bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Development of Smart Weight Measurement, Lateral Turning and Transfer Bedding for Unconscious Patients in Pandemics
Authors: Shafi Imran , Farooq Muhammad Siddique , De La Torre Díez Isabel , Breñosa Jose , Espinosa Julio César Martínez , Ashraf Imran
Published: October 2022

Patient care and convenience remain the concern of medical professionals and caregivers alike. An unconscious patient confined to a bed may develop fluid accumulation and pressure sores due to inactivity and deficiency of oxygen flow. Moreover, weight monitoring is crucial for an effective treatment plan, which is difficult to measure for bedridden patients. This paper presents the design and development of a smart and cost-effective independent system for lateral rotation, movement, weight measurement, and transporting immobile patients. Optimal dimensions and practical design specifications are determined by a survey across various hospitals. Subsequently, the proposed hoist-based weighing and turning mechanism is CAD-modeled and simulated. Later, the structural analysis is carried out to select suitable metallurgy for various sub-assemblies to ensure design reliability. After fabrication, optimization, integration, and testing procedures, the base frame is designed to mount a hydraulic motor for the actuator, a DC power source for self-sustenance, and lockable wheels for portability. The installation of a weighing scale and a hydraulic actuator is ensured to lift the patient for weight measuring up to 600 pounds or lateral turning of 80 degrees both ways. The developed system offers simple operating characteristics, allows for keeping patient weight records, and assists nurses in changing patients’ lateral positions both ways, comfortably massage patients’ backs, and transport them from one bed to another. Additionally, being lightweight offers reduced contact with the patient to increase the healthcare staff’s safety in pandemics; it is also height adjustable and portable, allowing for use with multiple-sized beds and easy transportation across the medical facility. The feedback from paramedics is encouraging regarding reducing labor-intensive nursing tasks, alleviating the discomfort of long-term bed-ridden patients, and allowing medical practitioners to suggest better treatment plans.
Accelerating the Front End of Medicine: Three Digital Use Cases and HCI Implications
Authors: Klumpp Matthias , Hanelt André , Greve Maike , Kolbe Lutz M. , Tofangchi Schahin , Böhrnsen Florian , Jakob Jens , Kaczmarek Sylvia , Börsting Ingo , Ehmke Christopher , Düsing Helena , Juhra Christian
Published: October 2022

Digital applications in health care are a concurrent research and management question, where implementation experiences are a core field of information systems research. It also contributes to fighting pandemic crises like COVID-19 because contactless information flow and speed of diagnostics are improved. This paper presents three digital application case studies from emergency medicine, administration management, and cancer diagnosis with AI support from the University Medical Centers of Münster and Göttingen in Germany. All cases highlight the potential of digitalization to increase speed and efficiency within the front end of medicine as the crucial phase before patient treatment starts. General challenges for health care project implementations and human-computer interaction (HCI) concepts in health care are derived and discussed, including the importance of specific processes together with user analysis and adaption. A derived concept for HCI includes the criteria speed, accuracy, modularity, and individuality to achieve sustainable improvements within the front end of medicine.
Tracing Superior Late-Leafing Genotypes of Persian Walnut for Managing Late-Spring Frost in Walnut Orchards
Authors: Fallah Mehdi , Rasouli Mousa , Hassani Darab , Lawson Shaneka S. , Sarikhani Saadat , Vahdati Kourosh
Published: October 2022

Evaluating genetic diversity in walnut (Juglans regia L.) populations is a rapid approach used by walnut breeding programs to distinguish superior genotypes. The present study was conducted on the walnut population of Hamedan Province, one of the richest and most genetically diverse regions in Iran, during 2018–2019. After the initial screening, 47 genotypes were selected for further evaluation of pomological and phenological traits based on International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) descriptors. Nut and kernel weights among the selected genotypes ranged from 7.15 to 21.05 g and 3.0 to 10.8 g, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) categorized the genotypes into three distinct groups. Whereas the cluster analysis (CA) revealed the similarities and dissimilarities among the genotypes by identifying four major clusters. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between nut weight (NWT), nut size, and kernel weight (KW), while a negative correlation (p < 0.01) between shell thickness (STH) and packing tissue thickness (PTT) with kernel percentage (KP) was observed. Lastly, 10 of 47 genotypes (TAL8, TAL9, TAL10, TAL14, TAL19, TAL22, TB2, TB4, TB6, and RDGH5) were considered superior. Superior genotypes were late-leafing (25–40 days after the standard) and displayed a lateral bearing (LB) habit with heavy nuts (12.52–16.82 g) and kernels (6.53–8.15 g), thin shells (1.06–1.25 mm), and lightly colored kernels.
Identification of QTL for Plant Architecture and Flowering Performance Traits in a Multi-Environment Evaluation of a Petunia axillaris × P. exserta Recombinant Inbred Line Population
Authors: Chen QiuXia C. , Warner Ryan M.
Published: October 2022

