bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abortion and Female Cancer Risks among Women Aged 20 to 45 Years: A 10-Year Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Cheng-Ting , Tai Shu-Yu , Tsao Yu-Hsiang , Chen Fang-Ming , Hsieh Hui-Min
Published: February 2023

Background: Female cancers, including breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer, remain among the ten most common cancers among women worldwide, but the relationship between female cancers and abortion from previous studies is inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate risks of incident female cancers among women aged 20 to 45 years who underwent abortion in Taiwan compared with those who did not. Method: A longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted using three nationwide population-based databases in Taiwan, focusing on 20- to 45-year-old women, with 10 years of follow-up. Matched cohorts were identified with propensity score 1-to-3 matching between 269,050 women who underwent abortion and 807,150 who did not. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard modeling was used for analysis after adjusting for covariates including age, average monthly payroll, fertility, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis, hormone-related drugs, and Charlson comorbidity index. Results: We found lower risk of uterine cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.70–0.85) and ovarian cancer (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75–0.88), but no significant difference in risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer, among matched abortion compared with non-abortion cohorts. Regarding subgroup analysis, cervical cancer risk was higher for parous women who underwent abortion, and uterine cancer risk was lower for nulliparous women who underwent abortion compared with non-abortion groups. Conclusions: Abortion was related to lower uterine and ovarian cancer risk but was not associated with risks of incident breast cancer or cervical cancer. Longer follow-up may be necessary to observe risks of female cancers at older ages.
Analysis and Acoustic Event Classification of Environmental Data Collected in a Citizen Science Project
Authors: Bonet-Solà Daniel , Vidaña-Vila Ester , Alsina-Pagès Rosa Ma
Published: February 2023

Citizen science can serve as a tool to obtain information about changes in the soundscape. One of the challenges of citizen science projects is the processing of data gathered by the citizens, to obtain conclusions. As part of the project Sons al Balcó, authors aim to study the soundscape in Catalonia during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and afterwards and design a tool to automatically detect sound events as a first step to assess the quality of the soundscape. This paper details and compares the acoustic samples of the two collecting campaigns of the Sons al Balcó project. While the 2020 campaign obtained 365 videos, the 2021 campaign obtained 237. Later, a convolutional neural network is trained to automatically detect and classify acoustic events even if they occur simultaneously. Event based macro F1-score tops 50% for both campaigns for the most prevalent noise sources. However, results suggest that not all the categories are equally detected: the percentage of prevalence of an event in the dataset and its foregound-to-background ratio play a decisive role.
Factors Driving the Workplace Well-Being of Individuals from Co-Located, Hybrid, and Virtual Teams: The Role of Team Type as an Environmental Factor in the Job Demand–Resources Model
Authors: Grobelny Jaroslaw
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: An essential task for public health and industrial and organizational psychology specialists is maintaining employees’ workplace well-being. This has become more difficult with pandemic-induced changes (i.e., the shift to remote work and the rise of hybrid teams). This research adopts a team perspective to explore the issue of workplace well-being drivers. It is hypothesized that the team type (co-located, hybrid, or virtual) should be recognized as a unique environmental factor, resulting in the need for different resources for members of these teams to maintain their well-being. (2) Methods: A correlational study was conducted to systematically compare the relationship (its significance and importance) of a wide range of demands and resources with the comprehensively measured workplace well-being of members of co-located, hybrid, and virtual teams. (3) Results: The results confirmed the hypothesis. The significant drivers of well-being in each team type were different, and the ranking of the most important drivers within each team type varied. (4) Conclusions: Team type should be considered a unique environmental factor, even for individuals from different job families and organizations. This factor should be considered in practice and research employing the Job Demand–Resources model.
Indigenous Land-Based Approaches to Well-Being: The Niska (Goose) Harvesting Program in Subarctic Ontario, Canada
Authors: Ahmed Fatima , Liberda Eric N. , Solomon Andrew , Davey Roger , Sutherland Bernard , Tsuji Leonard J. S.
Published: February 2023

