bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest in Rural Training Experiences in a Canadian Psychiatry Residency Program
Authors: Paquet Jacquelyn , Agyapong Vincent I. O. , Brett-MacLean Pamela , Hibbard Katharine
Published: November 2022

Background: With the large majority of mental health professionals concentrated in urban settings, people living in rural and remote areas face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. Recognizing that early exposure is associated with future practice in rural and remote locations, we sought to obtain baseline data regarding interest in expanded rural residency training opportunities and academic teaching. Methods: In March 2021, all psychiatry residents at the University of Alberta (UofA) were invited to complete a 19-question survey that included both closed-ended (age, gender, year of study, rural experience, interest in rural training, etc.) and open-ended questions (challenges, barriers, academic training, and other comments). A reflexive thematic analysis using an inductive and semantic approach was completed on the comments. Results: 36 residents completed the survey (response rate, 75%). Significant associations were identified between previous rural training experience and interest in rural psychiatry training and practice. Female residents and junior residents were significantly more interested in rural training experiences than their counterparts. Thematic analysis noted concerns with the financial costs of accommodation and transportation, high service burden, continuity of care and isolation from their cohort. Many were interested in academic sessions on the realities of rural practice; approaches to collaborative care; and strategies on culturally relevant care; specifically Indigenous health. Conclusions: The University of Alberta has highlighted a focus on improving equity and accountability; and with a large rural catchment region; the residency program is well positioned to make training adjustments to diversify training. Based on our findings we have incorporated rural rotations for incoming residents and have developed further rural academic content to support our responsiveness and accountability to the rural and northern communities we are committed to serving. Future research should review the impact of rural training exposure in medical specialties on recruitment and retention as well as on healthcare outcomes.
Low-Temperature Catalytic Ozonation of Multitype VOCs over Zeolite-Supported Catalysts
Authors: Shao Jiaming , Zhai Yunchu , Zhang Luyang , Xiang Li , Lin Fawei
Published: November 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are an important source of air pollution, harmful to human health and the environment, and important precursors of secondary organic aerosols, O3 and photochemical smog. This study focused on the low-temperature catalytic oxidation and degradation of benzene, dichloroethane, methanethiol, methanol and methylamine by ozone. Benzene was used as a model compound, and a molecular sieve was selected as a catalyst carrier to prepare a series of supported active metal catalysts by impregnation. The effects of ozone on the catalytic oxidation of VOCs and catalysts’ activity were studied. Taking benzene as a model compound, low-temperature ozone catalytic oxidation was conducted to explore the influence of the catalyst carrier, the active metal and the precious metal Pt on the catalytic degradation of benzene. The optimal catalyst appeared to be 0.75%Pt–10%Fe/HZSM(200). The catalytic activity and formation of the by-products methylamine, methanethiol, methanol, dichloroethane and benzene over 0.75%Pt–10%Fe/HZSM(200) were investigated. The structure, oxygen vacancy, surface properties and surface acidity of the catalysts were investigated. XRD, TEM, XPS, H2-TPR, EPR, CO2-TPD, BET, C6H6-TPD and Py-IR were combined to establish the correlation between the surface properties of the catalysts and the degradation activity.
The Association between the Histological Subtypes of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Characteristics
Authors: Vorster Trudie , Mthombeni Julian , teWaterNaude Jim , Phillips James Ian
Published: November 2022

Asbestos mining operations have left South Africa with a legacy of asbestos contamination and asbestos-related diseases continue to be a problem. The large-scale mining of three types of asbestos presents a unique opportunity to study malignant mesothelioma of the pleura (mesothelioma) in South Africa. This study aimed to describe the demographics of deceased individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and explore any associations between the histological morphology of mesothelioma and asbestos characteristics. We reviewed the records of all deceased miners and ex-miners from the Pathology Automation System (PATHAUT) database of the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) that were histologically diagnosed with mesothelioma in the period from January 2006–December 2016 (11 years). The study population does not include all cases of mesothelioma in South Africa but rather those that reached the compensation system. Crocidolite asbestos fibres were identified in the majority of mesothelioma cases (n = 140; 53.4%). The epithelioid subtype was most commonly present in both occupational and environmental cases. Cases with the sarcomatous subtype were older at death and fewer female cases were diagnosed with this subtype. No relationship between mesothelioma subtype and asbestos type or asbestos burden or fibre size was established.
Stratum Ventilation: Enabling Simultaneous Energy Conservation and Air Purification in Subway Cars
Authors: Mao Yanhui , Wang Shengxu , Liang Jianzhou , Mao Saiqin , Han Yukun , Zhang Shengquan
Published: November 2022

