bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Associations between Racial Disparities, Health Insurance, and the Use of Amputation as Treatment for Malignant Primary Bone Neoplasms in the US: A Retrospective Analysis from 1998 to 2016
Authors: Lapica Hans , Ozery Matan , Raju Harsha , Castro Grettel , Rodriguez de la Vega Pura , Barengo Noël C.
Published: May 2022

Primary bone neoplasms (PBNs) represent less than 1% of diagnosed cancers each year. Significant treatment disparities exist between racial and ethnic groups. We investigated patients with PBNs to determine an association between race/ethnicity and procedure-type selection. A non-concurrent cohort study was conducted using the SEER database. Patients diagnosed with PBNs between 1998 and 2016 were included (n = 5091). Patients were classified into three racial groups (Black, White and Asian Pacific Islanders) and were assessed by procedure-type received. The outcome was amputation. Race was not associated with increased amputation incidence. Hispanic patients had a 40% increased likelihood of amputation (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2–1.6). Insurance status was an independent predictor of procedure selection. Uninsured patients were 70% more likely to receive amputation than insured patients (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.8). We recommend provider awareness of patients less likely to seek regular healthcare in the context of PBNs.
Penetration and Adaptation of the Highly Viscous Zinc-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement on Contaminated Fissures: An In Vitro Study with SEM Analysis
Authors: AlJefri Galiah , Kotha Sunil , Murad Muhannad , Aljudaibi Reham , Almotawah Fatmah , Mallineni Sreekanth
Published: May 2022

Objective: To evaluate the penetration and adaptation of highly viscous zinc-reinforced glass ionomer cement (ZRGIC), using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), when applied under various contaminated conditions on grooves and fissures of primary second molars. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 extracted human primary second molars were randomly assigned into five groups (8 teeth each), with different surface conditions (conditioned with 40% polyacrylic acid, dry condition, water contamination, saliva contamination, or saliva contamination and air-drying) on the occlusal surface before placement of zinc-reinforced highly viscous glass ionomer cement with the finger-press technique. After sectioning the teeth, they were subjected to SEM analysis, where four in each group underwent aging by thermocycling and the other four were without aging. ANOVA tests, post hoc analysis, and unpaired t-tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: There was a significant statistical difference in the sealant penetration in the non-aging group, but in the aging group, there was no significant statistical difference in the sealant penetration. On other hand, a significant statistical difference was found in the adaptation between all the groups (p < 0.05). Highly viscous zinc-reinforced glass ionomer fissure sealants have better fissure penetration and more intimate adaptation under fissures conditioned with 40% polyacrylic acid and dry surface fissures with no contamination. However, the best penetration and retention after aging were under contaminated fissures with a shiny layer of saliva. Conclusions: The ZRGIC is a highly viscous fluoride-releasing cement, effectively seals fissures by interfering with food lodgment and protecting teeth from caries. It is advisable to restore the fissures with the minimal technique of sensitive fluoride-releasing GIC, particularly in young, uncooperative children, rather than leaving a caries-prone environment.
Tools for Evaluating the Quality of Life of the Paediatric Population with Primary Headaches—A Review of Selected Questionnaires
Authors: Rożniecka Adrianna , Minarowska Alina
Published: May 2022

Primary headaches are a common health issue in the paediatric population. These conditions have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients at the development age in every area of their lives. The aim of this study is to list the tools used to evaluate the quality of life of the paediatric population with primary headaches and to discuss their advantages and limitations. Examining the quality of life of children and adolescents suffering from primary headaches is of particular importance. This is a consequence of a high disease incidence rate and a considerable negative impact of the ailment on the everyday life of this population. It is very important to conduct such examinations with specific and validated tools. It is significant because of the particular features of the areas of patients’ lives at the developmental age. Each of the available questionnaires has specific characteristics, advantages and limitations. The data accumulated in this literature review can be of help in designing research on the quality of life of children and adolescents suffering from primary headaches.
Performance and Mechanisms of Sulfidated Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Materials for Toxic TCE Removal from the Groundwater
Authors: Lang Yue , Yu Yanan , Zou Hongtao , Ye Jiexu , Zhang Shihan
Published: May 2022