Historically, goose harvesting provided a source of culturally significant, safe, and nutritious food for the Omushkego Cree of subarctic Ontario, Canada. Disruptions stemming from colonization and climate change have led to a decrease in harvesting, resulting in higher rates of food insecurity. The aim of the Niska program was to reconnect Elders and youth to revitalize goose harvesting activities and associated Indigenous knowledge within the community. The program and evaluation were built using a two-eyed seeing (Etuaptmumk) and community-based participatory research approach. Salivary cortisol, a biomedical measure of stress, was collected before (n = 13) and after (n = 13) participation in the spring harvest. Likewise, cortisol samples were collected before (n = 12) and after (n = 12) the summer harvest. Photovoice and semi-directed interviews were employed after the spring (n = 13) and summer (n = 12) harvests to identify key elements of well-being from an Indigenous perspective. The changes observed in cortisol levels for the spring (p = 0.782) and summer (p = 0.395) harvests were not statistically significant. However, there was a noteworthy increase in the subjective well-being observed through the qualitative measures (semi-directed interviews and photovoice), highlighting the importance of using multiple perspectives when assessing well-being, especially in Indigenous peoples. Future programs should incorporate multiple perspectives when addressing complex environmental and health issues, such as food security and environmental conservation, especially in Indigenous homelands worldwide.
Analysis of Diabetic Foot Deformation and Plantar Pressure Distribution of Women at Different Walking Speeds
Authors: Zhang Li-Ying , Liu Qi-Long , Yick Kit-Lun , Yip Joanne , Ng Sun-Pui
Published: February 2023

Official guidelines state that suitable physical activity is recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus. However, since walking at a rapid pace could be associated with increased plantar pressure and potential foot pain, the footwear condition is particularly important for optimal foot protection in order to reduce the risk of tissue injury and ulceration of diabetic patients. This study aims to analyze foot deformation and plantar pressure distribution at three different walking speeds (slow, normal, and fast walking) in dynamic situations. The dynamic foot shape of 19 female diabetic patients at three walking speeds is obtained by using a novel 4D foot scanning system. Their plantar pressure distributions at the three walking speeds are also measured by using the Pedar in-shoe system. The pressure changes in the toes, metatarsal heads, medial and lateral midfoot, and heel areas are systematically investigated. Although a faster walking speed shows slightly larger foot measurements than the two other walking speeds, the difference is insignificant. The foot measurement changes at the forefoot and heel areas, such as the toe angles and heel width, are found to increase more readily than the measurements at the midfoot. The mean peak plantar pressure shows a significant increase at a faster walking speed with the exception of the midfoot, especially at the forefoot and heel areas. However, the pressure time integral decreases for all of the foot regions with an increase in walking speed. Suitable offloading devices are essential for diabetic patients, particularly during brisk walking. Design features such as medial arch support, wide toe box, and suitable insole material for specific area of the foot (such as polyurethane for forefoot area and ethylene-vinyl acetate for heel area) are essential for diabetic insole/footwear to provide optimal fit and offloading. The findings contribute to enhancing the understanding of foot shape deformation and plantar pressure changes during dynamic situations, thus facilitating the design of footwear/insoles with optimal fit, wear comfort, and foot protection for diabetic patients.
Association of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Health-Related Behaviors in Stroke Patients
Authors: Lalo Rezarta , Zekja Ilirjana , Kamberi Fatjona
Published: February 2023

Brain stroke continues to be a leading cause of mortality and disability in both developed and developing countries, with higher healthcare costs due to the long-term care and rehabilitation that it incurs. The purpose of the current study was to assess the association between brain stroke patients’ health-related behaviors and their risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to August 2022 in the Vlora district regional hospital in Albania. The study included 150 out of 170 participants who met the necessary criteria, achieving an 88% response rate. Measurement tools included the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scale (FRS) and the Lifestyle Health Promotion Profile II (HPLP II). Results: The patients’ average age was 65.9 ± 9.04 years. Over 65% of the stroke patients suffer from diabetes, and 47% from hypertension. About 31% of them have a high risk of hyperlipidemia (mean TC = 179 ± 28.5). About 32% of the brain stroke patients manifested unhealthy behaviors, while 84% of them had a high risk of cardiovascular disease (FRS = 19.5 ± 0.53). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was statistically associated with stress management behaviors (p = 0.008; OR = 0.20; CI = 95%). This risk was highest in the over-70 age group as well as in men. Conclusion: Brain stroke patients had a high probability of developing CVD. For better health among stroke patients, new evidence-based behavior change approaches must be introduced into preventative and management programs.
Effectiveness and Safety of Different Treatment Modalities for Patients Older Than 60 Years with Distal Radius Fracture: A Network Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Gutiérrez-Espinoza Héctor , Araya-Quintanilla Felipe , Cuyul-Vásquez Iván , Gutiérrez-Monclus Rodrigo , Reina-Gutiérrez Sara , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Arenas-Arroyo Sergio Núñez de
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness and complications of different treatment modalities for elderly patients with distal radius fracture (DRF). Methods: We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Eight databases were searched. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were RCTs that compared different treatment modalities (surgical or nonoperative) in patients older than 60 years with displaced or unstable intra-articular and/or extra-articular DRFs. Results: Twenty-three RCTs met the eligibility criteria (2020 patients). For indirect comparisons, the main findings of the NMA were in volar locking plate (VLP) versus cast immobilization, with the mean differences for the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire at −4.45 points (p < 0.05) and grip strength at 6.11% (p < 0.05). Additionally, VLP showed a lower risk ratio (RR) of minor complications than dorsal plate fixation (RR: 0.02) and bridging external fixation (RR: 0.25). Conversely, VLP and dorsal plate fixation showed higher rates of major complications. Conclusions: Compared with other treatment modalities, VLP showed statistically significant differences for some functional outcomes; however, most differences were not clinically relevant. For complications, although most differences were not statistically significant, VLP was the treatment modality that reported the lowest rate of minor and overall complications but also showed one of the highest rates of major complications in these patients. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022315562.
The Impact of Government-Led Farmland Construction on Market-Oriented Farmland Transfer—Evidence from Shandong, China
Authors: Ma Hongkun , Zhu Hao , Ren Shuhan , Liu Rudi , Qiao Cuixia
Published: February 2023

