bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DDT Resistance in Anopheles pharoensis from Northern Cameroon Associated with High Cuticular Hydrocarbon Production
Authors: Kala-Chouakeu Nelly Armanda , Kopya Edmond , Balabanidou Vasileia , Djiappi Borel Tchamen , Papapostolou Kyriaki Maria , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe
Published: September 2022

Despite the contribution of secondary vectors to malaria transmission, there is still not enough information on their susceptibility status to insecticides. The present study assesses the resistance profile of Anopheles pharoensis to DDT. WHO tube tests were used to screen mosquito populations collected from the far-north region of Cameroon for susceptibility to 4% DDT. High DDT resistance in An. pharoensis populations from Maga, Simatou and Yangah with mortality rates ranging from 62.79% to 80% was recorded. Direct sequencing (Sanger) of the VGSC gene was undertaken to search for kdr L1014F/S mutations. However, no kdr allele was detected in the resistant samples. We then looked for cuticle alterations and CHC identification and quantitation were undertaken using GC-MS and GC-FID. High production of cuticular hydrocarbon was recorded in the populations of Yangah and Simatou, with 2420.9 ± 265 and 2372.5 ± 225 ng CHCs/mg dry weight, respectively. The present findings are the first ever describing the development of cuticle resistance in An. pharoensis. The data suggest the need to expand surveillance activities on other vector species.
Prognostic, Clinicopathological, and Function of Key Cuproptosis Regulator FDX1 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Song , Zhang He , Zhang Di , Hu Xiaopeng , Song Liming
Published: September 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histological subtype of renal cancer. Cuproptosis is suggested to be a novel therapy target for cancer treatment. However, the function of cuproptosis and its key regulator FDX1 in ccRCC remains unclear. In this study, we adequately explored the prognostic factors, clinicopathological characteristics, and function of FDX1 in ccRCC. We found that the expression of FDX1 was significantly downregulated in ccRCC samples. Patients with a higher FDX1 expression had a significantly better prognosis, including overall survival (OS) (Hazard ratio (HR): 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.82–3.53, p < 0.001), disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR: 3.04, 95% CI: 2.04–4.54, p < 0.001), and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.82–3.53, p < 0.001). FDX1 was a clinical predictor to stratify patients into the high or low risk of poor survival, independent of conventional clinical features, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.658, 0.677, and 0.656 for predicting the 5-year OS, DSS, and PFS. The nomogram model based on FDX1 had greater predictive power than other individual prognostic parameters. FDX1 mainly participated in the oxidative-related process and mitochondrial respiration-related processes but was not associated with immune infiltration levels. In conclusion, the cuproptosis key regulator FDX1 could serve as a potential novel prognostic biomarker for ccRCC patients.
Modelling the Impact of Temperature under Climate Change Scenarios on Native and Invasive Vascular Vegetation on the Antarctic Peninsula and Surrounding Islands
Authors: Penfound Elissa , Wellen Christopher , Vaz Eric
Published: September 2022

There are only two species of native vascular plants found on the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding islands, Deschampsia Antarctica, and Colobanthus quitensis. Poa annua, a successful invasive species, poses a threat to D. antarctica and C. quitensis. This region may experience extreme changes in biodiversity due to climate change over the next 100 years. This study explores the relationship between vascular vegetation and changing temperature on the Antarctic Peninsula and uses a systems modelling approach to account for three climate change scenarios over a 100-year period. The results of this study indicate that (1) D. antarctica, C. quitensis, and P. annua will likely be impacted by temperature increases, and greater temperature increases will facilitate more rapid species expansion, (2) in all scenarios D. antarctica species occurrences increase to higher values compared to C. quitensis and P. annua, suggesting that D. antarctica populations may be more successful at expanding into newly forming ice-free areas, (3) C. quitensis may be more vulnerable to the spread of P. annua than D. antarctica if less extreme warming occurs, and (4) C. quitensis relative growth rate is capable of reaching higher values than D. antarctica and P. annua, but only under extreme warming conditions.
Dental Pain in Care Homes: Is It a Phenomenon? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Schofield Pat , Thomas Nicole , McColl Ewen , Witton Robert
Published: September 2022

