bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Psychological Impact of Strict and Prolonged Confinement on Business Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Spanish University
Authors: Garvey Anne Marie , Jimeno García Inmaculada , Otal Franco Sara Helena , Mir Fernández Carlos
Published: February 2021

The study was carried out to examine the situation of university students from one month after the beginning of a very strict confinement process in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students responded to a survey which included the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) together with other questions relating to their general well-being from the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS). A total of 198 university students answered the web-based survey. The questionnaire was generated using Microsoft Forms and was explained and distributed online. The results indicated that around 18.7% of students were suffering from severe anxiety and 70.2% were suffering either mild or moderate anxiety at this point of the strict confinement process. The findings show that when emotional well-being (quality of sleep, the perception of feeling fear, death of a relative) is reduced and material well-being is negatively affected (income level) anxiety levels are increased. On the other hand, the results show that having good interpersonal relationships with family members and taking care of personal development (routines and habits that make them feel good) help reduce anxiety levels. The female students in the sample also suffered higher levels of anxiety than males during strict confinement.
Physical Self-Concept Changes in Adults and Older Adults: Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Intrinsic Motivation and Sports Habits
Authors: Conde-Pipó Javier , Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Ubago-Jiménez Jose Luis , Ramírez-Granizo Irwin , González-Valero Gabriel
Published: February 2021

Lifespan is increasing globally as never before, and leading to an aging world population. Thus, the challenge for society and individuals is now how to live these years in the best possible health and wellbeing. Despite the benefits of physical activity for both are well documented, older people are not active enough. Physical self-concept is correlated with high levels of sports practice, although its evolution across one’s life span is not clear. The aim of this research has been to analyze the physical self-concept in older adults and its relationship with emotional intelligence, motivation and sports habits. The sample of 520 adults aged between 41 and 80 was clustered in ranges of age; 70.96% were men (n = 369; 57.34 years (SD: 7.97)) and 29.04% women (n = 151; age = 55.56 years (SD: 9.12)). Questionnaires adapted to Spanish were used to measure physical self-concept (Physical Self-Perception Profile), motivation (Sport Motivation Scale), and emotional intelligence (Trait Meta-Mood Scale). Regarding physical self-concept, the youngest group obtained the highest mean values and the oldest group the lowest. Physical self-concept correlated positively with emotional regulation and intrinsic motivation. Initiation to sports in childhood, the practice of sports activities for more than 150’ per week, and the practice of three or more sports, were associated with a higher score of physical self-concept. The findings reveal that physical self-concept declines in older adults, slightly at first, and sharply between 71 and 80 years, being intrinsic motivation, emotional regulation, and sports habits, factors to consider in favoring a positive physical self-concept and adherence to sporting activities.
The Moderating Effect of Physical Activity on the Relationship between Sleep and Emotional Distress and the Difference between Blacks and Whites: A Secondary Data Analysis Using the National Health Interview Survey from 2005–2015
Authors: Moore Jesse , Richards Shannique , Popp Collin , Hollimon Laronda , Reid Marvin , Jean-Louis Girardin , Seixas Azizi A.
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: Unhealthy sleep durations (short and long sleep) are associated with emotional distress (ED). Minority populations, specifically Blacks, are more burdened with unhealthy sleep durations and ED. The ameliorative effect of physical activity (PA) on ED and sleep duration may provide insight into how to reduce the burden among Blacks and other minorities. However, it is unclear whether PA attenuates the relationship between sleep and ED, and whether this relationship differs by race. (2) Methods: We analyzed data from the nationally representative 2005–2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) dataset. ED, physical activity, and sleep duration were collected through self-reports. Regression analyses investigated the moderating effect of PA on the relationship between sleep and ED (adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and employment status) and stratified by race. (3) Results: We found that sleep duration was independently associated with ED. Physical activity moderated the relationship between sleep and ED, the full population, and Whites, but not Blacks. (4) Conclusion: PA moderated the relationship between short, average, or long sleep and ED, but in stratified analyses, this was only evident for Whites, suggesting Blacks received differing protective effects from physical activity. Further research should be performed to understand the connection of physical activity to sleep and mental health.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Restrictions on Self-Reported Physical Activity and Health in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Meiring Rebecca M. , Gusso Silmara , McCullough Eloise , Bradnam Lynley
Published: February 2021