This study explored the impact of government-led high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) on market-oriented farmland transfer using a unified analysis framework of HSFC and farmland transfers. We used a binary probit model based on 660 questionnaires from five counties in Shandong Province, China to empirically analyze this impact. The results show that HSFC can significantly promote farmland lease-in while inhibiting lease-out. We found that farmland fragmentation plays a significant role in moderating this impact, which is illustrated by the fact that improved farmland fragmentation does not promote HSFC in the context of farmland lease-in. Furthermore, it can effectively alleviate the inhibitory effect of HSFC on farmland lease-out. The impact of HSFC on farmland transfer has significant labor transfer heterogeneity. For households with a low degree of labor transfer, HSFC can significantly promote farmland lease-in and inhibit lease-out, while for households with a high degree of labor transfer, the above effect is not significant.
Evaluation of the Social Effects of Enterprise Carbon Accounts Based on Variable Weight CFPR Fuzzy VIKOR
Authors: Lin Xiangyi , Luo Hongyun , Lian Yinghuan , Jiang Yifei
Published: February 2023

The carbon account is a digital path for an enterprise to achieve low-carbon transformation and high-quality sustainable development under the ‘dual carbon’ strategy. The carbon account has a good social effect while generating economic benefits. An evaluation index system of the social effects of enterprise carbon accounts has been established, including the concepts of energy conservation and carbon reduction, contributions, technological innovation, and customer trust. In view of the difficulty of quantifying the evaluation indicators of the social effects of enterprise carbon accounts and the requirement of effect equalization, a variable-weight CFPR fuzzy VIKOR evaluation model was constructed. Compared with the traditional fuzzy VIKOR model, the variable-weight CFPR fuzzy VIKOR model can solve the problem of quantifying indicators and realize the balance between indicators. This method can better compare and analyze the social effects of each enterprise’s carbon accounts and provides a basis for overall carbon account construction and digging improvement space.
Intra-Oral Photograph Analysis for Gingivitis Screening in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Kim Han-Na , Kim Kyuseok , Lee Youngjin
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to confirm the presence of gingival inflammation through image analysis of the papillary gingiva using intra-oral photographs (IOPs) before and after orthodontic treatment and to confirm the possibility of using gingival image analysis for gingivitis screening. Five hundred and eighty-eight (n  =  588) gingival sites from the IOPs of 98 patients were included. Twenty-five participants who had completed their orthodontic treatments and were aged between 20 and 37 were included. Six points on the papillary gingiva were selected in the maxillary and mandibular anterior incisors. The red/green (R/G) ratio values were obtained for the selected gingival images and the modified gingival index (GI) was compared. The change in the R/G values during the orthodontic treatment period appeared in the order of before orthodontic treatment (BO), mid-point of orthodontic treatment (MO), three-quarters of the way through orthodontic treatment (TO), and immediately after debonding (IDO), confirming that it was similar to the change in the GI. The R/G value of the gingiva in the image correlated with the GI. Therefore, it could be used as a major index for gingivitis diagnosis using images.
The Lethal and Sub-Lethal Effects of Fluorinated and Copper-Based Pesticides—A Review
Authors: Mesquita Andreia F. , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Gonçalves Ana M. M.
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, pollution levels have increased, mainly as a result of the intensive anthropogenic activities such industrial development, intensive agricultural practices, among others. The impact of metals and organic contaminants is, nowadays, a great concern to the scientific and political communities. Copper compounds are the main sold pesticides in Europe, as well as herbicides, including glyphosate. Diphenyl ethers are the second ones most sold. Glyphosate and copper compounds are intensively studied, but the opposite is seen in the case of diphenyl ethers, including fluorinated pesticides (e.g., oxyfluorfen). Some research has been performed to increase the knowledge about these contaminants, daily inputted on the aquatic systems and with dangerous effects at physical and biochemical levels on the organisms. A wide range of biomarkers (e.g., growth, survival, reproductive success, enzymatic activity, lipid metabolism) has been applied to determine the potential effects in many species. This review intends to: (a) perform a compilation of the knowledge in previous research about the action mode of organic (fluorinated-based herbicide) and inorganic (copper-based pesticides) contaminants; (b) carry out an information survey about the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the fluorinated-based pesticides, namely the oxyfluorfen and the copper-based pesticides, on aquatic species from different trophic levels, according to in vitro and in vivo studies; (c) understand the impact of oxyfluorfen and copper-based pesticides, considering their effects reported in in vitro studies and, simultaneously, the authorized concentrations by legal organizations and the effective concentrations of each pollutant found in the environment. The literature analyzed revealed noxious effects of Cu and oxyfluorfen to aquatic organisms, including freshwater and marine species, even when exposed to the reference as well as to environmental concentrations, thus highlighting the importance of more monitoring and ecotoxicological studies, to chemical pollutants and different species from different ecological niches, to sustain and improve the legislation.
Sex-Specific Alterations of the Lung Transcriptome at Birth in Mouse Offspring Prenatally Exposed to Vanilla-Flavored E-Cigarette Aerosols and Enhanced Susceptibility to Asthma
Authors: Noël Alexandra , Yilmaz Sultan , Farrow Tori , Schexnayder Matthew , Eickelberg Oliver , Jelesijevic Tomislav
Published: February 2023