Background: Evidence suggests that 80% of residents living in nursing homes have moderate to severe pain, could dental causes be an under reported contributory factor. The evidence suggests that this is an under-researched area. Our project aims were to explore and consolidate the current literature and conduct some stakeholder groups with care home managers and dentists. Our stakeholder group will be reported elsewhere. Methods: We used the SPIDER framework to set out key search terms. Which included “dementia” OR “cognitively-impaired” OR “carehome residents” AND “dental pain” OR “oralfacial pain” OR “mouth pain” AND “pain assessment” OR “pain identification”. A literature search was carried out on 8 and 9 March 2022 in the electronic databases: Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, Dental & Oral Sciences Source, CINAHL, Global Health, SocINDEX, Ovid (Medline) and Scopus. Restrictions were placed on dates and language (2012–2022 and English only). Results: The search yielded 775 papers up to the year 2020. After screening and exclusion, we were left with five papers: four quantitative and one qualitative. Conclusions: This review demonstrates that there has been very little research into oral health and/or dental pain in adults with dementia. Furthermore, the recommendations have yet to be taken forward. Identifying pain in older adults with dementia remains challenging. There is a need to develop an algorithm in conjunction with care home staff and dental practitioners in order to identify and address the pain associated with dental disease in adults with dementia.
Onset of Ulcerative Colitis in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes: Efficacy of a Plant-Based Diet for Both Diseases
Authors: Chiba Mitsuro , Komatsu Masafumi , Hosoba Mihoko , Hatano Kouji , Takeda Masato
Published: September 2022

No case has been reported in which ulcerative colitis occurred in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the patient was treated with a plant-based diet. A 56-year-old man with a 3-year history of diabetes noticed bloody stool about 2 months after his worst glycated hemoglobin A1c test. Endoscopy revealed diffuse inflammation in the rectum. He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (proctitis, mild severity). He underwent educational hospitalization. A plant-based diet (1400 kcal/day) was provided. The same dosage of metformin was continued, but no medication was prescribed for ulcerative colitis. At the end of hospitalization, fecal occult blood 271 ng/mL became negative. Glycated hemoglobin A1c 6.9% had decreased to 6.6%. Two months after discharge, glycated hemoglobin A1c decreased to normal for the first time in 3.5 years. Ulcerative colitis had been in remission without medication for one and a half years after the educational hospitalization. Thereafter, however, he experienced two flareups. Deterioration in glycated hemoglobin A1c preceded the flareups. We described a scarcely reported case in which ulcerative colitis occurred in a patient with diabetes and the patient was treated with a plant-based diet. The plant-based diet was effective for both diseases. It seemed that the status of diabetes influenced the onset and relapse of ulcerative colitis.
Knowledge, Practice, Compliance, and Barriers toward Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Critical Care Nurses in Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review
Authors: AL-Mugheed Khaild , Bani-Issa Wegdan , Rababa Mohammad , Hayajneh Audai A. , Syouf Adi Al , Al-Bsheish Mohammad , Jarrar Mu’taman
Published: September 2022

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has been identified as a serious complication among hospitalized patients and is associated with prolonged hospitalizations and increased costs. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge, practices, compliance, and barriers related to ventilator-associated pneumonia among critical care nurses in the eastern Mediterranean region. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines guided this systematic review. Four electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were used to find studies that were published from 2000 to October 2021. Results: Knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia was the highest outcome measure used in 14 of the 23 studies. The review results confirmed that nurses demonstrated low levels of knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia, with 11 studies assessing critical care nurses’ compliance with and practice with respect to ventilator-associated pneumonia. Overall, the results showed that most sampled nurses had insufficient levels of compliance with and practices related to ventilator-associated pneumonia. The main barriers reported across the reviewed studies were a lack of education (N = 6), shortage of nursing staff (N = 5), lack of policies and protocols (N = 4), and lack of time (N = 4). Conclusions: The review confirmed the need for comprehensive interventions to improve critical care nurses’ knowledge, compliance, and practice toward ventilator-associated pneumonia. Nurse managers must address barriers that impact nurses’ levels of knowledge, compliance with, and practices related to ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Social Factors Contributing to Healthcare Service Requirements during the First COVID-19 Lockdown among Older Adults
Authors: Shaked Ohad , Korn Liat , Shapiro Yair , Zigdon Avi
Published: September 2022

This study examined social characteristics and their relations to healthcare service demand among older adults during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The sample was based on a cohort of 103,955 adults over the age of 65. A general index of needs was composed based on healthcare service use data and was predicted in a multi-nominal logistic regression. The frequency of the total needs significantly (p < 0.000) declined while supportive community services (4.9%, 2.0%), living in a community framework (27.0%, 15.2%), and living in a private residence (29.7%, 20.1%) were significantly associated (p < 0.000) with less frequent needs compared to the complementary groups. Supportive communities turned out to be an extremely important service for older adults. Policy makers should consider expanding supportive community services for older adults, as it was shown to have a positive correlation with lower healthcare service use, which might be an indicator of better overall health.
The Optimal Cut-Off Point for Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale and Probability Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Suspected Children
Authors: Tangviriyapaiboon Duangkamol , Kawilapat Suttipong , Sirithongthaworn Samai , Apikomonkon Hataichanok , Suyakong Chidawan , Srikummoon Pimwarat , Thumronglaohapun Salinee , Traisathit Patrinee
Published: September 2022

The Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale (TDAS) was developed to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under the context and characteristics of the Thai population. Although the tool has an excellent agreement, the interpretation of diagnostic results needs to rely on the optimal cut-off point to maximize efficiency and clarity. This study aims to find an optimal cut-off point for TDAS in the diagnosis of ASD and to compare its agreement with the DSM-5 ASD criteria. This study was conducted on 156 children aged 12–48 months old who were suspected of having ASD and had enrolled from hospitals in the four regions of Thailand in 2017–2018. The optimal cut-off point for TDAS was considered by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves according to the DSM-5 ASD criteria. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for TDAS and ADOS-2 were also compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to create a predictive model for the probability of ASD. The AUC of TDAS was significantly higher than that of ADOS-2 (0.8748 vs. 0.7993; p = 0.033). The optimal cut-off point for TDAS was ≥20 points (accuracy = 82.05%, sensitivity = 82.86%, and specificity = 80.93%). Our findings show that TDAS with a cut-off point can yield higher diagnostic accuracy than ADOS-2 and TDAS domain. Diagnosis by using this cut-off point could be useful in practical assessments.
Aroma Profiling Analysis of Peach Flowers Based on Electronic Nose Detection
Authors: Zhao Bintao , Sun Meng , Cai Zhixiang , Su Ziwen , Li Jiyao , Shen Zhijun , Ma Ruijuan , Yan Juan , Yu Mingliang
Published: September 2022

Aroma profiling peach flowers can improve the landscape and ecological value of the surrounding environment. In order to preliminarily explore and screen the flower aromas of peach germplasms, the floral aroma profiles of 50 peach germplasms were analyzed by electronic nose detection. The clustering results from ten sensors showed that it was possible to identify each peach blossom aroma type. ‘Gansutao2’ was separately classified as cluster I; ‘Yuntaishanshantao’, ‘Dazhuanggansutao’, and ‘Zhouxingshantao’ as cluster II; ‘Xinjiangpantao’ and ‘Xinjianghuangrou’ as cluster III; and the remaining germplasms as cluster IV. The flower aromas of clusters I, II, and III were different from that of cluster IV and were mainly highlighted by the significant differences in the response values of the three main sensors, which were W1S (methane), W1W (hydrogen sulfide), and W5S (nitrogen oxides). The principal component analysis and significance analysis of the sensor response values showed that ‘Hua3’, ‘Hongfenjiaren’, and ‘Yuntaishanshantao’ had special flower aromas. The response values of these three varieties produced by the W1S, W1W, and W5S sensors and two aromatic sensors, W2W (aromatic components and organic sulfides) and W3S (methane-aliph), were significantly different from most of the other germplasms. The ‘Yuntaishanshantao’ response values produced by the five sensors’ were low, which showed that it had a light aroma, while the ‘Hongfenjiaren’ and ‘Hua3’ values were high, which showed that they had strong aromas. The results from this study provided basic data that could be used to screen peach germplasms with obvious floral aromas, cultivate new varieties with strong aromas, and aid the development and utilization of peach floral aroma substances.
The Genes Associated with Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid Are Induced in Tropical Chili Pepper against Ralstonia solanacearum by Applying Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Ambarwati Erlina , Arwiyanto Triwidodo , Widada Jaka , Alam Taufan , Andika Ignatius , Taryono
Published: September 2022

Controlling soil-borne pathogens is a significant problem in agriculture. Arbuscular mycorrhizae have a potential role in controlling soil-borne pathogens by increasing plant phytohormone contents. However, the mechanism of resistance by mycorrhizae has not been fully elucidated, particularly against bacterial wilt disease in Solanaceae. This study examined the role of mycorrhizae in expressing genes involved in the signaling pathways mediated by jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) in tropical chili pepper against the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum. Seedlings from ten genotypes of chili pepper were inoculated with a consortium of five mycorrhizal species and/or inoculated with a mixture of nine isolates of R. solanacearum. The leaves of 10-week-old plants after the treatment were sampled for real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results showed that the mycorrhizae strengthened the immune system of tropical chili pepper by increasing the relative gene expression levels of JA and SA in genotypes with high and low responsiveness to the mycorrhizae. The relative gene expression level of JA was related to the percentage colonization of mycorrhizae and the resistance of the tropical chili pepper genotypes to R. solanacearum. The relative gene expression level of SA was associated with the resistance of tropical chili pepper to R. solanacearum.
Roles for Pathogen Interference in Influenza Vaccination, with Implications to Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) and Attribution of Influenza Deaths
Authors: Jones Rodney P. , Ponomarenko Andrey
Published: September 2022

