bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Isolated from Different Niches
Authors: Mao Bingyong , Yin Ruimin , Li Xiaoshu , Cui Shumao , Zhang Hao , Zhao Jianxin , Chen Wei
Published: February 2021

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can adapt to a variety of niches and is widely distributed in many sources. We used comparative genomics to explore the differences in the genome and in the physiological characteristics of L. plantarum isolated from pickles, fermented sauce, and human feces. The relationships between genotypes and phenotypes were analyzed to address the effects of isolation source on the genetic variation of L. plantarum. The comparative genomic results indicate that the numbers of unique genes in the different strains were niche-dependent. L. plantarum isolated from fecal sources generally had more strain-specific genes than L. plantarum isolated from pickles. The phylogenetic tree and average nucleotide identity (ANI) results indicate that L. plantarum in pickles and fermented sauce clustered independently, whereas the fecal L. plantarum was distributed more uniformly in the phylogenetic tree. The pan-genome curve indicated that the L. plantarum exhibited high genomic diversity. Based on the analysis of the carbohydrate active enzyme and carbohydrate-use abilities, we found that L. plantarum strains isolated from different sources exhibited different expression of the Glycoside Hydrolases (GH) and Glycosyl Transferases (GT) families and that the expression patterns of carbohydrate active enzymes were consistent with the evolution relationships of the strains. L. plantarum strains exhibited niche-specific characteristicsand the results provided better understating on genetics of this species.
Special Issue “Genetic Advances in Neuromuscular Disorders: From Gene Identification to Gene Therapy”
Authors: Arechavala-Gomeza Virginia , Gonzalez-Quereda Lidia
Published: February 2021

Since the gene responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy was first described in 1987 [...]
Negative Regulation of ULK1 by microRNA-106a in Autophagy Induced by a Triple Drug Combination in Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Salgado-García Rebeca , Coronel-Hernández Jossimar , Delgado-Waldo Izamary , Cantú de León David , García-Castillo Verónica , López-Urrutia Eduardo , Gutiérrez-Ruiz Ma. Concepción , Pérez-Plasencia Carlos , Jacobo-Herrera Nadia
Published: February 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the top three most deadly cancers worldwide. The survival rate for this disease has not been reduced despite the treatments, the reason why the search for therapeutic alternatives continues to be a priority issue in oncology. In this research work, we tested our successful pharmacological combination of three drugs, metformin, doxorubicin, and sodium oxamate (triple therapy, or TT), as an autophagy inducer. Firstly, we employed western blot (WB) assays, where we observed that after 8 h of stimulation with TT, the proteins Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1(ULK1), becline-1, autophagy related 1 protein (Atg4), and LC3 increased in the CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW480 in contrast to monotherapy with doxorubicin. The overexpression of these proteins indicated the beginning of autophagy flow through the activation of ULK1 and the hyperlipidation of LC3 at the beginning of this process. Moreover, we confirm that ULK1 is a bona fide target of hsa-miR-106a-5p (referred to from here on as miR-106a) in HCT116. We also observed through the GFP-LC3 fusion protein that in the presence of miR-106a, the accumulation of autophagy vesicles in cells stimulated with TT is inhibited. These results show that the TT triggered autophagy to modulate miR-106a/ULK1 expression, probably affecting different cellular pathways involved in cellular proliferation, survivance, metabolic maintenance, and cell death. Therefore, considering the importance of autophagy in cancer biology, the study of miRNAs that regulate autophagy in cancer will allow a better understanding of malignant tumors and lead to the development of new disease markers and therapeutic strategies.
Associations between Home Environment, Children’s and Parents’ Characteristics and Children’s TV Screen Time Behavior
Authors: Bassul Carolina , Corish Clare A. , Kearney John M.
Published: February 2021

In Ireland, television (TV) screen time is a highly prevalent sedentary behavior among children aged less than five years. Little is known about the influence of parental rules and policies or screen time availability and accessibility within the home on children’s TV screen time behaviors. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the extent to which parents’ sociodemographic and sedentary behaviors are associated with children’s TV screen time; and to determine the associations between parents’ rules and practices, home physical environment and children’s daily TV viewing. Three hundred and thirty-two children aged 3–5 years and their parents participated in the study. Children’s TV screen time and home environmental characteristics (parents’ rules and practices and the physical environment) were assessed using questions from standardized and validated questionnaires. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Within the different sedentary behaviors evaluated, parents’ TV viewing was positively associated with children’s TV screen time (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.09–2.50, p = 0.018). Leaving the TV on, whether or not it was being watched, was associated with a 38% increased probability of children watching ≥ 1 h TV daily. Children whose parents restricted their outdoor activity were more likely to watch ≥ 1 h TV daily (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.04–3.88, p = 0.036). Findings from the study demonstrated that parents’ own screen time behaviors, leaving the TV on whether it was being watched or not and restricting outdoor play were associated with higher children’s TV viewing in the home environment. This knowledge is essential to inform future interventions aimed to address the increase in screen time among young children.
A Successful Pilot Experiment of Salt Reduction in Tunisian Bread: 35% Gradual Decrease of Salt Content without Detection by Consumers
Authors: El Ati Jalila , Doggui Radhouene , El Ati-Hellal Myriam
Published: February 2021

