bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Polysaccharides/Aloe Vera–Based Hydrogels for Tumor Spheroid Formation
Authors: Preda Petruța , Enciu Ana-Maria , Tanase Cristiana , Dudau Maria , Albulescu Lucian , Maxim Monica-Elisabeta , Darie-Niță Raluca Nicoleta , Brincoveanu Oana , Avram Marioara
Published: January 2023

In vitro tumor spheroids have proven to be useful 3D tumor culture models for drug testing, and determining the molecular mechanism of tumor progression and cellular interactions. Therefore, there is a continuous search for their industrial scalability and routine preparation. Considering that hydrogels are promising systems that can favor the formation of tumor spheroids, our study aimed to investigate and develop less expensive and easy-to-use amorphous and crosslinked hydrogels, based on natural compounds such as sodium alginate (NaAlg), aloe vera (AV) gel powder, and chitosan (CS) for tumor spheroid formation. The ability of the developed hydrogels to be a potential spheroid-forming system was evaluated using MDA-MB-231 and U87MG cancer cells. Spheroid abilities were influenced by pH, viscosity, and crosslinking of the hydrogel. Addition of either AV or chitosan to sodium alginate increased the viscosity at pH 5, resulting in amorphous hydrogels with a strong gel texture, as shown by rheologic analysis. Only the chitosan-based gel allowed formation of spheroids at pH 5. Among the variants of AV-based amorphous hydrogels tested, only hydrogels at pH 12 and with low viscosity promoted the formation of spheroids. The crosslinked NaAlg/AV, NaAlg/AV/glucose, and NaAlg/CS hydrogel variants favored more efficient spheroid formation. Additional studies would be needed to use AV in other physical forms and other formulations of hydrogels, as the current study is an initiation, in evaluating the potential use of AV gel in tumor spheroid formation systems.
Oral Arginine Supplementation in Healthy Individuals Performing Regular Resistance Training
Authors: Busnatu Ștefan-Sebastian , Andronic Octavian , Pană Maria-Alexandra , Stoian Anca Pantea , Scafa-Udriște Alexandru , Păun Nicolae , Stanciu Silviu
Published: January 2023

Resistance exercise training is well documented as having cardiovascular benefits, but paradoxically, it seems to increase arterial stiffness, favoring the development of high blood pressure. The present study investigates the potential effects of oral supplementation with arginine in healthy individuals performing exercise resistance training. We studied 70 non-smoking male subjects between the ages of 30 and 45 with normal or mildly increased blood pressure on ambulatory monitoring (for 24 h) and normal blood samples and echocardiography, who performed regular resistance exercise training for at least five years with a minimum of three workouts per week. They were divided into two groups in a random manner: 35 males were placed in the arginine group (AG) that followed a 6-month supplementation of their regular diets with 5 g of oral arginine powder taken before their exercise workout, and the control (non-arginine) group (NAG) consisted of 35 males. All subjects underwent body composition analysis, 24 h blood pressure monitoring and pulse wave analysis at enrollment and at six months. After six months of supplementation, blood pressure values did not change in the NAG, while in the AG, we found a decrease of 5.6 mmHg (p < 0.05) in mean systolic blood pressure and a decrease of 4.5 mmHg (p < 0.05) in diastolic values. There was also a 0.62% increase in muscle mass in the AG vs. the NAG (p < 0.05), while the body fat decreased by 1% (p < 0.05 in AG vs. NAG). Overall, the AG gained twice the amount of muscle mass and lost twice as much body fat as the NAG. No effects on the mean weighted average heart rate were recorded in the subjects. The results suggest that oral supplementation with arginine can improve blood pressure and body composition, potentially counteracting the stress induced by resistance exercise training. Supplementation with arginine can be a suitable adjuvant for these health benefits in individuals undertaking regular resistance training.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Arabic Version of the Person-Centered Climate Questionnaire: Patient Version (PCQ-P)
Authors: Aljuaid Mohammed , Al-Sahli Bashayer , Edvardsson David , Al-Surimi Khaled
Published: January 2023

