bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Field in Stress, Anxiety, and Postpartum Depression in Mothers of Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care
Authors: Cristóbal-Cañadas Delia , Bonillo-Perales Antonio , Casado-Belmonte María del Pilar , Galera-Martínez Rafael , Parrón-Carreño Tesifón
Published: August 2021

Objective: The main aim of this study was to describe and conduct a bibliometric analysis of the state of research on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Background: Women affected by premature births are particularly exposed to mental health difficulties in the postpartum period. The desire to comprehend and the growing interest in research on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care have led to a substantial rise in the number of documents in this field over the last years. Thus, it makes it vital to regularly review the state of knowledge on this phenomenon in order to identify progress and constraints, to stimulate reflection, and to encourage progress in future research. Method: This study examined 366 articles published in the Scopus database (1976–2020). Keyword analysis was also used to identify hot research trends to be developed in future studies. This study complies with the PRISMA-Scr guidelines for quality improvement research in the EQUATOR network. Results: Our results reveal that research in this field is in a period of high production and allows this flourishing body of work to be organized into different periods, highlighting the most important themes. In such a way, our research enriches the lively field by presenting a comprehensive understanding of the field. Discussion: The key contribution of this study is the development of a conceptual map of research on stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units.
Educational Programs to Build Resilience in Children, Adolescent or Youth with Disease or Disability: A Systematic Review
Authors: García-Parra Martín , Negre Francisca , Verger Sebastià
Published: August 2021

Resilience is understood as interactive processes that strengthen the individual and the family in the face of the demands of adversity or vulnerable situation. Resilience is fostered from a psychopedagogical approach when practices are developed that assist in facing challenges positively, having life projects and developing academic potentialities. Thus, the objective of this systematic review of the literature is cartography programs that promote resilience in children, adolescents, or youths who are facing a challenging condition, such as a disease or disability. The PRISMA declaration was used to guide this systematic search. The databases consulted were Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCOhost, ERIC and Dialnet Plus. Open access articles were selected between 2016 and 2021. The selection resulted in 15 educational programs. The results indicate that there are several models for building resilience, such as ecosystem, family, community, and academic models. In conclusion, interdisciplinarity is a cross-cutting axis for enhancing resilience in vulnerable settings.
Design of a Digital Baseband Processor for UHF Tags
Authors: Bai Na , Wang Liang , Xu Yaohua , Wang Yi
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present a new digital baseband processor for UHF tags. It is a low-power and low-voltage digital circuit and adopts the Chinese military standard protocol GJB7377.1. The processor receives data or commands from the RF front-end and carries out various functions, such as receiving and writing data to memory, reading and sending memory data to the RF front-end and killing tags. The processor consists of thirteen main sub-modules: TPP decoding, clock management, random number generator, power management, memory controller, cyclic redundancy check, FM0 encoding, input data processing, output data processing, command detection module, initialization module, state machine module and controller. We use ModelSim for the TPP decoding simulation and communication simulation between tag and reader, and the simulation results meet the design requirements. The processor can be applied to UHF tags and has been taped out using a TSMC 0.18 um CMOS process.
The Relationship between Lipid Content in Ground Beef Patties with Rate of Discoloration and Lipid Oxidation during Simulated Retail Display
Authors: Wang Yifei , Domínguez Rubén , Lorenzo José M. , Bohrer Benjamin M.
Published: August 2021

The relationships between the lipid content, lipid oxidation, and discoloration rate of ground beef during a simulated retail display were characterized in this study. A total of 276 batches of ground beef were manufactured with inside rounds and subcutaneous fat from 138 beef carcasses at different targeted levels of lean:fat. There was a total of four different targeted grind levels during the manufacture of the ground beef, and the lipid content for the samples used in this study ranged from 2% to 32% total lipid. Fatty acid composition was determined based on subcutaneous fat, whereas the proximate composition of moisture and total lipids, instrumental color, visual discoloration, and lipid oxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were evaluated on ground beef patties during 7 days of simulated retail at 4 °C display under LED lights. Analysis for the correlation and the creation of linear regression models indicated that lipid content played a more critical role in the discoloration rate compared to lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition. Lipid oxidation could be more reliably predicted by lipid content and instrumental color compared to visual discoloration. Overall, ground beef formulated with greater lipid content is expected to experience greater rates of lipid oxidation and discoloration during retail display.
Comparison of Sensory Qualities in Eggs from Three Breeds Based on Electronic Sensory Evaluations
Authors: Dong Xiaoguang , Gao Libing , Zhang Haijun , Wang Jing , Qiu Kai , Qi Guanghai , Wu Shugeng
Published: August 2021

