bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confounding Factors Impacting microRNA Expression in Human Saliva: Methodological and Biological Considerations
Authors: Sullivan Rhea , Montgomery Austin , Scipioni Anna , Jhaveri Pooja , Schmidt Adam T. , Hicks Steven D.
Published: October 2022

There is growing interest in saliva microRNAs (miRNAs) as non-invasive biomarkers for human disease. Such an approach requires understanding how differences in experimental design affect miRNA expression. Variations in technical methodologies, coupled with inter-individual variability may reduce study reproducibility and generalizability. Another barrier facing salivary miRNA biomarker research is a lack of recognized “control miRNAs”. In one of the largest studies of human salivary miRNA to date (922 healthy individuals), we utilized 1225 saliva samples to quantify variability in miRNA expression resulting from aligner selection (Bowtie1 vs. Bowtie2), saliva collection method (expectorated vs. swabbed), RNA stabilizer (presence vs. absence), and individual biological factors (sex, age, body mass index, exercise, caloric intake). Differential expression analyses revealed that absence of RNA stabilizer introduced the greatest variability, followed by differences in methods of collection and aligner. Biological factors generally affected a smaller number of miRNAs. We also reported coefficients of variations for 643 miRNAs consistently present in saliva, highlighting several salivary miRNAs to serve as reference genes. Thus, the results of this analysis can be used by researchers to optimize parameters of salivary miRNA measurement, exclude miRNAs confounded by numerous biologic factors, and identify appropriate miRNA controls.
Bulevirtide plus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Improves Liver Function in HDV/HBV Related Cirrhosis after Virological Response: A Case Report
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Tsibouris Panagiotis , Braimakis Ioannis , Apostolopoulos Periklis
Published: October 2022

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) globally affects nearly 5% of people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Bulevirtide (BLV) is an HDV/HBV entry inhibitor recently approved for adult patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). In this real-life case report, we describe the virological efficacy, the safety, and the liver function amelioration of one patient with liver compensated cirrhosis with esophageal varices after one-year combo treatment with BLV (2 mg/day in sub-cutaneous injection) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) (245 mg/day). The patient had HDV RNA levels of 9300 IU/mL, 1100 IU/mL, and undetectable at baseline, after three months, and after six months of treatment, respectively. In addition, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score has declined from 11 at baseline to 8 after twelve months of treatment accompanied by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization. Moreover, the treatment significantly improved the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) since a reduction from 34.3 kPa to 24.5 kPa was observed after twelve months of treatment. Furthermore, the treatment was well tolerated, and no dose reduction was needed.
The Predominant Sources of Heavy Metals in Different Types of Fugitive Dust Determined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) Modeling in Southeast Hubei: A Typical Mining and Metallurgy Area in Central China
Authors: Chen Hongling , Wu Dandan , Wang Qiao , Fang Lihu , Wang Yanan , Zhan Changlin , Zhang Jiaquan , Zhang Shici , Cao Junji , Qi Shihua , Liu Shan
Published: October 2022

