bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Mechanisms behind Wischnewsky Spots Finding on Gastric Mucosa: Autopsy Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Sacco Matteo Antonio , Abenavoli Ludovico , Juan Cristina , Ricci Pietrantonio , Aquila Isabella
Published: March 2022

Hypothermia is an emergency caused by the lowering of the central body temperature with a slowdown of basic vital functions. Reduced mobility, old age, psychiatric or metabolic disorders are relevant risk factors. Diagnosis of death from hypothermia is a challenge, as there are no pathognomonic signs, and supportive findings can be inconstant. Wischnewsky Spots (WS) are blackish lesions of gastric mucosa, typically associated with hypothermic death. The pathophysiology of these lesions is still uncertain. The aim of this paper is to investigate the pathological mechanisms determining the appearance of WS by analyzing the current scientific knowledge in this area. We performed a narrative review of the literature published in the last 20 years, comparing the results with three cases of hypothermia reported from our experience. The review proved that WS show a multifactorial etiology, i.e., not only body temperature decrease, but also various extrinsic and intrinsic factors, such as physical and psychological stress, agony, causa mortis and metabolic comorbidities. The review summarizes the current knowledge in the field of incidence, pathology and morphology of WS by proposing some scientific and technical points for clinical and forensic analysis of this phenomenon.
Emotion Regulation in Adolescents: Evidence of the Validity and Factor Structure of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ)
Authors: Betegón Elena , Rodríguez-Medina Jairo , del-Valle Macarena , Irurtia María Jesús
Published: March 2022

The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) is an assessment tool to evaluate cognitive emotion regulation strategies. The main objective of this study is to provide new empirical evidence about the validity and reliability of the CERQ via a sample of 271 Spanish adolescents (136 female, 135 male) aged from 15 to 18 years (M = 15.7, SD = 0.76). The analytical process was carried out in two phases. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the polychoric correlation matrix between items. Four possible alternative models were contrasted: two models with nine factors and two models with two second-order factors and nine first-order factors, with 36 and 27 items, respectively. The model with nine correlated factors and 27 items obtained the best indices of overall fit. Subsequently, the reliability of the measurements was estimated on this model. The results reaffirm the validity of the 27-item version of the CERQ over the original 36-item structure. The findings also confirm that the CERQ is a reliable instrument for the evaluation of emotion regulation strategies in adolescents.
Perceptions of School Climate and Internet Gaming Addiction among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Effect of Deviant Peer Affiliation
Authors: Zou Hongyu , Deng Yuting , Wang Huahua , Yu Chengfu , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2022

Adolescent internet gaming addiction (IGA) has become a serve public health problem, particularly in China. Despite the fact that the school climate has a significant impact on teenage IGA, little research has looked into the underlying mediating processes. This cross-sectional study looked at the impact of adolescents’ perceptions of their school climate (including teacher–student support, student–student support, and opportunities for autonomy) on IGA in a sample of 1053 Chinese adolescents (Meanage = 13.52 years; 52.4% females) using convenient sampling methodology, as well as whether deviant peer affiliation mediated this association. Adolescents’ school climate, IGA, and deviant peer affiliation were examined using the School Climate Questionnaire, Internet Gaming Addiction Scale, and two validated tools in this study. The results showed that teacher–student support and student–student support were both negatively associated with IGA, and that these correlations were mediated by deviant peer affiliation. The implications of these findings are discussed.
No Excess Mortality up to 10 Years in Early Stages of Breast Cancer in Women Adherent to Oral Endocrine Therapy: A Probabilistic Graphical Modeling Approach
Authors: Clèries Ramon , Buxó Maria , Vilardell Mireia , Ameijide Alberto , Martínez José Miguel , Font Rebeca , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Puigdemont Montse , Viñas Gemma , Carulla Marià , Espinàs Josep Alfons , Galceran Jaume , Izquierdo Ángel , Borràs Josep Maria
Published: March 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is globally the most frequent cancer in women. Adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) in hormone-receptor-positive BC patients is active and voluntary for the first five years after diagnosis. This study examines the impact of adherence to ET on 10-year excess mortality (EM) in patients diagnosed with Stages I to III BC (N = 2297). Since sample size is an issue for estimating age- and stage-specific survival indicators, we developed a method, ComSynSurData, for generating a large synthetic dataset (SynD) through probabilistic graphical modeling of the original cohort. We derived population-based survival indicators using a Bayesian relative survival model fitted to the SynD. Our modeling showed that hormone-receptor-positive BC patients diagnosed beyond 49 years of age at Stage I or beyond 59 years at Stage II do not have 10-year EM if they follow the prescribed ET regimen. This result calls for developing interventions to promote adherence to ET in patients with hormone receptor-positive BC and in turn improving cancer survival. The presented methodology here demonstrates the potential use of probabilistic graphical modeling for generating reliable synthetic datasets for validating population-based survival indicators when sample size is an issue.
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Response in Populations of the Czech Republic Exposed to Various Levels of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Ambroz Antonin , Rossner Pavel , Rossnerova Andrea , Honkova Katerina , Milcova Alena , Pastorkova Anna , Klema Jiri , Pulkrabova Jana , Parizek Ondrej , Vondraskova Veronika , Zelenka Jaroslav , Vrzáčková Nikola , Schmuczerova Jana , Topinka Jan , Sram Radim J.
Published: March 2022

