bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic Profile and Biological Properties of Sea Lavender (Limonium algarvense Erben) Plants Cultivated with Aquaculture Wastewaters: Implications for Its Use in Herbal Formulations and Food Additives
Authors: Rodrigues Maria João , Castañeda-Loaiza Viana , Monteiro Ivo , Pinela José , Barros Lillian , Abreu Rui M. V. , Oliveira Maria Conceição , Reis Catarina , Soares Florbela , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro , Pereira Catarina G. , Custódio Luísa
Published: December 2021

Water extracts from sea lavender (Limonium algarvense Erben) plants cultivated in greenhouse conditions and irrigated with freshwater and saline aquaculture effluents were evaluated for metabolomics by liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), and functional properties by in vitro and ex vivo methods. In vitro antioxidant methods included radical scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and copper and iron chelating assets. Flowers’ extracts had the highest compounds’ diversity (flavonoids and its derivatives) and strongest in vitro antioxidant activity. These extracts were further tested for ex vivo antioxidant properties by oxidative haemolysis inhibition (OxHLIA), lipid peroxidation inhibition by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation, and anti-melanogenic, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Extract from plants irrigated with 300 mM NaCl was the most active towards TBARS (IC50 = 81 µg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 873 µg/mL). In OxHLIA, the activity was similar for fresh- and saltwater-irrigated plants (300 mM NaCl; IC50 = 136 and 140 µg/mL, respectively). Samples had no anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic abilities and were not toxic. Our results suggest that sea lavender cultivated under saline conditions could provide a flavonoid-rich water extract with antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties with potential use as a food preservative or as a functional ingredient in herbal supplements.
Exploiting Urazole’s Acidity for Fabrication of Hydrogels and Ion-Exchange Materials
Authors: Hanay Saltuk B. , Fallah Ali , Senturk Efsun , Yetim Zeliha , Afghah Ferdows , Yilmaz Hulya , Culha Mustafa , Koc Bahattin , Zarrabi Ali , Varma Rajender S.
Published: December 2021

In this study, the acidity of urazole (pKa 5–6) was exploited to fabricate a hydrogel in two simple and scalable steps. Commercially available poly(hexamethylene)diisocyanate was used as a precursor to synthesize an urazole containing gel. The formation of urazole was confirmed by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The hydrogel was characterized by microscopy imaging as well as spectroscopic and thermo-gravimetric analyses. Mechanical analysis and cell viability tests were performed for its initial biocompatibility evaluation. The prepared hydrogel is a highly porous hydrogel with a Young’s modulus of 0.91 MPa, has a swelling ratio of 87%, and is capable of exchanging ions in a medium. Finally, a general strategy was demonstrated to embed urazole groups directly into a crosslinked material.
Evaluation of Reference Genes in Glenea cantor (Fabricius) by Using qRT-PCR
Authors: Su Ran-Ran , Huang Zhong-Yan , Qin Chao-Wei , Zheng Xia-Lin , Lu Wen , Wang Xiao-Yun
Published: December 2021

Kapok is the main host of Glenea cantor (Fabricius), which causes serious damage and is difficult to control. In severe cases, it often causes the kapok trees to die continuously, which seriously affects the results of urban landscaping. To provide reference for the functional research on related genes in G. cantor, we screened the stable expression of candidate reference genes at different developmental stages (i.e., eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults), in various adult tissues (i.e., head, thorax, abdomen, feet, antennae, and wings), and sexes (i.e., male pupae, female pupae, male adults, and female adults). In this study, 12 candidate reference genes (i.e., ACTINLIKE, ACTININ, TUB, RPL36, RPL32, RPS20, TBP, GAPDH, 18S rRNA, EF1A1, EF1A2, and UBQ) were evaluated using different adult tissues, developmental stages, and sexes. RefFinder, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper were used to evaluate and comprehensively analyze the stability of the expression of the candidate reference genes. The results show that RPL32 and EF1A1 were the most suitable reference genes in the different adult tissues, and RPL36 and EF1A1 were best at the different developmental stages. RPL36 and EF1A2 were the best fit for the qRT-PCR reference genes in the different sexes, while RPL36 and EF1A1 were the most appropriate qRT-PCR reference genes in all samples. Results from geNorm showed that the optimal number of reference genes was two. We also surveyed the expression of cellulase at the different developmental stages and in the different adult tissues. Results further verified the reliability of the reference genes, and confirmed the best reference genes under the different experimental conditions. This study provides a useful tool for molecular biological studies on G. cantor.
Identification of W13 in the American Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Populations
Authors: Esdaile Elizabeth , Kallenberg Angelica , Avila Felipe , Bellone Rebecca R.
Published: December 2021