Field performance of herbaceous annual plants is largely determined by plant architecture and flowering performance. A Petunia axillaris × P. exserta F7 recombinant inbred line population was grown in four field environments across the United States, and phenotyped for seven plant habit and flowering-related traits: plant height (Height), maximum (MaxWid) and minimum (MinWid) plant width, vigor, compactness (Comp), flowering canopy coverage (Flow) and flower color retention (ColorRet). Robust QTL (rQTL; QTL detected in two or more environments) were identified for all traits except minimum canopy width and were distributed across five of the seven Petunia chromosomes. The largest effect rQTL explained up to 23.8, 19.7, 16.7, 16, 25.7, and 36.9% of the observed phenotypic variation for Flow, Vigor, Comp, ColorRet, Height and MaxWid, respectively. rQTL for Flow, Comp, Height, and MaxWid colocalized on Chr 2, indicating this region could be particularly useful for mining candidate genes underlying important field performance traits in petunia.
Effect of Vertical Variation of Submerged Vegetation Density on the Flow Resistance
Authors: Derakhshan Sadegh , Dodangeh Esmaeil , Afzalimehr Hossein , Nazari-Sharabian Mohammad , Raeisifar Hamidreza , Karakouzian Moses
Published: October 2022

Aquatic vegetation plays a critical role in aquatic environments and provides various valuable services. To characterize vegetation, vegetation density and flexibility are usually used as parameters, but aquatic vegetation found in nature may have a non-uniform distribution of density in the vertical direction. Studies have shown that this non-uniformity could impact the flow structure and flow resistance. With the aim of studying the effect of vertical variation of submerged vegetation density on the flow resistance and bulk flow characteristics, the hydrodynamics of three types of wooden model vegetation elements were compared in the laboratory. Vegetation models had the same density but different vertical distributions of density. All other influential parameters were kept constant so that any differences in the flow structure and the flow resistance would be attributable to the distribution of density in the vertical direction. The results show that the vertical distribution of submerged vegetation density impacts the flow field, bed shear stress, and flow resistance. There was a 41% difference in the value of the drag coefficient produced by the models. The distance between the bed and the geometrical center of vegetation elements was introduced as a parameter to quantify the effect of the vertical distribution of vegetation. There is a direct relation between this parameter with both the drag and Manning’s coefficients. The findings of this can study help researchers and practitioners use relevant vegetation parameters.
Flood Exposure Assessment and Mapping: A Case Study for Australia’s Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment
Authors: Ziegelaar Mark , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: October 2022

Floods are the most common and costliest natural disaster in Australia. However, the Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs) employed to manage them are hazard-focused and tend to overlook exposure and vulnerability. This leaves potential for Australian FRAs to make better use of a technique which holistically incorporates all three flood risk components. In this study, flood exposure assessment and mapping for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment (HNC), a flood-prone region in Australia, was conducted. Three flood exposure indicators—population density, land use type, and critical infrastructure density—were selected to derive the flood exposure index (FEI). Results demonstrated that Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s) on or near the floodplain, located near the eastern border of the HNC, are severely or extremely flood-exposed due to the significant presence of flood-exposed assets such as hospitals or police stations. The Wahroonga (West)—Waitara SA2 was the most exposed SA2 in the catchment (extreme exposure). This was followed by the Acacia Gardens, Glendenning—Dean Park, and Cambridge Park SA2s (all severely exposed). The Goulburn SA2 was also identified as severely flood-exposed even though it remains outside of the floodplain. This is due to its many exposed assets as Australia’s first inland town. All selected indicators were found to either strongly or moderately positively correlate with the FEI. Ultimately, this novel FEI can assist in the reduction of flood risk in the HNC, as well as foster community resilience strategies. Additionally, the developed scalable and replicable methodology can be applied to other flood-prone regions of Australia.
Manual Therapy Effect in Placebo-Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Molina-Álvarez Miguel , Arribas-Romano Alberto , Rodríguez-Rivera Carmen , García Miguel M. , Fernández-Carnero Josué , Armijo-Olivo Susan , Goicoechea Garcia Carlos
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Background: Evaluate whether the design of placebo control groups could produce different interpretations of the efficacy of manual therapy techniques. Methods: Nine databases were searched (EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, WEB of SCIENCE, COCHRANE, and PEDro). Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials that used manual therapy as a sham treatment on subjects suffering from pain were included. Data were summarized qualitatively, and meta-analyses were conducted with R. Results: 53 articles were included in the qualitative analysis and 48 were included in the quantitative analyses. Manipulation techniques did not show higher effectiveness when compared with all types of sham groups that were analyzed (SMD 0.28; 95%CI [−0.24; 0.80]) (SMD 0.28; 95%CI [−0.08; 0.64]) (SMD 0.42; 95%CI [0.16; 0.67]) (SMD 0.82; 95%CI [−0.57; 2.21]), raising doubts on their therapeutic effect. Factors such as expectations of treatment were not consistently evaluated, and analysis could help clarify the effect of different sham groups. As for soft tissue techniques, the results are stronger in favor of these techniques when compared to sham control groups (SMD 0.40; 95%CI [0.19, 0.61]). Regarding mobilization techniques and neural gliding techniques, not enough studies were found for conclusions to be made. Conclusions: The literature presents a lack of a unified placebo control group design for each technique and an absence of assessment of expectations. These two issues might account for the unclear results obtained in the analysis.
Exploring the Black Box of an mHealth Intervention (LIFE4YOUth): A Qualitative Process and Outcome Evaluation of End-User Engagement
Authors: Seiterö Anna , Thomas Kristin , Löf Marie , Müssener Ulrika
Published: October 2022

