bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myofascial Release of the Hamstrings Improves Physical Performance—A Study of Young Adults
Authors: Itotani Keisuke , Kawahata Kanta , Takashima Wakana , Mita Wakana , Minematsu Hitomi , Fujita Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Physical performance is mainly assessed in terms of gait speed, chair rise capacity, and balance skills, and assessments are often carried out on the lower limbs. Such physical performance is largely influenced by the strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. Flexibility of the hamstrings is important because quadriceps muscle activity influences the hip flexion angle. Therefore, hamstring flexibility is essential to improve physical performance. In this study, Myofascial Release (MFR) was applied to the hamstrings to evaluate its effects. MFR on the hamstrings was performed on 17 young adults. Physical function and physical performance were measured before, immediately after, and 5 days after the MFR intervention: finger floor distance (FFD), range of motion (ROM) of the straight leg raising test (SLR), standing long jump (SLJ), squat jump (SJ), functional reach test (FRT), comfortable walking speeds (C-walking speed), and maximum walking speeds (M-walking speed). The results of the analysis show a significant increase in FFD (−2.6 ± 8.9 vs. 0.4 ± 9.4 vs. 2.4 ± 8.9, p < 0.01), SLJ (185.6 ± 44.5 vs. 185.0 ± 41.8 vs. 196.6 ± 40.1, p < 0.01), and M-walking speed (2.9 ± 0.6 vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). This study has shown that MFR for hamstrings not only improves flexibility but also increases M-walking speed and physical performance of the SLJ. As MFR is safe and does not involve joint movement, it may be useful for maintaining and improving performance and flexibility during inactivity and for stretching before exercise.
Antibacterial Treatment of Selected High-Touch Objects and Surfaces within Provision of Nursing Care in Terms of Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Authors: Krause Martin , Dolák František
Published: June 2021

Prevention of healthcare-associated infections is an important part of providing nursing care. High-touch objects and surfaces that can be contaminated with various bacteria are matters of concern. The possibility of reducing contamination is the use of antibacterial and hydrophobic nanolayers. The aim of this study was to determine, by means of an experimental method, the microbial efficacy of applied antibacterial and hydrophobic nanolayers on high-touch objects and surfaces used in nursing practice in a regional hospital in the Czech Republic. The results show that the antibacterial efficacy of the applied nanolayer was not demonstrated. Furthermore, the results show that selected objects and surfaces can always be contaminated by bacterial agents in about 1/3 of cases. It is mainly contamination with nonpathogenic bacteria; however, the presence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, has also been detected. The results of this study pinpoint the importance of following the basic rules for the use of decontaminated objects and surfaces used to provide healthcare.
Relationship between Psychological Distress and Prolonged Sedentary Bouts in the Elderly: Four Period Analysis
Authors: Owari Yutaka
Published: June 2021

Background: Too much sitting is associated with low mental health in elderly individuals. We clarified the relationship between psychological distress and the rate of prolonged sedentary bouts (PSBs) among the elderly over four periods. Methods: In a secondary analysis, a sample population of 68 adults aged 65 years or older in Japan was used. The following proxy variables were used: PSB (mental health) and the Kessler 6 scale; K6 scores (psychological distress). Results: Using the cross-lagged effects models, from “2016 K6” to “2017 PSB” (p = 0.004), from “2017 K6” to “2018 PSB” (p < 0.001), and from “2018 K6” to “2019 PSB” (p = 0.021) were all significant; however, the reverse were not all significant in one period. In four periods, from “2016 PSB” to “2019 K6” (p = 0.025) was significant; however, the reverse was not significant. Fit indices were obtained: χ2 = 7.641 (p = 0.182), goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.891, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.901, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.121 in structural equation modelling. Conclusions: Psychological distress may affect the rate of PSB after one year, and the rate of PSB may affect the rate of psychological distress after three years in elderly individuals.
Attitudes toward Menopause in HIV-Infected Cambodian Women
Authors: Thapa Roshna , Yang Youngran
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Attitudes toward menopause are believed to play a potential role in the experience of menopause, including its perceived severity. However, the studies available on the perspectives of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on menopause in Cambodia are very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes toward menopause of Cambodian women living with HIV. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 women using a questionnaire titled Attitude toward Menopause Scale and socio-demographics. (3) Results: The study analysis showed that the participants had slightly negative attitudes toward menopause with the mean attitude score of 86.81 ± 10.79 (Range 35–140). Postmenopausal women displayed more positive attitudes than premenopausal women. Older age, higher education, and a non-drinking habit were independently associated with a positive attitude toward menopause. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest the need for a multidisciplinary team of health care experts that would address the special needs of this population marked by the menopausal transition.
Protective Measures against COVID-19: Dental Practice and Infection Control
Authors: Induri Sri Nitya Reddy , Chun Yunah Caroline , Chun Joonmo Christopher , Fleisher Kenneth E. , Glickman Robert S. , Xu Fangxi , Ioannidou Efthimia , Li Xin , Saxena Deepak
Published: June 2021