Currently, approximately 8 million adult Americans use electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) daily, including women of childbearing age. It is known that more than 10% of women smoke during their pregnancy, and recent surveys show that rates of maternal vaping are similar to rates of maternal cigarette smoking. However, the effects of inhaling e-cig aerosol on the health of fetuses remain unknown. The objective of the present study was to increase our understanding of the molecular effects caused by in utero exposures to e-cig aerosols on developing mouse lungs and, later in life, on the offspring’s susceptibility to developing asthma. Methods: Pregnant mice were exposed throughout gestation to either filtered air or vanilla-flavored e-cig aerosols containing 18 mg/mL of nicotine. Male and female exposed mouse offspring were sacrificed at birth, and then the lung transcriptome was evaluated. Additionally, once sub-groups of male offspring mice reached 4 weeks of age, they were challenged with house dust mites (HDMs) for 3 weeks to assess asthmatic responses. Results: The lung transcriptomic responses of the mouse offspring at birth showed that in utero vanilla-flavored e-cig aerosol exposure significantly regulated 88 genes in males (62 genes were up-regulated and 26 genes were down-regulated), and 65 genes were significantly regulated in females (17 genes were up-regulated and 48 genes were down-regulated). Gene network analyses revealed that in utero e-cig aerosol exposure affected canonical pathways associated with CD28 signaling in T helper cells, the role of NFAT in the regulation of immune responses, and phospholipase C signaling in males, whereas the dysregulated genes in the female offspring were associated with NRF2-mediated oxidative stress responses. Moreover, we found that in utero exposures to vanilla-flavored e-cig aerosol exacerbated HDM-induced asthma in 7-week-old male mouse offspring compared to respective in utero air + HDM controls. Conclusions: Overall, these data demonstrate that in utero e-cig aerosol exposure alters the developing mouse lung transcriptome at birth in a sex-specific manner and provide evidence that the inhalation of e-cig aerosols is detrimental to the respiratory health of offspring by increasing the offspring’ susceptibility to developing lung diseases later in life.
A Multicentre Study of the Attitude of Medical Students towards Organ Donation and Transplantation in Poland
Authors: Mikla Marzena , Cybulska Anna Maria , Schneider-Matyka Daria , Ríos Antonio , Panczyk Mariusz , Kotwas Artur , Karakiewicz Beata , Grochans Elżbieta
Published: February 2023

(1) The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of sociodemographic (age, sex, religion, place of residence) and university-related factors (university, year of studies) on the attitudes of students towards organ donation and transplantation. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 1530 students from the Faculty of Medicine from three medical universities in Poland. The measurement tool was a validated questionnaire of attitude towards organ donation and transplantation (PCID-DTO RIOS: A questionnaire designed by the International Collaborative Organ Donation project about organ transplantation and donation). (3) Results: The completion rate was 88.10% (n = 1348). The vast majority declared a willingness to donate their organs in the future (86.60%), and 31.71% had an organ donation card. It was found that place of residence (p = 0.018) and religion (p = 0.003) had a significant effect on the attitude towards transplantation. Age, sex, and year of the study were not found to have a statistically significant effect on the decision. (4) Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that medical students show a favourable attitude towards transplantation in the first year of their study, and their knowledge and positive tendencies increase in the final years of medical education.
Determinants of COVID-19 Knowledge, Perception and Attitudes in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Asyary Al , Veruswati Meita , Alnur Rony Darmawansyah , Saktiansyah La Ode Ahmad , Sagala La Ode Hasnuddin S. , Saptaputra Syawal Kamiluddin , Oktavia Eka , Herawati Maria Holly , Wulandari Ririn Arminsih , Moshammer Hanns
Published: February 2023