This study describes self-reported physical activity (PA), motivation to exercise, physical and mental health and feelings towards PA during the March-May 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand. Adults over the age of 18 years (n = 238; 80.2% female) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3, the Short Form-36 and open-ended questions about PA through an anonymous online survey. Regular exercise was undertaken by 85% of respondents prior to lockdown, but only 49.8% were able to maintain their usual level of PA. Although respondents were considered sufficiently physically active from the IPAQ, 51.5% reported not being able to maintain their usual level of PA primarily due to the closure of their gym facilities. Sixty percent of respondents reported that PA had a positive effect on their overall wellbeing. When asked to specify which aspects of wellbeing were affected, the effect on mental health was reported the most while the effect on body image or fitness was reported the least. Strategies to increase or maintain engagement in physical activity during lockdowns should be encouraged to promote positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multi-Stakeholder Retrospective Acceptability of a Peer Support Intervention for Exercise Referral
Authors: Portman Robert M. , Levy Andrew R. , Maher Anthony J. , Fairclough Stuart J.
Published: February 2021

Perceived social support opportunities are central to successful exercise referral scheme (ERS) client experiences. However, there remains a lack of guidance on how ERSs can embed social support opportunities within their provision. This study presents retrospective acceptability findings from a 12-week social-identity-informed peer support intervention to enhance perceived social support among clients of an English ERS. Five peer volunteers were recruited, trained, and deployed in supervised ERS sessions across two sites. Peers assisted exercise referral officers (EROs) by providing supplementary practical, informational, motivational, and emotional support to ERS clients. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with peers (n = 4), EROs (n = 2), and clients (n = 5) and analysed thematically. The analysis identified three primary themes. The first theme detailed how EROs utilised peer volunteers to supplement the ERS client experience. This theme delineated peer roles within the ERS context and identified salient individual peer characteristics that contributed to their success. The second theme described peer acceptability among the various stakeholders. Peers were valued for their ability to reduce burden on EROs and to enhance perceptions of comfort among ERS clients. The final theme presented participant feedback regarding how the intervention may be further refined and enhanced. Peers represented a cost-effective and acceptable means of providing auxiliary social support to ERS clients. Moving forward, the structured integration of peers can improve the accessibility of social support among ERS participants, thus facilitating better rates of ERS completion.
Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists
Authors: Ezzatvar Yasmín , Calatayud Joaquín , Andersen Lars Louis , Ramos Vieira Edgar , López-Bueno Rubén , Casaña José
Published: February 2021

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a validated and widely used tool in occupational research. However, normative values for physical therapists (PTs) by age and sex are lacking. Although the nature of PTs’ work is physically demanding, it is unknown whether muscular fitness is associated with their WAI. This study sought to provide reference WAI data for Spanish PTs and to evaluate the association between PTs’ muscular fitness and WAI. Data on WAI of 1005 PTs were collected using a questionnaire. A subgroup (n = 68) performed a battery of physical tests including grip strength, push-ups and back-extension endurance. Associations between muscular fitness and WAI were evaluated using logistic regression controlling for various confounders. PTs aged 50 years or older had lower WAI scores than their younger counterparts. PTs with high back-extension endurance scored 3.5 (95% CI) higher in the WAI than those with low endurance. No associations were found between grip strength or number of push-ups and WAI. Our findings seem to highlight the importance of muscular fitness in PTs, especially the back-extension endurance.
Associations of Sleep and Health Functioning with Premature Exit from Work: A Cohort Study with a Methodological Emphasis
Authors: Kronholm Erkki , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Mänty Minna , Lahti Jouni , Lahelma Eero , Pietiläinen Olli , Rahkonen Ossi , Lallukka Tea
Published: February 2021

Sleep and functioning are associated with a risk of early workforce exit. However, patterns of change in sleep and functioning through time have not been investigated using person-oriented approaches to show what features of sleep and functioning are associated with an early exit. We examined the pattern of interactions between sleep and health functioning characterizing homogenous subgroups of employees and their associations with premature work exit. An additional aim was to provide a tutorial providing detailed description on how to apply these models, compared to traditional variable based risk factors. We analyzed data from 5148 midlife employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland, surveyed over three phases (2000–02, 2007, and 2012). Using repeated measures latent class analyses (RMLCA) we classified people into groups based on their trajectories in sleep and functioning. We identified four longitudinal groups: (1) Stable good sleep and functioning (reference), (2) Persistent sleep problems and good or moderate functioning, (3) Poor functioning with good sleep, and (4) Problematic sleep and health functioning. Compared to group 1, elevated risk was found in all classes with group 4 being the worst. In conclusion, focusing on person-orientated patterns of interactions between sleep and functioning helped produce qualitatively different and quantitatively stronger predictions than using conventional risk factor methodology. Thus, longitudinal person-oriented approaches may be a more powerful method for quantifying the role of sleep and health functioning as risks for premature exit from work.
The Mediating Effect of Depression on the Relationship between Social Support, Spirituality and Burnout in Family Members of Patients with Cancer
Authors: Jun Won-Hee , Cha Kyung-Sook , Lee Kee-Lyong
Published: February 2021

