bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the 2014 Wet Extreme in Bulgaria: Anomalies of Temperature, Precipitation and Terrestrial Water Storage
Authors: Mircheva Biliana , Tsekov Milen , Meyer Ulrich , Guerova Guergana
Published: September 2020

Impact on the hydrology cycle is projected to be one of the most noticeable consequences of climate change. An increase in regional dry and wet extremes has already been observed, resulting in large socioeconomic losses. The 2014 wet conditions in Bulgaria present a valuable case study for analyzing the interaction between multiple drivers that are essential for early forecasting and warning of flood events. In this paper, time series analysis of temperature, precipitation and Terrestrial Water Storage Anomaly (TWSA) is performed and cross-correlations between observations and climate variability indices are computed for a 12-year period. In Bulgaria, a positive linear temperature trend was found with precipitation and TWSA exhibiting negative trends for the period 2003–2014. The year 2014 started with a drier and warmer than usual winter followed by five consecutive wet months from March to July. We found the following long-term variations: (1) temperature showing a local minimum in November 2014, (2) precipitation peaks in July 2014 and (3) a local TWSA maximum in December 2014. Over a 12-year period, weak to moderate negative correlations were observed between the long-term components of temperature, precipitation and TWSA. Moderate positive correlations with a 3 to 6-month lag were obtained between precipitation and TWSA long-term components. The long-term trends of temperature and precipitation from surface observations and atmospheric reanalysis showed very good alignment. Very large subseasonal precipitation residuals from observations and atmospheric reanalysis were obtained for April and September 2014. Two oscillation indices showed: (1) weak correlations with precipitation and (2) weak to moderate correlations with TWSA.
Do Targeted User Fee Exemptions Reach the Ultra-Poor and Increase their Healthcare Utilisation? A Panel Study from Burkina Faso
Authors: Beaugé Yvonne , De Allegri Manuela , Ouédraogo Samiratou , Bonnet Emmanuel , Kuunibe Naasegnibe , Ridde Valéry
Published: September 2020

Background: A component of the performance-based financing intervention implemented in Burkina Faso was to provide free access to healthcare via the distribution of user fee exemption cards to previously identified ultra-poor. This study examines the factors that led to the receipt of user fee exemption cards, and the effect of card possession on the utilisation of healthcare services. Methods: A panel data set of 1652 randomly selected ultra-poor individuals was used. Logistic regression was applied on the end line data to identify factors associated with the receipt of user fee exemption cards. Random-effects modelling was applied to the panel data to determine the effect of the card possession on healthcare service utilisation among those who reported an illness six months before the surveys. Results: Out of the ultra-poor surveyed in 2017, 75.51% received exemption cards. Basic literacy (p = 0.03), living within 5 km from a healthcare centre (p = 0.02) and being resident in Diébougou or Gourcy (p = 0.00) were positively associated with card possession. Card possession did not increase health service utilisation (β = −0.07; 95% CI = −0.45; 0.32; p = 0.73). Conclusion: A better intervention design and implementation is required. Complementing demand-side strategies could guide the ultra-poor in overcoming all barriers to healthcare access.
Body Representations of Internal Pollution: The Risk Perception of the Circulation of Environmental Contaminants in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Spain
Authors: Larrea-Killinger Cristina , Muñoz Araceli , Begueria Arantza , Mascaró-Pons Jaume
Published: September 2020

In this article, we analyze how pregnant and breastfeeding women perceive the inside of their bodies as well as their thoughts regarding the accumulation and elimination of chemical compounds present in food, and how these are then transmitted to the fetus. We explore different social perceptions of risk regarding the circulation of chemical compounds inside the body using qualitative research based on the technique of body mapping, comprised of women’s figures of their bodies in combination with comments on the figures, food diaries and narratives from in-depth interviews. We examine how these 41 women (21 pregnant and 20 breastfeeding) perceive the body’s internal mechanisms during the stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the circulation of chemical contaminants within it. The body mapping technique allowed us to analyze participants’ knowledge of internal pollution, a little-understood process in society. Thanks to these pregnant and breastfeeding women, who made an effort to represent and reflect on these new risks, this study shows that scientists and obstetricians need to collaborate with women in order to better understand and publicize the risks of internal pollution.
Suboptimal Serum 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D Is Associated with a History of Recent Disease Exacerbation in Pediatric Patients with Bronchial Asthma or Asthma-Suggestive Recurrent Wheezing
Authors: Adam-Bonci Teodora-Irina , Cherecheș-Panța Paraschiva , Bonci Eduard-Alexandru , Man Sorin Claudiu , Cutaș-Benedec Ancuța , Drugan Tudor , Pop Raluca Maria , Irimie Alexandru
Published: September 2020