The onset of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the worldwide healthcare sector, including dentistry. The highly infectious nature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus and risk of transmission through aerosol generating procedures has profoundly impacted the delivery of dental care services globally. As dental practices with renewed infection control strategies and preventive measures are re-opening in the “new normal” period, it is the responsibility of healthcare professionals to constantly analyze new data and limit the spread of COVID-19 in dental care settings. In the light of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 rapidly emerging in different geographic locations, there is an urgent need to comply more than ever with the rigorous public health measures to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this article is to provide dental clinicians with essential information regarding the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus and protective measures against COVID-19 transmission in dental facilities. We complied and provided guidance and standard protocols recommended by credible national and international organizations. This review will serve as an aid to navigating through this unprecedented time with ease. Here we reviewed the available literature recommended for the best current practices that must be taken for a dental office to function safely and successfully.
A Simple Bedside Exercise Method to Enhance Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Patients with Sarcopenia
Authors: Yun Jung Hae , Kim Du Hwan , Chang Min Cheol
Published: June 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is known to accelerate muscle loss in the elderly due to reduced physical performance, increasing the prevalence and severity of sarcopenia. This study was undertaken to determine whether simple bedside exercise training may facilitate muscle growth and strengthening in moderate-degree AD patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 26 prospectively recruited women admitted to a nursing hospital, who had moderate AD and sarcopenia. They were randomly and evenly divided into the control and exercise groups. For five sessions per week, those in the exercise group underwent 30 min of therapist-supervised exercise by simply kicking a balloon connected to the ceiling by a piece of string while lying on a bed. Additional exercise was encouraged, and isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were measured and calculated after 12 weeks. Results: Through simple exercise training for 12 weeks, MVCs for hip flexion and knee extension significantly increased in the exercise group. However, no significant differences in SMI were found between the two groups. Conclusions: We believe that our simple exercise method can be applied to patients with AD for maintaining and enhancing the strength of the muscles of the lower extremities.
Effect of Soybean and Soybean Koji on Obesity and Dyslipidemia in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet: A Comparative Study
Authors: Park Sihoon , Lee Jae-Joon , Shin Hye-Won , Jung Sunyoon , Ha Jung-Heun
Published: June 2021

Soybean koji refers to steamed soybeans inoculated with microbial species. Soybean fermentation improves the health benefits of soybeans. Obesity is a serious health concern owing to its increasing incidence rate and high association with other metabolic diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effects of soybean and soybean koji on high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. Five-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group) as follows: (1) regular diet (RD), (2) high-fat diet (HFD), (3) HFD + steamed soybean (HFD+SS), and (4) HFD + soybean koji (HFD+SK). SK contained more free amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids than SS. In a rat model of obesity, SK consumption significantly alleviated the increase in weight of white adipose tissue and mRNA expression of lipogenic genes, whereas SS consumption did not. Both SS and SK reduced serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. SS and SK also inhibited lipid accumulation in the liver and white adipose tissue and reduced adipocyte size. Although both SS and SK could alleviate HFD-induced dyslipidemia, SK has better anti-obesity effects than SS by regulating lipogenesis. Overall, SK is an excellent functional food that may prevent obesity.
Can Mandatory Disclosure Policies Promote Corporate Environmental Responsibility?—Quasi-Natural Experimental Research on China
Authors: Liu Yue , Failler Pierre , Chen Liming
Published: June 2021

Corporate environmental responsibility (CER) is an important component of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) report, and an important carrier for enterprises to disclose environmental protection information. Based on the corporate micro data, this paper evaluates the effect of a mandatory CSR disclosure policy on the fulfillment of corporate environmental responsibility by adopting the difference-in-differences model (DID) with the release of a mandatory disclosure policy of China in 2008 as a quasi-natural experiment. The study draws the following conclusions: First, a mandatory CSR disclosure policy can promote the fulfillment of CER. Second, after the implementation of a mandatory CSR disclosure policy, enterprises can improve their CER level through two channels: improving the quality of environmental management disclosure and increasing the number of patents. Third, the heterogeneity of the impacts of mandatory CSR disclosure on CER is reflected in three aspects: different CER levels, different corporate scales and a different property rights structure. In terms of the CER level, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the CER level and mandatory CSR disclosure effect. In terms of the corporate scale, mandatory disclosure of CSR plays a greater role in large-scale enterprises. In terms of the structure of property rights, mandatory CSR disclosure has a greater effect on non-state-owned enterprises.
Trends and Age-Period-Cohort Effects on the Prevalence, Incidence and Mortality of Hepatocellular Carcinoma from 2008 to 2017 in Tianjin, China
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Wu Jing , Chang Zheng
Published: June 2021

