bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roles of Mutation and Selection Acting on Mitochondrial Genomes Inferred from Intraspecific Variation in Seed Plants
Authors: Kan Shenglong , Liao Xuezhu , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: June 2022

There is a paradox in the plant mitochondrial genome, that is, the genic region evolves slowly while the intergenic region evolves rapidly. Thus, the intergenic regions of the plant mitochondrial genome are difficult to align across different species, even in closely related species. Here, to character the mechanism of this paradox, we identified interspecific variations in the Ginkgo biloba, Oryza sativa, and Arabidopsis thaliana mitochondrial and plastid genome at a genome-wide level. The substitution rate of synonymous sites in genic regions was similar to the substitution rate of intergenic regions, while the substitution rate of nonsynonymous sites in genic regions was lower than that in intergenic regions, suggesting the mutation inputs were the same among different categories within the organelle genome, but the selection pressure varied. The substitution rate of single-copy regions was higher than that of IR (inverted repeats) in the plastid genome at an intraspecific level. The substitution rate of single-copy regions was higher than that of repeats in the G. biloba and A. thaliana mitochondrial genomes, but lower in that of O. sativa. This difference may be related to the length and distribution of repeats. Copy number variations that existed in the G. biloba and O. sativa mitochondrial genomes were confirmed. This study reveals the intraspecific variation pattern of organelle genomes at a genome-wide level, and that copy number variations were common in plant mitochondrial genomes.
State of the Science for Kidney Disorders in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: UPK3A, FBLN1, WNT7B, and CELSR1 as Candidate Genes
Authors: McCoy Megan D. , Sarasua Sara M. , DeLuca Jane M. , Davis Stephanie , Phelan Katy , Rogers Roger Curtis , Boccuto Luigi
Published: June 2022

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by chromosomal rearrangements affecting the 22q13.3 region or by SHANK3 pathogenic variants. The scientific literature suggests that up to 40% of individuals with PMS have kidney disorders, yet little research has been conducted on the renal system to assess candidate genes attributed to these disorders. Therefore, we first conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify kidney disorders in PMS and then pooled the data to create a cohort of individuals to identify candidate genes for renal disorders in PMS. We found 7 types of renal disorders reported: renal cysts, renal hypoplasia or agenesis, hydronephrosis, vesicoureteral reflux, kidney dysplasia, horseshoe kidneys, and pyelectasis. Association analysis from the pooled data from 152 individuals with PMS across 22 articles identified three genomic regions spanning chromosomal bands 22q13.31, 22q13.32, and 22q13.33, significantly associated with kidney disorders. We propose UPK3A, FBLN1, WNT7B, and CELSR1, located from 4.5 Mb to 5.5 Mb from the telomere, as candidate genes. Our findings support the hypothesis that genes included in this region may play a role in the pathogenesis of kidney disorders in PMS.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Expansin Gene Family in the Storage Root Development of Diploid Wild Sweetpotato Ipomoea trifida
Authors: Li Ming , Chen Lianfu , Lang Tao , Qu Huijuan , Zhang Cong , Feng Junyan , Pu Zhigang , Peng Meifang , Lin Honghui
Published: June 2022

Expansins play important roles in root growth and development, but investigation of the expansin gene family has not yet been reported in Ipomoea trifida, and little is known regarding storage root (SR) development. In this work, we identified a total of 37 expansins (ItrEXPs) in our previously reported SR-forming I. trifida strain Y22 genome, which included 23 ItrEXPAs, 4 ItrEXPBs, 2 ItrEXLAs and 8 ItrEXLBs. The phylogenetic relationship, genome localization, subcellular localization, gene and protein structure, promoter cis-regulating elements, and protein interaction network were systematically analyzed to reveal the possible roles of ItrEXPs in the SR development of I. trifida. The gene expression profiling in Y22 SR development revealed that ItrEXPAs and ItrEXLBs were down-regulated, and ItrEXPBs were up-regulated while ItrEXLAs were not obviously changed during the critical period of SR expansion, and might be beneficial to SR development. Combining the tissue-specific expression in young SR transverse sections of Y22 and sweetpotato tissue, we deduced that ItrEXLB05, ItrEXLB07 and ItrEXLB08 might be the key genes for initial SR formation and enlargement, and ItrEXLA02 might be the key gene for root growth and development. This work provides new insights into the functions of the expansin gene family members in I. trifida, especially for EXLA and EXLB subfamilies genes in SR development.
Field-Evolved ΔG210-ppo2 from Palmer Amaranth Confers Pre-emergence Tolerance to PPO-Inhibitors in Rice and Arabidopsis
Authors: Carvalho-Moore Pamela , Rangani Gulab , Langaro Ana Claudia , Srivastava Vibha , Porri Aimone , Bowe Steven J. , Lerchl Jens , Roma-Burgos Nilda
Published: June 2022

