bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Poultry Gelatin to Enhance the Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Rheological Properties of Fish Gelatin as Alternative Mammalian Gelatin Films for Food Packaging
Authors: Ashrafi Azam , Babapour Hamid , Johari Simindokht , Alimohammadi Faezeh , Teymori Farangis , Nafchi Abdorreza Mohammadi , Shahrai Nurul Nuraliya , Huda Nurul , Abedinia Ahmadreza
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to describe the properties of cold water fish gelatin (FG) blended with poultry gelatin (PG) for a production of a sachet containing olive oil. To find a desirable film, the different ratio of FG-PG-based films were characterized in terms of mechanical properties. As the proportion of PG in PG-FG-based increased, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus were increased, and the elongation at break and heat seal strength of the films were decreased. The 50-50 film had favorable characteristics to use as a sachet. The amount of acid index and peroxide of the oil stored in the sachets after 14 days showed that there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the films. The barrier properties of the films including the water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of films were increased from 1.21 to 4.95 × 10−11 g m−1 Pa−1 s−1 and 48 to 97 cm3 mµ/m2 d kPa, respectively. Dark, red, yellow, and opaque films were realized with increasing PG. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra approved a wide peak of approximately 2500 cm−1. The rheological analysis indicated that, by adding PG, viscosity, elastic modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′) were increased significantly (p < 0.05) about 9.5, 9.32 and 18 times, respectively. Therefore, an easy modification of FG with PG will make it suitable for oil sachet packaging applications for the food industry.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation of a Class of Six-Neuron Fractional BAM Neural Networks with Multiple Delays
Authors: Li Bingbing , Liao Maoxin , Xu Changjin , Chen Huiwen , Li Weinan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study the stability and Hopf bifurcation of a class of six-neuron fractional BAM neural networks with multiple delays. Firstly, the model is transformed into a fractional neural network model with two nonidentical delays by using variable substitution. Then, by assigning a value to one of the time delays and selecting the remaining time delays as parameters, the critical value of Hopf bifurcation for different time delays is calculated. The study shows that when the time lag exceeds its critical value, the equilibrium point of the system will lose its stability and generate Hopf bifurcation. Finally, the correctness of theoretical analysis is verified by simulation.
Characterization of a Bioink Combining Extracellular Matrix-like Hydrogel with Osteosarcoma Cells: Preliminary Results
Authors: Loi Giada , Stucchi Gaia , Scocozza Franca , Cansolino Laura , Cadamuro Francesca , Delgrosso Elena , Riva Federica , Ferrari Cinzia , Russo Laura , Conti Michele
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting allows the production of artificial 3D cellular microenvironments thanks to the controlled spatial deposition of bioinks. Proper bioink characterization is required to achieve the essential characteristics of printability and biocompatibility for 3D bioprinting. In this work, a protocol to standardize the experimental characterization of a new bioink is proposed. A functionalized hydrogel based on gelatin and chitosan was used. The protocol was divided into three steps: pre-printing, 3D bioprinting, and post-printing. For the pre-printing step, the hydrogel formulation and its repeatability were evaluated. For the 3D-bioprinting step, the hydrogel-printability performance was assessed through qualitative and quantitative tests. Finally, for the post-printing step, the hydrogel biocompatibility was investigated using UMR-106 cells. The hydrogel was suitable for printing grids with good resolution from 4 h after the cross-linker addition. To guarantee a constant printing pressure, it was necessary to set the extruder to 37 °C. Furthermore, the hydrogel was shown to be a valid biomaterial for the UMR-106 cells’ growth. However, fragmentation of the constructs appeared after 14 days, probably due to the negative osteosarcoma-cell interference. The protocol that we describe here denotes a strong approach to bioink characterization to improve standardization for future biomaterial screening and development.
“Community Envelops Us in This Grey Landscape of Obstacles and Allows Space for Healing”: The Perspectives of Indigenous Youth on Well-Being
Authors: Boivin Johnny , Canapé Marie-Hélène , Lamarre-Tellier Sébastien , Ibarra-Lemay Alicia , Blanchet-Cohen Natasha
Published: February 2023

This paper presents Indigenous youths’ perspectives on well-being. Using Indigenous youth participatory action research with the Indigenous youth advisory committee of the Québec Youth Research Network Chair (Canada), community care emerged as the central feature of well-being and was then visually presented in the form of a postcard. We discuss the meaning given to community care, the factors that support it, and the role that a visual illustration can play in promoting change. The article is informed by the co-creation of the postcard, an online luncheon conversation, and several debriefing/reflexive sessions with the Indigenous youth co-authors. Emphasis is placed on cultural continuity, relational agency, and solidarity, offering an alternative point of view to the prevalent and damaging decontextualized, deficit-based, and individualized approaches to well-being.
A Role for the Interactions between Polδ and PCNA Revealed by Analysis of pol3-01 Yeast Mutants
Authors: Nir Heyman Shaked , Golan Mika , Liefshitz Batia , Kupiec Martin
Published: February 2023

