bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Propagation of Three Populations of the Endangered, Greek Endemic Cerastium candidissimum and Short-Term Storability of Alginate-Encapsulated Shoot Explants for Exploitation and Conservation
Authors: Bertsouklis Konstantinos , Tsopela Stella
Published: February 2023

Cerastium candidissimum Correns is an endangered species. Nevertheless, its ornamental characteristics make it an ideal candidate for commercial use as a new ornamental and landscape plant. As there are no references to the in vitro propagation of this species, the present research aims to comparatively investigate the potential that in vitro propagation may have of three different populations of the plant, from Mounts Parnassos (PS), Parnitha (PR), and Hymettus (HM), respectively. The establishment of the initial cultures took place by cotyledonary- and stem-node explants, excised from in vitro grown seedlings, on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, without hormone (Hf), or with 0.5 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA). The shooting percentage was higher in the case of the PS population (97.6%). It was also higher for stem-node explants (93.9%). The multiplication phase took place on Hf MS, or on MS containing BA (0.5 and 1.0 mg L−1), with or without 0.1 mg L−1 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid. The higher shoot production was observed in the PS and PR populations (88.0% and 76.9% shooting, with 3.1 and 2.7 shoots/explant, respectively). Micro-shoots rooted at high percentages on half-strength MS (80.0–100.0%). Successful acclimatisation (95.0%) was established on peat: perlite (1:1 v/v). Moreover, an efficient alginate-encapsulation procedure was developed from PS stem-node explants, using a 3.0% w/v sodium alginate and 14.7 g L−1 calcium chloride solution. Alginate beads exhibited a higher shoot proliferation (3.8 shoots) after 60 days of storage at 4.0 °C and a 50-day growth on Hf MS than non-encapsulated in vitro node-explants did. The presented protocol of in vitro propagation of C. candidissimum could facilitate the exploitation of the species by the floricultural industry and contribute to conservation strategies.
Quantification and Prediction with Near Infrared Spectroscopy of Carbohydrates throughout Apple Fruit Development
Authors: Larson James E. , Perkins-Veazie Penelope , Ma Guoying , Kon Thomas M.
Published: February 2023

Carbohydrates play a key role in apple fruit growth and development. Carbohydrates are needed for cell division/expansion, regulate fruitlet abscission, and influence fruit maturation and quality. Current methods to quantify fruit carbohydrates are labor intensive and expensive. We quantified carbohydrates throughout a growing season in two cultivars and evaluated the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to predict apple carbohydrate content throughout changes in fruit development. Carbohydrates were quantified with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) at five timepoints between early fruitlet growth and harvest in ‘Gala’ and ‘Red Delicious’ apples. NIR spectra was collected for freeze-dried fruit samples using a benchtop near infrared spectrometer. Sorbitol was the major carbohydrate early in the growing season (~40% of total carbohydrates). However, the relative contribution of sorbitol to total carbohydrates rapidly decreased by 59 days after full bloom (<10%). The proportion of fructose to total carbohydrates increased throughout fruit development (40–50%). Three distinct periods of fruit development, early, mid-season, and late, were found over all sampling dates using principal component analysis. The first (PC1) and second (PC2) principal components accounted for 90% of the variation in the data, samples separated among sampling date along PC1. Partial least squares regression was used to build the models by calibrating carbohydrates quantified with HPLC and measured reflectance spectra. The NIR models reliably predicted the content of fructose, glucose, sorbitol, sucrose, starch, and total soluble sugars for both ‘Gala’ and ‘Red Delicious’; r2 ranged from 0.60 to 0.96. These results show that NIR can accurately estimate carbohydrates throughout the growing season and offers an efficient alternative to liquid or gas chromatography.
Genome Polymorphism Analysis and Selected Sweep Regions Detection via the Genome Resequencing of 91 Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Accessions
Authors: Li Qiang , Cai Yumei , Zhang Guoli , Gu Liqiang , Wang Ying , Zhao Yuqian , Abdullah Shamsiah
Published: February 2023