Many countries, including Indonesia, were gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While younger people were rarely severely affected by an infection, they still served as important spreaders of the disease. Therefore, the knowledge, perception and attitudes regarding COVID-19 of a mostly younger population was assessed in this study using a quantitative survey and semi-structured questionnaire. Out of 15 questions on COVID-19, males answered fewer questions (−1.26) correctly. Persons reporting more diseases in the last year (+0.49 per disease) that lived in a central area of Indonesia, and that had a better socio-economic status defined through household condition scores, had better knowledge of the symptoms, causes of and measures against COVID-19. Better knowledge independently predicted more responsible attitudes and stated behavior. Knowledge and understanding should be enhanced through information campaigns targeted specifically towards men, persons with poor socio-economic backgrounds and those living in the periphery of the state.
Health Risks Management Program in Schools: An Operational Study in Türkiye
Authors: Atak Muhammed , Önal Ayşe Emel , Şimşek Zeynep , İşsever Halim
Published: February 2023

This study was carried out to improve the quality of school health services with the operational epidemiology method. The study aimed to describe the current status of the School Health Protection and Improvement Program (SHPIP), the difficulties experienced during its implementation, to develop evidence-based solution methods, and to test the proposed solutions, in a district with a population of 400,513, 20.4% of which is of school age between the ages of 5–19. The “Health Risk Management Program at Schools”, which consists of the stages of putting the results into practice by sharing the results with the relevant parties, wasdeveloped. In this study, a cross-sectional research design was employed using questionnaire forms, while qualitative data were collected through the use of the phenomenological analysis method, specifically through the conduct of focus group interviews. SHPIP year-end evaluation forms of 191 schools were reviewed retrospectively, questionnaires were applied to 554 school staff and 146 family health center staff between 21 October 2019 and 21 November 2019 using the probabilistic sampling (simple random) method, and semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 10 school health study executives. The most common health risks in schools and the risks identified during the execution of school health services were identified. In order to eliminate the lack of in-service training, training modules for “School Health Management Teams” were developed and impact analyses were conducted. After the intervention, a significant difference was found in the compliance of schools with SHPIP, and the application of all components of the school health program increased from 10.0% to 65.6% (p < 0.05). The program has been integrated into the “School Health Protection and Improvement Program” (SHPIP) with the decisions of the District School Health Board and District Hygiene Council.
Effects of Exercise on Positive Symptoms, Negative Symptoms, and Depression in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Myoungsuk , Lee Yongmi , Kang Hyunju
Published: February 2023

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of exercise on positive and negative symptoms and depression in patients with schizophrenia through a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to 31 October 2022. We also conducted a manual search using Google Scholar. This meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. To identify the cause of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, meta-ANOVA, and meta-regression analyses were performed as moderator analyses. Fifteen studies were included. The meta-analysis (random-effects model) for overall exercise showed a medium significant effect (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.72 to −0.31) on negative symptoms, a small significant effect (SMD = −0.24, 95% CI: −0.43 to −0.04) on positive symptoms, and a nonsignificant effect (SMD = −0.87, 95% CI: −1.84 to 0.10) on depression. Our findings demonstrate that exercise can relieve the negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia. However, the quality of some included studies was low, limiting our results for clear recommendations.
Evaluating Whether and How Public Health Event Information Frameworks Promote Pro-Environmental Behavior
Authors: Mi Lingyun , Han Jiali , Xu Ting , Wang Xuejiao , Qiao Lijie , Jia Tianwen , Gan Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

The major public health emergencies (PHEs) represented by the COVID-19 pandemic, while posing a serious threat to human health, have led people to rethink about the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. It is worthy to explore whether and how the framework effect of event information can be used to turn crises into opportunities to promote public pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Through a pre-and post-test control experiment, this study took the COVID-19 pandemic as a case, to explore the effects of four PHE information frameworks on promoting PEB, coupled with two information loss–gain frameworks and two information content frameworks. The results showed that all four information frameworks contribute to the public PEB. However, there are differences: only the environmental gain information effect is significant for PEB in the private sphere. The environmental loss and health gain information are effective for PEB in organizations. However, in the public sphere, all four information frameworks significantly motivate PEB. Further factorial analysis revealed that the interaction between the information content and loss–gain framework was not significant, with the latter playing the dominant role. These findings provide a new approach to how to develop the information framework effect and turn crises into opportunities to promote public PEB in the context of major PHEs.
Effect of Physical Activity on Static and Dynamic Postural Balance in Women Treated for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bula Aleksandra , Tatar Karolina , Wysocka Regina , Chyrek Kasper , Piejko Laura , Nawrat-Szołtysik Agnieszka , Polak Anna
Published: February 2023

