bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dZnONPs Enhanced Hybrid Injectable Photocrosslinked Hydrogel for Infected Wounds Treatment
Authors: Chen Yao , Xiang Yu , Zhu Tonghe , Chen Sihao , Du Juan , Luo Jiajia , Yan Xiaoyu
Published: July 2022

Chronic wounds caused by related diseases such as ischemia, diabetes, and venous stasis are often hard to manage, mainly because of their susceptibility to infection and the lack of healing-promoting growth factors. Functional hydrogel is a promising material for wound treatment due to its regulable swelling rate and its ability to absorb wound exudate, which can keep the wound isolated from the outside world to prevent infection. In this study, a photocrosslinked physicochemical double-network hydrogel with injectable, antibacterial, and excellent mechanical properties was prepared. The dZnONPs enhanced hybrid injectable photocrosslinked double-network hydrogel (Ebs@dZnONPs/HGT) was synthetized starting from acylated hyaluronic acid and tannic acid via free radical reaction and hydrogen bonding, following doped with ebselen (Ebs) loaded dendritic zinc oxide nanoparticles (dZnONPs) to prepare the Ebs@dZnONPs/HGT hydrogel. The physicochemical characterization confirmed that the Ebs@dZnONPs/HGT hydrogel had excellent mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and injectable properties, and could fit irregular wounds well. In vitro experiments revealed that the Ebs@dZnONPs/HGT hydrogel presented credible cytocompatibility and prominent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vivo experiments further demonstrated that the Ebs@dZnONPs/HGT hydrogel had excellent biosafety and could improve re-epithelialization in the wound area, thus significantly accelerating wound healing.
IRIDA Phenotype in TMPRSS6 Monoallelic-Affected Patients: Toward a Better Understanding of the Pathophysiology
Authors: Hoving Vera , Korman Scott E. , Antonopoulos Petros , Donker Albertine E. , Schols Saskia E. M. , Swinkels Dorine W.
Published: July 2022

Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is an autosomal recessive inherited form of iron deficiency anemia characterized by discrepantly high hepcidin levels relative to body iron status. However, patients with monoallelic exonic TMPRSS6 variants have also been reported to express the IRIDA phenotype. The pathogenesis of an IRIDA phenotype in these patients is unknown and causes diagnostic uncertainty. Therefore, we retrospectively summarized the data of 16 patients (4 men, 12 women) who expressed the IRIDA phenotype in the presence of only a monoallelic TMPRSS6 variant. Eight unaffected relatives with identical exonic TMPRSS6 variants were used as controls. Haplotype analysis was performed to assess the (intra)genetic differences between patients and relatives. The expression and severity of the IRIDA phenotype were highly variable. Compared with their relatives, patients showed lower Hb, MCV, and TSAT/hepcidin ratios and inherited a different wild-type allele. We conclude that IRIDA in monoallelic TMPRSS6-affected patients is a phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous disease that is more common in female patients. We hypothesize that allelic imbalance, polygenetic inheritance, or modulating environmental factors and their complex interplay are possible causes. This explorative study is the first step toward improved insights into the pathophysiology and improved diagnostic accuracy for patients presenting with IRIDA and a monoallelic exonic TMPRSS6 variant.
KCNJ11 and KCNQ1 Gene Polymorphisms and Placental Expression in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Majcher Sandra , Ustianowski Przemysław , Malinowski Damian , Czerewaty Michał , Tarnowski Maciej , Safranow Krzysztof , Dziedziejko Violetta , Pawlik Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents carbohydrate intolerance in pregnant women. The pathogenesis of GDM is very complex, but abnormalities in insulin production and secretion underlie the disease. Potassium channels play an important role in insulin production and secretion. The family of potassium channels includes (among others) the potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) and voltage-gated K+ channel (KCNQ1). The aim of the study was to examine the distribution of the KCNJ11 rs5219 and KCNQ1 rs151290 and rs2237892 gene polymorphisms in women with GDM and pregnant women with normal carbohydrate tolerance, to verify whether these polymorphisms are risk factors for GDM. This study included 204 Caucasian pregnant women with GDM and 207 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) from the West Pomeranian region of Poland. The diagnosis of GDM was based on a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks gestation. There were no statistically significant differences in distribution of the KCNJ11 rs5219 and KCNQ1 rs151290 and rs2237892 gene polymorphisms between women with GDM and pregnant women with normal carbohydrate tolerance. Moreover, there were no statistically significant associations between the studied genotypes and the selected clinical parameters in women with GDM. The results of our study suggest that the KCNJ11 rs5219 and KCNQ1 rs2237892 and rs151290 gene polymorphisms are not significant risk factors associated with the development of GDM in our population. There were also no differences in the expression of KCNJ11 and KCNQ1 genes in the placenta of women with GDM and normal carbohydrate tolerance. However, an association between KCNJ11 gene expression in placenta and APGAR score in newborns was found.
Cognitive Capacity Genome-Wide Polygenic Scores Identify Individuals with Slower Cognitive Decline in Aging
Authors: Joo Yoonjung , Cha Jiook , Freese Jeremy , Hayes M.
Published: July 2022