When the treatment process of cancer patients changes to outpatient treatment, the burden on family members increases and they often experience burnout. Burnout not only effects the family members themselves but may also have a negative effect on the health of the cancer patient. Therefore, healthcare providers should evaluate burnout in the family members of cancer patients and actively make efforts towards their burnout management. This study investigated the mediating effect of depression on the relationship between social support, spirituality, and burnout in family members of patients with cancer. Participants were 151 family members of patients with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy as outpatients at a single university hospital in Korea. Data was collected from 2 March to 31 May 2016, using self-reported questionnaires. Collected data was analyzed with t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s correlations, Baron and Kenny’s three-step regression method, and the Sobel test. The participants’ mean burnout was below the median. The participants’ depression partially mediated the relationship of both social support and spirituality on burnout. Strategies to assess depression and strengthen social support and spirituality should be developed to manage burnout in family members’.
Impacts of Agricultural Capitalization on Regional Paddy Field Change: A Production-Factor Substitution Perspective
Authors: Li Xinyi , Wang Xiong , Song Xiaoqing
Published: February 2021

Paddy fields are significant in ensuring food security and improving the agricultural ecological environment. In economic terms, paddy field use is affected by input costs and crop market price. There is insufficient understanding of factor input costs caused by agricultural production-factor substitution, driving paddy field change. This study uses a panel regression model to analyze the influence of agricultural production-factor substitution on paddy field use from 1990 to 2016. The case area is Hubei province, China. The results show that the overall growth trend in paddy fields is unequivocal in China’s grain production areas. The improvement in agricultural production conditions, including irrigation and land quality, has a positive effect on the area proportion of paddy fields. With socioeconomic developments, the relationship between the substitution of nitrogen fertilizer for farmland and the area proportion of paddy field is inverted-U shaped, while the effect of the substitution of machinery for labor is U-shaped. The main conclusion is that the process of agricultural production-factor substitution, intended to maximize labor and land productivity, will increase the area proportion of paddy field. Public policies should focus on improving the level of agricultural mechanization and crop diversity to protect food security and sustainable agricultural intensification.
Occupational Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields and Health Surveillance according to the European Directive 2013/35/EU
Authors: Modenese Alberto , Gobba Fabriziomaria
Published: February 2021

In the European Union, health surveillance (HS) of electromagnetic fields (EMF)-exposed workers is mandatory according to the Directive 2013/35/EU, aimed at the prevention of known direct biophysical effects and indirect EMF’s effects. Long-term effects are not addressed in the Directive as the evidence of a causal relationship is considered inadequate. Objectives of HS are the prevention or early detection of EMF adverse effects, but scant evidence is hitherto available on the specific procedures. A first issue is that no specific laboratory tests or medical investigations have been demonstrated as useful for exposure monitoring and/or prevention of the effects. Another problem is the existence of workers at particular risk (WPR), i.e., subjects with specific conditions inducing an increased susceptibility to the EMF-related risk (e.g., workers with active medical devices or other conditions); exposures within the occupational exposure limit values (ELVs) are usually adequately protective against EMF’s effects, but lower exposures can possibly induce a health risk in WPR. Consequently, the HS of EMF-exposed workers according to the EU Directive should be aimed at the early detection and monitoring of the recognized adverse effects, as well as an early identification of WPR for the adoption of adequate preventive measures.
The Acute and Chronic Effects of Dual-Task on the Motor and Cognitive Performances in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moreira Pedro Emílio Drumond , Dieguez Gabriel Teles de Oliveira , Bredt Sarah da Glória Teles , Praça Gibson Moreira
Published: February 2021