We aimed to identify the variables that modify levels of oxidatively damaged DNA and lipid peroxidation in subjects living in diverse localities of the Czech Republic (a rural area, a metropolitan locality, and an industrial region). The sampling of a total of 126 policemen was conducted twice in two sampling seasons. Personal characteristics, concentrations of particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm and benzo[a]pyrene in the ambient air, activities of antioxidant mechanisms (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and antioxidant capacity), levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in blood plasma, and urinary levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites were investigated as parameters potentially affecting the markers of DNA oxidation (8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine) and lipid peroxidation (15-F2t-isoprostane). The levels of oxidative stress markers mostly differed between the localities in the individual sampling seasons. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, as a factor with the most pronounced effects on oxidative stress parameters. The role of other variables, including environmental pollutants, was minor. In conclusion, our study showed that oxidative damage to macromolecules was affected by processes related to inflammation; however, we did not identify a specific environmental factor responsible for the pro-inflammatory response in the organism.
Translation and Cultural Adaptation into Portuguese of the Quality of Dying and Death Scale for Family Members of Patients in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Meneguin Silmara , Benichel Cariston Rodrigo , Morais José Fausto , Oliveira Cesar de
Published: March 2022

The translation and cultural adaptation of the Quality of Dying and Death in Brazil may provide a reliable and reproducible scale for collecting and analyzing data on the process of dying and death, given the absence of Brazilian studies that have produced or used scales in this topic. The purpose of this study was to perform the translation and cultural adaptation of the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD 3.2a) scale for intensive care patients’ relatives into Portuguese (Brazil). This methodological study was carried out in a public university of the São Paulo State University (UNESP) medical school, São Paulo, Brazil, in three stages: translation and back-translation by two native-speaking independent professionals, analysis by a committee of specialists, and a pre-test phase. The final version was created by seven experts after making semantic, idiomatic, and cultural changes to 16 items. The results indicated a satisfactory content validation index (CVI ≥ 0.80). This version was applied on 32 relatives of patients who were hospitalized in a public hospital in the interior of São Paulo. No item was excluded from the instrument. The content and face validity were achieved to a satisfactory standard, in addition to reaching the minimum parameters recommended in the literature. The Portuguese version of QODD 3.2a for relatives of deceased patients in intensive care is appropriate and culturally adapted for use in Brazil.
Criterion Validity of Radon Test Values Reported by a Commercial Laboratory versus the Environmental Protection Agency
Authors: Schwartz Gary G. , Klug Marilyn G. , Williamson Mark R. , Schwartz Heather M.
Published: March 2022

Objective: Radon exposure is a proven cause of lung cancer and is a possible cause of other diseases. Recently, several ecologic studies explored the correlation of county-wide incidence rates for non-lung cancers with residential radon levels, using radon data reported by a commercial laboratory. However, the validity of the commercial radon data, i.e., whether they are an accurate representation of the radon levels in the counties from which they were drawn, is unknown. Methods: We compared county-wide radon data from the commercial laboratory with corresponding measurements from the same counties reported previously by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Matching data were available for four states, Iowa, North Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin, and were compared by paired t-tests. Criterion validity of the commercial tests, i.e., how well the commercial data predicted the EPA data, was tested using non-parametric methods, Kendall’s tau, Lin’s concordance, and Passing–Bablok regression. Results: The commercial and EPA data pairs from the four states were significantly positively correlated, although the size of the correlations was modest (tau = 0.490, Lin = 0.600). Passing–Bablok regression indicated that the commercial radon values were significantly higher than their EPA pairs and significantly overestimated radon at low levels (<4 pCi/L, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The commercial laboratory data were moderately predictive of EPA radon levels at the county level but were significantly biased upwards at low levels. The disagreement likely has several causes, including selection bias from homes that were tested voluntarily. Ecologic studies that employ radon data obtained from commercial laboratories should be interpreted with caution.
Active Lifestyle Post First Myocardial Infarction: A Comparison between Participants and Non-Participants of a Structured Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Shlomo Ran Wainer , Kizony Rachel , Nahir Menachem , Grosman-Rimon Liza , Kodesh Einat
Published: March 2022