Objectives: China is the country most afflicted by hepatocellular carcinoma in the world. However, little is known about the epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in China. This study aimed to examine the trends of the prevalence, incidence, and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma in China, and to investigate the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on the epidemiological trend. Methods: The data were obtained from the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance claims database (2003–2017) in Tianjin, China, which covers 5.95 million individuals. The average annual percentage change of the prevalence, incidence, and mortality were accessed using joinpoint regression. Age-period-cohort models were produced to quantify the effects of age, period, and cohort. Results: The hepatocellular carcinoma prevalence rate increased by 5.13% annually from 20.12/100,000 in 2008 to 30.49/100,000 in 2017, and the incidence rate was almost unchanged, from 13.91/100,000 in 2008 to 14.09/100,000 in 2017, but mortality decreased by 1.80% annually from 8.18/100,000 in 2008 to 7.34/100,000 in 2017. The age-period-cohort analysis revealed that the prevalence rate was remarkably increased from age 25, peaked in age 60, and decreased at age 70 and over. In the period index, the prevalence rate increased gradually from 2008 to 2016, and decreased a little in 2017. In the cohort index, the prevalence rate decreased approximately linearly from the 1925 cohort to the 1990 cohort. The result for the incidence was similar to the prevalence. The mortality rate increased approximately linearly from age 45 to 85, decreased from the 1925 cohort to the 1990 cohort, but it changed a little with the change of period. Conclusions: The findings of this study could inform the necessity of conducting earlier screening for high-risk individuals and improving the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, which may also help to predict future changes in hepatocellular carcinoma epidemiology.
Urinary Phthalate Levels Associated with the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adults: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) 2012–2014
Authors: Yang Yun-Jung , Kim Taehyen , Hong Yeon-Pyo
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Recent experimental studies suggested that phthalates might induce NAFLD. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between phthalates metabolites and NAFLD in the human population. This cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey II (2012–2014) among Korean adults (n = 5800). NAFLD was diagnosed using the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) in the absence of other causes of chronic liver diseases. Among the participants (mean age 46 years, 47.5% male), the prevalence of NAFLD was associated with urinary levels of mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) compared to the reference group. In the multivariate model, the odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence interval (CI) for NAFLD were 1.33 (1.00–1.78) and 1.39 (1.00–1.92) in the 3rd and 4th quartile of MEHHP, respectively. Based on the study findings, high levels of urinary phthalates are associated with the prevalence of NAFLD in Korean adults. Further investigation is required to elucidate the causal relationship.
Alcohol Use and Sexual Violence among Nursing Students in Catalonia, Spain: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fuentes-Pumarola Concepció , Reyes-Amargant Zaira , Berenguer-Simon Alba , Ballester-Ferrando David , Burjalés-Martí Maria Dolors , Rigol-Cuadra Assumpta , Maestre-González Elena , Rascón-Hernán Carolina , Galbany-Estragués Paola , Rodríguez-Martín Dolors
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Sexual violence (SV) has become common in universities for reasons related to unwanted social/peer pressures regarding alcohol/drug use and sexual activities. Objectives: To identify perceptions of SV and alcohol use and estimate prevalence among nursing students in Catalonia, Spain. (2) Methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of nursing students attending public universities. (3) Results: We recruited 686 students (86.11% women), who reported as follows: 68.7% had consumed alcohol, 65.6% had been drunk at least once in the previous year, 62.65% had experienced blackouts and 25.55% had felt pressured to consume alcohol. Drunkenness and blackouts were related (p < 0.000). Of the 15.6% of respondents who had experienced SV, 47.7% experienced SV while under the influence of alcohol and were insufficiently alert to stop what was happening, while 3.06% reported rape. SV was more likely to be experienced by women (OR: 2.770; CI 95%: 1.229–6.242; p = 0.014), individuals reporting a drunk episode in the previous year (OR: 2.839; 95% CI: 1.551–5.197; p = 0.001) and individuals pressured to consume alcohol (OR: 2.091; 95% CI: 1.332–3.281; p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Nursing instructors need to raise student awareness of both the effects of alcohol use and SV, so as to equip these future health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with SV among young people.
Longitudinal Curricular Assessment of Knowledge and Awareness of Intimate Partner Violence among First-Year Dental Students
Authors: Buchanan Charles , Kingsley Karl , Everett Rhonda J.
Published: June 2021

