bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mums Go Online: Is the Internet Changing the Demand for Health Care?
Authors: Amaral-Garcia Sofia , Nardotto Mattia , Propper Carol , Valletti Tommaso
Published: April 2021

We study the effect of Internet diffusion on childbirth procedures performed in England between 2000 and 2011. We show that broadband Internet access increased cesarean sections (C-sections): mothers living in areas with better Internet access are 2.5% more likely to obtain a C-section. The effect is driven by first-time mothers who are 6% more likely to obtain a C-section. The increased C-section rate is not accompanied by changes in health care outcomes; thus health care costs increased with no corresponding medical benefits. We show evidence documenting the growing importance of the Internet as a source of health-related information.
Diplomatic Immunity Ratione Materiae and Crimes in International Law
Authors: Shi Xinxiang
Published: April 2021

Diplomatic immunity ratione materiae covers not official acts in general but merely acts performed in the exercise of diplomatic functions. Consequently, crimes in international law cannot be protected by this immunity because Article 3(1) of the Vienne Convention on Diplomatic Relations (vcdr) in general should accord with international law, although certain functions under the Article do not contain a ‘legal’ element. Further, diplomatic immunity ratione materiae cannot be upheld for jus cogens violations because Article 3(1) must not contradict a jus cogens prohibition. The dividing line between the procedural rule of immunity and the substantive rule of jus cogens is blurred by the fact that the scope of diplomatic immunity ratione materiae essentially hinges upon the contents a substantive treaty provision setting out diplomatic functions.
Hans Frei as Unlikely Apologist for the Historicity of the Resurrection
Authors: Johnson John J.
Published: April 2021

Hans Frei has usually been considered a liberal, and certainly no apologist for the resurrection. However, in this paper I try to show that he is indeed an apologist of sorts for the resurrection, especially with his idea that Christ is the “unsubstitutable one” for Christians, one who cannot be thought of as not rising from the dead. Still, Frei’s position is somewhat weak, because he does not take seriously evidentialist strands of proof for the historicity of the resurrection. Such evidence includes the NT witness that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead, as well as arguments formulated by various apologists that Christ’s resurrection is quite probable (though not certain beyond a doubt). Had Frei combined his position with that of the evidentialists, he would have been able to offer a strong apologetic indeed.
The Suffering Servant and personhood
Authors: Wilks John G.F.
Published: April 2021

This article evaluates the proposal that personhood in the Old Testament is understood corporately. Finding no basis for a blurring of identity that loses a sense of individuality, it does identify a strong sense of corporate responsibility for the actions of any one member of the group. While investigation of the identity of the servant in Is. 40–55 also finds difficulty in resolving the individualised and corporate aspects, the challenge to both individuals and communities is to shoulder the responsibilities of the servant, and so experience a fuller personhood.
Known by God: C. S. Lewis and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Authors: Rosner Brian S.
Published: April 2021

Whereas knowing God is central to every version of Christian theology, little attention has been paid to the other side of the divine-human relationship. This introductory essay approaches the subject via the brief but poignant remarks of two twentieth-century authors appearing in a work of fiction and in a poem. If C. S. Lewis recognizes the primacy of being known by God, Dietrich Bonhoeffer helps define it and underscores its pastoral value. Both authors accurately reflect the main contours of the Bible’s own treatment. Calvin’s view of the image of God, which T. F. Torrance defines as ‘God’s gracious beholding of man as his child,’ may be of assistance in defining what it means to be known by God.
Lust: the human person as affected by disordered desires
Authors: Lane Anthony N. S.
Published: April 2021

This article defends two ideas. First, Augustine’s teaching that we are born as slaves of sin, in bondage to lust, makes good sense of our experience. This lust can be seen especially in terms of disordered desires. God created us with natural desires but sin has twisted these into inordinate and disordered desires. This is an important part of what it means to be a human person in the present age. Secondly, this plight can rightly be seen both as the consequence of and as God’s punishment of the primeval sin.
Capillipedium mistryi (Andropogoneae, Poaceae): a new remarkable species from central India

Authors: TIWARI ARJUN PRASAD , LANDGE SHAHID NAWAZ
Published: April 2021

Capillipedium mistryi, a new species has been described from Bori Wildlife Sanctuary of Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh, central India. It shares the close morphological affinities with C. spicigerum, which is distributed from China to Australia. The IUCN conservation status, ecology, distribution and phenology along with its morphological affinities have been discussed. A key for the identification of Capillipedium species is provided.
Coelidinae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Tambopata, Madre de Dios, Peru: checklist with new records and description of a new species of Daridna Walker, 1858
Authors: BARBOSA JULIANNA FREIRES , GONÇALVES CLAYTON CORRÊA
Published: April 2021

