bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Socioeconomic Status, Class Mobility and Health Disparities of Older People
Authors: Ran Xiaoxing , Huang Tiange , Chen Gong
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is threefold: (1) investigate the impact of subjective socioeconomic status on the health of older people with a further exploration of its extent, (2) explore the relationship between diverse class mobility trajectories and health disparities among older people, and (3) examine the health disparities among older people with different subjective socioeconomic statuses in groups of various class mobility. The data for this study came from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) of 2017, and regression and moderation models are used. The results indicate that for each level of increase in the subjective socioeconomic status of older people, the health score significantly increased by 0.159. The health status of older people who experienced upward class mobility is significantly better than those who did not; therefore, different class mobility trajectories also shape health disparities. The moderation role of class mobility on the impact of subjective socioeconomic status on the health of older people is also confirmed. The results provide further support for the subjective socioeconomic status having a significant impact on the health of older people with different class mobility trajectories. An upward class mobility trajectory somewhat diminishes this influence. Therefore, policy interventions should be provided to enhance the subjective socioeconomic status of older people and increase their opportunities for upward class mobility.
Reliability and Validity of the Japanese Version of the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT-J) for Japanese Elderly
Authors: Nasu Satonori , Ishibashi Yu , Ikuta Junichi , Yamane Shingo , Kobayashi Ryuji
Published: October 2022

The Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) questionnaire assesses individuals’ emotional and attitudinal readiness related to mobility as they age. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the ARMT (ARMT-J). The ARMT-J and related variables were administered to 173 patients and staff members undergoing rehabilitation at hospitals in Japan. Construct validity was first examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to confirm cross-cultural validity. For structural validity, the optimal number of factors was confirmed using a Velicer’s minimum average partial test and parallel analysis, followed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Finally, a CFA was performed using the most appropriate model. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were assessed for reliability. The CFA fit for the factor structure of the original ARMT was low. Therefore, the EFA was conducted with two to four factors. The optimal factor structure was three factors, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and Cohen’s weighted kappa coefficient of 0.85 and 0.76, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the test–retest was 0.93, the SEM was 0.72, and the SDC was 2.00. The model fit was good for the ARMT-J, with a three-factor structure.
Do Quality Reviews Play a Role during the Implementation of Health Sciences Programmes? A Document Analysis Study
Authors: Ngoatle Charity , Mothiba Tebogo M. , Ngoepe Modikana A.
Published: October 2022

Background: A programme review is a process that assesses the status, efficacy, and advancement of academic programmes and aids in determining their future needs, priorities, and direction. The purpose of the academic programme review is to demonstrate that the programmehas appropriate quality assurance processes and procedures in place in accordance with the applicable established criteria and to offer ongoing guidance for the development of academic programmes to ensure that they remain responsive and relevant. The study, therefore, sought to investigate the role of quality reviews during the implementation of health sciences programmes at a rural University in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: Data were collected using the document analysis review technique to assess the Self-Evaluation Review reports for three programmes in the faculty of health sciences. The study’s descriptive qualitative data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach in six stages. All-inclusive purposive sampling was used to select the documents for review. Results: Three health sciences programmes were reviewed; two of the programmes met the minimum standards whereas one needed improvement. The review showed inadequate staffing, poor student support, and inadequate marketing of the programmes among others. Conclusions: The study has shown that conducting a review is crucial for maintaining and enhancing quality provisioning of programmes. The quality gaps identified by the panellists while reviewing the programmes can be used to improve and enhance quality of the programmes to a higher level if properly implemented. Thus, quality review does play a significant role during the implementation of health sciences programmes.
Occupational Injury Risk Mitigation: Machine Learning Approach and Feature Optimization for Smart Workplace Surveillance
Authors: Khairuddin Mohamed Zul Fadhli , Lu Hui Puat , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Abd Razak Nasrul Anuar , Lai Khin Wee , Mohd Saudi Ahmad Shakir , Ibrahim Siti Salwa
Published: October 2022