The genetic protective factors for cognitive decline in aging remain unknown. Predicting an individual’s rate of cognitive decline—or with better cognitive resilience—using genetics will allow personalized intervention for cognitive enhancement and the optimal selection of target samples in clinical trials. Here, using genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS) of cognitive capacity as the genomic indicators for variations of human intelligence, we analyzed the 18-year records of cognitive and behavioral data of 8511 European-ancestry adults from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), specifically focusing on the cognitive assessments that were repeatedly administered to the participants with their average ages of 64.5 and 71.5. We identified a significant interaction effect between age and cognitive capacity GPS, which indicated that a higher cognitive capacity GPS significantly correlated with a slower cognitive decline in the domain of immediate memory recall (β = 1.86 × 10−1, p-value = 1.79 × 10−3). The additional phenome-wide analyses identified several associations between cognitive capacity GPSs and cognitive/behavioral phenotypes, such as similarities task (β = 1.36, 95% CI = (1.22, 1.51), p-value = 3.59 × 10−74), number series task (β = 0.94, 95% CI = (0.85, 1.04), p-value = 2.55 × 10−78), IQ scores (β = 1.42, 95% CI = (1.32, 1.51), p-value = 7.74 × 10−179), high school classrank (β = 1.86, 95% CI = (1.69, 2.02), p-value = 3.07 × 10−101), Openness from the BIG 5 personality factor (p-value = 2.19 × 10−14, β = 0.57, 95% CI = (0.42, 0.71)), and leisure activity of reading books (β = 0.50, 95% CI = (0.40, 0.60), p-value = 2.03 × 10−21), attending cultural events, such as concerts, plays, or museums (β = 0.60, 95% CI = (0.49, 0.72), p-value = 2.06 × 10−23), and watching TV (β = −0.48, 95% CI = (−0.59, −0.37), p-value = 4.16 × 10−18). As the first phenome-wide analysis of cognitive and behavioral phenotypes, this study presents the novel genetic protective effects of cognitive ability on the decline of memory recall in an aging population.
State of the Art for Microhaplotypes
Authors: Kidd Kenneth K. , Pakstis Andrew J.
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the number of publications on microhaplotypes has averaged more than a dozen papers annually. Many have contributed to a significant increase in the number of highly polymorphic microhaplotype loci. This increase allows microhaplotypes to be very informative in four main areas of forensic uses of DNA: individualization, ancestry inference, kinship analysis, and mixture deconvolution. The random match Probability (RMP) can be as small as 10−100 for a large panel of microhaplotypes. It is possible to measure the heterozygosity of an MH as the effective number of alleles (Ae). Ae > 7.5 exists for African populations and >4.5 exists for Native American populations for a smaller panel of two dozen selected microhaplotypes. Using STRUCTURE, at least 10 different ancestral clusters can be defined by microhaplotypes. The Ae for a locus is also identical to the Paternity Index (PI), the measure of how informative a locus will be in parentage testing. High Ae loci can also be useful in missing persons cases. Finally, high Ae microhaplotypes allow the near certainty of seeing multiple additional alleles in a mixture of two or more individuals in a DNA sample. In summary, a panel of higher Ae microhaplotypes can outperform the standard CODIS markers.
New Data of the 1755 Earthquake and Tsunami in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Santos Angela , Rijo Delminda
Published: July 2022

In spite of the significant number of studies focused on the 1755 earthquake and tsunami, there are still many unknowns regarding this event in Lisbon, Portugal. Thus, in this research the authors compiled historical documents, including some that had never been analyzed, complemented with a field survey and tsunami numerical modeling at the historical civil parish of Santo Estevão, Lisbon. It was possible to identify 13 buildings, including three religious buildings and five palaces. Furthermore, the new data showed that contradicting the general idea, the earthquake caused significant damage to the selected territory because the number of households decreased by 52%. The number of residents decreased to about 51%, and in 1756, 1041 residents were still living in 297 temporary shelters. There were more than 44 dead and 1122 residents were unaccounted for. The fire did not hit the area, and the tsunami numerical model results were validated by the historical accounts and cartography, which indicate that the coastal area of the studied area was not significantly inundated by the tsunami. The consultation of historical documents that had never been analyzed by contemporary researchers provides a breakthrough in the knowledge of the event since it allowed a very detailed analysis of the disaster impact.
Potential Maneuvers for Providing Optimal Tidal Volume Using the One-Handed EC Technique
Authors: Uhm Dongchoon , Kim Ajung
Published: July 2022