A checklist of the coelidine leafhoppers of Reserva Nacional Tambopata, Madre de Dios, Peru, is provided, increasing the known diversity from 19 species and 9 genera, to 38 and 18, respectively. In addition, four species have their distributions expanded and recorded for the first time for Peru: Boliviela caverna Nielson, 2011, Carinoscapula sarcula (Nielson, 1992), Dicodia recurvata Nielson, 2011 (Coelidiini), and Plapigella elegans (Spångberg, 1878) (Teruliini). A new species of Coelidiini is also described: Daridna nielsoni sp. nov. from this reserve. A new junior synonym is also recognized: Vernobia johnsoni Nielson, 1979 equals Stalolidia amazonensis Barbosa & Takiya, 2017 syn. nov.
Description of Sinometrius donggongensis sp. n. (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussinae) from the Donggong Mountains, East China
Authors: SONG XIAO-BIN , PENG ZHONG
Published: April 2021

Wrase and Schmidt (2006) established the genus Sinometrius Wrase & Schmidt, 2006 to include the new species S. turnai Wrase & Schmidt, 2006 from Hubei province, central China. They placed the new genus in the Paussine tribe Metriini, and compared it to the Nearctic genus Metrius Eschscholtz, 1829. Deuve (2020) described a second species S. jaroslavi Deuve, 2020 from Chongqing province.
Relationship Between mir15b and Sal-Like Protein 4 and Biological Behavior of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Zengbo , Yan Yan , Chen Xianzhuo , Liu Yanling , Chen Dinggen
Published: April 2021

miR15b and SALL4 are involved in a variety of tumor progression. The roles of miR15b and SALL4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. The tumors and normal mucosa of OSCC patients were collected to detect miR15b and SALL4 level by Real-time PCR and analyze their correlation
with OSCC clinicopathological features. Oral cancer Tca8113 cells were separated into control group; miR15b mimics group and miR15b inhibitor group followed by analysis of SALL4 expression, cell survival by MTT assay; cell invasion by Transwell chamber assay, as well as expression of N-cadherin
and Vimentin and correlated with TNM stage, tumor volume and metastasis, and positively with differentiation TGF-β by Western blot. miR15b expression was decreased and SALL4 expression was increased in OSCC tumor tissues. miR15b was negatively degree (P < 0.05), whereas,
opposite correlation of SALL4 with the above parameters was found (P < 0.05). miR15b and SALL4 were negatively correlated. MiR15b mimics significantly up-regulated MiR15b, decreased SALL4 expression, inhibited Tca8113 cell proliferation and invasion, as well as reduced N-cadherin,
Vimentin and TGF-βexpression (P < 0.05). Opposite results were found in MiR15b inhibitor group. MiR15b expression is decreased and SALL 4 is increased in OSCC tumor tissues. MiR15b and SALL4 is closely related to OSCC clinicopathological features. MiR15b regulates the
expression of EMT-related genes and TGF-β, thereby altering the proliferation and invasion of OSCC cells.
The Correlation Between Heavy Metal Cadmium and the Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hu Ling , Yin Xiao-Ling , Li Ting
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study aims to analyze the blood cadmium level and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the general population and explore the correlation between blood cadmium levels and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: From February to December
2017, a multistage, random cluster sampling method was adopted to conduct this cross-sectional epidemiological survey of permanent residents aged >18 years in Nanchang, Jiangxi province (including one urban area, Changdong district and one county, Jinxing county). Blood cadmium levels and
the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the population were analyzed, and the correlation between blood cadmium levels and the incidence of type 2 diabetes was analyzed. Results: The average blood cadmium content of the population in Nanchang (Changdong town, Jinxian county) was 2.91 ±
0.08 ug/L, and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 9.2%. The average blood cadmium content of the population in Jinxian county was higher than that of the population of the Changdong district. The results of multivariate regression analysis indicate that high blood cadmium levels are a risk
factor for type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Elevated levels of cadmium in human blood may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Performance Analysis of Inactivated and Acid Activated Marine and Terrestrial Shells Based Adsorbent as an Alternative Bleaching Material for Palm Oil
Authors: Isaac Ibanga O. , Uwanta Emaime J. , Obadimu Clement O. , Etuk Glory E.
Published: April 2021

The use of environmentally benign materials as adsorbent for bleaching palm oil has been revitalize due to loss of significant amount of oil associated with commercial bleaching earth. This paper examined the performance of inactivated shell samples from snail, mussel, periwinkle and
the corresponding acid activated samples as an alternative bleaching material for palm oil. Effectiveness of the bleaching process was examined by determining critical process parameters such as degree of bleaching (%), adsorbent dosage (%), and oil retention capacity of the adsorbent. Maximum
bleaching performance of 98.70%–96.60% for inactivated samples and 97.79%–95.52% for 0.5 M hydrochloric acid activated samples were obtained at low adsorbent dosage of 9.09 wt.%. The weight percentage of residual oil (1.38–20.08 wt.%) in the spent adsorbent was extremely
low for all the samples. Inactivated samples could be a better alternative for commercial adsorbent.
How I incorporate novel agents into the treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Herrera Alex F.
Published: April 2021