The completion of more and more high-quality cabbage genome sequencing attempts provides an important reference genome sequence for resequencing a large proportion of B. oleracea populations. This has laid a foundation for the study of the population diversity of B. oleracea and the excavation of genes related to important agronomic traits. Here, we performed genome resequencing of 91 B. oleracea accessions from 14 countries. We produced a total of 983.84 Gb of high-quality sequencing data, and the average sequencing depth of the genomes was over 15.71 among the 91 accessions. A total of 3,432,341 high-quality SNPs were detected in these B. oleracea accessions. A phylogenetic tree indicated that the leaf ball shapes of “Gaobian” accessions and most “Jianqiu” accessions converge with “Bianqiu” accessions, while “Yuanqiu” accessions were individually assigned to a branch. The principal component analysis (PCA) result was consistent with the phylogenetic relationships. The LD distance of “Yuanqiu” was 38.69 Kb, while that of “Bianqiu” was 30.16 Kb. This result indicated that the linkage degree of the “Yuanqiu” population is greater than that of the “Bianqiu” population, which may indicate that the “Yuanqiu” population has received more positive selection. Our analysis showed that, for the 91 accessions, the best population structure number was four. A total of 560 genes were identified across the 203 selected sweep regions identified in the “Yuanqiu” accessions. Similarly, 682 genes were identified across the 304 selective sweep regions in the “Bianqiu” accessions. Finally, several functional terms were identified via enrichment analysis of the genes in the selective sweep regions. In conclusion, this study will provide rich resources for studies on gene function related to leaf ball development and the population diversity of B. olearcea.
Flea-Borne Typhus Causing Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: An Autopsy Case
Authors: Chandramohan Divya , Awobajo Moyosore , Fisher Olivia , Dayton Christopher L. , Anstead Gregory M.
Published: February 2023

Infection with members of the order Rickettsiales (the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Orientia, and Ehrlichia) is known to cause hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The literature is scant on flea-borne typhus (FBT) being implicated in this process. We present a case of autopsy-proven HLH caused by FBT in a 71-year-old diabetic female who was initially suspected of having diabetic ketoacidosis who rapidly suffered decompensated multi-organ failure. Although she was suspected of having FBT and HLH pre-mortem, due to her rapid progression to multi-organ failure, she was transitioned to comfort care by her family five days after admission. A literature search yielded five other cases of HLH secondary to FBT, which are analyzed in this review. The literature on HLH occurring with infection due to other members of the order Rickettsiales is also surveyed.
Methods of Cleaning Taps to Prevent Hospital-Associated Infections: An Environmental Survey-Based Study
Authors: Hashimoto Masayoshi , Asai Satomi , Umezawa Kazuo , Tanitsu Ryosuke , Miyazawa Miki , Kobayashi Michiko , Kawakami Yuji , Sekine Yoshika , Suzuki Yuji , Miyachi Hayato , Okami Kenji
Published: February 2023

In hospitals, outbreaks can occur due to pathogens accumulating in the areas around the wards’ washbasins. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) was detected in an environmental survey in the high-care unit of a university hospital in Isehara, Japan, and effective cleaning methods were investigated. This study investigated methods of cleaning taps using commonly used detergents and disinfectants, and it assessed their effectiveness in removing hard scale and pathogens, including CRE. The taps were cleaned using various methods and cleaning agents, including environmentally neutral detergent, citric acid, baking soda, cleanser, 80% ethanol, 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, and a phosphoric acid-based environmental detergent (Space Shot). The cleaning effect was assessed based on the agent’s effectiveness at removing hard scale from taps. Biofilms and scale were identified on taps, and several bacterial species were cultured. Only phosphoric acid-based detergent was effective at removing hard scale. After cleaning with the phosphoric acid-based detergent, the bacterial count decreased, and no CRE or other pathogens were detected. These results provide a reference for other facilities considering introducing this cleaning method.
A Scoping Review on Quality Physical Education Programmes and Their Outcomes on Primary-Level Pupils
Authors: Kingston Úna , Adamakis Manolis , Lester Diarmuid , Costa João
Published: February 2023

A scoping review was carried out on the literature relating to the evaluation of the implementation of quality physical education (QPE) programmes and related outcomes on final-stage primary-level pupils’ attitudes towards physical education (ATPE), physical activity behaviour (PAB), mental wellbeing (MWB) and academic achievement (AA). The scoping review included studies published between 2000 and 2020 in the PubMed, Elsevier, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases and was completed in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews’ guidelines. Based on the inclusion criteria, 15 out of 2869 studies were included in the review. A thematic analysis was used to inductively and deductively analyse the studies for common themes of features of QPE programmes in primary schools, arising from nine different countries, considering the four outcome dimensions (ATPE, PAB, MWB and AA). The common themes identified as features of QPE across all four dimensions were as follows: (1) government leadership; (2) PE curriculum; (3) school principal and leaders; (4) organisational management from leadership in school; (5) teachers; (6) parental involvement; and (7) community partnerships. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for an evaluation framework on QPE in primary education.
Disparities in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Incidence by Race/Ethnicity and Area-Based Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Wiese Daniel , Stroup Antoinette M. , Shevchenko Alina , Hsu Sylvia , Henry Kevin A.
Published: February 2023