Even though vitamin D is widely acknowledged as having a potential immunomodulatory role in asthma, its exact beneficial mechanisms are yet to be clarified. An optimal serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-VitD) level in pediatric asthma patients might not rely solely on the effect of dose-dependent vitamin D3 intake, but might also be influenced by factors related to insufficient asthma control. We aimed to survey the prevalence of serum 25-OH-VitD deficiency and analyze whether suboptimal levels were associated with asthma severity factors. The current cross-sectional study enrolled 131 pediatric asthma or asthma-suggestive recurrent wheezing patients, for whom serum 25-OH-VitD, IgE, and eosinophil count were assessed. The prevalence of suboptimal serum 25-OH-VitD was 58.8%. A suboptimal vitamin D status was associated with asthma exacerbation in the previous month (p = 0.02). Even under seasonal oral vitamin D3 supplementation, patients with a positive history of asthma attack in the previous four weeks presented significantly lower serum 25-OH-VitD concentrations, compared to their peers with no disease exacerbation. In conclusion, sequential measurements of serum 25-OH-VitD might prove useful for future studies evaluating the dynamic changes in vitamin D3 status in regard to asthma, especially in symptomatic patients.
Comparisons of Accelerometer Variables Training Monotony and Strain of Starters and Non-Starters: A Full-Season Study in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Oliveira Rafael , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Adsuar Jose Carmelo , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Brito João Paulo
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to describe weekly average values for training monotony (TM) and training strain (TS) and their variations across the full soccer season, based on the number of accelerations and decelerations; (2) to analyze the differences between starter and non-starter players on weekly average TM and TS values for the pre-season and three in-season periods. In total, 21 professional soccer players were evaluated over 48 weeks during the full-season. The TM and TS were calculated based on the number of accelerations and decelerations at zone 1, zone 2 and zone 3, respectively. The results revealed that starters presented higher values compared to non-starters throughout the full season for all variables analyzed (all, p < 0.05). Generally, there were higher values in the pre-season. Specifically, accelerations at zones 1, 2 and 3 revealed moderate to very large significance of the starters compared to non-starters over the full-season. Decelerations at zone 1, 2 and 3 presented moderate to nearly optimally significant greater weekly averages for starters compared to non-starters during the full season. In conclusion, the TM and TS values were higher for starters compared to non-starters through the full-season, which confirms that the training session does not provide a sufficient load to non-starter soccer players during the full-season.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: A Principal Component Analysis of Symptoms
Authors: Del Casale Antonio , Ferracuti Stefano , Mosca Alessio , Pomes Leda Marina , Fiaschè Federica , Bonanni Luca , Borro Marina , Gentile Giovanna , Martelletti Paolo , Simmaco Maurizio
Published: September 2020

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic and/or recurrent condition with somatic, cognitive, and affective symptoms following a contact with chemical agents whose concentrations do not correlate with toxicity in the general population. Its prevalence is not well defined; it mainly affects women between 40 and 50 years, without variations in ethnicity, education and economic status. We aimed to assess the core symptoms of this illness in a sample of Italian patients. Two physicians investigated different symptoms with a checklist compilation in 129 patients with MCS (117 women). We conducted a categorical Principal Component Analysis (CATPCA) with Varimax rotation on the checklist dataset. A typical triad was documented: hyperosmia, asthenia, and dyspnoea were the most common symptoms. Patients also frequently showed cough and headache. The CATPCA showed seven main factors: 1, neurocognitive symptoms; 2, physical (objective) symptoms; 3, gastrointestinal symptoms; 4, dermatological symptoms; 5, anxiety-depressive symptoms; 6, respiratory symptoms; 7, hyperosmia and asthenia. Patients showed higher mean prevalence of factors 7 (89.9%), 6 (71.7%), and 1 (62.13%). In conclusion, MCS patients frequently manifest hyperosmia, asthenia, and dyspnoea, which are often concomitant with other respiratory and neurocognitive symptoms. Considering the clinical association that is often made with anxiety, more studies are necessary on the psychosomatic aspects of this syndrome. Further analytical epidemiological studies are needed to support the formulation of aetiological hypotheses of MCS.
Associations of Socio-Demographic, Clinical and Biochemical Parameters with Healthcare Cost, Health- and Renal-Related Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: A Clinical Observational Study
Authors: Doan Khanh Vuong Diem , Nguyen Hien Thi Minh , Nguyen Nhi Thi Hong , Dang Khoa Cao , Yang Shwu-Huey , Duong Tuyen Van
Published: September 2020