The present study was conducted on three commercial laying breeder strains to evaluate differences of sensory qualities, including texture, smell, and taste parameters. A total of 140 eggs for each breed were acquired from Beinong No.2 (B) laying hens, Hy-Line Brown (H) laying hens, and Wuhei (W) laying hens. Sensory qualities of egg yolks and albumen from three breeds were detected and discriminated based on different algorithms. Texture profile analysis (TPA) showed that the eggs from three breeds had no differences in hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, and chewiness other than cohesiveness. The smell profiles measured by electronic nose illustrated that differences existed in all 10 sensors for albumen and 8 sensors for yolks. The taste profiles measured by electronic tongue found that the main difference of egg yolks and albumen existed in bitterness and astringency. Principal component analysis (PCA) successfully showed grouping of three breeds based on electronic nose data and failed in grouping based on electronic tongue data. Based on electronic nose data, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), fine k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and linear support vector machine (SVM) were performed to discriminate yolks, albumen, and the whole eggs with 100% classification accuracy. While based on electronic tongue data, the best classification accuracy was 96.7% for yolks by LDA and fine tree, 88.9% for albumen by LDA, and 87.5% for the whole eggs by fine KNN. The experiment results showed that three breeds’ eggs had main differences in smells and could be successfully discriminated by LDA, fine KNN, and linear SVM algorithms based on electronic nose.
The Price of Homemade Street Food in Central Asia and Eastern Europe: Is There a Relation with Its Nutritional Value?
Authors: Albuquerque Gabriela , Sousa Sofia , Gelormini Marcello , Lança de Morais Inês , Casal Susana , Pinho Olívia , Damasceno Albertino , Moreira Pedro , Breda João , Lunet Nuno , Padrão Patrícia
Published: August 2021

The aim was to describe the price of homemade street foods in four cities of Central Asia and Eastern Europe and to analyze its association with energy density, macronutrients, sodium and potassium contents. Cross-sectional evaluations of street food vending sites were conducted in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (n = 562), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (n = 384), Almaty, Kazakhstan (n = 236) and Chișinău, Moldova (n = 89) in 2016–2017. Information on the homemade street foods available, including price, was systematically collected; the most commonly available foods (n = 64) were sampled for chemical analysis. Prices were converted to international dollars ($) and expressed as $/serving, $/100 g and $/100 kcal. The median street food price was $1.00/serving, $0.85/100 g and $0.33/100 kcal. Traditional foods were cheaper per 100 g than the westernized ($0.77 vs. $1.00, p = 0.011). For each unit increase in energy density (kcal/g), the homemade street foods were $0.12 cheaper per 100 kcal and $0.11 more expensive per 100 g. The carbohydrate content was negatively associated with price per 100 kcal, while total fat, monounsaturated, saturated and trans-fatty acids content were positively associated with price per 100 g. Energy-dense homemade street foods were the cheapest. Further insight on food preparation might clarify the association between carbohydrates and monounsaturated fatty acids content and street food price.
Roles of Proteins/Enzymes from Animal Sources in Food Quality and Function
Authors: Lv Chenyan , Xu Chen , Gan Jing , Jiang Zhenghui , Wang Yumeng , Cao Xueli
Published: August 2021

Animal proteins are good sources of protein for human, due to the composition of necessary amino acids. The quality of food depends significantly on the properties of protein inside, especially the gelation, transportation, and antimicrobial properties. Interestingly, various kinds of molecules co-exist with proteins in foodstuff, and the interactions between these can significantly affect the food quality. In food processing, these interactions have been used to improve the texture, color, taste, and shelf-life of animal food by affecting the gelation, antioxidation, and antimicrobial properties of proteins. Meanwhile, the binding properties of proteins contributed to the nutritional properties of food. In this review, proteins in meat, milk, eggs, and fishery products have been summarized, and polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other functional molecules have been applied during food processing to improve the nutritional and sensory quality of food. Specific interactions between functional molecules and proteins based on the crystal structures will be highlighted with an aim to improve the food quality in the future.
Vitamin D Incorporation in Foods: Formulation Strategies, Stability, and Bioaccessibility as Affected by the Food Matrix
Authors: Lavelli Vera , D’Incecco Paolo , Pellegrino Luisa
Published: August 2021

Inadequate intake of vitamin D is a global health issue related to severe diseases, mainly involving subjects with dark skin pigmentation, patients affected by malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes, or obesity, and elderly people. Some foods fortified with vitamin D have been tested in vivo, but fortification strategies with a global outreach are still lacking. This review is focused on food fortification with vitamin D, with the aim to collect information on (a) formulation strategies; (b) stability during processing and storage; and (c) in vitro bioaccessibility. Approaches to add vitamin D to various foods were analyzed, including the use of free vitamin D, vitamin D loaded in simple and double nanoemulsions, liposomes, casein micelles, and protein nanocapsules. Numerous studies were reviewed to elucidate the impact of food technologies on vitamin D’s stability, and mechanisms that lead to degradation were identified—namely, acid-catalyzed isomerization, radical-induced oxidation, and photo-oxidation. There is, however, a lack of kinetic data that allow for the prediction of vitamin D’s stability under industrial processing conditions. The roles that lipids, proteins, fibers, and antioxidants play in vitamin bioaccessibility have been clarified in various studies, while future needs include the design of specific food matrices that simultaneously achieve a balance between the long-term stability, bioaccessibility and, ultimately, in vivo functionality of vitamin D.
Exploration of the Microstructure and Rheological Properties of Sodium Alginate-Pectin-Whey Protein Isolate Stabilized Β-Carotene Emulsions: To Improve Stability and Achieve Gastrointestinal Sustained Release
Authors: Ye Haoxin , Chen Tingshuai , Huang Min , Ren Gerui , Lei Qunfang , Fang Wenjun , Xie Hujun
Published: August 2021