The introduction of targeted immunotherapies specifically, brentuximab vedotin (BV) and programmed death-1 (PD-1)–blocking antibodies (nivolumab and pembrolizumab), has reshaped the therapeutic landscape of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in the past decade. Targeting specific biologic features of cHL, these novel agents have expanded treatment options for patients with multiply R/R cHL and have increasingly been studied at earlier points in a patient’s disease course. With the plethora of studies evaluating BV and PD-1 blockade as part of cHL therapy, often in nonrandomized, controlled studies, more questions than answers have arisen about how to optimally integrate these drugs into clinical practice. In this article, we use a case-based format to offer practical guidance on how we incorporate BV and anti-PD-1 antibodies into the management of cHL and review the data supporting those recommendations.
Caplacizumab prevents refractoriness and mortality in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: integrated analysis
Authors: Peyvandi Flora , Cataland Spero , Scully Marie , Coppo Paul , Knoebl Paul , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Metjian Ara , de la Rubia Javier , Pavenski Katerina , Minkue Mi Edou Jessica , De Winter Hilde , Callewaert Filip
Published: April 2021

The efficacy and safety of caplacizumab in individuals with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) have been established in the phase 2 TITAN and phase 3 HERCULES trials. Integrated analysis of data from both trials was conducted to increase statistical power for assessing treatment differences in efficacy and safety outcomes. Caplacizumab was associated with a significant reduction in the number of deaths (0 vs 4; P < .05) and a significantly lower incidence of refractory TTP (0 vs 8; P < .05) vs placebo during the treatment period. Consistent with the individual trials, treatment with caplacizumab resulted in a faster time to platelet count response (hazard ratio, 1.65; P < .001), a 72.6% reduction in the proportion of patients with the composite end point of TTP-related death, TTP exacerbation, or occurrence of at least 1 treatment-emergent major thromboembolic event during the treatment period (13.0% vs 47.3%; P < .001), and a 33.3% reduction in the median number of therapeutic plasma exchange days (5.0 vs 7.5 days) vs placebo. No new safety signals were identified; mild mucocutaneous bleeding was the main safety finding. This integrated analysis provided new evidence that caplacizumab prevents mortality and refractory disease in acquired TTP and strengthened individual trial findings, with a confirmed favorable safety and tolerability profile. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01151423 and #NCT02553317.
Potent preclinical activity of HexaBody-DR5/DR5 in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: van der Horst Hilma J. , Gelderloos Anne T. , Chamuleau Martine E. D. , Breij Esther C. W. , Zweegman Sonja , Nijhof Inger S. , Overdijk Marije B. , Mutis Tuna
Published: April 2021

Apoptosis induction by death receptor (DR)-specific agonistic antibodies is a potentially effective antitumor therapy. Nonetheless, to date, all conventional DR-targeting antibodies that induce apoptosis via FcγR-dependent DR clustering failed to show clinical efficacy. HexaBody-DR5/DR5 (GEN1029) has been developed to overcome full FcγR dependence. HexaBody-DR5/DR5 is a mixture of 2 noncompeting DR5-specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibodies, each with an E430G mutation in the Fc domain. This mutation enhances Fc-Fc interactions, resulting in antibody hexamerization, followed by FcγR-independent clustering of DR5 molecules. This unique combination of dual epitope targeting and increased IgG hexamerization resulted in potent preclinical antitumor activity in various solid cancers. In this study, we explored the preclinical activity of HexaBody-DR5/DR5 in multiple myeloma (MM), because MM cells are known to express DR5. In bone marrow samples from 48 MM patients, HexaBody-DR5/DR5 induced potent cytotoxicity of primary MM cells. Importantly, HexaBody-DR5/DR5 mediated the highest cytotoxic activity in samples from relapsed/refractory MM patients, including those who are refractory to daratumumab. This improved cytotoxic activity was observed only in patients who received their last anti-MM treatment <1 month ago, suggesting that anti-MM drugs sensitized MM cells to HexaBody-DR5/DR5. Supporting this, bortezomib combined with HexaBody-DR5/DR5 synergistically increased cytotoxicity in MM cells in 7 of 11 newly diagnosed patients. Lenalidomide also synergized with HexaBody-DR5/DR5, but only via its immunomodulatory effects, presumably by enhancing the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity of HexaBody-DR5/DR5. Daratumumab showed additive effects when combined with HexaBody-DR5/DR5. In conclusion, the results of this preclinical study indicate a therapeutic potential for HexaBody-DR5/DR5, especially in recently treated relapsed/refractory MM patients.
Efficacy and safety of prophylactic high-dose MTX in high-risk DLBCL: a treatment intent–based analysis
Authors: Jeong Hyehyun , Cho Hyungwoo , Kim Hyeyeong , Chae Heejung , Lee Jung-Bok , Lee Kyoungmin , Kim Shin , Lee Sang-wook , Ryu Jin-Sook , Kim Kyung Won , Chae Eun Jin , Huh Jooryung , Park Chan-Sik , Yoon Dok Hyun , Suh Cheolwon
Published: April 2021