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the most widely distributed pollutants in groundwater and poses serious risks to the environment and human health. In this study, sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) materials with different Fe/S molar ratios were synthesized by one-step methods. These materials degraded TCE in groundwater and followed a pathway that did not involve the production of toxic byproducts such as dichloroethenes (DCEs) and vinyl chloride (VC). The effects of sulfur content on TCE dechlorination by S-nZVI were thoroughly investigated in terms of TCE-removal efficiency, H2 evolution, and reaction rate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations confirmed Fe(0) levels in S-nZVI were larger than for zero-valent iron (nZVI). An Fe/S molar ratio of 10 provided the highest TCE-removal efficiencies. Compared with nZVI, the 24-h TCE removal efficiencies of S-nZVI (Fe/S = 10) increased from 30.2% to 92.6%, and the Fe(0) consumed during a side-reaction of H2 evolution dropped from 77.0% to 12.8%. This indicated the incorporation of sulfur effectively inhibited H2 evolution and allowed more Fe(0) to react with TCE. Moreover, the pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constants of S-nZVI materials increased by up to 485% compared to nZVI. In addition, a TCE degradation was proposed based on the variation of detected degradation products. Noting that acetylene, ethylene, and ethane were detected rather than DCEs and VC confirmed that TCE degradation followed β-elimination with acetylene as the intermediate. These results demonstrated that sulfide modification significantly enhanced nZVI performance for TCE degradation, minimized toxic-byproduct formation, and mitigated health risks. This work provides some insight into the remediation of chlorinated-organic-compound-contaminated groundwater and protection from secondary pollution during remediation by adjusting the degradation pathway.
Dietary Practices during Pregnancy in a Marshallese Community: A Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Ayers Britni L. , Bogulski Cari A. , Bennett-Milburn Ashlea , Fisher Anna , Netwon Morda , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: May 2022

Dietary practices during pregnancy play a pivotal role in the health of women and their children and set the foundation for long-term health. Marshallese women have disproportionally higher rates of maternal and infant health disparities, yet little is known about the dietary practices during their pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to identify dietary practices during pregnancy among Marshallese women. From March 2019 to March 2020, a purposive sample of 33 pregnant Marshallese participants participated in a mixed methods study. Two primary themes emerged: (1) traditional beliefs about a healthy diet during pregnancy; and (2) dietary change during pregnancy. Within the first theme, four subthemes emerged: (1) should eat; (2) should not eat; (3) challenges to traditional diet; and (4) spiritual dietary customs during pregnancy. Within the second theme, three subthemes emerged: (1) a healthy diet for my baby; (2) autonomy and diet; and (3) sugar-sweetened beverages. The transition in discourse from traditional customs of dietary practices to an individualistic discourse highlights that acculturation is a complex process that should be included in maternal health education and interventions. Findings from this study provide insight into potential considerations for future interventions aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes among Marshallese.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution Analysis of Industrial Green Technology Innovation Efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Yao Mengchao , Duan Jinjun , Wang Qingsong
Published: May 2022

As a fusion point of innovation-driven green development, green technology innovation has become an essential engine for green transformation and high-quality economic development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on the panel data of 110 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2006 to 2020, this paper uses the super-SBM model to measure the efficiency of industrial green technology innovation. Then, the Dagum Gini coefficient and its subgroup decomposition method, kernel density estimation, and the spatial Markov chain will discuss the convergence characteristics and dynamic evolution law of industrial green technology innovation efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The results indicate several key points. (1) On the whole, the industrial green innovation efficiency of the Yangtze River Economic Belt shows a trend of the “N” type, which increases slowly at first and then decreases and then increases, and shows a non-equilibrium feature of “east high and west low” in space. (2) The average GML index of industrial green technology innovation efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is greater than 1, and technological progress is the main driving force in promoting efficiency growth. (3) There are spatial and temporal differences in industrial green technological innovation efficiency in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Interregional differences and hypervariable density are the primary sources of overall differences. (4) During the study period, the absolute difference in industrial green technology innovation efficiency among regions showed a trend of “expansion-reduction-expansion”, and the innovation efficiency gradually converged to a single equilibrium point. (5) The industrial green technology innovation efficiency transfer in the Yangtze River Economic Belt shows a specific spatial dependence. Accordingly, policy suggestions are put forward to further improve industrial green technological innovation in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Research on Service-Learning in Physical Activity and Sport: Where We Have Been, Where We Are, Where We Are Going
Authors: Francisco-Garcés Xavier , Salvador-Garcia Celina , Maravé-Vivas María , Chiva-Bartoll Oscar , Santos-Pastor María Luisa
Published: May 2022

Higher education is under constant transformation through the use of new pedagogical models such as university service-learning (SL). Indeed, there has been an exponential uptake of university SL, among others, in the field of physical activity and sport (PAS) along with research examining these practices. However, these initiatives highlight the need to improve the quality of research in this field. This paper presents a systematic review focused on how research in this arena has been carried out, examining the following topics: paradigm, methods, instruments, discipline, limitations, and further research. A total of 45 articles met the inclusion criteria. The results show that qualitative and mixed methods have experienced an increasing progression. The most recurrent instruments have been questionnaires, reflective diaries, and interviews. According to the studies in the sample, the limitations point to research designs and some difficulties that underlie the pedagogical model itself. Finally, further research calls for longitudinal studies and to deepen the reflective process. This review identifies some weaknesses and strengths of research in university SL in PAS that aspire to inform and improve future investigations in this field.
Association of Social-Cognitive Factors with Individual Preventive Behaviors of COVID-19 among a Mixed-Sample of Older Adults from China and Germany
Authors: Duan Yanping , Lippke Sonia , Liang Wei , Shang Borui , Keller Franziska Maria , Wagner Petra , Baker Julien Steven , He Jiali
Published: May 2022