Several DNA polymerases participate in DNA synthesis during genome replication and DNA repair. PCNA, a homotrimeric ring, acts as a processivity factor for DNA polymerases. PCNA also acts as a “landing pad” for proteins that interact with chromatin and DNA at the moving fork. The interaction between PCNA and polymerase delta (Polδ) is mediated by PIPs (PCNA-interacting peptides), in particular the one on Pol32, a regulatory subunit of Polδ. Here, we demonstrate that pol3-01, an exonuclease mutant of Polδ’s catalytic subunit, exhibits a weak interaction with Pol30 compared to the WT DNA polymerase. The weak interaction activates DNA bypass pathways, leading to increased mutagenesis and sister chromatid recombination. Strengthening pol3-01′s weak interaction with PCNA suppresses most of the phenotypes. Our results are consistent with a model in which Pol3-01 tends to detach from the chromatin, allowing an easier replacement of Polδ by the trans-lesion synthesis polymerase Zeta (Polz), thus leading to the increased mutagenic phenotype.
Deregulated E2F Activity as a Cancer-Cell Specific Therapeutic Tool
Authors: Nakajima Rinka , Zhao Lin , Zhou Yaxuan , Shirasawa Mashiro , Uchida Ayato , Murakawa Hikaru , Fikriyanti Mariana , Iwanaga Ritsuko , Bradford Andrew P. , Araki Keigo , Warita Tomoko , Ohtani Kiyoshi
Published: February 2023

The transcription factor E2F, the principal target of the tumor suppressor pRB, plays crucial roles in cell proliferation and tumor suppression. In almost all cancers, pRB function is disabled, and E2F activity is enhanced. To specifically target cancer cells, trials have been undertaken to suppress enhanced E2F activity to restrain cell proliferation or selectively kill cancer cells, utilizing enhanced E2F activity. However, these approaches may also impact normal growing cells, since growth stimulation also inactivates pRB and enhances E2F activity. E2F activated upon the loss of pRB control (deregulated E2F) activates tumor suppressor genes, which are not activated by E2F induced by growth stimulation, inducing cellular senescence or apoptosis to protect cells from tumorigenesis. Deregulated E2F activity is tolerated in cancer cells due to inactivation of the ARF-p53 pathway, thus representing a feature unique to cancer cells. Deregulated E2F activity, which activates tumor suppressor genes, is distinct from enhanced E2F activity, which activates growth-related genes, in that deregulated E2F activity does not depend on the heterodimeric partner DP. Indeed, the ARF promoter, which is specifically activated by deregulated E2F, showed higher cancer-cell specific activity, compared to the E2F1 promoter, which is also activated by E2F induced by growth stimulation. Thus, deregulated E2F activity is an attractive potential therapeutic tool to specifically target cancer cells.
Fusion Gene-Based Classification of Variant Cytogenetic Rearrangements in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Gudipati Mary , Butler Melody , Koka Rima , Baer Maria R. , Ning Yi
Published: February 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a heterogeneous disease entity that is continuously moving to a more genetically defined classification. The classification of AML with recurrent chromosomal translocations, including those involving core binding factor subunits, plays a critical role in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment stratification, and residual disease evaluation. Accurate classification of variant cytogenetic rearrangements in AML contributes to effective clinical management. We report here the identification of four variant t(8;V;21) translocations in newly diagnosed AML patients. Two patients showed a t(8;14) and a t(8;10) variation, respectively, with a morphologically normal-appearing chromosome 21 in each initial karyotype. Subsequent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on metaphase cells revealed cryptic three-way translocations t(8;14;21) and t(8;10;21). Each resulted in RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion. The other two patients showed karyotypically visible three-way translocations t(8;16;21) and t(8;20;21), respectively. Each resulted in RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion. Our findings demonstrate the importance of recognizing variant forms of t(8;21) translocations and emphasize the value of applying RUNX1::RUNX1T1 FISH for the detection of cryptic and complex rearrangements when abnormalities involving chromosome band 8q22 are observed in patients with AML.
Suppressors of Break-Induced Replication in Human Cells
Authors: Rider Stanley Dean , Damewood French J. , Gadgil Rujuta Yashodhan , Hitch David C. , Alhawach Venicia , Shrestha Resha , Shanahan Matilyn , Zavada Nathen , Leffak Michael
Published: February 2023