Bag-valve-mask is a device that manually provides positive oxygen pressure. The grip technique of the character E and C shape is recommended to carry out this effectively. However, when applying this method, the hand in which the direction of the EC technique should be performed and the degree of adhesion pressure while performing the technique are unknown. This study aims to identify the factors influencing tidal volume and to determine the ideal sealing method between mask and face in the one-handed EC technique to optimize the Vt. A simulation study was conducted using a mechanical lung model in a scenario that resembled respiratory arrest. Multiple regression analyses identified high peak pressure, high left spot adhesion strength of the mask, and low right spot and bottom spot adhesion strength of the mask as significant factors. To provide an optimal Vt, it may be necessary to apply more strength to the left area of the mask when forming the “C” shape with the thumb and index finger of left hand using the one-handed EC technique.
Quantification of Pre-Season and In-Season Training Intensity across an Entire Competitive Season of Asian Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Ramachandran Akhilesh Kumar , Brito João Paulo , Oliveira Rafael
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to quantify the training load in two microcycles (Ms) from pre- and another two from in-season and to analyze playing position influences on the load experienced by professional soccer players. Nineteen Asian athletes, including four central defenders, four wide defenders, six central midfielders, three wide midfielders, and two strikers participated in this study. The micro-electromechanical system was used to collect training duration, total distance, and data from Zone 1 (0–3.9 km·h−1), Zone 2 (4–7.1 km·h−1), Zone 3 (7.2–14.3 km·h−1), Zone 4 (14.4–19.7 km·h−1), and Zone 5 (>19.8 km·h−1), heart rate maximum (HRmax), and average (HRavg). The load was reduced on the last day of the Ms, with the exception of Zone 5, in M1, where higher values were found on the last day. Significant differences were observed between central and wide defenders for distance covered in Zone 4 (effect-size: ES = −4.83) in M2 and M4 (ES = 4.96). Throughout all the Ms, a constant HRmax (165–188 bpm) and HRavg (119–145 bpm) were observed. There was a tendency to decrease the load on the last day of the Ms. In general, there were higher external training loads in Ms from the pre-season than in-season. Wide defenders and wide midfielders showed higher distances covered with high-intensity running.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Taiwanese Pharmacy Students’ Experiences and Perceptions of Transitioning from In-Hospital Internships to Distance Learning Due to COVID-19
Authors: Huang Shu-Fen , Hsu Chin-Wei , Lin Chia-Li , Ko Yen-Ling , Su Hui-Chen
Published: July 2022

The introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPE) in Taiwan, which are traditionally conducted in physical hospital settings, incorporated up to 30% distance learning from May 2021 due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A web-based cross-sectional survey was adopted to investigate pharmacy students’ experiences and perceptions of transitioning from in-hospital internships to distance learning due to COVID-19 in the pharmacy department of a university in Southern Taiwan. We analyzed the results to discover factors that significantly affected students’ perceptions of transitioning from in-hospital internships to distance learning. In total, 81 interns from the university’s pharmacy department responded to the questionnaire. Approximately half of the participants felt happy when they learned, before the internship began, that the internship would be partially replaced with distance learning. The overall satisfaction rate was 67.9%, and no significant differences was observed in students’ satisfaction between hospital size or distance-learning time. However, more students in the medical center felt they had insufficient time to finish assignments compared to those in the regional hospitals, and the students who had 11–15 days of distance learning felt that they interacted more smoothly with their peers compared to those who had other durations. Program designers should make distance internship courses more student-centered, with a focus on increasing interactions between students, teachers, and peers to compensate for the lack of physical presence.
Incidence of Gingival Black Triangles following Treatment with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rashid Zhwan Jamal , Gul Sarhang Sarwat , Shaikh Muhammad Saad , Abdulkareem Ali Abbas , Zafar Muhammad Sohail
Published: July 2022

This systematic review aimed to investigate the relation between orthodontic treatment (OT) and the incidence of the gingival black triangle (GBT) after completing treatment with a fixed orthodontic appliance, as well as the associated risk factors and the level of alveolar bone. Electronic and hand searches were conducted in three electronic databases for relevant articles published up to March 2022. Retrieved articles went through a two-step screening procedure, and the risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The incidence of GBT after OT was set as the primary outcome, while the secondary outcomes were the risk factors associated with GBT and alveolar bone loss following OT. Out of 421 papers, 5 were selected for the final analysis. The RoBs of three studies were moderate and the remaining two were low. The incidence of GBT following OT ranged from 38% to 58%. In addition, three studies reported that alveolar bone loss was reduced significantly following OT and associated with GBT, while one study found the opposite. Regarding the risk factors associated with GBT, the reported results attributed GBT to several factors including age, tooth-related factors, treatment duration, and soft tissue factors. The analysis indicates an increased incidence of GBT following OT; however, a firm conclusion cannot be drawn. Additionally, it was not possible to reach a consensus on risk factors associated with GBT due to the heterogeneity of the data. Therefore, further randomized clinical trials are highly recommended to draw a firm conclusion.
Malocclusions in Pediatric Patients with Asthma: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Castañeda-Zetina Jocelyn , Chuc-Gamboa Martha Gabriela , Aguilar-Pérez Fernando Javier , Pinzón-Te Alicia Leonor , Zúñiga-Herrera Iván Daniel , Esparza-Villalpando Vicente
Published: July 2022