Identifying modifiable correlates of older adults’ preventive behaviors is contributable to the prevention of the COVID-19 and future pandemics. This study aimed to examine the associations of social-cognitive factors (motivational and volitional factors) with three preventive behaviors (hand washing, facemask wearing, and physical distancing) in a mixed sample of older adults from China and Germany and to evaluate the moderating effects of countries. A total of 578 older adults (356 Chinese and 222 German) completed the online cross-sectional study. The questionnaire included demographics, three preventive behaviors before and during the pandemic, motivational factors (health knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, risk perception, motivational self-efficacy (MSE), intention), and volitional factors (volitional self-efficacy (VSE), planning, and self-monitoring) of preventive behaviors. Results showed that most social-cognitive factors were associated with three behaviors with small-to-moderate effect sizes (f2 = 0.02 to 0.17), controlled for demographics and past behaviors. Country moderated five associations, including VSE and hand washing, self-monitoring and facemask wearing, MSE and physical distancing, VSE and physical distancing, and planning and physical distancing. Findings underline the generic importance of modifiable factors and give new insights to future intervention and policymaking. Country-related mechanisms should be considered when aiming to learn from other countries about the promotion of preventive behaviors.
Effects of Infant Massage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mrljak Rebecca , Arnsteg Danielsson Ann , Hedov Gerth , Garmy Pernilla
Published: May 2022

Infant massage is performed in various international contexts. There is a need for an updated literature review on this topic. The purpose of the current review was to investigate the effects of infant massage. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the effects of infant massage on the following outcomes: pain relief, jaundice, and weight gain. The inclusion criteria were infants from 0–12 months. The literature search was performed until January 2022, using the CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases, and included studies published from 2017–2021, returning 16 RCT/CCT studies with a total of 1416 participating infants. A review template was used by two independent reviewers to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. The results were synthesized and presented in the form of tables and narratives. In five of seven studies (n = 422 resp. n = 717) investigating pain relief, infant massage was found to alleviate pain. In all six studies (n = 455) investigating effects on infant massage and jaundice, beneficial effects were found on bilirubin levels. In all four studies (n = 244) investigating weight gain, increased weight gain was found among participants who received infant massage. The present literature review provides an indication of the current state of knowledge about infant massage and identifies its positive effects; however, the results must be interpreted with caution. Infant massage may be effective at relieving pain, improving jaundice, and increasing weight gain. Although statistically significant differences were not found between all experimental and control groups, no adverse effects of infant massage were observed. By placing the aforementioned effects in the context of child health care, infant massage may prove beneficial on these outcomes. Given the dearth of research on infant massage in the context of child health care, further research is warranted.
Risky Sexual Practices, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Motivations, and Mental Health among Heterosexual Women and Men Who Practice Sexualized Drug Use in Spain
Authors: Íncera-Fernández Daniel , Román Francisco J. , Gámez-Guadix Manuel
Published: May 2022

Sexualized drug use (SDU) has been poorly studied among heterosexuals. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of and gender differences in types of substances, risky sexual practices, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), motivations, and psychological adjustment among heterosexual women and men who engage in SDU. The study sample consisted of 1181 heterosexuals (795 women) between 18 and 78 years old (mean age = 24.4, SD = 7.4). Approximately 12% of the participants had engaged in SDU. No differences were found in the prevalence of SDU between men and women. Alcohol, cannabis, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) were the substances most frequently used for sexual purposes. Men were significantly more likely to use MDMA, ecstasy, cocaine, and erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, and they tended to have more sexual partners than women. Likewise, SDU was related to have more sexual partners, penetrative sex without a condom, practice a fetish, be diagnosed with syphilis, chlamydia, and others STIs, and present more depression symptoms (but not with more anxiety). In conclusion, SDU was associated with poorer physical and mental health. It is, therefore, necessary to design programs aimed at reducing the incidence of the consequences of SDU on the physical and mental health of both men and women. Moreover, programs that seek to understand why these individuals engage in SDU should be undertaken.
Will Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Move Exhibition Visitors from On-Site to Virtual? Focusing on Exhibition Quarantine Service Quality and Switching Intention
Authors: Jang Mi-Hwa , Choi Eui-Yul
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 has shifted people’s activities from the real world to the virtual world in many fields, such as conferences, shopping, education, and more. In the field of MICE, however, exhibitions have been held steadily since the second half of 2020 in the form of on-site exhibitions. The exhibition organizers and related authorities have tried to attract exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition hall by providing exhibition quarantine services. Moreover, despite various perceived risks during the COVID-19 period, exhibition visitors continue to visit the exhibition. This study, therefore, paid attention to the psychological factors of visitors who consistently visit on-site exhibitions even during the pandemic. In addition to the perceived risks, this study tried to examine the quality of exhibition quarantine services and switching intention of visitors, and to analyze the relationships between them. A survey of 167 people who visited the camping exhibition and well-food exhibition held in June 2021 found that they would not visit the exhibition due to the functional and financial risk of the exhibition rather than the risk of the virus. On the other hand, it was found that visitors who felt the social risk of COVID-19 valued the quality of exhibition quarantine service. Furthermore, the study found that the quarantine service quality lowered switching intention. Therefore, the study suggests that exhibition organizers should think about ways to strengthen the most essential characteristics of on-site exhibitions along with appropriate quarantine measures to induce steady visits even during the pandemic.
Family and Work Lives of Lesbians in China: Implications for the Adult Worker Model
Authors: Lo Iris Po-Yee , Liu Emma H. , Yu Sam Wai-Kam
Published: May 2022