Athletes must distribute their attention to many relevant cues during a match. Therefore, athletes’ ability to deal with dual-tasks may be different from the non-athlete population, demanding a deeper investigation within the sports domain. This study aimed to systematically review the acute and chronic effects of dual-tasks in motor and cognitive performances in athletes from different modalities. The search for articles followed all the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The keywords used were: “dual-task” OR “double task” OR “multi-task” OR “divided attention” OR “secondary task” OR “second task” AND “working memory” OR “visual” OR “decision making” OR “gaze behavior” OR “attention” AND “sports” OR “athletes” OR “players”. The Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases were screened for studies comparing single and dual-tasks, in which the participants were athletes competing at any level, and in which at least one of the following variables were investigated: working memory, decision-making, visual search behavior, perception, anticipation, attention, or motor tasks. Articles were screened using pre-defined selection criteria, and methodological quality was assessed by two researchers independently. Following the eligibility criteria, we included 18 articles in the review: 13 on the acute effects, and five on the chronic effects. This review showed that the acute effect of dual-tasks impairs the motor and cognitive performances of athletes (dual-task cost). However, training with dual-tasks (chronic effect) improved working memory skills and attentional control. We conclude that dual-tasks acutely and chronically impacts motor and cognitive performance.
Food Acquisition and Daily Life for U.S. Families with 4- to 8-Year-Old Children during COVID-19: Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Ferrante Mackenzie J. , Goldsmith Juliana , Tauriello Sara , Epstein Leonard H. , Leone Lucia A. , Anzman-Frasca Stephanie
Published: February 2021

Evidence of short-term impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on family life is emerging. Continued research can shed light on potential longer-term impacts. An online survey of U.S. parents with 4- to 8-year-old children (n = 1000) was administered in October 2020. The survey examined parent-reported impacts of COVID-19 on lifestyle (e.g., work, child-care, grocery shopping), as well as current family food acquisition and eating behaviors (e.g., cooking, restaurant use). Descriptive statistics were calculated, incorporating sampling weights based on sociodemographics. In terms of COVID-19 impacts, parents reported increases in working from home, decreased work hours, and increased child care and instruction, with most children attending school or receiving care at home. Parents reported increased home cooking and online grocery shopping; only 33% reported increased take-out or delivery from restaurants. About half of parents reported that their child dined at restaurants, 62% reported getting take-out, and 57% reported delivery from restaurants at least 2–3 times per month. About half viewed dining at restaurants as safe, while take-out and delivery were seen as safe by around three-quarters. Approximately two-thirds reported recent food insecurity. These nationally-representative results illustrate possible longer-lasting shifts in family life, with the potential to impact health and well-being. Sociodemographic differences and research and policy implications are discussed.
Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Well-Being in Very Pre-Term and Term Born Adolescents: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of Two Accelerometry Studies
Authors: Brylka Asteria , Wolke Dieter , Ludyga Sebastian , Bilgin Ayten , Spiegler Juliane , Trower Hayley , Gkiouleka Anna , Gerber Markus , Brand Serge , Grob Alexander , Weber Peter , Heinonen Kati , Kajantie Eero , Räikkönen Katri , Lemola Sakari
Published: February 2021

This study examined whether physical activity is associated with better mental health and well-being among very preterm (≤32 weeks) and term born (≥37 weeks) adolescents alike or whether the associations are stronger in either of the groups. Physical activity was measured with accelerometry in children born very preterm and at term in two cohorts, the Basel Study of Preterm Children (BSPC; 40 adolescents born ≤32 weeks of gestation and 59 term born controls aged 12.3 years) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; 45 adolescents born ≤32 weeks of gestation and 3137 term born controls aged 14.2 years on average). In both cohorts, emotional and behavioral problems were mother-reported using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Subjective well-being was self-reported using the Kidscreen-52 Questionnaire in the BSPC and single items in the MCS. Hierarchical regressions with ‘preterm status × physical activity’-interaction effects were subjected to individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis. IPD meta-analysis showed that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower levels of peer problems, and higher levels of psychological well-being, better self-perception/body image, and school related well-being. Overall, the effect-sizes were small and the associations did not differ significantly between very preterm and term born adolescents. Future research may examine the mechanisms behind effects of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing in adolescence as well as which type of physical activity might be most beneficial for term and preterm born children.
Video-Based Intervention for Improving Maternal Retention and Adherence to HIV Treatment: Patient Perspectives and Experiences
Authors: Masiano Steven , Machine Edwin , Mphande Mtisunge , Markham Christine , Tembo Tapiwa , Chitani Mike , Mkandawire Angella , Mazenga Alick , Ahmed Saeed , Kim Maria
Published: February 2021

VITAL Start is a video-based intervention aimed to improve maternal retention in HIV care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi. We explored the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) not yet on ART who received VITAL Start before ART initiation to assess the intervention’s acceptability, feasibility, fidelity of delivery, and perceived impact. Between February and September 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 34 PWLHIV within one month of receiving VITAL Start. The participants reported that VITAL Start was acceptable and feasible and had good fidelity of delivery. They also reported that the video had a positive impact on their lives, encouraging them to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners who, in turn, supported them to adhere to ART. The participants suggested using a similar intervention to provide health-related education/counseling to people with long term conditions. Our findings suggest that video-based interventions may be an acceptable, feasible approach to optimizing ART retention and adherence amongst PWLHIV, and they can be delivered with high fidelity. Further exploration of the utility of low cost, scalable, video-based interventions to address health counseling gaps in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.
The Relationship between Self-Directed Learning and Problem-Solving Ability: The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulated Learning among Nursing Students
Authors: Hwang Younghui , Oh Jihyun
Published: February 2021

