bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of a Binary Mixture of TiO2 and Imidacloprid Applied to Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Adochite Cristina , Andronic Luminita
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticles have applications in various fields such as manufacturing and materials synthesis, the environment, electronics, energy harvesting, and medicine. Besides many applications of nanoparticles, further research is required for toxic environmental effect investigation. The toxic effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the physiology of the green alga Chlorella vulgaris was studied with a widely used pesticide, imidacloprid (IMD). Chlorella vulgaris was exposed for 120 h in Bold’s basal medium to different toxic compounds, such as (i) a high concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles, 150–2000 mg/L, usually optimised in the photocatalytic degradation of wastewater, (ii) an extremely toxic pesticide for the aquatic environment, imidacloprid, in concentrations ranging from 5 to 40 mg/L, (iii) TiO2 nanoparticles combined with imidacloprid, usually used in a photocatalytic system. The results show that the TiO2 nanoparticles and IMD inhibited Chlorella vulgaris cell growth and decreased the biovolume by approximately 80% when 2 g/L TiO2 was used, meaning that the cells devised a mechanism to cope with a potentially stressful situation; 120 h of Chlorella vulgaris exposure to 40 mg/L of IMD resulted in a 16% decreased cell diameter and a 41% decrease in cell volume relative to the control sample, associated with the toxic effect of pesticides on the cells. Our study confirms the toxicity of nanoparticles through algal growth inhibition with an effective concentration (EC50) value measured after 72 h of 388.14 mg/L for TiO2 and 13 mg/L for IMD in a single-toxic system. The EC50 of TiO2 slowly decreased from 258.42 to 311.11 mg/L when IMD from 5 to 20 mg/L was added to the binary-toxic system. The concentration of TiO2 in the binary-toxic system did not change the EC50 for IMD, and its value was 0.019 g/L. The photodegradation process of imidacloprid (range of 5–40 mg/L) was also investigated in the algal medium incubated with 150–600 mg/L of titanium dioxide.
Capturing Interactive Work for Nurses—First Validation of the German IWDS-N as a Multidimensional Measure
Authors: Digutsch Jan , Velana Maria , Rinkenauer Gerhard , Sobieraj Sabrina
Published: July 2021

The theoretical framework of interactive work provides a multi-dimensional perspective on the interpersonal demands of nurses in nurse–patient interactions. It is defined by four dimensions: emotional labor directed to the self and others, cooperative work, and subjective acting. While the framework stems from qualitative research, the aim of the current study is to translate it into a quantitative scale to enable measurement of the high interpersonal demands that so often remain implicit. For this reason, we conducted an online survey study (N = 157; 130 women, 25 men, 2 divers) among professional nurses in Germany (spring 2021) to test the derived items and subscales concerning interactive work, which resulted in a 4-factor model that was verified with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The survey further captured additional information on established constructs concerning job-related well-being (e.g., burn out, meaningfulness), job characteristics (e.g., work interruptions, time pressure) and individual resources (coping strategies) that are supposed to correlate with interactive work demand scales for nurses (IWDS-N), to determine the quantitative nature of their relations. The results show that the subscales of the IWDS-N have adverse effects on indicators of work-related well-being. Moreover, negative job characteristics, such as time pressure, are positively correlated with subscales of the IWDS-N and are therefore problem-focused coping strategies as an individual resource. The results emphasize that a multidimensional consideration of self-regulatory processes is useful to capture the subtle and complex nature of the interactive work demands of nurses. The current study is the first that developed a quantitative, multi-dimensional measure for interactive work demands, which can help make implicit demands in service work explicit.
Today Is My Day: Analysis of the Awareness Campaigns’ Impact on Functional Diversity in the Press, on Google, and on Twitter
Authors: Gómez-Marí Irene , Sanz-Cervera Pilar , Tárraga-Mínguez Raúl
Published: July 2021

(1) Every day, people with functional diversity face different kinds of difficulties that pose a barrier to their social inclusion. These difficulties often go unnoticed by most citizens. Social networks are a powerful tool to sensitize the population. With this objective, different organizations such as associations, federations, foundations, and other institutions have promoted campaigns through the celebration of world days for different types of functional diversity. This research aims to monitor and analyze the impact of these social campaigns in Spain, including Asperger’s syndrome, rare diseases, Down syndrome, autism, hearing and visual impairment, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, ADHD, spina bifida, disability, and dyscalculia world days, between 2015 and 2020. (2) The impact of each campaign on the press, Google, and Twitter has been analyzed using: MyNews, Google Trends, and Trendinalia. (3) The results suggest a close relationship between the impact on the number of pieces of news generated in the press, the searches on Google, and the hashtags in high positions on Twitter. (4) The campaigns with the greatest levels of success are those whose diagnoses involve greater difficulties in adaptive behavior. These results can provide some practical implications for future campaigns.
Reasons for Pack Size Purchase among US Adults Who Purchase Cigars
Authors: King Jessica L. , Bilic Anna , Merten Julie W.
Published: July 2021