Resistance to protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)-inhibitors in Amaranthus palmeri and Amaranthus tuberculatus is mainly contributed by mutations in the PPO enzyme, which renders herbicide molecules ineffective. The deletion of glycine210 (ΔG210) is the most predominant PPO mutation. ΔG210-ppo2 is overexpressed in rice (Oryza sativa c. ‘Nipponbare’) and Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0). A foliar assay was conducted on transgenic T1 rice plants with 2× dose of fomesafen (780 g ha−1), showing less injury than the non-transgenic (WT) plants. A soil-based assay conducted with T2 rice seeds confirmed tolerance to fomesafen applied pre-emergence. In agar medium, root growth of WT rice seedlings was inhibited >90% at 5 µM fomesafen, while root growth of T2 seedlings was inhibited by 50% at 45 µM fomesafen. The presence and expression of the transgene were confirmed in the T2 rice survivors of soil-applied fomesafen. A soil-based assay was also conducted with transgenic A. thaliana expressing ΔG210-ppo2 which confirmed tolerance to the pre-emergence application of fomesafen and saflufenacil. The expression of A. palmeri ΔG210-ppo2 successfully conferred tolerance to soil-applied fomesafen in rice and Arabidopsis. This mutant also confers cross-tolerance to saflufenacil in Arabidopsis. This trait could be introduced into high-value crops that lack chemical options for weed management.
Opioid Use Disorder and Alternative mRNA Splicing in Reward Circuitry
Authors: Huggett Spencer B. , Ikeda Ami S. , McGeary John E. , Kaun Karla R. , Palmer Rohan H. C.
Published: June 2022

Opiate/opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder that has increased in prevalence in the last two decades in the United States. Understanding the molecular correlates of OUD may provide key insights into the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Using publicly available RNA-sequencing data, our study investigated the possible role of alternative mRNA splicing in human brain tissue (dorsal–lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and midbrain) of 90 individuals with OUD or matched controls. We found a total of 788 differentially spliced genes across brain regions. Alternative mRNA splicing demonstrated mostly tissue-specific effects, but a functionally characterized splicing change in the clathrin and AP-2-binding (CLAP) domain of the Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1) gene was significantly linked to OUD across all brain regions. We investigated two hypotheses that may underlie differential splicing in OUD. First, we tested whether spliceosome genes were disrupted in the brains of individuals with OUD. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated spliceosome perturbations in OUD across brain regions. Second, we tested whether alternative mRNA splicing regions were linked to genetic predisposition. Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of OUD, we found no evidence that DNA variants within or surrounding differentially spliced genes were implicated in the heritability of OUD. Altogether, our study contributes to the understanding of OUD pathophysiology by providing evidence of a possible role of alternative mRNA splicing in OUD.
miRNAs Copy Number Variations Repertoire as Hallmark Indicator of Cancer Species Predisposition
Authors: Vischioni Chiara , Bove Fabio , De Chiara Matteo , Mandreoli Federica , Martoglia Riccardo , Pisi Valentino , Liti Gianni , Taccioli Cristian
Published: June 2022

Aging is one of the hallmarks of multiple human diseases, including cancer. We hypothesized that variations in the number of copies (CNVs) of specific genes may protect some long-living organisms theoretically more susceptible to tumorigenesis from the onset of cancer. Based on the statistical comparison of gene copy numbers within the genomes of both cancer-prone and -resistant species, we identified novel gene targets linked to tumor predisposition, such as CD52, SAT1 and SUMO. Moreover, considering their genome-wide copy number landscape, we discovered that microRNAs (miRNAs) are among the most significant gene families enriched for cancer progression and predisposition. Through bioinformatics analyses, we identified several alterations in miRNAs copy number patterns, involving miR-221, miR-222, miR-21, miR-372, miR-30b, miR-30d and miR-31, among others. Therefore, our analyses provide the first evidence that an altered miRNAs copy number signature can statistically discriminate species more susceptible to cancer from those that are tumor resistant, paving the way for further investigations.
“Merrily to Hell Together”: Threats of Self-Destruction among Golden Age Pirates
Authors: McLaine Matthew J.
Published: June 2022