Sodium alginate (SA)-pectin (PEC)-whey protein isolate (WPI) complexes were used as an emulsifier to prepare β-carotene emulsions, and the encapsulation efficiency for β-carotene was up to 93.08%. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the SA-PEC-WPI emulsion had a compact network structure. The SA-PEC-WPI emulsion exhibited shear-thinning behavior and was in a semi-dilute or weak network state. The SA-PEC-WPI stabilized β-carotene emulsion had better thermal, physical and chemical stability. A small amount of β-carotene (19.46 ± 1.33%) was released from SA-PEC-WPI stabilized β-carotene emulsion in simulated gastric digestion, while a large amount of β-carotene (90.33 ± 1.58%) was released in simulated intestinal digestion. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) experiments indicated that the formation of SA-PEC-WPI stabilized β-carotene emulsion was attributed to the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between WPI and SA or PEC, and the hydrophobic interactions between β-carotene and WPI. These results can facilitate the design of polysaccharide-protein stabilized emulsions with high encapsulation efficiency and stability for nutraceutical delivery in food and supplement products.
Characterization of Anthocyanin Associated Purple Sweet Potato Starch and Peel-Based pH Indicator Films
Authors: Sohany Mouluda , Tawakkal Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin , Ariffin Siti Hajar , Shah Nor Nadiah Abdul Karim , Yusof Yus Aniza
Published: August 2021

In food packaging, smart indicator films based on natural resources have greatly attracted researchers to minimize the environmental issues as well as to satisfy consumer preferences for food safety. In this research, pH-sensitive films were prepared using purple-fleshed sweet potato starch (SPS) and sweet potato peel (SPP). Two categories of the film (i) SPS and (ii) SPS/SPP, were fabricated via solvent casting technique, incorporating different concentrations of commercial purple sweet potato anthocyanin (CA) at 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% (w/v) and the physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the films were investigated. The thickness, water solubility, and swelling degree of the films increased with the increment of CA, whereas there were no significant changes in the water content (WC) of the films. Water vapor permeability (WVP) was decreased for SPS films while statistically similar for SPS/SPP films. The addition of CA reduced the tensile strength (TS) and tensile modulus (TM) yet increased the elongation at break (EaB) of the films as compared to films without CA. The FTIR results confirmed the immobilization of anthocyanin into the film. In SEM images, roughness in the surfaces of the CA-associated films was observed. A reduction of thermal stability was found for the films with anthocyanin except for the SPS/SPP CA 2% film. Furthermore, the CA-associated films showed a remarkable color response when subjected to pH buffers (pH 1 to 12) and successfully monitored chicken freshness. The fastest color migration was observed in acidic conditions when the films were immersed into aqueous, acidic, low fat, and fatty food simulants. The findings of this work demonstrated that the developed pH indicator films have the potential to be implemented as smart packaging to monitor food freshness and quality for safe consumption.
Impact of Oral Microbiota on Flavor Perception: From Food Processing to In-Mouth Metabolization
Authors: Schwartz Mathieu , Canon Francis , Feron Gilles , Neiers Fabrice , Gamero Amparo
Published: August 2021

Flavor perception during food intake is one of the main drivers of food acceptability and consumption. Recent studies have pointed to the oral microbiota as an important factor modulating flavor perception. This review introduces general characteristics of the oral microbiota, factors potentially influencing its composition, as well as known relationships between oral microbiota and chemosensory perception. We also review diverse evidenced mechanisms enabling the modulation of chemosensory perception by the microbiota. They include modulation of the chemosensory receptors activation by microbial metabolites but also modification of receptors expression. Specific enzymatic reactions catalyzed by oral microorganisms generate fragrant molecules from aroma precursors in the mouth. Interestingly, these reactions also occur during the processing of fermented beverages, such as wine and beer. In this context, two groups of aroma precursors are presented and discussed, namely, glycoside conjugates and cysteine conjugates, which can generate aroma compounds both in fermented beverages and in the mouth. The two entailed families of enzymes, i.e., glycosidases and carbon–sulfur lyases, appear to be promising targets to understand the complexity of flavor perception in the mouth as well as potential biotechnological tools for flavor enhancement or production of specific flavor compounds.
A Feasibility and Efficacy Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Exercise Programs in Severe AECOPD Patients with Resting Hypoxemia
Authors: López-López Laura , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , Rodríguez-Torres Janet , Granados-Santiago María , Ortiz-Rubio Araceli , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: August 2021