Coat color is a trait of economic significance in horses. Variants in seven genes have been documented to cause white patterning in horses. Of the 34 variants that have been identified in KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), 27 have only been reported in a single individual or family and thus not all are routinely offered for genetic testing. Therefore, to enable proper use of marker-assisted selection, determining breed specificity for these alleles is warranted. Screening 19 unregistered all-white Shetland ponies for 16 white patterning markers identified 14 individuals whose phenotype could not be explained by testing results. In evaluating other known dominant white variants, 14 horses were heterozygous for W13. W13 was previously only reported in two quarter horses and a family of Australian miniature horses. Genotyping known white spotting variants in 30 owner-reported white animals (25 Miniature Horses and five Shetland ponies) identified two additional W13/N American Miniature Horses. The estimated allele frequency of W13 in the American Miniature Horse was 0.0063 (79 N/N, 1 W13/N) and the allele was not detected in a random sample (n = 59) of Shetland ponies. No homozygous W13 individuals were identified and W13/N ponies had a similar all-white coat with pink skin phenotype, regardless of the other white spotting variants present, demonstrating that W13 results in a Mendelian inherited dominant white phenotype and homozygosity is likely lethal. These findings document the presence of W13 in the American Miniature Horse and Shetland pony populations at a low frequency and illustrate the importance of testing for this variant in additional breeds.
Effective Continuum Approximations for Permeability in Brown-Coal and Other Large-Scale Fractured Media
Authors: Hu Roger , Walsh Stuart D. C.
Published: December 2021

The stability of open-pit brown-coal mines is affected by the manner in which water is transmitted or retained within their slopes. This in turn is a function of the in-situ fracture network at those mines. Fracture networks in real mines exhibit significant degrees of heterogeneity; encompassing a wide range of apertures, inter-fracture separations, and orientations. While each of these factors plays a role in determining fluid movement, over the scale of a mine it is often impractical to precisely measure, let alone simulate, the behaviour of each fracture. Accordingly, effective continuum models capable of representing the bulk effects of the fracture network are needed to understand the movement of fluid within these slopes. This article presents an analysis of the fracture distribution within the slopes of a brown coal mine and outlines a model to capture the effects on the bulk permeability. A stress-dependent effective-fracture-permeability model is introduced that captures the effects of the fracture apertures, spacing, and orientation. We discuss how this model captures the fracture heterogeneity and the effects of changing stress conditions on fluid flow. The fracture network data and the results from the effective permeability model demonstrate that in many cases slope permeability is dominated by highly permeable but low-probability fractures. These results highlight the need for models capable of capturing the effects of heterogeneity and uncertainty on the slope behaviour.
Challenges and Innovations Brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Medical and Pharmacy Education Especially in Africa and Implications for the Future
Authors: Etando Ayukafangha , Amu Adefolarin A. , Haque Mainul , Schellack Natalie , Kurdi Amanj , Alrasheedy Alian A. , Timoney Angela , Mwita Julius C. , Rwegerera Godfrey Mutashambara , Patrick Okwen , Niba Loveline Lum , Boahen-Boaten Baffour Boaten , Tabi Felicity Besong , Amu Olufunke Y. , Acolatse Joseph , Incoom Robert , Sefah Israel Abebrese , Guantai Anastasia Nkatha , Opanga Sylvia , Chikowe Ibrahim , Khuluza Felix , Kibuule Dan , Kalemeera Francis , Hango Ester , Lates Jennie , Fadare Joseph , Ogunleye Olayinka O. , Saleem Zikria , Oosthuizen Frasia , Cordier Werner , Matlala Moliehi , Meyer Johanna C. , Schellack Gustav , Massele Amos , Malande Oliver Ombeva , Kalungia Aubrey Chichonyi , Sichone James , Banda Sekelani S. , Zaranyika Trust , Campbell Stephen , Godman Brian
Published: December 2021

Background: Multiple measures introduced early to restrict COVID-19 have dramatically impacted the teaching of medical and pharmacy students, exacerbated by the lack of infrastructure and experience with e-learning at the start of the pandemic. In addition, the costs and reliability of the Internet across Africa pose challenges alongside undertaking clinical teaching and practical programmes. Consequently, there is a need to understand the many challenges and how these were addressed, given increasingly complex patients, to provide future direction. Method: An exploratory study was conducted among senior-level medical and pharmacy educators across Africa, addressing four key questions, including the challenges resulting from the pandemic and how these were dealt with. Results: Staff and student members faced multiple challenges initially, including adapting to online learning. In addition, concerns with the lack of equipment (especially among disadvantaged students), the costs of Internet bundles, and how to conduct practicals and clinical teaching. Multiple activities were undertaken to address these challenges. These included training sessions, developing innovative approaches to teaching, and seeking ways to reduce Internet costs. Robust approaches to practicals, clinical teaching, and assessments have been developed. Conclusions: Appreciable difficulties to teaching arising from the pandemic are being addressed across Africa. Research is ongoing to improve education and assessments.
Trends in the Prescription of Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists from 2009 to 2020: A Retrospective Study Using Electronic Healthcare Record Data of a University Hospital in Japan
Authors: Okui Tasuku , Park Jinsang , Hirata Akie , Nakashima Naoki
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the prescription trends of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) have not been investigated in Japan despite the publication of guidelines that promote cautious use of BZRAs. The prescription trend of BZRAs was assessed using the electronic healthcare records data of a University Hospital in Japan. The data from April 2009 to March 2021 were used. The following three types of outcomes were set: the proportion of patients who were prescribed with BZRAs within those prescribed hypnotics or anxiolytics; the mean number of the types of prescribed BZRAs, and the mean average daily doses of BZRAs. The same analysis was conducted for benzodiazepines (BZDs) and non-benzodiazepines (Z-drugs). As a result, we found that the proportions of patients prescribed BZRAs within those prescribed hypnotics or anxiolytics began to decrease, particularly from 2015 for patients aged <75 years and those aged ≥75 years. Further, the degree of decrease was larger in patients aged ≥75 years. The proportion for BZDs decreased particularly in the study period, and the proportion for Z-drugs also began to decrease approximately from 2016 in patients aged ≥75 years. The results suggest a possibility that guidelines affected the decreased prescriptions of BZRAs.
A Comparison of Nurse Aides and Nurses Regarding the Work Competence of Nurse Aides in a Skill-Mixed Institution
Authors: Hsu Hui-Chen , Kung Hsiang-Wen , Chiang Wen-Jen , Lee Bih-O , Wang Ruey-Hsia
Published: December 2021