To develop accurate air pollution control policies, it is necessary to determine the sources of different types of fugitive dust in mining and metallurgy areas. A method integrating principal component analysis and a positive matrix factorization model was used to identify the potential sources of heavy metals (HMs) in five different types of fugitive dust. The results showed accumulation of Mn, Fe, and Cu can be caused by natural geological processes, which contributed 38.55% of HMs. The Ni and Co can be released from multiple transport pathways and accumulated through local deposition, which contributed 29.27%. Mining-related activities contributed 20.11% of the HMs and showed a relatively high accumulation of As, Sn, Zn, and Cr, while traffic-related emissions contributed the rest of the HMs and were responsible for the enrichment in Pb and Cd. The co-applied source-identification models improved the precision of the identification of sources, which revealed that the local geological background and mining-related activities were mainly responsible for the accumulation of HMs in the area. The findings can help the government develop targeted control strategies for HM dispersion efficiency.
The Effect of Chronotype on Oppositional Behaviour and Psychomotor Agitation of School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Figueiredo Sandra , Vieira Rayane
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between chronotype, classroom behaviour and school performance in 140 healthy school-age children attending various levels of education during the 1st cycle during 2021 in Portugal. In this cross-sectional and quantitative study, the Chronotype Questionnaire for Children (to assess the chronotype) and the Conners Scale—a reduced version was presented to the teachers (to assess behaviours such as excessive movement, inattention and oppositional behaviours)—were used. The methodology of this study followed a comparative method since the independent variables were not controlled, and therefore, it was still possible to compare the differences between the morning and evening groups. Statistical methods were used such as multivariate analyses, inter-item correlations and reliability tests, and descriptive tests were used for the percentile analysis. The sample was divided into three groups based on the identification of the chronotype—morning, intermediate and evening types—to further study the relationship between these chronotypes, their academic performance and classroom behaviour were studied. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that there was a higher rate of oppositional behaviour in the morning type and no differences in the school performance during the two semesters (covering all of the school periods) regarding the chronotype effect, even with the analysis of regression parameters and covariates. On the other hand, the morning-type children showed a greater amount of motor agitation and impulsivity after controlling for the gender covariate. Age had an effect on the chronotype, after controlling for the covariate parental education. This study highlights the need for further research on the chronotype of the morning children in order to regulate their behaviour. The data that were obtained raise questions that have not been yet considered in the literature in the area of education and infant development.
Fluoride Intake and Salivary Fluoride Retention after Using High-Fluoride Toothpaste Followed by Post-Brushing Water Rinsing and Conventional (1400–1450 ppm) Fluoride Toothpastes Used without Rinsing
Authors: Opydo-Szymaczek Justyna , Pawlaczyk-Kamieńska Tamara , Borysewicz-Lewicka Maria
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to compare the fluoride intake and salivary fluoride levels after brushing with conventional (1400–1450 ppm) fluoride toothpaste containing different fluoride agents: amine fluoride (AmF), sodium fluoride (NaF), sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP), potassium fluoride (KF), and a high-fluoride (5000 ppm) toothpaste containing NaF. Fourteen volunteers took part in the study. They were instructed to brush and spit without rinsing after using conventional toothpaste or brush and rinse with water after using a high-fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride concentrations were determined using ion-selective fluoride (09-37 type) in the saliva samples before and after procedures. Fluoride intake was estimated based on fluoride recovered after brushing. Additionally, the amount of fluoride present in the oral fluids and lost during the rapid clearance phase after toothbrushing was calculated based on salivary fluoride levels and saliva flow immediately after brushing. Salivary fluoride after using high-fluoride toothpaste was significantly higher than those observed after conventional products. Two hours after brushing, salivary fluoride concentrations did not differ significantly from baseline values (p > 0.05) unless a high-fluoride product was used. Results indicate that by refraining from rinsing after brushing with conventional toothpaste, we cannot obtain fluoride retention in saliva as with high-fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride ingestion was higher after using a high-fluoride product.
Impacts of Stressors on Riparian Health Indicators in the Upper and Lower Indus River Basins in Pakistan
Authors: Hira Amin , Arif Muhammad , Zarif Nowsherwan , Gul Zarmina , Liu Xiangyue , Cao Yukun
Published: October 2022

Riparian zones along rivers and streams provide ecosystem services that may change over time as disturbances increase and deteriorate these buffer zones globally. The effect of stressors on ecosystem services along the rivers in underdeveloped countries is unclear, which impacts the environment directly in the form of riparian health indicators (RHIs). This study fills this gap and measures the impact of stressors on RHIs (parameters of habitat, plant cover, regeneration, exotics, and erosion) in the Indus River basin (IRB) in Pakistan. Data on 11 stressors and 27 RHIs were collected using a field-based approach in 269 transects in the upper and lower Indus basins (UIB and LIB) in 2020 and analyzed using multivariate statistical methods. The Kruskal–Wallis tests (p < 0.05) indicated that RHIs varied significantly under the influence of stressors in the UIB and LIB. However, their highest mean values were found in the UIB. Principal component analysis revealed the key RHIs and stressors, which explained 62.50% and 77.10% of the variance, respectively. The Pearson correlation showed that stressors had greater impacts on RHIs in LIB (with r ranging from −0.42 to 0.56). Our results also showed that stressors affected RHI indices with r ranging from −0.39 to 0.50 (on habitat), −0.36 to 0.46 (on plant cover), −0.34 to 0.35 (on regeneration), −0.34 to 0.56 (on erosion), and −0.42 to 0.23 (on exotics). Furthermore, it was confirmed by the agglomerative hierarchical cluster that indices and sub-indices of RHIs and stressors differ across the UIB and LIB. These findings may serve as guidance for managers of large rivers and ecosystem service providers to minimize the environmental impact of stressors in terms of RHIs.
Investigating Whether Bereavement by Suicide and Other Unnatural Causes Has a Deterrent Effect on Alcohol or Drug Use in Young Adults
Authors: Pitman Alexandra , Stevenson Fiona , Osborn David
Published: October 2022