Despite central nervous system (CNS) relapse occurring in >10% of high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, the role of CNS-directed prophylaxis is controversial in the absence of randomized controlled trials. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) on CNS relapse and survival outcomes in 258 newly diagnosed R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone)–treated high-risk DLBCL patients, based on the initial treatment intent (ITT) of the physician on the use of prophylactic HD-MTX. Patients were classified into an ITT HD-MTX group (n = 128) and a non-ITT HD-MTX group (n = 130). The CNS relapse rate was not significantly different between these groups, with 2-year CNS relapse rates of 12.4% and 13.9%, respectively (P = 0.96). Three-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates in the ITT HD-MTX and non-ITT HD-MTX groups were 62.4% vs 64.5% (P = 0.94) and 71.7% vs 71.4% (P = 0.7), respectively. Also, propensity score–matched analyses showed no significant differences in the time-to-CNS-relapse, progression-free survival, or overall survival. The ITT HD-MTX group showed a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 oral mucositis and elevated alanine aminotransferase. Prophylactic HD-MTX does not improve CNS relapse rate or survival outcomes in high-risk DLBCL patients, and it is accompanied by increased toxicities.
Activity of blinatumomab in lymphoblastic leukemia with impaired T-cell immunity due to congenital immunodeficiency
Authors: Ramdeny Sandheeah , Chaudhary Asima , Worth Austen , Ghorashian Sara , Slatter Mary , Lum Su Han , Vora Ajay
Published: April 2021

Blinatumomab, a single-chain, bispecific, T-cell–engaging antibody targeting CD19, is effective in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), even in the context of chemotherapy-related partial T-cell immunodeficiency. We report 2 patients with BCP-ALL and congenital T-cell immunodeficiency, who obtained an excellent response to blinatumomab. The first, a 6-year-old girl with Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) and combined immunodeficiency disorder (CID) obtained a minimum residual disease–negative (MRD−) remission of high hyperdiploid BCP-ALL with blinatumomab. At last follow-up, the remission had been sustained for 14 months from diagnosis. The second was a 9-year-old boy with Omenn syndrome and CID who received a mismatched bone marrow transplant from his mother at the age of 4 months and was diagnosed with t(3;11)+ (KMT2A-LARS2) BCP-ALL 9 years after his transplant. He received a 4-drug induction followed by blinatumomab for persistent MRD as a chemotherapy-sparing bridge to transplant and achieved an MRD− remission. T-lymphopenia, whether congenital or acquired, does not compromise the efficacy of blinatumomab.
Physiological and biochemical responses of soybean plants inoculated with Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Bradyrhizobium under drought stress
Authors: Sheteiwy Mohamed S. , Ali Dina Fathi Ismail , Xiong You-Cai , Brestic Marian , Skalicky Milan , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj , Ulhassan Zaid , Shaghaleh Hiba , AbdElgawad Hamada , Farooq Muhammad , Sharma Anket , El-Sawah Ahmed M.
Published: April 2021

Background

The present study aims to study the effects of biofertilizers potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (B. japonicum) strains on yield and growth of drought stressed soybean (Giza 111) plants at early pod stage (50 days from sowing, R3) and seed development stage (90 days from sowing, R5).

Results

Highest plant biomass, leaf chlorophyll content, nodulation, and grain yield were observed in the unstressed plants as compared with water stressed-plants at R3 and R5 stages. At soil rhizosphere level, AMF and B. japonicum treatments improved bacterial counts and the activities of the enzymes (dehydrogenase and phosphatase) under well-watered and drought stress conditions. Irrespective of the drought effects, AMF and B. japonicum treatments improved the growth and yield of soybean under both drought (restrained irrigation) and adequately-watered conditions as compared with untreated plants. The current study revealed that AMF and B. japonicum improved catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in the seeds, and a reverse trend was observed in case of malonaldehyde (MDA) and proline under drought stress. The relative expression of the CAT and POD genes was up-regulated by the application of biofertilizers treatments under drought stress condition. Interestingly a reverse trend was observed in the case of the relative expression of the genes involved in the proline metabolism such as P5CS, P5CR, PDH, and P5CDH under the same conditions. The present study suggests that biofertilizers diminished the inhibitory effect of drought stress on cell development and resulted in a shorter time for DNA accumulation and the cycle of cell division. There were notable changes in the activities of enzymes involved in the secondary metabolism and expression levels of GmSPS1, GmSuSy, and GmC-INV in the plants treated with biofertilizers and exposed to the drought stress at both R3 and R5 stages. These changes in the activities of secondary metabolism and their transcriptional levels caused by biofertilizers may contribute to increasing soybean tolerance to drought stress.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that application of biofertilizers to soybean plants is a promising approach to alleviate drought stress effects on growth performance of soybean plants. The integrated application of biofertilizers may help to obtain improved resilience of the agro ecosystems to adverse impacts of climate change and help to improve soil fertility and plant growth under drought stress.
Longitudinal assessment of preoperative dexamethasone administration on cognitive function after cardiac surgery: a 4-year follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Glumac Sandro , Kardum Goran , Sodic Lidija , Bulat Cristijan , Covic Ivan , Carev Mladen , Karanovic Nenad
Published: April 2021

Background

The pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is still poorly understood; however, the inflammatory response to surgical procedures seems likely to be involved. In addition, our recent randomized controlled trial showed that perioperative corticosteroid treatment may ameliorate early POCD after cardiac surgery. To assess the long-term effect of dexamethasone administration on cognitive function, we conducted a 4-year follow-up.

