bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Viscoelasticity Behavior of Cellulose–Chitin Composite Hydrogels during Ultrasound Irradiation
Authors: Iresha Harshani , Kobayashi Takaomi
Published: July 2021

Composite hydrogels with different cellulose and chitin loading were prepared, and their in-situ viscoelastic properties were estimated under cyclic exposure of 43 kHz and 30 W ultrasound (US) using a sono-deviced rheometer. US transmitted into the hydrogel caused it to soften within about 10 sec, thus causing a decline in the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). However, when the US was stopped, the G′ and G″ returned to their initial values. Here, G′ dropped gradually in response to the US irradiation, especially in the first cycle. After the second and third cycles, the decline was much quicker, within a few seconds. When the chitin component in the hydrogel was increased, the drop was significant. FTIR analysis of the hydrogels suggested that the peaks of -OH stretching and amide I vibration near 1655 cm−1 shifted towards lower wave numbers after the third cycle, meaning that the US influenced the hydrogen bonding interaction of the chitin amide group. This repetitive effect contributed to the breakage of hydrogen bonds and increased the interactions of the acetylamine group in chitin and in the -OH groups. Eventually, the matrix turned into a more stabilized hydrogel.
The Influence of Soil Fertilization on the Distribution and Diversity of Phosphorus Cycling Genes and Microbes Community of Maize Rhizosphere Using Shotgun Metagenomics
Authors: Enebe Matthew , Babalola Olubukola
Published: July 2021

Biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus in the agro-ecosystem is mediated by soil microbes. These microbes regulate the availability of phosphorus in the soil. Little is known about the response of functional traits of phosphorus cycling microbes in soil fertilized with compost manure (derived from domestic waste and plant materials) or inorganic nitrogen fertilizers at high and low doses. We used a metagenomics investigation study to understand the changes in the abundance and distribution of microbial phosphorus cycling genes in agricultural farmlands receiving inorganic fertilizers (120 kg N/ha, 60 kg N/ha) or compost manure (8 tons/ha, 4 tons/ha), and in comparison with the control. Soil fertilization with high level of compost (Cp8) or low level of inorganic nitrogen (N1) fertilizer have nearly similar effects on the rhizosphere of maize plants in promoting the abundance of genes involved in phosphorus cycle. Genes such as ppk involved in polyphosphate formation and pstSABC (for phosphate transportation) are highly enriched in these treatments. These genes facilitate phosphorus immobilization. At a high dose of inorganic fertilizer application or low compost manure treatment, the phosphorus cycling genes were repressed and the abundance decreased. The bacterial families Bacillaceae and Carnobacteriaceae were very abundant in the high inorganic fertilizer (N2) treated soil, while Pseudonocardiaceae, Clostridiaceae, Cytophagaceae, Micromonosporaceae, Thermomonosporaceae, Nocardiopsaceae, Sphaerobacteraceae, Thermoactinomycetaceae, Planococcaceae, Intrasporangiaceae, Opitutaceae, Acidimicrobiaceae, Frankiaceae were most abundant in Cp8. Pyrenophora, Talaromyces, and Trichophyton fungi were observed to be dominant in Cp8 and Methanosarcina, Methanobrevibacter, Methanoculleus, and Methanosphaera archaea have the highest percentage occurrence in Cp8. Moreover, N2 treatment, Cenarchaeum, Candidatus Nitrososphaera, and Nitrosopumilus were most abundant among fertilized soils. Our findings have brought to light the basis for the manipulation of rhizosphere microbial communities and their genes to improve availability of phosphorus as well as phosphorus cycle regulation in agro-ecosystems.
Conservation of Zebrafish MicroRNA-145 and Its Role during Neural Crest Cell Development
Authors: Steeman Tomás J. , Rubiolo Juan A. , Sánchez Laura E. , Calcaterra Nora B. , Weiner Andrea M. J.
Published: July 2021

The neural crest is a multipotent cell population that develops from the dorsal neural fold of vertebrate embryos in order to migrate extensively and differentiate into a variety of tissues. A number of gene regulatory networks coordinating neural crest cell specification and differentiation have been extensively studied to date. Although several publications suggest a common role for microRNA-145 (miR-145) in molecular reprogramming for cell cycle regulation and/or cellular differentiation, little is known about its role during in vivo cranial neural crest development. By modifying miR-145 levels in zebrafish embryos, abnormal craniofacial development and aberrant pigmentation phenotypes were detected. By whole-mount in situ hybridization, changes in expression patterns of col2a1a and Sry-related HMG box (Sox) transcription factors sox9a and sox9b were observed in overexpressed miR-145 embryos. In agreement, zebrafish sox9b expression was downregulated by miR-145 overexpression. In silico and in vivo analysis of the sox9b 3′UTR revealed a conserved potential miR-145 binding site likely involved in its post-transcriptional regulation. Based on these findings, we speculate that miR-145 participates in the gene regulatory network governing zebrafish chondrocyte differentiation by controlling sox9b expression.
An I for an A: Dynamic Regulation of Adenosine Deamination-Mediated RNA Editing
Authors: Vesely Cornelia , Jantsch Michael F.
Published: July 2021