Bereavement by suicide and other unnatural causes is associated with suicide but evidence regarding risk of substance misuse is inconsistent. This may be due to heterogeneity in patterns of alcohol or drug use after traumatic bereavement; some increasing use to cope with the loss and others reducing use. To highlight the problems of focussing on diagnostic thresholds when investigating substance use after traumatic loss, we aimed to test whether people bereaved by suicide or other unnatural causes are more likely to reduce or stop their substance use than people bereaved by sudden natural causes. Using multivariable logistic regression and data from an online survey of 1854 UK-based bereaved adults, we tested the association between bereavement by suicide and other unnatural causes and post-bereavement reduction/cessation in (i) alcohol and (ii) drug use. There were no group differences in the proportions who reduced/stopped alcohol use, but a significantly greater proportion of people bereaved by sudden unnatural causes reduced/stopped drug use post-bereavement than people bereaved by sudden natural causes (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.44–4.71; p = 0.001; 4.1% versus 1.7%). In sub-group analyses this applied separately to people bereaved by suicide and non-suicide unnatural causes. Research into post-bereavement substance use should accommodate apparent divergent sub-diagnostic patterns.
Using Long-Duration Static Stretch Training to Counteract Strength and Flexibility Deficits in Moderately Trained Participants
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Lohmann Lars H. , Keiner Michael , Wagner Carl-M. , Schmidt Tobias , Wirth Klaus , Zech Astrid , Schiemann Stephan , Behm David
Published: October 2022

Many sports injuries result in surgery and prolonged periods of immobilization, which may lead to significant atrophy accompanied by loss of maximal strength and range of motion and, therefore, a weak-leg/strong-leg ratio (as an imbalance index ∆ ) lower than 1. Consequently, there are common rehabilitation programs that aim to enhance maximal strength, muscle thickness and flexibility; however, the literature demonstrates existing strength imbalances after weeks of rehabilitation. Since no study has previously been conducted to investigate the effects of long-duration static stretch training to treat muscular imbalances, the present research aims to determine the possibility of counteracting imbalances in maximal strength and range of motion. Thirty-nine athletic participants with significant calf muscle imbalances in maximal strength and range of motion were divided into an intervention group (one-hour daily plantar flexors static stretching of the weaker leg for six weeks) and a control group to evaluate the effects on maximal strength and range of motion with extended and bent knee joint. Results show significant increases in maximal strength (d = 0.84–1.61, p < 0.001–0.005) and range of motion (d = 0.92–1.49, p < 0.001–0.002) following six weeks of static stretching. Group * time effects (p < 0.001–0.004, η² = 0.22–0.55) revealed ∆ changes in the intervention group from 0.87 to 1.03 for maximal strength and from 0.92 to 1.11 in range of motion. The results provide evidence for the use of six weeks of daily, one hour stretching to counteract muscular imbalances. Related research in clinical settings after surgery is suggested.
Seating Behaviour of Students before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from Occupancy Monitoring with PIR Sensors at the UCL Bartlett Library
Authors: Tunahan Gizem Izmir , Altamirano Hector
Published: October 2022

Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in China, social and physical distancing has been promoted worldwide as an effective community mitigation strategy. However, our understanding remains limited regarding how students would resume their activities and use of libraries when the restrictions to manage the spread of coronavirus were lifted. Understanding students’ seating behaviour in libraries is required to guarantee that the libraries meet the needs and preferences of students and promote students’ health and well-being and satisfaction with the library. This paper aims to explore the changes in the use of study spaces before and after the pandemic. Occupancy data from the UCL Bartlett Library collected at 10-min intervals from motion sensors located underneath desks was used to assess the occupancy within the library and which was then compared to characteristics of the space. This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted students’ use of the library as well as how much time they spent there. While seats with a good combination of daylight, outdoor view and privacy were in most demand before the pandemic, distance from other students seems to be the priority after the pandemic. Students’ seating preferences appear to be also influenced by the position of desk dividers after COVID-19. Future research should focus on assessing and proposing new seating arrangements and developing strategies to promote students’ satisfaction with libraries in response to changes in students’ seating behaviours.
Feasibility of Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Psychosocial Palliative Care: Observational Cohort Study of Hospice Day Care and Social Support Groups
Authors: Bradley Natasha , Dowrick Christopher , Lloyd-Williams Mari
Published: October 2022

Palliative care patients can be at risk of social isolation or loneliness. Interventions that can provide effective social support, and particularly emotional support, could facilitate healthy coping that bolsters quality of life and reduces depression in palliative care patients. This is an observational cohort study which recruited thirty patients (n = 30) from the day services of four independent hospices in England. Participants completed patient reported outcome measures in perceived social support, loneliness, and depression, at up to three time points. Age range was 56–91 years, males and females were equally represented, and the sample was 93% white British. In participants that provided two or more timepoints, perceived social support increased, and loneliness and depression decreased. Largest changes with the least variation between participants was in emotional support (p = 0.165) and loneliness (p = 0.104). These results suggest that the psychosocial patient reported outcome measures used (MOS-SS, UCLA, BEDS) could be sensitive to change aligned with the goals of this intervention in palliative care. Participants in this study were observed to derive psychosocial benefit from attending the hospice day service.
Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Visits of Rural Residents in Guangdong, China: A Controlled Interrupted Time Series Study
Authors: Zhong Wenfang , Yin Rong , Pan Yan , Zhang Xiangliang , Renzaho Andre M. N. , Ling Li , Li Xingge , Chen Wen
Published: October 2022