Resting hypoxemia is the most severe stage of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Due to their impairments during the exacerbation, these patients are limited to traditional exercise rehabilitation and are excluded from the majority of the studies. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and the efficacy of two exercise programs in Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) patients with resting hypoxemia. In this randomized clinical trial, patients hospitalized due to an acute exacerbation of COPD with hypoxemia at rest were included. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups. A Control Group (pharmacological treatment), a Global Exercise Group (GEG), and a Functional Electrostimulation Group (FEG). Patients were treated during the hospitalization period. The main outcomes were lower limb strength (assessed by a dynamometer), balance (assessed by the one leg standing balance test), health related quality of life (assessed by the EQ-5D), adverse events and adherence. At the end of the intervention, there were significant differences in all the variables in favour of the experimental groups (p < 0.05). We concluded that conducting an exercise program is feasible and improves lower limb strength, balance, and health related quality of life in AECOPD patients with resting hypoxemia.
Predictive Performance and Optimal Cut-Off Points of Blood Pressure for Identifying Arteriosclerosis among Adults in Eastern China
Authors: Yu Lei , Yan Jiaxiang , Yang Chen , Gao Yanan , Wang Aiwen , Huang Huiming
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to assess the predictive performance and establish optimal cut-off points of blood pressure for identifying arteriosclerosis in eastern Chinese adults. Brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was utilized to evaluate arteriosclerosis. The predictive performance of blood pressure for arteriosclerosis was determined by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics; the optimal blood pressure cut-off points were determined by Youden’s index. A logistic regression model was used to acquire the odds ratio (OR) of blood pressure for arteriosclerosis. The AUCs of blood pressure for identifying arteriosclerosis were 0.868 (95%CI: 0.860–0.875) for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 0.835 (95%CI: 0.827–0.843) for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), both p < 0.01. The AUCs of women were higher than that of men (0.903 vs. 0.819 for SBP; 0.847 vs. 0.806 for DBP; Z test p < 0.05). The AUCs in the 18–39.9-years group were higher than that in the 40–59.9-years and 60–84-years groups (0.894 vs. 0.842 and 0.818 for SBP; 0.889 vs. 0.818 and 0.759 for DBP; Z test p < 0.05). The total optimal cut-off points of blood pressure for predicting arteriosclerosis were 123.5/73.5 mmHg (SBP/DBP) overall; 123.5/73.5 and 126.5/79.5 mmHg for women and men, respectively; and 120.5/73.5, 123.5/76.5, and 126.5/75.5 mmHg for 18–39.9-years, 40–59.9-years, and 60–84-years groups, respectively. Blood pressure indexes had a high predictive performance for identifying arteriosclerosis with the optimal cut-off point of 123.5/73.5 mmHg (SBP/DBP) in eastern Chinese adults. Women or the younger population have a higher predictive performance and lower cut-off points to identify arteriosclerosis.
Implementing Digital Trainings within Medical Rehabilitations: Improvement of Mental Health and Synergetic Outcomes with Healthcare Service
Authors: Keller Franziska Maria , Dahmen Alina , Derksen Christina , Kötting Lukas , Lippke Sonia
Published: August 2021

The need for new technologies in healthcare services has been stressed. However, little is known about the effectiveness of digital interventions integrated in psychosomatic rehabilitation processes. Data from 724 patients from psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics were analyzed with regard to the effectiveness of digital trainings indicated by a change in symptoms related to depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness from pre– to post–rehabilitation. Rehabilitation satisfaction was examined in association with reaching rehabilitation goals and satisfaction with communication. A mixed repeated measures analyses of covariance, analyses of covariance, and hierarchical stepwise regression analyses were performed. Results indicated a superior effectiveness for the intervention group receiving all offered digital treatments in addition to the regular face-to-face rehabilitation program with regard to symptoms of depression (F (2674) = 3.93, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.01), anxiety (F (2678) = 3.68, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.01) post-rehabilitation, with large effect sizes for both depression (d = 1.28) and anxiety (d = 1.08). In addition, rehabilitation satisfaction was positively associated with reaching rehabilitation goals and perceived communication with healthcare workers. Digital interventions appeared effective in supporting mental health of psychosomatic rehabilitation patients’ post-rehabilitation. These findings support the inclusion of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary digital and face-to-face treatment programs and call for more implementations of new technologies in a context of complexity to improve health and healthcare service.
Working Conditions and Urinalysis Dipstick Testing among Female Rice Farmers: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Arphorn Sara , Manothum Aniruth , Santiwung Kotchakorn , Pangunta Kanograt , Hara Kunio , Ishimaru Tomohiro
Published: August 2021