Forecasting the severity of occupational injuries shall be all industries’ top priority. The use of machine learning is theoretically valuable to assist the predictive analysis, thus, this study attempts to propose a feature-optimized predictive model for anticipating occupational injury severity. A public database of 66,405 occupational injury records from OSHA is analyzed using five sets of machine learning models: Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, Naïve Bayes, Decision Tree, and Random Forest. For model comparison, Random Forest outperformed other models with higher accuracy and F1-score. Therefore, it highlighted the potential of ensemble learning as a more accurate prediction model in the field of occupational injury. In constructing the model, this study also proposed the feature optimization technique that revealed the three most important features; ‘nature of injury’, ‘type of event’, and ‘affected body part’ in developing model. The accuracy of the Random Forest model was improved by 0.5% or 0.895 and 0.954 for the prediction of hospitalization and amputation, respectively by redeveloping and optimizing the model with hyperparameter tuning. The feature optimization is essential in providing insight knowledge to the Safety and Health Practitioners for future injury corrective and preventive strategies. This study has shown promising potential for smart workplace surveillance.
Neighborhood and Family Characteristics Associated with Adiposity and Physical Activity Engagement among Preschoolers in a Small Rural Community
Authors: Guseman Emily Hill , Sisson Susan B. , Whipps Jonathon , Howe Cheryl A. , Byra Madelyn M. , Silver Lucie E.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate family and home/neighborhood characteristics associated with physical activity (PA) and adiposity among young children living in a small rural community. Methods: Participants were 30 parents and their youngest child aged 2–5 years. Children wore accelerometers for 7 days. Parents completed questionnaires about family lifestyle behaviors, parenting practices, and home/neighborhood characteristics. Results: None of the family lifestyle behaviors were associated with child BMI percentile. Backyard size was inversely associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity on weekday afternoons (rho = −0.488, p = 0.006), as was perception of neighborhood dangers (rho = −0.388, p = 0.034). Perceived neighborhood safety (rho = 0.453, p = 0.012), the presence of sidewalks (rho = 0.499, p = 0.012), and public playground use (rho = 0.406, p = 0.026) were each associated with higher weekday afternoon MVPA. Conclusions: Findings suggest neighborhood safety, sidewalks, and use of public playgrounds are positively associated with MVPA among preschoolers, while backyard size and access to play equipment at home are not. These findings have implications for rural communities where space is plentiful but access to community space and sidewalks may be limited.
Acculturation and Disordered Eating among Asian American College Students: The Role of Objectification through a Sociocultural Lens
Authors: Zhou Zhiqing , Liew Jeffrey , Luo Wen
Published: October 2022

Disordered eating is a public health problem because it’s highly prevalent, dangerous, and costly. More research about its risk factors and mechanisms is needed to address this problem and prevent disordered eating among high-risk populations, particularly understudied ethnic minorities. The present study contributes to the limited existing research on acculturation and disordered eating among Asian American college students who represent an understudied and high-risk group. The sample consisted of 245 Asian American (primarily East and Southeast Asian American) college students who provided data on their acculturation status, internalization of thin and muscular body ideals, body surveillance, body shame, and disordered eating. Results show that after controlling for gender, both cultures are positively associated with internalization of the muscular body ideal, but only the Asian culture of origin is associated with disordered eating. Additionally, path analysis results show that Asian culture of origin has a significant total effect on disordered eating as well as a significant indirect effect on disordered eating, mediated by thin body ideal internalization. While American culture does not have a significant contribution to body ideal internalization or disordered eating, it interacts with Asian culture of origin and put participants with high levels of both cultures at a greater risk for muscular body ideal internalization. Findings highlight the importance of cultural context in the understanding of body experiences and disordered eating among Asian American college students and have implications for the prevention and intervention of these problems in this high-risk population.
Global Ban on Plastic and What Next? Are Consumers Ready to Replace Plastic with the Second-Generation Bioplastic? Results of the Snowball Sample Consumer Research in China, Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Brazil
Authors: Kochanska Ewa , Wozniak Katarzyna , Nowaczyk Agnieszka , Piedade Patrícia J. , de Almeida Lavorato Marilena Lino , Almeida Alexandre Marcelo , Morais Ana Rita C. , Lukasik Rafal M.
Published: October 2022

Plastic can be used for many things and at the same time is the most versatile material in our modern world. However, the uncontrolled and unprecedented use of plastic comes to its end. The global ban on plastic brings significant changes in technology but even more so in civil perception—changes taking place before our eyes. The aim of this study was to find answers to the questions about the readiness of consumers for a global ban on plastic. Within the research, the differences in consumer acceptance in countries in Europe, South and North America and Asia and the expression of social readiness to change attitudes towards plastic food packaging were analyzed. This work sketches the legal framework related to limiting the use of one-use food packaging made of fossil raw materials at the level of the European Union, Poland and Portugal but also at the level of the two largest economies in the world, China and the United States, as well as lower-income countries, e.g., Ukraine and Brazil. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The performed study demonstrates that, in in all the surveyed countries, appropriate legal acts related to the reduction of plastic in everyday life are already in place. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the full understanding of plastic banning in all surveyed countries. Consumers are aware that every effort should be made to prevent the world from drowning in plastic waste. Society is, in general, open to the use of bioplastics produced from the second-generation resource if second-generation bioplastics contribute to environmental and pollution reduction targets.
The Validity and Reliability of the PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 on Screening for Major Depression in Spanish Speaking Immigrants in Chile: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Errazuriz Antonia , Beltrán Rodrigo , Torres Rafael , Passi-Solar Alvaro
Published: October 2022