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has previously been recognized as a major public health issue. Oral healthcare providers, such as dentists, are crucial to the screening and identifying of individuals experiencing IPV, since most injuries occur in the head and neck region. A lack of knowledge and awareness regarding teaching and learning about IPV in dental school curricula has been identified. Based upon the overall lack of knowledge, the objective of this study was to conduct a longitudinal assessment of knowledge, awareness, and beliefs regarding IPV among dental students in their first year of education. Methods: All students (n = 245) from three consecutive, first-year dental student cohorts (n = 81, n = 82, n = 82) were provided a brief and voluntary in-class survey in conjunction with an instructional workshop. The survey included questions designed to ascertain knowledge, awareness, and beliefs regarding IPV as a healthcare and dental issue before and after the instructional session. Differences in responses to the questions before and after the IPV educational workshop were measured using paired t-tests. Results: A total of n = 232 completed pre- and post-responses were received from all three first-year dental student cohorts (n = 76, n = 80, n = 76), representing an overall 94.6% response rate. Analysis of these data showed that the student population was predominantly male and white (non-minority), aged in their mid- to late twenties, with most students reporting no previous IPV education. The few students reporting previous IPV education were mainly younger (<25 years), which may represent more recent endeavors to increase awareness of IPV among students currently attending colleges and universities. Conclusions: The results of this study may suggest that information-specific seminars within the curriculum might be adequate to provide dental students with awareness and knowledge of IPV and specific information regarding local resources and referrals for any patients experiencing IPV.
Vibration Perception Threshold and Related Factors for Balance Assessment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jung Jisang , Kim Min-Gyu , Kang Youn-Joo , Min Kyungwan , Han Kyung-Ah , Choi Hyoseon
Published: June 2021

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). DPN causes a decrease in proprioception, which could reduce balance ability. We investigated the association of impaired vibration sense, based on vibration perception threshold (VPT), with assessments of balance and other factors affecting balance impairment and fear of falling in patients with type 2 DM. Sixty-three patients with DM aged >50 years were categorized as having normal vibration sense (NVS; n = 34) or impaired vibration sense (IVS; n = 29) according to a VPT value of 8.9 μm. The following parameters were evaluated for all patients: postural steadiness through the fall index using posturography, functional balance through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and fear of falling through the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). The IVS group showed a significantly greater balance impairment in fall index, BBS, and TUG, as well as greater fear of falling on the FES-I than the NVS group. The linear regression analysis showed that the fall index was associated only with the VPT, whereas BBS, TUG, and FES-I were associated with the VPT, age, and/or lower extremity muscle strength. VPT, age, and/or muscle strength were identified as predictors of balance and fear of falling in patients with type 2 DM. Therefore, along with age and lower extremity strength, the VPT can be useful for balance assessment in patients with type 2 DM.
Smoking from a Younger Age Is the Dominant Factor in the Incidence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Case-Control Study
Authors: Safitri Winda , Martini Santi , Artanti Kurnia Dwi , Li Chung-Yi
Published: June 2021

Background: Indonesia ranks 7th highest in the world for the number of deaths caused by tobacco use including those caused by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of initial smoking age and habit on the incidence of COPD. Methods: This research was a case-control study. The sampling in this research took a systematic random sampling method. The samples of this study were 56 respondents of a case group and 56 respondents of a control group. This study was conducted at Ngudi Waluyo Hospital, Wlingi, Blitar from October to November 2017. Results: The factors that influenced the incidence of COPD were being male (p = 0.00; OR = 6.333; 95%CI = 2.776–14.450), a smoker (p = 0.00050; OR = 5.1318; 95%CI = 1.9004–13.8958), initially smoking at <15 years old (p = 0.00; OR = 11,769; 95%CI = 4.086–33.903), initially getting into a smoking habit at the age of <15 years old (OR = 12; CI = 1346–106,950), initially getting into a smoking habit at the age of ≥15 years old (OR = 3647; CI = 1625–8183) and having smoked for ≥30 years (OR = 8857; CI = 3298–23,787). Conclusion: There are three factors of smoking behavior that influence COPD: smoking habit, initial smoking age and smoking duration. Of all factors, forming a smoking habit at the age of <15 years old has the biggest risk (OR = 12; CI = 1346–106,950).
The Impact of COVID-19 on Admissions and Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Episodes in the Emergency Department
Authors: Bilaszewski Łukasz , Timler Wojciech , Budrewicz Katarzyna , Marczak Michał , Kozłowski Remigiusz , Wizowska Joanna , Timler Małgorzata , Jagielski Dariusz , Dudek Michał , Rasmus Paweł , Zyśko Dorota , Timler Dariusz
Published: June 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of admissions to the emergency department (ED) due to a primary diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) has decreased when compared to pre-pandemic times. The principal aim of the study was to assess the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections and sinus rhythm restoration among patients who arrived at the ED with AF. Secondary aims included determining whether patients arriving at the ED principally due to AF delayed their presentations and whether the frequency of successful cardioversion for AF was decreased during the pandemic period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients admitted to two hospital EDs due to AF during July–December 2019 (pre-pandemic period) versus July–December 2020 (pandemic period) was performed. Results: During the study periods, 601 ED visits by 497 patients were made due to the primary diagnosis of AF. The patients were aged 71.2+/−13.5 years and 51.3% were male. The duration of an AF episode before the ED admission was 10 h (4.5–30 h) during the pandemic period vs. 5 h (3–24 h) during the non-pandemic period (p = 0.001). A shorter duration of the AF episode before ED admission was associated with the successful restoration of the sinus rhythm. During the pandemic period, among patients with short-lasting AF who were not treated with Phenazolinum, the restoration of the sinus rhythm was more frequent in the Copernicus Memorial Hospital than in the University Hospital (p = 0.026). A positive SARS-CoV-2 test was found in 5 (1%) patients, while 2 other patients (0.5%) had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 disease noted in their medical history. Conclusions: 1. The number of AF episodes treated in these two EDs was lower during the pandemic than non-pandemic period. 2. The patients with AF appeared at the ED later after AF onset in the pandemic period. 3. Successful cardioversion of atrial fibrillation was more frequent during the pre-pandemic period in one of the two hospitals. 4. A difference of approaches to the treatment of short-lasting AF episodes between EDs during the pandemic period may exist between these two EDs. 5. The patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic constituted a small percentage of the patients admitted to EDs due to an AF episode.
Evaluation of Clinical, Biochemical and Microbiological Markers Related to Dental Caries
Authors: Ferrer Maria D , Pérez Salvadora , Lopez Aránzazu López , Sanz José Luis , Melo Maria , Llena Carmen , Mira Alejandro
Published: June 2021