The supply of fresh air for underground rail transit systems is not as simple as opening windows, which is a conventional ventilation (CV) measure adopted in aboveground vehicles. This study aims to improve contaminant dilution and air purification in subway car ventilation systems and the safety of rail transit post-coronavirus disease pandemic era. We designed an air conditioning (AC) terminal system combined with stratum ventilation (SV) to enable energy consumption reduction for subway cars. We experimentally tested the effectiveness of a turbulence model to investigate ventilation in subway cars. Further, we compared the velocity fields of CV and SV in subway cars to understand the differences in their airflow organizations and contaminant removal efficiencies, along with the energy savings of four ventilation scenarios, based on the calculations carried out using computational fluid dynamics. At a ventilation flow rate of 7200 m3/h, the CO2 concentration and temperature in the breathing areas of seated passengers were better in the SV than in the CV at a rate of 8500 m3/h. Additionally, the energy-saving rate of SV with AC cooling was 14.05%. The study provides new ideas for reducing the energy consumption of rail transit and broadens indoor application scenarios of SV technology.
Directions of Changes in the Profession of Hospital Pharmacist in Poland
Authors: Bochniarz Marcin , Inglot-Brzęk Elżbieta , Lewandowska Anna , Podgórska Joanna
Published: November 2022

The Act on the Pharmacist Profession, adopted on 10 December 2020, is a breakthrough for the entire community of pharmacists in Poland. Due to the scope of the changes introduced in the Act, the question is whether pharmacists in Poland are suitably prepared for pharmaceutical care and clinical pharmacy services. The main aim of the study is to assess the readiness of hospital pharmacists to introduce changes in the way the profession functions. The result of the study is the presentation of the concept of a new model of pharmacist functioning in healthcare entities and the indication of actions necessary to carry out such a change. The questionnaire was addressed to all hospital pharmacists in Poland. Two hundred and seventy-seven hospital pharmacists were included in the research. The analysis of the data revealed that almost all (96.1%) respondents indicated the need to introduce changes to the model of functioning of pharmacists in medical entities. Two-thirds of pharmacists declared readiness to start work to introduce changes. Hospital pharmacists recognize the importance of clinical pharmacy in their current practice; however, the biggest barrier is the lack of financing, an insufficient number of staff, a lack of knowledge and skills, and a lack of tools to use the service.
Investigation of Structural Changes in Rectus Abdominis Muscle According to Curl-Up Angle Using Ultrasound with an Extended Field of View
Authors: Park Chansol , Cho Hwi-Young , Kang Chang-Ki
Published: November 2022

The rectus abdominis (RA) muscle is related to abdominal muscle contraction and is divided into three sub-sections. In this study, changes in each section according to the curl-up angles were measured using ultrasound with an extended field of view (EFOV) scan and compared with the conventional scan. The results showed that the locations of the measurement position center were consistently detected only with the EFOV scan and that the change ratios in thickness and length between sections at the same angles were not significantly different, suggesting that each section was selectively activated. Furthermore, the ratios of the thickness and length changes in each section were significantly different between the rest position and curl-up angles. Specifically, in the section 2 there was a significant difference in the thickness and length changes between different angles, reflecting the characteristics of RA during contraction, and their variations were less than in the section 3. Therefore, the results suggest that changes in only a section of RA cannot be representative of overall RA activation, EFOV scan method can be useful for investigating the structural characteristics of RA in detail, and the proposed method can obtain various information about muscle contraction for efficient muscle treatment and muscle strengthening.
Cognition, Emotion, and Movement in the Context of Rehabilitation
Authors: Krasovsky Tal
Published: November 2022

This Special Issue aims to advance the state of inquiry into the interaction between emotions, cognition, and motor performance and learning [...]
Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome and Periodontal Disease—A Suggested Preventive Strategy to Reduce the Public Health Burden
Authors: Parveen Sameena , Alhazmi Yaser Ali
Published: November 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence continues to climb significantly worldwide in today’s ad libitum society. MetS has tremendous societal and economic ramifications, making it imperative to develop effective strategies for preventing and controlling it to alleviate this growing burden. Periodontal disease and MetS are associated with several risk factors. Studies in the past have demonstrated that obesity, cardiovascular illness, and type 2 diabetes mellitus have a negative effect on the severity of the periodontal disease. Patients with metabolic syndrome have elevated serum levels of proinflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. Similar inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and C-reactive protein, are increased in patients with severe periodontal disease. Remarkably, intermittent fasting is underpinned by scientific evidence, claiming to be the most effective non-pharmacological, potential therapeutic alternative for combating a wide range of metabolic, inflammatory, and lifestyle-related diseases. Nonetheless, an insufficient investigation has been performed to determine whether intermittent fasting has therapeutic benefits on periodontal inflammation and diseases. Here, we show the interrelationship between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease and contextualize the beneficial impact of intermittent fasting in modulating the chronic metabolic and periodontal inflammatory response. We also anticipate that this review paves the way for further exploration of intermittent fasting as a unique research paradigm representing a cost-effective alternative strategy to conventional disease management in patients with periodontal diseases and metabolic syndrome which may serve as the foundation for an integrative vision relevant to primary, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes.
Efficacy of Different Types of Physical Activity Interventions on Exercise Capacity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Priego-Jiménez Susana , Torres-Costoso Ana , Guzmán-Pavón María José , Lorenzo-García Patricia , Lucerón-Lucas-Torres María Isabel , Álvarez-Bueno Celia
Published: November 2022