Background: The study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of two versions of the Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-9 and PHQ-2) on screening for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among Spanish-speaking Latin American adult immigrants in Santiago, and to explore factors associated with a higher risk of occurrence of MDD among them. Methods: A representative sample of 897 Spanish-speaking immigrants completed the PHQ-9. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was employed to evaluate MDD. Internal consistency and structural validity were evaluated using Cronbach’s α coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent validity with the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was assessed using Spearman’s correlations. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated for different cut-off points. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the risk of MDD. Results: Cronbach’s α coefficient of the PHQ-9 was 0.90; item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.61 to 0.76 and correlation with the GAD-7 was moderate (r = 0.625; p < 0.001). CFA on three alternative models suggests a plausible fit in the overall sample and among two of the subsamples: Peruvians and Venezuelans. Taking the results of CIDI as the gold standard for MDD, the area under the ROC curve was 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83~1.0). When the cut-off score was equal to 5, values of sensitivity, specificity, and Youden’s index were 0.85, 0.90, and 0.75, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the influence of having three or more children (OR = 3.91, 95% CI: 1.20~12.81; p < 0.05), residency in Chile of up to three years (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07~3.00; p < 0.05), active debt (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.60~4.70; p < 0.001), a one (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.03~3.94; p < 0.05) and two or more events of adversity during childhood (OR = 5.25, 95% CI: 1.93~14.3; p < 0.01) on the occurrence of MDD was statistically significant. Reliability (α = 0.62), convergent (r = 0.534; p < 0.01) and criterion (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.67~1.00) validity coefficients of the PHQ-2 were weaker than for the PHQ-9. Conclusions: The PHQ-2 and the PHQ-9 are reliable and valid instruments for use as screeners for MDD among Spanish-speaking populations of Latin America.
Measuring the Impact of Future Outbreaks? A Secondary Analysis of Routinely Available Data in Spain
Authors: Martin-Delgado Jimmy , Mula Aurora , Manzanera Rafael , Mira Jose Joaquin
Published: October 2022

Background: As of 7 January 2022, it is estimated that 5.5 million people worldwide have died from COVID-19. Although the full impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on healthcare systems worldwide is still unknown, we must consider the socio-economic impact. For instance, it has resulted in an 11% decrease in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the European Union. We aim to provide valuable information for policymakers by analysing widely available epidemiological and socioeconomic indicators using Spanish data. Methods: Secondary analysis of routinely available data from various official data sources covering the period from 1 March 2020 to 31 March 2021. To measure the impact of COVID-19 in the population, a set of epidemiological and socioeconomic indicators were used. The interrelationships between these socioeconomic and epidemiological indicators were analysed using Pearson’s correlation. Their behaviour was grouped according to their greater capacity to measure the impact of the pandemic and was compared to identify those that are more appropriate to monitor future health crises (primary outcome) using multivariate analysis of canonical correlation for estimating the correlation between indicators using different units of analysis. Results: Data from different time points were analysed. The excess of mortality was negatively correlated with the number of new companies created during the pandemic. The increase in COVID-19 cases was associated with the rise of unemployed workers. Neither GDP nor per capita debt was related to any epidemiological indicators considered in the annual analysis. The canonical models of socioeconomic and epidemiological indicators of each of the time periods analysed were statistically significant (0.80–0.91 p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, excess mortality, incidence, lethality, and unemployment constituted the best group of indicators to measure the impact of the pandemic. These indicators, widely available, could provide valuable information to policymakers and higher management in future outbreaks.
Synergistic Interaction between Job Stressors and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nikunlaakso Risto , Reuna Kaisa , Selander Kirsikka , Oksanen Tuula , Laitinen Jaana
Published: October 2022

Psychosocial job stressors increase the risk of mental health problems for the workers in health and social services (HSS). Although previous studies suggest that the accumulation of two or more stressors is detrimental to mental health, few studies have examined the synergistic interaction of accumulating job stressors. We examined survey responses from 9855 Finnish HSS workers in a cross-sectional study design from 2021. We conducted an interaction analysis of high job demands, low rewards and low workplace social capital on psychological distress, focusing on the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). Additionally, we analysed the interaction of job demands, low rewards and COVID-19 burden (extra workload and emotional load). Our analysis showed that the total RERI for the job stressors on psychological distress was considerable (6.27, 95% CI 3.14, 9.39). The total excess risk was caused by two-way interactions, especially between high demands and low rewards and by the three-way interaction of all stressors. The total RERI for job demands, low reward and COVID-19 burden (3.93, 95% CI 1.15, 6.72), however, was caused entirely by two-way interaction between high demands and low rewards. Mental health interventions tackling high demands, low rewards and low social capital are jointly needed.
Accelerated PAH Transformation in the Presence of Dye Industry Landfill Leachate Combined with Fungal Membrane Lipid Changes
Authors: Góralczyk-Bińkowska Aleksandra , Długoński Andrzej , Bernat Przemysław , Długoński Jerzy , Jasińska Anna
Published: October 2022