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess working conditions and renal function among female rice farmers in Nan Province, Thailand. Purposive random sampling was used to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected from 65 female rice farmers using in-depth interviews. A walk-through survey was performed to examine hazards in the rice farm and a dipstick test was used for urinalysis. The results demonstrated that all rice farming stages contained risks from physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards and that no measures had been implemented to protect participants’ health from these risks. The screening test results showed low urinary pH (5–6) in 54 women (83.0%), but high urinary specific gravity (1.030) in 25 women (38.5%). Participants’ urine contained leukocytes in 15 women (23.1%), protein in 14 women (21.5%) and blood in 13 women (20%). This study results suggest that farming activities affect female rice farmers’ health and safety. Urinalysis dipstick tests, which can be administered at the local public health promoting hospital, should be used to assess the occupational health status. The results will be useful for health surveillance and follow-up of the participants. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a larger study including non-farmers.
When “Stay at Home” Can Be Dangerous: Data on Domestic Violence in Italy during COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Barchielli Benedetta , Baldi Michela , Paoli Elena , Roma Paolo , Ferracuti Stefano , Napoli Christian , Giannini Anna Maria , Lausi Giulia
Published: August 2021

The global pandemic caused by a new strain of Coronavirus has brought the Italian government to adopt quarantine, isolation, and lockdown strategies as restrictive measures to reduce the virus spread. Being forced to stay at home could significantly increase the likelihood of episodes of home-based violence and could also be accompanied by a limited possibility of complaints or defense by the victim. The present study aimed to document, through the use of newspaper articles, the characteristics of domestic violence during the lockdown period related to COVID-19 in Italy (from 9 March 2020 up to 18 May 2020) and compare the results with the same period in 2019. The results showed an increase in domestic violence during the lockdown period compared to the same period the year before and highlighted the differences between the dynamics and violent behavior between the two periods examined. The results and limitations of this research are discussed with reference to the literature.
Playing for a Resilient Future: A Serious Game Designed to Explore and Understand the Complexity of the Interaction among Climate Change, Disaster Risk, and Urban Development
Authors: Gao Wei , Guo Yuwei , Jiang Fanying
Published: August 2021

Urban development and disaster risk are deeply linked, especially now when we are facing increasingly frequent climate change. Hence, knowledge of the potential trade-offs between urban development and disaster risk reduction (DRR) may have potential to build a resilient and sustainable future. The objectives of this study are (1) to present education for a sustainability (EfS) program and to evaluate its performance: a serious game of knowledge communication for the interactions among climate change, disaster risk, and urban development; (2) to explore factors that will influence the players’ decision making in the trade-offs between urban development and DRR under an urbanization background through counterfactual scenarios constructed by a series of serious games. The Yudai Trench, once a critical component of the urban green infrastructure of ancient Guangzhou, has disappeared under rapid urban expansion, leaving the city exposed to environmental hazards caused by climate change. Is the disappearance of the Yudai Trench an inevitable event in the progress of urbanization? To answer this question, the study constructed counterfactual scenarios by recuring the historical progress through the same serious game. Gameplay involved the players’ decision making with associated impacts on the urbanization progress and the DRR in diverse climate hazard scenarios. For this study, 107 undergraduates from related majors, who are also would-be policymakers, were selected as players. The methodology combined questionnaire survey and participant observation complemented by interviews. The t-test results indicated that undergraduates’ knowledge levels had significant positive changes after the end of the serious game. Importantly, the results showed that the knowledge could potentially contribute to the players’ decision-making process for DRR by assisting them in making pre-decision. Beside this knowledge, the results expanded the range of influencing factors and solutions reported by previous literature on DRR under an urbanization background against climate hazards by constructing counterfactual scenarios, e.g., higher economic levels and policy incentives. In this study, the serious game was evaluated as an innovative communication and the EfS method in counterfactual scenarios. These findings of the study provide a reference for future practice, policymaking, and decision making so as to help harness lessons learned from unrealized environmental hazards to support a more resilient future through informed policies and plans.
New Growth Curves for Spanish Children (0–10 Years) in the Region of Extremadura
Authors: Pardo-Galán Luis , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Collado-Mateo Daniel , Adsuar José Carmelo , García-Gordillo Miguel Ángel , Bautista-Bárcena Lucía
Published: August 2021

The anthropometric reference data used to examine the growth pattern of children in Spain are obtained from studies carried out several years ago. In the region of Extremadura, the tables obtained by the Faustino Obergozo Foundation, which date back to 2004, are used. The first objective of this work is to develop growth tables and graphs that accurately reflect the somatometric variables of children in Extremadura. Secondly, the averages of these variables by sex will be compared to determine if there are significant differences between them. A database provided by the General Directorate of Planning, Training, and Health and Social Quality of the Regional Government of Extremadura was used, which contains the measurements of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of boys and girls in Extremadura between the years 2006–2016. The database was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and the R software version 3.5.1, considering a cross-sectional study. As a result, the tables and growth graphs of Extremadura’s population base for weight and height are presented, from birth to 10 years, as well as comparisons of the average values of the analyzed variables between boys and girls. We found that there are significant differences in the mean values, according to sex, of the height and weight. On the other hand, BMI progressed normally when comparing the results of the Extremadura population with those reflected by the World Health Organization (WHO). Differences were found when comparing the results with those obtained by the Faustino Orbegozo Foundation.
Trajectories of Psychopathology According to Continuation or Discontinuation of Child Abuse: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Jung Eunji , Ahn Joung-Sook , Han Jaehyun , Kim Min-Hyuk
Published: August 2021