RNA-editing by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) converts adenosines to inosines in structured RNAs. Inosines are read as guanosines by most cellular machineries. A to I editing has two major functions: first, marking endogenous RNAs as “self”, therefore helping the innate immune system to distinguish repeat- and endogenous retrovirus-derived RNAs from invading pathogenic RNAs; and second, recoding the information of the coding RNAs, leading to the translation of proteins that differ from their genomically encoded versions. It is obvious that these two important biological functions of ADARs will differ during development, in different tissues, upon altered physiological conditions or after exposure to pathogens. Indeed, different levels of ADAR-mediated editing have been observed in different tissues, as a response to altered physiology or upon pathogen exposure. In this review, we describe the dynamics of A to I editing and summarize the known and likely mechanisms that will lead to global but also substrate-specific regulation of A to I editing.
Nature and Nurture: Genotype-Dependent Differential Responses of Root Architecture to Agar and Soil Environments
Authors: Kerstens Merijn , Hesen Vera , Yalamanchili Kavya , Bimbo Andrea , Grigg Stephen , Opdenacker Davy , Beeckman Tom , Heidstra Renze , Willemsen Viola
Published: July 2021

Root development is crucial for plant growth and therefore a key factor in plant performance and food production. Arabidopsis thaliana is the most commonly used system to study root system architecture (RSA). Growing plants on agar-based media has always been routine practice, but this approach poorly reflects the natural situation, which fact in recent years has led to a dramatic shift toward studying RSA in soil. Here, we directly compare RSA responses to agar-based medium (plates) and potting soil (rhizotrons) for a set of redundant loss-of-function plethora (plt) CRISPR mutants with variable degrees of secondary root defects. We demonstrate that plt3plt7 and plt3plt5plt7 plants, which produce only a handful of emerged secondary roots, can be distinguished from other genotypes based on both RSA shape and individual traits on plates and rhizotrons. However, in rhizotrons the secondary root density and the total contribution of the side root system to the RSA is increased in these two mutants, effectively rendering their phenotypes less distinct compared to WT. On the other hand, plt3, plt3plt5, and plt5plt7 mutants showed an opposite effect by having reduced secondary root density in rhizotrons. This leads us to believe that plate versus rhizotron responses are genotype dependent, and these differential responses were also observed in unrelated mutants short-root and scarecrow. Our study demonstrates that the type of growth system affects the RSA differently across genotypes, hence the optimal choice of growth conditions to analyze RSA phenotype is not predetermined.
A Causal Web between Chronotype and Metabolic Health Traits
Authors: Williams John A. , Russ Dominic , Bravo-Merodio Laura , Cardoso Victor Roth , Pendleton Samantha C. , Aziz Furqan , Acharjee Animesh , Gkoutos Georgios V.
Published: July 2021

Observational and experimental evidence has linked chronotype to both psychological and cardiometabolic traits. Recent Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have investigated direct links between chronotype and several of these traits, often in isolation of outside potential mediating or moderating traits. We mined the EpiGraphDB MR database for calculated chronotype–trait associations (p-value < 5 × 10−8). We then re-analyzed those relevant to metabolic or mental health and investigated for statistical evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. Analyses passing multiple testing correction were then investigated for confounders, colliders, intermediates, and reverse intermediates using the EpiGraphDB database, creating multiple chronotype–trait interactions among each of the the traits studied. We revealed 10 significant chronotype–exposure associations (false discovery rate < 0.05) exposed to 111 potential previously known confounders, 52 intermediates, 18 reverse intermediates, and 31 colliders. Chronotype–lipid causal associations collided with treatment and diabetes effects; chronotype–bipolar associations were mediated by breast cancer; and chronotype–alcohol intake associations were impacted by confounders and intermediate variables including known zeitgebers and molecular traits. We have reported the influence of chronotype on several cardiometabolic and behavioural traits, and identified potential confounding variables not reported on in studies while discovering new associations to drugs and disease.
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Conotruncal Heart Defects with Normally Related Great Vessels in the United States
Authors: Oluwafemi Omobola O. , Musfee Fadi I. , Mitchell Laura E. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Xie Hongbo M. , Hakonarson Hakon , Morrow Bernice E. , Guo Tingwei , Taylor Deanne M. , McDonald-McGinn Donna M. , Emanuel Beverly S. , Agopian A. J.
Published: July 2021