We examined factors associated with healthcare cost, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and kidney disease quality of life (KDQOL) in hemodialysis patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 160 patients from January to April 2019 at a hemodialysis center. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters and quality of life (QOL) (using KDQOL-SF-v1.3) were assessed. Monthly healthcare costs were extracted from the hospital information system. The means of healthcare cost, HRQOL, and KDQOL were VND 9.4 ± 1.6 million, VND 45.1 ± 21.9 and VND 51.3 ± 13.0, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the healthcare cost was higher in patients with a longer hemodialysis vintage (regression coefficient (B): 0.74; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.25; 1.23), comorbidity (B: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.24; 1.31); and lower in those with a higher hematocrit concentration (B: −0.07; 95% CI: −0.13; −0.01). Patients that lived in urban areas (B: 9.08; 95% CI: 2.30; 15.85) had a better HRQOL; those with a comorbidity (B: −14.20; 95% CI: −21.43; −6.97), and with hypoalbuminemia (B: −9.31; 95% CI: −16.58; −2.04) had a poorer HRQOL. Patients with a higher level of education (B: 5.38~6.29) had a better KDQOL; those with a comorbidity had a poorer KDQOL (B: −6.17; 95% CI: −10.49; −1.85). In conclusion, a longer hemodialysis vintage, a comorbidity and a lower hematocrit concentration were associated with higher healthcare costs. Patients who lived in urban areas had a better HRQOL and a higher level of education led to a better KDQOL. Patients with a comorbidity had a lower HRQOL and KDQOL. Malnourished patients had a lower HRQOL.
The Potential Influence of Group Membership on Outcomes in Indicated Cognitive-Behavioral Adolescent Depression Prevention
Authors: Rohde Paul , Brière Frédéric N. , Stice Eric
Published: September 2020

Background: Adolescent depression prevention programs are typically delivered in groups in which adolescents share a common setting and interventionist, but the influence of the group is usually ignored or statistically controlled. We tested whether the primary outcomes of reductions in depressive symptoms and future onset of major depressive disorder (MDD) varied as a function of group membership. Methods: Data were available from two randomized trials in which 220 adolescents received the Blues Program indicated prevention intervention in 36 separate groups; participants were assessed at baseline, post intervention, and at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Results: Ten percent of participants had developed MDD 2 years post intervention. Group-level effects for MDD onset over follow-up were nonsignificant (accounted for <1% of variance; ICC = 0.004, ns). Group-level effects for depressive symptom change across the follow-up period were also nonsignificant (ICC = 0.001, ns) but group effects accounted for 16% of depressive symptom change immediately post intervention (ICC = 0.159, p < 0.05). Group-level clustering of posttest depressive symptoms was not associated with size of group or gender composition. Conclusions: Membership in specific adolescent cognitive-behavioral depression prevention groups may have an impact in terms of immediate symptom reduction but does not appear to have significant prevention effects in terms of long-term symptom change or MDD onset.
Soil from an Abandoned Manganese Mining Area (Hunan, China): Significance of Health Risk from Potentially Toxic Element Pollution and Its Spatial Context
Authors: Luo Xin , Ren Bozhi , Hursthouse Andrew S. , Thacker Jonathan R. M. , Wang Zhenghua
Published: September 2020

This study assessed the significance and potential impact of potentially toxic element (PTE) (i.e., Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Ni) pollution in the surface soil from an abandoned manganese mining area in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, China, on the health of residents. The risks were sequentially evaluated using a series of protocols including: the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (RI), and implications for human health from external exposures using the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). The results revealed that Mn and Cd were the major pollutants in the soil samples. The ecological risk assessment identified moderate risks, which were mainly derived from Cd (82.91%). The results of the health risk assessment revealed that generally across the area, the non-carcinogenic risk was insignificant, and the carcinogenic risk was at an acceptable level. However, due to local spatial fluctuation, some of the sites presented a non-carcinogenic risk to children. The soil ingestion pathway is the main route of exposure through both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, with Mn being the major contributor to non-carcinogenic risk, with Cr and Cd the major contributors to carcinogenic risk. In addition, three pollution sources were identified through the Pearson correlation coefficient and principal component analysis (PCA), which included: a. mining activities and emissions from related transportation; b. natural background; c. agricultural management practices and municipal sewage discharge. The study provides information on the effects of spatial variation for the development of the abandoned mining areas and a useful approach to the prioritization of locations for the development and utilization of soil in these areas in China.
What Should Be Taught and What Is Taught: Integrating Gender into Medical and Health Professions Education for Medical and Nursing Students
Authors: Yang Hsing-Chen
Published: September 2020