As bread is the most consumed food by the Tunisian population and the major source of salt, a pilot experiment of salt reduction in bread was begun in Bizerte city. Salt analysis in bread collected from Bizerte city was done with the Volhard titration method. A one-way Anova test was carried out to assess salt content changes over time. Application of the salt reduction programme allowed a gradual decrease of salt content in bread by 35% during three years without detection by Tunisian consumers. The salt concentration in bread was then reduced from 1.7 ± 0.2 g/100 g to 1.1 ± 0.1 g/100 g (p < 0.0001). The establishment of an effective salt reduction strategy with lifestyle education is needed to reduce hypertension, which is the primary cause of death in Tunisia.
An Integrated Perspective on Spatio-Temporal Attention and Infant Language Acquisition
Authors: Russo Sofia , Calignano Giulia , Dispaldro Marco , Valenza Eloisa
Published: February 2021

Efficiency in the early ability to switch attention toward competing visual stimuli (spatial attention) may be linked to future ability to detect rapid acoustic changes in linguistic stimuli (temporal attention). To test this hypothesis, we compared individual performances in the same cohort of Italian-learning infants in two separate tasks: (i) an overlap task, measuring disengagement efficiency for visual stimuli at 4 months (Experiment 1), and (ii) an auditory discrimination task for trochaic syllabic sequences at 7 months (Experiment 2). Our results indicate that an infant’s efficiency in processing competing information in the visual field (i.e., visuospatial attention; Exp. 1) correlates with the subsequent ability to orient temporal attention toward relevant acoustic changes in the speech signal (i.e., temporal attention; Exp. 2). These results point out the involvement of domain-general attentional processes (not specific to language or the sensorial domain) playing a pivotal role in the development of early language skills in infancy.
Measuring and Assessing Fluctuating and Authentic–Durable Happiness in Italian Samples
Authors: Monacis Lucia , Limone Pierpaolo , Dambrun Michaël , Delle Fave Antonella , Sinatra Maria
Published: February 2021

On the basis of the self-centeredness and selflessness model, a new instrument assessing two distinct dimensions of happiness, fluctuating and authentic–durable, was developed. The current research aimed at examining the factor structure of the Italian version of the instrument, its psychometric properties and construct validity. To this end, two studies were carried out. Study 1 (N = 544) examined different measurement models, from unidimensional to multidimensional, from a fully symmetrical bifactor solution to a bifactor (S-1) solution. Findings indicated better and adequate fit indices for the last model. Using various samples (n = 1274) Study 2 confirmed the bifactor (S-1) structure and analysed psychometric properties, convergent and divergent validity and temporal stability of the instrument. Findings generally gave evidence of the multidimensional conceptualization of the construct, good levels of reliability values and adequate convergent validity of both scales. Discriminant validity showed mixed results from no association of age with authentic–durable happiness to weak and negative association with fluctuating happiness. Test–retest reliability displayed an adequate value of correlation coefficient for the two set scores of the authentic dimension and a value below the recommended cut-off criteria for the fluctuating dimension, where significant differences in the mean scores emerged. Future studies should aim to replicate the results of this research and attempt to overcome its limitations.
Do Communication Patterns Affect the Association between Cognitive Impairment and Hearing Loss among Older Adults in Vietnam?
Authors: Han Tran Dai Tri , Nakamura Keiko , Seino Kaoruko , Duc Vo Nu Hong , Vo Thang Van
Published: February 2021

This study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults in central Vietnam and the roles of communication (with or without communication devices) in the association between cognitive impairment and hearing loss. This cross-sectional study was performed on 725 randomly selected community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years from Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. Participants attended a face-to-face survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, social interaction with or without communication devices, health status and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination were reported. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between hearing loss and cognitive function by frequency of communication with and without devices. Mild and severe cognitive impairment had prevalence rates of 23.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Cognitive impairment was more prevalent among older adults with hearing-loss, vision loss and difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment was not significant when older adults had frequent communication with others using devices. This study presented the relatively high prevalence of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults in Vietnam. Frequent communication using devices attenuated the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment.
Impact of Spirulina maxima Intake and Exercise (SIE) on Metabolic and Fitness Parameters in Sedentary Older Adults with Excessive Body Mass: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hernández-Lepe Marco Antonio , Manríquez-Torres José de Jesús , Ramos-Lopez Omar , Serrano-Medina Aracely , Ortiz-Ortiz Melinna , Aburto-Corona Jorge Alberto , Pozos-Parra María del Pilar , Villalobos-Gallegos Luis Eduardo , Rodríguez-Uribe Genaro , Gómez-Miranda Luis Mario
Published: February 2021