This article examines the ways in which lesbians explore opportunities and navigate constraints in their family and work lives in urban China. It not only reveals Chinese lesbians’ difficulties in gaining equal access to the labour market and developing their desired family lives, but also discusses possible ways of enhancing the applicability of the adult worker model for sexual minority women. Previous research has indicated a shift from the male breadwinner model to the adult worker model, suggesting that both men and women are expected to join the labour market, and that women should not carry all the care responsibilities within the family. However, the model largely overlooks the interplay of gender and sexuality factors in shaping work and family lives. This article adopts a qualitative mixed-methods approach, including interviews with 20 Chinese lesbians and social media analysis, to examine lesbians’ experiences of taking part in the family as adults and in the wider economy as workers. It shows how gender norms, heteronormativity, and policy intersect in generating obstacles for Chinese lesbians to thrive as respectable adult workers. This has important implications for attempts to improve the adult worker model to fit better with people’s diverse work/family needs.
Functional Zoning and Path Selection of Land Comprehensive Consolidation Based on Grey Constellation Clustering: A Case Study of Dongying City, China
Authors: Lin Yaoben , Chen Danling
Published: May 2022

The functional zoning of land comprehensive consolidation and the selection of consolidation paths are the key content of the current land and space planning, and it is also an important measure to achieve regional sustainable development. At present, the research system on land comprehensive consolidation is not yet mature. The previous research area is relatively small and not representative, and an effective method system has not been formed. Research on the selection of functional zoning and a consolidation path is also relatively scarce. There is an urgent need to construct the theory and method system of land comprehensive consolidation functional zoning and consolidation path selection. Taking Dongying City in China as an example, this paper constructs a zoning index system from four aspects including natural conditions, location advantages, social economy and land use. The entropy method is used to determine the weights, and GIS spatial data visualization is used to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of the index system. Based on the analysis, the grey constellation clustering method is used to divide the study area into four types of land comprehensive consolidation functional areas, and the results of functional zoning are adjusted according to the ranking of comprehensive index values, the principle of maximum similarity, and the continuity of natural space. The research results show that: ① There are 10 functional zonings for urban development and ecological protection land consolidation, and the main consolidation path should be the ecological country park consolidation model, which can effectively serve the urban ecological construction. ② There are nine functional zonings for rural development and cultivated land conservation consolidation, and their consolidation path should be based on a comprehensive rural improvement model that enhances the quality of the village and the development, utilization and protection of cultivated land resources. ③ There are 18 functional zonings for cultivated land improvement and ecological protection land consolidation, and the main consolidation path should focus on the cultivated land ecological improvement mode that emphasizes the quality of cultivated land and the improvement of regional ecological functions. ④ There are four functional zonings for ecological conservation and fallow recuperative land consolidation, and their main consolidation path should be the land ecological restoration and improvement model of construction land reclamation, cultivated land ecological conservation, and conversion of farmland to forest and grassland. The research results can provide references for Dongying City to formulate land and space planning, and can be extended to the design of comprehensive land remediation projects in other regions. It is of great significance to promote regional sustainable and scientific development.
Dental Neglect and Its Perception in the Dental Practice
Authors: Pawils Silke , Lindeman Tom , Lemke Rüdiger
Published: May 2022