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This study uses population-based data from the New Jersey (NJ) State Cancer Registry to examine geographic variation in CTCL incidence and evaluates whether CTCL risk varies by race/ethnicity and census tract socioeconomic status (SES). The study included 1163 cases diagnosed in NJ between 2006 and 2014. Geographic variation and possible clustering of high CTCL rates were assessed using Bayesian geo-additive models. The associations between CTCL risk and race/ethnicity and census tract SES, measured as median household income, were examined using Poisson regression. CTCL incidence varied across NJ, but there were no statistically significant geographic clusters. After adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, the relative risk (RR) of CTCL was significantly higher (RR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.22–1.78) in the highest income quartile than in the lowest. The interactions between race/ethnicity and SES indicated that the income gradients by RR were evident in all groups. Compared to non-Hispanic White individuals in low-income tracts, CTCL risk was higher among non-Hispanic White individuals in high-income tracts and among non-Hispanic Black individuals in tracts of all income levels. Our findings suggest racial disparities and a strong socioeconomic gradient with higher CTCL risk among cases living in census tracts with higher income compared to those living in lower-income tracts.
Chronic Disease in Low-Resource Settings: Prevention and Management Throughout the Continuum of Care—A Call for Papers
Authors: Heine Martin , Hanekom Susan
Published: February 2023

Multimorbidity, defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, has become a global public health challenge [...]
Physical Activity during Preconception Impacts Some Maternal Outcomes—A Cross-Sectional Study on a Population of Polish Women
Authors: Kruszewski Adrian , Przybysz Paulina , Kacperczyk-Bartnik Joanna , Dobrowolska-Redo Agnieszka , Romejko-Wolniewicz Ewa
Published: February 2023

Background: Physical activity is an element of a healthy lifestyle and is safe in most pregnancies. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of physical activity levels before and during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and child. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a population of Polish women. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed electronically via maternity and parental Facebook groups. Results: The final research group included 961 women. The analysis showed that physical activity 6 months before pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but physical activity during pregnancy showed no such association. In all, 37.8% of women with low activity in the first trimester, in comparison to 29.4% of adequately active women, gained an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy (p = 0.0306). The results showed no association between activity level and pregnancy duration, type of delivery or newborn birth weight. Conclusions: Our study indicates that physical activity during the preconception period is crucial to GDM occurrence.
Neighborhood Deprivation, Indoor Chemical Concentrations, and Spatial Risk for Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Wheeler David C. , Boyle Joseph , Carli Matt , Ward Mary H. , Metayer Catherine
Published: February 2023

Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer in industrialized countries, and the increasing incidence trends in the US suggest that environmental exposures play a role in its etiology. Neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) has been found to be associated with many health outcomes, including childhood leukemia. In this paper, we used a Bayesian index model approach to estimate a neighborhood deprivation index (NDI) in the analysis of childhood leukemia in a population-based case-control study (diagnosed 1999 to 2006) in northern and central California, with direct indoor measurements of many chemicals for 277 cases and 306 controls <8 years of age. We considered spatial random effects in the Bayesian index model approach to identify any areas of significantly elevated risk not explained by neighborhood deprivation or individual covariates, and assessed if groups of indoor chemicals would explain any elevated spatial risk areas. Due to not all eligible cases and controls participating in the study, we conducted a simulation study to add non-participants to evaluate the impact of potential selection bias when estimating NDI effects and spatial risk. The results in the crude model showed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.06 and 95% credible interval (CI) of (0.98, 1.15) for a one unit increase in the NDI, but the association became slightly inverse when adjusting for individual level covariates in the observed data (OR = 0.97 and 95% CI: 0.87, 1.07), as well as when using simulated data (average OR = 0.98 and 95% CI: 0.91, 1.05). We found a significant spatial risk of childhood leukemia after adjusting for NDI and individual-level covariates in two counties, but the area of elevated risk was partly explained by selection bias in simulation studies that included more participating controls in areas of lower SES. The area of elevated risk was explained when including chemicals measured inside the home, and insecticides and herbicides had greater effects for the risk area than the overall study. In summary, the consideration of exposures and variables at different levels from multiple sources, as well as potential selection bias, are important for explaining the observed spatial areas of elevated risk and effect estimates.
Correlation between Generic and Disease-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaires in Patients with Venous Ulcerations: A Cross-Sectional Study Carried out in a Primary Health Care Setting in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Viana Pereira Dalyanna Mildred , de Souza Oliveira Adriana Catarina , de Oliveira Júnior Severino Azevedo , Jacinto Maria Angélica Gomes , Dionísio Alessandra Justino , Lima Alana Ellen Oliveira , da Silva Dantas Bruno Araújo , de Oliveira Sousa Silvana Loana , Martínez Carmelo Sergio Gómez , de Vasconcelos Torres Gilson
Published: February 2023