Objective: To compare the differences between the work competencies self-reported by nurse aides’ and those perceived by nurses. Method: A cross-sectional survey was employed. The settings were units implemented a skill mix model institution in Taiwan. The instruments consisted of the participants’ demographic data and a nurse aide work competence scale. Results: The results indicated that the nurse aides had room for improvement in terms of “problem solving” and “activity design”. The nurse aides and nurses differed significantly in terms of the nurse aides’ competence in “activity design”, as the nurse aides reported themselves to be more competent in “activity design” than reported by the nurses. Conclusion: Nurse aides should be incorporated into cross-disciplinary teams. Activity design should be handled by other healthcare providers such as physical therapists or senior social workers.
Defining the Optimal Strategies for Achieving Drug-Free Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Gul Hanna , Harnden Kate , Saleem Benazir
Published: December 2021

Background: It is now accepted that the optimum treatment goal for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is sustained remission, as this has been shown to be associated with the best patient outcomes. There is little guidance on how to manage patients once remission is achieved; however, it is recommended that patients can taper therapy, with a view to discontinuing and achieving drug-free remission if treatment goals are maintained. This narrative review aims to present the current literature on drug-free remission in rheumatoid arthritis, with a view to identifying which strategies are best for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) tapering and to highlight areas of unmet clinical need. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature, which included research articles, meta-analyses and review papers. The key search terms included were rheumatoid arthritis, remission, drug-free remission, b-DMARDS/biologics, cs-DMARDS and tapering. The databases that were searched included PubMed and Google Scholar. For each article, the reference section of the paper was reviewed to find additional relevant articles. Results: It has been demonstrated that DFR is possible in a proportion of RA patients achieving clinically defined remission (both on cs and b-DMARDS). Immunological, imaging and clinical associations with/predictors of DFR have all been identified, including the presence of autoantibodies, absence of Power Doppler (PD) signal on ultrasound (US), lower disease activity according to composite scores of disease activity and lower patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) at treatment cessation. Conclusions: DFR in RA may be an achievable goal in certain patients. This carries importance in reducing medication-induced side-effects and potential toxicity, the burden of taking treatment if not required and cost effectiveness, specifically for biologic therapy. Prospective studies of objective biomarkers will help facilitate the prediction of successful treatment discontinuation.
Hemophilia Patient Experience in a Physical Therapy-Guided Health Education Intervention: A Mixed-Method Design
Authors: López-Casaus Alicia , Jiménez-Sánchez Carolina , Cordova-Alegre Paula , Alfaro-Gervon Fani , Esteban-Repiso Laura , Lafuente-Ureta Raquel
Published: December 2021

People with hemophilia usually have negative joint consequences due to their illness. Evidence suggests that exercise and therapeutic education bring some benefits. An important factor that affects health interventions was the experience and degree of satisfaction. Thus, it is relevant to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to obtain a complete view of the patient’s experience. As a result, a concurrent nested mixed method with quantitative predominance study design was carried out. Nine people with hemophilia of Hemoaralar with a homogeneous environment participated in this study. The items evaluated were the level of satisfaction through the GCPC-UN-ESU survey and the experience with healthcare interventions through a focus group. A high level of satisfaction was obtained, but some divergences between quantitative and qualitative data were found. Further research about physical therapy and this type of intervention in people with hemophilia should be considered to better address the impact of living with the disease.
Development of Serological Assays and Seroprevalence Studies of the New Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): Reports from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alandijany Thamir A. , Faizo Arwa A.
Published: December 2021