The effectiveness of mHealth interventions rely on whether the content successfully activate mechanisms necessary for behavior change. These mechanisms may be affected by end-users’ experience of the intervention content. The aim of this study was to explore how the content of a novel mHealth intervention (LIFE4YOUth) was understood, interpreted, and applied by high school students, and the consequences of engaging with the content. Qualitative content analysis was used inductively and deductively to analyze interview data (n = 16) based on think-aloud techniques with Swedish high school students aged 16–19 years. Theoretical constructs from social cognitive theory framed the deductive analysis. The analysis resulted in four categories which describe central activities of intervention engagement among end-users: defining, considering, centralizing, and personalizing. End-users engaged in these activities to different degrees as illustrated by four typologies: Literal, Vague, Rigid, and Creative engagement. Most informants knew about the risks and benefits of health behaviors, but engagement with intervention content generally increased informants’ awareness. In conclusion, this study provides in-depth knowledge on the cognitive process when engaging with mHealth content and suggests that deliberate and flexible engagement most likely deepens end-users’ understanding of why and how health behavior change can be managed.
Trends of Phase I Clinical Trials in the Latest Ten Years across Five European Countries
Authors: Di Tonno Davide , Perlin Caterina , Loiacono Anna Chiara , Giordano Luca , Martena Laura , Lagravinese Stefano , Rossi Federica , Marsigliante Santo , Maffia Michele , Falco Andrea , Piscitelli Prisco , Miani Alessandro , Esposito Susanna , Distante Alessandro , Argentiero Alberto
Published: October 2022

Background: Phase 1 clinical trials represent a critical phase of drug development because new candidate therapeutic agents are tested for the first time on humans. Therefore, international guidelines and local laws have been released to mitigate and control possible risks for human health in agreement with the declaration of Helsinki and the international Good Clinical Practice principles. Despite numerous scientific works characterizing the registered clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov, the main features and trends of registered phase 1 clinical trials in Europe have not been investigated. This study is aimed at assessing the features and the temporal trend of distribution of phase 1 clinical studies, carried out in the five largest European countries over a ten-year period (2012–2021), and to evaluate the impact of the Italian regulatory framework on the activation of such studies. Methods: The main data and characteristics of phase 1 clinical studies registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov database for France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have been investigated and subsequently compared. The above-mentioned countries were selected based on similarities in terms of demographic and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data available on official government websites. (3) Results: A total number of 6878 phase 1 clinical trials were registered for the five selected countries in the ClinicalTrials.gov database during the ten years analyzed; the studies were predominantly randomized (39.33%) and for-profit (76.64%). The most represented area of investigations was oncology (52.15%), followed by hematology (24.99%) and immunology (12.04%). The variability observed between the analyzed countries showed that the UK, Germany and France presented the highest reduction in the number of phase 1 clinical trials, while for Spain and Italy, a stable/increased trend was observed, although with a lower number of trials registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov database. (4) Conclusions: Italy displayed the lowest number of registered phase 1 clinical trials, even though it showed a stable trend over the years. In this regard, the Italian regulatory framework must urgently be adapted to that of other European countries (Spain has been the first country to implement the new Regulation (EU) No 536/2014) and streamline the process of clinical trial application to increase the attractiveness of the country. Moreover, nonprofit phase 1 clinical trials (which represent 19.81% of the total number of phase 1 clinical trials registered in Italy vs. 80.19% of profit phase 1 clinical studies) should be promoted and supported by the institutions, even from a financial point of view, to allow independent researchers to develop new therapeutic drugs.
HLA Genotypes in Patients with Infection Caused by Different Strains of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Bubnova Ludmila , Pavlova Irina , Terentieva Maria , Glazanova Tatiana , Belyaeva Elena , Sidorkevich Sergei , Bashketova Nataliya , Chkhingeria Irina , Kozhemyakina Mal’vina , Azarov Daniil , Kuznetsova Raisa , Ramsay Edward S. , Gladkikh Anna , Sharova Alena , Dedkov Vladimir , Totolian Areg
Published: October 2022