Conotruncal defects with normally related great vessels (CTD-NRGVs) occur in both patients with and without 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), but it is unclear to what extent the genetically complex etiologies of these heart defects may overlap across these two groups, potentially involving variation within and/or outside of the 22q11.2 region. To explore this potential overlap, we conducted genome-wide SNP-level, gene-level, and gene set analyses using common variants, separately in each of five cohorts, including two with 22q11.2DS (N = 1472 total cases) and three without 22q11.2DS (N = 935 total cases). Results from the SNP-level analyses were combined in meta-analyses, and summary statistics from these analyses were also used in gene and gene set analyses. Across all these analyses, no association was significant after correction for multiple comparisons. However, several SNPs, genes, and gene sets with suggestive evidence of association were identified. For common inherited variants, we did not identify strong evidence for shared genomic mechanisms for CTD-NRGVs across individuals with and without 22q11.2 deletions. Nevertheless, several of our top gene-level and gene set results have been linked to cardiogenesis and may represent candidates for future work.
Molecular Insights into Mitochondrial Protein Translocation and Human Disease
Authors: Ruiz-Pesini Eduardo , Montoya Julio , Pacheu-Grau David
Published: July 2021

In human mitochondria, mtDNA encodes for only 13 proteins, all components of the OXPHOS system. The rest of the mitochondrial components, which make up approximately 99% of its proteome, are encoded in the nuclear genome, synthesized in cytosolic ribosomes and imported into mitochondria. Different import machineries translocate mitochondrial precursors, depending on their nature and the final destination inside the organelle. The proper and coordinated function of these molecular pathways is critical for mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, we will review molecular details about these pathways, which components have been linked to human disease and future perspectives on the field to expand the genetic landscape of mitochondrial diseases.
Prevalence of POC5 Coding Variants in French-Canadian and British AIS Cohort
Authors: Mathieu Hélène , Spataru Aurélia , Aragon-Martin José Antonio , Child Anne , Barchi Soraya , Fortin Carole , Parent Stefan , Moldovan Florina
Published: July 2021

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex common disorder of multifactorial etiology defined by a deviation of the spine in three dimensions that affects approximately 2% to 4% of adolescents. Risk factors include other affected family members, suggesting a genetic component to the disease. The POC5 gene was identified as one of the first ciliary candidate genes for AIS, as three variants were identified in large families with multiple members affected with idiopathic scoliosis. To assess the prevalence of p.(A429V), p.(A446T), and p.(A455P) POC5 variants in patients with AIS, we used next-generation sequencing in our cohort of French-Canadian and British families and sporadic cases. Our study highlighted a prevalence of 13% for POC5 variants, 7.5% for p.(A429V), and 6.4% for p.(A446T). These results suggest a higher prevalence of the aforementioned POC5 coding variants in patients with AIS compared to the general population.
Fissure Ridges: A Reappraisal of Faulting and Travertine Deposition (Travitonics)
Authors: Brogi Andrea , Capezzuoli Enrico , Karabacak Volkan , Alcicek Mehmet Cihat , Luo Lianchao
Published: July 2021

The mechanical discontinuities in the upper crust (i.e., faults and related fractures) lead to the uprising of geothermal fluids to the Earth’s surface. If fluids are enriched in Ca2+ and HCO3-, masses of CaCO3 (i.e., travertine deposits) can form mainly due to the CO2 leakage from the thermal waters. Among other things, fissure-ridge-type deposits are peculiar travertine bodies made of bedded carbonate that gently to steeply dip away from the apical part where a central fissure is located, corresponding to the fracture trace intersecting the substratum; these morpho-tectonic features are the most useful deposits for tectonic and paleoseismological investigation, as their development is contemporaneous with the activity of faults leading to the enhancement of permeability that serves to guarantee the circulation of fluids and their emergence. Therefore, the fissure ridge architecture sheds light on the interplay among fault activity, travertine deposition, and ridge evolution, providing key geo-chronologic constraints due to the fact that travertine can be dated by different radiometric methods. In recent years, studies dealing with travertine fissure ridges have been considerably improved to provide a large amount of information. In this paper, we report the state of the art of knowledge on this topic refining the literature data as well as adding original data, mainly focusing on the fissure ridge morphology, internal architecture, depositional facies, growth mechanisms, tectonic setting in which the fissure ridges develop, and advantages of using the fissure ridges for neotectonic and seismotectonic studies.
Comorbidities Associated with One-Year Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
Authors: Horodinschi Ruxandra Nicoleta , Diaconu Camelia Cristina
Published: July 2021