In 2020, the number of reported cases of child maltreatment in Germany has never been higher and most of them showed signs of neglect. Most of the time, dental neglect (DN) appears together with a general form of neglect, and includes, apart from caries, many other negative short- and long-term effects for the affected child. In this study, the prevalence of DN in Germany and the way dental practices are currently addressing the topic are examined. Moreover, this study explored whether the experiences of German dentists with DN are related to their work experience, their gender or further education about DN. The data was collected using an anonymous questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested using unpaired t-tests based on differences in mean values. The three most common reasons for a suspected case of child maltreatment were the interaction of children with parents, or a legal guardian, insufficient oral or general hygiene, and grave caries. Even though most of the participating dentists agree that it is the task of the dentist to report suspected cases of child maltreatment, only few of them have done so in the past themselves. Not only insecurity about recognition and whom to contact in the suspected case, but also concern about unfounded suspicion were the most common reasons not to report a suspected case of DN. The detection and communication of suspected cases should be encouraged in order to protect affected children.
Effects of Heat Acclimation Following Heat Acclimatization on Whole Body Heat Exchange in Trained Endurance Athletes
Authors: Sekiguchi Yasuki , Benjamin Courteney , Lee Elaine , Struder Jeb , Manning Ciara , Morrissey Margaret , Szymanski Michael , Stearns Rebecca , Armstrong Lawrence , Casa Douglas
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in metabolic heat production (Hprod), evaporative heat loss (Hevap), and dry heat loss (Hdry), following heat acclimatization (HAz) and heat acclimation (HA). Twenty-two male endurance athletes (mean ± standard deviation; age, 37 ± 12 y; body mass, 73.4 ± 8.7 kg; height, 178.7 ± 6.8 cm; and VO2max, 57.1 ± 7.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed three trials (baseline; post-HAz; and post-HA), which consisted of 60 min steady state exercise at 59 ± 2% velocityVO2max in the heat (ambient temperature [Tamb], 35.2 ± 0.6 °C; relative humidity [%rh] 47.5 ± 0.4%). During the trial, VO2 and RER were collected to calculate Hprod, Hevap, and Hdry. Following the baseline trial, participants completed self-directed outdoor summer training followed by a post-HAz trial. Then, five days of HA were completed over eight days in the heat (Tamb, 38.7 ± 1.1 °C; %rh, 51.2 ± 2.3%). During the HA sessions, participants exercised to maintain hyperthermia (38.50 °C and 39.75 °C) for 60 min. Then, a post-HA trial was performed. There were no differences in Hprod between the baseline (459 ± 59 W·m−2), post-HAz (460 ± 61 W·m−2), and post-HA (464 ± 55 W·m−2, p = 0.866). However, Hevap was significantly increased post-HA (385 ± 84 W·m−2) compared to post-HAz (342 ± 86 W·m−2, p = 0.043) and the baseline (332 ± 77 W·m−2, p = 0.037). Additionally, Hdry was significantly lower at post-HAz (125 ± 8 W·m−2, p = 0.013) and post-HA (121 ± 10 W·m−2, p < 0.001) compared to the baseline (128 ± 7 W·m−2). Hdry at post-HA was also lower than post-HAz (p = 0.049). Hprod did not change following HAz and HA. While Hdry was decreased following HA, the decrease in Hdry was smaller than the increases in Hevap. Adaptations in body heat exchange can occur by HA following HAz.
Infra-Temporal and Pterygo-Palatine Fossae Tumors: A Frontier in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery—Description of the Surgical Anatomy of the Approach and Report of Illustrative Cases
Authors: Zoli Matteo , Sollini Giacomo , Zaccagna Fulvio , Fabbri Viscardo Paolo , Cirignotta Lorenzo , Rustici Arianna , Guaraldi Federica , Asioli Sofia , Tonon Caterina , Pasquini Ernesto , Mazzatenta Diego
Published: May 2022

Infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae (ITF and PPF) represent two complex paramedian skull base areas, which can be defined as jewelry boxes, containing a large number of neurovascular and osteomuscular structures of primary importance. They are in close communication with many craniofacial areas, such as nasal/paranasal sinuses, orbit, middle cranial fossa, and oral cavities. Therefore, they can be involved by tumoral, infective or inflammatory lesions spreading from these spaces. Moreover, they can be the primary site of the development of some primitive tumors. For the deep-seated location of ITF and PPF lesions and their close relationship with the surrounding functional neuro-vascular structures, their surgery represents a challenge. In the last decades, the introduction of the endoscope in skull base surgery has favored the development of an innovative anterior endonasal approach for ITF and PPF tumors: the transmaxillary-pterygoid, which gives a direct and straightforward route for these areas. It has demonstrated that it is effective and safe for the treatment of a large number of benign and malignant neoplasms, located in these fossae, avoiding extensive bone drilling, soft tissue demolition, possibly unaesthetic scars, and reducing the risk of neurological deficits. However, some limits, especially for vascular tumors or lesions with lateral extension, are still present. Based on the experience of our multidisciplinary team, we present our operative technique, surgical indications, and pre- and post-operative management protocol for patients with ITF and PPF tumors.
Physical Rehabilitation Programs for Bedridden Patients with Prolonged Immobility: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cardoso Remy , Parola Vitor , Neves Hugo , Bernardes Rafael A. , Duque Filipa Margarida , Mendes Carla A. , Pimentel Mónica , Caetano Pedro , Petronilho Fernando , Albuquerque Carlos , Sousa Liliana B. , Malça Cândida , Durães Rúben , Xavier William , Parreira Pedro , Apóstolo João , Cruz Arménio
Published: May 2022