Life expectancy has increased unprecedentedly in recent decades, benefiting the longevity of the world’s population. The most frequent pathological conditions presented in this age group include excessive body fat, frailty, and hypercholesterolemia. These pathological characteristics condition general health and autonomy in adults to carry out their usual activities. In this sense, the search for a healthy lifestyle is necessary, consisting in a healthy diet that includes supplementation with nutraceuticals and the daily practice of physical activity. This study protocol aims to evaluate the independent and synergistic effect of 12 weeks of Spirulina maxima intake (5 g/day), with or without an exercise program on metabolic and fitness parameters of 52 sedentary older adults with excessive body mass in a double-blind, randomized, crossover, controlled trial design. The main findings from this trial will provide novel evidence for future interventions designed for the elderly population and the result will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and international meetings. ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT04658875 (Effect of Spirulina maxima and Exercise on General Fitness and Blood Lipids in Older Adults).
Cross-Sectional Associations of Application Use and Media Program Viewing with Cognitive and Psychosocial Development in Preschoolers
Authors: McNeill Jade , Howard Steven J. , Vella Stewart A. , Cliff Dylan P.
Published: February 2021

Executive functions and psychosocial health during childhood are positively associated with health and developmental outcomes into adulthood. Electronic media use has been reported to adversely affect health and development in children; however, what remains unclear is whether contemporary media behaviors, such as electronic application (app) use, exerts similar effects on health and development. We investigated the associations of electronic media use (program viewing and app use) with cognitive and psychosocial development in preschoolers. Parents of preschool children (n = 247, 4.2 ± 0.6 years) reported the time their child spent using electronic media. Direct assessment of the children’s executive functions (working memory, inhibition, and shifting) and educator-reported psychosocial difficulties were also collected. Associations were examined using linear regression adjustments for covariates and preschool clustering. Small, but significant, negative associations were observed for total electronic media use (b = −0.001; 95% CI: −0.003, −0.000; p = 0.026) and program viewing (b = −0.002; 95% CI: −0.003, −0.000; p = 0.033) with children’s visual–spatial working memory. However, high-dose app users demonstrated higher phonological working memory scores compared to non-users (MD = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.58; p = 0.025). Similarly, compared to non-users, low-dose app users displayed statistically significantly fewer total difficulties (MD = −1.67; 95% CI: −3.31, −0.02; p = 0.047). No associations were evident for high-dose app users and the remaining outcomes. The results may suggest that attempts to reduce program viewing while promoting moderate levels of app use may exert positive influences on children’s executive functions and psychosocial development.
Residential Greenspace and Urban Adolescent Substance Use: Exploring Interactive Effects with Peer Network Health, Sex, and Executive Function
Authors: Mennis Jeremy , Li Xiaojiang , Meenar Mahbubur , Coatsworth J. Douglas , McKeon Thomas P. , Mason Michael J.
Published: February 2021

While urban greenspace is increasingly recognized as important to mental health, its role in substance use is understudied. This exploratory study investigates the interaction of greenspace with peer network health, sex, and executive function (EF) in models of substance use among a sample of disadvantaged, urban youth. Adolescents and their parents were recruited from a hospital in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. Residential greenspace at the streetscape level was derived from analysis of Google Street View imagery. Logistic regression models were used to test the moderating effect of greenspace on the association between peer network health and substance use, as well as additional moderating effects of sex and EF. The significant negative association of peer network health with substance use occurred only among youth residing in high greenspace environments, a moderating effect which was stronger among youth with high EF deficit. The moderating effect of greenspace did not differ between girls and boys. Greenspace may play an important role in moderating peer influences on substance use among disadvantaged, urban adolescents, and such moderation may differ according to an individual’s level of EF. This research provides evidence of differences in environmental susceptibility regarding contextual mechanisms of substance use among youth, and it informs the development of targeted substance use interventions that leverage social and environmental influences on adolescent substance use.
The Spatial-Temporal Variation Characteristics of Natural Vegetation Drought in the Yangtze River Source Region, China
Authors: Yin Jun , Yuan Zhe , Li Ting
Published: February 2021