Background: Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly coexist and patients with both diseases have a worse prognosis than those with HF or AF alone. The objective of our study was to identify the factors associated with one-year mortality in patients with HF and AF, depending on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: We included 727 patients with HF and AF consecutively admitted in a clinical emergency hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. The inclusion criteria were age of more than 18 years, diagnosis of chronic HF and AF (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent), and signed informed consent. The exclusion criteria were the absence of echocardiographic data, a suboptimal ultrasound view, and other cardiac rhythms than AF. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (337 patients with AF and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)), group 2 (112 patients with AF and HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF)), and group 3 (278 patients with AF and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)). Results: The one-year mortality rates were 36.49% in group 1, 27.67% in group 2, and 27.69% in group 3. The factors that increased one-year mortality were chronic kidney disease (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.45–3.83), coronary artery disease (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.06–2.62), and diabetes (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05–2.67) in patients with HFrEF; and hypertension in patients with HFpEF (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.36–4.39). Conclusions: One-year mortality in patients with HF and AF is influenced by different factors, depending on the LVEF.
Nursing-Intense Health Education Intervention for Persons with Type 2 Diabetes: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Martos-Cabrera María Begoña , Gómez-Urquiza José Luis , Cañadas-González Guillermo , Romero-Bejar José Luis , Suleiman-Martos Nora , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo Arturo , Albendín-García Luis
Published: July 2021

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a highly prevalent disease, the progression of which depends on high blood glucose levels, which are reflected in the level of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Appropriate health education equips patients with the knowledge and skills to control their glucose and HbA1c levels to avoid long-term complications. This study was set up to compare the results of an intensive (360 min) educational intervention to improve HbA1c parameters in patients with DM2 with those of a usual 90 min intervention. For this purpose, healthcare personnel led a quasi-experimental study of 249 diabetics: 171 in the control group, and 78 in the intervention group. In the control group, the mean HbA1c value decreased from 6.97 to 6.75, while in intervention group it fell from 8.97 to 8.06. The before and after mean difference between both groups was compared with a Wilcoxon test, and the results statistically significant (W = 4530; p < 0.001), indicating a higher reduction of HbA1c in the intervention group. We concluded that the intensive health education provided by nurses during the consultation helped improve HBA1c levels in persons with DM2.
Longitudinal Change of Mental Health among Active Social Media Users in China during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Liu Tianli , Li Sijia , Qiao Xiaochun , Song Xinming
Published: July 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, every day, updated case numbers and the lasting time of the pandemic became major concerns of people. We collected the online data (28 January to 7 March 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak) of 16,453 social media users living in mainland China. Computerized machine learning models were developed to estimate their daily scores of the nine dimensions of the Symptom Checklist—90 (SCL-90). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the SCL-90 dimension scores between Wuhan and non-Wuhan residents. Fixed effect models were used to analyze the relation of the estimated SCL-90 scores with the daily reported cumulative case numbers and lasting time of the epidemic among Wuhan and non-Wuhan users. In non-Wuhan users, the estimated scores for all the SCL-90 dimensions significantly increased with the lasting time of the epidemic and the accumulation of cases, except for the interpersonal sensitivity dimension. In Wuhan users, although the estimated scores for all nine SCL-90 dimensions significantly increased with the cumulative case numbers, the magnitude of the changes was generally smaller than that in non-Wuhan users. The mental health of Chinese Weibo users was affected by the daily updated information on case numbers and the lasting time of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Rising Burden of Diabetes-Related Blindness: A Case for Integration of Primary Eye Care into Primary Health Care in Eswatini
Authors: Maseko Sharon Nobuntu , van Staden Diane , Mhlongo Euphemia Mbali
Published: July 2021

There is a rampant increase in diabetes prevalence globally. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is projected to carry the largest burden of diabetes (34.2 million) by 2030. This will inevitably cause a parallel increase in diabetes-associated complications; with the predominant complications being blindness due to diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cataracts. Eye programs in developing countries remain inadequate, existing as stand-alone programs, focused on the provision of acute symptomatic care at secondary and tertiary health levels. Over 60% of people with undiagnosed diabetes report to eye care facilities with already advanced retinopathy. While vision loss due to cataracts is reversible, loss of vision from diabetic retinopathy is irreversible. Developing countries have in the last two decades been significantly impacted by infectious pandemics; with SSA countries committing over 80% of their health budgets towards infectious diseases. Consequently, non-communicable diseases and eye health have been neglected. This paper aimed to highlight the importance of strengthening primary health care services to prevent diabetes-related blindness. In SSA, where economies are strained by infectious disease, the projected rise in diabetes prevalence calls for an urgent need to reorganize health systems to focus on life-long preventative and integrated measures. However, research is critical in determining how best to integrate these without further weakening health systems.
Towards Employee Creativity in the Healthcare Sector: Investigating the Role of Polychronicity, Job Engagement, and Functional Flexibility
Authors: Waheed Junaid , Jun Wen , Yousaf Zahid , Radulescu Magdalena , Hussain Hadi
Published: July 2021