With municipalities across the US establishing minimum cigar pack size regulations, it is critical to understand what drives pack size preference. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify reasons for cigar pack size purchase. We used Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to survey adults who had purchased cigars and reported past 30 day use. Participants responded to an open-ended item asking their reasons for purchasing their usual pack size. Responses were double-coded and categorized. Of 152 respondents, 61 used traditional cigars, 85 used cigarillos, and 36 used filtered cigars. Across all cigar types, most participants (73.7%) purchased boxes rather than singles; 5–9-packs were the most popular pack size category (19.7%), followed by 20+-packs (18.4%). We identified 16 reasons for pack size purchase across seven categories: price, consumption, social aspect, convenience, product characteristics, availability, and general preferences. Reasons varied according to whether the consumer purchased larger or smaller pack sizes. In this exploratory study to identify reasons for cigar pack size purchases, findings were consistent with those identified through tobacco industry documents and in the cigarette literature. Future research should examine the prevalence of these reasons, including as a function of demographic and use characteristics, to help inform the understanding of potential minimum cigar pack regulations.
The Feasibility of Implementing the Flexible Surge Capacity Concept in Bangkok: Willing Participants and Educational Gaps
Authors: Phattharapornjaroen Phatthranit , Glantz Viktor , Carlström Eric , Dahlén Holmqvist Lina , Sittichanbuncha Yuwares , Khorram-Manesh Amir
Published: July 2021

The management of emergencies consists of a chain of actions with the support of staff, stuff, structure, and system, i.e., surge capacity. However, whenever the needs exceed the present resources, there should be flexibility in the system to employ other resources within communities, i.e., flexible surge capacity (FSC). This study aimed to investigate the possibility of creating alternative care facilities (ACFs) to relieve hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand. Using a Swedish questionnaire, quantitative data were compiled from facilities of interest and were completed with qualitative data obtained from interviews with key informants. Increasing interest to take part in a FSC system was identified among those interviewed. All medical facilities indicated an interest in offering minor treatments, while a select few expressed interest in offering psychosocial support or patient stabilization before transport to major hospitals and minor operations. The non-medical facilities interviewed proposed to serve food and provide spaces for the housing of victims. The lack of knowledge and scarcity of medical instruments and materials were some of the barriers to implementing the FSC response system. Despite some shortcomings, FSC seems to be applicable in Thailand. There is a need for educational initiatives, as well as a financial contingency to grant the sustainability of FSC.
Effects of Noise and Vibration Due to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Railway on the Living Environment: A Socio-Acoustic Survey One Year after the Opening
Authors: Morihara Takashi , Yokoshima Shigenori , Matsumoto Yasunao
Published: July 2021

One year after the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (high-speed) railway, in 2016, we conducted a social survey targeting the residents of detached houses along the rail. Noise and vibration exposure levels were estimated at outdoor points closest to the noise source side of the houses. Of the 1980 people contacted, there were 1022 valid respondents. The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between noise and vibration exposure and community responses. The results demonstrated that the noise annoyance and daily activity disturbances of residents living in areas without a conventional railway are higher than those of residents living in areas running parallel to a conventional railway line. This tendency was remarkable, especially for areas with high vibration exposure caused by the Shinkansen railway. There was no difference between before and after the opening of the Shinkansen railway in the evaluation of housing satisfaction, or regarding the preference for the residential area and quietness around the house. However, since the survey before the opening was conducted only in the Ishikawa site, it will be necessary to conduct before-and-after surveys in areas where there are no conventional railways, and where the speed of the Shinkansen is fast.
The Mediator Role of Routines on the Relationship between General Procrastination, Academic Procrastination and Perceived Importance of Sleep and Bedtime Procrastination
Authors: Magalhães Paula , Pereira Beatriz , Oliveira André , Santos David , Núñez José Carlos , Rosário Pedro
Published: July 2021