Short tandem DNA repeats are drivers of genome instability. To identify suppressors of break-induced mutagenesis human cells, unbiased genetic screens were conducted using a lentiviral shRNA library. The recipient cells possessed fragile non-B DNA that could induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), integrated at an ectopic chromosomal site adjacent to a thymidine kinase marker gene. Mutagenesis of the thymidine kinase gene rendered cells resistant to the nucleoside analog ganciclovir (GCV). The screen identified genes that have established roles in DNA replication and repair, chromatin modification, responses to ionizing radiation, and genes encoding proteins enriched at replication forks. Novel loci implicated in BIR included olfactory receptors, the G0S2 oncogene/tumor suppressor axis, the EIF3H-METTL3 translational regulator, and the SUDS3 subunit of the Sin3A corepressor. Consistent with a role in suppressing BIR, siRNA knockdown of selected candidates increased the frequency of the GCVr phenotype and increased DNA rearrangements near the ectopic non-B DNA. Inverse PCR and DNA sequence analyses showed that hits identified in the screen increased genome instability. Further analysis quantitated repeat-induced hypermutagenesis at the ectopic site and showed that knockdown of a primary hit, COPS2, induced mutagenic hotspots, remodeled the replication fork, and increased nonallelic chromosome template switches.
Concomitant Calcium Channelopathies Involving CACNA1A and CACNA1F: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Schaare Donna , Sarasua Sara M. , Lusk Laina , Parthasarathy Shridhar , Wang Liangjiang , Helbig Ingo , Boccuto Luigi
Published: February 2023

Calcium channels are an integral component in maintaining cellular function. Alterations may lead to channelopathies, primarily manifested in the central nervous system. This study describes the clinical and genetic features of a unique 12-year-old boy harboring two congenital calcium channelopathies, involving the CACNA1A and CACNA1F genes, and provides an unadulterated view of the natural history of sporadic hemiplegic migraine type 1 (SHM1) due to the patient’s inability to tolerate any preventative medication. The patient presents with episodes of vomiting, hemiplegia, cerebral edema, seizure, fever, transient blindness, and encephalopathy. He is nonverbal, nonambulatory, and forced to have a very limited diet due to abnormal immune responses. The SHM1 manifestations apparent in the subject are consistent with the phenotype described in the 48 patients identified as part of a systematic literature review. The ocular symptoms of CACNA1F align with the family history of the subject. The presence of multiple pathogenic variants make it difficult to identify a clear phenotype–genotype correlation in the present case. Moreover, the detailed case description and natural history along with the comprehensive review of the literature contribute to the understanding of this complex disorder and point to the need for comprehensive clinical assessments of SHM1.
Increased On-Target Rate and Risk of Concatemerization after CRISPR-Enhanced Targeting in ES Cells
Authors: Erbs Valérie , Lorentz Romain , Eisenman Benjamin , Schaeffer Laurence , Luppi Laurence , Lindner Loic , Hérault Yann , Pavlovic Guillaume , Wattenhofer-Donzé Marie , Birling Marie-Christine
Published: February 2023

The French mouse clinic (Institut Clinique de la Souris; ICS) has produced more than 2000 targeting vectors for ‘à la carte’ mutagenesis in C57BL/6N mice. Although most of the vectors were used successfully for homologous recombination in murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs), a few have failed to target a specific locus after several attempts. We show here that co-electroporation of a CRISPR plasmid with the same targeting construct as the one that failed previously allows the systematic achievement of positive clones. A careful validation of these clones is, however, necessary as a significant number of clones (but not all) show a concatemerization of the targeting plasmid at the locus. A detailed Southern blot analysis permitted characterization of the nature of these events as standard long-range 5′ and 3′ PCRs were not able to distinguish between correct and incorrect alleles. We show that a simple and inexpensive PCR performed prior to ESC amplification allows detection and elimination of those clones with concatemers. Finally, although we only tested murine ESCs, our results highlight the risk of mis-validation of any genetically modified cell line (such as established lines, induced pluripotent stem cells or those used for ex vivo gene therapy) that combines the use of CRISPR/Cas9 and a circular double-stranded donor. We strongly advise the CRISPR community to perform a Southern blot with internal probes when using CRISPR to enhance homologous recombination in any cell type, including fertilized oocytes.
Recognition of Delirium Superimposed on Dementia: Is There an Ideal Tool?
Authors: Shrestha Priyanka , Fick Donna M.
Published: February 2023

Delirium in persons with dementia (DSD) is a common occurrence. Over the past three decades, several tools have been developed and validated to diagnose delirium, yet there is still a shortage of tools recommended in persons with dementia and there is a lack of sufficient research on the accuracy of performance of such tools in this growing population. The purpose of this article is to (1) conduct a clinical review of the detection of DSD across settings of care by formal health care professionals and informal family members and care partners; (2) identify barriers and facilitators to detection and highlight delirium tools that have been tested in person with dementia; and (3) make recommendations for future research, practice, and policy. Given this review, an “ideal” tool for DSD would point to tools being brief, easy to integrate into the EMR, and accurate with at least 90% accuracy given the poor outcomes associated with delirium and DSD. Knowing the baseline and communication between family members and healthcare professionals should be a top priority for education, research, and health systems policy. More work is needed in better understanding DSD and optimizing and standardizing feature assessment, especially the acute change feature at the bedside for DSD.
Population Dynamics of Digitaria sanguinalis and Effects on Soybean Crop under Different Glyphosate Application Timings
Authors: Oreja Fernando H. , Stempels Mateo , de la Fuente Elba B.
Published: February 2023