Asthma is a public health problem that has been widely described, but little has been reported about its effects on dental occlusions. The aim of this study was to compare the alterations of normal occlusions in asthmatic children and those without the disease. The study included 186 patients between 5 and 12 years old, divided into two groups. The first group included patients with a previous diagnosis of asthma given by a specialist, which was confirmed by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The second group included patients without the disease. All patients underwent a clinical examination to determine the presence of occlusion alterations in the sagittal, transverse, and vertical planes. Subsequently, chi-squared tests were performed to compare the variables between the groups. A significant association was found between asthma and the variables studied here: alterations in the sagittal plane (chi2 = 7.839, p = 0.005), alterations in the vertical plane (chi2 = 13.563, p < 0.001), alterations in the transverse plane (Fisher’s F p < 0.001), and oral habits (chi2 = 55.811, p < 0.001). The results suggest that asthmatic patients are more likely to develop malocclusions, especially anterior open bite and posterior crossbite. These conditions are typically related to mouth breathing, which is common in asthmatic patients.
Characteristics of Sleep Patterns in Adolescents: Comparisons between Saudi Arabia and the UK
Authors: Bin Eid Wasmiah , Lieu An An , Neoh Michelle Jin Yee , Al-Zoubi Suhail Mahmoud , Esposito Gianluca , Dimitriou Dagmara
Published: July 2022

There are concerns regarding sleep deprivation among adolescents, especially with mounting evidence for the importance of sleep during puberty, and its effects on health and families. The present study aimed to characterise sleep in typical development (TD) adolescents in Saudi Arabia, and compare their sleep profiles to TD adolescents in the UK, to evaluate sleep patterns in adolescents in Saudi Arabia, and to examine the relationship between sleep patterns and the use of social media in both groups. Findings from the current study reported a shorter sleep duration for the Saudi Arabia group than in previous studies and the UK group, which may be attributed to the lack of sleep hygiene practised in Saudi Arabia. Multiple analysis of variance results found significant differences in daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001) and a preference for morningness/eveningness (p < 0.001) between Saudia Arabia and UK adolescents. Statistically significant negative correlations (p > 0.05) between the duration of social media usage and sleep duration were found in both the Saudi Arabia and UK adolescents, where a lower number of sleep hours was observed with a higher duration of social media use. This study fills a gap in the research of sleep in Saudi Arabia in adolescents, and offers important insights on the comparison in sleep habits between Saudi Arabia and UK adolescents.
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Students towards HIV and Its Oral Manifestations in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alali Faisal Mehsen , Tarakji Bassel , Alqahtani Abdullah Saad , Alqhtani Nasser Raqe , Nabhan Abdullah Bin , Alenzi Adel , Alrafedah Ali , Robaian Ali , Noushad Mohammed , Kujan Omar , Alshehri Abdullah , Aljulayfi Ibrahim Saleh , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria
Published: July 2022

Background: It is essential for practicing dentists to have adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its implications in the dental practice. Their attitudes should also be up to the professional expectations. This study aimed to assess knowledge of HIV/AIDS infection and attitudes towards its patients among dental students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared and distributed among a sample of dental students in Saudi Arabia. Twenty questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and oral manifestation of HIV were presented. Results: A total of 405 questionnaires were completed (67% response rate). Participants showed low knowledge of safety regarding HIV (39.5%) and 44.2% indicated that they would take an HIV test after needle stick injury. The proportion of correct answers regarding transmission of HIV through saliva, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and aerosols by hand pieces was 41%, 37.5%, and 26.4%, respectively. Almost 50% of the surveyed dental students expressed unwillingness to treat HIV-positive patients. Poor knowledge was noted regarding oral manifestations of HIV (32.7%). Of the participants, 57.8% indicated that infection control procedures are very important for the treatment of HIV patients and 50.6% believed that a dentist can make a decision to reject the treatment of HIV patients. According to the participating dental students, the three major oral manifestations in HIV patients are hairy leukoplakia (47.4%), oral candidiasis (44.7%), and Kaposi’s sarcoma (43.5%). Conclusion: Inadequate knowledge and unprofessional attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients were identified among this group of dental students in Saudi Arabia. Dental educators and health care planners in Saudi Arabia should plan to promote the knowledge and attitudes of dental students in Saudi Arabia towards the treatment of HIV patients.
Content Analysis of YouTube Videos on Radiographic Anatomy on Dental Panoramic Images
Authors: Yeung Andy Wai Kan
Published: July 2022