Aim: A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to determine the effects on the exercise capacity, measured by the 6 MWT, of patients with COPD of (i) different physical activity interventions and (ii) supervised or unsupervised programs. Methods: A literature search was carried out from inception to April 2022. Randomized controlled trials of the effectiveness of physical activity on exercise capacity in patients with COPD were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) tool, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence. A pairwise meta-analysis for direct and indirect effects was carried out. Results: A total of 41 studies were included in this NMA. The highest effects were for urban training pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs (ES, 1.50; 95% CI: 0.46 and 2.55) versus the control group. For supervised and unsupervised PR and home-based PR programs, the highest effects were found for supervised PR (ES, 0.85; 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.23) versus the control group. Conclusions: PR implemented with urban circuit training should be considered the most effective strategy to improve exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Supervision of the programs improves exercise capacity.
Effect of Foot Reflexology on Muscle Electrical Activity, Pressure, Plantar Distribution, and Body Sway in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Toledo Thais Gebin , Freire Larissa Alves Moreira , Reis Luciana Maria dos , Terra Andréia Maria Silva Vilela , Santos Adriana Teresa Silva
Published: November 2022

Objective: To verify the effect of foot reflexology on the electrical muscle activity of the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscle, and to examine the distribution, plantar pressure, and body sway in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial enrolled 17 volunteers who were clinically diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The sample was assigned to one of two groups: the control group (CG, n = 7), who received information on foot care and health, and the intervention group (IG, n = 10), who received the application of foot reflexology on specific areas of the feet, for 10 consecutive days. There was blinding of the evaluator and the therapist. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the electrical activity of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and isotonic contraction (IC); baropodometry and stabilometry were used to analyze unloading, plantar weight distribution, and body sway. Results: There was a statistically significant difference for the variables of maximum peak electrical activity of the left medial gastrocnemius (p = 0.03; effect size = 0.87 and power = 0.81) and left lateral gastrocnemius muscles (p = 0.04, effect size = 0.70 and power = 0.66) respectively, in the intragroup IC, and median frequency of the left medial gastrocnemius muscle in the intragroup MVIC (p = 0.03; effect size = 0.64 and power = 0.59), and in the variables intergroups of the total area on the right side (p = 0.04; effect size = 1.03 and power = 0.50) and forefoot area on the left side (p = 0.02; effect size = 0.51 and power = 0.16). Conclusions: We conclude that foot reflexology influenced some variables of the intergroup plantar distribution and intragroup EMG in the sample studied. There is a need for a placebo group, a larger sample and a follow-up to strengthen the findings of these experiments.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Related to Abnormal Corrected QT Interval and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chinese Male Steelworkers
Authors: Hung Wei-Chin , Yu Teng-Hung , Wu Cheng-Ching , Lee Thung-Lip , Tang Wei-Hua , Chen Chia-Chi , Lu I-Cheng , Chung Fu-Mei , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Hsu Chia-Chang
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with an increased risks of corrected QT (QTc) prolongation and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), both of which are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. Rotating night shift work and a higher risk of incident NAFLD have been reported in male steelworkers. This study aimed to investigate the association of the severity of NAFLD with a prolonged QTc interval and LVH in a large cohort of Chinese male steelworkers. Methods: We examined baseline data of 2998 male steel workers aged 26 to 71 years at two plants. All workers at both plants received regular health assessments, including 12-lead ECG and echocardiography. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the severity of NAFLD. QTc prolongation was defined as follows: normal ≤ 430 ms, borderline 431–450 ms, and abnormal ≥ 451 ms. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) >131 g/m2. Associations of NAFLD with an abnormal QTc interval and LVH were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The QTc interval and the LVMI were significantly correlated with the NAFLD fibrosis score, and the severity of NAFLD was correlated with an abnormal QTc interval and LVH (p for trend < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that in comparison to the workers without NAFLD, the odds ratios of having an abnormal QTc interval and LVH were 2.54 (95% CI: 1.22–5.39, p = 0.013) times and 2.23 (95% CI: 1.02–5.01, p = 0.044) times higher in the workers with moderate/severe NAFLD. Conclusions: NAFLD may be closely associated with the risks of an abnormal QTc interval and LVH, suggesting that regular electrocardiogram and echocardiogram monitoring could be used to evaluate the risk of arrhythmia and LVH in male steelworkers with NAFLD.
The Role of Portable Air Purifiers and Effective Ventilation in Improving Indoor Air Quality in University Classrooms
Authors: Aldekheel Mohammad , Altuwayjiri Abdulmalik , Tohidi Ramin , Jalali Farahani Vahid , Sioutas Constantinos
Published: November 2022