The threat of death hung over every aspect of pirate life during the Golden Age of piracy. They threatened governors and governments who dared to capture, prosecute, and hang their fellow buccaneers. They threatened their victims for running away, for fighting back, or for hiding their money. They even threatened death on each other should any of them suggest leaving off their chosen course or for betraying their company. Even the iconic skull and crossbones “Jolly Roger” pirate flag was a visible, physical symbol of a threat of death: for victims it was a reminder that surrender may mean mercy, but resistance would be fatal; and for the Pirates themselves, a grim reminder that capture or failure could mean their end. Many pirate crews in the Golden Age took this menace of death to the extreme by threatening to blow up their ship to avoid the noose, promising to take prisoners and pirates, captives and captors, and gold and galleon to the bottom of the ocean, going “merrily to Hell together”. Yet despite their boasts and despite embracing the symbols of death, when the time came to make good on their oaths, few of these crews took that final explosive step and fewer still succeeded. This paper examines twenty incidents from the Golden Age of piracy in which pirates or their victims threatened or attempted to blow up their ships and themselves to avoid capture. Witness statements, period newspaper accounts, and trial testimony reveal that the threat was frequent but the attempt was not. In the end it was often prevented by the pirates themselves after a change of heart, despite promising one another that they would “live & dye together”.
Prevalence and Correlates of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children Aged Less than Two Years: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Qahtani Saleh M. , Shati Ayed A. , Alqahtani Youssef A. , Dawood Samy A. , Siddiqui Aesha F. , Zaki Mohamed Samir A. , Khalil Shamsun N.
Published: June 2022

Background: Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone growth, mineralization, and other metabolic processes in the human body. Hence, insufficiency or deficiency of this vitamin can have long-term effects, particularly for children. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children up to 2 years of age and investigate the independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 484 children aged up to two years who were admitted to the hospital for the treatment of any acute condition from January to November 2021. Serum 25(OH)D was used to determine the level of vitamin D. The serum 25(OH)D was categorized into 3 groups: Sufficiency (>30 ng/mL), insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL), and the deficiency (<20 ng/mL). Results: Overall, vitamin D deficiency was observed in 70.5% of the children, of whom 45.9% had insufficient levels, and one-fourth (24.6%) showed deficiency. The children aged 2–12 months (infants) were more likely to be vitamin deficient compared to children aged 12 months and above. The children who lived in urban areas had a threefold increased risk of vitamin D deficiency (aOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.78–5.08). The children who were exposed to sunlight for less than 3 days per week experienced a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency (aOR = 4.17, 95% CI 2.04–10.88). Children who had received only breast milk were more than two times more likely to experience vitamin D deficiency (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.12–5.23) compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Our study reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children aged up to two years. Infants, urban dwellers, only breastfed, and exposure to sunlight for less than three days per week were identified to be the independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. The results of this work call for enhancing awareness to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D for better health of the children in this region of Saudi Arabia.
Medicaid Expansions: Probing Medicaid’s Filling of the Cancer Genetic Testing and Screening Space
Authors: Modell Stephen M. , Schlager Lisa , Allen Caitlin G. , Marcus Gail
Published: June 2022

Cancer is the third largest source of spending for Medicaid in the United States. A working group of the American Public Health Association Genomics Forum Policy Committee reviewed 133/149 pieces of literature addressing the impact of Medicaid expansion on cancer screening and genetic testing in underserved groups and the general population. Breast and colorectal cancer screening rates improved during very early Medicaid expansion but displayed mixed improvement thereafter. Breast cancer screening rates have remained steady for Latina Medicaid enrollees; colorectal cancer screening rates have improved for African Americans. Urban areas have benefited more than rural. State programs increasingly cover BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome genetic testing, though testing remains underutilized in racial and ethnic groups. While increased federal matching could incentivize more states to engage in Medicaid expansion, steps need to be taken to ensure that they have an adequate distribution of resources to increase screening and testing utilization.
Factors Contributing to Burnout among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 in Sabah (East Malaysia)
Authors: Pang Nicholas Tze Ping , Hadi Noor Melissa Nor , Mohaini Mohd Iqbal , Kamu Assis , Ho Chong Mun , Koh Eugene Boon Yau , Loo Jiann Lin , Theng Debbie Quah Lye , Wider Walton
Published: June 2022