The radiographic anatomy on dental panoramic images is essential knowledge for proper diagnosis and treatment planning purposes. No prior study has examined the content of YouTube videos with regard to radiographic anatomy on panoramic radiography. The objective of this study was to provide a content analysis on these videos. The initial search string was: (panoramic anatomy). An additional search was performed with the search string: (OPG landmarks). By screening the resultant videos and their related videos (recommended by YouTube as a list on the right of the screen), a total of 62 videos were screened. Videos were excluded if they were irrelevant (e.g., focusing on radiographic errors without covering the anatomy), elaborating mainly with drawings without showing the landmarks on panoramic images, duplicate videos, and non-English speaking. Finally, 38 videos were included and analyzed. Most of them showed clear panoramic images and had clear tracing or delineation of the anatomical landmarks. On average, each video described 26 landmarks, including 12.3 from the midfacial region, 8.2 from the mandible, and 5.2 from soft tissue/air space/others. The videos were of good quality in general, with some frequent shortcomings being lack of visual aid with skull and schematic diagrams, and lack of discussion on clinical relevance. The maxillary sinus was the structure mostly involved in wrong information, particularly the wrong delineation of its posterior wall.
Bark Extract of Uncaria tomentosa L. for the Control of Strawberry Phytopathogens
Authors: Sánchez-Hernández Eva , Martín-Ramos Pablo , Martín-Gil Jesús , Santiago-Aliste Alberto , Hernández-Navarro Salvador , Oliveira Rui , González-García Vicente
Published: July 2022

Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea Pers.), crown and fruit rot (Phytophthora cactorum (Lebert and Cohn) J.Schröt), and verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) are among the main diseases that affect the strawberry crop. In the study presented herein, the bark extract of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC, popularly known as “cat’s claw”, has been evaluated for its capability to act as a sustainable control method. The bioactive compounds present in the aqueous ammonia extract were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, and the antimicrobial activity of the extract—alone and in combination with chitosan oligomers (COS)—was assessed in vitro and as a coating for postharvest treatment during storage. Octyl isobutyrate (30.7%), 19α methyl-2-oxoformosanan-16-carboxylate (9.3%), tetrahydro-2-methyl-thiophene (4.7%), and α-methyl manofuranoside (4.4%) were identified as the main phytoconstituents. The results of in vitro growth inhibition tests showed that, upon conjugation of the bark extract with COS, complete inhibition was reached at concentrations in the 39–93.75 μg∙mL−1 range, depending on the pathogen. Concerning the effect of the treatment as a coating to prolong the storage life and control decay during post-harvest storage, high protection was observed at a concentration of 1000 μg∙mL−1. Because of this effectiveness, higher than that attained with conventional synthetic fungicides, the bark extracts of cat’s claw may hold promise for strawberry crop protection.
Potency of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide and Salicylic Acid in Ameliorating the Depressive Effects of Water Deficit on Periwinkle Ornamental Quality
Authors: Zomorrodi Nahid , Rezaei Nejad Abdolhossein , Mousavi-Fard Sadegh , Feizi Hassan , Tsaniklidis Georgios , Fanourakis Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

In this study, the optimal concentration of sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH), salicylic acid (SA), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs), and their relative effectiveness on alleviating the adverse effects of water deficit on ornamental quality, were investigated in periwinkle. Plants were cultivated under three water deficit levels (80, 50, and 20% available water content) and received two foliar applications of TiO2NPs (0, 0.5 and 1 mM), NaSH (0.5 and 1 mM), or SA (1 and 2 mM). Water deficit deteriorated ornamental quality, amplified the risk of buckling (lower stem strength) and suppressed longevity. It decreased both light interception (leaf area) and carbon assimilation. Besides impaired hydration status, water-stressed plants underwent oxidative damage as indicated by reduced chlorophyll content, elevated membrane degradation, and lipid peroxidation. Spray treatments improved all traits, besides stem strength and proline content. Additionally, they enhanced carotenoid content and the activities of catalase and peroxidase. Their relative effectiveness (TiO2NPs > NaSH > SA) and optimal concentration (i.e., 0.5 mM (TiO2NPs, NaSH), and 1 mM (SA)) was independent of water deficit level. In conclusion, this study provides practices for improved ornamental quality and longevity independently of water availability, with their positive effect being stronger under irregular or limited water supply.
Multi-Agent Interaction to Assist Visually-Impaired and Elderly People
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Damasio , Engelmann Debora C. , Kniest Davi , Vieira Renata , Bordini Rafael H.
Published: July 2022

A voice-controlled smart home system based on conversational agents can address the specific needs of older people, proactively providing support, compensating for cognitive decline, and coping with solitude, among other features. In particular, Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) platforms provide considerable support for complex adaptive systems that are naturally distributed and situated in dynamic environments, such as Ambient intelligence (AmI) applications. Such autonomous intelligent agents are capable of independent reasoning and joint analysis of complex situations to support high-level interaction with humans, besides providing typical characteristics of MAS, such as cooperation and coordinated action. In this context, we developed an approach using a MAS previously evaluated for visually impaired users, where most of the system’s functionalities are also helpful for the elderly. Our methodology is based on the four steps of the interactive design process. As a result, we determined that our approach has elements that allow for natural interaction with users, and we identified and discussed improvements and new features for future work. We believe that our findings can point to directions for building AmI systems that are capable of more natural interaction with users.
Change in Bone Mineral Density in Stroke Patients with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia
Authors: Lee Do-Hee , Joo Min-Cheol
Published: July 2022