Serological assays are valuable tools for tracking COVID-19 spread, estimation of herd immunity, and evaluation of vaccine effectiveness. Several reports from Saudi Arabia describe optimized in-house protocols that enable detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies and measurement of their neutralizing activity. Notably, there were variations in the approaches utilized to develop and validate these immunoassays in term of sample size, validation methodologies, and statistical analyses. The developed enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs) were based on the viral full-length spike (S), S1 subunit, and nucleocapsid (NP), and enabled detection of IgM and/or IgG. ELISAs were evaluated and validated against a microneutralization assay utilizing a local SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolate, FDA-approved commercially available immunoassays, and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall, the performance of the described assays was high, reaching up to 100% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity with no cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses. In-house immunoassays, along with commercially available kits, were subsequently applied in a number of sero-epidemiological studies aiming to estimate sero-positivity status among local populations including healthcare workers, COVID-19 patients, non-COVID-19 patients, and healthy blood donors. The reported seroprevalence rates differed widely among these studies, ranging from 0.00% to 32.2%. These variations are probably due to study period, targeted population, sample size, and performance of the immunoassays utilized. Indeed, lack of sero-positive cases were reported among healthy blood donors during the lockdown, while the highest rates were reported when the number of COVID-19 cases peaked in the country, particularly among healthcare workers working in referral hospitals and quarantine sites. In this review, we aim to (1) provide a critical discussion about the developed in-house immunoassays, and (2) summarize key findings of the sero-epidemiological studies and highlight strengths and weaknesses of each study.
Assessing the Effects of Aging on Muscle Stiffness Using Shear Wave Elastography and Myotonometer
Authors: Do Yerim , Lall Prarthana Sanya , Lee Haneul
Published: December 2021

The current study investigated the differences in muscle stiffness between older and young adults at rest and during contraction. We also evaluated the differences in muscle stiffness assessments using a myotonometer (MyotonPRO) and shear wave elastography (SWE). Twenty-two older adults (mean age, 66.6 ± 1.6 years) and 23 young adults (mean age, 66.6 ± 1.6 years) participated in this study. Muscle stiffness of the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles at rest and during contraction were measured using SWE and the MyotonPRO. The stiffness increase rate (SIR) was also calculated to determine the absolute stiffness difference. The mean muscle stiffness of the TA and MG muscles was significantly lower in older adults than in young adults at rest and during contraction (p < 0.05). Similarly, the SIR values of the TA and MG were significantly lower in older adults than in young adults (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that both instruments could be used to quantify muscle stiffness changes and serve as a cornerstone for assessing aging-related losses in muscle function. Stiffness measures may help exercise professionals to develop an in-depth understanding of muscle impairment at the tissue level.
Colloidal Silver Hydrogen Peroxide: New Generation Molecule for Management of Phytopathogens
Authors: Mahesha Hosapura Shekhararaju , Vinay Jayasuvarnapura Umapathi , Ravikumar Medikeripura Rekhyanaik , Visweswarashastry Suryanarayana , Keerthi Manikyanahalli Chandrashekhara , Halli Hanamant Mudakappa , Shokralla Shadi , El-Abedin Tarek K. Zin , Mahmoud Eman A. , Elansary Hosam O.
Published: December 2021

Plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria are a significant threat to global commercial crop production resulting in increased cost of production, reduced crop establishment and productivity. An effort was made to study the antimicrobial activity of silver hydrogen peroxide (SHP) against selected plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria under in vitro conditions. Higher antibacterial activity of SHP was observed against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac; 39.67 mm), Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xap; 39.00 mm), and Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs; 36.67 mm) at 500 ppm concentration. SHP was superior to streptocycline (500 ppm) against Xac (25.33 mm) and Xcp (22.67 mm) at 100 ppm. The soil-borne fungi viz., Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium solani failed to initiate mycelium growth on PDA at the concentration of 5000 ppm and above. The average size of SHP particles was 462 nm in diameter, and 73.40% of particles had the size of 378 nm, which reflects the particles present in SHP solution in the form of colloids. The effective doses (100–5000 ppm) did not show any phytotoxicity symptoms in plants, while leaf necrosis was noticed at 10,000 ppm after four days of application. SHP (≤5000 ppm) can be used to effectively manage both fungal and bacterial plant pathogens by a single application. Further field studies need to be conducted for validation and commercial use of SHP.
Exploring Key Factors Determining US Consumer Preferences for Growing over Buying Fruit in Pre-Covidian and Covidian Times
Authors: Rombach Meike , Dean David L. , Baird Tim
Published: December 2021