Bedridden patients usually stay in bed for long periods, presenting several problems caused by immobility, leading to a long recovery process. Thus, identifying physical rehabilitation programs for bedridden patients with prolonged immobility requires urgent research. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to map existing physical rehabilitation programs for bedridden patients with prolonged immobility, the rehabilitation domains, the devices used, the parameters accessed, and the context in which these programs were performed. This scoping review, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) methodology and conducted in different databases (including grey literature), identified 475 articles, of which 27 were included in this review. The observed contexts included research institutes, hospitals, rehabilitation units, nursing homes, long-term units, and palliative care units. Most of the programs were directed to the musculoskeletal domain, predominantly toward the lower limbs. The devices used included lower limb mobilization, electrical stimulation, inclined planes, and cycle ergometers. Most of the evaluated parameters were musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, or vital signs. The variability of the programs, domains, devices and parameters found in this scoping review revealed no uniformity, a consequence of the personalization and individualization of care, which makes the development of a standard intervention program challenging.
Impacts of Spatial Components on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Traditional Linpan Settlements
Authors: Zhang Lili , Liu Haoru , Wei Dong , Liu Fei , Li Yanru , Li Haolin , Dong Zhuojun , Cheng Jingyue , Tian Lei , Zhang Guomin , Shi Long
Published: May 2022

Traditional settlements have received increasing attention because of China’s rural revitalization. Traditional settlements with excellent thermal comfort in rural areas can attract urban residents, so it is vital to explore the thermal comfort of traditional settlements. For this paper, we studied Linpan settlements, which are scattered traditional settlements that are mainly composed of buildings and trees. Firstly, we visually interpreted Linpan settlements by ArcGIS. A total of 1194 Linpan settlements were classified to obtain the spatial components. The statistical results of Linpan were used in the subsequent experimental design. Then ENVI-met was used to simulate 25 different spatial forms of Linpan obtained by statistical results and orthogonal experiment to explore the most comfortable Linpan layout. The results showed the following: (1) Linpan could improve thermal comfort in both winter and summer. Adjusting the spatial arrangement could maximally increase the mean physiological equivalent temperature (PET) of the whole Linpan area by 1.03 °C in winter and reduce it by 3.02 °C in the summer. (2) At different time points, the influence of different space factors on thermal comfort was also different. The overall significance of each factor on thermal comfort was addressed as follows: vegetation coverage (highly significant) > building number (highly significant) > building form (highly significant) > vegetation distribution (significant), but the building distribution was not significant. (3) The best spatial arrangement scheme was high vegetation coverage, a large number of buildings, tri-courtyard buildings, surrounding vegetation distribution, and surrounding building distribution. The innovation of this paper lies in introduced thermal comfort into the traditional Linpan settlement, extracted spatial features of buildings and vegetation by visual interpretation combined with GIS software, and the fact that we conducted the experimental design of microclimate and thermal comfort based on spatial features. The research results can guide the outdoor thermal environment renewal design of Linpan and other traditional settlements.
The Relationship between Phase Angle, Nutrition Status, and Complications in Patients with Pancreatic Head Cancer
Authors: Zhou Shengnan , Yu Zhangping , Shi Xiaodong , Zhao Huaiyu , Dai Menghua , Chen Wei
Published: May 2022

Phase angle (PhA), a bioimpedance parameter, is used to assess the nutrition status and body composition of patients. Patients with pancreatic head cancer often present with body composition changes that relate to adverse outcomes. PhA may be useful to evaluate prognosis in these patients, but data are deficient. We aim to explore the effects of PhA on nutrition evaluation and short-term outcome prediction in these patients. This prospective study included 49 participants with pancreatic head cancer who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). All participants’ nutritional status and postoperative complications were assessed using nutrition assessment tools and the Clavien–Dindo classification method, respectively. Spearman correlation analyses were used to evaluate the association between PhA, nutrition status, and postoperative complications. ROC curves were generated to evaluate the ability of PhA to predict malnutrition and complications and to determine the cutoff value. The PhA values of the nutritional risk group and the malnourished group were significantly lower than those of the well-nourished group (p < 0.05). PhA positively correlated with patients’ nutrition status. Nineteen patients had postoperative complications, and the PhA value of the complication group was significantly lower than that of the non-complication group (4.94 vs. 5.47, p = 0.013). ROC curves showed that the cutoff point of PhA to predict malnutrition was 5.45 (AUC: 0.744), and the cutoff point of PhA to predict postoperative complications was 5.35 (AUC: 0.717). Our study indicates that PhA was associated with nutrition status and could be considered a nutrition assessment tool for pancreatic head cancer patients and predict the postoperative complications of these patients who have undergone PD.
Different Cutibacterium acnes Phylotypes Release Distinct Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Chudzik Anna , Migdał Paweł , Paściak Mariola
Published: May 2022