Problem-solving ability is necessary for the clinical reasoning and decision-making of nurses to solve patients’ health problems. This study aims to investigate the association between self-directed learning and problem-solving ability using the multiple mediation model to identify strategies to enhance problem-solving ability in nursing students. This is a descriptive survey study of 193 nursing students from two universities in South Korea. Data about self-directed learning, self-regulated learning, academic self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability were collected using structured questionnaires between 5 March and 17 June 2018, and were analyzed using serial multiple mediation analysis. The direct effect of self-directed learning on problem-solving ability was statistically significant. The serial multiple mediation technique predicting problem-solving ability from self-directed learning, academic self-efficacy, and self-regulated learning was significant, explaining 40% of the variance in problem-solving ability. The relationship between self-directed learning and problem-solving ability was partially mediated by academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning. This study suggests the suitability of considering academic self-efficacy and self-regulated learning together when conducting self-directed learning to improve nursing students’ problem-solving ability.
Urinary Bisphenol A, F and S Levels and Semen Quality in Young Adult Danish Men
Authors: Benson Thea Emily , Gaml-Sørensen Anne , Ernst Andreas , Brix Nis , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Hærvig Katia Keglberg , Ellekilde Bonde Jens Peter , Tøttenborg Sandra Søgaard , Lindh Christian H. , Ramlau-Hansen Cecilia Høst , Toft Gunnar
Published: February 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an endocrine disruptor and has been associated with deleterious effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Bisphenol F (BPF) and S (BPS) are structurally similar to BPA, but knowledge of their effects on male fertility remains limited. In this cross–sectional study, we investigated the associations between exposure to BPA, BPF, and BPS and semen quality in 556 men 18–20 years of age from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort. A urine sample was collected from each participant for determination of BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations while a semen sample was collected to determine ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Associations between urinary bisphenol levels (continuous and quartile–divided) and semen characteristics were estimated using a negative binomial regression model adjusting for urine creatinine concentration, alcohol intake, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), fever, sexual abstinence time, maternal pre–pregnancy BMI, and first trimester smoking, and highest parental education during first trimester. We found no associations between urinary bisphenol of semen quality in a sample of young men from the general Danish population.
Telemedicine Treatment and Care for Patients with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Krysta Krzysztof , Romańczyk Monika , Diefenbacher Albert , Krzystanek Marek
Published: February 2021

In recent years, telemedicine has been developing very dynamically. The development of new technologies allows their use in the treatment of dermatological, cardiological, endocrine and other diseases. However, there are few reports on the use of digital technologies in the mental health care of people with intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disability is a disease that affects a large number of people. Patients suffering from intellectual disability encounter barriers that make it difficult for them to fully use telemedicine, however, these barriers can be overcome with appropriate support and adaptation. A review of the literature on telemedicine solutions in the care of people with intellectual disabilities indicates that the applications support the communication of these people with the doctor, enable simple behavioral interventions, stimulate cooperation in treatment, provide simple medical education as well as record medical data for the doctor. The authors present the potential risks related to the use of telemedicine solutions for people with intellectual disabilities as well as the project of creating a new, multi-module telemedicine system.
Pro-Environmental Behavior in an Aging World: Evidence from 31 Countries
Authors: Wang Yan , Hao Feng , Liu Yunxia
Published: February 2021

Population change and environmental degradation have become two of the most pressing issues for sustainable development in the contemporary world, while the effect of population aging on pro-environmental behavior remains controversial. In this paper, we examine the effects of individual and population aging on pro-environmental behavior through multilevel analyses of cross-national data from 31 countries. Hierarchical linear models with random intercepts are employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal a positive relationship between aging and pro-environmental behavior. At the individual level, older people are more likely to participate in environmental behavior (b = 0.052, p < 0.001), and at the national level, living in a country with a greater share of older persons encourages individuals to behave sustainably (b = 0.023, p < 0.01). We also found that the elderly are more environmentally active in an aging society. The findings imply that the longevity of human beings may offer opportunities for the improvement of the natural environment.
How Dentists Face the COVID-19 in Mexico: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Casillas Santana Miguel Ángel , Martínez Zumarán Alan , Patiño Marín Nuria , Castillo Silva Brenda Eréndida , Sámano Valencia Carolina , Salas Orozco Marco Felipe
Published: February 2021