This study provides insights for managers in the food retail sector, the horticultural industry, actors involved in community gardening and farmers’ markets. It proposes a model that investigates key factors determining US consumer preferences for growing fruit over buying it in pre-Covidian and Covidian times. For this purpose, an online survey with a sample of 383 US residents was conducted. Partial least squares structural equation modelling shows that subjective knowledge about fruit and the perceived impact of COVID-19 are the most important drivers of preferences for growing over buying in Covidian times. The impact of COVID-19 had no relevance for the pre-Covidian times. For both scenarios, only age and gender as socio-demographic factors were found to influence subjective knowledge and the perceived impact of COVID-19. Other sociodemographic factors were not found to have any impact.
Effect of Different Temperature Regimes on the Germination of Pseudolysimachion pusanensis (Y. N. Lee) Y. N. Lee Seeds
Authors: Lee Mi-Hyun , Lim Jin-Hyun , Park Cho-Hee , Kim Jun-Hyeok , Na Chae-Sun
Published: December 2021

In this study, we determined the germination response in the seeds of the rare plant Pseudolysimachion pusanensis (Y. N. Lee) Y. N. Lee to different temperatures. P. pusanensis seeds were collected from the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum, South Korea, in November 2019, and dried. Dry seeds were placed at constant and alternating temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) to determine their germination percentage (GP). The seeds were exposed to 59 temperature combinations ranging from 5 °C to 43 °C using a thermal gradient plate. The photoperiod was set at 12:12 h (light:dark) and germination assays were performed five times a week. Subsequently, the seed GP and the number of days required to reach 50% of the germination (T50) were determined. The highest final GP was 94.38%, with a T50 value of 9.26 d at 15 °C. However, the mean germination time was 12.5 d at 15 °C, and linear regression using 1/T50 revealed that the base temperature ranged from 2.69 °C to 4.68 °C. These results for P. pusanensis seeds stored in a seed bank provide useful data for the native plants horticulture industry and can also be utilized for storage management.
Health Literacy, Health Behaviors, and Body Mass Index Impacts on Quality of Life: Cross-Sectional Study of University Students in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Prihanto Junaidi Budi , Wahjuni Endang Sri , Nurhayati Faridha , Matsuyama Ryota , Tsunematsu Miwako , Kakehashi Masayuki
Published: December 2021

University student life is an important transformation stage with many potential factors that can impact negatively on the Quality of Life (QOL) and the adoption of unhealthy behaviors. Health literacy (HL), Health Behaviors (HBs), and Body Mass Index (BMI) have been found to be essential components in influencing QOL, in addition to socioeconomic determinants. To identify the influential factors of QOL, we performed a cross-sectional survey in a university, and 955 undergraduate students were enrolled as respondents. We measured two different aspects of HL, i.e., Comprehensive Health Literacy (CHL) and Functional Health Literacy (FHL). Overall, QOL scores in four domains did not differ, regarded as medium with averages ranging from 57.00–63.98, and no significant difference between male and female students. In multivariate analysis, CHL had a significant positive influence on all domains, while FHL only affected the psychological and environmental domains with negative associations. Academic performance had a significant positive association with physical and psychological domains. Students from education majors had higher QOL in the psychological and social domains. Moreover, students with normal or underweight BMI status had better psychological QOL, and physical exercise had a positive association with the social relationship and environmental domains. The findings confirmed that CHL and FHL had significant associations with QOL domains in different ways that should be addressed accordingly. Public health practitioners should carefully empower students to use both CHL and FHL as decision-making skills by incorporating them into related curricula.
Adherence to an Injury Prevention Warm-Up Program in Children’s Soccer—A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hilska Matias , Leppänen Mari , Vasankari Tommi , Aaltonen Sari , Raitanen Jani , Räisänen Anu M. , Steffen Kathrin , Forsman Hannele , Konttinen Niilo , Kujala Urho M. , Pasanen Kati
Published: December 2021

This study examined the impact of high adherence to a neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up on the risk of lower extremity (LE) injuries in children’s soccer. Twenty U11–U14 youth clubs (n = 92 teams, 1409 players) were randomized into intervention (n = 44 teams) and control (n = 48 teams) groups. The intervention group was advised to perform an NMT warm-up 2 to 3 times a week for 20 weeks. Team adherence, injuries, and exposure were registered throughout the follow-up. Primary outcomes were the incidence of soccer-related acute LE injuries and the prevalence of overuse LE injuries. Intervention teams conducted mean 1.7 (SD 1.0) NMT warm-ups weekly through follow-up. The seasonal trend for adherence declined significantly by −1.9% (95% CI −0.8% to −3.1%) a week. There was no difference in the incidence of acute injuries nor the prevalence of overuse LE injuries in high team adherence group (n = 17 teams) compared to controls. However, the risk for acute noncontact LE injuries was 31% lower in the high team adherence group compared to controls (IRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.97). In an efficacy analysis (n = 7 teams), there was a significant reduction of 47% in the rate of noncontact LE injuries (IRR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97). In conclusion, teams conducted NMT warm-up sessions regularly, but with a declining trend. A greater protective effect was seen in teams with the highest adherence to the NMT warm-up.
Effects of Elevation and Distance from Highway on the Abundance and Community Structure of Bacteria in Soil along Qinghai-Tibet Highway
Authors: Liu Zhuocheng , Yang Yangang , Ji Shuangxuan , Dong Di , Li Yinruizhi , Wang Mengdi , Han Liebao , Chen Xueping
Published: December 2021