Background: Sleep plays a key role in our overall function, and sleep insufficiency has been highlighted as a major health issue. ‘Bedtime procrastination’—i.e., needlessly delaying the time one goes to bed without external reasons—is one reason for sleep insufficiency. The present research aims to explore the interrelationships among Bedtime Procrastination, other domains of Procrastination, and routine-related variables. Methods: The mediating effects of Wake-up Time and Dinner Time on the relationship between Bedtime Procrastination and General Procrastination, Academic Procrastination, and Perceived Importance of Sleep were tested. Self-reported questionnaires were used, and the sample comprised of 446 university students. Results: A partial mediation model was found. General Procrastination, Academic Procrastination, and Perceived Importance of Sleep showed direct effects on Bedtime Procrastination. Moreover, Academic and General Procrastination were positively associated with Bedtime Procrastination, whereas Perceived Importance of Sleep was negatively associated with Bedtime Procrastination. Indirect effects of the Perceived Importance of Sleep and General Procrastination, as mediated by Wake-up Time and Dinner Time, on Bedtime Procrastination were also found. Conclusions: Personal routines (Wake-up Time and Dinner Time) along with individual characteristics (General and Academic Procrastination) and beliefs (perceived importance of sleep) may affect Bedtime Procrastination. Present results highlight the complexity of Bedtime Procrastination.
Changes in Body Mass and Composition of the Body as Well as Physical Activity and Time Spent in Front of the Monitor by Students of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences during the Period of COVID-19 Restrictions
Authors: Chwałczyńska Agnieszka , Andrzejewski Waldemar
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in daily physical activity during the blockade (March 2020–February 2021) on the mass and segmental composition of the body of young people. Material and research methods: In total, 120 people from the sports and medical university aged 19.8 (±0.8) years, average height 173.2 (±9.2) cm, body mass 66.1 (±12.8), and BMI 19.2 (±5.9) kg/m2. The research was carried out in two stages. The total and segmental body mass of the respondents and the change in physical activity during the pandemic were assessed twice (December 2019, February 2021). There was a statistically significant increase in body mass in men, an increase in total fat mass in women, and statistically significant changes in the distribution of fat mass in both sexes. Conclusions: In the studied group, there was a change in the forms of physical activity from strength and group activity to endurance activity (running forms, cycling.) and individual activity. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in body fat, regardless of gender, and in the upper limbs in men.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Elderly Women with Fall Experiences
Authors: Song Jiyoung , Lee Eunwon
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life of elderly women with experience in fall treatment as well as to prepare basic data for the development of interventions to improve the quality of life for this group. The study was based on raw data from the 2019 Korea Community Health Survey. Using the SPSS program, the characteristics of the subjects were tested by frequency, percentage, and chi-square test. To establish the impact of fall experience on the health-related quality of life of elderly women, the OR and 95% CI were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Of the 4260 people surveyed, 44.7% of the elderly women said they had a high quality of life, whereas 55.3% of the elderly women said they had a low quality of life. A younger age was associated with a better-rated health-related quality of life. Those who lived in a city and had a high level of education tended to describe a high quality of life. The quality of life was considered high by those who exercised, but low by those who were obese or diabetic. The results of this study can lead to a better understanding of the experiences of elderly women who have experienced falls, and they can be used as basic data for the development of related health programs.
The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise with the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver Technique versus General Strengthening Exercise on Lumbar Segmental Motion in Patients with Clinical Lumbar Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 12-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Puntumetakul Rungthip , Saiklang Pongsatorn , Tapanya Weerasak , Chatprem Thiwaphon , Kanpittaya Jaturat , Arayawichanon Preeda , Boucaut Rose
Published: July 2021

Trunk stability exercises that focus on either deep or superficial muscles might produce different effects on lumbar segmental motion. This study compared outcomes in 34 lumbar instability patients in two exercises at 10 weeks and 12 months follow up. Participants were divided into either Core stabilization (deep) exercise, incorporating abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique (CSE with ADIM), or General strengthening (superficial) exercise (STE). Outcome measures were pain, muscle activation, and lumbar segmental motion. Participants in CSE with ADIM had significantly less pain than those in STE at 10 weeks. They showed significantly more improvement of abdominal muscle activity ratio than participants in STE at 10 weeks and 12 months follow-up. Participants in CSE with ADIM had significantly reduced sagittal translation at L4-L5 and L5-S1 compared with STE at 10 weeks. Participants in CSE with ADIM had significantly reduced sagittal translations at L4-L5 and L5-S1 compared with participants in STE at 10 weeks, whereas STE demonstrated significantly increased sagittal rotation at L4-L5. However, at 12 months follow-up, levels of lumbar sagittal translation were increased in both groups. CSE with ADIM which focuses on increasing deep trunk muscle activity can reduce lumbar segmental translation and should be recommended for lumbar instability.
Is a Handful an Effective Way to Guide Nut Recommendations?
Authors: Brown Rachel , Gray Andrew R. , Chua Mei Gee , Ware Lara , Chisholm Alex , Tey Siew Ling
Published: July 2021