Background: Therapies against breast cancer (BC) frequently involve complications that impair patients’ daily function and quality of life, the most common of which are motor coordination and balance disorders, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. In such cases, physical activity is recommended. Designed following the PRISMA guidelines, this study presents a systematic review of randomised and pilot clinical trials investigating the effect of physical exercises on postural balance in women treated for BC. Methods: Scientific databases (PubMed, EBSCO) and the online resources of grey publications were searched for trial reports published between January 2002 and February 2022. The inclusion criteria necessitated full-text, English-language reports from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or pilot clinical trials (pilot CTs), whose authors used physical exercises to treat women with BC and the experimental and control groups consisted of at least 10 women. The methodological quality of the RCTs and pilot CTs were measured using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS), respectively. Data were extracted on the effect of exercise on the women’s static and dynamic balance. Results: Seven reports, five RCTs and two pilot CTs involving a total of 575 women (aged 18–83 years) were included in the systematic review. Their training protocols utilised a variety of aerobic, strength, endurance, sensorimotor, Pilates exercises, and fitness exercises with elements of soccer. The experimental groups usually worked out in fitness or rehabilitation centres under the supervision of physiotherapists or trainers. Training sessions of 30–150 min were held 2 or 3 times a week for 1.5–24 months. Most trials reported that static and dynamic balance in the experimental groups improved significantly more compared with the control groups. Conclusions: Physical exercises are able to improve static and dynamic postural balance in women treated for BC. However, as all evidence in support of this conclusion comes from only two pilot CT and five RCTs whose methodologies varied widely, more high quality research is needed to validate their findings and determine which exercise protocols are the most effective in improving postural control in women with BC.
Construction and Optimization of an Ecological Network in the Yellow River Source Region Based on MSPA and MCR Modelling
Authors: Liu Jia , Chen Jianjun , Yang Yanping , You Haotian , Han Xiaowen
Published: February 2023

The source region of the Yellow River (SRYR) is an important water conservation and farming area in China. Under the dual influence of the natural environment and external pressure, ecological patches in the region are becoming increasingly fragmented, and landscape connectivity is continuously declining, which directly affect the landscape patch pattern and SRYR sustainable development. In the SRYR, morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and landscape index methods were used to extract ecologically important sources. Based on the minimum cumulative resistance model (MCR), Linkage Mapper was used to generate a potential corridor, and then potential stepped stone patches were identified and extracted by the gravity model and betweenness centrality to build an optimal SRYR ecological network. The distribution of patches in the core area of the SRYR was fragmented, accounting for 80.53% of the total grassland area. The 10 ecological sources based on the landscape connectivity index and 15 important corridors identified based on the MCR model were mainly distributed in the central and eastern regions of the SRYR. Through betweenness centrality, 10 stepped stone patches were added, and 45 planned ecological corridors were obtained to optimize the SRYR ecological network and enhance east and west connectivity. Our research results can provide an important reference for the protection of the SRYR ecosystem, and have important guiding significance and practical value for ecological network construction in ecologically fragmented areas.
The Efficacy and Safety of Oral Irrigator on the Control of Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial
Authors: Ren Xiaolin , He Jing , Cheng Ran , Chen Yulun , Xiang Yong , Zhang Yuhan , Jiang Sulan , Li Jia , Cheng Li , Hu Tao
Published: February 2023

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral irrigator (OI) in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis. Methods: Ninety participants diagnosed with gingivitis were randomly assigned to two groups, given a toothbrush combined with OI (WaterPik®) (test) or a toothbrush alone (control). The Turesky-Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (T-QH), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), Bleeding Index (BI), and percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP%) were evaluated at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. The full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) were analyzed. Adverse events were recorded through electronic diaries and examinations. Results: Of the 90 participants, the efficacy was assessed in the following numbers (FAS/PPS): test (45/33) and control (43/38). Compared with the control, MGI, BI, and BOP% were significantly lower in the test group after 4 weeks (4 weeks: p = 0.017, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively; 8 weeks and 12 weeks: p < 0.001 for all, FAS); T-QH was significantly lower after 8 weeks (8 weeks: p = 0.033; 12 weeks: p = 0.006, FAS). Transient gingival bleeding may be associated with OI. Self-reported pain and dentin hypersensitivity symptoms were similar between groups. Conclusions: As adjuncts to toothbrushing, OI demonstrated significantly better efficacy in controlling dental plaque and gingival inflammation with no substantial safety hazards.
Niche Suitability Evaluation and Path Selection for the High-Quality Development of Cities in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Shi Peizhe , Lu Zhaohan , Zhou Mengqing , Wang Ning , Wu Yuping
Published: February 2023