We aimed to investigate the correlation between changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) and osteoporosis-related factors in stroke patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia, and we suggest the need for active rehabilitation treatment. This study included 63 osteoporosis and 34 osteopenia patients who underwent a BMD test following primary stroke onset. The osteoporosis group was followed up with a BMD test after 12 months of bisphosphonate treatment, and the osteopenia group was followed up without medication. The correlation between BMD changes and functional factors was analyzed, biochemical markers were measured, and hematology tests were performed. In the osteoporosis group, a significant increase was observed in LS BMD (p < 0.05), and in the osteopenia group, there was a significant decrease in FN BMD (p < 0.05). The group with a functional ambulatory category of 1 or more showed a significant improvement in BMD (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis was performed on various indicators, but no significant correlation was found between any variable. In stroke patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia, early appropriate drug treatment is important to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures, and comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, such as appropriate education and training to prevent falls, is essential.
Changes in Food Environment Patterns in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico, 2010–2020
Authors: Reyes-Puente Ana Luisa , Peña-Portilla Dalia Guadalupe , Alcalá-Reyes Sofía , Rodríguez-Bustos Laura , Núñez Juan Manuel
Published: July 2022

The concept of food environment refers to the opportunities; environments; and physical, economic, political, and socio-cultural conditions that frame the interaction of people with the food system and shape decisions about food acquisition and consumption. This study analyzes the relationships between the characteristics of urban environments and the availability of retail food through the evaluation of physical and financial access to food in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (MAVM) between 2010 and 2020. Using Geographic Information Systems (GISs), both physical access through network distance to economic food retail units and financial access through socioeconomic status at the block scale were evaluated. The network distance and socioeconomic status results were used as criteria for the spatially explicit classification of the MAVM into food deserts, oases, and swamps. Food deserts are the most abundant food environments but only increased in the third and fourth metropolitan contours. Swamps have increased throughout the city, related to the proliferation of convenience stores that have replaced grocery stores. This study contributes evidence at a local and regional scale required for the future urban planning of the MAVM and for public health and sustainability programs focusing on treating food-related diseases.
Group Homes and COVID-19: Perspectives of Youth Residents, Staff, and Caregivers
Authors: Howey Whitney , Assadollahi Andrea , Lundahl Brad
Published: July 2022

Objective: This study explored the perspectives of being in a youth group home during the COVID-19 pandemic from youth residents, staff, and caregivers. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 9 youth residents, 8 group home staff members, and 13 caregivers of residents. All participants were connected to the group home before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to identify lived experience themes. Results: Two overarching themes were identified among the youth residents—Safety response to COVID-19 and Socialization changes due to COVID—along with three subthemes: Structure leading to separation, Support and belonging amid a pandemic, and Competency. Three overarching themes were identified among the group home staff: Safety response to COVID-19, Increased responsibility, and Mental health changes because of a pandemic. Finally, three overarching themes were identified among the guardians of youth residents: Safety response to COVID-19, Belief in a mental health impact on the child, and Communication during a pandemic. Conclusions: The findings provide the experiences among three group home stakeholders. Overall, they demonstrated resilience in a setting and time when resilience was essential. Finally, the findings offer insight on the basis of which group homes/organizations can prepare for crises of a great magnitude, including vital communication elements.
Occurrence and Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Multi-Industry Sources to Water, Sediments and Plants along Nairobi River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Chirikona Flora , Quinete Natalia , Gonzalez Jesleen , Mutua Gershom , Kimosop Selly , Orata Francis
Published: July 2022