To date, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the healthcare-seeking behavior and utilization of health services in rural areas where healthcare resources are scarce. We aimed to quantify the long-term impact of COVID-19 on hospital visits of rural residents in China. We collected data on the hospitalization of all residents covered by national health insurance schemes in a county in southern China from April 2017 to March 2021. We analyzed changes in residents’ hospitalization visits in different areas, i.e., within-county, out-of-county but within-city, and out-of-city, via a controlled interrupted time series approach. Subgroup analyses based on gender, age, hospital levels, and ICD-10 classifications for hospital visits were examined. After experiencing a significant decline in hospitalization cases after the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, the pattern of rural residents’ hospitalization utilization differed markedly by disease classification. Notably, we found that the overall demand for hospitalization utilization of mental and neurological illness among rural residents in China has been suppressed during the pandemic, while the utilization of inpatient services for other common chronic diseases was redistributed across regions. Our findings suggest that in resource-poor areas, focused strategies are urgently needed to ensure that people have access to adequate healthcare services, particularly mental and neurological healthcare, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Low Health Literacy Is Associated with Poorer Physical and Mental Health-Related Quality of Life in Dialysed Patients
Authors: Skoumalova Ivana , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Majernikova Maria , Kolarcik Peter , Klein Daniel , de Winter Andrea F. , van Dijk Jitse P. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: October 2022

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important health indicator in chronic diseases like kidney diseases. Health literacy (HL) may strongly affect HRQoL, but evidence is scarce. Therefore, we assessed the associations of HL with HRQoL in dialysed patients. We performed a cross-sectional study in 20 dialysis clinics across Slovakia (n = 542 patients, mean age = 63.6 years, males = 60.7%). We assessed the association of categorised HL (low, moderate, high) with the SF36 physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) using generalised linear models adjusted for age, gender, education, and comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI). We found significant associations of HL with PCS and MCS in dialysed patients, adjusted for age, gender, education, and CCI. Low-HL patients had a lower PCS (B = −3.27, 95%-confidence interval, CI: −5.76/−0.79) and MCS (B = −6.05, 95%-CI: −8.82/−3.29) than high-HL patients. Moderate-HL patients had a lower MCS (B = −4.26, 95%-CI: −6.83/−1.69) than high-HL patients. HL is associated with physical and mental HRQoL; this indicates that dialysed patients with lower HL deserve specific attention and tailored care to have their HRQoL increased.
District-Level Inequalities in Hypertension among Adults in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis by Sex and Age Group
Authors: Oktamianti Puput , Kusuma Dian , Amir Vilda , Tjandrarini Dwi Hapsari , Paramita Astridya
Published: October 2022

Background: An estimated 1.28 billion adults 30–79 years old had hypertension globally in 2021, of which two-thirds lived in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Previous studies on geographic and socioeconomic inequalities in hypertension among adults have limitations: (a) most studies used individual-level data, while evidence from locality-level data is also crucial for policymaking; (b) studies from LMICs are limited. Thus, our study examines geographic and socioeconomic inequalities in hypertension among adults across districts in Indonesia. Methods: We combined geospatial and quantitative analyses to assess the inequalities in hypertension across 514 districts in Indonesia. Hypertension data were obtained from the Indonesian Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas) 2018. Socioeconomic data were obtained from the World Bank. Six dependent variables included hypertension prevalence among all adults (18+ years), male adults, female adults, young adults (18–24 years), adults (25–59 years), and older adults (60+ years). Results: We also found significant geographic and socioeconomic inequalities in hypertension among adults across 514 districts. All hypertension indicators were higher in the most developed region than in the least developed region. Districts in the Java region had up to 50% higher prevalence of hypertension among all adults, males, females, young adults, adults, and older adults. Notably, districts in the Kalimantan region had the highest prevalence of hypertension, even compared to those in Java. Moreover, income level was positively associated with hypertension; the wealthiest districts had higher hypertension than the poorest districts by up to 30%, but only among males and older adults were statistically significant. Conclusions: There were significant inequalities in hypertension among adults across 514 districts in the country. Policies to reduce such inequalities may need to prioritize more affluent urban areas and rural areas with a higher burden.
Diphasic Sheeting Device with Cyanex-301 for Dislodging Feature of Divalent Cadmium from Industrial Effluent
Authors: Pei Liang , Wang Chunhui
Published: October 2022