Long-term exposure to childhood abuse and occurrence of mental illness are positively correlated. Using long-term tracking data in Korea, we identified the characteristics of children and adolescents who experienced abuse and impact thereof on their psychopathology. Using the Korea Welfare Panel data, 354 teenagers in grades 4–6 of elementary school participated, were assessed at baseline, and monitored 3 years later. They were categorized into Never, Occurrence, Continuation, and Discontinuation groups according to changes in the abuse experienced. Psychopathology was evaluated using K-CBCL. Childhood abuse experience significantly affected psychopathology. At the baseline, the Continuation and Discontinuation groups had a higher severity of psychopathology than the Never group. Psychopathology at the baseline was associated with whether the patient experienced abuse that year. In the follow-up observation, the risk of psychopathology in the Occurrence and Continuation groups was higher than that in the Never group. The Discontinuation group had decreased psychopathology, which was not clinically significant in the follow-up observation (INT aRR = 2.09; 95% CI 0.61–7.13, EXT aRR = 4.23; 95% CI 1.12–16.07). Stopping abuse in late childhood reduces adolescents’ psychopathology in the long term, meaning they can recover their normal developmental trajectory according to risk groups and provide effective interventions including discontinuation of abuse.
Teaching the Holocaust in Nursing Schools: The Perspective of the Victims and Survivors
Authors: Orr Zvika , Romem Anat
Published: August 2021

In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the significance and relevance of Holocaust studies to nurses. However, these studies are rarely integrated in the nursing curriculum, and even when they are, the focus is usually on healthcare personnel who collaborated with the Nazi regime. This article aims to bridge this gap by analyzing a comprehensive requisite curriculum on the Holocaust for graduate nursing students. We emphasize the work of Jewish healthcare professionals during the Holocaust and the dilemmas they faced, as well as the trauma and resilience of Holocaust survivors, their treatment today, and implications for treating other patients. This article examines how studying these issues affected the graduate students. It analyzes the reflective accounts written by the students, using qualitative content analysis and Grounded Theory. The findings suggest that students received tools to act professionally and empathetically while demonstrating greater sensitivity to the patients’ identity, past experiences, trauma, and how the hospital as a “total institution” affects them. Many of the students developed conscious leadership. The program used a personalized pedagogical approach that contributed to experiential learning but was also emotionally challenging for the participants. We recommend including Holocaust studies as a requisite component in nursing programs worldwide.
Special Issue on Health, Physical Activity, and Performance in Youth
Authors: Klentrou Panagiota
Published: August 2021

This Special Issue on “Health, Physical Activity, and Performance in Youth” was designed to be inclusive and diverse [...]
Inpatient Hospice Palliative Care Unit and Palliative Consultation Service Enhance Comprehensive Quality of Life Outcomes in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chang Li-Fang , Wu Li-Fen , Lin Chi-Kang , Ho Ching-Liang , Hung Yu-Chun , Pan Hsueh-Hsing
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of an inpatient hospice palliative care unit (PCU) and palliative consultation service (PCS) on comprehensive quality of life outcome (CoQoLo) among terminally ill cancer patients. This was a prospective longitudinal study. Terminally ill cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria and received PCU or PCS in a northern Taiwanese medical center were recruited. The CoQoLo Inventory was used to measure CoQoLo level pre- and seven days following hospice care between August 2018 and October 2019. A total of 90 patients completed the study. No significant differences were found in CoQoLo levels between the PCU and PCS groups pre- and seven days following care. However, the CoQoLo level of patients significantly improved seven days following care in both PCU and PCS groups, compared with pre-hospice care. Patients’ age, religious belief, marital status, closeness with family, palliative prognostic index (PPI), and symptom severity were significant concerning CoQoLo levels after adjusting for patients’ baseline characteristics. PCU and PCS showed no difference in CoQoLo levels, but both of them can improve CoQoLo among terminally ill cancer patients. These patients could receive PCU or PCS to achieve a good CoQoLo at the end-of-life stage.
Trace Metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) and Stable Isotope Ratios (δ13C and δ15N) in Fish from Wulungu Lake, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Liu Fengyu , Li Min , Lu Jianjiang , Lai Zhiqing , Tong Yanbin , Wang Manli
Published: August 2021