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ever-present pollutants in the environment. They are persistent and bio-accumulative with deleterious health effects on biota. This study assesses the levels of PFAS in environmental matrices along the Nairobi River, Kenya. An aggregate of 30 PFAS were determined in water, while 28 PFAS were detected in sediments and plants using solid phase extraction then liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric techniques. In water, higher levels of perfluoroundecanoic acids of up to 39.2 ng L−1 were observed. Sediment and plant samples obtained in the midstream and downstream contained higher levels of perfluorooctanoic acid of up to 39.62 and 29.33 ng g−1, respectively. Comparably, levels of long-chain PFAS were higher in water and sediments than in plants. Sediment/water log distribution of selected PFAS ranged between 2.5 (perfluoroundecanoic acid) and 4.9 (perfluorooctane sulfonate). The level of perfluorooctane sulfonate (1.83 ng L−1) in water is above the acceptable level in surface water posing high human health and ecological risks. The observed PFAS concentrations and distribution were attributed mainly to multi-industries located along the river, among other sources. The knowledge of PFAS occurrence and distribution in Nairobi River, Kenya, provides important information to local regulatory agencies for PFAS pollution control.
Across-Shift Changes in Viable Nasal Bacteria among Waste-Incineration Plant Workers—A Pilot Study
Authors: Cyprowski Marcin , Ławniczek-Wałczyk Anna , Stobnicka-Kupiec Agata , Gołofit-Szymczak Małgorzata , Górny Rafał L.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the time-related changes in viable nasal bacteria concentrations among waste-incineration plant (WIP) workers compared to a group of office building (OB) workers outside the plant. In total, 20 volunteers participated in the study, including 14 WIP and 6 OB workers. WIP workers were divided into two sub-groups: supervisory staff (SVS) and maintenance and repair workers (MRW). Nasal swabs were collected before and after the morning work shift. Airborne bacteria were sampled with a six-stage impactor to assess the bioaerosol size distribution. The analysis showed that a significant, almost three-fold increase in nasal bacterial concentration was found only among WIP workers, and this referred mainly to anaerobic species. The load of anaerobic bacteria at the beginning of work was 12,988 CFU/mL, and after work shift 36,979 CFU/mL (p < 0.01). Significant increases in microbial concentrations was found only in the MRW subgroup, among non-smoking workers only. The results showed increased bacterial concentration in WIP nasal samples for as many as 12 bacterial species, including, e.g., Streptococcus constellatus, Peptostreptococcus spp., E. coli, and P. mirabilis. These preliminary data confirmed that the nasal swab method was helpful for assessment of the workers’ real-time exposure to airborne bacteria.
Fear, Stigma and Othering: The Impact of COVID-19 Rumours on Returnee Migrants and Muslim Populations of Nepal
Authors: Regmi Pramod R. , Dhakal Adhikari Shovita , Aryal Nirmal , Wasti Sharada P. , van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: July 2022

The paper explores how COVID-19-related moral panics have led to fear and othering practices among returnee Nepalese migrants from India and Muslims living in Nepal. This qualitative study included in-depth interviews with 15 returnee migrants, 15 Muslims from Kapilvastu and Banke districts of Nepal, and eight interviews with media and health professionals, and representatives from migration organisations. Four themes emerged from our data analysis: (1) rumours and mis/disinformation; (2) impact of rumours on marginalised groups (with three sub-themes: (i) perceived fear; (ii) othering practices; (iii) health and social impact); (3) resistance; and (4) institutional response against rumours. Findings suggest that rumours and misinformation were fuelled by various media platforms, especially social media (e.g., Facebook, YouTube) during the initial months of the lockdown. This created a moral panic which led to returnee migrants and Muslim populations experiencing fear and social isolation. Resistance and effective institutional responses to dispel rumours were limited. A key contribution of the paper is to highlight the lived experiences of COVID-19 related rumours on marginalised groups. The paper argues that there is a need for clear government action using health promotion messages to tackle rumours (health-related or otherwise), mis/disinformation and mitigating the consequences (hatred and tensions) at the community level.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Levels of the Biomarkers hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder Treated with LLLT, Traditional Conservative Treatment, and a Combination of Both
Authors: Zwiri Abdalwhab MA , Ahmad Wan Muhamad Amir W. , Asif Jawaad Ahmed , Phaik Khoo Suan , Husein Adam , Kassim Nur Karyatee , Ab-Ghani Zuryati
Published: July 2022

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a type of idiopathic orofacial pain. Inflammation, particularly elevated circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8), has been linked to pain symptoms. The purpose of this study was to compare hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 biomarkers and pain intensity with different treatment strategies (LLLT, standard conservative treatment, and combination) for TMD patients. Methods: A total of 32 participants were randomly included in the study and divided into three groups (Group I, Group II, and Group III) referred from the Dental Clinic, School of Dental Science, HUSM. Patients received LLLT (Groups II and III) in five sessions for the duration of 10 days. Patients in Groups I and III received standard conservative TMD treatment (diet and stress counseling, jaw exercises, physical therapy, which was a hot towel application) by the principal investigator. All blood samples for biomarkers were performed before starting treatments and directly after finishing the treatment protocols, where all results were recorded. Results: The result showed a significant difference in the mean IL-8 (p = 0.001) between the three intervention groups (LLLT, standard treatment, and combined treatment). IL-6 showed an increase in the mean of IL-6 levels from baseline to post-treatment with a better mean in the LLLT treatment group without any significant differences. Additionally, there were no significant mean differences found between the groups and in the group for the hs-CRP biomarker. Conclusions: A statistically non-significant difference was found in hs-CRP and IL-6 before and after LLLT, conservative, and combined treatment strategies of TMD. A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean levels of IL-8 between the LLLT intervention group and the combined treatment group. Although there was no statistically significant correlation between pain intensity and biomarkers, a statistically significant difference was found in pain intensity before and after LLLT, conservative, and combined treatment strategies. TMJ degeneration could be exacerbated by elevated IL-8 levels. Thus, this can be an important biomarker to mark or identify the painful condition of TMJ.
Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Effective in Arresting Enamel Caries? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Phonghanyudh Araya , Duangthip Duangporn , Mabangkhru Sirinan , Jirarattanasopha Varangkanar
Published: July 2022