Background: on 7 January 2020, a new type of coronavirus was isolated, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2), the organism causing the outbreak that has affected the lives of all humans and has modified the rules of coexistence around the world. In Mexico, from 3 January 2020 to 9 January 2021, there have been 1439, 569 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 131,031 deaths. The World Health Organization reported that Mexico was ranked twelfth, in terms of confirmed cases of COVID-19 by country. Aim: the objective of this study was to determine what modifications dentists from the Mexican Republic have made to their dental practice during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Methods: the study was conducted based on a questionnaire to evaluate the dentists’ response and knowledge on the modifications in their dental practice to combat the new coronavirus’s cross-transmission. The questionnaire was piloted before it was distributed. The questionnaire was disseminated through the social network Facebook. The questionnaire was distributed to groups of dentists on Facebook, in each of the Mexican Republic states. The survey was carried out during June 2020. Results and Conclusions: from the 32 states of the Mexican Republic, 29 participated with at least one respondent. The results of the applied survey suggest that dentists, at least the population of surveyed ones, have proper knowledge of detection methods of patients suspected of COVID-19, preventive measures that must be applied in the dental office to decrease the risk of infection, and the appropriate procedures and solutions for dental office disinfection.
Relationship between Urban Green Spaces and Cancer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Porcherie Marion , Linn Nyan , Le Gall Anne Roué , Thomas Marie-Florence , Faure Emmanuelle , Rican Stéphane , Simos Jean , Cantoreggi Nicola , Vaillant Zoé , Cambon Linda , Regnaux Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2021

This scoping study aims to explore the relationships between urban green spaces (UGSs) and the onset, remission and recovery of cancer. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (protocol published in 2018). Eligibility criteria for papers were: (1) to be concerned with UGSs, (2) reporting effects of UGSs on cancer-related outcomes including direct or indirect measures, (3) reporting randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, case studies, observational studies, non-comparative studies, (4) in English or French. The search covered primary studies in the published and unpublished (grey) literatures searching by hand and electronic databases (MEDLINE, Green File, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and ScienceDirect). Among 1703 records screened by two reviewers independently, 29 were included for qualitative synthesis. We classify the cancers concerned and the effects reported i.e., protective effect, risk or without association. The most investigated cancers are bladder, breast and lung cancer. Our study also identified contributing factors and their mediating effects between UGSs and cancer. Even though the strength of the evidence of the associations between UGSs and cancer is still weak due to the low number of studies and their design, results highlight the wide variety of possible mediating factors between the use of green spaces and cancer occurrence, remission and/or prevention. Knowledge gaps and future research perspectives should be oriented to qualitative research on protective factors with an attention to equity in UGS access and use.
Perspectives of Nanoparticles in Male Infertility: Evidence for Induced Abnormalities in Sperm Production
Authors: Iftikhar Mehwish , Noureen Aasma , Uzair Muhammad , Jabeen Farhat , Abdel Daim Mohamed , Cappello Tiziana
Published: February 2021

Advancement in the field of nanotechnology has prompted the need to elucidate the deleterious effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on reproductive health. Many studies have reported on the health safety issues related to NPs by investigating their exposure routes, deposition and toxic effects on different primary and secondary organs but few studies have focused on NPs’ deposition in reproductive organs. Noteworthy, even fewer studies have dealt with the toxic effects of NPs on reproductive indices and sperm parameters (such as sperm number, motility and morphology) by evaluating, for instance, the histopathology of seminiferous tubules and testosterone levels. To date, the research suggests that NPs can easily cross the blood testes barrier and, after accumulation in the testis, induce adverse effects on spermatogenesis. This review aims to summarize the available literature on the risks induced by NPs on the male reproductive system.
GMO Food Labels Do Not Affect College Student Food Selection, Despite Negative Attitudes towards GMOs
Authors: Oselinsky Katrina , Johnson Ashlie , Lundeberg Pamela , Johnson Holm Abby , Mueller Megan , Graham Dan J.
Published: February 2021