The ascomycete fungus Nectriella pironii, previously isolated from soil continuously contaminated by dye industry waste, was used for the biodegradation of phenanthrene (PHE), benz[a]anthracene (B[a]A), and benz[a]pyrene (B[a]P). The degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by N. pironii was accelerated in the presence of landfill leachate (LL) collected from the area of fungus isolation. The rate of cometabolic elimination of PHE and B[a]P in the presence of LL was, respectively, 75% and 94% higher than in its absence. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that PAHs were converted to less-toxic derivatives. The parallel lipidomic study showed changes in membrane lipids, including a significant increase in the content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) (almost double) and saturated phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and a simultaneous reduction (twofold) in the content of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and unsaturated PLFAs, which may have promoted the fungus to PHE + LL adaptation. In the presence of PHE, an intense lipid peroxidation (fivefold) was observed, confirming the stabilization of the cell membrane and its extended integrity. Determining the course of elimination and adaptation to harmful pollutants is essential for the design of efficient bioremediation systems in the future.
A Comprehensive Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment Model: Considering Temporally and Spatially Dependent Variations
Authors: Su Shu , Ju Jingyi , Ding Yujie , Yuan Jingfeng , Cui Peng
Published: October 2022

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a widely-used international environmental evaluation and management method. However, the conventional LCA is in a static context without temporal and spatial variations considered, which fails to bring accurate evaluation values and hinders practical applications. Dynamic LCA research has developed vigorously in the past decade and become a hot topic. However, systematical analysis of spatiotemporal dynamic variations and comprehensive operable dynamic models are still lacking. This study follows LCA paradigm and incorporates time- and space-dependent variations to establish a spatiotemporal dynamic LCA model. The dynamic changes are classified into four types: dynamic foreground elementary flows, dynamic background system, dynamic characterization factors, and dynamic weighting factors. Their potential dynamics and possible quantification methods are analyzed. The dynamic LCA model is applied to a residential building, and significant differences can be observed between dynamic and static assessment results from both temporal and spatial perspectives. This study makes a theoretical contribution by establishing a comprehensive dynamic model with both temporal and spatial variations involved. It is expected to provide practical values for LCA practitioners and help with decision-making and environmental management.
The Impact of Mobile Payment on Household Poverty Vulnerability: A Study Based on CHFS2017 in China
Authors: Li Yuhua , Gong Xiheng , Zhang Jingyi , Xiang Ziwei , Liao Chengjun
Published: October 2022

Changes in digital technology have brought about new opportunities in the field of financial poverty alleviation in China, and mobile payment as a new digital financial model is important in helping families to lift themselves out of poverty effectively and prevent a return to poverty. This paper examines the impact of mobile payment on household poverty vulnerability and the mechanism of action using the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) 2017 microsurvey data. After adopting the IVprobit model and a series of robustness tests, we found: (1) mobile payment significantly negatively impacts household poverty vulnerability; (2) the mechanism analysis indicates that promoting entrepreneurship and improving risk management capabilities are the main channels through which mobile payment mitigates household poverty vulnerability; (3) household entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial survival significantly reduce the probability of poverty vulnerability; and (4) the probit regression analysis explores how mobile payment has a greater negative impact on poverty vulnerability among low-income, homeless, and relatively backward households in rural or western areas. This work contributes to the literature on the use of electronic communication technology to eradicate poverty and on inclusive finance, providing vital results for other countries to use as an example.
‘Safety First’: Residents, Families, and Healthcare Staff Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions at an Irish Residential Care Centre
Authors: Connolly Michael , Duffy Anita , Ryder Mary , Timmins Fiona
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the need to stem the transmission and protect the most vulnerable in society led to infection control restrictions effectively locking down an entire country. These restrictions were also imposed on residential care settings for older people, initially in March 2020, and subsequently at varying times throughout the year that followed. Furthermore, the restrictions led to the suspension in all visiting to residents expect in exceptional circumstances and on compassionate grounds. The purpose of this research study was to develop an understanding of the experience of residents, their families, and carers in an Irish residential care setting during the COVID-19 lockdown. Data were collected in a residential care centre for older people in Ireland, using semi-structured interviews of residents, family members and staff. Interviews were conducted in person for residents and virtually for family members and staff. In total 29 people were interviewed. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic data analysis approach. Four themes and three subthemes were developed from the data. The main themes were ‘difficult but safe’, ‘communication’, ‘staff going above and beyond’, ‘what about the future?’ Residents, families and staff of the residential care setting had to manage and cope with the challenges of the restrictions imposed during COVID-19 lockdown. This study highlighted the negative impacts of visiting restrictions on staff, residents and their family members during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Obligation Is Not a Compulsion—The Quality of the Law and the Effectiveness and Safety of Vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Kocańda Kamila , Zarębska-Michaluk Dorota
Published: October 2022