In recent years, highway construction in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) has developed rapidly. When the highway passes through grassland, the soil, vegetation, and ecological environment along the line are disturbed. However, the impact on soil bacteria is still unclear. Soil bacteria play an important role in the ecological environment. The Qinghai-Tibet Highway (QTH) was selected as the research object to explore the changes in bacterial community structure, vegetation, soil, and other indicators. The results showed that the highway-related activities increased the degradation of vegetation along the road, significantly changed the physical and chemical properties of soil, and caused heavy metal pollution. These environmental factors affected the diversity and community structure of soil bacteria. This kind of disturbance shows a trend of gradually increasing from near to far from the highway. Gemmatimonas, Terrimonas, Nitrospira and Bacillus are more tolerant to environmental changes along the highway, while Barnesiella, and Blastococcus are more sensitive. The content of nitrate decreased and the content of ammonium nitrogen increased in the disturbed area, increasing the abundance of nitrifying bacteria. Therefore, the main factor of the disturbance of the QTH on the grassland is the decline of soil nutrient content, and the supplement of soil nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen should be taken into account in the process of ecological restoration of grassland along the line.
Influence of Different Industrial Agglomeration Modes on Eco-Efficiency in China
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Zhu Xigang , Li Jianshu , Gu Chao
Published: December 2021

It is a key issue for the Chinese government to improve eco-efficiency and realize green development. As a spatial organization mode of industrial labor division, industrial agglomeration has a complex impact on eco-efficiency. However, it is still debatable which industrial agglomeration modes have a positive impact on eco-efficiency. This paper employs a panel threshold model, enterprise micro-level data, and relevant economic environment data from 283 cities in China from 2004 to 2012. It tests the nonlinear effects of specialized, related diversified, and unrelated diversified agglomeration on industrial eco-efficiency. The results show that the impact of specialized and related diversified agglomeration on industrial eco-efficiency is first inhibited and then promoted. The unrelated diversified agglomeration has a significantly negative impact on industrial eco-efficiency, but the negative impact weakens when agglomeration reaches a certain level. Furthermore, the impact of the three agglomeration modes on industrial eco-efficiency depends on city size. The impact of specialized agglomeration on industrial eco-efficiency is insignificant in small- and some medium-sized cities, but it has a significant inhibitory effect on industrial eco-efficiency when the city surpasses medium size. The role of related diversified agglomeration in promoting industrial eco-efficiency is further enhanced with the growth of city size. The impact of unrelated diversified agglomeration on industrial eco-efficiency gradually changes from negative to positive, but it plays a promoting role only when the city reaches the scale of super-large and mega-cities. Finally, this paper suggests that policymakers should formulate differentiated agglomeration policies according to changes in industrial agglomeration level or city size to improve industrial eco-efficiency.
Sentiment Analysis of Comments of American Birders during Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic Reveal More Negative Sentiments in the Context of Birding
Authors: Randler Christoph , Kalb Nadine , Tryjanowski Piotr
Published: December 2021

Human–nature relationships are an important aspect of leisure research. Previous studies also reported that nature-related activities have a health benefit. In this study, we surveyed US-American birdwatchers at two time points during the COVID pandemic (independent samples). During the beginning of the COVID pandemic in spring 2020, we analyzed their comments with an AI sentiment analysis. Approximately one year later (winter 2020/21), during the second wave, the study was repeated, and a second data set was analyzed. Here we show that during the ongoing pandemic, the sentiments became more negative. This is an important result because it shows that despite the positive impact of nature on mental health, the sentiments become more negative in the enduring pandemic.
Accept Anxiety to Improve Sleep: The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Relationships between Mindfulness, Distress, and Sleep Quality
Authors: Mirolli Marco , Simione Luca , Martoni Monica , Fabbri Marco
Published: December 2021

It has been recently proposed that mindfulness can improve sleep quality through the mediating role on psychological distress and that acceptance may play a pivotal role in mindfulness beneficial effects. The aim of the present work was to understand the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on dispositional mindfulness, sleep, and distress, and on their relationships. In particular, we wanted to test the hypothesis that the detrimental effects of lockdown on sleep depended on mindfulness and distress (including anxiety and depression) and that the acceptance facet of mindfulness played the leading role. A longitudinal study based on self-report questionnaires was conducted on 39 Italian adults (M age = 35.03, SD = 14.02; 21 men) assessing mindfulness, distress, and sleep quality before (23 December 2019–8 March 2020) and during (27 April 2020–10 May 2020) the first Italian COVID-19 lockdown. Lockdown decreased mindfulness while increasing distress and sleep problems. Path analysis showed that the effects of lockdown on sleep were fully mediated by mindfulness and distress. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis showed that these effects were mainly dependent on the acceptance component of mindfulness working through anxiety. The present study confirms, in the context of the COVID-19 lockdown, a model according to which mindfulness, and specifically acceptance, influences sleep through the mediating role of distress.
A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Mindfulness and Meditation Research from 1900 to 2021
Authors: Wang Yuzheng , Liao Lingqiu , Lin Xiaoxiao , Sun Yabin , Wang Ning , Wang Jinyan , Luo Fei
Published: December 2021