US Public Law 114–216 dictates that food producers in the United States of America will be required to label foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) starting in 2022; however, there is little empirical evidence demonstrating how U.S. consumers would use food labels that indicate the presence or absence of GMOs. The aim of this two-phase study was to determine how attitudes towards GMOs relate to food choices and how labels indicating the presence or absence of GMOs differentially impact choices among college students—the age group which values transparent food labeling more than any other. Participants (n = 434) made yes/no choices for each of 64 foods. In both phases of the study, participants were randomly assigned to seeing GMO Free labels, contains GMOs labels, or no GMO labels. Across the two phases, 85% of participants reported believing that GMOs were at least somewhat dangerous to health (42% believed GMOs to be dangerous), yet in both studies, although eye-tracking data verified that participants attended to the GMO labels, these labels did not significantly affect food choices. Although college consumers may believe GMOs to be dangerous, their food choices do not reflect this belief.
Prevalence of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Football Players: A Novel Multi Football Clubs Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Meo Sultan Ayoub , Abukhalaf Abdulelah Adnan , Alomar Ali Abdullah , Alessa Omar Mohammed , Sumaya Omar Yassin , Meo Anusha Sultan
Published: February 2021

Sports offer great benefits, improving health and reducing the risk of illnesses. This study’s aim was to investigate the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in football players compared to population based non-elite athlete control subjects. Initially 1100 male volunteers, (550) football players, and (550) population based non-elite athlete control subjects were interviewed. After socio-demographic and medical history analysis, 756 (378) nonsmoker male football players and (378) nonsmoker male control subjects were recruited. The control subjects were not involved in regular sports activities such as football, volleyball, badminton, cricket, hockey, and swimming. Participants with a known history of anemia, blood diseases, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy were excluded from the study. The mean age of football players was 31.80 ± 5.46 years, Body Mass Index (BMI) was 26.40 ± 2.08 (kg/m2), and the mean age of control subjects was 32.32 ± 4.37 years, and BMI was 26.66 ± 1.87 (kg/m2). The selected football players have been playing football for about 2 h a day, 3 days per week, and so the total mean duration of playing football was 1.08 years. American Diabetes Association (ADA) based criteria on Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) was used to investigate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In football players the prevalence of prediabetes was 30 (7.93%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was 6 (1.59%) compared to population based matched non-elite athlete control subjects where the prediabetes was 71 (18.78%) and T2DM was 89 (23.54%) (p = 0.001). Among football players there was a 7-fold decrease in T2DM compared to control subjects. Football recreational activities markedly reduce the prevalence of prediabetes and T2DM. The study findings demonstrate the benefits of football and other such sport activities and emphasize the urgent need for promoting football based physical activities as a physiological preventive strategy against the globally growing diabetes epidemic.
Exposure to Secondhand Heated-Tobacco-Product Aerosol May Cause Similar Incidence of Asthma Attack and Chest Pain to Secondhand Cigarette Exposure: The JASTIS 2019 Study
Authors: Imura Yuki , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: February 2021

Although secondhand cigarette smoke is known to cause various health consequences, even the short-term effects of exposure to secondhand heated-tobacco-product (HTP) aerosol are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine short-term symptoms related to secondhand HTP aerosol exposure. An internet-based self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted in 2019 as a part of the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey (JASTIS) study. In total, 8784 eligible respondents aged 15–73 years were analyzed. We examined the frequency (%) of secondhand combustible cigarette smoke and HTP aerosol exposure, and the exposure-related subjective symptoms (sore throat, cough, asthma attack, chest pain, eye pain, nausea, headache, and other symptoms). Overall, 56.8% of those exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke had any subjective symptoms, compared to 39.5% of those exposed to HTP aerosol. Asthma attack and chest pain were reported more frequently when associated with secondhand HTP exposure (10.9 and 11.8%, respectively) than with secondhand cigarette smoke exposure (8.4 and 9.9%, respectively). Sore throat, cough, eye pain, nausea, and headache were also more frequently reported when associated with secondhand cigarette smoke than with secondhand HTP exposure. This is the first study to examine severe subjective symptoms such as asthma attacks and chest pains, and to suggest that respiratory and cardiovascular abnormalities could be related to secondhand heated-tobacco-product aerosol exposure. Further careful investigations are necessary.
Recent Developments in the Determination of Biomarkers of Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Biological Specimens: A Review
Authors: Marques Hernâni , Cruz-Vicente Pedro , Rosado Tiago , Barroso Mário , Passarinha Luís A. , Gallardo Eugenia
Published: February 2021