Methods

The patients were randomized to receive a single intravenous bolus of 0.1 mg kg− 1dexamethasone or placebo 10 h before elective cardiac surgery. The endpoint in both groups was POCD incidence on the 6th day and four years postoperatively.

Results

Of the 161 patients analyzed previously, the current follow-up included 116 patients. Compared to the 62 patients in the placebo group, the 54 patients in the dexamethasone group showed a lower incidence of POCD on the 6th day (relative risk (RR), 0.510; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 0.241 to 1.079;p = 0.067, time interval also analyzed previously) and four years (RR, 0.459; 95 % CI, 0.192 to 1.100;p = 0.068) after cardiac surgery. The change in cognitive status between the two postoperative measurements was not significant (p = 0.010) among the patients in the dexamethasone group, in contrast to patients in the placebo group (p = 0.673).

Conclusions

Although statistical significance was not reached in the current study, the prophylactic administration of dexamethasone seems to be useful to prevent POCD development following cardiac surgery. However, further large multicenter research is needed to confirm these directions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02767713 (10/05/2016).
Types of leisure time physical activities (LTPA) of community-dwelling persons who have been screened positive for dementia
Authors: Müller Britta , Kropp Peter , Cardona Maria Isabel , Michalowsky Bernhard , van den Berg Nanja , Teipel Stefan , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Thyrian Jochen René
Published: April 2021

Background

To (a) describe the pattern of leisure time physical activities (LTPA) in community-dwelling persons who have been screened positive for dementia and (b) determine the health-related and sociodemographic factors associated with LTPA.

Methods

Data of the general practitioner-based, randomized, controlled intervention trial, DelpHi-MV (Dementia: life- and person-centered help in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) were used. Patients aged 70 years or older, who lived at home and had a DemTect< 9 were informed about the study by their General practitioners and invited to participate. Data from 436 participants with complete baseline data were used. Standardized, computer-assisted assessments were made during face-to-face interviews at the participants’ homes.

Results

Two hundred thirty-eight patients (54.6%) carried out LTPA (men 58.4%, women 51.8%). Physically active patients mentioned one to two different activities; diversity of LTPA was higher for men than for women. The most-frequently mentioned types of activity were gardening (35.3%), cycling (24.1%) and mobility training (12.4%); there was only a statistically significant difference between men and women in cycling, χ2(1) = 21.47, p < .001. The odds of LTPA increased with increasing quality of life (OR = 2.41), lower impairments in activities of daily living (OR = 0.85), and living in a rural environment (OR = 2.02).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that people who have been screened positive for dementia living in a rural area are more likely to be active than people living in an urban area. Following studies should investigate whether this difference has an effect on the progression of dementia.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT01401582.
Correction to: Design and psychometric evaluation of the fathers’ fear of childbirth scale: a mixed method study
Authors: Ghaffari Seyedeh Fatemeh , Sharif Nia Hamid , Elyasi Forouzan , Shahhosseini Zohreh , Mohammadpoorsaravimozafar Zohre
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Comparative analysis of sports consumption habits in Hungary, Poland and Germany
Authors: Paár Dávid , Kovács Antal , Stocker Miklós , Hoffbauer Márk , Fazekas Attila , Betlehem József , Bergier Barbara , Ács Pongrác
Published: April 2021

Background

The so-called sports consumption models are looking for the factors that influence the sports spending of households. This paper aims to examine the Hungarian, Polish and German households’ sports expenditures which can be an important indicator of physical activity and sporty lifestyle.

Methods

Surveying of households in three countries (Hungary, Poland and Germany) has been conducted with a self-designed questionnaire. We have used descriptive and bivariate non-parametric and parametric statistical methods: (1) χ2 test, Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test for checking the relationship between sociodemographic and physical activity variables and (2) independent sample t-test and ANOVA for checking the differences in sports expenditures.

Results

Our research concluded that men, especially previous athletes, exercise more than women and those who have no history as registered athletes. The choice of sports venues is obviously different between the countries in the sample. Members of the study population spend the most on sports services while they spend the least on sports equipment. German households have the highest spending rates compared to the other two countries.

Conclusions

Results are in line with our previous research findings and with other literatures. The difference in preferences of sports venues could have the reason of different supply of sports clubs or the different living standards too. It needs further researches to clear it. Material wealth, income level and sport socialisation can be a determining factor regarding the level of sports spending.
Assessment of health-related quality of life and patient’s knowledge in chronic non-specific low back pain
Authors: Járomi Melinda , Szilágyi Brigitta , Velényi Anita , Leidecker Eleonóra , Raposa Bence László , Hock Márta , Baumann Petra , Ács Pongrác , Makai Alexandra
Published: April 2021

Background

Chronic non-specific low back pain syndrome (cnsLBP) is a severe health problem in developed countries, which has an important effect on patients’ quality of life and is highly determined by socio-demographic factors and low back pain specific knowledge. We examined patients’ health-related quality of life according to the results of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), low back pain knowledge (LBPKQ) and the social determinants of the participants.