In the context of climate change, ecosystem in Yangtze River Source Region (YRSR) is under threat from severe droughts. This study introduced a new natural vegetation drought index, standardized supply-demand water index (SSDI), and identified natural vegetation drought events and parameters (e.g., duration, severity, peak, and coverage area) based on run theory. Then the drought-prone regions were investigated via 2-dimensional joint copula. The results indicate that (1) compared with traditional meteorological drought index, the SSDI is reliable and can reflect the comprehensive characteristics of the ecological drought information more easily and effectively; (2) the YRSR had witnessed the most severe drought episodes in the periods of late-1970s, mid-1980s, and mid-1990s, but the SSDI showed a wetting trend since the mid-2000s. Additionally, droughts in the Southern YRSR were relatively more severe with longer drought duration; (3) in most areas of Togton River Basin and Dam River Basin, the severe ecological drought events occurred more frequently; (4) drought duration and severity in the YRSR were more susceptible to temperature when the temperature rise was above 1.0 °C. The average drought duration and severity increased by 20.7% and 32.6% with a temperature rise of 1 °C. Investigating and evaluating drought characteristics, causes, and drought index effectiveness provide essential information for balanced water resource allocation, utilization, and drought prevention. Understanding these spatial-temporal characteristics of drought and return period was useful for drought risk assessment and sustainable development of water resources.
Reflection of Challenges and Opportunities within the COVID-19 Pandemic to Include Biological Hazards into DRR Planning
Authors: Chan Emily Ying Yang , Dubois Caroline , Fong Ada Ho Yin , Shaw Rajib , Chatterjee Ranit , Dabral Ambika , Loyzaga Antonia , Kim Yong-kyun , Hung Kevin Kei Ching , Wong Chi Shing
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 has reinforced the need to revisit the integration of health within disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies for biological hazards in a system-wide approach. In November 2020, DRR experts attended the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction (APP-DRR) Forum to share progress and learnings in the areas of health system resilience, data management, residual risk management, risk communication, digital literacy, and knowledge product marketing. Advancements for health in DRR included the importance of multi-sectoral, multi-hazard action plans; adaptation to technological advancements in data collection, dissemination and protection; promoting the health and wellbeing of essential and nonprofessional workers; and improving inclusivity in digital literacy. COVID-19 has affected progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and created a unique opportunity within DRR to re-evaluate the adequacy of response mechanisms against concurrent, cascading or interacting risks of future biological hazards. Health emergency disaster risk management (Health-EDRM) is a new World Health Organization paradigm that includes DRR at intra-, inter- and multidisciplinary levels. Scientific advancement under Health-EDRM is necessary for health and non-health actors in DRR education and research. Continuous education on the multifaceted risk governance is a key to building awareness, capacity and accelerating towards achieving the international DRR and the SDG targets.
Factors Included in T1DM Continuing Education for Korean School Nurses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Beak Eun-Mi , Kim Yeon-Ha
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: The aim of this systematic review was to identify key factors for inclusion in continuing education for Korean school nurses to improve their competence in managing students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). (2) Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. (3) Results: Twelve studies were included in this systematic literature review. The factors identified for inclusion in continuing education on Type 1 diabetes mellitus included 6 competencies. These were strengthening competence in managing students with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, facilitating networking with experts and peers, the perspective of the school nurse as a leader, use of a type 1 diabetes mellitus-specific evidence-based standardized approach of care, supporting self-management to promote healthy learners, and communication and collaboration between key stakeholders. Identified barriers to accessing continuing education on type 1 diabetes mellitus were work demands, difficulty taking time off during the school year, and limited support from administrators. (4) Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, online or e-learning continuing education on type 1 diabetes mellitus must be developed for school nurses who manage students with this condition.
The Intra-European Union Food Trade with the Relation to the Notifications in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed
Authors: Pigłowski Marcin
Published: February 2021