Our aim was to evaluate clinical, biochemical and microbiological markers related to dental caries in adults. A sample that consisted of 75 volunteers was utilized. The presence of caries and the presence of plaque and gingival indices were determined. Unstimulated salivary flow, pH, lactate, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus dentisani were measured in the participants’ plaque and saliva samples before and after rinsing with a sugar solution. Lactate in plaque was found to be significantly related to age, gender, tooth-brushing frequency, the presence of cavitated caries lesions and plaque and gingival indices (p < 0.05). The levels of S. dentisani in plaque increased significantly with tooth-brushing frequency (p = 0.03). Normalized plaque S. dentisani values and the percentage of S. dentisani were slightly higher in patients with basal lactic acid levels ≤ 50 mg/L. After rinsing with a sugary solution, the percentage of S. mutans levels in plaque were higher in patients with lactic acid levels > 350 mg/L (p = 0.03). Tooth-brushing frequency was the factor which was most associated with oral health. Women reflected better clinical and biochemical parameters than men. Low pH and high lactic acid levels tended to be associated with high caries rates. No association was found between bacteria levels and caries indices.
Acaricidal, Insecticidal, and Nematicidal Efficiency of Essential Oils Isolated from the Satureja Genus
Authors: Ebadollahi Asgar , Jalali Sendi Jalal , Ziaee Masumeh , Krutmuang Patcharin
Published: June 2021

The overuse of synthetic pesticides in plant protection strategies has resulted in numerous side effects, including environmental contamination, food staff residues, and a threat to non-target organisms. Several studies have been performed to assess the pesticidal effects of plant-derived essential oils and their components, as partially safe and effective agents, on economically important pests. The essential oils isolated from Satureja species are being used in medicinal, cosmetic, and food industries. Their great potential in pest management is promising, which is related to high amounts of terpenes presented in this genus. This review is focused on the acute and chronic acaricidal, insecticidal, and nematicidal effects of Satureja essential oil and their main components. The effects of eighteen Satureja species are documented, considering lethality, repellency, developmental inhibitory, and adverse effects on the feeding, life cycle, oviposition, and egg hatching. Further, the biochemical impairment, including impairments in esterases, acetylcholinesterase, and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases functions, are also considered. Finally, encapsulation and emulsification methods, based on controlled-release techniques, are suggested to overcome the low persistence and water solubility restrictions of these biopesticides. The present review offers Satureja essential oils and their major components as valuable alternatives to synthetic pesticides in the future of pest management.
Associations between Natural Resource Extraction and Incidence of Acute and Chronic Health Conditions: Evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Lyatuu Isaac , Loss Georg , Farnham Andrea , Lyatuu Goodluck W. , Fink Günther , Winkler Mirko S.
Published: June 2021