In this study we investigated the effectiveness of air purifiers and in-line filters in ventilation systems working simultaneously inside various classrooms at the University of Southern California (USC) main campus. We conducted real-time measurements of particle mass (PM), particle number (PN), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in nine classrooms from September 2021 to January 2022. The measurement campaign was carried out with different configurations of the purifier (i.e., different flow rates) while the ventilation system was continuously working. Our results showed that the ventilation systems in the classrooms were adequate in providing sufficient outdoor air to dilute indoor CO2 concentrations due to the high air exchange rates (2.63–8.63 h−1). The particle penetration coefficients (P) of the investigated classrooms were very low for PM (<0.2) and PN (<0.1), with the exception of one classroom, corroborating the effectiveness of in-line filters in the ventilation systems. Additionally, the results showed that the efficiency of the air purifier exceeded 95% in capturing ultrafine and coarse particles and ranged between 82–88% for particles in the accumulation range (0.3–2 µm). The findings of this study underline the effectiveness of air purifiers and ventilation systems equipped with efficient in-line filters in substantially reducing indoor air pollution.
Aneurysm Sac Pressure during Branched Endovascular Aneurysm Repair versus Multilayer Flow Modulator Implantation in Patients with Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Antkiewicz Maciej , Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Protasiewicz Marcin , Zubilewicz Tomasz , Terlecki Piotr , Kobielarz Magdalena , Janczak Dariusz
Published: November 2022

Open thoracoabdominal repair is the gold standard in the TAAA treatment. However, there are endovascular techniques, that sometimes may be an alternative, such as branched endovascular aneurysm repair (BEVAR) or implantation of the multilayer flow modulator (MFM). In this study, we aimed to assess differences in the aneurysm sac pressure (ASP) between patients undergoing BEVAR and MFM implantation. The study included 22 patients with TAAA (14 patients underwent BEVAR, while eight MFM implantation). The pressure sensor wire was placed inside the aneurysm. A measurement of ASP and aortic pressure (AP) was performed during the procedure. The systolic pressure index (SPI), diastolic pressure index (DPI), and pulse pressure index (PPI) were calculated as a quotient of the ASP and AP values. After the procedure, SPI and PPI were lower in the BEVAR group than in the MFM group. During a procedure, a drop in SPI and PPI was noted in patients undergoing BEVAR, while no changes were revealed in the MFM group. This indicates that BEVAR, but not MFM, is associated with a reduction in systolic and pulse pressure in the aneurysm sac in patients with TAAA.
Preliminary Screening of Soils Natural Radioactivity and Metal(loid) Content in a Decommissioned Rare Earth Elements Processing Plant, Guangdong, China
Authors: Huang Yaole , Wen Wangfeng , Liu Juan , Liang Xiaoliang , Yuan Wenhuan , Ouyang Qi’en , Liu Siyu , Gok Cem , Wang Jin , Song Gang
Published: November 2022

Radiological aspects such as natural radioactivity of 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K combined with potentially toxic metal(loid) (PTM) distribution features were seldom simultaneously investigated in rare earth element (REE) processing activities. This work was designed to investigate the distribution levels of natural radioactivity, air-absorbed dose rate of γ radiation as well as PTMs at a typical REE plant in Guangdong, China. Ambient soils around REE processing facilities were sampled, measured and assessed. The natural radioactivity of radionuclides of the samples was determined using a high-purity germanium γ-energy spectrometer while the air-absorbed dose rate of γ radiation was measured at a height of 1 m above the ground using a portable radiometric detector. The PTM content was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that the specific activities of the radionuclides ranged from 80.8 to 1990.2, 68.2 to 6935.0, 78.4 to 14,372.4, and 625.4 to 2698.4 Bq·kg−1 for 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, representing overwhelmingly higher activity concentrations than worldwide soil average natural radioactivity. The radium equivalent activity and external hazard index of most samples exceeded the limits of 370 Bq·kg−1 and 1, respectively. The measured air-absorbed dose rate of γ radiation was in a range of 113~4004 nGy·h−1, with most sites displaying comparatively higher values than that from some other REE-associated industrial sites referenced. The content levels of PTMs of Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, and As were 0.7~37.2, 1.8~16.9, 20.4~2070.5, 39.4~431.3, 2.3~1411.5, 0.1~0.7, 6.7~526.1, and 59.5~263.8 mg·kg−1, respectively. It is important to note that the PTM contents in the studied soil samples were 2.1~5.4 times higher for Zn-As and 1.4 times higher for Pb than the third level of the China soil standard while 2.5~13 times higher for Zn-As and 1.2 times higher for Pb than Canadian industry standard. The findings call for subsequent site remediation to secure the ecological environment and human health after the REE processing plant was decommissioned.
Sleep Disturbance in Chinese College Students with Mental Health Problems: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Sun Yanping , Wang Lin , Li Chang , Luo Wanshu
Published: November 2022