Large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) is one of the most problematic weeds in summer crops in Argentina. Emergence throughout the season of several cohorts allows the weed to escape postemergence control. Demographic models are useful tools to understand and compare the effect of different agronomic management decisions on weed population growth, as well as to identify critical functional stages that affect population growth rates. The objectives of this work were (i) to study population dynamics of D. sanguinalis in soybean, (ii) to determine the effect of glyphosate application timing on weed demographic parameters and soybean yield losses, and (iii) to evaluate the effect of weed density on soybean yield loss. A field experiment was conducted in two locations, in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Treatments included a control without glyphosate and glyphosate applied at soybean stages V4 or R1. The demographic stages (initial seedbank, seedlings, and adult plants) and parameters (establishment, survival, and fecundity) were estimated. Reproductive organs were evaluated in each cohort, including raceme per plant, spikelets per raceme, and seeds per spikelet. Weed and crop biomass and yield crop were assessed at harvest. Three cohorts were identified, the first of which emerged in November and contributed 93% of the total seedlings and 71% of the total adults. Glyphosate applied at V4 reduced the survival rate of the first cohort, as well as the total shoot biomass and the fecundity rate, increasing the biomass and crop grain yield. Both application timings affected tillers per plant, racemes per tiller, and fertile spikelets per raceme. Glyphosate at R1 did not effectively reduce weed competition, but reduced seed production as application at V4. Yield losses estimated with the model of the rectangular hyperbola according to weed density showed a yield loss at low densities (I) of 18%, and a maximum yield loss (A) of 82%. To avoid yield losses, herbicide applications targeting the first cohort are more effective than later applications targeting subsequent cohorts. However, at both times glyphosate applications reduced the number of seeds entering the seedbank, and therefore the population growth rate.
A Brief Assessment of Patient Safety Culture in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Departments
Authors: Kazamer Andrea , Ilinca Radu , Nitu Anda , Iuonuț Ana-Maria , Bubenek-Turconi Serban-Ion , Sendlhofer Gerald , Greabu Maria , Stanescu-Spinu Iulia-Ioana , Miricescu Daniela , Ganea Ionela , Ionescu Daniela
Published: February 2023

Due to the nature of their activity, anesthesia and critical care have generally well-developed patient safety cultures, which are linked to a greater level of incident awareness and reporting during clinical activity. In order to determine the status quo and identify and adopt, where appropriate, techniques and instruments for further improving patient safety, it is necessary to evaluate the culture and barriers in these departments. The main objective of our study was to assess patient safety culture in Romanian anesthesia and intensive care departments (AICDs), to pinpoint the areas that may need improvement, and to examine the correlation between the prevalence of adverse event reporting, as well as the level of self-reported patient safety culture. To determine how anesthesia and intensive care department staff perceived patient safety, the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) was used in a translated Romanian version. In total, 1200 employees from 36 anesthesiology and intensive care departments across 32 hospitals in Romania received the questionnaire, representing 42.66% of all anesthesia and intensive care departments in the country. In 7 of the 12 examined dimensions, significant differences between tertiary and secondary hospitals were observed. Among all dimensions, the highest positive score was for “organizational learning and continuous development”. In general, our study revealed a positive view on patient safety in anesthesia and intensive care departments. Further studies are required to determine a threshold of the level of culture development.
Telephone-Delivered Interventions for Suicide Prevention in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Comendador Laura , Cebrià Ana Isabel , Sanz Antoni , Pérez Víctor , Palao Diego
Published: February 2023

Background: Suicide is a health problem among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Telehealth technology has become an emerging intervention that may offer opportunities to reach this at-risk group. However, to consider the implementation of telehealth systems in the prevention of suicidal behaviors in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, a review of the evidence is required. The present aim was to explore the effectiveness of telephone-based suicide prevention programs among patients with schizophrenia and related disorders. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases following PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers performed the selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment. A total of 352 articles were retrieved, of which five studies met the eligibility criteria. Results: Globally, an adherence was observed ranging from 78 to 100%. Three studies reported a reduction in suicidal ideation and two studies showed a reduction in the risk of relapse observed in the intervention group compared to a control group. Conclusions: In accordance with the limited data available, the use of a telephone contact approach appears to be feasible and effective in schizophrenia patients with suicidal behaviors. The preliminary evidence also suggests that this system appears to reduce suicidal ideation. Further research is required to design evidence-based future interventions and to determine whether this approach can improve patient outcomes.
E-Cigarette Users’ Profiles and Their Association with Identified Impacts of COVID-19 on Vaping among Young Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Mat Salleh Rawaida , Baharom Nizam , Siau Ching Sin , Chan Caryn Mei Hsien , Amit Noh , Sia Pei Yin , Wee Lei Hum
Published: February 2023