Given the importance of individual level creativity, this paper investigates the influence of employee polychronicity on employee creativity among nurses in the healthcare sector. The current research also tests how job engagement acts as a mediator between employees’ polychronicity and creativity. Finally, thepaper analyzes the role of functional flexibility as a moderator that enhances the influence of polychronicity on employee creativity. The current paper presents empirical research, and cross-sectional data were gathered from 457 nurses (Subordinate Staff) and 127 doctors (Supervisors) working in 37DHQ (District Head Quarters) hospitals in Pakistan. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple-regression techniques were applied for analyzing the collected data. The findings proved that the nurses’ polychronic attitude increases their creativity. Findings revealed that job commitment plays a mediating role between polychronicity and employee creativity. The findings proved that functional flexibility enhances the link between polychronicity and creativity. This research has contributed to both theory and managerial practice about the interplay of polychronicity, creativity, job engagement, and functional flexibility among nurses. The management in practice should focus on employee attitude, i.e., polychronicity, for improving their creativeness.
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Gold Jubilee
Authors: Solary Eric , Itzykson Raphael
Published: July 2021

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) was named 50 years ago to describe a myeloid malignancy whose onset is typically insidious. This disease is now classified by the World Health Organisation as a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) overlap disease. Observed mostly in ageing people, CMML is characterized by the expansion of monocytes and, in many cases, granulocytes. Abnormal repartition of circulating monocyte subsets, as identified by flow cytometry, facilitates disease recognition. CMML is driven by the accumulation, in the stem cell compartment, of somatic variants in epigenetic, splicing and signaling genes, leading to epigenetic reprogramming. Mature cells of the leukemic clone contribute to creating an inflammatory climate through the release of cytokines and chemokines. The suspected role of the bone marrow niche in driving CMML emergence and progression remains to be deciphered. The clinical expression of the disease is highly diverse. Time-dependent accumulation of symptoms eventually leads to patient death as a consequence of physical exhaustion, multiple cytopenias and acute leukemia transformation. Fifty years after its identification, CMML remains one of the most severe chronic myeloid malignancies, without disease-modifying therapy. The proliferative component of the disease that distinguishes CMML from severe MDS has been mostly neglected. This review summarizes the progresses made in disease understanding since its recognition and argues for more CMML-dedicated clinical trials.
Assessment of the Frequency of Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Adults in Poland
Authors: Piekara Agnieszka , Krzywonos Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

Background: in the context of the ongoing obesity epidemic and increase in cases of metabolic disorders among the population, it is significant, from the health, nutritional, and economic point of view, to a look at the habits of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption of adults in Poland. This study aims to determine the sweetened beverages, which are the most popular and most frequently consumed by Polish consumers in correlation with sex, age, income, and education of the studied group of adults. Methods: The survey study was based on the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) and was conducted on a representative sample of 500 adult Poles, within the period from May to June 2020. The fundamental stage of the survey included the question, which asked the respondents to assess the frequency of consuming selected eleven sweetened or unsweetened beverages. Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents were considered when evaluating whether these factors aligned with the behaviors regarding the frequency of beverage consumption. Results: The consumption of SSBs tends to decrease along with consumer’s age. A decrease, which could be associated with level of consumers’ education level and correlation with income could not be verified. Adults drink sugar sweetened beverages less often than younger consumers, and women drink them less often than men. Conclusions: Identification of the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage intake can indicate directions for further national or regional action against the spread of obesity. Moreover, attention should be drawn to young males who consume beverages abundant in high sugar most often.
Functioning and Cognition of Portuguese Older Adults Attending in Residential Homes and Day Centers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lopes Manuel José , Pinho Lara Guedes de , Fonseca César , Goes Margarida , Oliveira Henrique , Garcia-Alonso José , Afonso Anabela
Published: July 2021

The functioning and cognition of older adults can be influenced by different care contexts. We aimed to compare the functioning profiles and cognition of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized older adults and to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic factors on the functioning and cognition. This is a cross-sectional study that included 593 older adults. The data were collected using the Elderly Nursing Core Set and Mini Mental State Examination. Women, older adults who did not attend school and those live in Residential Homes are more likely to have a higher degree of cognitive impairment than men, those who attended school and those frequent Day Centre. The chances of an older adult with moderate or severe cognitive impairment increases with age. Older women, older adults who did not attend school, and older adults who live in Residential Homes had a higher degree of functional problem than men, those who attended school and those who frequent a Day Centre, independently to age. It is necessary to promote the health literacy of older adults throughout life. The implementation of social and health responses should allow older adults to remain in their homes, given the influence of functioning and cognition on self-care and quality of life.
What Happens after Hospital Discharge? Deficiencies in Medication Management Encountered by Geriatric Patients with Polypharmacy
Authors: Mortelmans Laura , De Baetselier Elyne , Goossens Eva , Dilles Tinne
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to describe post-discharge medication self-management by geriatric patients with polypharmacy, to describe the problems encountered and to determine the related factors. In a multicenter study from November 2019 to March 2020, data were collected at hospital discharge and two to five days post-discharge. Geriatric patients with polypharmacy were questioned about medication management using a combination of validated (MedMaIDE) and self-developed questionnaires. Of 400 participants, 70% did self-manage medication post-discharge. Patients had a mean of four different deficiencies in post-discharge medication management (SD 2.17, range 0–10). Knowledge-related deficiencies were most common. The number of medicines and the in-hospital provision of medication management by nurses were significant predictors of post-discharge medication management deficiencies. In addition to deficiencies in knowledge, medication-taking ability and obtaining medication, non-adherence and disrupted continuity of medication self-management were common in geriatric patients with polypharmacy post-discharge. Improvements in in-hospital preparation could avoid medication self-management problems at home.
The Effectiveness of Transversus Abdominis Plane and Quadratus Lumborum Blocks in Acute Postoperative Pain Following Cesarean Section—A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Borys Michał , Potręć-Studzińska Beata , Kutnik Paweł , Sysiak-Sławecka Justyna , Rypulak Elżbieta , Gęca Tomasz , Kwaśniewska Anna , Czuczwar Mirosław , Piwowarczyk Paweł
Published: July 2021