Sleep disturbance has an enormous impact on college students. Poor sleep is associated with low academic achievement, psychological distress and high health risk behaviors. College students with various mental health problems (e.g., anxiety and depression) are particularly at risk for sleep problems. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of a wide range of internalizing/externalizing psychological problems on sleep disturbance. A total of 2134 Chinese college students (60.2% men) with mental health problems were selected as participants after completing the self-reported Chinese college student mental health screening scale. A web-based survey was used to assess a wide variety of internalizing/externalizing psychological problems and sleep disturbance. The results showed that hostility, somatic symptoms and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) were significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Somatic symptoms played a mediating role in the relationship between hostility and sleep disturbance. Moreover, the mediating effect was moderated by OCS, and a significant difference in the mediating effects was observed between low OCS and high OCS groups. Overall, our research findings indicate that a high level of OCS exacerbates the adverse effects of somatic symptoms on sleep disturbance, and suggests that assessment and improvement of hostility, somatic symptoms and OCS should be considered in facilitating better sleep among college students with mental health problems.
Exploring the Influencing Factors on Living Alone and Social Isolation among Older Adults in Rural Areas of Thailand
Authors: Iamtrakul Pawinee , Chayphong Sararad
Published: November 2022

Older adults living alone present a vulnerable physical and mental health group with public health and service needs. This situation has risen and is therefore expected to increase calls for urgent attention from concerned authorities. This article focuses on the study of factors related to different living arrangements of older adults and also examines the extent to which baseline variables explained the association between living alone and social isolation characteristics. A questionnaire survey restricted to respondents aged 60 years and over, living in Ban Phaeo, Samutsakhon, Thailand, was scoped for data collection. Older adults living alone and in co-residence (living together) constitute a total of 1162 samples. The binary logistic regression model was applied to examine the association between living alone and social isolation characteristics. The result found that factors relating to older adults’ different living arrangements are marital status, household members numbers, level of dependency, and type of caregivers. An association was found between the characteristics of living alone and social isolation in three relative variables, which are age, activities of daily living (ADLs), and type of caregivers. In conclusion, household living arrangements have different related factors like marital status, where a single or divorced person is more likely to live alone. Furthermore, it is also influenced by the need for caregiving on the part of the older adult or family members; particularly, their children typically emerge as the unpaid assistance from families. When only a sample of older adults living alone with social isolation is considered, it was discovered that with the advancing age of older adults living alone, whether single or married, encountered problems with the activities of daily living (ADLs). This set of people rarely goes out to perform activities outside their home and seldom attend social and physical activities. This could lead to a risk of social isolation with a greater risk of physical and mental health problems, including the well-being of older adults living alone in later life. Thus, family caregivers play a key role as a primary source of support to prevent older adults from being socially isolated, which has become an integral part of our healthcare system in promoting physical, mental, and functional health among older adults in a positive way.
Development, Application and Evaluation of an Active Learning Methodology for Health Science Students, Oriented towards Equity and Cultural Diversity in the Treatment and Care of Geriatric Patients
Authors: Sánchez De Miguel Manuel , Orkaizagirre-Gomara Aintzane , Izagirre-Otaegi Andrea , Ortiz de Elguea-Díaz Francisco Javier , Badiola-Etxaburu Iker , Gómez-Gastiasoro Ainara
Published: November 2022

The increased aging of populations and rises in immigration have prompted the design of new methodologies and instruments for fostering the invisible care of geriatric patients among health science students in accordance with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. A total of 656 psychology, nursing and dentistry students participated in this study, which had a pretest–posttest design and was implemented over the course of three academic years. The intervention groups received training using an active learning methodology based on a case study involving a geriatric patient; specifically, a Maghrebi woman. The control groups were not exposed to the case study. The CCI-U questionnaire was designed ad hoc to evaluate the acquisition of invisible competences for caring for geriatric patients in accordance with their age, sex, emotional situation and ethnic origin. The questionnaire had a reliability of α = 0.63 to 0.72 and its factor solution was found to have a good fit. Students in the intervention groups scored higher than those in the control groups, with the difference being statistically significant for ethnic origin in all three undergraduate courses and all three academic years. The proper application of this active learning methodology fosters the invisible care of geriatric patients among students in accordance with the 2030 Agenda.
Social Determinants of the Non-Utilization of the Supplementary Feeding Program (PACAM) Aimed at Older Adults’ Nutritional Support
Authors: Alvear-Vega Sandra , Vargas-Garrido Héctor
Published: November 2022