Following myocardial infarction (MI), impaired physical, mental, and cognitive functions can reduce participation in the community and diminish quality of life. This study aims to assess active lifestyle participation and functional performance in patients who were participants and non-participants in cardiac rehabilitation. A total of 71 patients were recruited, 6–10 months after the MI event; 38 chose to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program, and 33 did not (NCR). Participation and activity patterns in instrumental activities of daily living, as well as physically demanding leisure activities and social activities, were evaluated using the Activity Card Sort (ACS). Hand grip force and timed up and go (TUG) were tested. A total of 74% of the CR group met physical activity recommendations and only 34% continued to smoke, compared to 39% and 71% in the NCR group, respectively. The CR group, compared to the NCR group, had higher levels of daily activity, social leisure, and physically demanding leisure activities (p ≤ 0.001). Null differences between the NCR and CR groups were observed in grip strength and the TUG tests. The study highlighted community participation after MI. Based on a comparison between the groups, the study implies that patients choosing to participate in CR retained higher community participation levels and had better self-management of cardiovascular risk factors.
How Does Adolescents’ Usage of Social Media Affect Their Dietary Satisfaction?
Authors: Jeong Harry , Shin Kwangsoo
Published: March 2022

In order to improve the health status of adolescents, studies are needed to illuminate the essence of their general and dietary lifestyle. Thus, we conducted this study to verify meaningful relationships between adolescent usage of social media (USM), which plays an important role in their life, their food consumption behavior (FCB), and their dietary satisfaction. This study used two analysis methods: t-tests and structural equation modeling (SEM). This study verified whether there was a significant difference in adolescent FCB depending on their USM using t-tests. This study proposes that the following FCBs showed significant differences between users and non-users of social media in adolescents: a tendency to try new types of food (t = 2.134, p < 0.05), a tendency to avoid foods with harmful risks such as suspected spoilage (t = 3.513, p < 0.001), a tendency to eat bread or fruit for a simple breakfast (t = −3.893, p < 0.001), and a tendency to often use home meal replacements (HMR), eat out or have food delivered (t = −3.245, p < 0.01). Furthermore, this study used SEM to verify the causal relationship between adolescent USM and their dietary satisfaction. According to the results of SEM, adolescents’ USM mediated by the FCB of preferring convenience fully mediates the negative relationship between adolescent USM and their dietary satisfaction (p < 0.01). It is necessary to reverse the situation in which adolescent dietary satisfaction decreases as their FCB of preferring convenience increases. Government regulations for food companies and autonomous efforts for quality improvements on their part are needed.
Can Rehabilitation in Nature Improve Self-Perceived Interpersonal Problems? A Matched-Control Study
Authors: Mau Martin , Vang Maria L. , Mejldal Anna , Høegmark Simon , Roessler Kirsten K.
Published: March 2022

Self-perceived interpersonal problems are of central concern for researchers and individuals; they are at the basis of psychopathology and cause for subjective distress. In this study, we examine whether a group-based rehabilitation program in nature may reduce self-perceived interpersonal problems in a heterogeneous group of men declining participation in traditional rehabilitation offers. The intervention consisted of weekly meetings in nature, taking place over the course of nine weeks. Through a matched-control study including 114 participants in the intervention group and 39 in a treatment as usual group participating in traditional rehabilitation offers, we found that there was no statistically significant development in self-perceived interpersonal problems in the nature-based rehabilitation offer. Though promising with regards to a number of mental challenges, including relational challenges, nature-based group-rehabilitation may require a more elaborate and thoroughgoing intervention, including e.g., a therapist and more time to be an effective intervention against interpersonal problems. We conclude that perhaps due to the fundamental aspect of self-perceived interpersonal problems, exposure to nature, and being in a group of men in a similar situation for the duration that this intervention lasted, may not be enough to address such underlying perceptions of self.
Heart Rate Variability Monitoring during a Padel Match
Authors: Parraca Jose A. , Alegrete Joana , Villafaina Santos , Batalha Nuno , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Muñoz Diego , Fernandes Orlando
Published: March 2022

Padel, an increasingly popular sport, presents some associated cardiovascular risks, which can be prevented by heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring. However, there is no study worldwide that characterizes HRV during padel games. Therefore, this study aims to monitor HRV responses and characterize them using linear and non-linear metrics at three timepoints: at baseline, during a game, and during recovery. Twenty-seven amateur participants had their HRV monitored before, during, and after a 90 min padel game. We extracted time, frequency, and non-linear measures with MATLAB for baseline, rest period, and at three periods of 5 min during the game. The differences in measures were assessed through an ANOVA. The autonomic modulation was affected by the padel match in amateur players. In this regard, the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSsd), Poincaré plot (perpendicular standard deviation (SD1) and horizontal standard deviation (SD2)), sample entropy (SampEn), low frequencies (LF), and very low frequencies (VLF) were significantly reduced during the game, whereas alpha-2, high frequencies (HF), and the ratio between low and high frequencies (LF/HF) increased during the game. Furthermore, an abrupt change was found in the autonomic modulation between game and recovery assessments, which suggests the need to rethink the practices of cool-down protocols. The multiple timepoints analyzed during this study allow us to investigate the evolution of different HRV measures in the time, frequency, and non-linear domains, clarifying the interpretation of the variables, especially the less-investigated ones such as the non-linear measures.
Culinary Solitude in the Diet of People with Functional Diversity
Authors: Cipriano-Crespo Carmen , Medina Francesc-Xavier , Mariano-Juárez Lorenzo
Published: March 2022