The third wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia has significantly strained the healthcare system of the country and increased the level of burnout among the healthcare workers (HCWs) in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the various factors associated with burnout among HCWs. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 HWCs in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. An online survey was administered using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief COPE, and Fear of COVID-19 scales. Pearson correlations were assessed amongst all variables. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed using burnout dimensions as dependent variables. Multiple linear regression results showed: (a) lower work-related burnout (β = −0.217, p < 0.01) among married HCWs; (b) higher personal-related burnout (β = 0.228, p < 0.01), work-related burnout (β = 0.425, p < 0.01), and client-related burnout (β = 0.359, p < 0.01) among doctors; (c) fear towards COVID-19 was significantly associated with client-related burnout (β = 0.243, p < 0.01); (d) an avoidant coping strategy was significantly associated with personal-related burnout (β = 0.322, p < 0.01); (e) social support from family was significantly associated with personal-related burnout (β = −0.264, p < 0.01), work-related burnout (β = −0.186, p < 0.05), and client-related burnout (β = −0.326, p < 0.01);(f) and social support from friends was significantly associated with work-related burnout (β = −0.202, p < 0.05). This study demonstrated significant theoretical contributions and clinical implications in the healthcare system in Sabah by addressing the impact of various factors on burnout among HWCs.
An Investigation into the Pressures Experienced by Medical Masters Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Based on the Perceived Stress Scale-14 and Its Alleviation Methods
Authors: Meng Heyu , Ruan Jianjun , Chen Yanqiu , Yan Zhaohan , Li Xiangdong , Meng Fanbo
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as a traumatic event during which time medical students have been required to perform dual roles both as students and as medical workers. In this study, we aimed to use the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) to judge the pressures on medical students and to identify effective ways to relieve these pressures. In this cross-sectional study, the subjects were recruited under informed consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Students undertaking Masters degrees at the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University were randomly selected and data were collected through questionnaire surveys. Our data showed significant differences in the levels of pressure experienced by Masters students (p < 0.05). In the student population that showed increased pressure, females were significantly more stressed than males (p < 0.05). In addition, the pressures persisted after a holiday period (p < 0.05) but were reduced by undertaking recreational activities. The psychological pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in female medical students compared to males. We showed that recreational activities including chatting with friends reduced psychological pressures in female medical students.
A Comparative Study on the Cultural Dimensions and Health Perception of the COVID-19 Pandemic between China and the United States
Authors: Zhang Yahan , Liu Shanshan , Jun JongWoo
Published: June 2022

When a public crisis such as COVID-19 occurs, factors that affect health-related behaviors, such as compliance with safety precautions, health professionals, and directives from government agencies will become more obvious. This research explores the differences between the people of the United States and China regarding preventive behavioral intentions, perceptions of personal and social risks, seriousness, and other cultural characteristics in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis. The purpose is to provide insights that can be used when global public health events occur in the future. A total of 536 people who lived in the US and China from 12 July to 7 September 2020 were recruited in the survey. Through a web-based survey, differences in the attitudes and perceptions of COVID-19 between the two countries were identified. Overall, the people of China scored higher than Americans on several measures regarding personal risk perception, social risk perception, and seriousness. Chinese citizens also had higher preventive behavioral intentions than their US counterparts. In addition, the relationships between cultural dimensions and health-related variables were also different.
Systematic Analysis of Literature on the Healthcare Financial Models to Follow in Russia and Romania
Authors: Bulatnikov Vladimir , Constantin Cristinel Petrişor
Published: June 2022

This paper aims at finding the suitable healthcare financial model, focusing on their pros and cons, as debated by several scholars. The focus is on the potential benefits for both Romanian and Russian healthcare systems. To reach this goal, a systematic review of the literature was conducted, and various competitive advantages and disadvantages of the financial models were extracted. We reviewed 77 papers published during the last 21 years that were found in famous scientific databases. The main findings of the research point out that the financing of healthcare systems should be based on hybrid sources, and the funds raised should be better invested in order to create added value. By assuring a proper financing, the population’s quality of life will improve and life expectancy will increase. This paper provides a new viewpoint to the problem because it reviews certain papers from Russian literature which are not usually included in the review articles. The research results have implications for the government, medical community, and academia, which should work together to strengthen the healthcare system.
Assessing the Microclimate Effects and Irrigation Water Requirements of Mesic, Oasis, and Xeric Landscapes
Authors: Saher Rubab , Middel Ariane , Stephen Haroon , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: June 2022