Methods

We carried out our research in the first half of 2015 in Southern Transdanubia, Hungary. The examination included 1155 respondents living with chronic non-specific low back pain. The confidence interval of 95% was used, and the level of.

significance was p < 0.05 using SPSS 22.0 software.

Results

The SF-36 questionnaire is suitable for the examination of patients’ health-related quality of life (Cronbach’s Alpha> 0.76), as the LBPKQ’s Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.726 also, which showed good validity. Longer-term disease meant a lower health-related quality of life (p < 0.05). A greater decrease of function (Roland Morris scores (RM)) accounts for a lower HRQoL and higher knowledge level. We found significant differences in LBPKQ scores according to sociodemographic parameters. The general health status was positively correlated with LBPKQ (p = 0.024) adjusted for demographic and pain and functional status.

Conclusion

The negative effect of the symptoms on patients’ quality of life is proved, which is determined by different socio-demographic parameters furthermore by knowledge. Above all could be useful information for professionals to adopt the right interventions.
Multicausal analysis on psychosocial and lifestyle factors among patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy – with special regard to self-reported and objective measures of pre-treatment habitual physical activity
Authors: Prémusz Viktória , Makai Alexandra , Perjés Beatrix , Máté Orsolya , Hock Márta , Ács Pongrác , Koppán Miklós , Bódis József , Várnagy Ákos , Lampek Kinga
Published: April 2021

Background

National, regional and global trends in prevalence of infertility indicate its public health importance, however it effects various life dimensions of individuals and couples as well. Lifestyle habits may counteract with these factors. The aim of the study was the multicausal analysis of psychosocial and lifestyle factors undergoing assisted reproductive therapy (ART) with special regard to pre-treatment habitual physical activity (PA).

Methods

In a cross-sectional, observational cohort study on ART patients (N = 60, age 34.6 ± 5.2 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) with follow up on outcome measures a detailed description was given on PA patterns (ActriGraph GT3X, GPAQ-H) and on general and infertility related distress (BDI-13, FPI).

Results

Respondents reported normal mood state (BDI-13) but moderately high infertility-related distress (FPI) in Social- and very high distress in Sexual Concern. It was revealed that time spent with recreational PA (RPA) could counteract with infertility-related distress (Social ConcernR = -0.378,p = 0.013; Relationship ConcernR = -0.365,p = 0.019).

In the presence of clinical pregnancy GPAQ-H RPA MET was significantly higher (p = 0.048), in the non-pregnant group cumulative values and work-related PA were higher. Correlations could be found between RPA time and the number of oocytes (R = 0.315,p = 0.045), matured oocytes (R = 0.339,p = 0.030) and embryos (R = 0.294,p = 0.062) by women who reached at least 150 min RPA (GPAQ-H). Multivariate linear regression revealed that the number of oocytes was positively influenced by the GPAQ-H recreation MET (R2 = 0.367; F = 10.994,p = 0.004; B = 0.005,p = 0.004, B Constant = 4.604). Regarding the number of embryos (R2 = 0.757,F = 17.692,p < 0.001, B Constant = 1.342) positive relationship was found with GPAQ-H RPA MET (B = 0.004,p < 0.001) and negative with BMI (B = -0.167,p = 0.038). It was disclosed (R2 = 0.958,F = 408.479,p < 0.001) that higher Very Vigorous Activity (ActiGraph) was accompanied with higher hCG (B = 63.703,p ≤ 0.001). However, time spent with moderate PA (GPAQ-H) (B = 0.002, SE = 0.001, Wald = 3.944,p = 0.047, OR = 1.002) was significantly associated with live births.

Conclusions

Amount of PA alone did not have a positive effect on outcome of ART. Type and intensity seemed to be more significant. Existing differences in response to infertility due to recreational PA suggest the importance of the development of a specific intervention. The robust overestimation of PA in self-reports highlights the need to improve physical literacy of women undergoing ART.
“It is not an acceptable disease”: A qualitative study of HIV-related stigma and discrimination and impacts on health and wellbeing for people from ethnically diverse backgrounds in Australia
Authors: Ziersch Anna , Walsh Moira , Baak Melanie , Rowley Georgia , Oudih Enaam , Mwanri Lillian
Published: April 2021

Background

People from ethnically diverse backgrounds living with HIV are susceptible to adverse health and wellbeing outcomes, particularly as a consequence of HIV-related stigma and discrimination (HSD), though relatively little is known about experiences in Australia.

Methods

This paper reports on HSD in ethnically diverse communities in South Australia and impacts on health and wellbeing. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 10 individuals living with HIV from ethnically diverse backgrounds, 14 ethnically diverse community leaders, and 50 service providers. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Findings indicated that HIV is a highly stigmatised condition in ethnically diverse communities due to fear of moral judgment and social isolation, and was experienced at the intersections of gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, and immigration status. Experiences of HSD were damaging to health and wellbeing through non-disclosure, reduced social support, delayed testing, service access barriers, impacts on treatment adherence, and directly to mental health.