Natural resource extraction projects are often accompanied by complex environmental and social-ecological changes. In this paper, we evaluated the association between commodity extraction and the incidence of diseases. We retrieved council (district)-level outpatient data from all public and private health facilities from the District Health Information System (DHIS2). We combined this information with population data from the 2012 national population census and a geocoded list of resource extraction projects from the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST). We used Poisson regression with random effects and cluster-robust standard errors to estimate the district-level associations between the presence of three types of commodity extraction (metals, gemstone, and construction materials) and the total number of patients in each disease category in each year. Metal extraction was associated with reduced incidence of several diseases, including chronic diseases (IRR = 0.61, CI: 0.47–0.80), mental health disorders (IRR = 0.66, CI: 0.47–0.92), and undernutrition (IRR = 0.69, CI: 0.55–0.88). Extraction of construction materials was associated with an increased incidence of chronic diseases (IRR = 1.47, CI: 1.15–1.87). This study found that the presence of natural resources commodity extraction is significantly associated with changes in disease-specific patient volumes reported in Tanzania’s DHIS2. These associations differed substantially between commodities, with the most protective effects shown from metal extraction.
Association between Psychosocial Factors and Oral Symptoms among Residents in Fukushima after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Funakubo Narumi , Tsuboi Ayaka , Eguchi Eri , Hayashi Fumikazu , Maeda Masaharu , Yabe Hirooki , Yasumura Seiji , Kamiya Kenji , Takashiba Shogo , Ohira Tetsuya ,   Mental Health Group of the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Published: June 2021

Oral health is closely related to subjective general health and systemic diseases. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the factors related to oral symptoms and their worsening in relation to psychosocial factors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. In this study, 64,186 residents aged 15–101 years old, who experienced the earthquake on 11 March 2011, were surveyed regarding their oral symptoms; psychological factors, such as post-traumatic reactions and psychological distress; and social factors such as evacuation, work change, and loss of a close person; history of systemic diseases; and lifestyle. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were established for each factor associated with prevalent and exacerbated oral symptoms. The proportions of participants with prevalent and exacerbated oral symptoms were 10.3% and 1.6%, respectively. The multivariate odds ratios and 95% CI of psychosocial factors associated with exacerbated oral symptoms were as follows: post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, 2.24 (1.64–3.06); work changes, 1.88 (1.34–2.65); history of dyslipidemia, 1.74 (1.27–2.39); and subjective current poor health condition, 2.73 (2.00–3.75). Psychological factors, social factors, and physical factors were associated with both prevalent and exacerbated oral symptoms.
Education Technology in Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patano Assunta , Cirulli Nunzio , Beretta Matteo , Plantamura Paola , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Malcangi Giuseppina , Marinelli Grazia , Scarano Antonio , Lorusso Felice , Inchingolo Francesco , Dipalma Gianna
Published: June 2021

Over the last decade, medical education changed from traditional teaching methods to telematic and networking scholar and e-learning approach. The objective of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and teachers/student’s acceptability of e-learning applied to the field of orthodontics and paediatric dentistry. A database search of the literature was conducted on PubMed and Embase databases from January 2005 to May 2021. A total of 172 articles were identified by the electronic search, while a total of 32 papers were selected for qualitative analysis. Overall, 19 articles investigated the effectiveness of e-learning, and no difference of acceptability was reported between e-learning and traditional methods for a wide part of the articles selected. A total of 25 papers provided a satisfaction questionnaire for learners and all were positive in their attitude towards e-learning. The results showed that e-learning is an effective method of instruction, complementing the traditional teaching methods, and learners had a positive attitude and perception. The evidence of the present study reported a high level of acceptability and knowledge level of e-learning techniques, compared to frontal lecture methods, in the fields of orthodontics and paediatric dentistry.
Easier Said Than Done: Healthcare Professionals’ Barriers to the Provision of Patient-Centered Primary Care to Patients with Multimorbidity
Authors: Kuipers Sanne J. , Nieboer Anna P. , Cramm Jane M.
Published: June 2021

Patient-centered care (PCC) has the potential to entail tailored primary care delivery according to the needs of patients with multimorbidity (two or more co-existing chronic conditions). To make primary care for these patients more patient centered, insight on healthcare professionals’ perceived PCC implementation barriers is needed. In this study, healthcare professionals’ perceived barriers to primary PCC delivery to patients with multimorbidity were investigated using a constructivist qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with nine general and nurse practitioners from seven general practices in the Netherlands. Purposive sampling was used, and the interview content was analyzed to generate themes representing experienced barriers. Barriers were identified in all eight PCC dimensions (patient preferences, information and education, access to care, physical comfort, emotional support, family and friends, continuity and transition, and coordination of care). They include difficulties achieving mutual understanding between patients and healthcare professionals, professionals’ lack of training and education in new skills, data protection laws that impede adequate documentation and information sharing, time pressure, and conflicting financial incentives. These barriers pose true challenges to effective, sustainable PCC implementation at the patient, organizational, and national levels. Further improvement of primary care delivery to patients with multimorbidity is needed to overcome these barriers.
Healthcare Professionals Promotion of Physical Activity with Older Adults: A Survey of Knowledge and Routine Practice
Authors: Cunningham Conor , O’Sullivan Roger
Published: June 2021