Urban irrigation is an essential process in land–atmosphere interactions. It is one of the uncertain parameters of urban hydrology due to various microclimates. This study investigated the microclimate effects and irrigation water requirements of three landscape types in an arid region of Phoenix, AZ. The microclimate effect encompassed surface temperature, air temperature, and wind speed. The simulations of the three landscapes were conducted using ENVI-met software for the hottest day of the year (23 June 2011). The simulated model was validated using ground data. Results show that the mesic landscape induced cooling effects, both in the daytime and nighttime, by reducing surface and air temperatures. However, the mesic landscape showed high-water consumption because of a high leaf area density. The oasis landscape showed 2 °C more daytime cooling than the mesic landscape, but the nighttime warming (surface temperature) was comparable to the xeric landscape. The potential irrigation water requirement was 1 mm/day lower than the mesic landscape. Moreover, microclimate conditions varied spatially in each neighborhood. The xeric landscape showed lower wind speeds and air temperatures between the buildings. The wind speed variations in the three landscapes were inconclusive due to differences in building orientations and discrepancies in trees’ heights. The findings can have implications for restricting the municipal irrigation budget. In addition, they can help water managers in choosing a landscape in urban areas. Urban scientists can adapt the methodology to quantify urban ET in arid regions.
The Burden of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses in Ovarian Cancer Patients in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Wanyama Francis Mugeni , Tauber Rudolf , Mokomba Alfred , Nyongesa Catherine , Blanchard Véronique
Published: June 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy characterized by high morbidity and mortalities due to late-stage diagnosis because accurate early diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. Testing of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in OC patients is pertinent in light of the emerging evidence of their contribution to poor prognosis. We, for the first time, investigated the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections in a Kenyan cohort of OC to inform optimal management. We recruited a cohort of women above 18 years of age, comprising 86 OC patients and 50 healthy controls. Participants’ blood samples were serologically screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV. We found seroprevalence rates of 29.1%, 26.7%, and 1.2% for HBV, HIV, and HCV, respectively, in OC patients. The healthy control group had HBV and HIV seroprevalence rates of 3.9% for each with no positive HCV case. HBV/HIV coinfection was noted only in the OC group with a positivity rate of 17.4%. In summary, we found higher HBV and HIV seroprevalence in Kenyan OC patients compared to the healthy control group, whereas HCV prevalence was reflective of the general population. Hence, we recommend screening for HBV and HIV among OC patients destined for anticancer treatment.
Revisiting Social Value Orientations and Environmental Attitude–Identity–Intention in Decomposed Games
Authors: Curtin Daniel , Jia Fanli
Published: June 2022

Past research has identified social value orientation (e.g., prosocial vs. proself) as possible underlying facilitators of pro-environmental intentions. However, recent studies have failed to draw a causal relationship using an experimental design such as priming. The current study attempted to address this issue by revisiting the relationship using a decomposed game. In addition, the current study extended the relationship between social value orientation and different aspects of pro-environmentalism (e.g., environmental attitude, identity, and self-reported pro-environmental intention). The “Attitude–Identity–Intention” path was explored in prosocial and proself groups. One hundred and fifty participants completed the decomposed game (prosocial and proself value orientations) and their respective environmental attitude, identity, and self-reported pro-environmental intentions (PEIs) were compared. We found that prosocial participants had higher levels of environmental identity, attitude, and self-reported participatory PEIs than proself participants, but not on the leadership PEIs. In addition, environmental identity mediated the relationship between environmental attitude and self-reported PEIs. This mediation only existed among the prosocial participants. The results suggest that the decomposed game is still a valid measure in social value orientation and the relationship can be extended to different aspects of environmentalism.
The Impact of World Trade Center Related Medical Conditions on the Severity of COVID-19 Disease and Its Long-Term Sequelae
Authors: Lhuillier Elizabeth , Yang Yuan , Morozova Olga , Clouston Sean A. P. , Yang Xiaohua , Waszczuk Monika A. , Carr Melissa A. , Luft Benjamin J.
Published: June 2022

The individuals who served our country in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) following the attacks of 11 September 2001 have, since then, been diagnosed with a number of conditions as a result of their exposures. In the present study, we sought to determine whether these conditions were risk factors for increased COVID-19 disease severity within a cohort of N = 1280 WTC responders with complete information on health outcomes prior to and following COVID-19 infection. We collected data on responders diagnosed with COVID-19, or had evidence of receiving positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction or antigen testing, or were asymptomatic but had IgG positive antibody testing. The presence of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae was measured using self-reported symptom severity scales. Analyses revealed that COVID-19 severity was associated with age, Black race, obstructive airway disease (OAD), as well as with worse self-reported depressive symptoms. Similarly, post-acute COVID-19 sequelae was associated with initial analysis for COVID-19 severity, upper respiratory disease (URD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), OAD, heart disease, and higher depressive symptoms. We conclude that increased COVID-19 illness severity and the presence of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae may be more common in WTC responders with chronic diseases than in those responders without chronic disease processes resulting from exposures at the WTC disaster.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Workers in Health and Social Services in Germany
Authors: Peters Claudia , Dulon Madeleine , Westermann Claudia , Kozak Agnessa , Nienhaus Albert
Published: June 2022