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and smoking have been described as the most prevalent factors in the development of certain diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 8 million people die every year due to exposure to tobacco, around 7 million due to direct ETS and the remaining due to exposure to second-hand smoke. Both active and second-hand exposure can be measured and controlled using specific biomarkers of tobacco and its derivatives, allowing the development of more efficient public health policies. Exposure to these compounds can be measured using different methods (involving for instance liquid- or gas-chromatographic procedures) in a wide range of biological specimens to estimate the type and degree of tobacco exposure. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out using different extraction methods and different analytical equipment; this way, liquid–liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction or even miniaturized procedures have been used, followed by chromatographic analysis coupled mainly to mass spectrometric detection. Through this type of methodologies, second-hand smokers can be distinguished from active smokers, and this is also valid for e-cigarettes and vapers, among others, using their specific biomarkers. This review will focus on recent developments in the determination of tobacco smoke biomarkers, including nicotine and other tobacco alkaloids, specific nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc. The methods for their detection will be discussed in detail, as well as the potential use of threshold values to distinguish between types of exposure.
Virtual Water Trade in the Service Sector: China’s Inbound Tourism as a Case Study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Jin-he , Tian Qing
Published: February 2021

Research on virtual water and the water footprint is mainly focused on agriculture and industry, and less so on the service sector. The trade in products generates virtual water flow, as does the flow of people. The flow of international tourists will inevitably lead to the transfer and exchange of water resources embedded in the virtual form. This study takes China’s inbound tourism flow as the research object, from the perspective of the water footprint, in order to explore virtual water “exports” to the world. Based on kernel density estimation and ArcGIS spatial analysis, spatial-temporal evolution and structural difference were investigated. Virtual water “exports” showed an increasing trend. The kernel density estimation curves basically exhibited a “single peak” feature which indicated that virtual water “exports” from tourism were not significantly polarized in China. In terms of spatial evolution, this varied greatly at the provincial and regional level and Guangdong was always in the high value area. The south displayed greater values than the north, but this difference in provinces narrowed over the years. The water footprint of food was the largest, more specifically, the green component of this water footprint. Promoting a reasonable diet, reducing food waste, improving agricultural production technology, reducing the frequency of changing hotel supplies, and encouraging the use of new energy helped to reduce the water footprint. Virtual water trade in the service sector provides a new idea for helping to mitigate the global water crisis, in addition to virtual water flow for agricultural products.
Metabolic Syndrome and Coronary Artery Disease Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Alshammary Amal F. , Alharbi Khalid Khalaf , Alshehri Naif Jameel , Vennu Vishal , Ali Khan Imran
Published: February 2021

Although numerous studies have described the link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), no meta-analysis has been carried out on this relationship. Thus, the present study intended to address this limitation. A systematic search was carried out using electronic databases, such as PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Web of Science. A sum of 10 studies (n = 9327) was incorporated in the meta-analysis. Compared with non-MetS, MetS was significantly associated with high CAD risk (OR = 4.03, 95% CI = 3.56–4.56). The MetS components were also significantly correlated with high CAD risk (OR = 3.72, 95% CI = 3.22–4.40). The presence of two (OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 2.81–5.49), three (OR = 4.09, 95% CI = 2.85–5.86), four (OR = 4.04, 95% CI = 2.83–5.78), or all five MetS components (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 3.11–4.93), were significantly associated with a high risk of CAD. MetS and its individual or combined elements were linked with high CAD risk based on contemporary evidence. Thus, the assessment of MetS and its components might help identify people at a higher risk of advancing CAD in the future.
Predictors of Adherence in Three Low-Intensity Intervention Programs Applied by ICTs for Depression in Primary Care
Authors: Castro Adoración , García-Palacios Azucena , López-Del-Hoyo Yolanda , Mayoral Fermín , Pérez-Ara María Ángeles , Baños Rosa Mª , García-Campayo Javier , Hurtado María M. , Botella Cristina , Barceló-Soler Alberto , Villena Amelia , Roca Miquel , Gili Margalida
Published: February 2021

Depression is one of the most common disorders in psychiatric and primary care settings, and is associated with disability, loss in quality of life, and economic costs. Internet-based psychological interventions have been shown to be effective in depression treatment but present problems with a low degree of adherence. The main aim of this study is to analyze the adherence predictors in three low-intensity interventions programs applied by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for depression. A multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 164 participants with depression, who were allocated to: Healthy Lifestyle Program, Positive Affect Promotion Program or Mindfulness Program. Sociodemographic characteristics, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Visual Analog Scale, Short Form Health Survey, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, Pemberton Happiness Index and Treatment Expectancy Questionnaire were used to study adherence. Results showed that positive affect resulted in a predictor variable for Healthy Lifestyle Program and Positive Affect Promotion Program. Perceived health was also a negative adherence predictor for the Positive Affect Promotion Program. Our findings demonstrate that there are differences in clinical variables between treatment completers and non-completers and we provide adherence predictors in two intervention groups. Although new additional predictors have been examined, further research is essential in order to improve tailored interventions and increase adherence treatment.