This qualitative ethnographic study identifies how problems in the feeding process of a group of people with functional diversity influence different eating situations. The study, which was carried out in the Autonomous Community of Castilla La Mancha, Spain, is based on interviews conducted at the headquarters of the different participating associations for functionally diverse people, at the participants’ homes, and in public spaces. The study included 27 subjects aged between 18–75 years. Their functional diversity had caused significant changes in their sociability, particularly in contexts associated with food consumption. The analysis identified three main themes: social ghettoisation and culinary loneliness; stigma, shame, feeling like a burden, and loneliness; and exclusion or self-exclusion at the dining table. Our participants’ narratives underscored the importance of acknowledging the significance of changes in eating-related sociability due to functional diversity. For the study subjects, grief, loneliness, and shame contributed to disassociating food consumption from social celebrations, withdrawing from restaurant meals, or conversations while eating to avoid other people’s stares.
Peri-Implant Surgical Treatment Downregulates the Expression of sTREM-1 and MMP-8 in Patients with Peri-Implantitis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Teixeira Neves Glaucia Schuindt , Elangovan Gayathiri , Teixeira Mayla Kezy Silva , Mello-Neto João Martins de , Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar , Lourenço Eduardo José Veras , Telles Daniel Moraes , Figueredo Carlos Marcelo
Published: March 2022

sTREM-1 and its ligand PGLYRP1 play an essential role in the inflammatory process around teeth and implants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of peri-implant treatment on the salivary levels of the sTREM-1/PGLYRP-1/MMP-8 axis after 3 months. A total of 42 participants (with a mean age of 61 years old ± 7.3) were enrolled in this longitudinal study, 24 having peri-implant mucositis (MU) and 18 having peri-implantitis (PI). Clinical peri-implant parameters, such as probing pocket depth (PPD), % of plaque, and bleeding on probing (BOP), and the whole unstimulated saliva samples were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The MU group received nonsurgical peri-implant treatment, while the PI group received open-flap procedures. The levels of sTREM-1, PGLYRP-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-1 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. BOP, plaque levels, and PPD significantly reduced after treatment in both groups. A significant decrease in the salivary levels of sTREM-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-1 in the PI group and PGLYRP1 and TIMP-1 in the MU group were observed. Salivary levels of sTREM-1 were significantly reduced in patients with PI but not with MU. Additionally, peri-implant treatment had a significantly higher impact on MMP-8 reduction in patients with PI than in those with MU.
Perceived Disease Risk of Smoking, Barriers to Quitting, and Cessation Intervention Preferences by Sex Amongst Homeless Adult Concurrent Tobacco Product Users and Conventional Cigarette-Only Users
Authors: Brown Haleem A. , Roberts Rachel D. , Chen Tzuan A. , Businelle Michael S. , Obasi Ezemenari M. , Kendzor Darla E. , Reitzel Lorraine R.
Published: March 2022

Adults experiencing homelessness smoke conventional cigarettes and engage in concurrent tobacco product use at very high rates; however, little is known about how use patterns, perceived disease risk, barriers to quitting smoking, and smoking cessation intervention preferences differ by sex in this group. Participants comprised a convenience sample of 626 adult conventional cigarette smokers experiencing homelessness. Participants self-reported their sex, smoking history, mental health and substance use diagnosis history, other concurrent tobacco product use (CU), disease risk perceptions, perceived barriers to quitting smoking, and preferences regarding tobacco cessation interventions via a computer-administered survey. CU rates were 58.1% amongst men and 45.3% amongst women smokers. In both sexes, CUs started smoking earlier (p-values < 0.001) and were more likely to have been diagnosed with a non-nicotine substance use disorder (p-values < 0.014) relative to cigarette-only users. Among men only, CUs were younger, smoked more cigarettes per day and were more likely to identify as non-Hispanic White (p-values < 0.003) than cigarette-only users. Additionally, male CUs reported a greater risk of developing ≥1 smoking-related disease if they did not quit for good; were more likely to endorse craving cigarettes, being around other smokers, habit, stress/mood swings, and coping with life stress as barriers for quitting smoking; and were less likely to prefer medications to quit smoking relative to male cigarette-only users (p-values < 0.04). On the other hand, female CUs reported a greater risk of developing ≥1 smoking-related disease even if they quit for good; were more likely to endorse stress/mood swings and coping with life stress as barriers for quitting smoking relative to female cigarette-only users (p-values < 0.05); and did not differentially prefer one cessation medication over another. Overall, findings confirm high rates of CU among both sexes, characterize those who may be more likely to be CUs, and reveal opportunities to educate men and women experiencing homeless on the benefits of evidence-based interventions for smoking cessation.
Designing Robots for Elderly from the Perspective of Potential End-Users: A Sociological Approach
Authors: Betlej Alina
Published: March 2022