This study focused on gender education for medical and nursing students, because gender competency is essential for them to provide effective and appropriate healthcare and to promote equal rights to health. A questionnaire was administered to 50 health care professionals to explore the gender concepts and gender knowledge that they deem imperative and often teach to medical and nursing undergraduate students in class. Sexism, gender awareness, sexual harassment, the topics of three acts related to gender equity, and patriarchy are the gender concepts participants deemed most crucial for students to learn and understand. However, disparities were noted between the gender concepts frequently taught by the participants and the gender knowledge they considered essential for students. The 50 experts emphasized teaching the concept of patriarchy and the cultivation of students’ structural competency in addition to identifying directions for gender, medical, and health care education. By highlighting the key gender-related concepts, the present research findings may benefit teachers who intend to integrate gender into the curriculum but are limited by time constraints. The results offer a professional development direction for teachers endeavoring to incorporate gender into the curriculum and their teaching.
Effects of Mind–Body Interventions Involving Meditative Movements on Quality of Life, Depressive Symptoms, Fear of Falling and Sleep Quality in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Weber Manuel , Schnorr Thiemo , Morat Mareike , Morat Tobias , Donath Lars
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of the present systematic meta-analytical review was to quantify the effects of different mind–body interventions (MBI) involving meditative movements on relevant psychological health outcomes (i.e., quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms, fear of falling (FoF) and sleep quality) in older adults without mental disorders. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in five databases (Ovid, PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science). Inclusion criteria were: (i) the study was a (cluster) randomized controlled trial, (ii) the subjects were aged ≥59 years without mental illnesses, (iii) an intervention arm performing MBI compared to a non-exercise control group (e.g., wait-list or usual care), (iv) psychological health outcomes related to QoL, depressive symptoms, FoF or sleep quality were assessed and (v) a PEDro score of ≥5. The interventions of the included studies were sub-grouped into Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) and Yoga/Pilates (YP). Statistical analyses were conducted using a random-effects inverse-variance model. Results: Thirty-seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (comprising 3224 participants) were included. Small to moderate-but-significant overall effect sizes favoring experimental groups (Hedges’ g: 0.25 to 0.71) compared to non-exercise control groups were observed in all outcomes (all p values ≤ 0.007), apart from one subdomain of quality of life (i.e., social functioning, p = 0.15). Interestingly, a significant larger effect on QoL and depressive symptoms with increasing training frequency was found for TCQ (p = 0.03; p = 0.004). Conclusions: MBI involving meditative movements may serve as a promising opportunity to improve psychological health domains such as QoL, depressive symptoms, FoF and sleep quality in older adults. Hence, these forms of exercise may represent potential preventive measures regarding the increase of late-life mental disorders, which need to be further confirmed by future research.
A Comparative Analysis of Health Impact Assessment Implementation Models in the Regions of Montérégie (Québec, Canada) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France)
Authors: Jabot Françoise , Tremblay Emile , Rivadeneyra Ana , Diallo Thierno Amadou , Lapointe Geneviève
Published: September 2020

Many countries have introduced health impact assessment (HIA) at the national, regional, or local levels. In France and in Québec, there is increasing interest in using HIA to inform decision-makers and influence policies, programs, and projects. This paper aims to compare HIA implementation models in two regions: Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France) and Montérégie (Québec, Canada) using a case study methodology. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences in the approaches used to achieve the operationalization of HIA. The methodological approach involves four steps: (1) design of an analytical framework based on the literature; (2) exchanges within the research team and review of documents concerning the two implementation strategies under study; (3) development of the case studies based on the proposed framework; and (4) cross-comparison analysis of the case studies. The findings show that the two regions share certain similarities, including the strong commitment and political will of the public health organizations involved and a well-established culture of engaging in intersectoral action with municipal partners. Differences mainly concern their different approaches to implementing HIAs in accordance with the regional policies and the organizational and administrative contexts in place. This study identifies potential avenues for supporting the practice of HIA at the municipal level.
Does Education Moderate the Relationship between Social Capital and Cognitive Function among Older Adults? Evidence from Suzhou City, China
Authors: Zhang Jingyue , Lu Nan , Wang Wenxiu
Published: September 2020

While social capital is recognized as an important protective determinant of cognitive function in later life, there is a lack of research examining the potential moderators and mediators in the mechanisms linking social capital to cognitive function. This study investigated the moderating role of education on the relationship between social capital and cognitive function among older adults in urban Chinese communities. Data were derived from a community survey conducted in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, in late 2015. A quota sampling method was applied to recruit respondents aged 60 years or older from 16 communities in the Gusu district. The final analytic sample size was 446. Multiple group analysis was applied to test the proposed model. The results show that cognitive social capital was significantly associated with cognitive function in the high education group only. Structural social capital was not significantly associated with cognitive function. The findings highlight the important role of social capital in influencing cognitive function in later life. Social capital interventions could be particularly useful as a preventive approach to help older adults sustain their cognitive function levels. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.
Caries Prevalence Evolution and Risk Factors among Schoolchildren and Adolescents from Valencia (Spain): Trends 1998–2018
Authors: Almerich-Torres Teresa , Montiel-Company José María , Bellot-Arcís Carlos , Iranzo-Cortés José Enrique , Ortolá-Siscar José Carmelo , Almerich-Silla José Manuel
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the caries status and risk factors in the schoolchildren of Spain’s Valencia region in 2018 and to compare them to the 20-year evolution of caries indicators in the region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1722 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 15 using cluster sampling. Caries status, using International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS II) criteria, and sociodemographic variables were recorded. To ensure the comparison with previous studies using WHO caries criteria, the cut-off point was established at ICDAS II code 4. Caries prevalence was found to be 37.4% and the decayed and filled teeth index (dft) was 1.23 at 6 years for deciduous dentition (DD). In permanent dentition (PD) at 12 years, caries prevalence was 30.1% with a 0.66 decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT), and at 15 years, prevalence was 44.6% and DMFT was 1.21. Socioeconomic status poses a major risk factor for caries prevalence in deciduous dentition; it is 1.8 times higher in the lowest socioeconomic group. Deciduous dentition status has worsened in the most recent eight-year period, whereas in permanent dentition the 12- and 15-year values are similar to those of the 2010 survey. Evolution analysis suggests that community dental care programs be enhanced, involving preventive activities staring at the first year and targeting disadvantaged groups.
Importance-Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA) to Evaluate Servicescape Fitness Consumer by Gender and Age
Authors: García-Fernández Jerónimo , Fernández-Gavira Jesús , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio Jesús , Gálvez-Ruíz Pablo , Grimaldi-Puyana Moisés , Cepeda-Carrión Gabriel
Published: September 2020