Dietary guidelines recommend consuming 30 g of nuts per day to reduce the risk of chronic disease. A ‘handful’ is commonly used to guide consumers. Research is lacking on how this translates into actual gram amounts. This study quantified the grams of nuts represented by different portion size measures, including a ‘handful’ and ‘30 g serving’ among 120 participants. Each participant was randomised to a sequence where they received three of six different nut types (from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, peanuts, and walnuts) and were instructed to take a: ‘usual serving’, ‘handful’, ‘small handful’, ‘large handful’, and ‘30 g serving’ of each. Combining all nut types, the median ‘handful’ was 36.3 g, compared to 28.7 g for the estimated ‘30 g serving’ and 24.8 for the ‘usual serving’. The ‘large handful’ was approximately double the ‘handful’ (61.3 g), whereas the ‘small handful’ was about half (16.7 g). Eighty-three percent of portions chosen were at least 80% of the recommended 30 g intake when participants were asked to take a ‘handful’, compared to 63% for the ‘30 g serving’. It appears a ‘handful’ can be used as a practical tool to guide recommended nut intakes, and increases the amount selected compared to instructions to take a ‘30 g serving’.
Transition from Acute Treatment to Survivorship: Exploring the Psychosocial Adjustments of Chinese Parents of Children with Cancer or Hematological Disorders
Authors: Yeung Nelson Chun Yiu , Cheung Ka Chun , Chau Ho Cheung , Leung Alex Wing Kwan , Li Chi Kong , Lam Teddy Tai Ning , Cheng Ho Yu , Cheung Yin Ting
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Parents of children diagnosed with critical illnesses face multiple challenges during their caregiving experience. However, relevant studies have been limited in the Chinese context. Guided by the stress and coping model, we conducted a qualitative study to identify the stressors, coping strategies, and adjustment experiences of Hong Kong parents of children with cancer or hematological disorders. Methods: We recruited 15 parents of children with cancer or hematological disorders requiring bone marrow transplantation and were currently >2 years post-treatment. They participated in a 30-min semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was performed using the grounded theory approach. Results: The stressors reported by parents included a high caregiving burden during their children’s diagnosis and treatment stages. The fear of recurrence, the need for information, and concerns about late effects were also common among the parents during their children’s transition/survivorship stage. To cope with these stressors, the parents commonly used problem-focused (e.g., seeking help from professionals and support groups) and emotion-focused (e.g., behavioral distractions, venting, and crying) strategies. Despite these stressors, parents reported positive changes through the caregiving experience, such as improved family relationships, developing health-protective habits, and the reprioritization of different aspects of life. Conclusions: Parents encounter different stressors during the cancer care continuum. Using different coping strategies, parents experience positive changes amidst caregiving. Future studies should explore culturally relevant adaptive coping strategies to enhance parents’ psychosocial adjustment.
Repercussions of the COVID-19 Response in Pregnant Women in Western Uganda: Knowledge, Behavior, and Emotional State after the First Lockdown in 2020
Authors: Theuring Stefanie , Kengonzi Agnes , Hafermann Lorena , Herrmann Carolin , Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Rubaihayo John
Published: July 2021

Limited research exists on pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa. We performed a cross-sectional study among 648 pregnant women in Fort Portal, Uganda, after the first lockdown starting in June 2020. Structured interviews were conducted at three different facilities during routine antenatal care, assessing sociodemographic background, knowledge of COVID-19, prevention behavior adherence, and psycho-emotional stress levels. We performed descriptive analyses and examined associated factors using multivariable logistic regression. In Fort Portal Region, 32.8% of pregnant women had a higher knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, while all women at least heard of COVID-19. 88.6% of the women showed low self-reported prevention behavior adherence. More than one third of the pregnant women experienced high psycho-emotional stress related to the pandemic (39.8%). The odds for psycho-emotional stress were increased among the age group 21–30 years (AOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.18–3.35) compared to women under the age of 21, and decreased in single or divorced women compared to women in partnerships (AOR 0.42; 0.22–0.77) and in women having less COVID-19-related knowledge (AOR 0.40; 0.27–0.58). In conclusion, prevention behavior adherence seemed challenging, and psycho-emotional stress was ubiquitous among our cohort. To avoid adverse consequences in maternal and neonatal health, campaigns for hygiene but also women’s emotional state should be a major focus of community healthcare in exceptional times such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Evaluation of Medicine Abuse Trends in Community Pharmacies: The Medicine Abuse Observatory (MAO) in a Region of Southern Europe
Authors: Perelló Maria , Rio-Aige Karla , Guayta-Escolies Rafel , Gascón Pilar , Rius Pilar , Jambrina Anna M. , Bagaria Guillermo , Armelles Mercè , Pérez-Cano Francisco José , Rabanal Manel
Published: July 2021

The misuse of medicines is a global public health concern that needs to be taken into consideration and requires actions across all government sectors and society. The aim of this study is to identify trends of drug abuse in Catalonia, a region of Spain located in the South of Europe. For this purpose, a questionnaire-based detection tool was created and implemented in 60 community pharmacies. Out of 548 questionnaires (98.4%), 64.2% of participants were men and the highest age proportion was 25–35 years (31.4%). Potential drug abuse was the highest in urban pharmacies (84.9%). The main drug class involved were benzodiazepines (31.8%), codeine (19.3%), tramadol (7.5%), methylphenidate (5.8%), gabapentinoids (5.8%), cycloplegic drops (4.4%), z-drugs (2.6%), piracetam (2.2%), dextromethorphan (1.6%) and clomethiazole (1.1%). The majority of drugs were requested without prescription (58.6%) and through probably forged prescriptions (23.7%). Slightly less than half (49.8%) of the patients request frequently to the pharmacist, especially in rural and mountain pharmacies (73.3% and 88.5%, respectively). A small proportion (10.8%) were requested with intimidation. Pharmacists only supplied in 21.7% of the cases. This study has demonstrated the suitability of the new detection system, being a useful approach to replicate in other locations with similar needs.
Therapeutic Management of Rare Primary Ovarian Neoplasms: Carcinosarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Melanoma and Carcinoid
Authors: Kozłowski Mateusz , Nowak Katarzyna , Kordek Agnieszka , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: July 2021

Carcinosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, melanoma and carcinoid as primary tumors in the ovary are extremely rare. In this paper, the authors reviewed the literature from 2010 to 2021, based on specific criteria, to analyze the treatment of these rare ovarian neoplasms. We also aimed to verify whether modern therapies have been found in recent years. For this article, 80 papers were finally selected. The vast majority of the articles were clinical case reports. Despite single mentions of new potential pharmacological treatments, surgery (radical or fertility-sparing) is definitely the mainstay of treatment. There are currently no treatment guidelines for these tumors. A review of the literature has revealed the use of various adjuvant treatments. We, therefore, believe that a more detailed understanding of the biology of these tumors is necessary in order to find new target points for treatment. We would like to emphasize the importance of creating an international database of rare ovarian tumors which would make it possible to gather data from various oncological centers and enable further research into these neoplasms.
Relationships of Educational Attainment and Household Food Insecurity with Obesity: Findings from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: McMillian M. Monique , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to determine whether 1882 Black young adults’ educational attainment was associated with their obesity ([BMI] ≥ 30) and whether this association varied with household food insecurity. Data from interviews with Black young adults and a medical examination from the 2007–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Modified Poisson regressions with robust standard errors were used. Educational attainment was not associated with obesity (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85, 1.30) after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, smoking status, drinking status, income, health insurance status, physical activity level, and household food insecurity. The interaction between educational attainment and household food insecurity was also not significant (PR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.56, 2.19) after adjusting for the same covariates. These findings indicated that college graduates were as likely to be obese as those with less education, and the relationship between educational attainment and obesity did not vary with household food insecurity. Future studies should conduct longitudinal analyses of these relationships. There is a need to identify the roles that education, household food insecurity, and other measures of socioeconomic status play in Black young adults’ obesity.
Physical Activity for Health and Wellness
Authors: Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Zaccagni Luciana
Published: July 2021

Regular physical activity (PA) is both a preventive measure and a cure for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [...]
Feasibility and Efficacy of the “FUNPALs Playgroup” Intervention to Improve Toddler Dietary and Activity Behaviors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cepni Aliye , Taylor Ashley , Crumbley Christine , Thompson Debbe , Moran Nancy , Olvera Norma , O’Connor Daniel , Arlinghaus Katherine , Johnston Craig , Ledoux Tracey
Published: July 2021

This study evaluated the feasibility and effects of the Families Understanding Nutrition and Physically Active Lifestyles (FUNPALs) Playgroup on toddler (12–36-month-old) diet and activity behaviors. Parent–toddler dyads were recruited from disadvantaged communities and randomly assigned to receive 10-weekly sessions of the FUNPALs Playgroup (n = 24) or dose-matched health education control group (n = 26). FUNPALs Playgroups involved physical and snack activities, delivery of health information, and positive parenting coaching. The control group involved group health education for parents only. Process outcomes (e.g., retention rate, fidelity) and focus groups determined feasibility and perceived effects. To evaluate preliminary effects, validated measures of toddler diet (food frequency questionnaire and a carotenoid biomarker), physical activity (PA; accelerometers), general and feeding parenting (self-report surveys), and home environment (phone interview) were collected pre and post. The sample comprised parents (84% female) who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino (38%) and/or African American (32%). Retention was high (78%). Parents from both groups enjoyed the program and perceived improvements in their children’s health behaviors. Objective measures demonstrated improvement with large effects (η2 = 0.29) in toddler diet (p < 0.001) but not PA (p = 0.099). In conclusion, the FUNPALs Playgroup is feasible and may improve toddler eating behaviors.
Efficacy of Physiotherapy Treatment in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: López-Liria Remedios , Torres-Álamo Lucía , Vega-Ramírez Francisco A. , García-Luengo Amelia V. , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Trigueros-Ramos Rubén , Rocamora-Pérez Patricia
Published: July 2021