Electronic cigarettes (ECs) users’ profiles and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore Malaysian EC users’ profiles and their associations with related behaviors during the pandemic. The EC users (N = 351) were recruited from an official national vape entity. Respondents were predominantly of Malay ethnicity (90.6%), aged 31 to 35 years (27.6%), males (97.7%), married (68.7%), from Malaysia’s west region states (63.5%) and tertiary educated (69.2%). The majority (80.3%) were non-dual users, and most purchased their vaping products online (77.2%), liked that they can vape while working at home (83.8%) and vaped more because of boredom (55.3%), had low and moderate nicotine addiction levels (94.9%), had low motivation level to quit EC use (92.6%) and were more likely to perceive that vaping did not increase the chances of complications from COVID-19. Respondents with moderate to high addiction levels had twice the odds of checking on their current EC supplies, whilst respondents with low motivation to quit had higher odds of using their tank/pod until the last drop and distancing from others when vaping. EC users should be encouraged to quit EC use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Potential Use of the Epigenetic Remodeler LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) as a Tool for Crop Improvement
Authors: Mansilla Natanael , Ferrero Lucia , Ariel Federico D. , Lucero Leandro E.
Published: February 2023

The vast diversity of traits exhibited by horticultural crops largely depends upon variation in gene expression regulation. The uppermost layer of gene expression regulation is chromatin compaction. In plants, the LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) is a member of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) that controls the spreading of the H3K27me3 mark throughout the genome to regulate gene expression. Much of the epigenetic control exerted by LHP1 has been deeply explored on the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. Recent advances in melon, tomato, and soybean highlight the relevance of LHP1 in controlling the development and physiology of a plethora of traits in crops. However, whether LHP1 exerts its diverse roles through similar mechanisms and through modulating the same target genes has been overlooked. In this review, we gather a wealth of knowledge about the LHP1 mode of action, which involves a tight connection with histone marks and long noncoding RNAs to modulate gene expression. Strikingly, we found that LHP1 may be linked to H3K27me3 regulation across the plant lineage, yet, through epigenetic regulation of a distinct set of target genes. This is supported by subtle differences in subcellular LHP1 localization between species found here. In addition, we summarize the variety of developmental outputs modulated by LHP1 across land plants pinpointing its importance for plant breeding. Hence, LHP1 has probably been co-opted in different lineages to modulate diverse traits contributing to crop diversification.
Socio-Economic Vulnerability to Climate Change in Rural Areas in the Context of Green Energy Development—A Study of the Great Masurian Lakes Mesoregion
Authors: Kocur-Bera Katarzyna , Czyża Szymon
Published: February 2023

Green energy production has become a common and recognized method of electricity generation. Giving up reliance on non-renewable energy sources is an important trend in the economies of many countries. The paper presents an analysis of the impact of indicators like increased green energy production on the level of vulnerability to climate change. The model of the Climate Change Vulnerability Index (VCC) recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (considering three aspects: exposure, vulnerability, and adaptive capacity of the studied spatial unit/society) was applied. Sensitivity analysis, spatial heterogeneity, and temporal dynamics of indicators characterizing changes in electricity consumption, renewable energy production, greenhouse gas emissions, and variability of financial losses due to extreme weather events and their number were implemented. Several findings arose. First, the vulnerability to climate change (the level of the VCC index), does not decrease after the implementation of a single action, like the development of green energy production. The level of index of vulnerability to climate change (VCC1) from the reference year (2017) relative to VCC2 (2021) has changed slightly, despite the development of RES. The variation does not exceed a 1% reduction in the value of the VCC1 index. Second, the decrease in the level of the vulnerability requires global, coordinated action. The value of the VCC3 index, reflecting, including changes in green energy production (X15), electricity consumption/inhabitant (X38), and green-house gas emissions (X14), exhibited more favorably the impact of these indicators on vulnerability to climate change, compared to the VCC1 reference value. In eleven poviats, the VCC3 index decreased between 1 and 4%. In seven of these poviats, green energy production increased, resulting in an average 10% decrease in the X15 indicator, the X14 indicator representing green-house gas emissions decreased by an average of 7%, while the X38 indicator describing electricity consumption/per capita decreased by an average of 16%. Third, harmonized and inclusive action by the population holds the potential to be the clue to reducing vulnerability to climate change
Is There a Dose–Response Relationship between High-Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) Intensity and Affective Valence? Analysis of Three HIIE Sessions Performed with Different Amplitudes
Authors: Silva Michel Oliveira , Santos Tony Meireles , Inoue Allan , Santos Lucas Eduardo Rodrigues , de Lima do Nascimento Anastácio Weydyson , Lattari Eduardo , Oliveira Bruno Ribeiro Ramalho
Published: February 2023