The aggressive infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2, its rapid spread, and the emergence of mutations necessitate investigation of factors contributing to differences in SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity. The role of genetic variations in the human HLA continues to be studied in various populations in terms of both its effect on morbidity and clinical manifestation of illness. The study included 484 COVID-19 convalescents (northwest Russia residents of St. Petersburg). Cases in which the responsible strain was determined were divided in two subgroups: group 1 (n = 231) had illness caused by genovariants unrelated to variant of concern (VOC) strains; and group 2 (n = 80) had illness caused by the delta (B.1.617.2) VOC; and a control group (n = 1456). DNA typing (HLA-A, B, DRB1) was performed at the basic resolution level. HLA-A*02 was associated with protection against infection caused by non-VOC SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants only but not against infection caused by delta strains. HLA-A*03 was associated with protection against infection caused by delta strains; and allele groups associated with infection by delta strains were HLA-A*30, B*49, and B*57. Thus, in northwest Russia, HLA-A*02 was associated with protection against infection caused by non-VOC SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants but not against delta viral strains. HLA-A*03 was associated with a reduced risk of infection by delta SARS-CoV-2 strains. HLA-A*30, HLA-B*49, and HLA-B*57 allele groups were predisposing factors for infection by delta (B.1.617.2) strains.
Association of Cardiovascular Risk Factors between Adolescents and Their Parents Is Mitigated by Parental Physical Activity—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tebar William R. , Ferrari Gerson , Mota Jorge , Antunes Ewerton P. , Aguilar Beatriz A. S. , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Christofaro Diego G. D.
Published: October 2022

Introduction: It is hypothesized that children’s habits can be modulated by their parent’s lifestyle. However, it is still not established whether the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in adolescents and their parents could be attenuated by parental physical activity levels. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship of CVRF between adolescents and their parents according to parental physical activity level. Methods: A school-based sample of 1231 adolescents, 1202 mothers and 871 fathers were included (n = 3304). The CVRF assessed were overweight, hypertension, smoking and alcohol consumption. The parental physical activity level was assessed using a validated questionnaire, being classified into physically active and inactive parents. The statistical analysis considered all parents and stratification by physical activity level. Results: The prevalence of CVRF was higher in fathers than in mothers (70.6% vs. 54.9% for overweight, 23.3% vs. 19.7% for hypertension, 17.9% vs. 12.4% for smoking and 60.4% vs. 28.5% for alcohol consumption). Adolescents with active mothers showed lower prevalence of overweight (13.9% vs. 19.6%), while adolescents with active fathers showed higher prevalence of alcohol consumption (23.5% vs. 16.9%). The CVRF of both fathers and mothers were positively associated with CVRF of adolescents. However, the association of CVRF between adolescents and their parents was mitigated among active parents, while all the CVRF remained associated in physically inactive parents. Conclusion: The parental physical activity level seems to mitigate the association of CVRF between adolescents and their parents. The promotion of an active lifestyle at the family level can contribute to reduce CVRF among adolescents.
Good Personality and Subjective Well-Being: Presence of Meaning in Life and Perceived Social Support as Mediators
Authors: Xu Xiaodan , Xu Yan , Zhao Jinzhe , Ye Panqin , Yu Mengke , Lai Yidie , Wang Juan , Huang Qunying
Published: October 2022

Background: Good personality is a positive moral personality in the context of Chinese Confucianism. Based on a social-cognitive model of normative well-being, we propose that good personality positively predicts subjective well-being, mediated by the perceived social support and presence of meaning in life in the context of Chinese culture. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, there were 665 Chinese adults (134 males and 531 females) who participated in the Good Personality Questionnaire, Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Presence of Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: Good personality was positively associated with subjective well-being (SWB). Both the presence of meaning in life and perceived social support independently mediated the link between good personality and subjective well-being (SWB), and in Chinese adults, perceived social support has a greater mediating effect than the presence of meaning in life. Conclusion: These findings illustrate that the presence of meaning in life and perceived social support mediate the relationship between good personality and subjective well-being in the context of Chinese culture, which supports the model of normative well-being and can provide more targeted intervention guidance for research on promoting well-being in the Chinese context.
Toxic Encephalopathy and Methemoglobinemia after 5-Amino-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine Poisoning
Authors: Tao Yiming , Shi Longke , Han Jie , Jian Xiangdong , Li Yongsheng
Published: October 2022