Venous Ulcers (VU) are a serious health problem that affect the Quality of Life (QoL). They are evaluated by many different scales in the literature. We aimed to analyze the correlation between the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health QoL (SF-36) and Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ) scales. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a Brazilian center specializing in chronic VU of the Primary Health Care (PHC) provided to patients with active VU. The general QoL instrument SF-36 and the CCVUQ, specific for people with VU, were used. Spearman’s Rho Test determined the correlation between the variables analyzed. Our sample had a total of 150 patients. We found a direct correlation between the domestic activities division (CCVUQ) aspect and the SF-36 Physical role functioning (strong), and Physical functioning (moderate) domains. The Social interaction division (CCVUQ) aspect presented moderate correlation with the domains of the SF-36 Physical role functioning and Physical functioning. The Vitality domain (SF-36) showed moderate correlation with the aspects of CCVUQ Cosmesis division and Emotional status division. The greatest forces of direct correlation were observed between the physical, functional and vitality aspects of SF-36 with those represented by domestic activities and social interaction in the CCVUQ.
Causes of Moderate and Severe Anaemia in a High-HIV and TB-Prevalent Adult Population in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: O’Mahony Don , Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A. , Mntonintshi Mbulelo , Iruedo Joshua , Kaswa Ramprakash , Blanco-Blanco Ernesto , Ogunsanwo Basil , Namugenyi Kakia Anne Faith , Vasaikar Sandeep , Yogeswaran Parimalaranie
Published: February 2023

Background: Anaemia affects one in four adults in South Africa, with a higher prevalence in persons with HIV and tuberculosis. The aim of this study is to characterise the causes of anaemia in primary care and a district hospital setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study design investigated a purposive sample of adult males and non-pregnant females at two community health centres and a hospital casualty and outpatients. Fingerpick blood haemoglobin was measured with HemoCueHb201+. Those with moderate and severe anaemia underwent clinical examination and laboratory tests. Results: Of 1327 patients screened, median age was 48 years, and 63.5% were female. Of 471 (35.5%) with moderate and severe anaemia on HemoCue, 55.2% had HIV, 16.6% tuberculosis, 5.9% chronic kidney disease, 2.6% cancer, and 1.3% heart failure. Laboratory testing confirmed 227 (48.2%) with moderate and 111 (23.6%) with severe anaemia, of whom 72.3% had anaemia of inflammation, 26.5% iron-deficiency anaemia, 6.1% folate deficiency, and 2.5% vitamin B12 deficiency. Overall, 57.5% had two or more causes of anaemia. Multivariate modelling showed that patients with severe anaemia were three times more likely to have tuberculosis (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.5–6.5; p-value = 0.002). Microcytosis was present in 40.5% with iron deficiency, macrocytosis in 22.2% with folate deficiency, and 33.3% with vitamin B12 deficiency. The sensitivities of the reticulocyte haemoglobin content and % hypochromic red blood cells in diagnosing iron deficiency were 34.7% and 29.7%, respectively. Conclusions: HIV, iron deficiency, and tuberculosis were the most prevalent causes of moderate and severe anaemia. The majority had multiple causes. Iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies should be identified by biochemical testing rather than by red cell volume.
Eye Care Behaviors among Adults in Poland: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kamińska Agnieszka , Pinkas Jarosław , Tyszko Piotr , Wrześniewska-Wal Iwona , Jankowski Mateusz
Published: February 2023

Implementation of eye care behaviors may reduce the risk of eye symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to assess eye care behaviors and identify factors associated with eye care practices among adults in Poland. This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 9 and 12 December 2022 on a nationwide random quota sample of adults in Poland. The study questionnaire included a set of questions on 10 different eye care behaviors. The study population included 1076 participants with a mean age of 45.7 ± 16.2 years, and 54.2% of participants were females. The most common (30.2%) eye care behavior was the use of good lighting indoors, and 27.3% used sunglasses with a UV filter. More than one-fifth of participants declared taking regular screen breaks and limiting screen time. Less than one-tenth of participants used dietary supplements with lutein, beta-carotene, or zinc. Out of 12 factors assessed in this study, self-reported knowledge of eye diseases was the most important factor associated (p < 0.05) with eye care behaviors. There were no economic or educational gaps (p > 0.05) in the implementation of most of the eye care behaviors among adults in Poland. This study revealed a low level of implementation of eye care behaviors among adults in Poland.
The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography and Electrophysiological Tests in the Early Diagnosis of Inflammatory Changes in the CNS in children with ASD—A Review of Contemporary Literature
Authors: Modrzejewska Monika , Bosy-Gąsior Wiktoria
Published: February 2023

This article is a review of the contemporary literature on the possibility of using modern ophthalmological diagnostics, such as optical coherence tomography and electrophysiological tests, in the assessment of changes in eyesight correlating with inflammatory changes in the central nervous system (CNS) as one of the risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders in children with ASD. A significant role is attributed to the activation of nerve and glial cells, as well as inflammatory changes in the brain, both of which can be of great importance in regard to an autism development predisposition. This fact indicates the possibility of using certain ophthalmic markers to depict an early correlation between the CNS and its outermost layer, i.e., the retina. A comprehensive ophthalmological assessment, and above all, characteristic changes in the functional function of photoreceptors and disorders of the structures of the retina or optic nerve fibers found in the latest OCT or ERG tests may in the future become diagnostic tools, further confirming the early characteristics of autism in children and adolescents. The above information, therefore, emphasizes the importance of cooperation between specialists in improving the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism.
Awareness of Common Eye Diseases and Their Risk Factors—A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey among Adults in Poland
Authors: Kamińska Agnieszka , Pinkas Jarosław , Wrześniewska-Wal Iwona , Ostrowski Janusz , Jankowski Mateusz
Published: February 2023