The proposed research aims to investigate the problem of age-friendly robot designing from the perspective of the potential end-users. The initial objectives addressed three main issues: how the elderly envision robots and their knowledge on technological development; age-friendly robot design; the elderly’s involvement in the robot design process. The empirical material analyzed are the results of in-depth interviews with people aged 70+. A sociological approach is proposed, based mainly on criticism of writing and the analytical and synthetic method. The theoretical framework is the perspective of an ageing society and technogerontology. The sociological approach enables better understanding of the sensitive problems of age-friendly robot designing from the individual point of view. It is concluded with a conceptual discussion on designing robots for the elderly. In particular, it is revealed how these issues could help in shaping social consensus about age-friendly technologies.
The Relationship between Bicultural Identity Integration, Self-Esteem, Academic Resilience, Interaction Anxiousness, and School Belonging among University Students with Vocational Qualifications
Authors: Chen Wenxin , Lin Yi , Yu Xiaoyan , Zheng Wen , Wu Shiyong , Huang Mingxi , Chen Wei , Zhou Shuyi
Published: March 2022

Background: University students with a vocational pathway face greater cultural, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral challenges during the transition process than their counterparts with an academic route. Method: This study examined the predictive effect of bicultural identity integration, self-esteem, academic resilience, and interaction anxiousness on school belonging using a quantitative approach with 326 Chinese vocational pathway university student participants. Result: The participants had high levels of cultural adaptability, self-esteem, academic resilience, and school belonging, but they also displayed moderate interaction anxiousness. Bicultural identity integration (B = 0.24; p < 0.001), self-esteem (B = 0.35; p < 0.001), and academic resilience (B = 0.25; p < 0.001) significantly positively predicted school belonging, while interaction anxiousness (B = −0.17; p < 0.01) negatively predicted school belonging. Conclusions: Bicultural identity integration, self-esteem, academic resilience, and interaction anxiousness were crucial determinants of school belonging among Chinese university students with vocational qualifications. Effective measures should be initiated to boost their feelings of being recognized, respected, and connected to the university community.
Experiences of SENSory Relearning of the UPPer Limb (SENSUPP) after Stroke and Perceived Effects: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Carlsson Håkan , Lindgren Ingrid , Rosén Birgitta , Björkman Anders , Pessah-Rasmussen Hélène , Brogårdh Christina
Published: March 2022

Recently, it was shown that sensory relearning of the upper limb (SENSUPP) is a promising intervention to improve sensorimotor function after stroke. There is limited knowledge, however, of how participants perceive the training. Here, we explored how persons with sensory impairments in the upper limb experienced the SENSUPP protocol (combined sensory- and motor training and home exercises for 5 weeks) and its effect. Fifteen persons (mean age 59 years; 10 men; >6 months post-stroke) were individually interviewed, and data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. An overall theme ‘Sensory relearning was meaningful and led to improved ability to perform daily hand activities’ and two categories with six subcategories emerged. The outpatient training was perceived as meaningful, although the exercises were demanding and required concentration. Support from the therapist was helpful and training in small groups appreciated. The home training was challenging due to lack of support, time, and motivation. Small improvements in sensory function were perceived, whereas increased movement control and ability in performing daily hand activities were reported. In conclusion, the SENSUPP protocol is meaningful and beneficial in improving the functioning of the UL in chronic stroke. Improving compliance to the home training, regular follow-ups, and an exercise diary are recommended.
Amino Acid Complexes of Zirconium in a Carbon Composite for the Efficient Removal of Fluoride Ions from Water
Authors: González-Aguiñaga Efrén , Pérez-Tavares José Antonio , Patakfalvi Rita , Szabó Tamás , Illés Erzsébet , Pérez Ladrón de Guevara Héctor , Cardoso-Avila Pablo Eduardo , Castañeda-Contreras Jesús , Saavedra Arroyo Quetzalcoatl Enrique
Published: March 2022