The aromatic amino compound 5-amino-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical products. However, the toxicity profile of this compound is sparse and no related poisoning events have been reported. Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old man who inhaled 5-amino-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine at work. After inhalation, the patient rapidly developed symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, and loss of consciousness. After admission, methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, acute renal failure, and toxic encephalopathy occurred. Symptoms improved significantly after intravenous treatment with a low dose of methylene blue. This revealed that 5-amino-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine is toxic to the human body and can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, resulting in methemoglobinemia and toxic encephalopathy; thus, caution should be taken in industrial production.
Development of an Auxiliary Platform (Mentali) for the Primary Screening of Anxiety and Depression in Young Adults
Authors: Solis-Galvan Jorge Alfonso , Vazquez-Reyes Sodel , Garza-Veloz Idalia , Velasco-Elizondo Perla , Mauricio-Gonzalez Alejandro , de la Luz Martinez-Fierro Margarita
Published: October 2022

The current COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed people’s daily routines. This has had a big impact on mental health. In Mexico, medical school authorities are interested in understanding the mental health status of the student population to be able to provide support to students who may need help from a mental health specialist. The aim of this study was to develop a platform comprised of a mobile and web application called Mentali, to be used as an auxiliary tool for the detection of conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as variations in mood, by analysis of the results of validated inventories. Following the Scrum software development methodology, Python, Dart and PHP programming languages were used for development of the application. This platform was used prospectively with 155 first year students taking part in the human medicine program. After 22 weeks, Mentali enabled the identification of 40 users with positive primary screening for anxiety and/or depression (45% for anxiety, 32.5% for both anxiety and depression, and 22.5% for altered mood). These students were contacted and referred to a psychologist; however, only 26 (65%) accepted psychological support. For all of these students a mental health disorder was confirmed. The results support the use of Mentali for the primary screening of anxiety and depression in young adults, including medical students.
Effects of Mobile Identity on Smartphone Symbolic Use: An Attachment Theory Perspective
Authors: Lou Jie , Han Nianlong , Wang Dong , Pei Xi
Published: October 2022

Smartphones are not only multifunctional tools but also users’ personal extensions and identity symbols, as they are constantly with users and highly visible to the public while in use. Due to this public property as well as the close bond between smartphones and users, they are frequently used for personal identity expression besides functional purposes. The current study conceptualizes such behavior as symbolic use and aims to understand it. Anchoring on the attachment theory, mobile identity is postulated as an important antecedent of symbolic use. Mobile identity in turn is formed by mobile symbolism and mobile design esthetics. The research model was tested by a hybrid of both online and offline survey with 271 valid responses. SEM analysis was used to test the research model and SPSS was used for descriptive statistics. The results confirmed the role of mobile identity in affecting smartphone symbolic use. Additionally, individual materialism was confirmed as a moderator using hierarchical analysis. By defining and explaining smartphone symbolic use, this study clarifies the unique characteristics of the smartphone usage context as compared to non-portable technologies, thereby enriching the mobile usage literature and the application of attachment theory. It also defines the boundary condition of attachment formation by studying the contingent role of individual characteristics.
Effects of Theacrine as a Pre-Workout Supplement
Authors: Cerqueira Henrique Santa Capita , Filho Hugo Tourinho , Corrêa Junior Marcos , Martinelli Junior Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2022

The search to increase physical performance is inherent to physical activity practitioners, and nutrition features are among the alternatives to seeking such an increase. The literature from the area has shown that different substances can promote beneficial effects over physical performance. One substance that has come into the spotlight is theacrine, an alkaloid similar to caffeine, which aims to increase physical performance. However, the studies on this supplement are scarce. Therefore, this study is a randomized, controlled trial that aimed to verify the effects of theacrine supplementation over physical performance in young male athletes, by applying a battery of physical tests. Twenty-two male amateur flag-football athletes were recruited. Subjects were divided into two groups and assessed at two moments, which were 72 h apart. The first assessment served as a basal measurement. In the second, the subjects ingested the supplement or a placebo 60 min before the following tests: sextuple jump, agility T test, 30 m sprint, 40 s run test (Matsudo test), and 12 min run test (Cooper test). There was no difference between the groups in any of the tests. Therefore, the findings of this study do not support the use of theacrine to increase physical performance.
Self-Stigmatization of Healthcare Workers in Intensive Care, Acute, and Emergency Medicine
Authors: Riegel Maike , Klemm Victoria , Bushuven Stefan , Strametz Reinhard
Published: October 2022