Public knowledge and awareness of eye diseases may influence individuals’ behaviors toward the use of eye care services and prevention methods. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of common eye diseases and their risk factors among adults in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with knowledge of eye diseases. This nationwide cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out in December 2022 on a representative sample of 1076 adults in Poland. Most of the respondents had heard of cataracts (83.6%), glaucoma (80.7%), conjunctivitis (74.3%), and hordeolum (73.8%). Awareness of dry eye syndrome was declared by 50% of respondents, and 40% were aware of retinal detachment. Among the respondents, 32.3% had heard of AMD, and 16.4% had heard of diabetic retinopathy. A lack of awareness of glaucoma was declared by 38.1% of respondents, and 54.3% declared a lack of awareness of risk factors for AMD. Gender, age, and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with awareness of common eye diseases and risk factors for glaucoma and AMD. This study demonstrated a low level of awareness of common eye diseases among adults in Poland. Personalized communication on eye diseases is needed.
Associations of Mutually Exclusive Categories of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Body Composition and Fall Risk in Older Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Choudhury Renoa , Park Joon-Hyuk , Banarjee Chitra , Thiamwong Ladda , Xie Rui , Stout Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2023

The individual effects of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on health are well-recognized. However, little is known about the extent to which different combinations of these behaviors are associated with body composition and fall risk in older adults. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of mutually exclusive categories of PA and SB with body composition and fall risk in older women. Accelerometer-measured PA, body composition and fall risk (static and dynamic balance) parameters were assessed among 94 community-dwelling older women. The participants were categorized into four groups: active-low sedentary, active-high sedentary, inactive-low sedentary and inactive-high sedentary (active: ≥150 min/week moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA); low sedentary: lowest tertile of SB and light PA ratio). Compared to the inactive-high sedentary group, more favorable body composition and dynamic balance results were found in the active-low sedentary (body fat mass index (BFMI): β = −4.37, p = 0.002; skeletal muscle mass index (SMI): β = 1.23, p = 0.017; appendicular lean mass index (ALMI): β = 1.89, p = 0.003; appendicular fat mass index (AFMI): β = −2.19, p = 0.003; sit-to-stand: β = 4.52, p = 0.014) and inactive-low sedentary (BFMI: β = −3.14, p = 0.007; SMI: β = 1.05, p = 0.014; AFMI: β = −1.74, p = 0.005, sit-to-stand: β = 3.28, p = 0.034) groups. Our results suggest that PA programs focusing on concurrently achieving sufficient MVPA and reduced SB might promote a healthy body composition and reduced fall risk among older adults.
High-Fructose Diet–Induced Hyperuricemia Accompanying Metabolic Syndrome–Mechanisms and Dietary Therapy Proposals
Authors: Lubawy Michalina , Formanowicz Dorota
Published: February 2023

Fructose is often used as a food ingredient due to its low production costs and sweetening power. In recent years, it has been noticed that people on a Western diet high in fructose have high levels of uric acid in their blood. It was recognized that the specific metabolism of fructose in the body might cause increased production of uric acid, which then may affect the intensification of lipogenesis and the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin resistance, gout, cardiovascular diseases, leptin resistance, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So far, to treat hyperuricemia, it has been recommended to use a low-purine diet characterized by limiting protein-containing products. However, this recommendation often leads to an increased intake of carbohydrate-rich foods that may contain fructose. Increased fructose consumption may enhance the secretion of uric acid again and, consequently, does not have therapeutic effects. Therefore, instead of a low-purine diet, using healthy diets, such as DASH or the Mediterranean diet, which can benefit metabolic parameters, could be a better proposal. This article provides an overview of this approach, focusing on MetS and hyperuricemia among high-fructose dieters.
Species Composition, Seasonal Abundance, and Biting Behavior of Malaria Vectors in Rural Conhane Village, Southern Mozambique
Authors: Salomé Graça , Riddin Megan , Braack Leo
Published: February 2023