Background: Adopting a person-centered care approach has transformed different healthcare settings worldwide. However, this concept has gained little attention in many Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Arabic person-centered climate questionnaire—patient version, measuring to what extent the climate of health care settings is perceived as being person-centered. Method: This is a psychometric analysis study. The original validated version of the English Person-Centered Climate Questionnaire—Patient version (PCQ-P) was translated into Arabic and tested among a sample of hospital patients (n = 300) in Saudi Arabia using translation and back translation procedures. For psychometric evaluation, statistical analyses of validity and reliability were used, including exploratory factor analysis as well as conformity analysis. Results: The Arabic version of the person-centered climate questionnaire—patient version—showed good reliability as the Cronbach’s alpha value of the total of 17 items was 0.84, and the Cronbach’s alpha values of the three sub-scales (safety, everydayness, and hospitality) were 0.83, 0.56, and 0.68, respectively. Internal consistency results were high in terms cof orrelation coefficient for all 17 items. The exploratory factor analysis identified the three factors (safety, everydayness, and hospitality) responsible for 47.174% of the total variance. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the PCQ-P showed satisfactory reliability and validity for measuring patients’ perceptions of person-centeredness in Arab healthcare settings. This Arabic version will be accessible to those interested in generating and using empirical evidence to promote a patient-centered care approach in Arab healthcare settings. The results of this study can be used as a starting point for assessing and developing a person-centered care culture in Saudi hospitals and other Arab countries in the Middle East.
Fathers’ Educational Needs Assessment in Relation to Their Participation in Perinatal Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Palioura Zoi , Sarantaki Antigoni , Antoniou Evangelia , Iliadou Maria , Dagla Maria
Published: January 2023

Even though they are crucial for a positive pregnancy experience, many fathers may not be aware of the significance of their role in perinatal care. As it is important to identify the needs of the target population in the initial phases of a health plan in order to ensure success, the current systematic review is the first one to address the reported needs for men’s antenatal education. Methods: All studies written in English and published between 1997 and 2021 relevant to the theme were included in the review. The electronic databases of various mainstream journals were used to evaluate 87 studies. Results: In total, the validity of 17 studies was determined based on their compliance with the inclusion criteria. According to the review, men’s participation in antenatal education can significantly influence pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, couple’s relationship, and overall family functioning. Conclusion: Providing face-to-face antenatal education to men by doctors or midwives is emphasized as an important component of perinatal care preparation because it leads to positive outcomes.
Outcomes and Challenges in Noncommunicable Disease Care Provision in Health Facilities Supported by Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Nair Divya , Thekkur Pruthu , Fernando Manoj , Kumar Ajay M. V. , Satyanarayana Srinath , Chandraratne Nadeeka , Chandrasiri Amila , Attygalle Deepika Eranjanie , Higashi Hideki , Bandara Jayasundara , Berger Selma Dar , Harries Anthony D.
Published: January 2023

The Primary Healthcare System Strengthening Project in Sri Lanka focuses on improving noncommunicable disease (NCD) care provision at primary medical care institutions (PMCIs). We conducted an explanatory mixed-methods study to assess completeness of screening for NCD risk, linkage to care, and outcomes of diabetes/hypertension care at nine selected PMCIs, as well as to understand reasons for gaps. Against a screening coverage target of 50% among individuals aged ≥ 35 years, PMCIs achieved 23.3% (95% CI: 23.0–23.6%) because of a lack of perceived need for screening among the public and COVID-19-related service disruptions. Results of investigations and details of further referral were not documented in almost half of those screened. Post screening, 45% of those eligible for follow-up NCD care were registered at medical clinics. Lack of robust recording/tracking mechanisms and preference for private providers contributed to post-screening attrition. Follow-up biochemical investigations for monitoring complications were not conducted in more than 50% of diabetes/hypertension patients due to nonprescription of investigations by healthcare providers and poor uptake among patients because of nonavailability of investigations at PMCI, requiring them to avail services from the private sector, incurring out-of-pocket expenditure. Primary care strengthening needs to address these challenges to ensure successful integration of NCD care within PMCIs.
Assessing the Impact of the Urban Landscape on Extreme Rainfall Characteristics Triggering Flood Hazards
Authors: Umer Yakob , Jetten Victor , Ettema Janneke , Steeneveld Gert-Jan
Published: January 2023

This study configures the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the updated urban fraction for optimal rainfall simulation over Kampala, Uganda. The urban parameter values associated with urban fractions are adjusted based on literature reviews. An extreme rainfall event that triggered a flood hazard in Kampala on 25 June 2012 is used for the model simulation. Observed rainfall from two gauging stations and satellite rainfall from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) are used for model validation. We compared the simulation using the default urban fraction with the updated urban fraction focusing on extreme rainfall amount and spatial-temporal rainfall distribution. Results indicate that the simulated rainfall is overestimated compared to CHIRPS and underestimated when comparing gridcell values with gauging station records. However, the simulation with updated urban fraction shows relatively better results with a lower absolute relative error score than when using default simulation. Our findings indicated that the WRF model configuration with default urban fraction produces rainfall amount and its spatial distribution outside the city boundary. In contrast, the updated urban fraction has peak rainfall events within the urban catchment boundary, indicating that a proper Numerical Weather Prediction rainfall simulation must consider the urban morphological impact. The satellite-derived urban fraction represents a more realistic urban extent and intensity than the default urban fraction and, thus, produces more realistic rainfall characteristics over the city. The use of explicit urban fractions will be crucial for assessing the effects of spatial differences in the urban morphology within an urban fraction, which is vital for understanding the role of urban green areas on the local climate.
Personality Traits Associated with the Risk of Exercise Dependence in Ultraendurance Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Remilly Marion , Mauvieux Benoit , Drigny Joffrey
Published: January 2023