This quantitative study examines whether employees in the fields of intensive care or acute and emergency medicine experience psychological distress because of their daily work. In addition, it was examined if self-stigmatization tendencies can significantly influence the willingness to seek help, and therefore psychological problems are not being treated adequately. These problems lead to various difficulties in professional and private contexts and ultimately endanger patient safety. From May to June 2021, an online questionnaire survey was conducted. This questionnaire combined two validated measuring instruments (PHQ-D and SSDS). To ensure high participation, the departments of anesthesia and/or intensive care medicine in 68 German hospitals were contacted, of which 5 responded positively. A total of 244 people participated in the questionnaire survey. On average, depressive symptoms were of mild severity. At the same time, self-stigmatization regarding depressive symptoms was high. These results highlight the practical need to prepare staff who work in the field of intensive care or acute and emergency medicine at the early onset for potentially traumatic and emotionally demanding events during their university education or studies. Adequate, evaluated, and continuously available support services from the psychosocial field should become an integral part of every staff care structure.
Use It or Lose It? A Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Resistance Training Cessation (Detraining) on Muscle Size in Older Adults
Authors: Grgic Jozo
Published: October 2022

This review aimed to explore the effect of resistance training cessation (detraining) on muscle size in older adults. Five databases were searched to find eligible studies. Their methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro checklist. The data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. Six studies, with eight groups, were included in the review. Resistance training interventions lasted from 9 to 24 weeks. The detraining duration was from 12 to 52 weeks. Studies were classified as being of fair or good methodological quality. Compared to the baseline data, muscle size significantly increased following the resistance training intervention (Cohen’s d: 0.99; 95% confidence interval: 0.63, 1.36). Compared to the post-resistance training data, there was a significant decrease in muscle size following training cessation (Cohen’s d: −0.83; 95% confidence interval: −1.30, −0.36). In subgroup analyses, there was no significant decrease in muscle size following 12–24 weeks of training cessation (Cohen’s d: −0.60; 95% confidence interval: −1.21, 0.01). There was a significant decrease in muscle size following 31–52 weeks of training cessation (Cohen’s d: −1.11; 95% confidence interval: −1.75, −0.47). In summary, resistance training increases muscle size in older adults. In contrast, training cessation is associated with a decrease in muscle size. However, the loss of muscle size might be related to detraining duration, with greater muscle loss occurring during longer duration detraining periods. Future studies are required to establish the time course of muscle size changes during detraining in older adults.
Pesticides in the Indoor Environment of Residential Houses: A Case Study in Strasbourg, France
Authors: Al-Alam Josephine , Sonnette Alexandre , Delhomme Olivier , Alleman Laurent Y. , Coddeville Patrice , Millet Maurice
Published: October 2022

Indoor environmental exposure to pesticides has become one of the major concerns that might adversely affect human health and development. People spend most of their lifetime in enclosed indoor environments where they might inhale harmful toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, dispersed either in particulate or in a gas phase. In this study, an assessment of pesticide contamination in indoor environments was conducted. The study covered nine houses during one year, starting from February 2016 and ending in February 2017, in which both air and dust samples were assessed for their potential contamination with 50 pesticides. The results showed that all the assessed houses were contaminated by several pesticides, especially with the allethrin pesticide (detection frequency (DF) = 100%). The highest pesticide contamination was detected in the spring/summer season when it reached an average of around 185 ng g−1 and 186.4 ng sampler−1 in the collected dust and air samples, respectively. The potential contamination of pyrethroid insecticides within all the targeted samples revealed by this study stresses the importance of minimizing the use of such indoor treatments as part of the efficient prevention and control of human exposure to pesticides.
Training on Emotional Intelligence for Caregivers of Patients with Acquired Brain Injury and Cognitive Impairment: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: De-Torres Irene , Bustos Fernando , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo
Published: October 2022

Background: Cognitive-behavioral alterations can occur after an acquired brain injury (ABI). Objectives: To develop and evaluate a synchronous online training program on emotional intelligence (EI) for the caregivers of adult patients with cognitive-behavioral impairment due to ABI. Methods: Quasi-experimental study. Ten caregivers attended a one-month virtual synchronous course about EI. The emotional status of the caregivers was registered one-month-previous and one-month-post program using comparative measures: The Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Caregiver Burden Interview, the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Emotional Health Survey. Results: After the training course, the favorable changes related to emotional affect measured with the PANAS questionnaire were found; both positive (increase; Mdn = 39.5; effect size −12.79; adjusted variance 95.75) and negative (decrease; Mdn = 14.5; effect size 0.73; adjusted variance 95.50) presented a statistical significance of p < 0.05. The TMMS-24 post-test showed that 90% of the caregivers reported an adequate or excellent emotional repair (p < 0.05; effect size −0.68; adjusted variance 94.75). No other significant differences were found. Conclusions: After this training in EI, the caregivers had a more positive mood and improved aspects of their emotional intelligence, such as emotional regulation. More studies need to be conducted.
Prevalence of Frailty and Its Association with Depressive Symptoms among European Older Adults from 17 Countries: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Marconcin Priscila , Barak Sharon , Ferrari Gerson , Gouveia Élvio R. , de Maio Nascimento Marcelo , Willig Renata , Varela Margarida , Marques Adilson
Published: October 2022