The fitness sector has always been linked to the analysis of the loyalty of its consumers. Different studies have shown the importance of sports service and human resources for greater customer loyalty. However, few works have studied how the physical environment or servicescape influences the behavior of consumers in fitness centers based on gender and age. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between servicescape and the loyalty of fitness center consumers, analyzing through the Importance-Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA) what the aspects to improve according to gender and age are. The sample was 10,368 fitness center customers (5864 women and 4504 men). After the IPMA, it was concluded that the main improvement margins in general in fitness centers were the equipment and the facility condition, and the facility layout. In turn, in relation to gender and age, the aspects with room for improvement were to a greater extent for equipment and facility condition in women over 21 years of age, and in facility layout for women between 21 and 40 years old and 51–60 years old. Regarding men, the aspects with the highest performance margins were the equipment and facility condition in all the age groups, the facility layout in men up to 50 years old, and the signage in men up to 40 years old and from 51 to 60 years old.
Europe’s War against COVID-19: A Map of Countries’ Disease Vulnerability Using Mortality Indicators
Authors: Horobet Alexandra , Simionescu Anca Angela , Dumitrescu Dan Gabriel , Belascu Lucian
Published: September 2020

Specific and older age-associated comorbidities increase mortality risk in severe forms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We matched COVID-19 comorbidities with causes of death in 28 EU countries for the total population and for the population above 65 years and applied a machine-learning-based tree clustering algorithm on shares of death for COVID-19 comorbidities and for influenza and on their growth rates between 2011 and 2016. We distributed EU countries in clusters and drew a map of the EU populations’ vulnerabilities to COVID-19 comorbidities and to influenza. Noncommunicable diseases had impressive shares of death in the EU but with substantial differences between eastern and western countries. The tree clustering algorithm accurately indicated the presence of western and eastern country clusters, with significantly different patterns of disease shares of death and growth rates. Western populations displayed higher vulnerability to malignancy, blood-related diseases, and diabetes mellitus and lower respiratory diseases, while eastern countries’ populations suffered more from ischaemic heart, cerebrovascular, and circulatory diseases. Dissimilarities between EU countries were also present when influenza was considered. The heat maps of EU populations’ vulnerability to diseases based on mortality indicators constitute the basis for more targeted health policy strategies in a collaborative effort at the EU level.
Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle in University Students: Changes during Confinement Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Romero-Blanco Cristina , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Onieva-Zafra María Dolores , Parra-Fernández María Laura , Prado-Laguna María del Carmen , Hernández-Martínez Antonio
Published: September 2020

Regular physical activity is related to many factors in a university student’s environment. The coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown have restricted many elements of our environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate students’ physical activity and sedentary behaviour at two points in time: before and during the coronavirus lockdown. As a secondary aim, we also wanted to look at changes resulting from other factors (alcohol, tobacco, diet, stages of change, symptoms of anxiety/depression and sociodemographic characteristics). We conducted an observational, cross-sectional, pre-post study with two cut-off points. Two hundred and thirteen students took part in the study. The main dependent variables were physical activity and sitting time, measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used for paired and unpaired data, as well as group-stratified analysis. During lockdown, both weekly physical activity (MD: −159.87; CI: −100.44, −219.31) and weekly sitting time increased (MD: −106.76; CI: −71.85, −141.67). In the group analysis, differences were observed in relation to gender, year of study, BMI, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, symptoms of anxiety/depression, Mediterranean diet, living situation and stage of change. The results showed an increase in both physical activity and sitting time globally and by group.
Telemonitoring in Chronic Pain Management Using Smartphone Apps: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Usual Assessment against App-Based Monitoring with and without Clinical Alarms
Authors: Suso-Ribera Carlos , Castilla Diana , Zaragozá Irene , Mesas Ángela , Server Anna , Medel Javier , García-Palacios Azucena
Published: September 2020