Chile has implemented the PACAM program to support older people with nutrition and for the prevention of malnutrition and frailty. This work aims to identify the social determinants of older persons not withdrawing PACAM food in order to obtain helpful knowledge for improving the program. First, the CASEN Survey 2017 was used (960,498 observations); the inclusion criterion was PACAM recipients (Yes/No). Next, a probit model was performed with a dichotomous response to determine the marginal effects of each independent variable (e.g., demographic, health, and social). The model shows a good fit (64.4%) with an explained variance between 10.5% to 14.1%. Those variables with more significant marginal effects are people aged 70–75, having tertiary and secondary education, urban living, not participating in social organizations, immigrants, and living in the austral zone. On the other hand, a higher likelihood of consumption was found among people of greater vulnerability (lowest income, lowest education, low health insurance, and aged over 80) and, therefore, in greater fragility. To conclude, the program achieves effective targeting, although improvement actions are required to expand coverage in some groups (indigenous people, immigrants, and people with disabilities). Moreover, authorities should evaluate and reinforce the program with tailored strategies for the older adults who actually withdraw food.
Struggling or Liberating? The Effects of Machiavellianism on Break-Up Distress
Authors: Zeng Peiyan , Jin Wenjing , Shi Yibo , Hu Wanying , Geng Yaoguo , Zhan Tingting
Published: November 2022

Negative emotions caused by break-up are the key work of university students’ psychological intervention. It is important to explore the specific factors of break-up distress for university students’ psychological intervention. Therefore, we investigated 869 university students to examine the effect of Machiavellianism and psychological capital on break-up distress, as well as its gender difference. The results indicated that high Machiavellians experience more break-up distress. Moreover, through structural equation models, we found that as for female university students, psychological capital mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism and break-up distress. However, as for male university students, the mediation effect was not significant. It means that for female university students, psychological capital acted as the mechanism to connect Machiavellianism and break-up distress.
Gendered Impact of Age, Toilet Facilities, and Cooking Fuels on the Occurrence of Acute Respiratory Infections in Toddlers in Indonesia and the Philippines
Authors: Sulistyorini Lilis , Li Chung-Yi , Lutpiatina Leka , Utama Ricko Dharmadi , Nurlailah
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to analyze the risk factors of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children under five in Indonesia and the Philippines and to implement a primary review of the characteristics of toddlers and their households in both countries. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2017 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of Indonesia and the Philippines. The characteristics of children, mothers, and households were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to examine the significant correlations between variables. Results: The percentage of children under five with ARI symptoms in 2017 was 1.51% in the Philippines and 4.22% in Indonesia. In Indonesia, males aged under one year had significantly lower occurrences of ARI symptoms (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.36–0.82). In the Philippines, dirty cooking fuels had a significant effect on increasing the likelihood of ARI in female toddlers (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.02–15.83). In the Philippines, the unavailability of toilet facilities had a significant effect on increasing the likelihood of ARI in male toddlers (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.15–6.16). Conclusion: The comparison of risk factors between male and female toddlers revealed different results in some variables, as follows: children aged under one year, dirty cooking fuels, and unavailable toilet facilities. The role of parents is fundamental in taking care of female toddlers, since they are more exposed to ARI at the age of under one year and are more prone to indoor air pollution from solid cooking fuels.
The Impact of Multidimensional Poverty on Rural Households’ Health: From a Perspective of Social Capital and Family Care
Authors: Xiao Hui , Liang Xian , Chen Chen , Xie Fangting
Published: November 2022