Pathogen interference is the ability of one pathogen to alter the course and clinical outcomes of infection by another. With up to 3000 species of human pathogens the potential combinations are vast. These combinations operate within further immune complexity induced by infection with multiple persistent pathogens, and by the role which the human microbiome plays in maintaining health, immune function, and resistance to infection. All the above are further complicated by malnutrition in children and the elderly. Influenza vaccination offers a measure of protection for elderly individuals subsequently infected with influenza. However, all vaccines induce both specific and non-specific effects. The specific effects involve stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity, while the nonspecific effects are far more nuanced including changes in gene expression patterns and production of small RNAs which contribute to pathogen interference. Little is known about the outcomes of vaccinated elderly not subsequently infected with influenza but infected with multiple other non-influenza winter pathogens. In this review we propose that in certain years the specific antigen mix in the seasonal influenza vaccine inadvertently increases the risk of infection from other non-influenza pathogens. The possibility that vaccination could upset the pathogen balance, and that the timing of vaccination relative to the pathogen balance was critical to success, was proposed in 2010 but was seemingly ignored. Persons vaccinated early in the winter are more likely to experience higher pathogen interference. Implications to the estimation of vaccine effectiveness and influenza deaths are discussed.
Quality of Life in Obese Patients from a Multidisciplinary Bariatric Consultation: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing to a Non-Bariatric Population and to the General Population
Authors: Rego de Figueiredo Inês , Carvalho Vasques Miguel , Cunha Nelson , Martins Diana , Silva-Nunes José
Published: September 2022

Obesity is a chronic disease defined by a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2, which can result in a decrease in quality of life (QoL). Our study aim was to assess the QoL of an obese population of bariatric surgery (BS) candidates, and to compare it to both that of a non-bariatric obese population (C) and that of the general population. This was a cross-sectional study using: (1) the EQ-5D-3L instrument: comparing BS with the C population and with the Portuguese general population; and (2) the Bariatric Quality of Life (BQL) Index: comparing the two groups of obese patients. We included 228 BS and 68 C obese patients. BS patients had higher BMI (44 ± 6 kg/m2 vs. 41 ± 6.5 kg/m2; p < 0.001), higher waist circumference (130 ± 13 cm vs. 123 ± 17 cm; p = 0.03), and higher total body fat mass (49.9 ± 6.7% vs. 45 ± 6.7%; p < 0.001). QoL as evaluated by EQ-5D-3L was similar, but the BQL index showed lower QoL in BS patients (40.9 ± 8.9 vs. 44.2 ± 11.2; p = 0.01). Compared to the Portuguese general population, BS patients had lower QoL (VAS: 55 ± 19 vs. 74.9; p < 0.001; index: 0.33 ± 0.2 vs. 0.76; p < 0.001). Despite higher adiposity in the BS group, QoL was similar between the groups by EQ-5D-3L. Nevertheless, there was a decrease in the QoL for the BS patients as determined using the BQL, a tool with higher sensitivity to bariatric patients.
Dynamics of Major and Trace Elements in Water–Soil–Tree Interaction: Translocation in Pyrus malus in Chihuahua, Mexico Using ICP-OES and Its Health Risk Implications
Authors: Cervantes-Trejo Angélica , Leal Luz O.
Published: September 2022

The transference of metals from water irrigation and soil to plants is a possible pathway of contamination for the trophic chain. This research is focused on the distribution of 16 analytes in the water–soil–tree (Pyrus malus) interaction in an agricultural region in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico from August 2019 (first sampling) to August 2020 (second sampling). The apple variety under investigation was Golden Delicious; it was found that the trace elements of As (0.18–0.34 mg·kg−1) and Cd (0.11–0.14 mg·kg−1) in the apple were above the corresponding permissible limit, according to FAO/WHO, and Cr (0.08–0.86 mg·kg−1) was below the limit. Furthermore, the health risk implications were estimated by the Hazard Quotients (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). For carcinogenic risk, As, Cd, and Cr exceeded the risk limit (CR > 10−4). This investigation as well provides a link for similar research around the globe. Major and trace elements detection was performed with the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique, along with a prior homogenization of samples and microwave acid digestion. To obtain the statistical behavior, an analysis of variance and correlation was performed.
School Disengagement Predicts Accelerated Aging among Black American Youth: Mediation by Psychological Maladjustment and Moderation by Supportive Parenting
Authors: Ong Mei Ling , Klopack Eric T. , Carter Sierra , Simons Ronald L. , Beach Steven R. H.
Published: September 2022

Early experiences of school disengagement may serve as a warning sign for later young adult adjustment difficulties and eventually contribute to accelerated aging among Black American youth. At the same time, supportive parenting may play a protective role. Using longitudinal data from the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS), we examined psychological maladjustment (comprising depression, lack of self-regulation, and low self-esteem) as a mediator of the relationship between school disengagement and accelerated aging. We also examined the effect of supportive parenting in buffering the impact of school disengagement on adulthood outcomes by controlling for covariates. Hypotheses were examined in a sample of 386 (Mean age = 28.68; Females = 62.7%; Males = 37.3%) Black American youth who were followed into young adulthood. Path modeling was used to test hypothesized relationships. We found school disengagement, i.e., problems with school attendance, performance, and engagement, reported across ages 10–18, predicted psychological maladjustment, which, in turn, predicted accelerated aging at age 29. We also found a buffering effect for supportive parenting. No significant gender difference in the indirect effect or buffering effect was found. This study highlights the potential importance of greater attention to school disengagement to identify and potentially influence long-term health trajectories and adult outcomes for Black American youth.
Medication Non-Adherence in Rheumatology, Oncology and Cardiology: A Review of the Literature of Risk Factors and Potential Interventions
Authors: Gil-Guillen Vicente F. , Balsa Alejandro , Bernárdez Beatriz , Valdés y Llorca Carmen , Márquez-Contreras Emilio , de la Haba-Rodríguez Juan , Castellano Jose M. , Gómez-Martínez Jesús
Published: September 2022