Exercise dependence (ED) is common in endurance athletes and can lead to physical and psychological distress with various health effects. We designed a prospective cross-sectional study to investigate the personality traits associated with ED among ultraendurance athletes. A total of 507 participants (41.6 (9.8) years, men: 73.7%) completed (1) a screening questionnaire about sociodemographic data, sporting habits, and healthcare data, (2) the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R, 21 items scored from 1 (never) to 6 (always), 7 subscales), (3) the Big Five Inventory (BFI), and (4) 2 items of the SCOFF (Sick-Control-One Stone-Fat-Food) questionnaire regarding possible eating disorders. Based on the EDS-R scores, 37 (7.3%) participants were at risk for ED (scores ≥ 5/6 on ≥3 subscales), 366 (72.2%) were nondependent but symptomatic (scores ≥ 3/6 on ≥3 subscales), and 104 (20.5%) were asymptomatic. Participants with ED had a greater training volume and a higher prevalence of possible eating disorders. A higher level of neuroticism was associated with increased EDS-R scores (r = 0.294; p < 0.001), with significantly higher scores in the ED group (F = 14.50, p < 0.001). The association between neuroticism and ED was not moderated by the presence of eating disorders. These findings will help to screen ultraendurance athletes at risk for ED and optimize their care.
Association between METS-IR and Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Elderly Subjects in China: A Large-Scale Population-Based Study
Authors: Cheng Hui , Yu Xiao , Li Yu-Ting , Jia Zhihui , Wang Jia-Ji , Xie Yao-Jie , Hernandez Jose , Wang Harry H. X. , Wu Hua-Feng
Published: January 2023

The metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) was recently proposed as a non-insulin-based, novel index for assessing insulin resistance (IR) in the Western population. However, evidence for the link between METS-IR and prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among the elderly Chinese population was still limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between METS-IR and prediabetes or T2DM based on large-scale, cross-sectional, routine physical examination data. In a total of 18,112 primary care service users, an increased METS-IR was independently associated with a higher prevalence of prediabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.457, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.343 to 1.581, p < 0.001) and T2DM (aOR = 1.804, 95%CI: 1.720 to 1.891, p < 0.001), respectively. The aOR for prediabetes in subjects with the highest quartile of METS-IR was 3.060-fold higher than that in those with the lowest quartile of METS-IR. The aOR for T2DM in subjects with the highest quartile of METS-IR was 6.226-fold higher than that in those with the lowest quartile of METS-IR. Consistent results were obtained in subgroup analyses. Our results suggested that METS-IR was significantly associated with both prediabetes and T2DM. The monitoring of METS-IR may add value to early identification of individuals at risk for glucose metabolism disorders in primary care.
Cross-Regional Cooperation and Counter-Market-Oriented Spatial Linkage: A Case Study of Collaborative Industrial Parks in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Wang Shaobo , Liu Junfeng , Xu Kunyao , Ji Meicheng , Yan Feifei
Published: January 2023

At present, collaborative industrial parks (CIPs) in the Yangtze River Delta Region (YRDR) have become an important spatial strategy for coordinating regional development. However, existing studies tend to focus on individualized micro-studies, ignoring the regional-scale production space reconstruction by the geographical expansion of CIPs. Based on this, this study takes the YRDR, where the development of CIPs is relatively mature, as an example and systematically analyzes their geographic expansion process and driving mechanism. The results found that CIPs in the YRDR have gone through three stages: the exploration period of CIP construction under the guidance of assistance policies; the blowout development period of CIPs under the demonstration effect; and the complete cluster formation period of CIPs. Regional central cities, such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and underdeveloped cities, such as Tongling and Xuancheng, are core nodes, with Shanghai–Nantong; Shanghai–Anqing; Nanjing–Huainan; Wuxi–Xuzhou; Suzhou–Suqian; and Jiaxing–Lishui being important elements in the flow channel. The CIP network is basically formed. During this period, the degree of all nodes increased to 134, the network connection rate increased to 2.26, and the network complexity was more significant. Furthermore, CIPs are essentially a form of capital re-territorialization and space restoration organized and coordinated by the government (provincial government or central government). In the meantime, the market and the social environment, such as residents’ living standards, urban development foundation, urban transportation, and urban investment, also have an important impact on the geographic expansion of CIPs. In the regression results, the coefficients of popu, finance, labor, and passenger are significantly negative, but the coefficients of wage, gdp, freight, and govrd are significantly positive.
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Altered the lncRNA Expression Profile in Human Lung Cells
Authors: Ma Ying , Shi Jiaqi , Zhang Yi , Chen Zhangjian , Jia Guang
Published: January 2023