Health workers are at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infections. What follows the acute infection is rarely reported in the occupational context. This study examines the employees’ consequences of COVID-19 infection, the risk factors and the impact on quality of life over time. In this baseline survey, respondents were asked about their COVID-19 infection in 2020 and their current health situation. Out of 2053 participants, almost 73% experienced persistent symptoms for more than three months, with fatigue/exhaustion, concentration/memory problems and shortness of breath being most frequently reported. Risk factors were older age, female gender, previous illness, many and severe symptoms during the acute infection, and outpatient medical care. An impaired health-related quality of life was found in participants suffering from persistent symptoms. Overall, a high need for rehabilitation to improve health and work ability is evident. Further follow-up surveys will observe the changes and the impact of vaccination on the consequences of COVID-19 among health workers.
Forms of Community Engagement in Neighborhood Food Retail: Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project
Authors: Kaur Ravneet , Winkler Megan , John Sara , DeAngelo Julia , Dombrowski Rachael , Hickson Ashley , Sundermeir Samantha , Kasprzak Christina , Bode Bree , Hill Alex , Lewis Emma , Colon-Ramos Uriyoan , Munch Jake , Witting Lillian , Odoms-Young Angela , Gittelsohn Joel , Leone Lucia
Published: June 2022

Community engagement is well established as a key to improving public health. Prior food environment research has largely studied community engagement as an intervention component, leaving much unknown about how food retailers may already engage in this work. The purpose of this study was to explore the community engagement activities employed by neighborhood food retailers located in lower-income communities with explicit health missions to understand the ways stores involve and work with their communities. A multiple case study methodology was utilized among seven retailers in urban U.S. settings, which collected multiple sources of data at each retailer, including in-depth interviews, store manager sales reports, store observations using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Stores, public documents, and websites. Across-case analysis was performed following Stake’s multiple case study approach. Results indicated that retailers employed a wide variety of forms of community engagement within their communities, including Outreach, Building Relationships through Customer Relations, Giving Back, Partnering with Community Coalitions, and Promoting Community Representation and Inclusiveness. Strategies that built relationships through customer relations were most common across stores; whereas few stores demonstrated community inclusiveness where members participated in store decision making. Findings provide a more comprehensive view of the ways local food retailers aim to develop and sustain authentic community relationships. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of community engagement activities on improving community health.
The Impact of Parent–Child Attachment on School Adjustment in Left-behind Children Due to Transnational Parenting: The Mediating Role of Peer Relationships
Authors: Zhang Huilan , Deng Chunkao
Published: June 2022

In China’s eastern coastal areas, the transnational parenting of left-behind children creates a distinct form of left-behind child. Previous research has indicated that children who have been left behind have a low degree of school adjustment. The major purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of parent–child attachment on school adjustment in children left behind by migrant parents, as well as the mediating role of peer relationships in this process. The parent–child attachment section of the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA), the Adaptation subscale of the Adolescent Mental Health Quality Questionnaire—Chinese Version (AMHQQ-C), and the Student Peer Relationship Scale (SPRC) were used to survey 405 left-behind children in grades 3–6 of seven elementary schools in the hometowns of overseas Chinese parents from Zhejiang Province. It was discovered that, compared to non-left-behind children, left-behind children showed lower levels of parent–child attachment and school adjustment, while peer relationships appeared polarized. In addition, parent–child attachment and peer relationships considerably predicted the level of school adjustment in children left behind due to transnational parenting. More importantly, the mediation analysis revealed a partial mediating effect of peer relationships on the linkages between parent–child attachment and school adjustment among children who were left behind in transnational foster care.
Persistent Cyanobacteria Blooms in Artificial Water Bodies—An Effect of Environmental Conditions or the Result of Anthropogenic Change
Authors: Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina , Żelazna-Wieczorek Joanna , Skrobek Izabela , Ziułkiewicz Maciej , Adamski Michał , Kaminski Ariel , Żmudzki Paweł
Published: June 2022

Algal blooms are an emerging problem. The massive development of phytoplankton is driven partly by the anthropogenic eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and the expansion of toxic cyanobacteria in planktonic communities in temperate climate zones by the continual increase in global temperature. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) not only disturb the ecological balance of the ecosystem, but they also prevent the use of waterbodies by humans. This study examines the cause of an unusual, persistent bloom in a recreational, flow-through reservoir; the findings emphasize the role played by the river supplying the reservoir in the formation of its massive cyanobacterial bloom. Comprehensive ecosystem-based environmental studies were performed, including climate change investigation, hydrochemical analysis, and bio-assessment of the ecological state of the river/reservoir, together with monitoring the cyanobacteria content of phytoplankton. Our findings show that the persistent and dominant biomass of Microcystis was related to the N/P ratio, while the presence of Aphanizomenon and Dolichospermum was associated with the high-temperature end electric conductivity of water. Together with the increase in global temperature, the massive and persistent cyanobacterial bloom appears to be maintained by the inflow of biogenic compounds carried by the river and the high electric conductivity of water. Even at the beginning of the phenomenon, the reservoir water already contained cyanobacterial toxins, which excluded its recreational use for about half the year.
Association of Physical Activity with Anthropometrics Variables and Health-Related Risks in Healthy Male Smokers
Authors: Eswaramoorthi Vijayamurugan , Suhaimi Muhammad Zulhusni , Abdullah Mohamad Razali , Sanip Zulkefli , Abdul Majeed Anwar P. P. , Suhaimi Muhammad Zuhaili , Clark Cain C. T. , Musa Rabiu Muazu
Published: June 2022