Acute pain intensity related to cesarean section (CS) may be extensive and is often underestimated. This may influence mothers’ quality of life and their children’s development. Regional analgesia techniques that include transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) have proven their efficacy in the postoperative period after CS. Although several randomized controlled studies and one meta-analysis have investigated the utility of TAPB and QLB in the reduction of acute and chronic pain after CS, only one study directly compared both types of regional blocks and revealed superiority of QLB over TAPB. Our study aimed to reevaluate the effectiveness of transversus TAPB and QLB in controlling acute postoperative pain after CS. We recruited 197 women with singleton pregnancies undergoing CS under spinal anesthesia. The patients were randomized to receive either TAPB or QLB after CS. The acute postoperative pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after the operation. No significant difference in acute postoperative pain intensity between the groups was found. The patients who received TAPB had a higher demand for supplemental morphine injections (p < 0.039). In our study, none of the evaluated regional blocks demonstrated an advantage over the other regarding acute postoperative pain management.
Assessing the Level of Awareness of COVID-19 and Prevalence of General Anxiety Disorder among the Hail Community, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsaif Bandar , Elhassan Najm Eldinn Elsser , Itumalla Ramaiah , Ali Kamal Elbassir , Alzain Mohamed Ali
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major public health problem around the world. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the awareness and prevalence of General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) with regard to COVID-19 among the Hail community, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in order to help health authorities to effectively control the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 412 participants living in Hail, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the prevention of COVID-19, as well as psychological feelings in terms of GAD as an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The study found that most of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge, attitudes, and practice for COVID-19 prevention. The elderly and employed demonstrated significant positive attitudes and practices (p < 0.05). Participants with a positive attitude were almost two and a half times (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.54–3.99) more likely to have good practices. Additionally, the rural respondents were less likely (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21–0.96) to have a positive attitude. Married participants were more than one and a half (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.04–2.44) times more likely to have a positive attitude. The prevalence of GAD was 21.8% and was significantly increased among participants with inadequate knowledge (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.25–3.22), females (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.19–3.09), individuals with chronic diseases (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.02–2.86), and non-Saudi participants (OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.02–5.85). Conclusions: Ensuring a sufficient combination of relatively good levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and desired practices serves as a good approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, the increased prevalence of GAD requires the attention of policymakers. Therefore, a great emphasis should be placed on health awareness campaigns, with a focus on misconceptions and the provision of counseling.
Identifying the Weaker Function Links in the Hazardous Chemicals Road Transportation System in China
Authors: Ma Laihao , Ma Xiaoxue , Zhang Jingwen , Yang Qing , Wei Kai
Published: July 2021

Safety of the hazardous chemicals road transportation system (HCRTS) is an important, complex, social, and environmental sensitive problem. The complexity, dynamics, and multi-link features of HCRTS have made it necessary to think beyond traditional risk analysis methods. Based on the relevant literature, Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) is a relatively new systemic method for modeling and analyzing complex socio-technical systems. In this study, a methodology that integrates FRAM, fuzzy sets, and risk matrix is presented to quantitatively assess the risks factors representing failure function links in HCRTS. As the strength of function links can be illustrated by the RI (risk index) of risk factors identified in failure function links, 32 risk factors representing 12 failure function links were first identified by accident causes analysis and the framework of FRAM. Fuzzy sets were then utilized to calculate the weight of the likelihood and consequence of the risk factors. Finally, according to the assessment results of the identified risk factors by a two-dimensional risk matrix, the weaker function links in the whole HCRTS chain were identified. HCs road companies, regulatory authorities, relevant practitioners, and other stakeholders should pay more attention to these links.
Risk Perception and Coping Behavior of Construction Workers on Occupational Health Risks—A Case Study of Nanjing, China
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Jie , Li Hongyang , Li He , Mao Peng , Yuan Jingfeng
Published: July 2021