In December 2021, the Minister of Health in Poland announced via Twitter that vaccination was not compulsory. Such a message from a public authority, who was to a significant extent responsible for organising the process of preventing and combating the infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, appeared to have a negative impact on the public perception of the role of vaccination in combating this disease. The impossibility of directly enforcing vaccination, in the sense that there is no legal basis for its compulsory administration, should not weaken the sense of obligation towards a socially necessary attitude of vaccination as a means of protecting the population against the disease; this should be promoted by public authorities. An auxiliary role in shaping this type of message should be played by the law of appropriate quality, regulating the rules related to vaccination in a way that encourages citizens’ trust in the state and the law.
Hierarchical Linear Model of Internet Addiction and Associated Risk Factors in Chinese Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Li Guangming
Published: October 2022

The risk effects of internet addiction have been documented in the literature; however, few longitudinal studies have considered the heterogeneity of the subjects. A hierarchical linear model was used here to explore the relationship between adolescents’ internet addiction and associated risk factors (depression, anxiety, gender, and obesity) from the perspective of longitudinal analysis. A total of 1033 adolescents were investigated and followed up with every three months with the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). The hierarchical linear model of internet addiction had only two levels. The first level of the model was the time variable (three time points) and the second level of the model was the individual adolescent (1033 adolescents). The results showed that (1) depression and anxiety, as associated risk factors, were significant positive predictors of adolescents’ internet addiction considering the developmental trajectory courses of adolescent internet addiction, as well as the individual differences over time; (2) there were gender differences in the adolescents’ internet addictions—specifically, the initial level of internet addiction among boys was significantly higher than that of girls, but the rate of decline was significantly faster than that of girls; and (3) there was no significant difference in obesity. The results demonstrated the importance of considering depression, anxiety, and gender in any intervention efforts to reduce adolescents’ internet addictions, and we should pay attention to the cultivation of positive coping strategies for Chinese adolescents. The limitations of the study were also discussed.
Positive Effects of Digital Technology Use by Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Haddock Aaron , Ward Nadia , Yu Rondy , O’Dea Nicole
Published: October 2022

This study examines the research literature published from 2012 to 2022 on the relationship between increases in adolescent consumption of digital technologies and its impact on multiple areas of development, with a focus on how adolescent immersion in an increasingly ubiquitous digital world engenders positive outcomes in terms of brain, cognitive, and social-emotional development. The literature search yielded 131 articles, 53 of which were empirical studies of the relationship between increases in consumption of digital technology and brain development, cognitive development, or social-emotional development among adolescents. Overall, these studies identify positive outcomes for adolescents who use different types of digital tech, including the internet, social media, and video games.
Indirect Virus Transmission via Fomites Can Counteract Lock-Down Effectiveness
Authors: Thalheim Torsten , Krüger Tyll , Galle Jörg
Published: October 2022

The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised major health policy questions. Direct transmission via respiratory droplets seems to be the dominant route of its transmission. However, indirect transmission via shared contact of contaminated objects may also occur. The contribution of each transmission route to epidemic spread might change during lock-down scenarios. Here, we simulate viral spread of an abstract epidemic considering both routes of transmission by use of a stochastic, agent-based SEIR model. We show that efficient contact tracing (CT) at a high level of incidence can stabilize daily cases independently of the transmission route long before effects of herd immunity become relevant. CT efficacy depends on the fraction of cases that do not show symptoms. Combining CT with lock-down scenarios that reduce agent mobility lowers the incidence for exclusive direct transmission scenarios and can even eradicate the epidemic. However, even for small fractions of indirect transmission, such lockdowns can impede CT efficacy and increase case numbers. These counterproductive effects can be reduced by applying measures that favor distancing over reduced mobility. In summary, we show that the efficacy of lock-downs depends on the transmission route. Our results point to the particular importance of hygiene measures during mobility lock-downs.
“What Are the Applications for Remote Rehabilitation Management in Cystic Fibrosis?”: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: De Marchis Matteo , Cioeta Matteo , Cannataro Mario
Published: October 2022

