bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Migration Intentions of Polish Physiotherapists and Students of Physiotherapy—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kostrzewa Daria , Bonior Joanna , Polak Maciej , Domagała Alicja
Published: November 2022

The phenomenon of professional migrations in the healthcare sector may exacerbate the problem of health workforce shortages. The scale of migration of medical personnel in Poland is estimated mainly on the certificates issued by the regional chambers confirming qualifications that grant the legal right to practice in other EU countries. Migrations concern also physiotherapists, who are the third largest group of health professionals. However, the problem of this phenomenon has not been assessed, and there is a lack of research in this area. The aim of the study was to compare the intention of migration among practicing physiotherapists and students in the last two years of master’s studies in physiotherapy, as well as to identify the factors affecting their intentions to migrate. The study covered practicing physiotherapists and students in the last two years of master’s studies in the field of physiotherapy in Poland. A total of 236 respondents took part in the study, including 119 physiotherapists and 117 students of physiotherapy. The tool used for the study was an online questionnaire. The scale of the intention to migrate was estimated at 45.3% among students and 47.1% in the group of practicing physiotherapists. The most frequently indicated destination countries for the migration of physiotherapy students and practicing physiotherapists were Germany, Norway, Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom. In both studied groups, the pull factors with the greatest impact on the intention to migrate were the possibility of obtaining higher earnings and working in better infrastructural conditions. In turn, the most important push factors turned out to be the low prestige of the profession in Poland, limited prospects for professional advancement and the stressful work environment. The respondents most often indicated separation from loved ones and poor command of foreign languages as significant barriers to professional migration. Both students of physiotherapy and practicing physiotherapists show great interest in the intention of professional migration, and the decisive determinant is economic factors.
Tracking Key Industrial Sectors for CO2 Mitigation through the Driving Effects: An Attribution Analysis
Authors: Wang Xian’en , Hu Tingyu , Song Junnian , Duan Haiyan
Published: November 2022

The heavy pressure to improve CO2 emission control in industry requires the identification of key sub-sectors and the clarification of how they mitigate CO2 emissions through various actions. Focusing on 30 Chinese provincial regions, this study quantifies the contribution of each industrial sector to regional CO2 mitigation by combining the logarithmic mean Divisia index with attribution analysis and extract the key sectors of CO2 mitigation for each region. Results indicate that during 2010–2019, significant emission reduction was achieved through energy intensity (74%) in Beijing, while emission reductions were attained through industrial structure changes for Anhui (50%), Henan (45%), and Chongqing (45%). The contribution to emission reduction through energy structures is not significant. The production and supply of power and heat (PSPH) is a central factor in CO2 mitigation through all three inhibitive factors. Petroleum processing and coking (PPC) generally contributes to emission reduction through energy structures, while the smelting and pressing of ferrous metals (SPMF) through changes in industrial structures and energy intensity. PSPH and SPMF, in most regions, have not achieved the emission peak. Except in the case of coal mining and dressing (CMD), CO2 emissions in other key sectors have almost been decoupled from industrial development. CMD effectively promotes CO2 mitigation in Anhui, Henan, and Hunan, with larger contribution of PPC in Tianjin, Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, and that of smelting and pressing of nonferrous metals in Yunnan and Guangxi. The findings help to better identify key sectors across regions that can mitigate CO2 emissions, while analyzing the critical emission characteristics of these sectors, which can provide references to formulating region- and sector-specific CO2 mitigation measures for regions at different levels of development.
Kinesiophobia among Breast Cancer Survivors One Year after Hospital Treatment
Authors: Malchrowicz-Mośko Ewa
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most dangerous health problems affecting women. Lifestyle-associated determinants like physical activity (PA) play an important role in BC treatment outcomes. Studies suggest that oncology patients are insufficiently physically active. One of the potential barriers is kinesiophobia—fear of movement due to expected pain and fatigue. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the level of kinesiophobia among women one year after BC hospital treatment depending on socio-demographic variables, stage and type of BC, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Polish women after BC (n = 138, age 46.5 ± 9.2, BMI 24.6 ± 4.0) participated in the study and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) questionnaire was used in the diagnostic survey. The study results show that women suffer from kinesiophobia after BC. Moreover, every third woman (32.6%) does not practice sport regularly one year after BC treatment. The lifestyle before BC diagnosis impacts the level of kinesiophobia after treatment—women who were not physically active before BC diagnosis declared higher levels than previously active women. The study result shows that a high level of kinesiophobia correlates with a low level of PA among women after BC. Women with obesity and diabetes also declared higher levels of kinesiophobia than women without comorbidities. The type and stage of BC have no influence on the level of kinesiophobia; however, in terms of socio-demographic variables, a direct association between kinesiophobia and age has been found—the greater the age, the higher the level of kinesiophobia. Further research on fear of movement in oncology is required in order to effectively eliminate hypokinetic attitudes in every type of female and male cancer.
Relationship between Intergenerational Emotional Support and Subjective Well-Being among Elderly Migrants in China: The Mediating Role of Loneliness and Self-Esteem
Authors: Yang Man , Wang Hao , Yao Jun
Published: November 2022