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) perform various biological functions, including those that are critical to microbes. Determination of EVs composition allows for a deep understanding of their role in the bacterial community and communication among them. Cutibacterium acnes, formerly Propionibacteriumacnes, are commensal bacteria responsible for various infections, e.g., prosthesis, sarcoidosis, soft-tissue infections, and the most known but still controversial—acnes lesion. In C. acnes, three major phylotypes represented variable disease associations. Herein, for the first time, we present a comparative analysis of EVs obtained from three C. acnes phylotypes (IA1, IB, and II) to demonstrate the existence of differences in their protein and lipid composition. In the following work, the morphological analysis of EVs was performed, and the SDS-PAGE protein profile and the lipid profile were presented using the TLC and MALDI-TOF MS methods. This study allowed us to show major differences between the protein and lipid composition of C. acnes EVs. This is a clear indication that EVs released by different phylotypes of the one species are not identical to each other in terms of composition and should be separately analyzed each time to obtain reliable results.
Altered Blood and Brain Expression of Inflammation and Redox Genes in Alzheimer’s Disease, Common to APPV717I × TAUP301L Mice and Patients
Authors: Cucos Catalina Anca , Milanesi Elena , Dobre Maria , Musat Ioana Andreea , Manda Gina , Cuadrado Antonio
Published: May 2022

Despite intensive research, the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still not fully understood, and currently there are no effective treatments. Therefore, there is an unmet need for reliable biomarkers and animal models of AD to develop innovative therapeutic strategies addressing early pathologic events such as neuroinflammation and redox disturbances. The study aims to identify inflammatory and redox dysregulations in the context of AD-specific neuronal cell death and DNA damage, using the APPV717I× TAUP301L (AT) mouse model of AD. The expression of 84 inflammatory and 84 redox genes in the hippocampus and peripheral blood of double transgenic AT mice was evaluated against age-matched controls. A distinctive gene expression profile in the hippocampus and the blood of AT mice was identified, addressing DNA damage, apoptosis and thrombosis, complemented by inflammatory factors and receptors, along with ROS producers and antioxidants. Gene expression dysregulations that are common to AT mice and AD patients guided the final selection of candidate biomarkers. The identified inflammation and redox genes, common to AD patients and AT mice, might be valuable candidate biomarkers for preclinical drug development that could be readily translated to clinical trials.
Identification of a Steric Zipper Motif in the Amyloidogenic Core of Human Cystatin C and Its Use for the Design of Self-Assembling Peptides
Authors: Iłowska Emilia , Barciszewski Jakub , Jaskólski Mariusz , Moliński Augustyn , Kozak Maciej , Szymańska Aneta
Published: May 2022

Amyloid fibrils have been known for many years. Unfortunately, their fame stems from negative aspects related to amyloid diseases. Nevertheless, due to their properties, they can be used as interesting nanomaterials. Apart from their remarkable stability, amyloid fibrils may be regarded as a kind of a storage medium and as a source of active peptides. In many cases, their structure may guarantee a controlled and slow release of peptides in their active form; therefore, they can be used as a potential nanomaterial in drug delivery systems. In addition, amyloid fibrils display controllable stiffness, flexibility, and satisfactory mechanical strength. In addition, they can be modified and functionalized very easily. Understanding the structure and genesis of amyloid assemblies derived from a broad range of amyloidogenic proteins could help to better understand and use this unique material. One of the factors responsible for amyloid aggregation is the steric zipper. Here, we report the discovery of steric zipper-forming peptides in the sequence of the amyloidogenic protein, human cystatin C (HCC). The ability of short peptides derived from this fragment of HCC to form fibrillar structures with defined self-association characteristics and the factors influencing this aggregation are also presented in this paper.
Development and Characterization of a Factor V-Deficient CRISPR Cell Model for the Correction of Mutations
Authors: Serrano Luis Javier , Garcia-Arranz Mariano , De Pablo-Moreno Juan A. , Segovia José Carlos , Olivera-Salazar Rocío , Garcia-Olmo Damián , Liras Antonio
Published: May 2022

Factor V deficiency, an ultra-rare congenital coagulopathy, is characterized by bleeding episodes that may be more or less intense as a function of the levels of coagulation factor activity present in plasma. Fresh-frozen plasma, often used to treat patients with factor V deficiency, is a scarcely effective palliative therapy with no specificity to the disease. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, following precise deletion by non-homologous end-joining, has proven to be highly effective for modeling on a HepG2 cell line a mutation similar to the one detected in the factor V-deficient patient analyzed in this study, thus simulating the pathological phenotype. Additional CRISPR/Cas9-driven non-homologous end-joining precision deletion steps allowed correction of 41% of the factor V gene mutated cells, giving rise to a newly developed functional protein. Taking into account the plasma concentrations corresponding to the different levels of severity of factor V deficiency, it may be argued that the correction achieved in this study could, in ideal conditions, be sufficient to turn a severe phenotype into a mild or asymptomatic one.
Regulator of G-Protein Signaling-4 Attenuates Cardiac Adverse Remodeling and Neuronal Norepinephrine Release-Promoting Free Fatty Acid Receptor FFAR3 Signaling
Authors: Carbone Alexandra M. , Borges Jordana I. , Suster Malka S. , Sizova Anastasiya , Cora Natalie , Desimine Victoria L. , Lymperopoulos Anastasios
Published: May 2022