Background: Telemedicine is an effective, widely used strategy in the field of cystic fibrosis management. The objective of this scoping review is to summarize and analyze the scientific literature with the special focus on the tools and the strategies used in patients with a chronic disease, such as cystic fibrosis. Methods: This scoping review will be performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. In this context, the planned scoping review is a research synthesis that will map the literature on the applications of telemedicine and telemonitoring to the management of cystic fibrosis, with the aim to identify key concepts in the research and work to be conducted that may impact clinical practice. Studies will be included if they meet the following population, concept, and context criteria: all patients with cystic fibrosis receiving treatment with the tools of telemedicine and telemonitoring. No study design, publication type, or data restrictions will be applied. MEDLINE, Scopus, CINHAL, Pedro, Embase, Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA), and Cochrane Central will be searched up to September 2022. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. The results could add meaningful information for future research and, especially, for clinical practice, when implementing telerehabilitation in cystic fibrosis treatment. Furthermore, we expect that our work may identify possible knowledge gaps on the topic. The results of this research will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at relevant international scientific events, such as in congress or meetings.
Psychosocial Factors That Influence the Health of Workers in Contemporary Workplaces
Authors: Pignata Silvia
Published: October 2022

This Special Issue of the IJERPH examines various psychosocial factors that influence the health of workers in contemporary workplaces [...]
Patterns of Systemic Disease Diagnoses among Medical Professionals in Taiwan: Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
Authors: Ma Kai-Jie , Hung Jui-Lien , Chou Ming-Hsien , Wang Jong-Yi
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Although high-risk work environments and heavy workload expose medical professionals to long-term risks of disease, no comprehensive analysis has been conducted on the corresponding risks of diseases to each type of medical professionals. This study pre-analyzed the risks of medical professionals in developing various systemic diseases in Taiwan to provide a comprehensive examination of the differences between each type of systemic disease. Methods: From the secondary databases of 2002–2013, 15,407 medical professionals were selected for analysis. A chi-squared test and logistic regression were performed to identify the relationship between types of medical professionals and systemic diseases. The life trajectories of diagnosis sequence of the medical professionals were illustrated accordingly. Results: The physicians were the most vulnerable to infectious, parasitic, and digestive diseases. This was possibly associated with their work characteristics and occupational risks. Conclusion: According to the life trajectories, all types of the medical professionals exhibited a similar trend in the orders of risks to each type of systemic disease, which suggests that their work environment exposes them to real risks of health hazard.
Exploring Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Korean Older Patients with Hypertension: Photovoice Inquiry
Authors: Lee Gun-Young , Kim Kyung-O , Ryu Jae-Hyeong , Park Sun-Hee , Chung Hae-Ryong , Butler Marcia
Published: October 2022

This study attempted to explore the barriers to physical activity of older patients with Hypertension. It aimed to provide robust evidence produced through their eyes. First, through the data analysis of the accelerometer and the decision of the research team, 10 out of the 30 applicants were invited to participate in a photovoice study. Photovoice is one example of participatory action research. Photovoice participants can communicate their unique experiences through photographs, providing a highly realistic and authentic perspective that is not possible to be understood with traditional qualitative research. This study inductively identified four main themes; health illiteracy, distortion of health information, fear of physical activity, and rejection of any life changes. Based on a specific understanding of the population’s perception of physical activity, this study attempted to provide evidence of why many elderly Korean patients with Hypertension stay inactive.
Improving Returns on Strategy Decisions through Integration of Neural Networks for the Valuation of Asset Pricing: The Case of Taiwanese Stock
Authors: Chen Yi-Chang , Kuo Shih-Ming , Liu Yonglin , Wu Zeqiong , Zhang Fang
Published: October 2022

Most of the growth forecasts in analysts’ evaluation reports rely on human judgment, which leads to the occurrence of bias. A back-propagation neural network (BPNN) is a financial technique that learns a multi-layer feedforward network. This study aims to integrate BPNN and asset pricing models to avoid artificial forecasting errors. In terms of evaluation, financial statements and investor attention were used in this case study, demonstrating that modern analysts should incorporate the evaluation advantages of big data to provide more reasonable and rational investment reports. We found that assessments of revenue, index returns, and investor attention suggest that stock prices are prone to undervaluation The levels of risk-taking behaviors were used in the classification of robustness analysis. This study showed that when betas range from 1% to 5%, both risk-taking levels of investors can hold buying strategies for the long term. However, for lower risk-taking preferences, only when the change exceeds 10 percent, the stock price is prone to overvaluation, indicating that investors can sell or adopt a more cautious investment strategy.
The α2δ Calcium Channel Subunit Accessorily and Independently Affects the Biological Function of Ditylenchus destructor
Authors: Chen Xueling , An Mingwei , Ye Shan , Yang Zhuhong , Ding Zhong
Published: October 2022