About three-quarters of food exports from European Union (EU) countries goes to the common market in which the free movement of products is ensured. Therefore, it is important to examine from which EU countries the food is exported, what food products they are, and what hazards may be present in these products. The data for research were obtained for 1999–2018 from the Eurostat database (according to the Standard International Trade Classification—SITC) and the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) database. Then, cluster analysis was performed using joining (tree clustering) and two-way joining methods. The main food exporters were the following countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. They exported: cereals, fruits and vegetables, beverages and feeding stuff (in quantitative terms) and fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, and cereals (in terms of value). In turn, the most frequently notified hazards in food originating from these countries were: pathogenic micro-organisms, microbial contaminants, metals, composition, foreign bodies, allergens, and pesticide residues. The increase in the number of alert notifications in the RASFF is particularly noticeable in recent years. The results of the research may be useful for activities related to food traceability, changes in the European law, and encouraging the use of extensive methods in agriculture.
Impact of Fear of Contracting COVID-19 and Complying with the Rules of Isolation on Nutritional Behaviors of Polish Adults
Authors: Kowalczuk Iwona , Gębski Jerzy
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to examine whether, and to what extent, fear of contracting Covid-19 and compliance with the mandatory rules of isolation affected Polish adults’ nutritional behaviors. The online study was carried out during the first wave of the pandemic on a sample of 926 adults. Through cluster analysis, three groups of respondents were isolated: 1. People who fear a Covid-19 infection and follow the isolation rules (FFR), 2. People moderately afraid of the disease and following the rules loosely (MFFR), 3. People who are not afraid of the infection and do not follow the rules of isolation. (NFFR). The clusters were profiled with consideration of different aspects of eating behaviors as well as socio-demographic and economic features. The results of the study show a close relationship between the level of fear of contracting Covid-19 and the degree to which isolation rules are followed. These two factors were found to have a significant impact on eating behaviors, such as food purchases, eating patterns, and levels of consumption. It was stated that the FFR group changed their eating behaviors the most in terms of food purchasing, eating habits (excluding diversity and quality of diet), and food product consumption. The greatest stability in the majority of the analyzed areas of nutritional behaviors was observed in the MFFR cluster. The NFFR group shown the greatest decrease both in regularity and quality of their meals. This group also exhibited a significant increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The results of the study can be useful in the decision making process when introducing restrictions or managing information. They also point to the need for extensive nutritional education focused on explaining the relationship between nutrition and health during a pandemic.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychological Well-Being in Chinese College Students: Mediation Effect of Mindfulness
Authors: Huang Chien-Chung , Tan Yuanfa , Cheung Shannon P. , Hu Hongwei
Published: February 2021

Literature on the antecedents of psychological well-being (PWB) has found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mindfulness are associated with PWB; less is known, however, about the role of mindfulness, a type of emotional and self-regulation, in the pathway between ACEs and PWB. This study used data from 1871 college students across China to examine the relation between ACEs and PWB, and whether the relation was mediated by mindfulness. The findings from structural equation modelling indicate a statistically significant negative association between ACEs and PWB, while mindfulness was strongly and positively associated with PWB. The effect of ACEs on PWB was reduced once mindfulness was controlled for in the analysis. This provides evidence that mindfulness was able to partially mediate the effects of negative life experiences on psychological well-being. This calls for mindfulness interventions targeted toward students with a history of ACEs to buffer the effects of ACEs on PWB.
Spatial Heterogeneity in Positional Errors: A Comparison of Two Residential Geocoding Efforts in the Agricultural Health Study
Authors: Fisher Jared A. , Spaur Maya , Buller Ian D. , Flory Abigail R. , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Hofmann Jonathan N. , Giangrande Michael , Jones Rena R. , Ward Mary H.
Published: February 2021