Amino acid complexes of zirconia represent an entirely new class of materials that were synthesized and studied for the first time for the decontamination of fluoride ion containing aqueous solutions. Glutamic and aspartic acid complexes of zirconia assembled with thin carbon (stacked graphene oxide) platelets deriving from graphite oxide (GO) were synthesized by a two-step method to prepare adsorbents. The characterization of the complexes was carried out using infrared spectroscopy to determine the functional groups and the types of interaction between the composites and fluoride ions. To reveal the mechanisms and extent of adsorption, two types of batch adsorption measurements were performed: (i) varying equilibrium fluoride ion concentrations to construct adsorption isotherms at pH = 7 in the absence of added electrolytes and (ii) using fixed initial fluoride ion concentrations (10 mg/L) with a variation of either the pH or the concentration of a series of salts that potentially interfere with adsorption. The experimental adsorption isotherms were fitted by three different theoretical isotherm equations, and they are described most appropriately by the two-site Langmuir model for both adsorbents. The adsorption capacities of Zr-glutamic acid-graphite oxide and Zr-aspartic acid-graphite oxide are 105.3 and 101.0 mg/g, respectively. We found that two distinct binding modes are combined in the Zr-amino acid complexes: at low solution concentrations, F− ions are preferentially adsorbed by coordinating to the surface Zr species up to a capacity of ca. 10 mg/g. At higher concentrations, however, large amounts of fluoride ions may undergo anion exchange processes and physisorption may occur on the positively charged ammonium moieties of the interfacially bound amino acid molecules. The high adsorption capacity and affinity of the studied dicarboxylate-type amino acids demonstrate that amino acid complexes of zirconia are highly variable materials for the safe and efficient capture of strong Lewis base-type ions such as fluoride.
Maternal Blood Levels of Toxic and Essential Elements and Birth Outcomes in Argentina: The EMASAR Study
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Hansen Solrunn , Sripada Kam , Aarsland Torbjørn , Horvat Milena , Mazej Darja , Alvarez Marisa Viviana , Odland Jon Øyvind
Published: March 2022

Pregnant women’s levels of toxic and essential minerals have been linked to birth outcomes yet have not been adequately investigated in South America. In Argentina, n = 696 maternal whole blood samples from Ushuaia (n = 198) and Salta (n = 498) were collected in 2011–2012 among singleton women at 36 ± 12 h postpartum and analyzed for blood concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). This study examined the associations between maternal elements levels and birth outcomes, and sociodemographic factors contributing to elements levels. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking, and education were linked to concentrations of some but not all elements. In adjusted models, one ln-unit increase in Pb levels was associated with increased gestational age (0.2 weeks, 95% CI = 0.01–0.48) and decreased birth weight (−88.90 g, 95% CI = −173.69 to −4.11) and birth length (−0.46 cm, 95% CI = −0.85 to −0.08) in the Salta sample. Toxic elements concentrations were not associated with birth outcomes in Ushuaia participants. Birth outcomes are multifactorial problems, and these findings provide a foundation for understanding how the body burden of toxic and essential elements, within the socioeconomic context, may influence birth outcomes.
Shared Decision Making in the Psychiatric Inpatient Setting: An Ethnographic Study about Interprofessional Psychiatric Consultations
Authors: Gurtner Caroline , Lohrmann Christa , Schols Jos M. G. A. , Hahn Sabine
Published: March 2022

Shared decision making is increasingly receiving attention in health care and might improve both the quality of care and patient outcomes. Nevertheless, due to its complexity, implementation of shared decision making in clinical practice seems challenging. This ethnographic study aimed to gain a better understanding of how psychiatric inpatients and the interprofessional care team interact during regular interprofessional psychiatric consultations. Data were collected through participant observation on two different psychiatric wards in a large psychiatric hospital in Switzerland. The observation focused on the contextual aspects of interprofessional patient consultations, the communication and interaction as well as the extent to which patients were involved in decision making. Participants included patients, psychiatrists, junior physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers and therapists. We observed 71 interprofessional psychiatric consultations and they differed substantially in both wards in terms of context (place and form) and culture (way of interacting). On the contrary, results showed that the level of patient involvement in decision making was comparable and depended on individual factors, such as the health care professionals’ communication style as well as the patients’ personal initiative to be engaged. The main topics discussed with the patients related to pharmacotherapy and patient reported symptoms. Health care professionals in both wards used a rather unidirectional communication style. Therefore, in order to promote patient involvement in the psychiatric inpatient setting, rather than to focus on contextual factors, consultations should follow a specific agenda and promoting a bidirectional communication style for all parties involved is strongly recommended.
Brain Drain out of the Blue: Pollution-Induced Migration in Vietnam
Authors: Khuc Quy Van , Nguyen Minh-Hoang , Le Tam-Tri , Nguyen Truc-Le , Nguyen Thuy , Lich Hoang Khac , Vuong Quan-Hoang
Published: March 2022