A novel diphasic sheeting device (DSD) including complemental feeding stage and complemental disintegrating stage for dislodging features of Cd(II), was investigated. The complemental feeding stage included feeding liquor and Bis(2,4,4 trimethylamyl) dithiophosphonic acid (Cyanex-301) as the carrier in petroleum, and the complemental disintegrating stage included Cyanex-301 as the carrier in petroleum and hydrochloric acid as the disintegrating reagent. The impacts of volumetric ratio of sheeting liquor and feeding liquor(S/F), initial molarity of Cd(II) and ion intensity of the feeding liquor, pH, volumetric ratio of sheeting liquor and disintegrating reagent (S/D), molarity of hydrochloric acid liquor, Cyanex-301 molarity in the complemental disintegrating stage on dislodging of Cd(II), the virtues of DSD compared to the traditional sheeting device, the constancy of system, the reuse of sheeting liquor, and the retention of the sheeting stage were also investigated. Experimental results illustrated that the optimum dislodging conditions of Cd(II) were achieved as hydrochloric acid molarity was 4.00 mol/L, Cyanex-301 molarity was 0.150 mol/L, and S/D was 1:1 in the complemental disintegrating stage, S/F was 1:10, and pH was 5.00 in the complemental feeding stage. The ion intensity of the complemental feeding stage had no distinct impact on the dislodging feature of Cd(II). When initial Cd(II) molarity was 3.20 × 10−4 mol/L, the Cd(II) dislodging percentage was up to 92.9% in 210 min. The dynamic formula was inferred on the basis of the theorem of mass transferring and the interfacial chemistry.
Hand-to-Face Contact of Preschoolers during Indoor Activities in Childcare Facilities in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Oh Hyang Soon , Ryu Mikyung
Published: October 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize hand-to-face contact (HFC) in children and analyze the factors that affect HFC behaviors of preschoolers in childcare facilities in Korea. Methods: Thirty preschoolers aged between 13 and 84 months were enrolled with parents’ voluntary participation. Videotaping (10 children/childcare center/2 h) and video reading was performed from 23 November 2018 to 7 January 2019. Results: A total of 2719 cases of HFC were observed in 30 participants within 2 h. The average contact with the facial mucosa (frequency/person/2 h) was 55.6 ± 42.2, of which the mouth (25.4 ± 23.9), the nose (20.4 ± 24.5), and the eye (9.8 ± 11.7) were the most frequent contacts, in that order. The average contact duration (sec/person/2 h) with the facial mucosa was 232.6 ± 169.7, of which the mouth (145.2 ± 150), the nose (57.6 ± 62.2), and the eyes (29.7 ± 42.3) were the longest in that order. The density distribution of the frequency and duration of mucosal contact was wider in boys than in girls. The mucosal and non-mucosal contact frequencies were significantly higher in boys (p = 0.027 and p = 0.030, respectively). Conclusion: Children’s HFC frequency and duration were highest for the mouth, nose, and eyes. Boys tended to have a higher contact frequency than girls for both mucous and non-mucous HFC.
Sex Differences in Racing History of Recreational 10 km to Ultra Runners (Part B)—Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)
Authors: Motevalli Mohamad , Tanous Derrick , Wirnitzer Gerold , Leitzmann Claus , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat , Wirnitzer Katharina
Published: October 2022

Sex differences in anatomy and physiology are the primary underlying factor for distinctions in running performance. Overall participation in recreational running events has been dominated by males, although increasing female participation has been reported in recent years. The NURMI study participants filled in a survey following the cross-sectional study design with questions on sociodemographic data, running and racing motivations, training behaviors, and racing history and experience. Data analysis included 141 female and 104 male participants aged 39 (IQR 17) with a healthy median BMI (21.7 kg/m²; IQR 3.5). Statistical analyses revealed sex differences with the males performing faster at half-marathon (p < 0.001) and marathon (p < 0.001) events but no difference at ultra-marathons (p = 0.760). Mediation analyses revealed no significant sex differences in the performance of half-marathon and marathon when considering training behaviors (p > 0.05), racing history (p > 0.05), or racing experience (p > 0.05). Differences in recreational performance may be more closely related to social constraints and expectations of females rather than the physiological advantages of the male athlete. Health professionals who guide and support recreational runners as well as the runners themselves and their coaches may benefit from this study’s results in order to improve the best time performance through a deeper understanding of the areas that mediate sex differences.
Onset of Work-Life Conflict Increases Risk of Subsequent Psychological Distress in the Norwegian Working Population
Authors: Marti Andrea Rørvik , Degerud Eirik , Sterud Tom
Published: October 2022

We aimed to assess whether the onset of work-life conflict is associated with a risk of subsequent onset of psychological distress. Respondents from a randomly drawn cohort of the general Norwegian working population were interviewed in 2009 (T1), 2013 (T2), and 2016 (T3) (gross sample n = 13,803). Participants reporting frequent work-life conflict at T1 and/or psychological distress (five-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist mean score ≥ 2) at T2 were excluded to establish a design that allowed us to study the effect of the onset of work-life conflict at T2 on psychological distress at T3. Logistic regression analysis showed that the onset of frequent work-life conflict more than doubled the risk of the onset of psychological distress at T3 (OR = 2.55; 95% CI 1.44–4.51). The analysis of the association between occasional work-life conflict and psychological distress was not conclusive (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 0.77–1.90). No differential effects of sex were observed (log likelihood ratio = 483.7, p = 0.92). The calculated population attributable risk (PAR) suggests that 12.3% (95% CI 2.84–22.9%) of psychological distress onset could be attributed to frequent work-life conflict. In conclusion, our results suggest that the onset of frequent work-life conflict has a direct effect on the future risk of developing symptoms of psychological distress in both male and female workers.
Destruction of Vowel Space Area in Patients with Dysphagia after Stroke
Authors: Choi Min Kyu , Yoo Seung Don , Park Eo Jin
Published: October 2022