Geocoding is a powerful tool for environmental exposure assessments that rely on spatial databases. Geocoding processes, locators, and reference datasets have improved over time; however, improvements have not been well-characterized. Enrollment addresses for the Agricultural Health Study, a cohort of pesticide applicators and their spouses in Iowa (IA) and North Carolina (NC), were geocoded in 2012–2016 and then again in 2019. We calculated distances between geocodes in the two periods. For a subset, we computed positional errors using “gold standard” rooftop coordinates (IA; N = 3566) or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) (IA and NC; N = 1258) and compared errors between periods. We used linear regression to model the change in positional error between time periods (improvement) by rural status and population density, and we used spatial relative risk functions to identify areas with significant improvement. Median improvement between time periods in IA was 41 m (interquartile range, IQR: −2 to 168) and 9 m (IQR: −80 to 133) based on rooftop coordinates and GPS, respectively. Median improvement in NC was 42 m (IQR: −1 to 109 m) based on GPS. Positional error was greater in rural and low-density areas compared to in towns and more densely populated areas. Areas of significant improvement in accuracy were identified and mapped across both states. Our findings underscore the importance of evaluating determinants and spatial distributions of errors in geocodes used in environmental epidemiology studies.
Active Video Games for Improving Mental Health and Physical Fitness—An Alternative for Children and Adolescents during Social Isolation: An Overview
Authors: Santos Isis Kelly dos , Medeiros Rafaela Catherine da Silva Cunha de , Medeiros Jason Azevedo de , Almeida-Neto Paulo Francisco de , Sena Dianne Cristina Souza de , Cobucci Ricardo Ney , Oliveira Ricardo Santos , Cabral Breno Guilherme de Araújo Tinoco , Dantas Paulo Moreira Silva
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to synthesize the evidence on the effects of active video games (AVGs) on mental health, physical fitness and body composition of children and adolescents. A search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed; MEDLINE (by Ovid); SportDiscus, Cochrane library systematic reviews (CENTRAL) and EMBASE with no language restrictions during October 2020. Reviews on the use of AVGs were included in the study. We use the AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) scale to analyze the methodological quality of the studies. Seventeen systematic reviews and meta-analyzes were included on the effects of AVGs with 30 to 4728 children and adolescents of both sexes with ages ranging from 6 to 19 years. In five studies, the population was overweight or obese. Regarding the quality, 12 studies were of moderate quality, two had high quality, two had low quality and one showed very low quality. The analyzed data indicate that the use of AVGs with a frequency of 1 to 3 times a week with durations of between 10 and 90 min per day shows positive effects on mental health and physical functioning. There was moderate quality evidence that AVGs can result in benefits for self-esteem, increased energy expenditure, physical activity and reduced body mass index in children and adolescents who used AVGs in the home environment. Further research is needed on this tool to help in the process of social isolation and consequently in promoting health and well-being.
The Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation as a Novel Therapy for Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea—A Literature Review
Authors: Mashaqi Saif , Patel Salma Imran , Combs Daniel , Estep Lauren , Helmick Sonia , Machamer Joan , Parthasarathy Sairam
Published: February 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that affects all age groups and is associated with many co-morbid diseases (especially cardiovascular diseases). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard for treating OSA. However, adherence to PAP therapy has been a major challenge with an estimated adherence between 20% and 80%. Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are a good alternative option if used in the appropriate patient. MAD are most effective in mild and moderate OSA but not severe OSA. Surgical options are invasive, not appropriate for severe OSA, and associated with pain and long healing time. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), or upper airway stimulation (UAS), is a novel therapy in treating moderate and severe degrees of OSA in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. We reviewed the MEDLINE (PubMed) database. The search process yielded 303 articles; 31 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included. We concluded that hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a very effective and novel alternative therapy for moderate and severe OSA in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Adherence to HGNS is superior to CPAP. However, more developments are needed to ensure the highest safety profile.
Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services at the Intersection of Disability and Female Adolescence in Tanzania
Authors: Mesiäislehto Virpi , Katsui Hisayo , Sambaiga Richard
Published: February 2021

Despite at times having greater needs for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, adolescents with disabilities often face challenges when trying to access them. This inaccessibility is further exacerbated during female adolescence. The qualitative study examines how SRH services respond to the characteristics of Tanzanian adolescent females with disabilities. We used the method of empathy-based stories to investigate the perceptions of 136 adolescent females with disabilities of their access to SRH services in Tanzania. The study used thematic content analysis and the Levesque model of health care access was applied as an analytical framework. The results demonstrate that discrimination affects access at different phases of care-seeking, that affectionate behaviour of providers is a central enabler of access, and that for this population access relies on a collective effort. We propose that affection, as an enabler of access, is as an additional provider dimension of access to SRH services for adolescents with disabilities, serving as a “reasonable accommodation” to the health care systems in southern contexts and beyond.
Predictors of Use of Preventative Health Services for People with Disabilities in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Tzu-Ying
Published: February 2021

People with disabilities display less use of preventive health services, such as health examinations, flu vaccinations, Pap smears and breast screening, but evidence has shown that preventive health services can detect or even prevent serious diseases and medical problems. Therefore, identifying the factors associated with the use of preventive health services is important for people with disabilities. This study examined the use of preventive health services by people with disabilities and identified other associated factors for people with disabilities. The research used social demographics and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) 12 items to measure activity and participation (AP) and other factors; there were 742 people with disabilities recruited with stratified proportional sampling. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The findings revealed that the common types of preventive services accessed by people with disabilities were health examinations and flu vaccinations; most of them had only used one preventive health service in the past year. The factors of having caregivers of spouses (OR = 1.74), perceived good health (OR = 1.26), and less limitation of AP (OR = 0.99) were significantly associated with the use of preventive services (p < 0.01). The study found a significant association between having children as caregivers and the non-use of Pap smears and breast screening services among women, providing valuable evidence for the distribution of the use of preventive health services for people with disabilities. Furthermore, the study highlighted the present status of disparities in the use of preventive services for people with disabilities and should encourage a boost in the adjustment of the medical environment and service resource allocation by the Taiwanese government for people with disabilities.
A COVID-19 Supply Chain Management Strategy Based on Variable Production under Uncertain Environment Conditions
Authors: Alkahtani Mohammed , Omair Muhammad , Khalid Qazi Salman , Hussain Ghulam , Ahmad Imran , Pruncu Catalin
Published: February 2021