The urban development in the Yellow River basin (YRB) varies widely. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a development path that fits the characteristics of each city to achieve high-quality development. The purpose of this paper is to address the problem of how to choose a characteristic path for high-quality development and clarify its suitability for YRB cities. Firstly, based on data from 50 YRB cities from 2011 to 2020, the suitability evaluation was carried out from the perspective of an ecological niche, followed by the measurement of sub-dimensional niche breadth and overlap. The results confirmed the great diversity of development between cities and the intense competition for resources. Then, based on the classification approach using the k-means method, this study proposes a method for selecting a suitable path for high-quality development. It classifies the suitable paths into 3 major types with 7 minor types and recommends policies for the suitable paths for YRB cities. The systematic thinking and specific path selection method for the high-quality development of YRB cities is not only of practical significance for implementing city classification strategies but also provides a reference for the sustainable development of basin cities in other countries.
Diné (Navajo) Traditional Knowledge Holders’ Perspective of COVID-19
Authors: Kahn Carmella B. , James DeeDee , George Shawndeena , Johnson Tressica , Kahn-John Michelle , Teufel-Shone Nicolette I. , Begay Chassity , Tutt Marissa , Bauer Mark C.
Published: February 2023

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation, Diné (Navajo) traditional knowledge holders (TKHs), such as medicine men and women and traditional practitioners, contributed their services and healing practices. Although TKHs are not always fully acknowledged in the western health care system, they have an established role to protect and promote the health of Diné people. To date, their roles in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic have not been fully explored. The purpose of this research was to understand the social and cultural contexts of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines based on the roles and perspectives of Diné TKHs. A multi-investigator consensus analysis was conducted by six American Indian researchers using interviews with TKHs collected between December 2021–January 2022. The Hózhó Resilience Model was used as a framework to analyze the data using four parent themes: COVID-19, harmony and relationships, spirituality, and respect for self and discipline. These parent themes were further organized into promoters and/or barriers for 12 sub-themes that emerged from the data, such as traditional knowledge, Diné identity, and vaccine. Overall, the analysis showed key factors that could be applied in pandemic planning and public health mitigation efforts based on the cultural perspective of TKHs.
A Matter of Taste: Roles of Taste Preference on Performance and Psychological Responses during Anaerobic Exercise
Authors: Henry Davis B. , Pemberton Anna L. , Rogers Rebecca R. , Ballmann Christopher G.
Published: February 2023

Various tastes including sweet, bitter, and sour have been shown to differentially influence physiological and psychological processes. Furthermore, ingestion of bitter and sweet solutions has been shown to acutely enhance exercise performance. However, the taste is highly individualized, and it is unclear if preference influences the ergogenic potential of taste. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of preferred and non-preferred drink tastes on anaerobic performance and psychological responses thereof. Physically active females participated in two counterbalanced sprint trials each with a different condition: (1) non-preferred taste (NPT), (2) Preferred taste (PT). Participants self-reported taste preferences (sweet, sour, bitter) with the highest-ranked taste being used for the PT condition and the lowest-ranked for NPT. For each visit, participants completed a 15 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) prior to (PRE) ingestion of ~20 mL of their NP or PREF taste. Following ingestion, participants completed 2 min of active recovery, rated their taste preference of the solution, and completed another 15 s WAnT. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE), motivation, and enjoyment were measured through a visual analog scale following each WAnT. Anaerobic performance measures and heart rate (HR) were also obtained at the succession of each WAnT. Findings revealed no differences between taste conditions for mean power (p = 0.455), peak power (p = 0.824), or HR (p = 0.847). RPE was significantly lower with PT versus NPT (p = 0.006). Exercise enjoyment (p = 0.022) was higher with PT compared to NPT. NPT resulted in worse motivation compared to PRE (p = 0.001) while no changes were observed between PT and PRE (p = 0.197). These findings suggest that preferred drink taste may not enhance acute performance but improves psychological responses to maximal anaerobic exercise which may have implications for improving exercise training and adherence.
Analysis of the Occurrence of Predicative Factors of Chronic Fatigue in Female Patients with Cancer of the Reproductive Organs with Respect to Stage of Treatment
Authors: Kłysiak Magdalena , Wieder-Huszla Sylwia , Branecka-Woźniak Dorota , Karakiewicz-Krawczyk Katarzyna , Napieracz-Trzosek Izabela , Owsianowska Joanna , Jurczak Anna , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to search for mechanisms contributing to cancer-related fatigue in patients with gynecologic cancer. The study involved 51 women with advanced endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Data were gathered at four points in time. After giving consent, each of the women had their blood drawn several times (before surgery and the first, third, and sixth cycle of chemotherapy) to determine serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Empirical data were collected using the MFSI-SF and an original questionnaire. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) was present at every stage of treatment, but the highest mean scores were noted before cytoreductive surgery (8.745 ± 4.599), and before the sixth cycle of chemotherapy (9.667 ± 4.493). Statistically significant relationships were found between IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, Il-6, and IL-10 and fatigue at different stages of treatment. Older age and an above-normal BMI were the major prerequisite factors for the occurrence of fatigue in female oncological patients. The analysis of changes in cytokine levels and the severity of fatigue may be used to improve our understanding of cancer-related fatigue, and to take action to alleviate the obtrusive symptoms experienced by female patients with cancer of the reproductive organs.
Adolescent–Caregiver Agreement Regarding the School Bullying and Cyberbullying Involvement Experiences of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Liu Tai-Ling , Chen Yi-Lung , Hsiao Ray C. , Ni Hsing-Chang , Liang Sophie Hsin-Yi , Lin Chiao-Fan , Chan Hsiang-Lin , Hsieh Yi-Hsuan , Wang Liang-Jen , Lee Min-Jing , Chou Wen-Jiun , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: February 2023