Background. The usefulness of mHealth in helping to target face-to-face interventions for chronic pain more effectively remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to test whether the Pain Monitor mobile phone application (app) is well accepted by clinicians, and can help improve existent medical treatments for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Regarding this last goal, we compared three treatment conditions, namely usual treatment, usual treatment with an app without alarms and usual treatment with an app with alarms. All treatments lasted one month. The three treatments were compared for all outcomes, i.e., pain severity and interference, fatigue, depressed mood, anxiety and anger. Methods. In this randomized controlled trial, the usual monitoring method (i.e., onsite; n = 44) was compared with daily ecological momentary assessment using the Pain Monitor app—both with (n = 43) and without alarms (n = 45). Alarms were sent to the clinicians in the presence of pre-established undesired clinical events and could be used to make treatment adjustments throughout the one-month study. Results. With the exception of anger, clinically significant changes (CSC; 30% improvement) were greater in the app + alarm condition across outcomes (e.g., 43.6% of patients experienced a CSC in depressed mood in the app + alarm condition, which occurred in less than 29% of patients in the other groups). The clinicians were willing to use the app, especially the version with alarms. Conclusions. The use of apps may have some benefits in individual health care, especially when using alarms to tailor treatments.
Food Intake REstriction for Health OUtcome Support and Education (FIREHOUSE) Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kwon Sophia , Riggs Jessica , Crowley George , Lam Rachel , Young Isabel R. , Nayar Christine , Sunseri Maria , Mikhail Mena , Ostrofsky Dean , Veerappan Arul , Zeig-Owens Rachel , Schwartz Theresa , Colbeth Hilary , Liu Mengling , Pompeii Mary Lou , St-Jules David , Prezant David J. , Sevick Mary Ann , Nolan Anna
Published: September 2020

Fire Department of New York (FDNY) rescue and recovery workers exposed to World Trade Center (WTC) particulates suffered loss of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Metabolic Syndrome increased the risk of developing WTC-lung injury (WTC-LI). We aim to attenuate the deleterious effects of WTC exposure through a dietary intervention targeting these clinically relevant disease modifiers. We hypothesize that a calorie-restricted Mediterranean dietary intervention will improve metabolic risk, subclinical indicators of cardiopulmonary disease, quality of life, and lung function in firefighters with WTC-LI. To assess our hypothesis, we developed the Food Intake REstriction for Health OUtcome Support and Education (FIREHOUSE), a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT). Male firefighters with WTC-LI and a BMI > 27 kg/m2 will be included. We will randomize subjects (1:1) to either: (1) Low Calorie Mediterranean (LoCalMed)—an integrative multifactorial, technology-supported approach focused on behavioral modification, nutritional education that will include a self-monitored diet with feedback, physical activity recommendations, and social cognitive theory-based group counseling sessions; or (2) Usual Care. Outcomes include reduction in body mass index (BMI) (primary), improvement in FEV1, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, pulse wave velocity, lipid profiles, targeted metabolic/clinical biomarkers, and quality of life measures (secondary). By implementing a technology-supported LoCalMed diet our FIREHOUSE RCT may help further the treatment of WTC associated pulmonary disease.
Measurements of Older Adults’ Physical Competence under the Concept of Physical Literacy: A Scoping Review
Authors: Huang Yan , Sum Kim-Wai Raymond , Yang Yi-Jian , Chun-Yiu Yeung Nelson
Published: September 2020

Physical literacy, especially in the fields of physical education and public health, has been gaining global interest in recent years. Applying an appropriate method to measure physical competence under the concept of physical literacy for older adults aligns with the goal of healthy aging. In this scoping review, we reflected on previous empirical studies regarding the measurements of physical competence among older adults holistically and systematically to identify and analyze gaps in the topic of “physical literacy” among older adults as a precursor to a systematic review. We searched five databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for Protocols guidelines: (1) SPORTDiscus; (2) PubMed; (3) Scopus; (4) ScienceDirect; and (5) Web of Science. There were 29 studies included in our thematic analysis. Through our review, we found that 73% of the mean age of the participants comprised older baby boomers who were from 65–74 years old as aging continues. Therefore, more effort should be made in developing physical literacy for older adults with the goal of health promotion. Our results showed that most studies adopted both self-reported and objective measures, in which objective measures were widely embraced by scholars in the measurement, while self-reported measures were encouraged to be included in the assessment as well. Using assessment tools to measure a combination of actual physical competence and perceived physical competence is recommended in the measurement of physical competence, especially in older adults. In addition, other elements of physical literacy should be taken into account when measuring physical competency in older adults. For future implementation, when framing the model to chart physical literacy for older adults, it is important to review the definition again and adopt a holistic measurement system including every aspect of physical literacy.
iRhom2: An Emerging Adaptor Regulating Immunity and Disease
Authors: Al-Salihi Mazin A. , Lang Philipp A.
Published: September 2020