Malaria vector surveillance provides important data to inform the effective planning of vector control interventions at a local level. The aim of this study was to determine the species diversity and abundance, biting activity, and Plasmodium infectivity of Anopheles mosquitoes from a rural village in southern Mozambique. Human landing catches were performed monthly between December 2020 and August 2021. All collected Anopheles were identified to the species level and tested for the presence of malaria parasites. Eight Anopheles species were identified among the 1802 collected anophelines. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were the most abundant (51.9%) and were represented by Anopheles quadriannulatus and Anopheles arabiensis. Anopheles funestus s.l. represented 4.5%. The biting activity of An. arabiensis was more pronounced early in the evening and outdoors, whereas that of An. funestus sensu stricto (s.s.) was more intense late in the night, with no significant differences in location. One An. funestus s.s. and one An. arabiensis, both collected outdoors, were infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The overall entomologic inoculation rate was estimated at 0.015 infective bites per person per night. The significant outdoor and early evening biting activity of An. arabiensis and An. funestus found in this village may negatively impact the effectiveness of current vector control interventions. Additional vector control tools that can target these mosquitoes are needed.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Migraine Patients in Latin America
Authors: Reyes-Alvarez Maria Teresa , Bancalari Ernesto , Santana Vargas Angel Daniel , Velez Karina , Rodríguez-Leyva Ildefonso , Marfil Alejandro , Miranda Silvina , Zegarra-Valdivia Jonathan Adrián
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, confinement, fear, lifestyle changes, and worldwide health care impacted almost all diseases. Reports from countries outside Latin America revealed differences in migraine patients. In this study, we describe and compare the immediate changes in migraine symptoms associated with COVID-19 quarantine in patients from Argentina, Mexico, and Peru. An online survey was conducted from May to July 2020. The survey was answered by 243 migraine patients, with questions related to sociodemographic data, quarantine conditions, changes in working conditions, physical activity, coffee intake, healthcare access, acute migraine medication use, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fear of COVID-19. The results show that 48.6% of migraine patients experienced worsened symptoms, 15.6% improved, and 35.8% remained unchanged. Worsening migraine symptoms were associated with staying at home during the lockdown. Intake of analgesics was associated with an increase in migraine symptoms of 18 times relative to those who did not increase their intake. Migraine symptoms improved when the number of sleep hours was increased, and we observed an improvement when patients decreased analgesic intake. The uncertainty about the end of the pandemic, the news, and social media are three items that contributed to the worsening of migraine symptoms in patients in the three investigated countries. Confinement during the first pandemic wave in Latin America harmed migraine patients who stayed home during the lockdown.
New Parkrunners Are Slower and the Attendance Gender Gap Narrowing Making Parkrun More Inclusive
Authors: Gilburn Andre S.
Published: February 2023

Parkrun is a weekly mass-participation event. Finishes are recorded, with the resulting database potentially containing important public health information. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of events that overcome barriers to participation, and to identify changing patterns in the demographics of participants. GLMMs were generated of age-graded performance, gender ratio and age of participants at Scottish parkrun events. Predictor variables included age, gender, participant, runs, date, elevation gain, surface and travelling time to the next nearest venue. There was a decline in the mean performance of participants at events, yet individual performances improved. The gender ratio showed higher male participation with a narrowing gender gap. Events in the most remote parts of Scotland had lower performance and a higher proportion of female participants. Events on slower surfaces had more female participants. Parkrun events are becoming more inclusive, with more females and participants exhibiting low performance. In more remote parts of Scotland, more females participated in parkrun than males, suggesting parkrun has overcome traditional barriers to female participation in sport. Prioritising the creation of events at remote locations and on slower surfaces could increase inclusivity further. General practitioners prescribing parkrun might want to prescribe attendance at slower events for female patients.
Joint Risk Analysis of Extreme Rainfall and High Tide Level Based on Extreme Value Theory in Coastal Area
Authors: Chen Hao , Xu Zongxue , Chen Ji , Liu Yang , Li Peng
Published: February 2023

Extreme rainfall and high tide levels are the main causal factors of urban flood disasters in coastal areas. As complex interactions between these factors can exacerbate the impact of urban flood disasters in coastal areas, an associated flood risk assessment involves not only the estimation of the extreme values of each variable but also their probability of occurring simultaneously. With a consideration of the Shenzhen River Basin (China), this study used bivariate copula functions to quantitatively evaluate the joint risk of extreme rainfall and a high tide level. The results showed that a significant positive correlation exists between extreme rainfall and the corresponding high tide level, and that if the positive dependency was ignored, the probability of simultaneous extreme events would be underestimated. If a dangerous event is defined as one in which heavy rainfall and high tide level events occur concurrently, the “AND” joint return period based on the annual maxima method should be adopted. If a dangerous event is defined as one in which either only a heavy rainfall or a high tide level event occurs, the “OR” joint return period should be adopted. The results represent a theoretical basis and decision-making support for flood risk management and flood prevention/reduction in coastal areas.
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Training to Respond to Violence against Women: Results from a Qualitative Study
Authors: Arora Sanjida , Bhate-Deosthali Padma , Rege Sangeeta , Amin Avni , Meyer Sarah R.
Published: February 2023