Air pollution is a major problem that severely affects the health of inhabitants in developing countries’ urban areas. To deal with the problem, they may consider migration to another place as an option, which can result in the loss of skillful and talented workforces. This situation is called the brain drain phenomenon. The current study employed the Bayesian mindsponge framework (BMF) on the responses of 475 urban inhabitants in Hanoi, Vietnam—one of the most polluted capital cities in the world—to examine the risk of losing talented workforces due to air pollution. Our results show that people with higher educational levels are more likely to have intentions to migrate both domestically and internationally due to air pollution. Regarding the domestic migration intention, younger people and males have a higher probability of migrating than their counterparts. Age and gender also moderate the association between educational level and international migration intention, but their reliability needs further justification. Based on these findings, we suggest that environmental stressors caused by air pollution can influence citizen displacement intention on a large scale through the personal psychological mechanism of cost-benefit judgment. Due to the risk of air pollution on human resources, building an eco-surplus culture is crucial for enhancing environmental and socio-economic resilience.
Differences among Male and Female Spanish Teachers on Their Self-Perceived Preparation for Inclusive Education
Authors: Triviño-Amigo Natalia , Barrios-Fernandez Sabina , Mañanas-Iglesias Carlos , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Adsuar José Carmelo , Acevedo-Duque Ángel , Rojo-Ramos Jorge
Published: March 2022

Inclusive education is a right for every student, being one of the current challenges with which the education system is struggling. The teacher’s role in this process is essential in building an inclusive and transformative school. This study aims to measure Spanish secondary school teachers’ perceptions of their preparation to address inclusive education, exploring whether there are differences concerning their gender. A total of 420 Spanish secondary school teachers responded to three dichotomous questions about their initial and ongoing preparation using the Evaluation of Teacher Education for Inclusion Questionnaire (CEFI-R). The results suggest that there are no significant differences between men and women regarding their perceived readiness to deal with diversity. However, women seem to be more confident in their competence, as they show less need for preparation in addressing the diversity of needs in their students with disabilities, and in promoting inclusive education.
Knowledge and Attitudes toward Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alyami Hamad S. , Naser Abdallah Y. , Alyami Mohammad H. , Alharethi Salem H. , Alyami Abdullah M.
Published: March 2022

Aims: The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not easy as there is no direct test that exists to establish such a diagnosis. Increasing community and healthcare professional knowledge of the ASD spectrum is crucial because it will encourage parents of ASD children to seek screening and diagnosis from a specialist, allowing for better early detection and treatment. This study explored the knowledge of the general population in Saudi Arabia regarding ASD and assessed variables associated with an accurate understanding of ASD. Methods: A total of 769 participants were involved in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Saudi Arabia between November 2021 and February 2022 using an online survey tool to explore the knowledge of the general population in Saudi Arabia regarding typical child development and ASD. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting participants’ knowledge of autism. Results: Overall, the study participants showed a weak level of knowledge about autism with a mean score of 5.9 (SD: 3.1), comprising 34.7% of the total maximum obtainable score. Participants with a middle income category of 5000–7500 SR are less likely to be knowledgeable about autism compared to others (OR: 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39–0.92)) (p-value = 0.020). Conclusion: The participants in our study showed limited knowledge about autism. Government funds should be made available to facilitate educational services for ASD children. More funding and resources should be allocated by the government to provide assistance for children with special needs, and changes in public facilities are required to meet the demands of ASD patients. Through an informed educational effort, various media platforms should assist in improving the community’s understanding of ASD and their attitude toward ASD patients. Educational campaigns should focus on enhancing the public’s knowledge about ASD treatment and etiology.
Considering Ecosystem Services in Food System Resilience
Authors: Varyvoda Yevheniia , Taren Douglas
Published: March 2022

The prevalence and severity of natural hazards pose a serious risk to food systems, undermining their function to provide food security and improved nutrition. The impact of such events is extensive, and the level of damage and recovery significantly depend on ecosystem services, including their own resilience capacity. This paper provides evidence that the role, value, and utilization of local ecosystem services are essential for food system resilience and for food security in parts of the world where high vulnerability and lack of coping capacity exist to combat climate change. Patterns of ecosystem services-based strategies were revealed that can be introduced to cope and adapt to climate-related natural hazards at the smallholder food system level. The study suggests that food system diversification, technological innovations and nature-based practices, and traditional and indigenous knowledge operationalized across the food system components have a potential for sustaining smallholder resilience in the face of natural hazards.
Belonging to Three Worlds: Somali Adolescent–Parent Relationships in the United States and Implications for Tobacco Prevention
Authors: Wilhelm April K. , Allen Michele L. , Pratt Rebekah J.
Published: March 2022