With the augmentation of family migration, the number and proportion of elderly migrants have increased dramatically in China. The well-being of this group has a profound impact on the whole society. Subjective well-being is a comprehensive reflection of whether a person’s needs are met. In this cross-sectional study, we established a multiple mediation model to evaluate the mediating effects of loneliness and self-esteem on intergenerational emotional support and, consequently, on subjective well-being in elderly migrants. The study population consisted of 728 elderly migrants living in Nanjing (Jiangsu, China), including 219 men (30.1%) and 509 women (69.9%). The participants’ loneliness and self-esteem were measured using the R-UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Philadelphia Senior Center Confidence Scale. Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant correlation between intergenerational emotional support and subjective well-being, and mediation analysis revealed that intergenerational emotional support indirectly influenced subjective well-being through three mediators: loneliness (mediating effect, 0.149), self-esteem (mediating effect, 0.136), and loneliness and self-esteem (mediating effect, 0.041). We conclude that loneliness and self-esteem mediate the relationship between intergenerational emotional support and subjective well-being in elderly migrants and can be regulated to improve elderly migrants’ subjective well-being. Great attention should be paid to the emotional needs of elderly migrants, and communication and exchange with elderly migrants should be emphasized to enhance their subjective sense of well-being.
Adaptation and Validation of the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale-Short Form Scale for Chinese Diabetic Foot Ulcers Individuals
Authors: Ma Lin , Ma Wanxia , Lin Shuang , Li Yan , Ran Xingwu
Published: November 2022

Background: The quality of life (QoL) of diabetic foot ulcer patients is worse than that of diabetic patients. The Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale-Short Form (DFS-SF) is a readily available instrument used to evaluate the quality of life of diabetic foot ulcer individuals. The aim of this study was to translate the DFS-SF into Chinese, followed by an evaluation of its validity and reliability. Methods: This study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we followed the Brislin’s Translation and Back-translation model to translate the DFS-SF into Mandarin Chinese. In the second phase, we examined the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the DFS-SF, where the reliability was assessed in terms of Cronbach’s α coefficient, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability, and validation of the scale was carried out through content validity, structure validity and criterion validity approaches. Results: A total of 208 participants were recruited for our study. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) of the Chinese version of the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale varied from 0.800 to 1.000, the average scale-level content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) was 0.911, and the Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.952. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good structural validity of the scale, with a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.920 and a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.069 (p < 0.001). The criterion-related validity results indicated that the subscales were significantly related to the subscales of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), with coefficients ranging from 0.116 to 0.571 (p < 0.05). Discussion: The translation and the examination of the scale rigidly followed the golden standard model, and the reliability observed in our study was similar to that of other studies. Furthermore, the validity assessment indicated that the scale structure was reliable. Therefore, the proposed scales may serve as a reliable instrument for the quality of life evaluation in the diabetic foot ulcers population. Conclusion: The adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the Diabetic Foot Ulcers Scale-Short Form were reliable, and it will be a reliable instrument to evaluate the QoL of Chinese diabetic foot ulcer patients.
Lower-Limb Muscle Power Is Negatively Associated with Protein Intake in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Coelho-Júnior Hélio , Azzolino Domenico , Calvani Riccardo , Gonçalves Ivan , Tosato Matteo , Landi Francesco , Cesari Matteo , Picca Anna , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: November 2022

The present study examined the association between lower-limb muscle power and protein-related parameters in older adults. This study followed a cross-sectional design. Participants were community-dwelling older adults. Candidates were considered eligible if they were 60 years or older, lived independently, and possessed sufficient physical and cognitive abilities to perform all the measurements required by the protocol. The 5 times sit-to-stand (5STS) test was performed as fast as possible according to a standard protocol. Absolute, relative, and allometric muscle power measures were estimated using 5STS-based equations. Diet was assessed by 24-h dietary recall and diet composition was estimated using a nutritional software. One-hundred and ninety-seven older adults participated to the present study. After adjustment for covariates, absolute and allometric muscle power were negatively associated with body weight-adjusted protein intake. Our findings indicate that absolute and allometric muscle power estimated through a simple equation are negatively associated with body weight-adjusted protein intake in community-dwelling older adults.
Food Addiction Problems in College Students: The Relationship between Weight-Related Variables, Eating Habits, and Food Choices
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia , Félix Sílvia , Martins Filipa , Lapenta Olívia , Machado Bárbara C. , Conceição Eva M.
Published: November 2022