This study comprehensively summarizes research in the field of meditation, especially mindfulness meditation from 1900 to 2021, by analyzing the knowledge map through CiteSpace and VOSviewer software. Using “mindfulness *” or “meditation *” as the topic, articles included in the Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index were searched in the web of science core database, resulting in the selection of 19,752 articles. Over half a century ago, Deikman published the field’s first article in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease in 1963, and publications have soared in subsequent decades. The USA is in the core position in terms of global collaboration, total publication numbers, and total citations. The Mindfulness journal ranked first for the most published articles and citations. “The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being,” written by Brown and Ryan, was the most cited article. Mindfulness, meditation, depression, intervention, stress reduction, stress, and anxiety are the top co-occurrence keywords. The timeline of cluster analysis discloses that before 2010, hypertension, cancer, mindfulness, generalized anxiety disorder, and other topics received great attention. In the decade since 2010, scholars have shown interest in meta-analysis, attention, and self-assessment, and keen attention to mindfulness-based interventions. These findings provide an important foundation to direct future research.
Leg Dominance and OSB12 Kick Start Performance in Young Competitive Swimmers
Authors: Matúš Ivan , Ružbarský Pavel , Vadašová Bibiana , Čech Pavol
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in starting and kick-plate positions, pointing to an effect on kick-start performance with the dominant and non-dominant feet placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block. The sample included 20 female competitive swimmers whose average age was 16.1 ± 0.6 years. To assess swimmers’ lower body explosive strength and determine leg dominance, a triple hop distance test was administered. We determined the swimmers’ preferred starting position on a starting block in terms of the kick-plate setting and body position on the starting block. The results of our study demonstrate the importance of leg dominance and positioning on the OSB12 starting block. After the preferred starting position was determined, the optimal position for the kick start was selected. When the dominant leg was placed on the front edge of the starting block (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d—large effect), swimmers produced shorter block times and times to 2 and 5 m. For most of the tested swimmers, the optimal basic position on the starting block included neutral- and rear-weighted positions with the kick plate set to positions 3–4 and the right leg placed on the front edge of the OSB12 starting block.
Short-Term Psycho-Education for Caregivers to Reduce Overmedication of People with Intellectual Disabilities (SPECTROM): Development and Field Testing
Authors: Deb Shoumitro (Shoumi) , Limbu Bharati , Unwin Gemma , Woodcock Linda , Cooper Vivien , Fullerton Michael
Published: December 2021

People with intellectual disabilities (PwID) are at a higher risk of developing challenging behaviours (CB). Despite the poor evidence for the effectiveness of medications in managing CB, they are used widely among PwID (50–63%). The aims of our study were to develop a training programme, SPECTROM for support staff to help reduce overmedication in PwID and carry out field testing of SPECTROM including a process evaluation. We developed SPECTROM using the Experience-based co-design method that included four focus groups and a one-day co-design event. Twenty trainees received SPECTROM training. We used the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitudes Scale-Revised-Intellectual Disabilities (MAVAS-R-ID) and the Psychotropic knowledge questionnaire. A semi-structured interview and a feasibility questionnaire were used for process evaluation. SPECTROM website contains 14 modules, resources, and face-to-face training. MAVAS-R-ID scores showed change in staff attitude to ‘medication management’ domain was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Psychotropic knowledge questionnaire showed statistically significant post-training improvement in correct responses (p < 0.05). Process evaluation data showed that SPECTROM was acceptable, applicable, practical, and relevant to staff practice, and helped to improve self-reflection, knowledge, and support to PwID. SPECTROM is a useful training that helps to change the support staff’s attitude toward CB and improve their knowledge of psychotropic medications.
Characterizing Trends in Lung Cancer Mortality Attributable to Airborne Environmental Carcinogens
Authors: Veith Mitchell , McAlarney Drury , Xue Xiaonan , Rohan Thomas E. , Hosgood H. Dean
Published: December 2021

Tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally, but trends in TBL mortality attributable to tobacco, ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP), and household air pollution (HAP) were unequally distributed within global population subgroups over the last three decades. We used data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study to quantify the impact of sex, time, sociodemographic development index (SDI), and age for each exposure from 1990–2019. During that interval, tobacco dominated the TBL cancer mortality landscape, with its minimum global age-adjusted death rate of 16.71 deaths/100,000 (95% Uncertainty Interval (UI): 15.27–18.13) outstripping maximums of 3.85 deaths/100,000 (UI: 2.82–4.83) and 2.54 deaths/100,000 (UI: 1.69–3.54) for APMP and HAP, respectively. In 2019, tobacco male TBL death rates exceeded female rates by a factor of 4.4:1. Ratios of 1.9:1 for APMP and 2.1:1 for HAP were seen. Our analysis indicates that both-sex middle SDI and female low, low-middle, and high-middle SDI populations are suffering increasing tobacco TBL burden. Efforts producing successful global reductions in HAP-associated TBL mortality should continue, with attention to low SDI female death rate increases. Finally, except for high SDI populations, global APMP-attributable TBL cancer burden is increasing and represents a major health concern.
Switzerland’s Narcotics Regulation Jungle: Off-Label Use, Counterfoil Prescriptions, and Opioid Agonist Therapy in the French-Speaking Cantons
Authors: Schmitt-Koopmann Caroline , Baud Carole-Anne , Junod Valérie , Simon Olivier
Published: December 2021