The rhomboid family are evolutionary conserved intramembrane proteases. Their inactive members, iRhom in Drosophila melanogaster and iRhom1 and iRhom2 in mammals, lack the catalytic center and are hence labelled “inactive” rhomboid family members. In mammals, both iRhoms are involved in maturation and trafficking of the ubiquitous transmembrane protease a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) 17, which through cleaving many biologically active molecules has a critical role in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Notch signaling. Accordingly, with iRhom2 having a profound influence on ADAM17 activation and substrate specificity it regulates these signaling pathways. Moreover, iRhom2 has a role in the innate immune response to both RNA and DNA viruses and in regulation of keratin subtype expression in wound healing and cancer. Here we review the role of iRhom2 in immunity and disease, both dependent and independent of its regulation of ADAM17.
Discovery of epi-Enprioline as a Novel Drug for the Treatment of Vincristine Resistant Neuroblastoma
Authors: Sime Wondossen , Jemaà Mohamed , Abassi Yasmin , Lasorsa Vito , Bonne Køhler Julie , Hansson Karin , Bexell Daniel , Michaelis Martin , Cinatl Jindrich , Strand Daniel , Capasso Mario , Massoumi Ramin
Published: September 2020

Neuroblastoma is a childhood solid tumour originating from undifferentiated neural progenitor cells of the sympathetic nervous system. Drug resistance of childhood cancer neuroblastoma is a serious clinical problem. In the present study, we aimed to identify novel drugs that can inhibit the growth and survival of chemoresistant neuroblastoma. High-throughput screening identified a small molecule, epi-enprioline that was able to induce apoptosis of vincristine-resistant neuroblastoma cells via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Epi-enprioline reduced tumour growth in multiple preclinical models, including an orthotopic neuroblastoma patient-derived xenograft model in vivo. In summary, our data suggest that epi-enprioline can be considered as a lead compound for the treatment of vincristine-resistant neuroblastoma uncovering a novel strategy, which can be further explored as a treatment for drug-resistant neuroblastoma.
Epitranscriptomics in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis
Authors: Minervini Crescenzio Francesco , Parciante Elisa , Impera Luciana , Anelli Luisa , Zagaria Antonella , Specchia Giorgina , Musto Pellegrino , Albano Francesco
Published: September 2020

Epitranscriptomics analyze the biochemical modifications borne by RNA and their downstream influence. From this point of view, epitranscriptomics represent a new layer for the control of genetic information and can affect a variety of molecular processes including the cell cycle and the differentiation. In physiological conditions, hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that produces differentiated blood cells starting from hematopoietic stem cells. Alteration of this process can occur at different levels in the pathway that leads from the genetic information to the phenotypic manifestation producing malignant hematopoiesis. This review focuses on the role of epitranscriptomic events that are known to be implicated in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, opening a new pathophysiological and therapeutic scenario. Moreover, an evolutionary vision of this mechanism will be provided.
Transcriptome of the Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Response to Human Complement Proteins
Authors: Giraldo-Calderón Gloria I. , Calle-Tobón Arley , Rozo-López Paula , Colpitts Tonya M. , Park Yoonseong , Rua-Uribe Guillermo L. , Londono-Renteria Berlin
Published: September 2020

Aedes aegypti is the primary mosquito vector of several human arboviruses, including the dengue virus (DENV). Vector control is the principal intervention to decrease the transmission of these viruses. The characterization of molecules involved in the mosquito physiological responses to blood-feeding may help identify novel targets useful in designing effective control strategies. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo effect of feeding adult female mosquitoes with human red blood cells reconstituted with either heat-inactivated (IB) or normal plasma (NB). The RNA-seq based transcript expression of IB and NB mosquitoes was compared against sugar-fed (SF) mosquitoes. In in vitro experiments, we treated Aag2 cells with a recombinant version of complement proteins (hC3 or hC5a) and compared transcript expression to untreated control cells after 24 h. The transcript expression analysis revealed that human complement proteins modulate approximately 2300 transcripts involved in multiple biological functions, including immunity. We also found 161 upregulated and 168 downregulated transcripts differentially expressed when human complement protein C3 (hC3) and human complement protein C5a (hC5a) treated cells were compared to the control untreated cells. We conclude that active human complement induces significant changes to the transcriptome of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, which may influence the physiology of these arthropods.
Involvement of Netrin/Unc-5 Interaction in Ciliary Beating and in Pattern Formation of the Ciliary Band-Associated Strand (CBAS) in the Sea Urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus
Authors: Katow Hideki , Abe Kouki , Katow Tomoko , Yoshida Hiromi , Kiyomoto Masato
Published: September 2020