Respiration is considered to be the main occupational or environmental exposure pathway of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), and the lung is considered to be the target organ of respiratory exposure; however, the mechanism of respiratory toxicity is not fully understood. In this study, the effect of TiO2 NPs on the expression profile of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) was investigated to understand their potential toxic mechanism. BEAS-2B cells were treated with 100 μg/mL TiO2 NPs for 48 h, then RNA sequencing was performed to screen the differential lncRNAs compared with the control group, and the enrichment pathways of the differentially expressed lncRNAs were further analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The results identified a total of 45,769 lncRNAs, and 277 different lncRNAs were screened. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the targeted mRNAs of these different lncRNAs were enriched in the pyrimidine metabolism pathway. This work demonstrates that TiO2 NPs could alter the lncRNA expression profile in BEAS-2B cells, and epigenetics may play a role in the mechanism of respiratory toxicity induced by TiO2 NPs.
A Study on Market Segmentation According to Wellness Tourism Motivation and Differences in Behavior between the Groups—Focusing on Satisfaction, Behavioral Intention, and Flow
Authors: Lee Jun , Kim Jeong-Joon
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to derive the visit motivations of wellness tourists and to derive strategies for the wellness tourism market through market segmentation based on visit motivations. First, this study derived seven motivators through a literature review with a discussion of experts: relaxation/healing/escape from everyday life, health improvement, novelty, luxury and prestige, self-examination/education, nature-friendly motivation, and social relations improvement. Then, in order to derive differentiated characteristics by motivation according to market segmentation, a difference analysis was conducted with the satisfaction, behavioral intention, and flow of wellness tourism participants. Data collection was carried out with the users of Chungcheongbuk-do wellness tourism products, and was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (South Korea) from 2 September to 4 December 2021. Through the analysis in this study, it was first found that the wellness tourism motivations of wellness tourists were divided into a total of six factors (relaxation/healing/health improvement, novelty, luxury and prestige, self-examination/education, nature-friendly motivations, and social relation improvement). Then, as for market segmentation according to the visit motivations of wellness tourists, it was found that the markets were divided into “novelty-seeking type, comprehensive motivation-seeking type, neutral wellness-seeking type, and exploratory wellness-seeking type.” Finally, it was determined that there were significant differences in satisfaction, behavioral intention, and flow among those types of wellness tourist groups, and the average levels of satisfaction, behavioral intention, and flow were commonly lower in the neutral wellness-seeking type than in the comprehensive motivation-seeking type and the exploratory wellness-seeking type. This study derived the necessity to conceive differentiated strategies for the wellness tourism motivation group with the development of a wellness tourism motivation scale and a market segmentation study, and provided practical implications according to the characteristics of individual groups.
Implementation of Lean Management Tools Using an Example of Analysis of Prolonged Stays of Patients in a Multi-Specialist Hospital in Poland
Authors: Zdęba-Mozoła Agnieszka , Kozłowski Remigiusz , Rybarczyk-Szwajkowska Anna , Czapla Tomasz , Marczak Michał
Published: January 2023

Healthcare institutions in Poland constantly encounter challenges related both to the quality of provided services and to the pressures associated with treatment effectiveness and economic efficiency. The implemented solutions have a goal of improving the service quality of lowering the continuously increasing operational costs. The aim of this paper is to present the application of Lean Management (LM) tools in a Polish hospital, which allowed for the identification of prolonged stays as one of the main issues affecting the service costs and the deteriorating financial results of the hospital. The study was conducted in the neurology department and involved an analysis of data for the whole of 2019 and the first half of 2022. In addition, surveys were conducted among the medical staff to help identify the main causes of prolonged stays. Methods of data analysis and feasible solutions were developed in order to improve the economic efficiency of the unit. The analysis shows that the application of LM tools may contribute to improvement in the functioning of hospitals and that further studies should focus on the development of the method to evaluate efficiency of the implemented solutions intended at shortening the hospital stays of the patients.
Pain Severity and Smoking Abstinence Expectancies among Latinx Individuals Who Smoke Cigarettes: The Moderating Role of Perceived Discrimination
Authors: Redmond Brooke Y. , Salwa Aniqua , Smit Tanya , Ditre Joseph W. , Garey Lorra , Zvolensky Michael J.
Published: January 2023