The α2δ subunit is a high-voltage activated (HVA) calcium channel (Cav1 and Cav2) auxiliary subunit that increases the density and function of HVA calcium channels in the plasma membrane of mammals. However, its function in plant parasitic nematodes remains unknown. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA sequence of the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) α2δ subunit (named DdCavα2δ) in Ditylenchus destructor. We found that DdCavα2δ tends to be expressed in the egg stage, followed by the J3 stage. RNA-DIG in situ hybridization experiments showed that the DdCavα2δ subunit was expressed in the body wall, esophageal gland, uterus, post uterine, and spicules of D. destructor. The in vitro application of RNA interference (RNAi) affected the motility, reproduction, chemotaxis, stylet thrusting, and protein secretion of D. destructor to different degrees by targeting DdCα1D, DdCα1A, and DdCavα2δ in J3 stages, respectively. Based on the results of RNAi experiments, it was hypothesized that L-type VGCC may affect the motility, chemotaxis, and stylet thrusting of D. destructor. Non-L-type VGCC may affect the protein secretion and reproduction of D. destructor. The DdCavα2δ subunit gene also affected the motility, chemotaxis, and reproduction of D. destructor. These findings reveal the independent function of the VGCC α2δ subunit in D. destructor as well as give a theoretical foundation for future research on plant parasitic nematode VGCC.
Oxidative Stress in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Fesharaki-Zadeh Arman
Published: October 2022

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a major cause of disability worldwide. It involves a complex neurometabolic cascade, including oxidative stress. The products of this manuscript is examining the underlying pathophysiological mechanism, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). This process in turn leads to secondary injury cascade, which includes lipid peroxidation products. These reactions ultimately play a key role in chronic inflammation and synaptic dysfunction in a synergistic fashion. Although there are no FDA approved antioxidant therapy for TBI, there is a number of antioxidant therapies that have been tested and include free radical scavengers, activators of antioxidant systems, inhibitors of free radical generating enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidant therapies have led to cognitive and functional recovery post TBI, and they offer a promising treatment option for patients recovering from TBI. Current major challenges in treatment of TBI symptoms include heterogenous nature of injury, as well as access to timely treatment post injury. The inherent benefits of antioxidant therapies include minimally reported side effects, and relative ease of use in the clinical setting. The current review also provides a highlight of the more studied anti-oxidant regimen with applicability for TBI treatment with potential use in the real clinical setting.
Alzheimer’s Disease: From Immune Homeostasis to Neuroinflammatory Condition
Authors: Princiotta Cariddi Lucia , Mauri Marco , Cosentino Marco , Versino Maurizio , Marino Franca
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause in the world of progressive cognitive decline. Although many modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been proposed, in recent years, neuroinflammation has been hypothesized to be an important contributing factor of Alzheimer’s Disease pathogenesis. Neuroinflammation can occur through the combined action of the Central Nervous System resident immune cells and adaptive peripheral immune system. In the past years, immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases have focused wrongly on targeting protein aggregates Aβ plaques and NFT treatment. The role of both innate and adaptive immune cells has not been fully clarified, but several data suggest that immune system dysregulation plays a key role in neuroinflammation. Recent studies have focused especially on the role of the adaptive immune system and have shown that inflammatory markers are characterized by increased CD4+ Teff cells’ activities and reduced circulating CD4+ Treg cells. In this review, we discuss the key role of both innate and adaptive immune systems in the degeneration and regeneration mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease, with a focus on how the crosstalk between these two systems is able to sustain brain homeostasis or shift it to a neurodegenerative condition.
Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Paracrine Mediators in Macrophage Polarization: An Approach to Reduce Inflammation in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kuppa Sree Samanvitha , Kim Hyung Keun , Kang Ju Yeon , Lee Seok Cheol , Seon Jong Keun
Published: October 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a low-grade inflammatory disorder of the joints that causes deterioration of the cartilage, bone remodeling, formation of osteophytes, meniscal damage, and synovial inflammation (synovitis). The synovium is the primary site of inflammation in OA and is frequently characterized by hyperplasia of the synovial lining and infiltration of inflammatory cells, primarily macrophages. Macrophages play a crucial role in the early inflammatory response through the production of several inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteinases. These pro-inflammatory mediators are activators of numerous signaling pathways that trigger other cytokines to further recruit more macrophages to the joint, ultimately leading to pain and disease progression. Very few therapeutic alternatives are available for treating inflammation in OA due to the condition’s low self-healing capacity and the lack of clear diagnostic biomarkers. In this review, we opted to explore the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their paracrine mediators-dependent as a therapeutic intervention for OA, with a primary focus on the practicality of polarizing macrophages as suppression of M1 macrophages and enhancement of M2 macrophages can significantly reduce OA symptoms.
A 5′ UTR Mutation Contributes to Down-Regulation of Bbs7 in the Berlin Fat Mouse
Authors: Mohebian Kourosh , Hesse Deike , Arends Danny , Brockmann Gudrun A.
Published: October 2022