Wulungu Lake is a vital fishery area in Xinjiang. However, the concentration, enrichment rules, and sources of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the aquatic organisms, have rarely been investigated. The results suggest that the concentrations of As, Ni, Pb, and Zn were higher than those recommended by the national standards for edible fish in some species. Hg, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Zn in the fish were dependent on the concentration of trace metals in the water environment (p < 0.05). The body weights of the fish were significantly negatively correlated with only Hg (p < 0.05); however, their body lengths were significantly positively correlated with As, Cu, Zn, and Hg contents. Values of δ13C ‰ (δ15N ‰) for the entire fish food web was found to range from −19.9‰ (7.37‰) to −27.7‰ (15.9‰), indicating a wide range of trophic positions and energy sources. Based on the linear correlation, As, Cu, Cd, and Zn contents were positively correlated with δ15N (p < 0.05), and bioaccumulation was observed in the fish. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of all fish species was less than 1, indicating the absence of potential risks to human health.
Exploring a Complementary Stress Management and Wellbeing Intervention Model for Teachers: Participant Experience
Authors: Hepburn Stevie-Jae , Carroll Annemaree , McCuaig Louise
Published: August 2021

Background: work-related stress can have alarming physiological and psychological health impacts, which may permeate into personal and professional contexts. Teachers need to be supported to develop the skills and strategies to effectively identify how stress manifests and how to use simple, practical techniques to manage and reduce the impact of stress. Complementary interventions (CIs) for educators may provide stress management and assist with supporting wellbeing at the individual level. Methods: the convergent mixed-methods study included participant reflections, self-report measures for perceived stress, mindful attention awareness, and subjective wellbeing and biological measures (salivary cortisol levels). Data analysis: inductive thematic analysis and mixed-methods case study design. Results: the participants shared that they experienced benefits in personal and professional contexts, behavioural changes, increased awareness of the impact of stress, and a decrease in the stress response. The participant reflections provided contextual information surrounding the self-report and biological measures. The inferences generated were reflected in both datasets. The findings supported the proposed model linking the mechanisms present in the techniques from the system of yoga and the dimensions of wellbeing. Conclusions: the findings suggest that a CI for educators may provide strategies for supporting wellbeing and assisting with stress management.
Building Community Resilience via Developing Community Capital toward Sustainability: Experiences from a Hakka Settlement in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Rung-Jiun , Huang Feng-Tzu
Published: August 2021

Developing community capital is widely viewed as a way to address community resilience-related issues toward sustainability. Based on a Taiwanese, peri-urban, Hakka settlement, this article presents findings on the practical factors in the development of community capital via farm-to-table and community care, and their implications for a resilient, healthy community. It shows that community capital arising from the pond farming, pond education, and community service systems can interact to support its diversity and linkability. The pond-based social network is identified as the key to mitigating the impacts of community challenges regarding food safety concerns, environmental degradation, and aging population. It argues that the pond-based food landscape, communal network, and a borderless campus can enhance community capital as well as play significant parts in achieving community sustainability by promoting residents’ health and well-being.
Neoantigen-Specific T-Cell Immune Responses: The Paradigm of NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Forghieri Fabio , Riva Giovanni , Lagreca Ivana , Barozzi Patrizia , Bettelli Francesca , Paolini Ambra , Nasillo Vincenzo , Lusenti Beatrice , Pioli Valeria , Giusti Davide , Gilioli Andrea , Colasante Corrado , Galassi Laura , Catellani Hillary , Donatelli Francesca , Talami Annalisa , Maffei Rossana , Martinelli Silvia , Potenza Leonardo , Marasca Roberto , Tagliafico Enrico , Manfredini Rossella , Trenti Tommaso , Comoli Patrizia , Luppi Mario
Published: August 2021

The C-terminal aminoacidic sequence from NPM1-mutated protein, absent in normal human tissues, may serve as a leukemia-specific antigen and can be considered an ideal target for NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) immunotherapy. Different in silico instruments and in vitro/ex vivo immunological platforms have identified the most immunogenic epitopes from NPM1-mutated protein. Spontaneous development of endogenous NPM1-mutated-specific cytotoxic T cells has been observed in patients, potentially contributing to remission maintenance and prolonged survival. Genetically engineered T cells, namely CAR-T or TCR-transduced T cells, directed against NPM1-mutated peptides bound to HLA could prospectively represent a promising therapeutic approach. Although either adoptive or vaccine-based immunotherapies are unlikely to be highly effective in patients with full-blown leukemia, these strategies, potentially in combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors, could be promising in maintaining remission or preemptively eradicating persistent measurable residual disease, mainly in patients ineligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Alternatively, neoantigen-specific donor lymphocyte infusion derived from healthy donors and targeting NPM1-mutated protein to selectively elicit graft-versus-leukemia effect may represent an attractive option in subjects experiencing post-HSCT relapse. Future studies are warranted to further investigate dynamics of NPM1-mutated-specific immunity and explore whether novel individualized immunotherapies may have potential clinical utility in NPM1-mutated AML patients.
Non-Coding RNAs in Stem Cell Regulation and Cardiac Regeneration: Current Problems and Future Perspectives
Authors: Schweiger Victor , Hasimbegovic Ena , Kastner Nina , Spannbauer Andreas , Traxler Denise , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Mester-Tonczar Julia
Published: August 2021