To reduce harm caused by occupational health risks of construction workers exposed to working environments, especially those for interior decoration, it is crucial for them to actively recognize and prevent these risks. Therefore, how to improve their occupational health risks perception and regulate their coping behaviors should be of great concern. However, most prior studies target construction worker safety, and little research focuses on risk analysis from the psychological level of workers. Hence, construction workers’ occupational health risk perception level and coping behavior level in Nanjing and the influencing factors were analyzed through statistical analysis with 341 valid questionnaires. Bootstrapping was applied to test the mediating effects of risk perception on the proposed factors and coping behaviors. This study revealed that construction workers have a high-level of occupational health risk perception, yet low-level coping behavior. Gender, age, education level, and unit qualification cause differences in individual risk perception level. Personal knowledge and group effects significantly affect the level of risk perception, which subsequently affect coping behavior. Education level, monthly income, and personal knowledge influence the coping behavior through risk perception. Recommendations were put forward for risk perception and coping behavior improvement from the perspectives of construction workers themselves, enterprises, and governments. This study sheds new light for research areas of occupational health and risk management and provides beneficial practice for improving construction workers’ responses to occupational health risks.
Differences in the Protection Motivation Theory Constructs between People with Various Latent Classes of Motivation for Vaccination and Preventive Behaviors against COVID-19 in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi-Lung , Lin Yen-Ju , Chang Yu-Ping , Chou Wen-Jiun , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: July 2021

The present study aimed to identify the distinct classes of motivations to get vaccinated and to adopt preventive behaviors against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among people in Taiwan and to examine the roles of Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) cognitive constructs in these unique classes of motivations to get vaccinated and to adopt preventive behaviors. We recruited 1047 participants by using a Facebook advertisement. Participants’ motivations to get vaccinated and to adopt preventive behaviors against COVID-19, PMT constructs of threat appraisal (perceived severity and perceived vulnerability), and PMT constructs of coping appraisal (self-efficacy, response efficacy, response cost, knowledge, and previous vaccination for seasonal influenza) were determined. We analyzed participants’ motivations to get vaccinated and to adopt preventive behaviors against COVID-19 by using latent profile analysis. The present study identified three latent classes, including the participants with high motivation for vaccination and preventive behaviors (the class of Both High), those with low motivation for vaccination and preventive behaviors (the class of Both Low), and those with high motivation for vaccination but low motivation for preventive behaviors (the class of High Vaccination but Low Preventive Behaviors). Compared with the participants in the class of Both High, participants in the class of Both Low had lower levels of perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, self-efficacy to have vaccination, response efficacy of vaccination, knowledge about vaccination, and previous vaccination for seasonal influenza; participants in the class of High Vaccination but Low Preventive Behaviors had lower levels of perceived vulnerability and perceived severity but higher levels of response cost of vaccination. We concluded that varieties of motivations, threat, and coping appraisals should be considered in intervention programs aiming to increase motivation to adopt recommended protective behaviors against COVID-19.
Prescription Habits Related to Chronic Pathologies of Elderly People in Primary Care in the Western Part of Romania: Current Practices, International Recommendations, and Future Perspectives Regarding the Overuse and Misuse of Medicines
Authors: Buda Valentina , Prelipcean Andreea , Cristescu Carmen , Roja Alexandru , Dalleur Olivia , Andor Minodora , Danciu Corina , Ledeti Adriana , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Cretu Octavian
Published: July 2021

The European Commission’s 2019 report regarding the state of health profiles highlighted the fact that Romania is among the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the European Union. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to assess the current prescription habits of general physicians in Romania related to medicines taken by the elderly population for chronic conditions in both urban and rural setting and to discuss/compare these practices with the current international recommendations for the elderly (American—Beers 2019 criteria and European—STOPP/START v.2, 2015 criteria). A total of 2790 electronic prescriptions for chronic pathologies collected from 18 community pharmacies in the western part of Romania (urban and rural zones) were included. All medicines had been prescribed by general physicians. We identified the following situations of medicine overuse: 15% of the analyzed prescriptions involved the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for >2 weeks, 12% involved the use of a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) for >8 weeks, theophylline was the bronchodilator used as a monotherapy in 3.17% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases, and zopiclone was the hypnotic drug of choice for 2.31% of cases. Regarding the misuse of medicines, 2.33% of analyzed prescriptions contained an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) for patients with renal failure in addition to vitamin K antagonists (AVKs) and NSAIDs in 0.43% of cases. Prescriptions for COX2 NSAIDs for periods longer than 2 weeks for patients with cardiovascular disorders accounted for 1.33% of prescriptions, and trihexyphenidyl was used as a monotherapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease in 0.18% of cases. From the included medical prescriptions, 32.40% (the major percent of 2383 prescriptions) had two potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Rural zones were found to be risk factor for PIMs. Decreasing the chronic prescription of NSAIDs and PPIs, discontinuing the use of hypnotic drugs, and avoiding potentially harmful drug–drug associations will have long term beneficial effects for Romanian elderly patients.
An Integrated Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Large-Scale Gold Mining: The Nzema-Gold Mines in the Ellembelle District of Ghana as a Case Study
Authors: Usman Kaku Dawuda , Cao Yonghong , Al-Masnay Yousef Ahmed , Nizeyimana Jean Claude
Published: July 2021