Latinx individuals experience significant health disparities related to smoking cessation in the United States (US). Although past works have consistently implicated pain in the maintenance of smoking behavior, limited research has examined the role of social determinants (e.g., perceived discrimination) in pain–smoking relations. The current study sought to examine the moderating role of perceived discrimination in the relation between pain severity and smoking abstinence expectancies (i.e., a cognitive factor related to poor smoking outcomes) among 226 Latinx individuals who currently smoke cigarettes (Mage = 34.95 years; SD = 8.62; 38.5% female). The results indicated a statistically significant interaction between pain severity and perceived discrimination with regard to smoking abstinence expectancies (i.e., negative mood, somatic symptoms, harmful consequences, and positive consequences). Post-hoc analyses revealed the association of pain severity and negative mood, harmful consequences, and positive consequences smoking abstinence expectancies evident for individuals with higher perceived discrimination. Moreover, the association between pain severity and somatic symptoms smoking abstinence expectancies was stronger for individuals with higher perceived discrimination. Overall, these results suggest that clinical and community-based public health strategies may benefit from addressing the role of perceived discrimination among Latinx individuals who smoke cigarettes in the context of pain.
The Global Pandemic as a Life-Changer? Medical, Psychological, or Self Help during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Representative Study
Authors: Sobierajski Tomasz , Surma Stanisław , Romańczyk Monika , Krzystanek Marek
Published: January 2023

The survey was conducted on a representative adult sample of Poles one year after the announcement of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The survey aimed to determine how the public in different social groups and age categories assessed the impact of the pandemic on their personal and professional lives, and where and to what extent respondents sought psychological and medical help to cope with the effects caused by the pandemic. The survey was conducted using the CAWI technique based on a questionnaire designed by an interdisciplinary team of experts. The study indicated that 61.9% of respondents declared that the COVID-19 pandemic did not bring any good, and had rather adverse effects on their lives, and 57.7% of respondents declared that the pandemic had not affected their professional lives. Nearly half of the respondents (45.0%) declared that although the pandemic forced them to change their personal lives, it did not work out for them. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, every eighth respondent (12.3%) contacted a mental health specialist—a psychologist, or psychiatrist. Young people most often use psychological and medical help. Due to its representative nature, the survey can be used for in-depth qualitative analyses of the impact of the pandemic on people’s mental health.
Neighbourhood Ethnic Density, Local Language Skills, and Loneliness among Older Migrants—A Population-Based Study on Russian Speakers in Finland
Authors: Kemppainen Laura , Kemppainen Teemu , Fokkema Tineke , Wrede Sirpa , Kouvonen Anne
Published: January 2023

So far, little attention has been paid to contextual factors shaping loneliness and their interaction with individual characteristics. Moreover, the few existing studies have not included older migrants, identified as a group who are vulnerable to loneliness. This study examined the association between neighbourhood ethnic density (the proportion of own-group residents and the proportion of other ethnic residents in an area) and loneliness among older migrants. Furthermore, we investigated whether local language skills moderated this association. A population-based representative survey (The CHARM study, n = 1082, 57% men, mean age 63.2 years) and postal code area statistics were used to study Russian-speaking migrants aged 50 or older in Finland. The study design and data are hierarchical, with individuals nested in postcode areas. We accounted for this by estimating corresponding mixed models. We used a linear outcome specification and conducted logistic and ordinal robustness checks. After controlling for covariates, we found that ethnic density variables (measured as the proportion of Russian speakers and the proportion of other foreign speakers) were not associated with loneliness. Our interaction results showed that increased own-group ethnic density was associated with a higher level of loneliness among those with good local language skills but not among those with weaker skills. Good local language skills may indicate a stronger orientation towards the mainstream destination society and living in a neighbourhood with a higher concentration of own-language speakers may feel alienating for those who wish to be more included in mainstream society.
A Cross Sectional Study to Identify Traumatic Stress, Medical Phobia and Non-Adherence to Medical Care among Very Young Pediatric Patients
Authors: Ben-Ari Amichai , Sela Yaron , Ben-David Shiri , Ankri Yael L. E. , Benarroch Fortu , Aloni Roy
Published: January 2023

After a traumatic medical event, such as surgery or hospitalization, a child may develop a phobia of medical care, sometimes preventing future medical adherence and impairing recovery. This study examined the correlation of Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS) on the development of Medical Phobia (MP) and subsequent treatment adherence. We enrolled 152 parents of children aged 1–6 hospitalized in a surgical ward. During hospitalization, parents completed questionnaires that identified post-traumatic stress symptoms. Four months post hospitalization, parents completed questionnaires on post-traumatic stress, medical phobia, psychosocial variables and medical adherence. We found a positive correlation between PMTS and MP and low adherence to medical treatment. In addition, MP mediated the relationship between PMTS severity and adherence, indicating that PMTS severity is associated with stronger medical phobia, and lower pediatric adherence to medical treatment. Our findings suggest that medical phobia serves as an essential component of PMTS. It is important to add medical phobia to medical stress syndrome definition. In addition, as MP and PMTS are involved in the rehabilitation and recovery process and subsequent success, it is an important aspect of treatment adherence.
Port Workers’ Use of Medical Services in a Maritime Container Terminal in Costa Rica
Authors: Martínez Alejandro , Jensen Olaf C.
Published: January 2023