Although advances in rapid revascularization strategies following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have led to improved short and long-term outcomes, the associated loss of cardiomyocytes and the subsequent remodeling result in an impaired ventricular function that can lead to heart failure or death. The poor regenerative capacity of the myocardium and the current lack of effective regenerative therapies have driven stem cell research in search of a possible solution. One approach involves the delivery of stem cells to the site of injury in order to stimulate repair response. Although animal studies initially delivered promising results, the application of similar techniques in humans has been hampered by poor target site retention and oncogenic considerations. In response, several alternative strategies, including the use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have been introduced with the aim of activating and regulating stem cells or inducing stem cell status in resident cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are ncRNAs with pivotal functions in cell proliferation and differentiation, whose role in stem cell regulation and potential significance for the field of cardiac regeneration is the primary focus of this review. We also address the general advantages of ncRNAs as promising drivers of cardiac regeneration and potent stem cell regulators.
The Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Drives the Proliferation of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma with H3K27 Mutation
Authors: Roig-Carles David , Jackson Holly , Loveson Katie F. , Mackay Alan , Mather Rebecca L. , Waters Ella , Manzo Massimiliano , Alborelli Ilaria , Golding Jon , Jones Chris , Fillmore Helen L. , Crea Francesco
Published: August 2021

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable paediatric malignancy. Identifying the molecular drivers of DIPG progression is of the utmost importance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a large family of disease- and tissue-specific transcripts, whose functions have not yet been elucidated in DIPG. Herein, we studied the oncogenic role of the development-associated H19 lncRNA in DIPG. Bioinformatic analyses of clinical datasets were used to measure the expression of H19 lncRNA in paediatric high-grade gliomas (pedHGGs). The expression and sub-cellular location of H19 lncRNA were validated in DIPG cell lines. Locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides were designed to test the function of H19 in DIPG cells. We found that H19 expression was higher in DIPG vs. normal brain tissue and other pedHGGs. H19 knockdown resulted in decreased cell proliferation and survival in DIPG cells. Mechanistically, H19 buffers let-7 microRNAs, resulting in the up-regulation of oncogenic let-7 target (e.g., SULF2 and OSMR). H19 is the first functionally characterized lncRNA in DIPG and a promising therapeutic candidate for treating this incurable cancer.
MTL-CEBPA Combined with Immunotherapy or RFA Enhances Immunological Anti-Tumor Response in Preclinical Models
Authors: Huang Kai-Wen , Tan Choon Ping , Reebye Vikash , Chee Cheng Ean , Zacharoulis Dimitris , Habib Robert , Blakey David C. , Rossi John J. , Habib Nagy , Sodergren Mikael H.
Published: August 2021

The transcription factor CEBPA is a master regulator of liver homeostasis, myeloid cell differentiation and is downregulated in several oncogenic diseases. MTL-CEBPA is a small activating RNA drug which upregulates gene expression of CEBPA for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigate whether MTL-CEBPA has immune modulatory effects by combining MTL-CEBPA with an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in two preclinical models. First, mice with two flanks of HCC tumors (BNL) were treated with combinations of RFA (right flank), anti-PD-1 or MTL-CEBPA. The reduction of the left flank tumors was most pronounced in the group treated with RFA+anti-PD1+MTL-CEBPA and 7/8 animals responded. This was the only group with a significant increase in CD8+ and CD49b+/CD45+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Second, a combination of anti-PD-1+MTL-CEBPA was tested in a CT26 colon cancer model and this treatment significantly reduced tumor size, modulated the tumor immune microenvironment and increased TILs. These data suggest a clinical role for combination treatment with CPIs, RFA and MTL-CEBPA through synergistic priming of the immune tumor response, enabling RFA and CPIs to have a pronounced anti-tumor effect including activity in non-treated tumors in the case of RFA.
Enzyme Therapy: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: de la Fuente Miguel , Lombardero Laura , Gómez-González Alfonso , Solari Cristina , Angulo-Barturen Iñigo , Acera Arantxa , Vecino Elena , Astigarraga Egoitz , Barreda-Gómez Gabriel
Published: August 2021

In recent years, enzymes have risen as promising therapeutic tools for different pathologies, from metabolic deficiencies, such as fibrosis conditions, ocular pathologies or joint problems, to cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Treatments based on the catalytic activity of enzymes are able to convert a wide range of target molecules to restore the correct physiological metabolism. These treatments present several advantages compared to established therapeutic approaches thanks to their affinity and specificity properties. However, enzymes present some challenges, such as short in vivo half-life, lack of targeted action and, in particular, patient immune system reaction against the enzyme. For this reason, it is important to monitor serum immune response during treatment. This can be achieved by conventional techniques (ELISA) but also by new promising tools such as microarrays. These assays have gained popularity due to their high-throughput analysis capacity, their simplicity, and their potential to monitor the immune response of patients during enzyme therapies. In this growing field, research is still ongoing to solve current health problems such as COVID-19. Currently, promising therapeutic alternatives using the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are being studied to treat COVID-19.