Dysphagia is associated with dysarthria in stroke patients. Vowel space decreases in stroke patients with dysarthria; destruction of the vowel space is often observed. We determined the correlation of destruction of acoustic vowel space with dysphagia in stroke patients. Seventy-four individuals with dysphagia and dysarthria who had experienced stroke were enrolled. For /a/, /ae/, /i/, and /u/ vowels, we determined formant parameter (it reflects vocal tract resonance frequency as a two-dimensional coordinate point), formant centralization ratio (FCR), and quadrilateral vowel space area (VSA). Swallowing function was assessed using the videofluoroscopic dysphagia scale (VDS) during videofluoroscopic swallowing studies. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression were used to determine the correlation between VSA, FCR, and VDS. Subgroups were created based on VSA; vowel space destruction groups were compared using ANOVA and Scheffe’s test. VSA and FCR were negatively and positively correlated with VDS, respectively. Groups were separated based on mean and standard deviation of VSA. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in VDS, FCR, and age between the VSA groups and no significant differences in VDS between mild and moderate VSA reduction and vowel space destruction groups. VSA and FCR values correlated with swallowing function. Vowel space destruction has characteristics similar to VSA reduction at a moderate-to-severe degree and has utility as an indicator of dysphagia severity.
Emotional-Health-Oriented Urban Design: A Novel Collaborative Deep Learning Framework for Real-Time Landscape Assessment by Integrating Facial Expression Recognition and Pixel-Level Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Han Haoying , Qiao Lin , Zhuang Jingwei , Ren Ziming , Su Yang , Xia Yiping
Published: October 2022

Emotional responses are significant for understanding public perceptions of urban green space (UGS) and can be used to inform proposals for optimal urban design strategies to enhance public emotional health in the times of COVID-19. However, most empirical studies fail to consider emotion-oriented landscape assessments under dynamic perspectives despite the fact that individually observed sceneries alter with angle. To close this gap, a real-time sentimental-based landscape assessment framework is developed, integrating facial expression recognition with semantic segmentation of changing landscapes. Furthermore, a case study using panoramic videos converted from Google Street View images to simulate changing scenes was used to test the viability of this framework, resulting in five million big data points. The result of this study shows that through the collaboration of deep learning algorithms, finer visual variables were classified, subtle emotional responses were tracked, and better regression results for valence and arousal were obtained. Among all the predictors, the proportion of grass was the most significant predictor for emotional perception. The proposed framework is adaptable and human-centric, and it enables the instantaneous emotional perception of the built environment by the general public as a feedback survey tool to aid urban planners in creating UGS that promote emotional well-being.
Students’ Performance in Face-to-Face, Online, and Hybrid Methods of Teaching and Assessment in Anatomy
Authors: Albalushi Halima , Al Mushaiqri Mohamed , Sirasanagandla Srinivasa Rao , Das Srijit
Published: October 2022

In recent times, online teaching and assessment have provided a great opportunity to explore better methods in medical education. There are inconsistent views concerning the effectiveness of online assessment. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate online teaching and assessment methods in relation to face-to-face methods by comparing students’ performances. The students’ assessment results in two basic anatomy courses, which are part of the Doctor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences programs at Sultan Qaboos University, were analysed. We compared the students’ mean scores and coefficient of variance in the multiple-choice written exams and the objective structured practical exams during the spring semesters of 2019, 2020, and 2021, containing face-to-face teaching and exams, partial online teaching and online exams, and online teaching and both proctored online and face-to-face exams, respectively. The sudden transition to online teaching and assessment halfway through the semester resulted in higher means and a lower coefficient of variance among students’ scores in both theory and practical exams. However, when the fully adopted online method of teaching and assessment was employed, the mean scores decreased, and the coefficient of variance increased to figures close to those witnessed before the pandemic, when teaching and assessment were face-to-face. This trend applied to both the Doctor of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences programs’ anatomy courses. The results indicate that online assessment of theoretical and practical anatomical knowledge is comparable to that of face-to-face assessment. However, proper planning and preparedness are mandatory to achieve the desired outcomes.
Evolution Mechanism of Arsenic Enrichment in Groundwater and Associated Health Risks in Southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Jat Baloch Muhammad , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Dayi , Al Shoumik Baig , Iqbal Javed , Li Shuxin , Chai Juanfen , Farooq Muhammad , Parkash Anand
Published: October 2022

Arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater is a worldwide concern for drinking water safety. Environmental changes and anthropogenic activities are making groundwater vulnerable in Pakistan, especially in Southern Punjab. This study explores the distribution, hydrogeochemical behavior, and pathways of As enrichment in groundwater and discusses the corresponding evolution mechanism, mobilization capability, and health risks. In total, 510 groundwater samples were collected from three tehsils in the Punjab province of Pakistan to analyze As and other physiochemical parameters. Arsenic concentration averaged 14.0 μg/L in Vehari, 11.0 μg/L in Burewala, and 13.0 μg/L in Mailsi. Piper-plots indicated the dominance of Na+, SO42−, Ca2+, and Mg2+ ions in the groundwater and the geochemical modeling showed negative saturation indices with calcium carbonate and salt minerals, including aragonite (CaCO3), calcite (CaCO3), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), and halite (NaCl). The dissolution process hinted at their potential roles in As mobilization in groundwater. These results were further validated with an inverse model of the dissolution of calcium-bearing mineral, and the exchange of cations between Ca2+ and Na+ in the studied area. Risk assessment suggested potential carcinogenic risks (CR > 10−4) for both children and adults, whereas children had a significant non-carcinogenic risk hazard quotient (HQ > 1). Accordingly, children had higher overall health risks than adults. Groundwater in Vehari and Mailsi was at higher risk than in Burewala. Our findings provide important and baseline information for groundwater As assessment at a provincial level, which is essential for initiating As health risk reduction. The current study also recommends efficient management strategies for As-contaminated groundwater.
Understanding Hazardous Materials Transportation Accidents Based on Higher-Order Network Theory
Authors: Ren Cuiping , Chen Bianbian , Xie Fengjie , Zhao Xuan , Zhang Jiaqian , Zhou Xueyan
Published: October 2022

In hazardous materials transportation systems, accident causation analysis is important to transportation safety. Complex network theory can be effectively used to understand the causal factors of and their relationships within accidents. In this paper, a higher-order network method is proposed to establish a hazardous materials transportation accident causation network (HMTACN), which considers the sequences and dependences of causal factors. The HMTACN is composed of 125 first- and 118 higher-order nodes that represent causes, and 545 directed edges that denote complex relationships among causes. By analyzing topological properties, the results show that the HMTACN has the characteristics of small-world networks and displays the properties of scale-free networks. Additionally, critical causal factors and key relationships of the HMTACN are discovered. Moreover, unsafe tank or valve states are important causal factors; and leakage, roll-over, collision, and fire are most likely to trigger chain reactions. Important higher-order nodes are discovered, which can represent key relationships in the HMTACN. For example, unsafe distance and improper operation usually lead to collision and roll-over. These results of higher-order nodes cannot be found by the traditional Markov network model. This study provides a practical way to extract and construct an accident causation network from numerous accident investigation reports. It also provides insights into safety management of hazardous materials transportation.
Acceptance of Social Networking Sites by Older People before and after COVID-19 Confinement: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study in Chile, Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)
Authors: Ramírez-Correa Patricio , Grandón Elizabeth , Arenas-Gaitán Jorge , Rondán-Cataluña Javier , Ramírez-Santana Muriel
Published: October 2022

This study aims to examine the capacity of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to explain the intention to use social networking sites by older people in two time periods, before and after confinement due to the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as the evolution of effects (paths) over time of TPB’s determinants. Based on interviews from samples of 384 and 383 elderly Chilean adults collected before and after confinement, the evolution of the effects (paths) was analysed using the TPB model applying the PLS-SEM technique. The intention to use social networks and its association with three factors were evaluated: attitude toward the behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived control over the behaviour. The model explains the intention to use social networks by 27% before confinement, increasing its magnitude to 50% after confinement. After the period of confinement, their attitudes become more significant, their perceptions of control become less important, and social pressures remain permanent in predicting the behaviour. In conclusion, better access and greater use of social networks by older people during the lockdown period increased the predictive strength of the attitude towards these technologies.
Spending Time in Nature Serves as a Protective Factor against Problematic Alcohol Use: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Almog Shahar , Scaglione Nichole M. , Cheong JeeWon , Rung Jillian M. , Vásquez Ferreiro Andrea , Berry Meredith S.
Published: October 2022