Healthcare providers (HCPs) can support women affected by violence, providing a safe way for women to disclose experiences of violence and mitigating violence against women (VAW) through the identification of cases in routine clinical practice. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with HCPs in three tertiary facilities in Maharashtra, India, who had participated in training using the World Health Organization curriculum, adapted for the Indian context. n = 21 HCPs participated in in-depth interviews and n = 10 nurses participated in two focus group discussions. The respondents indicated that the training approach and content were acceptable and that the skills learned during the training were feasible to implement. A shift in perspective from viewing VAW as a private issue to understanding it as a health issue facilitated HCPs’ response. The training enabled HCPs to recognize barriers faced by women in disclosing violence and their role in supporting disclosure. HCPs reported barriers to providing care for survivors of violence, including a lack of human resources, the time during regular clinical practice, and a lack of strong referral networks. These data can be utilized to inform other efforts to train HCPs in facilities in this setting and provide evidence for ways to improve health systems’ responses to VAW in low-and middle-income country settings.
Effectiveness of Operation K9 Assistance Dogs on Suicidality in Australian Veterans with PTSD: A 12-Month Mixed-Methods Follow-Up Study
Authors: Sherman Melissa , Hutchinson Amanda D. , Bowen Henry , Iannos Marie , Van Hooff Miranda
Published: February 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a pervasive disorder among both current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. Studies have shown current psychological and pharmacological treatments for PTSD are suboptimal in veterans, with high dropout rates and poor adherence to treatment protocols. Therefore, evaluating complementary interventions, such as assistance dogs, is needed for veterans who may not receive the ultimate benefit from traditional therapies. The present longitudinal mixed-method study examined the effectiveness of Operation K9 assistance dogs among sixteen veterans with PTSD, specifically, their effects on suicidality, PTSD, depression, and anxiety from baseline to 12 months post-matching. Self-reported measures were completed prior to receiving their dog (baseline) and at three time points (3, 6, and 12 months) following matching. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 was used to assess the severity of every PTSD case. Veterans participated in a semi-structured interview 3 months post-matching. Whilst there was a reduction in the proportion of veterans reporting any suicidality, there was no significant change in the probability of veterans reporting suicidality between time points. There was a significant effect of time on PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Three major themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: life changer, constant companion, and social engagement. Qualitative data suggest assistance dogs can have a positive impact on important areas of daily life and support veterans in achieving some of the prerequisites for health, including access to services, transport, education, employment, and development of new and diverse social and community connections. Connections were key in improving health and wellbeing. This study exemplifies the power of human–animal relationships and adds emphasis to the need to take these seriously and create supportive healthy environments for veterans with PTSD. Our findings could be used to inform public health policy and service delivery, in line with the Ottawa Charter action areas and indicate that for veterans with PTSD, assistance dogs may be a feasible adjunct intervention.
Spatio-Temporal Development of Vegetation Carbon Sinks and Sources in the Arid Region of Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Qifei , Chen Yaning , Li Zhi , Sun Congjian , Xiang Yanyun , Liu Zhihui
Published: February 2023

Drylands, which account for 41% of Earth’s land surface and are home to more than two billion people, play an important role in the global carbon balance. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal patterns of vegetation carbon sinks and sources in the arid region of northwest China (NWC), using the net ecosystem production (NEP) through the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA). It quantitatively evaluates regional ecological security over a 20-year period (2000–2020) via a remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) and other ecological indexes, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), fraction of vegetation cover (FVC), net primary productivity (NPP), and land use. The results show that the annual average carbon capacity of vegetation in NWC changed from carbon sources to carbon sinks, and the vegetation NEP increased at a rate of 1.98 gC m−2 yr−1 from 2000 to 2020. Spatially, the annual NEP in northern Xinjiang (NXJ), southern Xinjiang (SXJ) and Hexi Corridor (HX) increased at even faster rates of 2.11, 2.22, and 1.98 gC m−2 yr−1, respectively. Obvious geographically heterogeneous distributions and changes occurred in vegetation carbon sinks and carbon sources. Some 65.78% of the vegetation areas in NWC were carbon sources during 2000–2020, which were concentrated in the plains, and SXJ, the majority carbon sink areas are located in the mountains. The vegetation NEP in the plains exhibited a positive trend (1.21 gC m−2 yr−1) during 2000–2020, but this speed has slowed since 2010. The vegetation NEP in the mountain exhibited only intermittent changes (2.55 gC m−2 yr−1) during 2000–2020; it exhibited a negative trend during 2000–2010, but this trend has reversed strongly since 2010. The entire ecological security of NWC was enhanced during the study period. Specifically, the RSEI increased from 0.34 to 0.49, the NDVI increased by 0.03 (17.65%), the FVC expanded by 19.56%, and the NPP increased by 27.44%. Recent positive trends in NDVI, FVC and NPP have enhanced the capacity of vegetation carbon sinks, and improved the eco-environment of NWC. The scientific outcomes of this study are of great importance for maintaining ecological stability and sustainable economic development along China’s Silk Road Economic Belt.
Landsenses Ecology: A New Idea for Watershed Ecology Restoration
Authors: Liu Chang , Ouyang Jingyi , Yan Jinshan , Tang Lina
Published: February 2023