The GABAergic neural circuit is involved in the motile activities of both larval and juvenile sea urchins. Therefore, its function is inherited beyond metamorphosis, despite large scale remodeling of larval organs during that period. However, the initial neural circuit formation mechanism is not well understood, including how glutamate decarboxylase-expressing blastocoelar cells (GADCs) construct the neural circuit along the circumoral ciliary band (a ciliary band-associated strand, CBAS) on the larval body surface. In this study, using whole-mount immunohistochemistry and 3D reconstructed imaging, the ontogenic process of CBAS patterning was studied by focusing on Netrin and the interaction with its receptor, Unc-5. During the early 2-arm pluteus stage, a small number of GADCs egress onto the apical surface of the larval ectoderm. Then, they line up on the circumoral side of the ciliary band, and by being inserted by a further number of GADCs, form longer multicellular strands along the Netrin stripe. Application of a synthetic peptide, CRFNMELYKLSGRKSGGVC of Hp-Netrin, that binds to the immunoglobulin domain of Unc-5 during the prism stage, causes stunted CBAS formation due to inhibition of GADC egression. This also results in reduced ciliary beating. Thus, the Netrin/Unc-5 interaction is involved in the construction and function of the CBAS.
Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Unveil an Unexpected Differentiation Potential toward the Dopaminergic Neuronal Lineage
Authors: Gaggi Giulia , Di Credico Andrea , Izzicupo Pascal , Alviano Francesco , Di Mauro Michele , Di Baldassarre Angela , Ghinassi Barbara
Published: September 2020

Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons represents the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases, with increasing incidence worldwide. The replacement of dead cells with new healthy ones may represent an appealing therapeutic approach to these pathologies, but currently, only pluripotent stem cells can generate dopaminergic neurons with high efficiency. However, with the use of these cells arises safety and/or ethical issues. Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hFM-MSCs) are perinatal stem cells that can be easily isolated from the amniochorionic membrane after delivery. Generally considered multipotent, their real differentiative potential is not completely elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze their stemness characteristics and to evaluate whether they may overcome their mesenchymal fate, generating dopaminergic neurons. We demonstrated that hFM-MSCs expressed embryonal genes OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, KLF4, OVOL1, and ESG1, suggesting they have some features of pluripotency. Moreover, hFM-MSCs that underwent a dopaminergic differentiation protocol gradually increased the transcription of dopaminergic markers LMX1b, NURR1, PITX3, and DAT. We finally obtained a homogeneous population of cells resembling the morphology of primary midbrain dopaminergic neurons that expressed the functional dopaminergic markers TH, DAT, and Nurr1. In conclusion, our results suggested that hFM-MSCs retain the expression of pluripotency genes and are able to differentiate not only into mesodermal cells, but also into neuroectodermal dopaminergic neuron-like cells.
A New Model of Chronic Mycobacterium abscessus Lung Infection in Immunocompetent Mice
Authors: Riva Camilla , Tortoli Enrico , Cugnata Federica , Sanvito Francesca , Esposito Antonio , Rossi Marco , Colarieti Anna , Canu Tamara , Cigana Cristina , Bragonzi Alessandra , Loré Nicola Ivan , Miotto Paolo , Cirillo Daniela Maria
Published: September 2020

Pulmonary infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (MA) have increased over recent decades, affecting individuals with underlying pathologies such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis and, especially, cystic fibrosis. The lack of a representative and standardized model of chronic infection in mice has limited steps forward in the field of MA pulmonary infection. To overcome this challenge, we refined the method of agar beads to establish MA chronic infection in immunocompetent mice. We evaluated bacterial count, lung pathology and markers of inflammation and we performed longitudinal studies with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) up to three months after MA infection. In this model, MA was able to establish a persistent lung infection for up to two months and with minimal systemic spread. Lung histopathological analysis revealed granulomatous inflammation around bronchi characterized by the presence of lymphocytes, aggregates of vacuolated histiocytes and a few neutrophils, mimicking the damage observed in humans. Furthermore, MA lung lesions were successfully monitored for the first time by MRI. The availability of this murine model and the introduction of the successfully longitudinal monitoring of the murine lung lesions with MRI pave the way for further investigations on the impact of MA pathogenesis and the efficacy of novel treatments.
Functional Identification of the Dextransucrase Gene of Leuconostoc mesenteroides DRP105
Authors: Du Renpeng , Zhou Zhijiang , Han Ye
Published: September 2020

Leuconostoc mesenteroides DRP105 isolated from Chinese sauerkraut juice is an intensive producer of dextran. We report the complete genome sequence of Leu. mesenteroides DRP105. This strain contains a dextransucrase gene (dsr) involved in the production of dextran, possibly composed of glucose monomers. To explore the dextran synthesis mechanism of Leu. mesenteroides DRP105, we constructed a dsr-deficient strain derived from Leu. mesenteroides DRP105 using the Cre-loxP recombination system. The secondary structure prediction results showed that Leu. mesenteroides DRP105 dextransucrase (Dsr) was coded by dsr and contained 17.07% α-helices, 29.55% β-sheets, 10.18% β-turns, and 43.20% random coils. We also analyzed the dextran yield, monosaccharide change, organic acid, and amino-acid content of Leu. mesenteroides DRP105 and Leu. mesenteroides DRP105−Δdsr. The result showed that the lack of dsr changed the Leu. mesenteroides DRP105 sugar metabolism pathway, which in turn affected the production of metabolites.