Background: There is limited information on the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in managing enamel caries. Objective: This study aimed to compare effectiveness of 38% SDF and 5% Sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish in arresting enamel caries in young children when applied semiannually over 18 months. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on children aged 1–3 years who had at least one active carious surface. They were allocated into two groups: Group 1 (38% SDF) and Group 2 (5% NaF varnish). Visual-tactile examination was used to assess extent of carious lesions. Enamel caries that did not progress to dentin were classified as having caries arrest. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: At baseline, 290 children with 1974 tooth surfaces with enamel caries were recruited. Caries arrest rates at the tooth surface level in Group 1 and Group 2 were 59.1% and 58.8%, respectively (p = 0.873), at 18 months. The multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed that tooth position, tooth surface, extent of enamel caries at baseline, caries experience, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste influenced caries arrest (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The semiannual application of 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish had comparable effectiveness in arresting enamel caries in primary teeth.
Association between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Physical Function in Older Adults: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Yuko , Iwasa Hajime , Kim Hunkyung , Suzuki Takao
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory responses contribute to physical decline in older adults. Clinical studies have shown that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of inflammation, is associated with physical decline. However, its association with physical function in community-dwelling older people is still unclear. Hence, we used cross-sectional data to investigate the relationship between NLR and physical function in community-dwelling older adults. Specifically, we analyzed data corresponding to 818 individuals (336 men and 482 women) aged ≥ 75 years, all of whom participated in comprehensive health examinations, including face-to-face interviews, biochemical analyses, and physical function tests. Using these data, we performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between NLR and physical function, adjusting for sex, age, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, instrumental activity of daily living, body mass index, chronic disease, physical activity, serum albumin level, and depressive mood. The results showed that a higher NLR was associated with a lower grip strength, lower knee extension strength, and slower walking speed. Importantly, the relationship between NLR and physical function was maintained after adjusting for the confounding factors. Thus, we showed a significant association between NLR and physical function, supporting the use of NLR as a marker of physical function in community-dwelling older adults.
Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity within Different Types of Built Environments: Implications for Health Promotion
Authors: Pedersen Marlene Rosager Lund , Bredahl Thomas Viskum Gjelstrup , Elmose-Østerlund Karsten , Hansen Anne Faber
Published: July 2022

Studies have identified individuals’ motives and barriers as main predictors of physical-activity behaviour, while other studies found physical-activity behaviour to be related to characteristics of the built environment. However, studies that have a combined focus on motives and barriers and the built environment are less common. This scoping review aims to provide knowledge about motives and barriers related to physical activity within different types of built environments to mitigate this knowledge gap. A systematic literature search was performed in four scientific databases and yielded 2734 articles, of which 31 articles met the inclusion criteria. The review identified four types of built environments within which motives and barriers were studied, including walkability, cyclist infrastructure, neighbourhood parks and open spaces and sports facilities. Several common motives recur across all four types of built environments, especially easy accessibility and good facility conditions. Conversely, poor accessibility and inadequate facility conditions are common barriers. Our review also showed how some motives and barriers seem to be more context-specific because they were only identified within a few types of built environments. This knowledge may help target future health-promotion initiatives in relation to urban planning and the importance of the environment on physical activity.
Comparative Effectiveness of Focused Extracorporeal versus Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis—Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ko Nai-Yu , Chang Chih-Ning , Cheng Chu-Han , Yu Hui-Kung , Hu Gwo-Chi
Published: July 2022

Both focused extracorporeal shockwave (f-ESWT) and radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (r-ESWT) can alleviate symptoms in patients with knee osteoarthritis, but no trials have directly compared f-ESWT with r-ESWT for knee osteoarthritis. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of f-ESWT and r-ESWT on knee osteoarthritis. Forty-two patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to receive three sessions of either f-ESWT or r-ESWT at 1-week intervals. The patients were evaluated at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks after the final treatment. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity, as measured on the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), range of motion of the knee joint, and the 6-minute walk test. At the end of 4 weeks, the VAS score was substantially reduced in both groups (f-ESWT, −4.5 ± 2.5 points; r-ESWT, −2.6 ± 2.0 points), with a greater reduction in the f-ESWT group. Both groups showed significant improvement in secondary outcomes; however, the f-ESWT group yielded greater improvement in the VAS score, WOMAC score, and 6-minute walk test. Our results showed that f-ESWT was more effective than r-ESWT in improving pain and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.