Although absolute poverty has been eliminated in rural China, multidimensional poverty has an unstoppable impact on the self-rated health of rural households through multiple dimensions. This study constructed a moderated mediation model with multidimensional poverty as the independent variable to explore the impact on rural households’ self-rated health, social capital as a mediating variable, and family care as a moderating variable. We used the survey data of 382 sample out-of-poverty rural households in Jiangxi, China, in 2020. Our results indicated that multidimensional poverty had a detrimental impact on the self-rated health and social capital of rural households, both of which were significant at the 1% level (β = −0.751, t = −4.775, and β = −0.197, t = −7.08). A test of the mediating effect of social capital using the mediation model found the mediating effect accounting for 84.95% of the entire effect of multidimensional poverty on rural households’ self-rated health. Further, the interaction term between family care and multidimensional poverty and its beneficial effect on social capital as well as the interaction term between family care and social capital and its negative effect on rural household’ self-rated health are both statistically significant at the 1% level (β = 0.558, t = −5.221 and β = −2.100, t = −3.304). It is revealed that multidimensional poverty affects rural households’ self-rated health through social capital and that family care moderates the mediating pathway. Family care exacerbates the negative effect of multidimensional poverty on rural households’ self-rated health and weakens the beneficial effect of social capital on rural households’ self-rated health. The lower (higher) the level of family care, the more significant the positive (negative) effect of social capital on rural households’ health. Therefore, rural households should prioritize building social capital and shifting the responsibility for family care. First, through enhancing housing infrastructure and establishing cultural and educational initiatives, households can improve their viability. Second, increasing engagement in group activities will enhance social networks and boost interpersonal connections. Finally, to lessen the stress on family caregivers, building socialized care services can cover the gap in family care.
Transvenous Lead Extraction in Adult Patient with Leads Implanted in Childhood-Is That the Same Procedure as in Other Adult Patients?
Authors: Kutarski Andrzej , Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Anna , Nowosielecka Dorota , Miszczak-Knecht Maria , Brzezinska Monika , Bieganowska Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Background: Lead management in children and young adults is still a matter of debate. Methods: To assess the course of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in adults with pacemakers implanted in childhood (CIP) we compared 98 CIP patients with a control group consisting of adults with pacemakers implanted in adulthood (AIP). Results: CIP patients differed from AIP patients with respect to indications for TLE and pacing history. CIP patients were four–eight times more likely to require second-line or advanced tools. Furthermore, CIP patients more often than AIP were prone to developing complications: major complications (MC) (any) 2.6 times; hemopericardium 3.2 times; severe tricuspid valve damage 4.4 times; need for rescue cardiac surgery 3.7 times. The rate of procedural success was 11% lower because of 4.8 times more common lead remnants and 3.1 times more frequent permanently disabling complications. Conclusions: Due to system-related risk factors TLE in CIP patients is more difficult and complex. TLE in CIP is associated with an increased risk of MC and incomplete lead removal. A conservative strategy of lead management, acceptable in very old patients seems to be less suitable in CIP because it creates a subpopulation of patients at high risk of major complications during TLE in the future.
Problems and Strategies of Allocating Public Service Resources in Rural Areas in the Context of County Urbanization
Authors: Pan Muzhe , Huang Yaofu , Qin Yawen , Li Xun , Lang Wei
Published: November 2022

Imbalances in allocating public service resources are a universal problem worldwide, especially in urban and rural areas. As a developing country with a significant imbalance between urban and rural areas, China is representative of the unbalanced allocation of public service resources. Presently, China has entered the county urbanization stage. Therefore, this study can provide a new way to realize the equalization of urban and rural public services with the county as the basic unit. Taking counties as the primary study area, this paper analyzes the new trends of population mobility in China’s counties. It combines large-scale questionnaires and field surveys to investigate the new demand of rural residents for public services and the shortcomings of public service resource allocation. First, the county seat attracts a concentration of the county’s rural residents and returning population, whose high expectations for the county seat’s education and medical services have not yet been met. Second, the township assumes the vital function of elementary school education and medical services in rural areas, and the rural children have a great demand for elementary school education services in the township. However, there are still apparent shortcomings in support of teaching facilities and the quality of education services. Third, the problem of aging and hollowing out in rural areas is serious, and the education, medical and elderly service needs of left-behind children and the elderly are difficult to be guaranteed. Finally, this paper proposes targeted planning strategies and policy recommendations for allocating county public service resources at three levels based on the “county–town–village” hierarchy.
The Effect of Breaking Up Sedentary Time with Calisthenics on Neuromuscular Function: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Mear Emily , Gladwell Valerie Frances , Pethick Jamie
Published: November 2022