Watershed ecology restoration is the key to solving the ecological and environmental problems of watersheds and achieving sustainable development. As one direction of the frontiers of ecology, landsenses ecology is supported by science and technology and cares for humans. It has a great significance for enhancing the human habitat and achieving sustainable development. Combining landsenses ecology and the technical process of watershed ecology restoration allows the integration of people’s visions into the system of strategies and applied technologies for watershed ecology restoration while ensuring the restoration of the ecological functions of watersheds. It is a complement to the traditional ecosystem restoration model. This study establishes the connection between landsenses ecology and watershed ecology restoration in terms of goals, models and focus of attention. It aims to construct an indicator system of restoration with the application of landsenses ecology, form a complete process of ecological restoration with the integration of landsenses ecology and apply it to the ecological restoration of watershed elements with relatively intensive human activity such as urban green areas, buildings and wetlands (rivers and lakes). Rather than just always emphasizing natural ecology, landsenses ecology treats human beings as part of nature. It tries to establish a more comprehensive, humanized ideal restoration model by taking “human perceptions” into consideration. Through a restoration process based on long-term and continuous coordination, feedback and improvement, it can improve the ecological benefits of the watershed and improve residents’ well-being, so as to ultimately realize the establishment of a “community of life between man and nature”.
Study on the Coupling Coordination between Ecological Environment and High-Quality Economic Development in Urban Agglomerations in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Zhang Ying , Fang Zhiqiang , Xie Zhongqi
Published: February 2023

The ecological environment is the basis of high-quality economic development, and the coordinated development of the two is of great significance for promoting regional sustainable development. This study takes 31 cities in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River as samples, constructs an evaluation index system of the ecological environment (EE) and high-quality economic development (HQED), and uses a comprehensive evaluation method and a coupling coordination degree model to determine the development level, coupling coordination relationship, interaction coordination relationship and space–time evolution characteristics of the two. The results show that: (1) In the sample period, the overall level of EE and HQED increased simultaneously, but the two indexes of each city showed obvious heterogeneity. (2) EE and HQED have a coupling coordination relationship; the coupling degree (CD) is in a high coupling stage, and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) is in a good and moderate coordination state. (3) In the interactive coordination relationship, the CCD sequence of subsystems is coordinated development > shared development > innovative development > open development, and pressure subsystem > response subsystem > status subsystem. This study provides a new evaluation perspective for EE and HQED and puts forward suggestions for their coupling and coordinated development.
Telehealth Intervention to Improve Uptake of Evidence-Based Medications among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure or Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Silva-Almodóvar Armando , Nahata Milap C.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists are recommended for patients with type two diabetes (T2D) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heart failure (HF) to reduce cardiovascular-related mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate a telehealth targeted medication review (TMR) program to identify patients for uptake of these evidence-based medications. Methods: This was an observational descriptive study of a TMR program for Medicare-enrolled, Medication Therapy Management-eligible patients in one insurance plan. Prescription claims and patient interviews identified individuals who would benefit from SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists. Facsimiles were sent to providers of patients with educational information about the targeted medications. Descriptive statistics described characteristics and proportion of patients prescribed targeted medications after 120 days. Bivariate statistical tests evaluated associations between age, sex, number of medications, number of providers, and poverty level with adoption of targeted medications. Results: A total of 1106 of 1127 had a facsimile sent to their provider after a conversation with the patient. Among patients with a provider facsimile, 69 (6%) patients filled a prescription for a targeted medication after 120 days. There was a significant difference in age between individuals who started a targeted medication (67 ± 10 years) compared with patients who did not (71 ± 10 years) (p = 0.001). Conclusions: A TMR efficiently identified patients with T2D and ASCVD or HF who would benefit from evidence-based medications. Although younger patients were more likely to receive these medications, the overall uptake of these medications within four months of the intervention was lower than expected.
Working from Home and Emotional Well-Being during Major Daily Activities
Authors: Restrepo Brandon J. , Zeballos Eliana
Published: February 2023

The effect of WFH (working from home) on the quality of life of U.S. workers is not well understood. We analyze the association between WFH and overall emotional well-being during major daily activities. Using data from the 2021 Well-Being Module of the American Time Use Survey, we conduct a principal component analysis to construct a measure of overall emotional well-being and jointly estimate the association between WFH and overall emotional well-being scores in a seemingly unrelated regression framework. Our results show that compared to workers who worked outside the home, those who WFH had higher emotional well-being scores while working and eating away from home. However, no statistically significant differences were found for home-based daily activities such as relaxing, leisure, food preparation, and eating at home. These findings inform how WFH may shape the quality of a life day.