Healthcare professionals have a key role in promoting physical activity, particularly among populations at greatest risk of poor health due to physical inactivity. This research aimed to develop our understanding of healthcare professionals knowledge, decision making and routine practice of physical activity promotion with older adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with practicing healthcare professionals in general practice, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing in Ireland and Northern Ireland. We received 347 eligible responses, with 70.3% of all respondents agreeing that discussing physical activity is their job and 30.0% agreeing that they have received suitable training to initiate conversations with patients about physical activity. Awareness of the content and objectives of national guidelines for physical activity varied considerably across the health professions surveyed. Less than a third of respondents had a clear plan on how to initiate discussions about physical activity in routine practice with older adults. Assessment of physical activity was not routine, neither was signposting to physical activity supports. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications, 81.6% of all respondents agreed that healthcare professionals can play an increased role in promoting physical activity to older adults as part of routine practice. Appropriate education, training and access to resources are essential for supporting healthcare professionals promotion of physical activity in routine practice. Effective physical activity promotion in healthcare settings has the potential for health benefits at a population level, particularly in older adult populations.
Using Bus Ticketing Big Data to Investigate the Behaviors of the Population Flow of Chinese Suburban Residents in the Post-COVID-19 Phase
Authors: Bai Yanbing , Sun Lu , Liu Haoyu , Xie Chao
Published: June 2021

Large-scale population movements can turn local diseases into widespread epidemics. Grasping the characteristic of the population flow in the context of the COVID-19 is of great significance for providing information to epidemiology and formulating scientific and reasonable prevention and control policies. Especially in the post-COVID-19 phase, it is essential to maintain the achievement of the fight against the epidemic. Previous research focuses on flight and railway passenger travel behavior and patterns, but China also has numerous suburban residents with a not-high economic level; investigating their travel behaviors is significant for national stability. However, estimating the impacts of the COVID-19 for suburban residents’ travel behaviors remains challenging because of lacking apposite data. Here we submit bus ticketing data including approximately 26,000,000 records from April 2020–August 2020 for 2705 stations. Our results indicate that Suburban residents in Chinese Southern regions are more likely to travel by bus, and travel frequency is higher. Associated with the economic level, we find that residents in the economically developed region more likely to travel or carry out various social activities. Considering from the perspective of the traveling crowd, we find that men and young people are easier to travel by bus; however, they are exactly the main workforce. The indication of our findings is that suburban residents’ travel behavior is affected profoundly by economy and consistent with the inherent behavior patterns before the COVID-19 outbreak. We use typical regions as verification and it is indeed the case.
Removal of Transition Metals from Contaminated Aquifers by PRB Technology: Performance Comparison among Reactive Materials
Authors: Mayacela-Rojas Celia Margarita , Molinari Antonio , Cortina José Luis , Gibert Oriol , Ayora Carlos , Tavolaro Adalgisa , Rivera-Velásquez María Fernanda , Fallico Carmine
Published: June 2021

The most common reactive material used for the construction of a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is zero valent iron (ZVI), however, its processing can generate corrosive effects that reduce the efficiency of the barrier. The present study makes a major contribution to understanding new reactive materials as natural and synthetic, easy to obtain, economical and environmentally friendly as possible substitutes for the traditional ZHV to be used as filters in the removal of three transition metals (Zn, Cu, Cd). To assess the ability to remove these pollutants, a series of batch and column tests were carried out at laboratory scale with these materials. Through BACH tests, four of seven substances with a removal percentage higher than 99% were prioritized (cabuya, natural clinoptilolite zeolites, sodium mordenite and mordenite). From this group of substances, column tests were performed where it is evidenced that cabuya fiber presents the lowest absorption time (≈189 h) while natural zeolite mordenite shows the highest time (≈833 h). The latter being the best option for the PRB design. The experimental values were also reproduced by the RETRASO code; through this program, the trend between the observed and simulated values with respect to the best reactive substance was corroborated.
COVID-19 Psychological Impact on Health Care Workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alamri Hasan S. , Mousa Wesam F. , Algarni Abdullah , Megahid Shehata F. , Al Bshabshe Ali , Alshehri Nada N. , Alsamghan Awad , Alsabaani Abdullah , Mirdad Rasha T. , Alshahrani Asrar M. , Gadah Alya A. , Alshehri Almah A.
Published: June 2021