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) refers to painful cramps before and/or during menstruation. There is a need for emphasis on alternative methods of conservative treatment, so as to reduce the dependence on drugs for alleviating the symptoms. The aim was to find out the effectiveness of some physiotherapy techniques in the treatment of PD. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA standards. The descriptors were “dysmenorrhea”, “physical the-rapy”, “physiotherapy”, and “manual therapy”. The search was performed in five databases: Scopus, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, and Medline, in February 2021. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials over the last six years. Articles not related to the treatment of PD or using pharmacology as the main treatment were excluded. Nine articles met the objectives and criteria, with a total of 692 participants. The most used scale to measure pain was the VAS (visual analogue scale). The main techniques were isometric exercises, massage therapy, yoga, electrotherapy, connective tissue manipulation, stretching, kinesio tape, progressive relaxation exercises and aerobic dance. Meta-analysis shows benefits of physiotherapy treatment for pain relief compared with no intervention or placebo (MD: −1.13, 95% CI: −1.61 to −0.64, I2: 88%). The current low-quality evidence suggests that physiotherapy may provide a clinically significant reduction in menstrual pain intensity. Given the overall health benefits of physiotherapy and the low risk of side effects reported, women may consider using it, either alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities.
BMI Fails to Reflect the Developmental Changes in Body Fatness between Boys and Girls during Adolescence
Authors: Nevill Alan M. , Reuter Cézane Priscila , Brand Caroline , Gaya Anelise Reis , Mota Jorge , Renner Jane Dagmar Pollo , Duncan Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Body mass index (BMI) is thought to reflect excess adiposity in both youth and adults alike. However, the association between BMI and fatness varies, especially as children grow into adults. Thus, the present study sought to address this issue by characterizing how BMI reflects age and sex differences in body fatness in 7–16-year-old children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 2150 children and adolescents, aged 7 to 16 years from the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. BMI (kg/m2), and percentage body fat, using tricipital and subscapular folds, were assessed. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and ANCOVA were used. Results: When considered in isolation, there was no significant interaction in the age-by-sex differences in BMI (p = 0.69). However, when we controlled for percent body fatness, the analysis revealed considerable age-by-sex differences in BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: For the same body fat (%), there are no differences in BMI in children <10 years.
Estimating the Impact of Tobacco Parity and Harm Reduction Tax Proposals Using the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace
Authors: Freitas-Lemos Roberta , Keith Diana R. , Tegge Allison N. , Stein Jeffrey S. , Cummings K. Michael , Bickel Warren K.
Published: July 2021

Taxes are a demonstrably effective method to suppress tobacco use. This study examined the effects of the tobacco parity (i.e., imposing taxes equally on all tobacco products) and the harm reduction (i.e., applying taxes in proportion to the products’ levels of harm) tax proposals on demand and substitution across products. A crowdsourced sample of cigarette smokers (n = 35) completed purchasing trials with increasing tax magnitudes across different tax tiers in the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace in a repeated-measures design. Products were placed in three tax tiers (high, medium, and no tax) according to each proposal’s goal. The results indicated that total nicotine (mg) purchased was not significantly different between the proposals, with higher taxes yielding lower demand. However, as taxes increased, the tobacco parity proposal decreased the purchasing of all tobacco products and increased the purchasing of medicinal nicotine (i.e., the no tax tier). Conversely, the harm reduction proposal resulted in greater purchases of electronic nicotine delivery systems and smokeless tobacco (i.e., the medium tax tier). These findings support tobacco taxation as a robust tool for suppressing purchasing and suggest that differential taxation in proportion to product risk would be an effective way to incentivize smokers to switch from smoked to unsmoked products. Further studies should investigate the unintended consequences of their implementation.
An Integrated Decision Support System for Improving Wildfire Suppression Management
Authors: Lourenço Miguel , Oliveira Luís B. , Oliveira João P. , Mora André , Oliveira Henrique , Santos Rui
Published: July 2021

Wildfires are expected to increase in number, extent, and severity due to climate change. Hence, it is ever more important to integrate technological developments and scientific knowledge into fire management aiming at protecting lives, infrastructure, and the environment. In this paper, a decision support system (DSS) adapted to the Portuguese context and based on multi-sensor technologies and geographic information system (GIS) functionalities is proposed to leverage operational data, enabling faster and more informed decisions to reduce the impact of wildfires. Here we present a flexible and reconfigurable DSS composed of three components: an ArcGIS online feature service that provides operational data and enables a collaborative environment of users that share operational data in near real-time; a mobile client application to interact with the system, enabling the use of GIS technology and visualization dashboards; and a multi-sensor device that collects field data providing value to external services. The design and validation of this system benefitted from the feedback of wildfire management specialists and a partnership with an end-user in the municipality of Mação that also helped establish the system requirements. The validation results demonstrated that a robust system was achieved with fully interoperable components that fulfill the defined system requirements.
Spatio-Temporal Machine Learning Analysis of Social Media Data and Refugee Movement Statistics
Authors: Havas Clemens , Wendlinger Lorenz , Stier Julian , Julka Sahib , Krieger Veronika , Ferner Cornelia , Petutschnig Andreas , Granitzer Michael , Wegenkittl Stefan , Resch Bernd
Published: July 2021

In 2015, within the timespan of only a few months, more than a million people made their way from Turkey to Central Europe in the wake of the Syrian civil war. At the time, public authorities and relief organisations struggled with the admission, transfer, care, and accommodation of refugees due to the information gap about ongoing refugee movements. Therefore, we propose an approach utilising machine learning methods and publicly available data to provide more information about refugee movements. The approach combines methods to analyse the textual, temporal and spatial features of social media data and the number of arriving refugees of historical refugee movement statistics to provide relevant and up to date information about refugee movements and expected numbers. The results include spatial patterns and factual information about collective refugee movements extracted from social media data that match actual movement patterns. Furthermore, our approach enables us to forecast and simulate refugee movements to forecast an increase or decrease in the number of incoming refugees and to analyse potential future scenarios. We demonstrate that the approach proposed in this article benefits refugee management and vastly improves the status quo.
Complexome Profiling: Assembly and Remodeling of Protein Complexes
Authors: Wittig Ilka , Malacarne Pedro Felipe
Published: July 2021