Background: This study aimed to examine the association between frailty and depressive symptoms. Methods: Cross-sectional and five-year longitudinal study. Data were from the population-based Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) waves six (2015) and eight (2020). Frailty was assessed using the SHARE-Frailty Instrument. Fatigue, appetite, walking difficulties, and physical activity were self-reported, and grip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. The EURO-D 12-item scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. Results: The sample comprised 25,771 older adults (56.2% female) with a mean age of 66.5 (95% CI 66.4, 66.6) years. The prevalence of frailty was 4.2% (95% CI 3.9, 4.4) in 2015 and 6.7% (95% CI 13.5, 14.3) in 2020. Among frail participants, 72.5% and 69.6% had depression in 2015 and 2020, respectively. Frailty was associated with depression over the 5 years. Those with pre-frailty and those with frailty in 2015 had 1.86 (95% CI 1.71, 2.01) and 2.46 (95% CI 2.14, 2.83) greater odds of having depressive symptoms in 2020. Conclusions: Frailty is a predictor of depression in older adults, and frail participants had greater odds of presenting depressive symptoms.
Carotid Artery Calcifications on Panoramic Radiographs
Authors: Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna , Jakubowska Anna , Gieruszczak Ewa , Jakubowski Kacper , Wawrzyniak Piotr , Grocholewicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) on panoramic radiographs of Polish dental patients. Methods: Panoramic radiographs made between 2005 and 2012 in 4000 patients born between 1922 and 1958 were accessed from the server of the Department of Radiology and analyzed for the presence or absence of CACs by a group of trained dentists. Results: The anatomical area covered by the analysis was visible in 2189 images (54.73%). Calcifications in the carotid arteries were found in 468 (21.68%) patients, including 327 (14.94%) unilaterally and 141 (6.44%) bilaterally. CACs were found in 284 (60.68%) women and 184 (39.32%) men. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of CACs detected on panoramic radiographs in patients aged 54 and older was 21.68%, which makes it an important clinical problem.
Measuring Online Social Support: Development and Validation of a Short Form for Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Zhou Ziyao , Cheng Qijin
Published: October 2022

Supportive interactions on social media have great potential to benefit adolescents’ development. However, there is no instrument to measure online social support (OSS) in China. The study aimed to develop and validate a Chinese short version of the Online Social Support Scale (OSSS). The original scale was translated into Chinese through multiple forward and backward translation protocols. The calibration sample (N = 262) was used to select items and test the reliability, validity, and internal structure of the short form. The cross-validation sample (N = 267) was then used to assess measurement invariance by multigroup confirmatory factor analysis and examine criterion validity based on its relationships with life satisfaction, depression, and time on social media. The 20-item Chinese short version of OSSS (OSSS-CS) includes four factors: esteem/emotional support, social companionship, informational support, and instrumental support. Our results suggest that the OSSS-CS has high internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity. Furthermore, evidence of partial cross-validity demonstrated invariance of the variance–covariance matrices, factor structure, factor loadings, and factor variance across independent samples. The results also revealed that the original OSSS could be replicated across cultures. Finally, the short form developed in the study can be used as a reliable and valid measure of online social support among the Chinese adolescent population.
“Moving Freely in Space with Power and Not Be Afraid”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Elite Rowers with Visual Impairment
Authors: Rich Jason , Lieberman Lauren , Beach Pamela , Perreault Melanie
Published: October 2022

Due to the accessibility of the sport of rowing for individuals with visual impairment (VI), rowers with VI are a unique population because they have the potential to be just as competitive outside of Para-rowing as sighted rowers. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of elite rowers with VI in relation to the benefits and challenges of those experiences as well as their peer and coach relationships. Adopting an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to guide data collection, analysis, and interpretation, eight participants with VI who rowed on the national level or higher were recruited and interviewed. The analysis identified four major themes: Empowerment Through Rowing, Rowing Through Feel, Changing Perceptions, and Forming Influential Relationships. The identified themes illustrate the influence of rowing upon the participants’ lives, careers, and successes, as well as the disability awareness of the coaches and peers influencing their experiences.
Older Adults’ Vigorous Occupational Physical Activity Levels in Six Countries Are Explained by Country and ‘Having Multiple Jobs’
Authors: Asiamah Nestor , Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Vieira Edgar R. , Bateman Andrew , Khan Hafiz T. A. , Mensah Henry Kofi , Villalobos Dintrans Pablo , Danquah Emelia
Published: October 2022