The inverse relationship between exercise intensity and affective valence is well established for continuous exercise but not for high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). The objective was to verify the dose–response relationship between exercise intensity and affective valence in HIIE sessions. Eleven young men underwent a vigorous-intensity continuous exercise (VICE) and three HIIE sessions at the same average intensity (70% of peak power—WPeak) and duration (20 min) but with different amplitudes: 10 × [1 min at 90% WPeak/1 min at 50% WPeak]—HIIE-90/50; 10 × [1 min at 100% WPeak/1 min at 40% WPeak]—HIIE-100/40; 10 × [1 min at 110% WPeak/1 min at 30% WPeak]—HIIE-110/30. During the exercise sessions, psychophysiological variables were recorded (VO2, VCO2, heart rate, perceived exertion CR10, and Feeling Scale (FS)). Higher correlations were found between CR10 and FS for all conditions (VICE = −0.987; HIIE-90/50 = −0.873; HIIE-100/40 = −0.908; HIIE-110/30 = −0.948). Regarding the physiological variables, the %HRMax presented moderate inverse correlations with FS for all exercise conditions (VICE = −0.867; HIIE-90/50 = −0.818; HIIE-100/40 = −0.837; HIIE-110/30 = −0.828) while the respiratory variables (%VO2Peak and %VCO2Peak) presented low-to-moderate correlations only for VICE, HIIE-90/50, and HIIE-100/40 (ranging from −0.523 to −0.805). Poor correlations were observed between the %VO2Peak (r = −0.293) and %VCO2Peak (r = −0.020) with FS. The results indicated that perceived exertion is more sensible than physiological variables to explain the intensity–affective valence relationship in HIIE sessions. RPE should be used for HIIE prescription with a focus on affect.
Sedentary Behavior Patterns of the Hungarian Adult Population
Authors: Bácsné Bába Éva , Müller Anetta , Pfau Christa , Balogh Renátó , Bartha Éva , Szabados György , Bács Zoltán , Ráthonyi-Ódor Kinga , Ráthonyi Gergely
Published: February 2023

Background and aim: Nowadays, a high level of sedentary behavior (SB) is an important health issue. Many studies have focused on evaluating the physical activity (PA) level, while evaluation of SB has received less attention. The main goal of the present study is to describe the sedentary lifestyle of the Hungarian adult population and identify the vulnerable groups with high amount of sitting time and the patterns of SB. Another aim of this study is to compare the two types of questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire—IPAQ and Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire—SBQ) related to sitting time. Methods: This study analyzed cross-sectional primary data using self-reported questionnaires collected by a Hungarian research market company among the adult population in Hungary. The final sample of this study consisted of 1295 participants with a mean age of 45.9 years (SD = 15.2). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with post-hoc (Tukey) analysis were used to analyze the link between sitting time and socio-demographic variables (sex, age, BMI, settlement type, education level, marital status, work category, working hours, employment status, sport activity) and body mass index (BMI). Results and conclusions: According to the SBQ, on average, Hungarians sit for 469.53 min per day (7.81 h) on weekdays and 421.25 min per day (7.01 h) on weekends, which suggested a significant difference compared to IPAQ data: 287.82 min per day (4.79 h) on weekdays and 224.30 min per day (3.73 h) on weekends. Young people (aged between 18 and 29) were reported to have the highest average sitting time, i.e., 545 min per day (more than 9 h), and are showing the highest prevalence (53%) of sitting at least 480 min (8 h) per day. Sitting workers also had a high average sitting time, i.e., 514.82 min per day, and a high prevalence (49.3%) of sitting at least 480 min (8 h) per day. People who live in the capital city had higher sitting time, especially on working days. Men sat longer than woman, i.e., 19 min on working days and 45 min on weekends. The most frequent sedentary activities are: working on computer (126 min) on working days and watching TV (130 min) on weekends. Our results clearly show that the self-report single-item measure (IPAQ) significantly underestimates sedentary time compared to the multi-item questionnaire (SBQ). We identified vulnerable groups with high sitting times: men, young adults, inhabitants of the capital city and sitting workers. Consequently, these groups should be continuously surveyed, and requires specific interventions and strategies that particularly counteract the increased sitting time.
Quantitative Ultrasound Examination (QUS) of the Calcaneus in Long-Term Martial Arts Training on the Example of Long-Time Practitioners of Okinawa Kobudo/Karate Shorin-Ryu
Authors: Glinkowski Wojciech M. , Żukowska Agnieszka , Glinkowska Bożena
Published: February 2023

Quantitative research of bone tissue related to physical activity (PA) and sport has a preventive dimension. Increasing the parameters of bone tissue strength, especially reaching the maximum value of peak bone strength in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood due to practicing sports can contribute to maintaining bone health throughout life. Practicing martial arts (tai chi, traditional karate, judo, and boxing) can effectively improve the quality of bone and reduce the risk of falls and fractures. The study aimed to evaluate the calcaneus bones among Okinawa Kobudo/Karate Shorin-Ryu practitioners using the quantitative ultrasound method as an indicator for assessing bone fracture risk. Forty-four adult martial arts practitioners with a mean age of 36.4 participated in this study. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) with a portable Bone Ultrasonometer was used in this study. Speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and the stiffness index (SI) were measured. Subjects were assigned to two groups of black and color belts, according to the advancement in Kobudo/karate practice. The measurements of the SI, BUA, SOS, T-score, and Z-score were significantly higher in subjects from the advanced, long-term practice (black belts) (p < 0.05). The long-term martial arts training in traditional karate and Kobudo significantly impacts the parameters of the calcaneus quantitative ultrasound measurements. Significantly higher bone density was observed among the black belt holders. Long-term practice subjects achieved results far beyond the norm for their age groups. Further studies using non-invasive methods of bone quantification are needed to determine the specific conditions for preventing osteoporosis through physical activity, sports, and martial arts, particularly the duration of the activity, the magnitude of loads, and other related factors.
Microbial Air Contamination in a Dental Setting Environment and Ultrasonic Scaling in Periodontally Healthy Subjects: An Observational Study
Authors: Boccia Giovanni , Di Spirito Federica , D’Ambrosio Francesco , De Caro Francesco , Pecora Domenico , Giorgio Riccardo , Fortino Luigi , Longanella Walter , Franci Gianluigi , Santella Biagio , Amato Massimo
Published: February 2023