Immigrant family relationships help to buffer the adolescent adoption of health risk behaviors but can be strained by post-immigration structural and cultural barriers. This study qualitatively examines how Somali adolescent–parent relationship factors influence Somali adolescent tobacco use and identifies areas for further family support to prevent Somali adolescent tobacco use. We conducted fifteen key informant interviews with professionals serving the Somali community in clinical, educational, religious, or other community organization roles in one Minnesota metropolitan region. Data were collected and analyzed using approaches rooted in Grounded Theory. Key informants contrasted parenting experiences in Somalia with those in the United States and described how four key factors—structural and cultural barriers, multicultural identity formation, evolving parental expectations and responsibilities, and shifting family resources and support—have influenced Somali parent–child relationship quality and function following immigration. Informants shared the implications of these factors on parental ability to address adolescent tobacco use and discussed potential strategies to support parents that fell into two categories: assisting parents in adapting their parenting approaches to a new context and supporting knowledge and skill development in addressing tobacco use prevention specifically. Incorporating strategies that support Somali parents in their evolving parental roles and attend to structural and cultural barriers to tobacco prevention are essential to consider when developing family-centered tobacco prevention interventions in this population.
“Weaving a Mat That We Can All Sit On”: Qualitative Research Approaches for Productive Dialogue in the Intercultural Space
Authors: Haynes Emma , Marawili Minitja , Mitchell Alice , Walker Roz , Katzenellenbogen Judith , Bessarab Dawn
Published: March 2022

Research remains a site of struggle for First Nations peoples globally. Biomedical research often reinforces existing power structures, perpetuating ongoing colonisation by dominating research priorities, resource allocation, policies, and services. Addressing systemic health inequities requires decolonising methodologies to facilitate new understandings and approaches. These methodologies promote a creative tension and productive intercultural dialogue between First Nations and Western epistemologies. Concurrently, the potential of critical theory, social science, and community participatory action research approaches to effectively prioritise First Nations peoples’ lived experience within the biomedical worldview is increasingly recognised. This article describes learnings regarding research methods that enable a better understanding of the lived experience of rheumatic heart disease—an intractable, potent marker of health inequity for First Nations Australians, requiring long-term engagement in the troubled intersection between Indigenist and biomedical worldviews. Working with Yolŋu (Aboriginal) co-researchers from remote Northern Territory (Australia), the concept of ganma (turbulent co-mingling of salt and fresh water) was foundational for understanding and applying relationality (gurrutu), deep listening (nhina, nhäma ga ŋäma), and the use of metaphors—approaches that strengthen productive dialogue, described by Yolŋu co-researchers as weaving a ‘mat we can all sit on’. The research results are reported in a subsequent article.
Contextualizing the Chronic Care Model among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic Men with Chronic Conditions
Authors: Smith Matthew Lee , Bergeron Caroline D. , Sherman Ledric D. , Goidel Kirby , Merianos Ashley L.
Published: March 2022

Middle-aged and older men of color with chronic conditions have low utilization of preventive health services. In the context of the Chronic Care Model (CCM), the objective of this study was to identify perceptions about being informed, activated patients and having productive interactions in healthcare settings among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic middle-aged and older men with chronic health conditions in the United States. Using an internet-based survey deployed nationally using a Qualtrics panel, data were collected from a sample of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic men aged 40 years and older with one or more self-reported chronic conditions (n = 2028). Chi-square tests and one-way ANOVAs were used to describe this national sample by race/ethnicity and age group (40–64 years and ≥65 years). Results suggest that most health-related factors differed more on age than by race/ethnicity. Younger age groups reported less preventive care, greater barriers to self-care, mental health issues, and risky behavior. Findings from this study provide insight into the health status and healthcare utilization of racial/ethnic men with one or more chronic conditions. Results may help inform prevention and treatment interventions for middle-aged and older men of color.
Sex-Specific Mortality from Asbestos-Related Diseases, Lung and Ovarian Cancer in Municipalities with High Asbestos Consumption, Brazil, 2000–2017
Authors: Saito Cézar Akiyoshi , Bussacos Marco Antonio , Salvi Leonardo , Mensi Carolina , Consonni Dario , Fernandes Fernando Timoteo , Campos Felipe , Cavalcante Franciana , Algranti Eduardo
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to compare the mortality rates for typical asbestos-related diseases (ARD-T: mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural plaques) and for lung and ovarian cancer in Brazilian municipalities where asbestos mines and asbestos-cement plants had been operating (areas with high asbestos consumption, H-ASB) compared with in other municipalities. The death records for adults aged 30+ years were retrieved from multiple health information systems. In the 2000–2017 time period, age-standardized mortality rates (standard: Brazil 2010) and standardized rate ratios (SRR; H-ASB vs. others) were estimated. The SRRs for ARD-T were 2.56 for men (257 deaths in H-ASB municipalities) and 1.19 for women (136 deaths). For lung cancer, the SRRs were 1.33 for men (32,604 deaths) and 1.19 for women (20,735 deaths). The SRR for ovarian cancer was 1.34 (8446 deaths). Except for ARD-T and lung cancer in women, the SRRs were higher in municipalities that began using asbestos before 1970 than in municipalities that began utilizing asbestos from 1970 onwards. In conclusion, the mortality rates for ARD-T, and lung and ovarian cancer in municipalities with a history of asbestos mining and asbestos-cement production exceed those of the whole country. Caution is needed when interpreting the results of this ecological study. Analytical studies are necessary to document the impact of asbestos exposure on health, particularly in the future given the long latency of asbestos-related cancers.