Propionic acid is a cell nutrient but also a stimulus for cellular signaling. Free fatty acid receptor (FFAR)-3, also known as GPR41, is a Gi/o protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates some of the propionate’s actions in cells, such as inflammation, fibrosis, and increased firing/norepinephrine release from peripheral sympathetic neurons. The regulator of G-protein Signaling (RGS)-4 inactivates (terminates) both Gi/o- and Gq-protein signaling and, in the heart, protects against atrial fibrillation via calcium signaling attenuation. RGS4 activity is stimulated by β-adrenergic receptors (ARs) via protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation. Herein, we examined whether RGS4 modulates cardiac FFAR3 signaling/function. We report that RGS4 is essential for dampening of FFAR3 signaling in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, since siRNA-mediated RGS4 depletion significantly enhanced propionate-dependent cAMP lowering, Gi/o activation, p38 MAPK activation, pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 production, and pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β synthesis. Additionally, catecholamine pretreatment blocked propionic acid/FFAR3 signaling via PKA-dependent activation of RGS4 in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Finally, RGS4 opposes FFAR3-dependent norepinephrine release from sympathetic-like neurons (differentiated Neuro-2a cells) co-cultured with H9c2 cardiomyocytes, thereby preserving the functional βAR number of the cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, RGS4 appears essential for propionate/FFAR3 signaling attenuation in both cardiomyocytes and sympathetic neurons, leading to cardioprotection against inflammation/adverse remodeling and to sympatholysis, respectively.
Intercellular Communication in the Central Nervous System as Deduced by Chemical Neuroanatomy and Quantitative Analysis of Images: Impact on Neuropharmacology
Authors: Guidolin Diego , Tortorella Cinzia , Marcoli Manuela , Maura Guido , Agnati Luigi F.
Published: May 2022

In the last decades, new evidence on brain structure and function has been acquired by morphological investigations based on synergic interactions between biochemical anatomy approaches, new techniques in microscopy and brain imaging, and quantitative analysis of the obtained images. This effort produced an expanded view on brain architecture, illustrating the central nervous system as a huge network of cells and regions in which intercellular communication processes, involving not only neurons but also other cell populations, virtually determine all aspects of the integrative function performed by the system. The main features of these processes are described. They include the two basic modes of intercellular communication identified (i.e., wiring and volume transmission) and mechanisms modulating the intercellular signaling, such as cotransmission and allosteric receptor–receptor interactions. These features may also open new possibilities for the development of novel pharmacological approaches to address central nervous system diseases. This aspect, with a potential major impact on molecular medicine, will be also briefly discussed.
CD146+ Pericytes Subset Isolated from Human Micro-Fragmented Fat Tissue Display a Strong Interaction with Endothelial Cells: A Potential Cell Target for Therapeutic Angiogenesis
Authors: Manocha Ekta , Consonni Alessandra , Baggi Fulvio , Ciusani Emilio , Cocce Valentina , Paino Francesca , Tremolada Carlo , Caruso Arnaldo , Alessandri Giulio
Published: May 2022

Pericytes (PCs) are mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that function as support cells and play a role in tissue regeneration and, in particular, vascular homeostasis. PCs promote endothelial cells (ECs) survival which is critical for vessel stabilization, maturation, and remodeling. In this study, PCs were isolated from human micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) obtained from fat lipoaspirate and were characterized as NG2+/PDGFRβ+/CD105+ cells. Here, we tested the fat-derived PCs for the dispensability of the CD146 marker with the aim of better understanding the role of these PC subpopulations on angiogenesis. Cells from both CD146-positive (CD146+) and negative (CD146−) populations were observed to interact with human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). In addition, fat-derived PCs were able to induce angiogenesis of ECs in spheroids assay; and conditioned medium (CM) from both PCs and fat tissue itself led to the proliferation of ECs, thereby marking their role in angiogenesis stimulation. However, we found that CD146+ cells were more responsive to PDGF-BB-stimulated migration, adhesion, and angiogenic interaction with ECs, possibly owing to their higher expression of NCAM/CD56 than the corresponding CD146− subpopulation. We conclude that in fat tissue, CD146-expressing cells may represent a more mature pericyte subpopulation that may have higher efficacy in controlling and stimulating vascular regeneration and stabilization than their CD146-negative counterpart.