Anthropometric variables (AV) are shown to be essential in assessing health status and to serve as markers for evaluating health-related risks in different populations. Studying the impact of physical activity (PA) on AV and its relationship with smoking is a non-trivial task from a public health perspective. In this study, a total of 107 healthy male smokers (37 ± 9.42 years) were recruited from different states in Malaysia. Standard procedures of measurement of several anthropometric indexes were carried out, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPPQ) was used to ascertain the PA levels of the participants. A principal component analysis was employed to examine the AV associated with physical activity, k-means clustering was used to group the participants with respect to the PA levels, and discriminant analysis models were utilized to determine the differential variables between the groups. A logistic regression (LR) model was further employed to ascertain the efficacy of the discriminant models in classifying the two smoking groups. Six AV out of twelve were associated with smoking behaviour. Two groups were obtained from the k-means analysis, based on the IPPQ and termed partially physically active smokers (PPAS) or physically nonactive smokers (PNAS). The PNAS were found to be at high risk of contracting cardiovascular problems, as compared with the PPAS. The PPAS cluster was characterized by a desirable AV, as well as a lower level of nicotine compared with the PNAS cluster. The LR model revealed that certain AV are vital for maintaining good health, and a partially active lifestyle could be effective in mitigating the effect of tobacco on health in healthy male smokers.
The Impact of Coordinated Development of Ecological Environment and Technological Innovation on Green Economy: Evidence from China
Authors: Su Lining
Published: June 2022

Promoting the coordinated development of ecological environment and technological innovation is significant to the development of a green economy. In this study, we construct an index system of ecological environment, technological innovation, and green economy based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2005 to 2016, using the entropy weight method, the coupling coordination model, and the panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR) to calculate the comprehensive development levels of ecological environment, technological innovation, and green economy and the coordination degree between ecological environment and technological innovation, and then further explore the impact of the coordinated development level of ecological environment and technological innovation on the development of a green economy. The research results include: First, from 2005 to 2016, the comprehensive development levels of ecological environment, technological innovation, and green economy in China’s 30 provinces and cities achieved different degrees of improvement as a whole. Among them, the comprehensive development level of green economy was the highest, followed by the development level of technological innovation, and the comprehensive development level of ecological environment was the lowest. Second, from 2005 to 2016, the coordination degree between ecological environment and technological innovation in China’s provinces and cities increased year by year, but on the whole, the coordination degree between ecological environment and technological innovation in various regions was in a state of imbalance. Third, there was a long-term equilibrium relationship among the coordinated development levels of ecological environment, technological innovation, and green economy. Fourth, through pulse analysis and Monte Carlo simulation, we found that the coordinated development level of ecological environment and technological innovation had a lagging positive impact on green economy. Finally, we provide a summary of the results of this study.
Lonely in Different Relationships: Bidirectional Effects between Parent- and Peer-Related Loneliness in Adolescence
Authors: Geukens Flore , Spithoven Annette , Bastin Margot , Vanhalst Janne , Maes Marlies
Published: June 2022

Although it is assumed that loneliness in one relationship might put one at risk of experiencing loneliness in another relationship, this association has rarely been examined as such. In this longitudinal study, we examined the associations between peer- and parent-related loneliness in a sample of 3391 adolescents across three waves (Mage Wave 1 = 14.53; 59.3% female). Using random intercept cross-lagged panel models, parent- and peer-related loneliness were found to be stable over time and were concurrently related to each other. Moreover, the state of peer-related loneliness predicted the state of parent-related loneliness one year later. Thereby, the current study provides limited evidence of a carry-over effect between relation-specific types of loneliness.
Exploring the Effects of Coaching Behavior on the Mental Conditioning Process of Taekwondo Poomsae Athletes: A Moderated Mediation Effect of Psychological Needs and Gender
Authors: Jeong Jaeyoun , Shim Yunsik , Shin Myoungjin
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a gender-specific difference in the indirect effect of perceived coaching behaviors of Taekwondo Poomsae athletes on performance mediated by basic psychological needs. To this end, a survey was conducted to collect data from 474 Taekwondo Poomsae athletes (male = 285). Based on the collected data, analysis of basic descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis were performed, and PROCESS was used to test the proposed model of multi mediated moderation. For female athletes, there was an indirect effect of controlling coaching behaviors resulting in performance improvement mediated by autonomy, but this effect was not observed in male athletes. The findings of this study indicate that different mental conditioning strategies should be applied in consideration of athletes’ gender to improve coaches’ methods of instruction and ultimately improve performance in Taekwondo Poomsae.
The Effect of a Coordinative Training in Young Swimmers’ Performance
Authors: Silva Ana F. , Figueiredo Pedro , Vilas-Boas João P. , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Seifert Ludovic
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the effects of a coordinative in-water training. Total 26 young swimmers (16 boys) were divided in a training group (that performed two sets of 6 × 25-m front crawl, with manipulated speed and stroke frequency, two/week for eight weeks) and a control group. At the beginning and end of the training period, swimmers performed 50-m front crawl sprints recorded by seven land and six underwater Qualisys cameras. A linear mixed model regression was applied to investigate the training effects adjusted for sex. Differences between sex were registered in terms of speed, stroke length, and stroke index, highlighting that an adjustment for sex should be made in the subsequent analysis. Between moments, differences were noticed in coordinative variables (higher time spent in anti-phase and push, and lower out-of-phase and recovery for training group) and differences between sex were noticed in performance (stroke length and stroke index). Interactions (group * time) were found for the continuous relative phase, speed, stroke length, and stroke index. The sessions exerted a greater (indirect) influence on performance than on coordinative variables, thus, more sessions may be needed for a better understanding of coordinative changes since our swimmers, although not experts, are no longer in the early learning stages.
Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Adults in Rural South Korea Based on Ecological Model
Authors: Lee Shinae , Hong So Hyoung , Song Hye Young
Published: June 2022