Conclusions

Actions addressing the impacts of HSD on people from ethnically diverse backgrounds are crucial.
Can a ‘rewards-for-exercise app’ increase physical activity, subjective well-being and sleep quality? An open-label single-arm trial among university staff with low to moderate physical activity levels
Authors: Lemola Sakari , Gkiouleka Anna , Read Brieze , Realo Anu , Walasek Lukasz , Tang Nicole K. Y. , Elliott Mark T.
Published: April 2021

Background

This study examined the impact of a ‘rewards-for-exercise’ mobile application on physical activity, subjective well-being and sleep quality among 148 employees in a UK university with low to moderate physical activity levels.

Methods

A three-month open-label single-arm trial with a one-year follow-up after the end of the trial. Participants used the Sweatcoin application which converted their outdoor steps into a virtual currency used for the purchase of products available at the university campus’ outlets, using an in-app marketplace. The primary outcome measure was self-reported physical activity. Secondary measures included device-measured physical activity, subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect), and self-reported sleep quality.

Results

The findings show an increase in self-reported physical activity (d = 0.34), life satisfaction (d = 0.31), positive affect (d = 0.29), and sleep quality (d = 0.22) during the three-month trial period.

Conclusion

The study suggests that mobile incentives-for-exercise applications might increase physical activity levels, positive affect, and sleep quality, at least in the short term. The observed changes were not sustained 12 months after the end of the trial.
The efficacy of a targeted PREVENTION programme for addictive behaviour (PREVENTURE) among vulnerable ADOlescents in France - study procotol
Authors: guillou-landreat morgane , Tahmazov Elkhan , Benoit Schreck , Grall-bronnec Marie , Conrod Patricia , Livet Audrey , Nowak Emmanuel , Le Reste Jean -Yves
Published: April 2021

Background

Alcohol use is a major public health challenge in France, where at the age of 17 half the young people report an episode of severe alcohol intoxication in the month preceding the survey. Numerous prevention programmes have a general objective, but in adolescence individual vulnerabilities towards addictions differ significantly with personality traits. Prevention targeting personality traits enables work on risk factors for addictive behaviours, and has shown genuine efficacy.

Among existing programmes, PREVENTURE has shown an effect on the reduction in alcohol consumption by targeting four personality traits: impulsivity, sensation-seeking, negative thoughts and anxiety. This programme has been tested on samples recruited in adolescent populations in school environments, identifying adolescents at risk, but it has not been tested on a more targeted recruitment of adolescents seen in consultation.

Methods

The main hypothesis of this study is that the targeted prevention programme PREVENTURE will have an impact on the prevalence of binge-drinking episodes. The secondary hypotheses explore other factors such as associated substance use, anxiety and depression, as well as the acceptability of the programme. This article presents the study protocol of “PREVADO” study.

We intend to assess the impact of the targeted intervention programme PREVENTURE on the prevalence of binge-drinking episodes among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years consulting in one of the participating centres or referred by a school doctor. The study will be prospective, randomised, controlled and open-label, and will comprise an intervention group and a control group.

The adolescents will then be followed and assessed 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention.

The study needs to include 700 subjects in order to reach 340 adolescents randomised, 170 in each group. It will concern 33 centres.

Discussion

This project could favour the targeting of addictive behaviours among vulnerable adolescents, and its application on a larger scale could be envisaged.

Trial registration

The Trial registration number is NCT04599270, and it was registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov public website.
Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders
Authors: Peolsson A. , Hermansen A. , Peterson G. , Nilsing Strid E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Work resumption is a big challenge in the rehabilitation process for individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). To better meet the needs of individuals with WAD in their return to work process, more knowledge on their experiences and perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of work ability and the work situation of individuals who participated in a neck-specific exercise programme for chronic WAD.

Methods

This qualitative study has an exploratory and descriptive design based on data collected through open-ended interviews with 17 individuals with chronic WAD. Data were analysed inductively using conventional content analysis.

Results

Analysis of the data yielded the following five categories related to the participants’ narratives on their experiences of work ability and their work situation: Return to work – a process of setbacks and bureaucracy; The need to be understood by health care professionals, and to receive a treatment plan; Individual resources are important for work ability; The consequences of reduced work ability; and Working conditions are important for work ability.

Conclusion

Individuals with chronic WAD often struggle to return to work. Emotional and practical support from stakeholders is imperative and needs to be strengthened. Participating in a neck-specific exercise programme, including being acknowledged and receiving information about WAD, could positively affect the work ability of WAD sufferers. This study has provided management strategies to improve the ability to work for individuals with chronic WAD, and highlights the need to incorporate a healthy and sustainable return to work in the rehabilitation of individuals with WAD, thereby making their return to work a success.
Distal extension of palatal rugae as a limitation for donor soft tissue grafts in a Jordanian population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Said Khalid Nazmi , Abu Khalid Areej Sulaiman , Farook Fathima Fazrina
Published: April 2021

Background

The purpose of the cross sectional study was to investigate the distal extension of the rugae area in a Jordanian (Middle Eastern) population, as an anatomical limitation influencing the surgical decision of harvesting a palatal soft tissue graft. Factors that may influence or predict the extension were also assessed.