The mining industry is a significant asset to the development of countries. Ghana, Africa’s second-largest gold producer, has benefited from gold mining as the sector generates about 90% of the country’s total exports. Just like all industries, mining is associated with benefits and risks to indigenes and the host environment. Small-scale miners are mostly accused in Ghana of being environmentally disruptive, due to their modes of operations. As a result, this paper seeks to assess the environmental impacts of large-scale gold mining with the Nzema Mines in Ellembelle as a case study. The study employs a double-phase mixed-method approach—a case study approach, consisting of site visitation, key informant interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis method. The NDVI analysis shows that agricultural land reduced by −0.98%, while the bare area increases by 5.21% between the 2008 and 2015 periods. Our results show that forest reserves and bare area were reduced by −4.99% and −29%, respectively, while residential areas increased by 28.17% between 2015 and 2020. Vegetation, land, air, and water quality are highly threatened by large-scale mining in the area. Weak enforcement of mining policies, ineffective stakeholder institution collaborations, and limited community participation in decision-making processes were also noticed during the study. The authors conclude by giving recommendations to help enhance sustainable mining and ensure environmental sustainability in the district and beyond.
The Association of Familial Hypertension and Risk of Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia
Authors: Lewandowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2021

It has not been established how history of hypertension in the father or mother of pregnant women, combined with obesity or smoking, affects the risk of main forms of pregnancy-induced hypertension. A cohort of 912 pregnant women, recruited in the first trimester, was assessed; 113 (12.4%) women developed gestational hypertension (GH), 24 (2.6%) developed preeclampsia (PE) and 775 women remained normotensive (a control group). Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) (and 95% confidence intervals) of GH and PE for chronic hypertension in the father or mother of pregnant women. Some differences were discovered. (1) Paternal hypertension (vs. absence of hypertension in the family) was an independent risk factor for GH (AOR-a = 1.98 (1.2–3.28), p = 0.008). This odds ratio increased in pregnant women who smoked in the first trimester (AOR-a = 4.71 (1.01–21.96); p = 0.048) or smoked before pregnancy (AOR-a = 3.15 (1.16–8.54); p = 0.024), or had pre-pregnancy overweight (AOR-a = 2.67 (1.02–7.02); p = 0.046). (2) Maternal hypertension (vs. absence of hypertension in the family) was an independent risk factor for preeclampsia (PE) (AOR-a = 3.26 (1.3–8.16); p = 0.012). This odds ratio increased in the obese women (AOR-a = 6.51 (1.05–40.25); p = 0.044) and (paradoxically) in women who had never smoked (AOR-a = 5.31 (1.91–14.8); p = 0.001). Conclusions: Chronic hypertension in the father or mother affected the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in different ways. Modifiable factors (overweight/obesity and smoking) may exacerbate the relationships in question, however, paradoxically, beneficial effects of smoking for preeclampsia risk are also possible. Importantly, paternal and maternal hypertension were not independent risk factors for GH/PE in a subgroup of women with normal body mass index (BMI).
Developing and Disseminating Physical Activity Messages Targeting Parents: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Larocca Victoria , Arbour-Nicitopoulos Kelly P. , Tomasone Jennifer R. , Latimer-Cheung Amy E. , Bassett-Gunter Rebecca L.
Published: July 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) messages have demonstrated success in targeting parent support for PA. However, little research exists to inform the development and dissemination of optimally effective PA messages targeting parents. A synthesis of existing literature is necessary to inform message development and dissemination strategies. Unique considerations for parents of children with disabilities (CWD) should be identified given a need for inclusive PA messaging that consider the needs of CWD and their families. Methods: Systematic scoping methodologies included a peer-reviewed literature search and expert consultation to identify literature regarding PA messages targeting parents, and considerations for parents of CWD. Results: Thirty-four articles that met eligibility criteria were included for examination. Twenty-eight studies were identified regarding the PA messages targeting parents; six themes and 12 subthemes emerged from these articles. Six studies were identified regarding unique considerations for parents of CWD; three themes and four subthemes emerged from these articles. Conclusions: Through knowledge synthesis, this research can contribute to a knowledge translation process to inform practice guidelines for the development and dissemination of PA messages targeting parents, while also providing unique considerations for PA messages targeting parents of CWD.