Many proteins have been found to operate in a complex with various biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, or lipids. Protein complexes can be transient, stable or dynamic and their association is controlled under variable cellular conditions. Complexome profiling is a recently developed mass spectrometry-based method that combines mild separation techniques, native gel electrophoresis, and density gradient centrifugation with quantitative mass spectrometry to generate inventories of protein assemblies within a cell or subcellular fraction. This review summarizes applications of complexome profiling with respect to assembly ranging from single subunits to large macromolecular complexes, as well as their stability, and remodeling in health and disease.
Synthesis of New Tricyclic 1,2-Thiazine Derivatives with Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Maniewska Jadwiga , Wiatrak Benita , Czyżnikowska Żaneta , Szczęśniak-Sięga Berenika M.
Published: July 2021

New, tricyclic compounds containing a sulfonyl moiety in their structure, as potential safer COX inhibitors, were designed and synthesized. New derivatives have three conjugated rings and a sulfonyl group. A third ring, i.e., an oxazine, oxazepine or oxazocin, has been added to the 1,2-benzothiazine skeleton. Their anti-COX-1/COX-2 and cytotoxic effects in vitro on NHDF cells, together with the ability to interact with model membranes and the influence on reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, were studied. Additionally, a molecular docking study was performed to understand the binding interaction of the compounds with the active site of cyclooxygenases. For the abovementioned biological evaluation of new tricyclic 1,2-benzothiazine derivatives, the following techniques and procedures were employed: the differential scanning calorimetry, the COX colorimetric inhibitor screening assay, the MTT, DCF-DA and Griess assays. All of the compounds studied demonstrated preferential inhibition of COX-2 compared to COX-1. Moreover, all the examined tricyclic 1,2-thiazine derivatives interacted with the phospholipid model membranes. Finally, they neither have cytotoxic potency, nor demonstrate significant influence on the level of reactive oxygen species or nitric oxide. Overall, the tricyclic 1,2-thiazine derivatives are good starting points for future pharmacological tests as a group of new anti-inflammatory agents.
Copper, Iron, and Manganese Toxicity in Neuropsychiatric Conditions
Authors: Tarnacka Beata , Jopowicz Anna , Maślińska Maria
Published: July 2021

Copper, manganese, and iron are vital elements required for the appropriate development and the general preservation of good health. Additionally, these essential metals play key roles in ensuring proper brain development and function. They also play vital roles in the central nervous system as significant cofactors for several enzymes, including the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other enzymes that take part in the creation and breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. An imbalance in the levels of these metals weakens the structural, regulatory, and catalytic roles of different enzymes, proteins, receptors, and transporters and is known to provoke the development of various neurological conditions through different mechanisms, such as via induction of oxidative stress, increased α-synuclein aggregation and fibril formation, and stimulation of microglial cells, thus resulting in inflammation and reduced production of metalloproteins. In the present review, the authors focus on neurological disorders with psychiatric signs associated with copper, iron, and manganese excess and the diagnosis and potential treatment of such disorders. In our review, we described diseases related to these metals, such as aceruloplasminaemia, neuroferritinopathy, pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) and other very rare classical NBIA forms, manganism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ephedrone encephalopathy, HMNDYT1-SLC30A10 deficiency (HMNDYT1), HMNDYT2-SLC39A14 deficiency, CDG2N-SLC39A8 deficiency, hepatic encephalopathy, prion disease and “prion-like disease”, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and depression.
Loss of mGluR5 in D1 Receptor-Expressing Neurons Improves Stress Coping
Authors: Zangrandi Luca , Schmuckermair Claudia , Ghareh Hussein , Castaldi Federico , Heilbronn Regine , Zernig Gerald , Ferraguti Francesco , Ramos-Prats Arnau
Published: July 2021

The metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 (mGluR5) has been proposed to play a crucial role in the selection and regulation of cognitive, affective, and emotional behaviors. However, the mechanisms by which these receptors mediate these effects remain largely unexplored. Here, we studied the role of mGluR5 located in D1 receptor-expressing (D1) neurons in the manifestation of different behavioral expressions. Mice with conditional knockout (cKO) of mGluR5 in D1 neurons (mGluR5D1 cKO) and littermate controls displayed similar phenotypical profiles in relation to memory expression, anxiety, and social behaviors. However, mGluR5D1 cKO mice presented different coping mechanisms in response to acute escapable or inescapable stress. mGluR5D1 cKO mice adopted an enhanced active stress coping strategy upon exposure to escapable stress in the two-way active avoidance (TWA) task and a greater passive strategy upon exposure to inescapable stress in the forced swim test (FST). In summary, this work provides evidence for a functional integration of the dopaminergic and glutamatergic system to mediate control over internal states upon stress exposure and directly implicates D1 neurons and mGluR5 as crucial mediators of behavioral stress responses.
Tissue-Specific Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Bioinks for Musculoskeletal Tissue Regeneration and Modeling Using 3D Bioprinting Technology
Authors: Park Wonbin , Gao Ge , Cho Dong-Woo
Published: July 2021