Medication adherence is directly associated with health outcomes. Adherence has been reviewed extensively; however, most studies provide a narrow scope of the problem, covering a specific disease or treatment. This project’s objective was to identify risk factors for non-adherence in the fields of rheumatology, oncology, and cardiology as well as potential interventions to improve adherence and their association with the risk factors. The project was developed in three phases and carried out by a Steering Committee made up of experts from the fields of rheumatology, oncology, cardiology, general medicine, and hospital and community pharmacy. In phase 1, a bibliographic review was performed, and the articles/reviews were classified according to the authors’ level of confidence in the results and their clinical relevance. In phase 2, 20 risk factors for non-adherence were identified from these articles/reviews and agreed upon in Steering Committee meetings. In phase 3, potential interventions for improving adherence were also identified and agreed upon. The results obtained show that adherence is a dynamic concept that can change throughout the course of the disease, the treatments, and other factors. Educational interventions are the most studied ones and have the highest level of confidence in the authors’ opinion. Information and education are essential to improve adherence in all patients.
Preterm Birth and the Type of Birth and Their Impact on the Incidence of Overweight and Obesity in Children
Authors: Baran Joanna , Weres Aneta , Baran Rafał , Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Leszczak Justyna , Wyszyńska Justyna
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the type of birth and preterm birth on the risk of overweight and obesity in the children studied. The study involved 749 children of pre-school and school age, between 4 and 15 years of age. Information about the type of delivery and the potential preterm birth came from the child’s health book and the mother’s pregnancy card. The authors assessed the body height and body weight of each child. The analysis showed that on average every six children were born before due date (before the end of 37 weeks of gestation) and slightly more than 40% of the children were born by cesarean section (CS). A statistical analysis was performed, including descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation, and to evaluate the differences in the analyzed groups, nonparametric tests and chi-square independence tests were used: the Mann-Whitney test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test due to the lack of a normalized distribution. The incidence of overweight and obesity was higher in 7–11-year-old boys born with CS vs. vaginal birth (VD) (p = 0.026). There were no statistically significant differences between BMI centile value and preterm birth. Cesarean section birth significantly increases the percentage of boys with overweight and obesity in early school age and may be associated with higher percentile values of children with BMI in this age group.
Effects of the “FIFA11+ Kids” Program on Injury Prevention in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Jinfeng , Wang Yang , Chen Jianxin , Yang Jinqi , Li Na , Wang Chun , Liao Yuanpeng
Published: September 2022

FIFA11+ Kids is a warm-up program specially designed to prevent football injuries in children. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effects of FIFA11+ Kids on injury prevention in young football players. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from 1 January 2016 to 24 August 2022. The primary outcome was overall injuries, and the secondary outcomes were severe, ankle, knee, and lower extremity injuries. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for each outcome. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 230 articles were screened, 6 of which were finally included in the meta-analysis. Compared with normal warm-up training, FIFA11+ Kids significantly reduced overall injury risk (RR = 0.52 [95% CI, 0.44–0.62]; p < 0.00001), severe injury risk (RR = 0.33 [95% CI, 0.18–0.61]; p = 0.0004), lower extremity injury risk (RR = 0.51 [95% CI, 0.41–0.65]; p < 0.00001), knee injury risk (RR = 0.45 [95% CI, 0.29–0.72]; p = 0.0009), and ankle injury risk (RR = 0.56 [95% CI, 0.35–0.89]; p = 0.01) in young football players. FIFA11+ Kids was found to be an effective approach to decrease the injury risk among young football players, which is worth generalizing extensively.
Experiences of Using Misoprostol in the Management of Incomplete Abortions: A Voice of Healthcare Workers in Central Malawi
Authors: Chakhame Bertha Magreta , Darj Elisabeth , Mwapasa Mphatso , Kafulafula Ursula Kalimembe , Maluwa Alfred , Chiudzu Grace , Malata Address , Odland Jon Øyvind , Odland Maria Lisa
Published: September 2022