Several studies have compared physical activity (PA) levels between countries, but none of these studies focused on older adults and occupational PA. This study aimed to assess potential inequalities in older adults’ occupational PA across six countries and to ascertain whether having multiple jobs is a factor that interacts with country of residence to modify inequalities. This study adopted a cross-sectional design with a statistical technique screening for potential covariates. Older adults (mean age = 64 years; range = 50–114 years) from six countries (Russia, Mexico, China, India, Ghana, and South Africa) participated in the study. We utilised data from the first wave of the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE). These data were collected from 2007 to 2010. A random sample of 34,114 older adults completed the survey. We analysed the data with a two-way multivariate analysis of variance after screening for the ultimate covariates. There were differences in occupational PA levels (i.e., vigorous and moderate PA) among the six countries. Occupational PA levels were not significantly associated with having multiple jobs. However, having multiple jobs interacted with country of residence to influence vigorous occupational PA. Older adults from most countries who had more than one job reported more vigorous occupational PA. Older adults’ occupational PA differed among the six countries, and having multiple jobs was associated with more vigorous occupational PA. Older adults who keep multiple jobs at a time may be more active than their counterparts who had one job or were unemployed.
The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers in Schools to Promote Child and Adolescent Physical Activity: A Descriptive Content Analysis of School Staff’s Perspectives
Authors: Creaser Amy V. , Frazer Marie T. , Costa Silvia , Bingham Daniel D. , Clemes Stacy A.
Published: October 2022

Background: The school environment is an ideal setting for promoting physical activity (PA). Wearable activity trackers (wearables) have previously been implemented, in research, as intervention tools within the school-environment. However, the large-scale use and acceptance of wearables, in schools, is unknown. Methods: This study distributed a cross-sectional survey to school staff to investigate the prevalence of child and adolescent wearable use in schools, including when and how they are used, and school staff’s willingness to use them in the future (as implemented by school staff). This survey consisted of between 13 and 22 items, including closed-ended and open-ended questions. Closed-ended responses were displayed descriptively (wearable prevalence and characteristics), and open-ended qualitative responses were categorised using descriptive content analysis (how wearables are used). Results: 1087 school staff provided valid responses. Of those, 896 (82.4%) had never used a wearable as a teaching or support tool for their students, and 120 (11%) currently used- and 71 (6.5%) had previously used- a wearable as a teaching or support tool for their students. When wearables were used, school staff implemented their use regularly and during physical education lessons or throughout the entire school day. Wearables were used to monitor or increase student’s PA levels, or for student and staff educational purposes (e.g., academic learning, movement breaks). Most school staff were willing to use a wearable as a teaching or support tool to promote student’s PA, and/or learning about PA, in the future. Conclusions: This study is the first study to explore the widescale use and acceptance of children and adolescents using wearables in the school-setting. Findings may inform the development of future school-based interventions and public health initiatives for physical activity promotion, using wearables.
Perceived Stress in Relation to Demographics and Clinical Forms among Patients with Infective Endocarditis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Malinauskas Romualdas , Malinauskas Mindaugas , Malinauskiene Vilija , Zabiela Vytautas
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease of the endocardial surface of the heart, caused by infection of the native or prosthetic valve or an indwelling cardiac device. Apart from IE predisposing risk factors that include heart conditions and medical procedures, the novel trajectories from demographic factors to perceived stress conditions have been under investigation in recent years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between perceived stress and demographic characteristics as well as clinical forms of IE among survivors of IE in Kaunas, Lithuania. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study among IE cases (n = 135) at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics Cardiology department during the period 2014–2017 was performed. Data about IE clinical features, sociodemographic characteristics and perceived stress level (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)) upon diagnosis were collected. Package “SPSS 25.0” was used in the statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed including gender, previous occupation, place of residence and clinical forms of IE in the analysis of perceived stress among survivors of IE. The STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies was used in this study. (3) Results: Perceived stress was experienced by 54.8 percent of the respondents. In the final model, the OR (odds ratio) of perceived stress for females was 2.07 as compared to men; for rural residents, the OR was 2.25 as compared to urban residents. These results were statistically significant. A tendency for increased OR of perceived stress for low-skilled workers as compared to high-skilled ones and classical IE clinical form as compared to non-classical form was observed, but these results were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: The present study is an attempt to focus the attention of IE researchers on the effects of psychological state in the disease development. Differences in perceived stress and some demographic characteristics, as well as tendencies of IE clinical forms, were observed among survivors of IE in Kaunas, Lithuania.