Objective: Little is known about the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) among the health care workers in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 among the health care workers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May till mid-July among 389 health care workers from government and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a pre-structured online questionnaire that measured adverse psychological outcomes, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. The Pearson chi-square test was used to assess the distribution of depression and anxiety among health care workers. Results: A high level of anxiety was recorded among the health care workers, and 69.3% of health care workers below the age of 40 were found to have depression. There was a significant increase in depression among staff with chronic health problems (72.1% vs. 61.9%; p = 0.048). High anxiety levels were detected among young staff compared to others (68.7% vs. 43.8%; p = 0.001). Moreover, 82.1% of the female staff were anxious, as compared to 55.6% of the males (p = 0.001). Conclusions: We found increased prevalence of adverse psychological outcomes among the health care workers in Saudi Arabia during the outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, there is a need for proper screening and development of corresponding preventive measures to decrease the adverse psychological outcomes.
Resilience as a Protective Factor in Basic Military Training, a Longitudinal Study of the Swiss Armed Forces
Authors: Sefidan Sandra , Pramstaller Maria , La Marca Roberto , Wyss Thomas , Sadeghi-Bahmani Dena , Annen Hubert , Brand Serge
Published: June 2021

For recruits, basic military training (BMT) can be experienced as a stressful episode in which relevant protective factors such as resilience might be essential for successful completion of the training. The present study examined whether resilience would act as a protective factor during BMT in the Swiss Armed Forces. To this end, we conducted a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of resilience and psychological burden. At the beginning of the BMT and at week 11, 525 male recruits (mean age: 20.3 years) completed a series of questionnaires covering demographic information and assessing resilience, perceived stress and mental distress. In parallel, their superiors rated recruits’ military performance in week 13. Dropout rates were also registered. Cross-sectionally and longitudinally, higher resilience scores predicted lower scores for perceived stress, mental distress, and better military performance. Higher self-rated resilience was moderately associated with military performance, as rated by recruits’ superiors. Resilience scores, perceived stress and mental distress did not differ between those recruits continuing their BMT and dropouts. In support of our assumptions, resilience acted as a protective factor during Swiss Armed Forces BMT.
The Influence of Kinesio Tape and an Ankle Brace on the Lower Extremity Joint Motion in Fatigued, Unstable Ankles during a Lateral Drop Landing
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Lee Wan-Chin , Chen Jih-Ching , Chen Shing-Jye , Lin Cheng-Feng
Published: June 2021

Background: An unstable ankle along with plantar flexor muscle fatigue may exacerbate landing performance. External support may be an option to control the ankle motion and protect joints from injuries. Research goal: To investigate the immediate changes in the joint motion of a lower extremity under ankle plantar flexors fatigue conditions in athletes with unstable ankles using different external supports. Methods: A total of 44 participants were allocated to a control (Cn) group, an ankle brace (AB) group, and a kinesio tape (KT) group, and were asked to perform a lateral drop landing before and after a fatigue protocol. The outcome measures were fatigue-induced changes in the maximal joint angle and changes in the angle ranges of the hip, knee, and ankle. Results: Smaller changes in the maximal hip abduction were found in the AB group (p = 0.025), and the KT group exhibited smaller changes in the maximal ankle dorsiflexion (p = 0.009). The AB group landed with a smaller change in the range of hip flexion and knee flexion (p = 0.008 and 0.006). The Cn group had greater fatigue-induced changes in the COM range than AB and KT group (p = 0.002 and 0.028). Significance: Despite the beneficial effect in the postural control in the frontal plane, the use of AB might constrain the distal joint motion which might lead to an extended knee landing posture resulting in secondary injuries to the knee joint. Therefore, the use of AB in conjunction with an additional training of landing strategy might be recommended from the injury prevention perspective.
The Risk of Hospitalization in COVID-19 Patients Can Be Predicted by Lung Ultrasound in Primary Care
Authors: Martínez-Redondo Javier , Comas Carles , Pujol Salud Jesús , Crespo-Pons Montserrat , García-Serrano Cristina , Bravo Marta Ortega , Peruga Jose María Palacín
Published: June 2021

Background: The usefulness of Lung Ultrasound (LUS) for the diagnosis of interstitial syndrome caused by COVID-19 has been broadly described. The aim of this study was to evaluate if LUS may predict the complications (hospital admission) of COVID-19 pneumonia in primary care patients. Methods: This observational study collects data from a cohort of 279 patients with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 pneumonia who attended the Balaguer Primary Health Care Area between 16 March 2020 and 30 September 2020. We collected the results of LUS scans reported by one general practitioner. We created a database and analysed the absolute and relative frequencies of LUS findings and their association with hospital admission. We found that different LUS patterns (diffuse, attenuated diffuse, and predominantly unilateral) were risk factors for hospital admission (p < 0.05). Additionally, an evolutionary pattern during the acute phase represented a risk factor (p = 0.0019). On the contrary, a normal ultrasound pattern was a protective factor (p = 0.0037). Finally, the presence of focal interstitial pattern was not associated with hospital admission (p = 0.4918). Conclusion: The lung ultrasound was useful to predict complications in COVID-19 pneumonia and to diagnose other lung diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, chronic interstitial pneumopathy, pleuropericarditis, pneumonia or heart failure.