Complications after abortion are a major cause of maternal death. Incomplete abortions are common and require treatment with surgical or medical uterine evacuation. Even though misoprostol is a cheaper and safer option, it is rarely used in Malawi. To improve services, an intervention was performed to increase the use of misoprostol in post-abortion care. This study explored healthcare providers’ perceptions and experiences with misoprostol in the Malawian setting and their role in achieving effective implementation of the drug. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted in three hospitals in central Malawi. Focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare workers in centres where the training intervention was offered. Participants were purposefully sampled, and thematic analysis was done. Most of the healthcare workers were positive about the use of misoprostol, knew how to use it and were confident in doing so. The staff preferred misoprostol to surgical treatment because it was perceived safe, effective, easy to use, cost-effective, had few complications, decreased hospital congestion, reduced workload, and saved time. Additionally, misoprostol was administered by nurses/midwives, and not just physicians, thus enhancing task-shifting. The results showed acceptability of misoprostol in post-abortion care among healthcare workers in central Malawi, and further implementation of the drug is recommended.
Impact of an Intuitive Eating Intervention on Disordered Eating Risk Factors in Female-Identifying Undergraduates: A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial
Authors: Katcher Julia A. , Suminski Richard R. , Pacanowski Carly R.
Published: September 2022

Dietary restraint and low body appreciation are common among female-identifying undergraduates and are related to the development of disordered eating, which female-identifying undergraduates engage in throughout college. Training students in intuitive eating, an approach that promotes eating by internal cues, may be a way to ameliorate dietary restraint and low body appreciation, ultimately decreasing disordered eating. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a five-week intuitive eating intervention on dietary restraint, body appreciation, and intuitive eating in female-identifying undergraduates. A five-week intuitive eating intervention (NCT0394700) was facilitated by two Registered Dietitians. One treatment group (TG) (n = 7) and one waitlist control group (WLCG) (n = 7) participated in the trial. From baseline to post-intervention, there was a significant decrease in dietary restraint, t(12) = −2.88, p = 0.01, and a significant increase in intuitive eating, t(12) = 4.03, p = 0.002, in the TG compared to the WLCG. The intervention had replicable effects on all outcome variables. Measurements at the five-week follow-up suggested the impact was sustained. This study provides preliminary data suggesting an intuitive eating intervention may help improve disordered eating risk factors by decreasing dietary restraint and increasing intuitive eating in female-identifying undergraduates.
Enzyme Activities in Reduction of Heavy Metal Pollution from Alice Landfill Site in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Maphuhla Nontobeko Gloria , Lewu Francis Bayo , Oyedeji Opeoluwa Oyehan
Published: September 2022

Heavy metals are unbreakable, and most of them are poisonous to animals and people. Metals are particularly concerning among environmental contaminants since they are less apparent, have extensive effects on ecosystems, are poisonous, and bioaccumulate in ecosystems, biological tissues, and organs. Therefore, there is a need to use biological agents and phytoremediation processes such as enzymes because they have a high potential for effectively transforming and detoxifying polluting substances. They can convert pollutants at a detectable rate and are potentially suitable for restoring polluted environments. We investigated heavy metal concentrations in different soil samples collected in four sections in Alice and determined the enzyme activity levels present in the soil. The Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to check whether there was any relationship between heavy metal concentrations and enzyme activities in the soil. Samples were randomly collected in three weeks, and the microwave digestion method was used for sample treatment and preparation. Quantitation was achieved by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The enzyme assay through incubation method was implemented for discovering the four selected enzymes (urease, invertase, catalase, and phosphatase), and their activity levels were examined colorimetrically by colorimetry spectrophotometer. The ICP-MS results revealed 16 predominating elements, namely: Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sr, and Zn, and the presence of a non-mental, which is phosphorus (P), and a metalloid in the form of silicon (Si) in all soil samples. Significant differences in metal concentrations were observed among the collection sites. The Al, Fe, K, Mg, and Ca concentrations were above WHO’s permissible limits. While Ba, Mn, Na, and P were in moderate concentration, Cu, Cr, Co, Zn, Sr, and Ni were in small amounts recorded mostly below the permissible values from WHO. Four soil enzyme activities were determined successfully (urease, invertase, phosphatase, and catalase). A negative non-significant correlation existed between urease, invertase, phosphatase enzyme activity, and the concentration levels of all selected metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Cr, Sr, and Zn. In contrast, the content of catalase activity was associated non-significantly but positively with the range of selected heavy metals. This study suggests proper monitoring of residences’ areas, which can provide detailed information on the impact of high heavy metal content on people’s health. They are easily dispersed and can accumulate in large quantities in the soil. The necessary implementation of waste management programs will help the municipality adopt a strategy that will promote recycling programs and protect the residence health from this threat.
Making It Work: The Experiences of Delivering a Community Mental Health Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Burton Leanne , Wall Abbie , Perkins Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic forced rapid innovative change to healthcare delivery. Understanding the unique challenges faced by staff may contribute to different approaches when managing future pandemics. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 staff from a Community Mental Health Team in the North West of England, UK, three months after the first wave of the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to examine data reporting the challenges arising when working to deliver a service during the pandemic. Data is discussed under four headings; “senior trust managers trying to make it work”, “individuals making it work”, “making it work as a team”, and “making it work through working at home”. Clear communication was essential to ensure adherence to guidelines while providing safe care delivery. The initial response to the pandemic involved the imposition of boundaries on staff by senior leadership to ensure that vulnerable service users received a service while maintaining staff safety. The data raises questions about how boundaries were determined, the communication methods employed, and whether the same outcome could have been achieved through involving staff more in decision-making processes. Findings could be used to design interventions to support mental health staff working to deliver community services during future crises.
Maternal Experiences with Discussing Complementary Feeding in Primary Care
Authors: Bouchard Kelly Lynn , Grigsby-Toussaint Diana S. , Fox Katelyn , Amin Sarah , Vadiveloo Maya , Greaney Mary L. , Tovar Alison
Published: September 2022