The risk of microbial air contamination in a dental setting, especially during aerosol-generating dental procedures (AGDPs), has long been recognized, becoming even more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, individual pathogens were rarely studied, and microbial loads were measured heterogeneously, often using low-sensitivity methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess microbial air contamination in the dental environment, identify the microorganisms involved, and determine their count by active air sampling at the beginning (T0), during (T1), and at the end (T2) of ultrasonic scaling in systemically and periodontally healthy subjects. Air microbial contamination was detected at T0 in all samples, regardless of whether the sample was collected from patients treated first or later; predominantly Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Bacillus spp. and a minority of fungi, were identified. The number of bacterial colonies at T1 was higher, although the species found were similar to that found during the T0 sampling, whereby Gram-positive bacteria, mainly Streptococcus spp., were identified. Air samples collected at T2 showed a decrease in bacterial load compared to the previous sampling. Further research should investigate the levels and patterns of the microbial contamination of air, people, and the environment in dental settings via ultrasonic scaling and other AGDPs and identify the microorganisms involved to perform the procedure- and patient-related risk assessment and provide appropriate recommendations for aerosol infection control.
The Association between Nursing Skill Mix and Patient Outcomes in a Mental Health Setting: An Observational Feasibility Study
Authors: Moyo Nompilo , Jones Martin , Dennis Shaun , Sharma Karan , McKeown Michael , Gray Richard
Published: February 2023

Higher levels of educational preparation for nurses are associated with lower mortality rates in both medical and surgical wards. In mental health inpatient wards, few studies have examined whether specialist mental health nurse training has any impact on patient outcomes. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to establish the feasibility of extracting and linking nurse education and inpatient outcome data from hospital administrative sources to inform the design of future mental health nursing skill mix studies. Study participants were people experiencing mental ill-health and admitted to psychiatric inpatient care for at least 24 h. The exposure was the ratio of mental health nurses to comprehensive nurses for each patient for each day of their admission. The outcome was readmission for psychiatric inpatient care within 12 months of discharge from the index admission. Confounders were patient demographic (age, gender) and clinical characteristics (diagnosis, legal status, community follow-up). Forty-four patients included in the study were inpatients for a total of 595 days. The median hospital stay was 12 days (IQR = 7–17). In total, 11 (25%) patients were readmitted. In the readmitted and not readmitted groups, the median skill mix ratio was 5 (IQR = 5–7) and 5 (1–6), respectively. It was feasible to extract and code patient and nurse data from hospital databases and link them together. However, a substantial amount of manual post hoc recoding was required to enable us to calculate the exposure (mental health to comprehensive nurse ratio) in a precise way. It may be realistic to automate our methodology in an appropriately powered mental health nursing skill mix study. Australian and New Zealand clinical trial registry: ACTRN12619001337167p.
Nurse and Patient Assessments of COVID-19 Care Quality in China: A Comparative Survey Study
Authors: Jiang Wenjing , Jiang Jia , Zhao Xing’e , Liu Zina , Valimaki Maritta A. , Li Xianhong
Published: February 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality of nursing care was a concern due to nurses’ overwhelming workload. A cross-sectional design was conducted to compare perceptions between nurses and patients about the quality of nursing care for COVID-19 patients and to explore factors associated with these perceptions. Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from 17 March to 13 April 2020 in five hospitals in Wuhan, China. Perceptions of care quality were assessed among nurses and patients using the Caring Behaviors Inventory. Nurses rated the quality of caring behaviors higher than patients. Both nurses and patients rated technical caring behaviors at high levels and rated the item related to “spending time with the patient” the lowest, while patients rated it much lower than nurses. Nurses’ sex, participation in ethical training organized by the hospital, professional title, being invited to Wuhan, and length of working experience in years were significantly associated with nurses’ self-evaluated caring behaviors. Moreover, inpatient setting and communication mode were significantly associated with patients’ self-evaluated caring behaviors.
Mask Adherence and Social Distancing in Houston, TX from January to April 2021
Authors: Trevas Simone , Manuel Kathleen , Malkani Raja , Hoelscher Deanna
Published: February 2023

