size was inhibited by N-acetylcysteine. These results suggest that rat CYP2E1 is involved in some APAP-induced toxicological endpoints in the retina and liver but not in melanogenesis of the developing zebrafish.