The management of a controllable production in the manufacturing system is essential to achieve viable advantages, particularly during emergency conditions. Disasters, either man-made or natural, affect production and supply chains negatively with perilous effects. On the other hand, flexibility and resilience to manage the perpetuated risks in a manufacturing system are vital for achieving a controllable production rate. Still, these performances are strongly dependent on the multi-criteria decision making in the working environment with the policies launched during the crisis. Undoubtedly, health stability in a society generates ripple effects in the supply chain due to high demand fluctuation, likewise due to the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Incorporation of dependent demand factors to manage the risk from uncertainty during this pandemic has been a challenge to achieve a viable profit for the supply chain partners. A non-linear supply chain management model is developed with a controllable production rate to provide an economic benefit to the manufacturing firm in terms of the optimized total cost of production and to deal with the different situations under variable demand. The costs in the model are set as fuzzy to cope up with the uncertain conditions created by lasting pandemic. A numerical experiment is performed by utilizing the data set of the multi-stage manufacturing firm. The optimal results provide support for the industrial managers based on the proactive plan by the optimal utilization of the resources and controllable production rate to cope with the emergencies in a pandemic.
“Shedding Light on Light”: A Review on the Effects on Mental Health of Exposure to Optical Radiation
Authors: Bertani Davide Elia , De Novellis Antonella Maria Pia , Farina Riccardo , Latella Emanuela , Meloni Matteo , Scala Carmela , Valeo Laura , Galeazzi Gian Maria , Ferrari Silvia
Published: February 2021

In relation to human health and functioning, light, or more specifically optical radiation, plays many roles, beyond allowing vision. These may be summarized as: regulation of circadian rhythms; consequences of direct exposure to the skin; and more indirect effects on well-being and functioning, also related to lifestyle and contact with natural and urban environments. Impact on mental health is relevant for any of these specifications and supports a clinical use of this knowledge for the treatment of psychiatric conditions, such as depression or anxiety, somatic symptom disorder, and others, with reference to light therapy in particular. The scope of this narrative review is to provide a summary of recent findings and evidence on the regulating functions of light on human beings’ biology, with a specific focus on mental health, its prevention and care.
Definitions and Prevalence of Multimorbidity in Large Database Studies: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chua Ying Pin , Xie Ying , Lee Poay Sian Sabrina , Lee Eng Sing
Published: February 2021

Background: Multimorbidity presents a key challenge to healthcare systems globally. However, heterogeneity in the definition of multimorbidity and design of epidemiological studies results in difficulty in comparing multimorbidity studies. This scoping review aimed to describe multimorbidity prevalence in studies using large datasets and report the differences in multimorbidity definition and study design. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases to identify large epidemiological studies on multimorbidity. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol for reporting the results. Results: Twenty articles were identified. We found two key definitions of multimorbidity: at least two (MM2+) or at least three (MM3+) chronic conditions. The prevalence of multimorbidity MM2+ ranged from 15.3% to 93.1%, and 11.8% to 89.7% in MM3+. The number of chronic conditions used by the articles ranged from 15 to 147, which were organized into 21 body system categories. There were seventeen cross-sectional studies and three retrospective cohort studies, and four diagnosis coding systems were used. Conclusions: We found a wide range in reported prevalence, definition, and conduct of multimorbidity studies. Obtaining consensus in these areas will facilitate better understanding of the magnitude and epidemiology of multimorbidity.
The Effectiveness of EMOVERE: An Emotional Education Program for Young Couples
Authors: Mónaco Estefanía , de la Barrera Usue , Montoya-Castilla Inmaculada
Published: February 2021

Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of EMOVERE, a psychoeducational and experiential program to increase emotion regulation in couples. Forty-four young couples (n = 88) aged between 18 and 36 years old participated in the study (53.4% women; M = 24.18; SD = 4.34). Twenty-two couples belonged to the experimental group (received the intervention) and 22 to the control group (received no intervention). The intervention program consisted of seven two-hour sessions over a month, in groups of four to five couples. The variables studied were sociodemographic characteristics, emotional intelligence (TMMS-24), emotional inter-regulation with the partner (SIERC), attachment (ECR-S) and satisfaction with the relationship (RAS). The proposed design was quasi-experimental, with two randomized groups (experimental and control group) and longitudinal data from two occasions. SPSS version 24.0 was used to perform analysis of variance (MANOVA and MANCOVA), multiple hierarchical regression and reliable change index. PROCESS was also used for moderation analyses. The results indicate that the program is effective in increasing emotional self-regulation and emotion regulation with the partner, as well as reducing couples’ avoidance of intimacy. Age, relationship duration and previous relationship satisfaction moderate the effectiveness of the program. The importance of continuing this research line to address well-being of young populations is discussed.
What Deters Online Grocery Shopping? Investigating the Effect of Arithmetic Complexity and Product Type on User Satisfaction
Authors: Mirhoseini Mahdi , Pagé Shirley-Anne , Léger Pierre-Majorique , Sénécal Sylvain
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the influence of product type and arithmetic task complexity on users’ perceived mental effort and satisfaction in the context of online grocery shopping. A two-factor within-subject experiment was conducted with 32 participants. Results show that experience products and complex arithmetic tasks are associated with higher perceived mental effort compared to search products and simple arithmetic tasks. Perceived mental effort and satisfaction are negatively related. The more cognitive effort users need to invest in their online shopping tasks, the less satisfied they are likely to be with their online experience. Our results suggest that cognitive absorption mediates the relationship between cognitive effort and satisfaction. The study contributes to our understanding of online grocery shopping by explaining the effect of arithmetic complexity and product type on user satisfaction. It also offers shopping website designers a way to improve consumers’ online grocery shopping experience by implementing simple technology features in their websites to help users reduce their mental effort.
Novel Use of PLGA Microspheres to Create an Animal Model of Glaucoma with Progressive Neuroretinal Degeneration
Authors: Garcia-Herranz David , Rodrigo Maria Jesus , Subias Manuel , Martinez-Rincon Teresa , Mendez-Martinez Silvia , Bravo-Osuna Irene , Bonet Aina , Ruberte Jesus , Garcia-Feijoo Julian , Pablo Luis , Garcia-Martin Elena , Herrero-Vanrell Rocío
Published: February 2021

Progressive degeneration of neuroretinal tissue with maintained elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to simulate chronic glaucoma was produced by intracameral injections of poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres (Ms) in rat eyes. The right eye of 39 rats received different sizes of PLGA-Ms (2 µL suspension; 10% w/v): 14 with 38–20 µm Ms (Ms38/20 model) and 25 with 20–10 µm particles (Ms20/10 model). This novel glaucoma animal model was compared to the episcleral vein sclerosis (EPI) model (25 eyes). Injections were performed at baseline, two, four and six weeks. Clinical signs, IOP, retina and optic nerve thicknesses (using in vivo optical coherence tomography; OCT), and histological studies were performed. An IOP increment was observed in all three groups, however, the values obtained from the PLGA-Ms injection resulted lower with a better preservation of the ocular surface. In fact, the injection of Ms20/10 created a gentler, more progressive, and more sustained increase in IOP. This IOP alteration was correlated with a significant decrease in most OCT parameters and in histological ganglion-cell count for the three conditions throughout the eight-week follow-up. In all cases, progressive degeneration of the retina, retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve, simulating chronic glaucoma, was detected by OCT and corroborated by histological study. Results showed an alternative glaucoma model to the well-known episcleral vein model, which was simpler to perform, more reproducible and easier to monitor in vivo.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Religion and Human Rights: Complementary or Contrary
Authors: Ziebertz Hans-Georg
Published: February 2021

Human rights law is supposed to direct all social forces towards enhancement of the autonomy and equality of all citizens [...]
Comparative Analysis of TMPA and IMERG Precipitation Datasets in the Arid Environment of El-Qaa Plain, Sinai
Authors: Morsy Mona , Scholten Thomas , Michaelides Silas , Borg Erik , Sherief Youssef , Dietrich Peter
Published: February 2021

The replenishment of aquifers depends mainly on precipitation rates, which is of vital importance for determining water budgets in arid and semi-arid regions. El-Qaa Plain in the Sinai Peninsula is a region that experiences constant population growth. This study compares the performance of two sets of satellite-based data of precipitation and in situ rainfall measurements. The dates selected refer to rainfall events between 2015 and 2018. For this purpose, 0.1° and 0.25° spatial resolution TMPA (Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis) and IMERG (Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement) data were retrieved and analyzed, employing appropriate statistical metrics. The best-performing data set was determined as the data source capable to most accurately bridge gaps in the limited rain gauge records, embracing both frequent light-intensity rain events and more rare heavy-intensity events. With light-intensity events, the corresponding satellite-based data sets differ the least and correlate more, while the greatest differences and weakest correlations are noted for the heavy-intensity events. The satellite-based records best match those of the rain gauges during light-intensity events, when compared to the heaviest ones. IMERG data exhibit a superior performance than TMPA in all rainfall intensities.