The ageing process results in reduced neuromuscular function. This alongside prolonged sedentary behaviour is associated with decreased muscle strength, force control and ability to maintain balance. Breaking up sedentary time with regular bouts of physical activity has numerous health benefits, though the effects on neuromuscular function are unknown. This study investigated the effect of breaking up sedentary time with calisthenic exercise on neuromuscular function. 17 healthy adults (33 ± 13.1 years), who spent ≥6 h/day sitting, were assigned to a four-week calisthenics intervention (n = 8) or control group (n = 9). The calisthenics intervention involved performing up to eight sets of exercises during the working day (09:00–17:00); with one set consisting of eight repetitions of five difference exercises (including squats and lunges). Before and immediately after the intervention, measures of knee extensor maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and submaximal force control (measures of the magnitude and complexity of force fluctuations), and dynamic balance (Y balance test) were taken. The calisthenics intervention resulted in a significant increase in knee extensor MVC (p = 0.036), significant decreases in the standard deviation (p = 0.031) and coefficient of variation (p = 0.016) of knee extensor force fluctuations during contractions at 40% MVC, and a significant increase in Y balance test posterolateral reach with left leg stance (p = 0.046). These results suggest that breaking up sedentary time with calisthenics may be effective at increasing muscle strength, force steadiness and dynamic balance all of which might help reduce the effects of the ageing process.
Improving the Safety Performance of Construction Workers through Individual Perception and Organizational Collectivity: A Contrastive Research between Mainland China and Hong Kong
Authors: Meng Xiangcheng , Chan Alan H. S.
Published: November 2022

Considering the increasing number in construction accidents in Mainland China and Hong Kong, research on improving the safety performance of construction personnel is important, given the essential role it plays in occupational safety development in industries. The present study aimed to assess the improving channels of safety performance through individual perception and organizational collectivity in a quantitative way by integrating safety motivation as the transition role between individual and organizational levels. The questionnaire survey was conducted with 180 participants from Hong Kong and 197 responses from Mainland China. Structural equation modeling was applied to investigate and compare the direct, indirect, and mediating effects among different safety constructs. This study is unique, as it firstly integrates the theories of personal cognition and group interaction together with the mechanism of safety performance development. Such integration can increase the effectiveness of reducing the unsafety of construction workers at both individual and organizational levels, thereby reducing the numbers of construction accidents, and promoting healthy occupational development of the personnel.
Immune Status of Workers with Professional Risk of Being Affected by Chrysotile Asbestos in Kazakhstan
Authors: Koigeldinova Sholpan , Alexeyev Alexey , Zharylkassyn Zhengisbek , Otarov Yertay , Omarkulov Bauyrzhan , Tilemissov Magzhan , Ismailov Chingiz
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this research was to study the particularities of the immune status of workers in the field of chrysotile asbestos production, depending on their work experience and professional risk of being affected by chrysotile dust. The research covered 125 men, who were workers at the only enterprise dealing with the extraction and beneficiation of chrysotile ores in Kazakhstan. Indicants of cell immunity were detected by flow cytometry; IgA, IgM, and IgG were detected by a multiplex immunological assay. It was found that, among workers impacted by chrysotile asbestos for more than 15 years, compared with individuals who were not impacted by asbestos dust, the level of CD3+ T-cells was decreased (t = −8.76, p < 0.001), as well as the number of CD4+ T-cells (U = 1246.0, p < 0.001). Moreover, CD8+ T-cells increased (t = 5.308, p = 0.001), and neutrophil phagocytic activity also increased, by 1.2 times (U = 305.5, p < 0.001). It was found that working under the condition of professional contact with chrysotile asbestos dust modifies the indicants of humoral immunity, IgA, IgM, and IgG, to a lesser extent than those of cellular immunity.
Prognostic Performance of Cystatin C in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Matuszewski Michal , Reznikov Yurii , Pruc Michal , Peacock Frank W. , Navolokina Alla , Júarez-Vela Raúl , Jankowski Lukasz , Rafique Zubaid , Szarpak Lukasz
Published: November 2022

Cystatin C is a specific biomarker of kidney function. We perform this meta-analysis to determine the association of Cystatin C with the COVID-19 severity. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for studies published until 2nd September 2022 that reported associations between Cystatin C levels and COVID-19 severity. The analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate pooled standard mean difference (SMD). Twenty-five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed statistically significant differences of Cystatin C levels among survive vs. decreased patients (0.998 ± 0.225 vs. 1.328 ± 0.475 mg/dL, respectively; SMD = −2.14; 95%CI: −3.28 to −1.01; p < 0.001). Cystatin C levels in COVID-19 severe vs. non-severe groups varied and amounted to 1.485 ± 1.191 vs. 1.014 ± 0.601 mg/dL, respectively (SMD = 1.81; 95%CI: 1.29 to 2.32; p < 0.001). Additionally, pooled analysis showed that Cystatin C levels in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) was 1.562 ± 0.885 mg/dL, compared to 0.811 ± 0.108 mg/dL for patients without AKI (SMD = 4.56; 95%CI: 0.27 to 8.85; p = 0.04). Summing up, Cystatin C is a potentially very good marker to be used in the context of COVID-19 disease due to the prognosis of patients’ serious condition, risk of AKI and mortality. In addition, Cystatin C could be used as a marker of renal complications in COVID-19 other than AKI due to the need to monitor patients even longer after leaving the hospital.