As the portion of older adults in the population in rural areas of South Korea exceeds 20%, the importance of health-related quality of life is increasing. The aim of the study was to examine the health-related quality of life through the ecological model and its basic determining factors for older adults. The study was conducted on 184 respondents aged 65 and over living in rural areas of South Korea. The measurements were health-related quality of life, health care service needs, sleep quality, social support, and personal characteristics. The collected data were tested using descriptive, t-test, ANOVA, and hierarchical multiple regression. The results showed that older adults in rural areas experienced a low quality of life. Religion, having a helper, and social support were significantly related to health-related quality of life in older adults. This directly shows that the government should make efforts to build a social support system to improve the gap between urban and rural areas. To improve the health-related quality of life of older adults in rural areas, it would be helpful to increase physical activity and to form a community, leading to a social network.
Square-Stepping Exercise Program Effects on Fall-Related Fitness and BDNF Levels in Older Adults in Korea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cha Hyo-Jeong , Kim Kwi-Baek , Baek Seung-Yup
Published: June 2022

The risk of dementia increases with age. To mitigate this risk, we examined the effect of a square-stepping exercise (SSE) program on fall-related fitness and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Twenty older adults in Korea were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (each group n = 10). Participants performed SSE for 70 min per session, twice a week, for 12 weeks with a certified instructor. The average age of the participants was 74.80 ± 6.763 years in the exercise group and 72.50 ± 6.519 years in the control group. The experiment group showed significant improvement (p < 0.01) in the lower muscle strength post-intervention. The paired t-test revealed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in the experimental group and a significant difference in the interaction effect (p < 0.01) in the BDNF levels. There was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the BDNF levels in the experimental group and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the control group. The SSE program had a positive effect on fall-related fitness and BDNF levels.
Evaluation of Physical Therapy Interventions for Improving Musculoskeletal Pain and Quality of Life in Older Adults
Authors: Pacheco-da-Costa Soraya , Soto-Vidal Concepción , Calvo-Fuente Victoria , Yuste-Sánchez María José , Sánchez-Sánchez Beatriz , Asúnsolo-del-Barco Ángel
Published: June 2022

Background: The ageing process may lead to functional limitations, musculoskeletal pain, and worsened quality of life. The aim of this paper is to evaluate two physical therapy interventions for reducing musculoskeletal pain and improving quality of life in older adults. Methods: A cohort study was carried out with older people (60–75 years old). The Geriatric Physical Therapy group (n = 70) received massage therapy, therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic education program for 5 weeks; the Standardized Therapeutic Exercise group (n = 140) received a standardized therapeutic exercise and therapeutic education program for 3 weeks. Health-related quality of life (SF-36v2) and musculoskeletal pain intensity (VAS) were collected at baseline (A0), post-intervention (A1), and 12 weeks after baseline (A2). Results: There was pain intensity reduction in both groups (p < 0.05) and health-related quality of life improvement, except for Emotional Role (p = 0.34); Physical Function (p = 0.07), Bodily Pain (p = 0.02), and General Health (p = 0.09). At A2 there was a difference (p < 0.05) for neck pain in favor of the Geriatric Physical Therapy Group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, it was possible to conclude that both physical therapy interventions showed a positive effect for reducing non-specific neck pain and low back pain in older adults, which may contribute to health-related quality of life improvement.