The Bardet–Biedl Syndrome 7 (Bbs7) gene was identified as the most likely candidate gene causing juvenile obesity in the Berlin Fat Mouse Inbred (BFMI) line. Bbs7 expression is significantly lower in the brain, adipose tissue, and liver of BFMI mice compared to lean C57BL/6NCrl (B6N) mice. A DNA sequence comparison between BFMI and B6N revealed 16 sequence variants in the Bbs7 promoter region. Here, we tested if these mutations contribute to the observed differential expression of Bbs7. In a cell-based dual-luciferase assay, we compared the effects of the BFMI and the B6N haplotypes of different regions of the Bbs7 promotor on the reporter gene expression. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified causing a significant reduction in the reporter gene expression. This SNP (rs29947545) is located in the 5′ UTR of Bbs7 at Chr3:36.613.350. The SNP is not unique to BFMI mice but also occurs in several other mouse strains, where the BFMI allele is not associated with lower Bbs7 transcript amounts. Thus, we suggest a compensatory mutation in the other mouse strains that keeps Bbs7 expression at the normal level. This compensatory mechanism is missing in BFMI mice and the cell lines tested.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Putative Induction of Floral Initiation by Old Leaves in Tea-Oil Tree (Camellia oleifera ‘changlin53’)
Authors: Guo Hongyan , Zhong Qiuping , Tian Feng , Zhou Xingjian , Tan Xinjian , Luo Zhibin
Published: October 2022

Floral initiation is a major phase change in the spermatophyte, where developmental programs switch from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. It is a key phase of flowering in tea-oil trees that can affect flowering time and yield, but very little is known about the molecular mechanism of floral initiation in tea-oil trees. A 12-year-old Camellia oleifera (cultivar ‘changlin53’) was the source of experimental materials in the current study. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the key stage of floral initiation, and transcriptome analysis was used to reveal the transcriptional regulatory network in old leaves involved in floral initiation. We mined 5 DEGs related to energy and 55 DEGs related to plant hormone signal transduction, and we found floral initiation induction required a high level of energy metabolism, and the phytohormones signals in the old leaves regulate floral initiation, which occurred at stage I and II. Twenty-seven rhythm-related DEGs and 107 genes associated with flowering were also identified, and the circadian rhythm interacted with photoperiod pathways to induce floral initiation. Unigene0017292 (PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR), Unigene0046809 (LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL), Unigene0009932 (GIGANTEA), Unigene0001842 (CONSTANS), and Unigene0084708 (FLOWER LOCUS T) were the key genes in the circadian rhythm-photoperiod regulatory network. In conjunction with morphological observations and transcriptomic analysis, we concluded that the induction of floral initiation by old leaves in C. oleifera ‘changlin53’ mainly occurred during stages I and II, floral initiation was completed during stage III, and rhythm–photoperiod interactions may be the source of the main signals in floral initiation induced by old leaves.
Novel Loss-of-Function Variant in HNF1a Induces β-Cell Dysfunction through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Chen Yinling , Jia Jianxin , Zhao Qing , Zhang Yuxian , Huang Bingkun , Wang Likun , Tian Juanjuan , Huang Caoxin , Li Mingyu , Li Xuejun
Published: October 2022

Heterozygous variants in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1a (HNF1a) cause MODY3 (maturity-onset diabetes of the young, type 3). In this study, we found a case of novel HNF1a p.Gln125* (HNF1a-Q125ter) variant clinically. However, the molecular mechanism linking the new HNF1a variant to impaired islet β-cell function remains unclear. Firstly, a similar HNF1a-Q125ter variant in zebrafish (hnf1a+/−) was generated by CRISPR/Cas9. We further crossed hnf1a+/− with several zebrafish reporter lines to investigate pancreatic β-cell function. Next, we introduced HNF1a-Q125ter and HNF1a shRNA plasmids into the Ins-1 cell line and elucidated the molecular mechanism. hnf1a+/− zebrafish significantly decreased the β-cell number, insulin expression, and secretion. Moreover, β cells in hnf1a+/− dilated ER lumen and increased the levels of ER stress markers. Similar ER-stress phenomena were observed in an HNF1a-Q125ter-transfected Ins-1 cell. Follow-up investigations demonstrated that HNF1a-Q125ter induced ER stress through activating the PERK/eIF2a/ATF4 signaling pathway. Our study found a novel loss-of-function HNF1a-Q125ter variant which induced β-cell dysfunction by activating ER stress via the PERK/eIF2a/ATF4 signaling pathway.