Complementary feeding practices promote healthy eating habits and food preferences later in life. Little is known about how US pediatricians communicate infant feeding practices to caregivers or how caregivers respond to this information. The purpose of this study is to explore mothers’ experiences and perceptions of the complementary feeding recommendations they receive in primary care settings. English- and Spanish-speaking mothers of infants were recruited from Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children offices in Rhode Island, US, and snowball sampling. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to investigate mothers’ discussions with pediatricians about complementary feeding and their overall impressions of wellness visits. Thematic analysis was informed by the Fundamentals of Care theoretical framework. The mean age of the sample (n = 13) was 30.5 years and 62% self-identified as Latina. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (1) wellness visits are mostly positive experiences, (2) not all infant feeding recommendations are easy to follow, (3) alternative sources of infant feeding recommendations can be just as helpful, and (4) there is room for improvement at wellness visits. Improving the content, delivery, and cultural relevance of infant feeding recommendations in primary care settings with more specific and tailored information may promote adherence to evidence-based practices.
The Effects of Mind–Body Exercises on Chronic Spinal Pain Outcomes: A Synthesis Based on 72 Meta-Analyses
Authors: Martinez-Calderon Javier , de-la-Casa-Almeida Maria , Matias-Soto Javier
Published: September 2022

An umbrella review of systematic reviews with a meta-analysis was developed to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of qigong, tai chi, and yoga in chronic spinal pain outcomes. The CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Pain, psychological factors, and quality of life (QOL) were the outcomes of interest. The methodological quality of the reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool. The overlap was calculated using the corrected covered area. A total of 72 meta-analyses drawn from 20 systematic reviews were included and often were rated at a critically low quality. The effects of qigong on chronic low back and neck pain (CLBP and CNP, respectively) were inconsistent, although it improved the physical component of QOL after 12 weeks for CNP. Tai chi was superior to the controls in reducing CLBP; no reviews of interest were found on CNP. Yoga was superior to multiple controls in reducing CLBP, but no relevant effects on depression or QOL were found. QOL, anxiety, depression, and general mood improved with yoga for CNP. Inconsistencies arose related to yoga and CNP. Our findings mainly supported the potential effects of yoga and tai chi on pain-related outcomes, psychological factors, and QOL in populations with CLBP and NP. Clinical and methodological considerations were discussed.
How German and Italian Laypeople Reason about Distributive Shortages during COVID-19
Authors: Demel Ronja , Grassi Francesco , Rafiee Yasaman , Waldmann Michael R. , Schacht Annekathrin
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to investigate how moral reasoning is influenced by individuals’ exposure to a crisis and by personal, societal and temporal proximity. We examined how Italians and Germans judged different behaviors that arose because of the pandemic, which affected health and societal matters. (2) Methods: Over the course of four months and three assessment periods, we used an observational online survey to assess participants’ judgments regarding seven scenarios that addressed distributive shortages during the pandemic. (3) Results: Overall, there was no clear answering pattern across all scenarios. For a variation of triage and pandemic restrictions, most participants selected a mean value, which can be interpreted as deferring the choice. For the other scenarios, most participants used the extremes of the scale, thereby reflecting a clear opinion of the public regarding the moral issue. In addition, moral reasoning varied across the two countries, assessment periods, fear, and age. (4) Conclusions: By using scenarios that were taken from real-life experiences, the current study addresses criticism that moral research mostly relies on unrealistic scenarios that lack in external validity, plausibility, and proximity to everyday situations. In addition, it shows how lay people regard measures of public health and societal decision-making.
Ongoing Bidirectional Feedback between Planning and Assessment in Educational Contexts: A Narrative Review
Authors: Loureiro Manuel , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Ramos Ana , Coutinho Patrícia , Ribeiro João , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Mesquita Isabel , Afonso José
Published: September 2022