Alcohol use in the U.S. continues to be a prevalent behavior with the potential for far-reaching personal and public health consequences. Risk factors for problematic drinking include negative affect and impulsive decision-making. Research suggests exposure to nature reduces negative affect, increases positive affect, and reduces impulsive choice. The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationships between exposure to nature (actively going out to nature and the level of greenness around the participant’s daily life), affect, impulsive decision-making, and alcohol use, using structural equation modeling. Cross-sectional data (N = 340) collected online on Amazon MTurk were used to test the hypothesized relationships separately for alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Actively spending time in nature was associated with lower negative affect and higher positive affect, while passive exposure to nature was only associated with higher positive affect. In turn, negative affect was positively related to both alcohol measures, while positive affect was related to increased alcohol consumption, but not alcohol-related problems. Impulsive decision-making was not related to nature or alcohol measures. Findings suggest that intentionally spending time in nature may protect against problematic alcohol use by reducing negative affect. These results warrant further research on nature as an adjunct treatment for reducing alcohol and substance-related harms and carry implications for public education and increasing accessibility to natural spaces.
Coal Mining Activities Driving the Changes in Microbial Community and Hydrochemical Characteristics of Underground Mine Water
Authors: Zhang Li , Xu Zhimin , Sun Yajun , Gao Yating , Zhu Lulu
Published: October 2022

Coal mining can cause groundwater pollution, and microorganism may reflect/affect its hydrochemical characteristics, yet little is known about the microorganism’s distribution characteristics and its influence on the formation and evolution of mine water quality in underground coal mines. Here, we investigated the hydrochemical characteristics and microbial communities of six typical zones in a typical North China coalfield. The results showed that hydrochemical compositions and microbial communities of the water samples displayed apparent zone-specific patterns. The microbial community diversity of the six zones followed the order of surface waters > coal roadways > water sumps ≈ rock roadways ≈ goafs > groundwater aquifers. The microbial communities corresponded to the redox sensitive indices’ levels. Coal roadways and goafs were the critical zones of groundwater pollution prevention and control. During tunneling in the panel, pyrite was oxidized by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria leading to SO42− increase. With the closure of the panel and formation of the goaf, SO42− increased rapidly for a short period. However, with the time since goaf closure, sulfate-reducing bacteria (e.g., c_Thermodesulfovibrionia, Desulfobacterium_catecholicum, etc.) proportion increased significantly, leading to SO42− concentration’s decrease by 42% over 12 years, indicating the long-term closed goafs had a certain self-purification ability. These findings would benefit mine water pollution prevention and control by district.
Emotion Recognition in a Health Continuum: Comparison of Healthy Adults of Advancing Age, Community Dwelling Adults Bearing Vascular Risk Factors and People Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Tsentidou Glykeria , Moraitou Despina , Tsolaki Magdalini
Published: October 2022

The identification of basic emotions plays an important role in social relationships and behaviors linked to survival. In neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the ability to recognize emotions may already be impaired at early stages of the disease, such as the stage of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, as regards vascular pathologies related to cognitive impairment, very little is known about emotion recognition in people bearing vascular risk factors (VRF). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine emotion recognition ability in the health continuum “healthy advancing age—advancing age with VRF—MCI”. The sample consisted of 106 adults divided in three diagnostic groups; 43 adults with MCI, 41 adults bearing one or more VRF, and 22 healthy controls of advancing age (HC). Since HC were more educated and younger than the other two groups, the age-group and level of educational were taken into account in the statistical analyses. A dynamic visual test was administered to examine recognition of basic emotions and emotionally neutral conditions. The results showed only a significant diagnostic group x educational level interaction as regards total emotion recognition ability, F (4, 28.910) = 4.117 p = 0.004 η2 = 0.166. High educational level seems to contribute to a high-level-emotion-recognition-performance both in healthy adults of advancing age and in adults bearing vascular risk factors. Medium educational level appears to play the same role only in healthy adults. Neither educational level can help MCI people to enhance their significantly lower emotion recognition ability.
Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction Are Associated with Occupational Status in Post-COVID Syndrome
Authors: Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Cuevas Constanza , Oliver-Mas Silvia , Díez-Cirarda María , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Gil-Moreno María José , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A.
Published: October 2022

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is a medical condition characterized by the persistence of a wide range of symptoms after acute infection by SARS-CoV-2. The work capacity consequences of this disorder have scarcely been studied. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with occupational status in patients with PCS. This cross-sectional study involved 77 patients with PCS on active work before SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients were evaluated 20.71 ± 6.50 months after clinical onset. We conducted a survey on occupational activity and cognitive and clinical symptoms. The association between occupational activity and fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and cognitive testing was analyzed. Thirty-eight (49.4%) patients were working, and thirty-nine (50.6%) patients were not. Of those not working at the moment of the assessment, 36 (92.3%) patients were on sick leave. In 63 patients (81.8% of the sample), sick leave was needed at some point due to PCS. The mean duration of sick leave was 12.07 ± 8.07 months. According to the patient’s perspective, the most disabling symptoms were cognitive complaints (46.8%) and fatigue (31.2%). Not working at the moment of the assessment was associated with higher levels of fatigue and lower cognitive performance in the Stroop test. No association was found between occupational status with depression and anxiety questionnaires. Our study found an influence of PCS on work capacity. Fatigue and cognitive issues were the most frequent symptoms associated with loss of work capacity.