Supervised by three or four medical doctors and one nurse in rotating shifts, the medical clinic in Costa Rica’s Moín Container Terminal is open 24/7 for visits from port workers. In our study, we aimed to identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of a consecutive series of patients who attended the medical clinic for outpatient services during an 8-month period. Our descriptive study involved collecting patient records from the medical clinic during the first 8 months of 2021 (i.e., 1 January–31 August 2021), during which 3050 visits from 1301 port workers were registered. Terminal tractor drivers, crane operators, and stevedores were the most frequent job categories among the patients. Doping (i.e., ICD-10 Z03.6) was observed in 64% of the visits. The top ICD-10 codes among all other patients not observed to have engaged in doping (n = 469) were diseases of the musculoskeletal system (7.2%) and abnormal clinical and laboratory symptoms (6.2%). Problems with the musculoskeletal system were primarily back pain (36.0%), muscle contracture (30.1%), and secondary headache (25.2%). Two-thirds of the visits were due to screening for alcohol and drugs or doping; however, inconsistency in the coding system complicates the analysis of data, and a dropdown menu in the registration is therefore needed to prevent errors. Relative risk calculations are impossible due to a lack of data about the at-risk population but should be pursued under different circumstances in future studies. In the support chain of goods, the medical clinic in the port plays a key role in saving time in shipping, which means that the injured or sick employees in most cases can continue working. For the shipping industry, quick un- and offloading is very important to stay competitive in the market for transport.
The Search for Suitable Habitats for Endangered Species at Their Historical Sites—Conditions for the Success of Salix lapponum and Salix myrtilloides Reintroduction
Authors: Arciszewski Michał , Pogorzelec Magdalena , Bronowicka-Mielniczuk Urszula , Niedźwiecki Michał , Parzymies Marzena , Serafin Artur
Published: January 2023

Restoring endangered plant species to their historical sites is not always possible due to constantly changing habitat conditions. The aim of this study was to test the effects of reintroduction of two relict willow species in eastern Poland. The experiment consisted of planting 48 individuals of Salix lapponum and S. myrtilloides, obtained by micropropagation, at each of the two selected sites and observing their survival after one year. At the same time, selected physicochemical and biocenotic factors of the environment were monitored. About 70% of S. lapponum individuals and 50% of S. myrtilloides plants survived the one-year period. This result can be considered satisfactory and confirms the effectiveness of this means of active protection. The results of measurements of selected abiotic factors of the environment and the observations and ecological analysis of the flora indicated that the habitat conditions of both historical sites have changed, resulting in accelerated succession of vegetation. However, complete habitat degradation did not occur, although the development of a multi-story structure of one of the phytocenoses intensified competition for light and other environmental resources, which narrowed the potential ecological niche of the reintroduced species.
Comment on Naranjo-Bonilla et al. Retinal and Choroidal Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as Treatment for Sleep Apnea: Results at 12 Months. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 12637
Authors: La Marca Aniello , Biondino Danilo , Gioia Marco
Published: January 2023

We read with great interest the article by Naranjo-Bonilla et al. concerning changes in retinal and choroidal thickness (ChT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who underwent continuous positive airway pressure treatment (CPAP) [...]
Characterization of Injuries Suffered by Mounted and Non-Mounted Police Officers
Authors: Orr Robin , Canetti Elisa F. D. , Pope Rodney , Lockie Robert G. , Dawes J. Jay , Schram Ben
Published: January 2023

Mounted police officers are subject to unique occupational tasks which may lead to unique injuries. This study’s aim was to describe policing injuries suffered by mounted police officers contextualized through comparison to non-mounted officers. Injury data from 01 July 2014 to 30 June 2020 were provided from a state policing agency’s incident reporting database. The data reported the numbers and rates of injuries and classified the injuries by gender, cause, mechanism, nature, and hours worked. Of the 35,406 reported injuries, 35,255 (99.6%) injuries were reported by non-mounted police officers. An annual incidence rate of 338–364 and 626–952 injuries per 1000 personnel were reported in non-mounted and mounted police, respectively. For mounted police, the leading causes of injuries were slips, trips, and falls (23.8%), followed by repetitive tasks and movements (9.9%). Physical assault was the leading cause of injury for non-mounted police officers (21.3%), followed by slips, trips, and falls (16.0%). In mounted police, falls from heights (15.9%) and repetitive tasks and movements (10.6%) comprised the most frequently specified mechanisms of injury, as compared to physical assault (21.0%) and physical exercise (5.2%) in non-mounted police. The most common activities being performed at the time of injury for mounted police were animal handling (64.9%) as opposed to arresting an offender (31.2%) for non-mounted police. Sprains and strains and bruises and swelling were the leading natures of injuries among both mounted (44.4% and 29.1%, respectively) and non-mounted (36.6% and 21.2%, respectively) officers. The leading body sites of injury in mounted officers were the lower back (13.9%) and neck and shoulders (7.3% each), and for non-mounted police, the knee (13.9%), lower back (10.0%), and hand (8.2%) were the most common. Mounted police officers sustained injuries through different activities, causes, and mechanisms and to different body sites at 2–3 times higher incidence rates. Mounted police officers warrant specifically tailored injury mitigation and return-to-work strategies.
Parental Perception of the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: da Silva Anna Cecília Farias , Barbosa Taís de Souza , Gavião Maria Beatriz Duarte
Published: January 2023