Shortly after the identification of COVID-19, public health experts recommended the use of face masks and social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. Early research indicates that there are associations between gender, age, and mask-wearing behavior. The primary aim of this paper was to explore how demographics, location, and mask mandates may affect COVID-19 mitigation strategies such as mask-wearing and social distancing. A prospective, cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Houston, TX from January to April 2021 at three outdoor locations: an urban park, an urban park with a trail, and a farmer’s market. During each two-hour data collection period, trained observers recorded the total number of people in the designated spaces; people were categorized by approximate age, sex, race/ethnicity, physical activity level, social distancing, and mask adherence using the Systematic Observation of Mask Adherence and Distancing (SOMAD) protocol. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations with gender, race, age, location, and the mask mandate. A total of 7778 observations were recorded after exclusion of inconclusive demographic data. Females had higher odds, reported as an odds ratio, of mask use than males (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.18–1.54). Compared to White individuals, Asian individuals had higher odds of mask use (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.48–2.30). The odds of mask use were higher while the Texas mask mandate was in effect (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.40–1.84). Regarding location, the odds of mask use were much higher in the urban park than in the urban park with a trail (OR = 13.33). Individuals had higher odds of social distancing at the urban park with a trail compared to the farmer’s market (OR = 4.61, 95% CI 4.10–5.17). Mask wearing and social distancing behaviors differ by demographics, locality, and mask mandate. Thus, state policies can be effective tools to encourage mask wearing for disease mitigation.
Beneficial Effects of an Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sleep Quality in Italian Poor Sleepers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Fazia Teresa , Bubbico Francesco , Nova Andrea , Bruno Salvatore , Iozzi Davide , Calgan Beril , Caimi Giancarlo , Terzaghi Michele , Manni Raffaele , Bernardinelli Luisa
Published: February 2023

Sleep of inadequate quantity and quality is increasing in the present 24 h society, with a negative impact on physical and mental health. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) generate a state of calm behavior that can reduce hyperactivity and improve sleep. We hypothesized that our specific MBI, administered online, may improve sleep quality and foster emotion regulation and mindfulness. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), Arousal Predisposition Scale (APS), Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to measure sleep quality and stability. Emotion regulation and mindfulness were measured via the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Our MBI included 12 biweekly integral meditation (IM) classes, recorded IM training for individual practice, and dietary advice to promote sleep regulation. Fifty-six voluntary poor sleepers with a PSQI score of >5 were randomly allocated to treated (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the effectiveness of the intervention. Statistically significant results were observed in the FFMQ sub-domain non-reactivity to inner experience (β = 0.29 [0.06; −0.52], p = 0.01), PSQI (β = −1.93 [−3.43; −0.43], p = 0.01), SCI (β = 3.39 [0.66; 6.13], p = 0.02) and ISI (β = −3.50 [−5.86; −1.14], p = 0.004). These results confirm our hypothesis regarding the beneficial effects of our intervention on sleep quality.
Digital Transformation and Open Innovation Planning of Response to COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Zhang Ben , Ming Chenxu
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of digital technology in a specific region’s epidemic prevention and control, and the digital transformation strategy based on the open innovation system is an emerging way to tackle conceivable outbreaks. Based on the bibliometric study of relevant literature data, this paper evaluated the research and development status in this field, and conducted a systematic literature review on the basis of the core articles identified. The results of bibliometric analysis software, including CiteSpace, CitNetExplorer and VOSViewer, showed that the development of relevant research presented rapidity and decentralization, and the evolution process of literature topics further implies the necessity of interdisciplinary and multisectoral collaboration. Furthermore, this paper summarized the specific implementation strategies for constructing an open innovation system, and discussed the role and development plan of digital technology in epidemic prevention and control.
Environmental Adaptation in the Process of Human-Land Relationship in Southeast China’s Ethnic Minority Areas and Its Significance on Sustainable Development
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wan Zhiwei , Xu Shan , Wu Hong , Liu Lingyue , Chen Zhao , Zeng Ji
Published: February 2023

The relationship between regional human development and geographic environment is the basis for dynamic social change, and studying the evolution of human-land relations in typical regions can provide background knowledge for global change studies. This study is based on GIS and spatio-temporal statistical techniques, combined with the analysis of toponymic cultural landscapes, to study ethnic minority regions of southeastern China. The results show that: (1) The geographical environment of the region will affect the naming of villages, and the orientation and family name are the most common; the frequency of plants, pit (keng), animals, and flat (ping) is also very high. (2) Han settlements and She settlements have obvious spatial differentiation, and in general the Han distribution area is lower than that of the She. Han settlements are mainly distributed in plain areas along rivers with elevations less than 200 m; She settlements are mainly distributed in hilly areas (200~500 m) and low mountain areas (500~800 m). (3) The results of quadrat analysis and nearest neighbor index analysis show that both Han and She settlements are clustered in the spatial distribution pattern, and the distribution of She settlements is more clustered than that of Han, with more dense settlements at a certain spatial scale. The regional cultural landscape is the result of the development and evolution of human-land relationship, and the comprehensive analysis of cultural landscape can understand the process of human-land relationship in a small region. The settlements in the region are indicative of the geographic environment in terms of village naming, spatial pattern, elevation differentiation and relationship with rivers, which can reflect the environmental adaptation process of human activities.