School bullying and cyberbullying victimization and perpetration are prevalent in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (AASD). However, the levels of adolescent–caregiver agreement regarding the bullying involvement of AASD and the factors associated with these levels remain to be evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the levels of adolescent–caregiver agreement on the school bullying and cyberbullying involvement experiences of AASD and the factors associated with the levels of agreement. This study included 219 dyads of AASD and their caregivers. The school bullying and cyberbullying involvement experiences of the participating AASD were assessed using the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire and the Cyberbullying Experiences Questionnaire, respectively. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depressive and anxiety symptoms, and autistic social impairment were also assessed. AASD and their caregivers had poor to fair levels of agreement regarding the school bullying and cyberbullying victimization and perpetration experiences of AASD. Severe inattention, hyperactivity–impulsivity, ODD, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and autistic social impairment were associated with high levels of adolescent–caregiver agreement. When assessing the bullying involvement experiences of AASD, mental health professionals should obtain information from multiple sources. In addition, the factors influencing the levels of agreement should be considered.
Validation of the Risk Instrument for Screening in the Community (RISC) among Older Adults in the Emergency Department
Authors: O’Caoimh Rónán
Published: February 2023

Although several short-risk-prediction instruments are used in the emergency department (ED), there remains insufficient evidence to guide healthcare professionals on their use. The Risk Instrument for Screening in the Community (RISC) is an established screen comprising three Likert scales examining the risk of three adverse outcomes among community-dwelling older adults at one-year: institutionalisation, hospitalisation, and death, which are scored from one (rare/minimal) to five (certain/extreme) and combined into an Overall RISC score. In the present study, the RISC was externally validated by comparing it with different frailty screens to predict risk of hospitalisation (30-day readmission), prolonged length of stay (LOS), one-year mortality, and institutionalisation among 193 consecutive patients aged ≥70 attending a large university hospital ED in Western Ireland, assessed for frailty, determined by comprehensive geriatric assessment. The median LOS was 8 ± 9 days; 20% were re-admitted <30 days; 13.5% were institutionalised; 17% had died; and 60% (116/193) were frail. Based on the area under the ROC curve scores (AUC), the Overall RISC score had the greatest diagnostic accuracy for predicting one-year mortality and institutionalisation: AUC 0.77 (95% CI: 0.68–0.87) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64–0.82), respectively. None of the instruments were accurate in predicting 30-day readmission (AUC all <0.70). The Overall RISC score had good accuracy for identifying frailty (AUC 0.84). These results indicate that the RISC is an accurate risk-prediction instrument and frailty measure in the ED.
A Scoping Review of the Influence of Mindfulness on Men’s Sexual Activity
Authors: Valderrama Rodríguez María , Sánchez-Sánchez Laura , García-Montes José , Petisco-Rodríguez Cristina
Published: February 2023

Mindfulness practice and mindfulness-based interventions are widely known, especially for women’s sexuality. However, it is currently unknown how this practice affects the experience of male sexuality, possibly due to the existence of pharmacological treatments that are usually the first choice of treatment for men. The objectives of this study are to explore the influence of mindfulness on different components of men’s sexuality from a scoping review of relevant scientific articles existing in the literature. A literature search from 2010 to 2022 was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Dialnet, SciELO Citation Index, and Redalyc. Out of the 238 studies, 12 that met the defined selection criteria were selected. The analysis of these studies seems to indicate that the practice of mindfulness favours different variables of male sexuality, such as satisfaction and sexual functioning or genital self-image. Mindfulness-based interventions represent a valuable and promising contribution. No adverse effects were detected from the review of scientific articles considered in this work. Nevertheless, more randomized studies with active control groups are necessary to establish the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions in sex therapy for men.