The word “narcotic” is often first associated with “illicit drugs”. Yet, many “narcotic” and psychotropic substances are, in fact, medicines. Controlled medicines (CM) are products that meet the legal definition of both a “narcotic” under the Swiss Narcotics Act and of a medicine under the Therapeutic Products Act. We aim to examine how similar and how different, respectively, the implementation of CM regulations is throughout French-speaking Switzerland. Based on a legal analysis of the cantonal regulations, we conducted semi-structured interviews with cantonal pharmacists and cantonal physicians. We asked them how they perceive and implement the federal legal requirements. We find that some of these requirements have fallen into disuse, notably the federal duty to notify off-label use of CM. We observe that counterfoil prescriptions in their current paper format are a veritable data graveyard in the sense that they are not actively used to monitor or supervise the market. Moreover, we detect different conditions for opioid agonist treatment authorization. Some cantons require additional physicians’ training or written commitments by the person treated. Our mapping of the CM regulation implementation can serve as a basis for cantons to review their practices.
The Role of Strategic Emotional Intelligence in Predicting Adolescents’ Academic Achievement: Possible Interplays with Verbal Intelligence and Personality
Authors: Jolić Marjanović Zorana , Altaras Dimitrijević Ana , Protić Sonja , Mestre José M.
Published: December 2021

As recent meta-analyses confirmed that emotional intelligence (EI), particularly strategic EI, adjoins intelligence and personality in predicting academic achievement, we explored possible arrangements in which these predictors affect the given outcome in adolescents. Three models, with versions including either overall strategic EI or its branches, were considered: (a) a mediation model, whereby strategic EI partially mediates the effects of verbal intelligence (VI) and personality on achievement; the branch-level version assumed that emotion understanding affects achievement in a cascade via emotion management; (b) a direct effects model, with strategic EI/branches placed alongside VI and personality as another independent predictor of achievement; and (c) a moderation model, whereby personality moderates the effects of VI and strategic EI/branches on achievement. We tested these models in a sample of 227 students (M = 16.50 years) and found that both the mediation and the direct effects model with overall strategic EI fit the data; there was no support for a cascade within strategic EI, nor for the assumption that personality merely moderates the effects of abilities on achievement. Principally, strategic EI both mediated the effects of VI and openness, and independently predicted academic achievement, and it did so through emotion understanding directly, “skipping” emotion management.
Aluminum in Bottom Sediments of the Lower Silesian Rivers Supplying Dam Reservoirs vs. Selected Chemical Parameters
Authors: Senze Magdalena , Kowalska-Góralska Monika , Czyż Katarzyna , Wondołowska-Grabowska Anna , Łuczyńska Joanna
Published: December 2021

The study was carried out on sediments collected from three rivers: Nysa Szalona, Strzegomka and Bystrzyca flowing in southwestern Poland. The content of Al in sediments and in bottom water was determined in relation to chemical conditions. The study was carried out in a four-year cycle, during spring and autumn. The aim of the study was to determine the level and accumulation of aluminum in sediments of rivers supplying dam reservoirs storing water for consumption. The sediments studied were mineral in nature, with neutral pH and moderate sulfate content. The level of Al and heavy metals in the sediments was the highest in the Nysa Szalona River and the lowest in the Strzegomka River, which was also evident in the concentration factor (CF). In terms of season, higher Al contents were recorded in sediments in autumn than in spring, which was also reflected in the concentration factor (CF). Along the course of the river, a gradual decrease in Al levels was observed in successive tributaries in the Nysa Szalona and Strzegomka Rivers, while there was no apparent regularity for the Bystrzyca. Against this background, a comparison of extreme sites below the springs and at the reservoir outlet shows that values were higher in the Nysa Szalona below the springs, and lower in the Strzegomka and Bystrzyca below the reservoir outlet. The general picture of Al and heavy metal loading of the studied sediments shows the lowest loading for the Strzegomka, only the enrichment factor (EF) was the lowest for the Nysa Szalona: metal pollution index (MPI)—S < B < NS, contamination factor (Cf)—S < B < NS, degree of contamination (DC)—S < NS < B, EF—NS < B < S, geoaccumulation index (Igeo)—S < B < NS, CF—S < NS < B. There was no effect of catchment size and river length on Al levels in sediments.