Quality in education is one of the 17 goals in the United Nations’ sustainable agenda for 2030, presupposing careful planning and assessment of learning. Traditional planning in sports education (either in training or school settings) largely adopts pre-determined learning sequences and temporal milestones that, in theory, enhance the learning process. However, learning is a context-dependent, non-linear process with considerable intra- and interindividual variability, whereby planning and assessment should also be non-linear. In this narrative review, the main findings suggest that the specific teaching or training contents and their relative (i.e., ordering or sequencing) and absolute timing (i.e., the specific time point where certain learning or adaptations are expected) should vary depending on the learners and the context. In a process-oriented perspective, this requires flexible planning and the establishment of ongoing bidirectional links between planning and assessment. In this framework, assessment should be a flexible, evolving, and daily pedagogical tool instead of a set of formal checkpoints. We further explored how planning and assessment could be linked to provide an ongoing feedback loop that respects the individuality of each learner and its context, and therefore hope this review helps bring about a change in current planning and assessment paradigms in sports education.
Impact of Mobile Phone Screen Exposure on Adolescents’ Cognitive Health
Authors: Poujol Monica Cristina , Pinar-Martí Ariadna , Persavento Cecilia , Delgado Anna , Lopez-Vicente Monica , Julvez Jordi
Published: September 2022

There is existing evidence on how excessive screen exposure can be detrimental to cognitive health, and in recent years there has been an increase in the usage of mobile phones by adolescents. We aimed to examine the association between mobile phone screen exposure and cognitive function among a young healthy population. We carried out a cross-sectional study conducted in 632 adolescents (13.89 ± 0.52 years old). Exposure data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, and cognitive outcomes were assessed by different computer-based neuropsychological tests. Compared to students in the lowest tertile (<9 min/day) of mobile phone screen exposure (MPSE), those in the medium tertile (9–20 min/day) showed significantly higher hit reaction time standard error (HRT-SE, higher inattentiveness) = (14.9 ms, 95% CI = 0.6; 29.3), as did as those in the highest tertile (>20 min/day) = (11.1 ms, 95% CI = 2.8; 25.0). When adjusting for confounders, the association held for the medium-MPSE tertile (17.6 ms, 95% CI = 3.4; 31.7). When further adjusting for intermediate factors, an increase in inattentiveness scores was also observed in both groups, with higher HRT-SE values for participants in the medium (15.8 ms, 95% CI = 1.4; 30.3) and highest MPSE tertiles (14.97 ms, 95% CI = 0.9; 29.1). There were no significant associations with fluid intelligence or working memory scores. Overall, our study shows that healthy teenagers reporting higher screen exposure may be affected in their attention performance. However, more studies are needed to determine the causality of these associations and to better shape the screen exposure recommended guidelines for brain health during adolescence.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda: A Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Odongkara Beatrice , Nankabirwa Victoria , Ndeezi Grace , Achora Vincentina , Arach Anna Agnes , Napyo Agnes , Musaba Milton , Mukunya David , Tumwine James K. , Thorkild Tylleskar
Published: September 2022

Background: Annually, an estimated 20 million (13%) low-birthweight (LBW) and 15 million (11.1%) preterm infants are born worldwide. A paucity of data and reliance on hospital-based studies from low-income countries make it difficult to quantify the true burden of LBW and PB, the leading cause of neonatal and under-five mortality. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for LBW and preterm birth in Lira district of Northern Uganda. Methods: This was a community-based cohort study, nested within a cluster-randomized trial, designed to study the effect of a combined intervention on facility-based births. In total, 1877 pregnant women were recruited into the trial and followed from 28 weeks of gestation until birth. Infants of 1556 of these women had their birthweight recorded and 1279 infants were assessed for preterm birth using a maturity rating, the New Ballard Scoring system. Low birthweight was defined as birthweight <2.5kg and preterm birth was defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation. The risk factors for low birthweight and preterm birth were analysed using a multivariable generalized estimation equation for the Poisson family. Results: The incidence of LBW was 121/1556 or 7.3% (95% Confidence interval (CI): 5.4–9.6%). The incidence of preterm births was 53/1279 or 5.0% (95% CI: 3.2–7.7%). Risk factors for LBW were maternal age ≥35 years (adjusted Risk Ratio or aRR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.4), history of a small newborn (aRR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.7), and maternal malaria in pregnancy (aRR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01–2.9). Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria, on the other hand, was associated with a reduced risk of LBW (aRR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8). Risk factors for preterm birth were maternal HIV infection (aRR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.3), while maternal education for ≥7 years was associated with a reduced risk of preterm birth (aRR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.98) in post-conflict northern Uganda. Conclusions: About 7.3% LBW and 5.0% PB infants were born in the community of post-conflict northern Uganda. Maternal malaria in pregnancy, history of small newborn and age ≥35 years increased the likelihood of LBW while IPT reduced it. Maternal HIV infection was associated with an increased risk of PB compared to HIV negative status. Maternal formal education of ≥7 years was associated with a reduced risk of PB compared to those with 0–6 years. Interventions to prevent LBW and PBs should include girl child education, and promote antenatal screening, prevention and treatment of malaria and HIV infections.