This study evaluated the parental perception of the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their family functioning. Moreover, sociodemographic factors associated with parental ratings of OHRQoL were assessed. A hundred parents/guardians of children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 years with ASD (ASD group) and 101 unaffected children and adolescents (UCA group) participated. Data collection was carried out using a Google form, containing three sections: (1st) Socioeconomic data and health history; (2nd) Oral health assessment by parental report; (3rd) The short forms of the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (16-P-CPQ) and the Family Impact Scale (4-FIS). The scores of 16-P-CPQ total and subscales and 4-FIS were significantly higher for the ASD group (p < 0.02), except for the oral symptoms subscale (p > 0.05). Older ages (OR = 1.24), brushing 0/1x day (OR = 2.21), teeth grinding (OR = 2.20), gingival bleeding (OR = 3.34), parents with an elementary school degree (OR = 0.314) and family incomes less or equal to the minimum wage (OR = 3.049) were associated with a worse OHRQoL. Parents in the ASD group had a worse perception of QHRQoL when compared to the UCA group. ‘Frequency of tooth brushing’, ‘gingival bleeding’, and ‘teeth grinding’ were predictors of the worst parental perception of their children’s OHRQoL. Families with low socioeconomic conditions were more strongly affected by the oral conditions of their children.
Association of Hallux Valgus with Degenerative Spinal Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Hsu Ta-Li , Lee Yung-Heng , Wang Yu-Hsun , Chang Renin , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: January 2023

Background: Although hallux valgus is known to cause lower-back pain, the association between hallux valgus and spinal degenerative disease remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015 using data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. After propensity score matching for age, sex, and some potential comorbidities, 1000 individuals newly diagnosed with hallux valgus were enrolled in the study group, while 1000 individuals never diagnosed with hallux valgus served as the control group. Both groups were followed up until 2015 to evaluate the incidence of hallux valgus. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the cumulative incidence of hallux valgus, while the Cox proportional hazard model was adopted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The incidence densities of spinal degeneration in the hallux valgus and non-hallux valgus groups were 73.10 and 42.63 per 1000 person-years, respectively. An increased risk of spinal degenerative changes was associated with hallux valgus (adjusted HR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.50–2.05). Age- and sex-stratified analyses showed a significantly higher risk of spinal degeneration in the hallux valgus group. Moreover, sub-outcome evaluations revealed significantly higher risks of spondylosis (aHR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.55–2.61), intervertebral disorder (aHR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.62–3.17), and spinal stenosis (aHR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.47–1.76). There was also an increased risk of spinal degenerative change in those with hallux valgus without surgical intervention (aHR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.66–2.99, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hallux valgus was associated with increased risk of degenerative spinal changes and other spinal disorders.
Effect of Resistance Exercise Order on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tomeleri Crisieli M. , Cunha Paolo M. , Dib Márcia M. , Schiavoni Durcelina , Kassiano Witalo , Costa Bruna , Teixeira Denilson C. , Deminice Rafael , Rodrigues Ricardo José , Venturini Danielle , Barbosa Décio S. , Cavaglieri Cláudia R. , Sardinha Luís B. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: January 2023

We compared the effects of two specific resistance training (RT) exercise orders on cardiovascular risk factors. Forty-four untrained older women (>60 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: control (CON, n = 15), multi-joint to single-joint (MJ-SJ, n = 14), and single-joint to multi-joint (SJ-MJ, n = 15) exercise orders. Training groups performed a whole-body RT program (eight exercises, 3 × 10–15 repetitions for each exercise) over 12 weeks in 3 days/week. Body fat, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, VLDL-c, glucose, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, total radical-trapping antioxidant (TRAP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ferrous oxidation-xylenol (FOX), and nitric oxide concentrations (NOx) were determined pre- and post-intervention. Significant interaction group × time (p < 0.05) revealed reducing fat mass and trunk fat and improvements in glucose, LDL-c, IL-10, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, FOX, and AOPP concentrations in both training groups, without differences between them (p > 0.05). The results suggest that 12 weeks of RT, regardless of exercise order, elicit positive adaptations on body fat and metabolic biomarkers similarly in older women.
Statistically Validated Urban Heat Island Risk Indicators for UHI Susceptibility Assessment
Authors: Thanvisitthpon Nawhath
Published: January 2023