Methods

Sixty periodontally healthy participants (29 males and 31 females) were included. Maxillary alginate impressions were made and casts were poured. The measurements were highlighted from the origin of the rugae (near mid palatine raphe) to the terminal end with a sharp graphite pencil on the cast and a magnification lens was used for identification. The most posterior extension of the rugae were marked on the casts and determined by a standardized periodontal probe. The normal approximation test for binomial distribution was used to determine the proportion of the subjects with rugael extensions beyond the mesial end of the upper second premolar and fisher’s exact test for the purpose of analysis of the association of this extension with other factors.

Results

In almost half (41.7%) of the sample, the rugae extended distal to the upper second premolar, 23.3% extended to the mid-palatal of the upper second premolar, and 11.7% extended to the mesial of the upper second premolar. The implication is that 90.0% of the rugae reached the upper second premolar and 78.3% extended beyond its mesial aspect. The normal approximation test performed with 95% CI with the "rugael extension proximal to the mesial end of the upper 2nd premolar" considered to be the "success" category revealed that the proportion of the subjects with rugael extensions proximal to the mesial end of the upper second premolar was significantly lower than the proportion beyond the mesial end of the upper second premolar (95% CI of 11.2–32.0%, p = .00001). There was no significant difference between gender, smoking status, gingival phenotype and palatal shape with the posterior extension of palatal rugae.

Conclusions

Palatal rugae in a sample of a Jordanian population extends beyond the mesial aspect of the upper second premolar which may cause a substantial limitation for graft harvesting from the palate. The hard palate of Jordanian patients may not be a reliable source of soft tissue grafts required for aesthetic mucogingival surgery. No significant association existed between the most posterior extent of palatal rugae and gender, gingival phenotype or palatal shape. Other possible sources should be explored.
One-on-one mentoring for final year medical students during the neurosurgery rotation
Authors: Behling Felix , Nasi-Kordhishti Isabella , Haas Patrick , Sandritter Joey , Tatagiba Marcos , Herlan Stephan
Published: April 2021

Background

Medical students show varying clinical practical skills when entering their final year clinical clerkship, which is the final period to acquire and improve practical skills prior to their residency. We developed a one-on-one mentoring program to allow individually tailored teaching of clinical practical skills to support final year students with varying skill sets during their neurosurgical clinical clerkship.

Methods

Each participating student (n = 23) was paired with a mentor. At the beginning students were asked about their expectations, teaching preferences and surgical interest. Regular meetings and evaluations of clinical practical skills were scheduled every 2 weeks together with fixed rotations that could be individually adjusted. The one-on-one meetings and evaluations with the mentor gave each student the chance for individually tailored teaching. After completion of the program each student evaluated their experience.

Results

The mentoring program was well received by participating students and acquisition or improvement of clinical practical skills was achieved by most students. A varying practical skill level and interest in the field of surgery was seen.

Conclusions

A neurosurgical one-on-one mentoring program is well received by final year medical students and allows for individually tailored learning of clinical practical skills.
Immersive virtual reality during gait rehabilitation increases walking speed and motivation: a usability evaluation with healthy participants and patients with multiple sclerosis and stroke
Authors: Winter Carla , Kern Florian , Gall Dominik , Latoschik Marc Erich , Pauli Paul , Käthner Ivo
Published: April 2021

Background

The rehabilitation of gait disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke is often based on conventional treadmill training. Virtual reality (VR)-based treadmill training can increase motivation and improve therapy outcomes. The present study evaluated an immersive virtual reality application (using a head-mounted display, HMD) for gait rehabilitation with patients to (1) demonstrate its feasibility and acceptance and to (2) compare its short-term effects to a semi-immersive presentation (using a monitor) and a conventional treadmill training without VR to assess the usability of both systems and estimate the effects on walking speed and motivation.

Methods

In a within-subjects study design, 36 healthy participants and 14 persons with MS or stroke participated in each of the three experimental conditions (VR via HMD, VR via monitor, treadmill training without VR).

Results

For both groups, the walking speed in the HMD condition was higher than in treadmill training without VR and in the monitor condition. Healthy participants reported a higher motivation after the HMD condition as compared with the other conditions. Importantly, no side effects in the sense of simulator sickness occurred and usability ratings were high. No increases in heart rate were observed following the VR conditions. Presence ratings were higher for the HMD condition compared with the monitor condition for both user groups. Most of the healthy study participants (89%) and patients (71%) preferred the HMD-based training among the three conditions and most patients could imagine using it more frequently.

Conclusions

For the first time, the present study evaluated the usability of an immersive VR system for gait rehabilitation in a direct comparison with a semi-immersive system and a conventional training without VR with healthy participants and patients. The study demonstrated the feasibility of combining a treadmill training with immersive VR. Due to its high usability and low side effects, it might be particularly suited for patients to improve training motivation and training outcome e. g. the walking speed compared with treadmill training using no or only semi-immersive VR. Immersive VR systems still require specific technical setup procedures. This should be taken into account for specific clinical use-cases during a cost–benefit assessment.