The musculoskeletal system is a vital body system that protects internal organs, supports locomotion, and maintains homeostatic function. Unfortunately, musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Although implant surgeries using autografts, allografts, and xenografts have been conducted, several adverse effects, including donor site morbidity and immunoreaction, exist. To overcome these limitations, various biomedical engineering approaches have been proposed based on an understanding of the complexity of human musculoskeletal tissue. In this review, the leading edge of musculoskeletal tissue engineering using 3D bioprinting technology and musculoskeletal tissue-derived decellularized extracellular matrix bioink is described. In particular, studies on in vivo regeneration and in vitro modeling of musculoskeletal tissue have been focused on. Lastly, the current breakthroughs, limitations, and future perspectives are described.
New Insights into Cancer Targeted Therapy: Nodal and Cripto-1 as Attractive Candidates
Authors: Arboretto Paola , Cillo Michele , Leonardi Antonio
Published: July 2021

The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is fundamental for correct embryonic development. However, alterations of this pathway have been correlated with oncogenesis, tumor progression and sustaining of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cripto-1 (CR-1) and Nodal are two embryonic proteins involved in TGF-β signaling. Their expression is almost undetectable in terminally differentiated cells, but they are often re-expressed in tumor cells, especially in CSCs. Moreover, cancer cells that show high levels of CR-1 and/or Nodal display more aggressive phenotypes in vitro, while in vivo their expression correlates with a worse prognosis in several human cancers. The ability to target CSCs still represents an unmet medical need for the complete eradication of certain types of tumors. Given the prognostic role and the selective expression of CR-1 and Nodal on cancer cells, they represent archetypes for targeted therapy. The aim of this review is to clarify the role of CR-1 and Nodal in cancer stem populations and to summarize the current therapeutic strategy to target CSCs using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or other molecular tools to interfere with these two proteins.
Losartan Prevents Hepatic Steatosis and Macrophage Polarization by Inhibiting HIF-1α in a Murine Model of NAFLD
Authors: Wang Cheng-Hui , Liu Hsuan-Miao , Chang Zi-Yu , Huang Tse-Hung , Lee Tzung-Yan
Published: July 2021

Hypoxia and hepatosteatosis microenvironments are fundamental traits of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that controls the cellular response to hypoxia and is activated in hepatocytes of patients with NAFLD, whereas the route and regulation of lipid droplets (LDs) and macrophage polarization related to systemic inflammation in NAFLD is unknown. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, that approved portal hypertension and related HIF-1α pathways in hepatic injury models. Here, we show that losartan in a murine model of NAFLD significantly decreased hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) as well as suppressed lipid droplets (LDs), LD-associated proteins, perilipins (PLINs), and cell-death-inducing DNA-fragmentation-factor (DFF45)-like effector (CIDE) family in liver and epididymal white adipose tissues (EWAT) of ob/ob mice. Obesity-mediated macrophage M1 activation was also required for HIF-1α expression in the liver and EWAT of ob/ob mice. Administration of losartan significantly diminishes obesity-enhanced macrophage M1 activation and suppresses hepatosteatosis. Moreover, HIF-1α-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction was reversed in ob/ob mice treated with losartan. Together, the regulation of HIF-1α controls LDs protein expression and macrophage polarization, which highlights a potential target for losartan in NAFLD.
Paternal Uniparental Isodisomy of Chromosome 2 in a Patient with CNGA3-Associated Autosomal Recessive Achromatopsia
Authors: Kohl Susanne , Baumann Britta , Dassie Francesca , Mayer Anja K. , Solaki Maria , Reuter Peggy , Kühlewein Laura , Wissinger Bernd , Maffei Pietro
Published: July 2021

Achromatopsia (ACHM) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited retinal disease characterized by congenital photophobia, nystagmus, low visual acuity, and absence of color vision. ACHM is genetically heterogeneous and can be caused by biallelic mutations in the genes CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, PDE6H, or ATF6. We undertook molecular genetic analysis in a single female patient with a clinical diagnosis of ACHM and identified the homozygous variant c.778G>C;p.(D260H) in the CNGA3 gene. While segregation analysis in the father, as expected, identified the CNGA3 variant in a heterozygous state, it could not be displayed in the mother. Microsatellite marker analysis provided evidence that the homozygosity of the CNGA3 variant is due to partial or complete paternal uniparental isodisomy (UPD) of chromosome 2 in the patient. Apart from the ACHM phenotype, the patient was clinically unsuspicious and healthy. This is one of few examples proving UPD as the underlying mechanism for the clinical manifestation of a recessive mutation in a patient with inherited retinal disease. It also highlights the importance of segregation analysis in both parents of a given patient or especially in cases of homozygous recessive mutations, as UPD has significant implications for genetic counseling with a very low recurrence risk assessment in such families.