This research proposes a collection of urban heat island (UHI) risk indicators under four UHI risk components: hazard, exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. There are 46 UHI risk indicators linked to three pillars of sustainability: social equity, economic viability, and environmental protection. In this study, the UHI risk indicators were first validated by experts to determine their relevancy and subsequently applied to randomly sampled dwellers of Thailand’s capital Bangkok. The UHI indicators were further validated with confirmatory factor analysis to determine the factor loadings (0–1) and reliability. Under the hazard component, the percentage of days when the daily minimum temperature is less than the 10th percentile exhibited the highest indicator-level factor loading (0.915). Vehicular traffic was the UHI exposure indicator with the highest factor loading (0.923), and the proportion of green space to build environment was the UHI sensitivity indicator with the highest factor loading (0.910). For the UHI adaptive capacity component, the highest factor loading (0.910) belonged to government policy and action. To effectively mitigate UHI impacts, greater emphasis should be placed on the indicators with highest factor loadings. Essentially, this research is the first to use statistical structural equation modeling to validate UHI indicators.
Explanatory Factors of Daily Mobility Patterns in Suburban Areas: Applications and Taxonomy of Two Metropolitan Corridors in Madrid Region
Authors: Alonso Andrea , Monzón Andrés , Aguiar Iago , Ramírez-Saiz Alba
Published: January 2023

Understanding the characteristics that shape mobility could help to achieve more sustainable transport systems. A considerable body of scientific studies tries to determine these characteristics at the urban level. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing those factors for the heterogeneous zones existing in the suburbs of big cities. The study presented in this paper intends to fill this gap, in the context of two metropolitan corridors in the Madrid Region. Correlation analyses are used to examine how mobility patterns are affected by socioeconomic and urban form variables. Then, a cluster analysis is carried out to classify the types of zones we may find in the suburbs. Results show that the main characteristics leading towards higher car use are low urban density, few local activities, a high percentage of children, and a low percentage of seniors. As for the variable distance to the city center, it does not explain car use. Moreover, some remote areas have many walking trips. This is well understood in the cluster analysis; there are zones far away from the city center but that are dense and well provided for, which work as self-sufficient urban centers. Results reinforce the theories underlying polycentrism as a solution to the urban sprawl challenge.
Clinical, Histopathologic and Genetic Features of Rhabdoid Meningiomas
Authors: Garrido Ruiz Patricia Alejandra , González-Tablas María , Pasco Peña Alejandro , Zelaya Huerta María Victoria , Ortiz Javier , Otero Álvaro , Corchete Luis Antonio , Ludeña María Dolores , Caballero Martínez María Cristina , Córdoba Iturriagagoitia Alicia , Fernández Inmaculada Catalina , González-Carreró Fojón Joaquín , Hernández Laín Aurelio , Orfao Alberto , Tabernero María Dolores
Published: January 2023

Rhabdoid meningiomas (RM) shows heterogeneous histological findings, and a wide variety of chromosomal copy number alterations (CNA) are associated with an unpredictable course of the disease. In this study, we analyzed a series of 305 RM samples from patients previously reported in the literature and 33 samples from 23 patients studied in our laboratory. Monosomy 22-involving the minimal but most common recurrent region loss of the 22q11.23 chromosomal region was the most observed chromosomal alteration, followed by losses of chromosomes 14, 1, 6, and 19, polysomies of chromosomes 17, 1q, and 20, and gains of 13q14.2, 10p13, and 21q21.2 chromosomal regions. Based on their CNA profile, RM could be classified into two genetic subgroups with distinct clinicopathologic features characterized by the presence of (1) chromosomal losses only and (2) combined losses and gains of several chromosomes. The latter displays a higher frequency of WHO grade 3 tumors and poorer clinical outcomes.
Population Response of Rhizosphere Microbiota of Garden Pea Genotypes to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Kalapchieva Slavka , Tringovska Ivanka , Bozhinova Radka , Kosev Valentin , Hristeva Tsveta
Published: January 2023

This study of a legume’s rhizosphere in tripartite symbiosis focused on the relationships between the symbionts and less on the overall rhizosphere microbiome. We used an experimental model with different garden pea genotypes inoculated with AM fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis and with a mix of AM species) to study their influence on the population levels of main trophic groups of soil microorganisms as well as their structure and functional relationships in the rhizosphere microbial community. The experiments were carried out at two phenological cycles of the plants. Analyzes were performed according to classical methods: microbial population density defined as CUF/g a.d.s. and root colonization rate with AMF (%). We found a proven dominant effect of AMF on the densities of micromycetes and actinomycetes in the direction of reduction, suggesting antagonism, and on ammonifying, phosphate-solubilizing and free-living diazotrophic Azotobacter bacteria in the direction of stimulation, an indicator of mutualistic relationships. We determined that the genotype was decisive for the formation of populations of bacteria immobilizing mineral NH4+-N and bacteria Rhizobium. We reported significant two-way relationships between trophic groups related associated with soil nitrogen and phosphorus ions availability. The preserved proportions between trophic groups in the microbial communities were indicative of structural and functional stability.