The concept of food addiction, characterized by a strong urge to overeat highly palatable foods, has gained increased research attention over the last decade. College students are a recognized risk group for manifesting an eating pathology and weight gain due to the changes in eating habits experienced during this period. However, there is a gap in the literature connecting food addiction with eating and weight variables in this population. Thus, the present study aims to characterize food addiction in a sample of college students and enlighten the relationship between food addiction, weight-variables, eating habits, and food choices in this population. A sample of 194 college students (89.2% females) aged between 18 and 32 years old (M = 20.85, SD = 2.78) completed a set of self-reported online questionnaires on Google Forms. Namely, a Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Questionnaire, a questionnaire on Food Choices Characterization, the Eating Habits Scale, and the Portuguese Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0. Thirty (22.2%) participants presented food addiction problems. The logistic regression models utilized suggest that participants in the group with food addiction problems are more likely to seek clinical help to control weight, to consider that they should eat less food high in sugar, and to report lower food adequacy. In sum, this finding highlighted a connection between food addiction, weight dissatisfaction, eating habits, and food choices in college students, a population at risk for developing and retaining eating pathologies. Further research is essential to evaluate and implement interventions regarding food addiction, weight dissatisfaction, eating habits, and food choices in college students.
Physical Activity Frequency and Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Children and Adolescents with Asthma: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Moreno-Moreno Lara , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Gil-Marín Miseldra , Barrios-Fernández Sabina
Published: November 2022

Asthma is considered the most prevalent chronic childhood disease worldwide. Physical activity (PA) represents a tool to improve patients with respiratory diseases’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A cross-sectional study examining data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE 2017) was carried out to investigate the associations between the PAF (physical activity frequency) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in asthmatic children and adolescents from 8 to 14 years old (total 11.29 years ± 1.91, boys 11.28 ± 1.90 and 11.29 ± 1.95 girls). Data were obtained from the Children Questionnaire, which was completed by their families or legal guardians, achieving a final sample composed of 240 participants with asthma. Data were taken from Survey 2017 (ENSE 2017), the last one before the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed significant associations between the PAF and the HRQoL, finding no significant differences between genders.
Assessment of Children’s Metal Exposure via Hand Wipe, Outdoor Soil and Indoor Dust and Their Associations with Blood Biomarkers
Authors: Wang Beibei , Gao Fei , Li Yujie , Lin Chunye , Cheng Hongguang , Duan Xiaoli
Published: November 2022

The soil environment contributes considerably to human exposure to metals. This study aimed to comprehensively compare children’s exposure to soil metals using different sampling approaches (i.e., hand wipe, indoor dust and outdoor soil) and assessment strategies, combing the method of external exposure evaluation and the correlation with internal biomarkers. Environmental exposure samples (hand wipe, outdoor soil and indoor dust), blood samples and child-specific exposure factors were simultaneously collected for 60 children aged 3 to 12 years from an area of northwestern China. Eight typical toxic metals were analyzed. Results showed that metal levels in hand wipes were associated with children’s age, years of residency and the ground types of the play areas. Hand-to-mouth contact was an important pathway for children’s metal exposure, with the corresponding oral exposure cancer risk to Cr already exceeding the maximum acceptable level. In comparison, metal concentrations in hand wipes were one to seven times higher than those in outdoor soil and indoor dust. Even greater discrepancies were found for the estimated exposure dose, which could lead to differences of several to dozens of times. In addition, Pb, Mn and Cr in hand wipes were significantly correlated with those in blood, whereas no relationships were found with soil and dust. This study indicates that the selection of different sampling and assessing strategies could lead to great differences in children metal exposure outcomes. It also suggests that hand wipe, which could reflect the true and integrated exposure level and the individual difference, serves as a better matrix to assess children’s metal exposure compared to soil and dust. Further studies should standardize the sampling method for hand wipes and verify its applicability for other age groups.
Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: De Sousa-De Sousa Luis , Espinosa Hugo G. , Maté-Muñoz Jose Luis , Lozano-Estevan Maria del Carmen , Cerrolaza-Tudanca Sara , Rozalén-Bustín Manuel , Fernández-Carnero Samuel , García-Fernández Pablo
Published: November 2022

Throughout history a variety of therapeutic tools have been studied as possible enhancers of sports activities. This study proposes the use of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) as a performance booster to paralympic athletes, specifically those belonging to the Spanish Paralympic swimming committee. The study was a randomized, single-blind, and observer-blind, crossover clinical trial. Six athletes were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with CRET (A); a placebo group (B) and a control group (C). The CRET group attended a twenty-minute session before being subjected to pool trials at distances of 50 and 100 m at maximum performance. Measurements were in two dimensions: time in seconds and the Borg scale for perceived exertion. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to distance and the main variables. In the case of perceived exertion, no significant changes were observed in any of the distances; however, in the case of the time variable, a significant difference was observed between Group A vs. Personal Record at 100 m distance (76.3 ± 6.8 vs. 68.4 ± 3.3). The proposed protocol and level of hyperthermia applied suggest refusal of CRET use for the 100-m distance a few minutes before sports practice. Our analysis suggests the need to modify the presented protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier under NCT number: NCT04336007.
Development and Validation of a Meta-Instrument for Nursing Assessment in Adult Hospitalization Units (VALENF Instrument) (Part I)
Authors: Luna-Aleixos David , Llagostera-Reverter Irene , Castelló-Benavent Ximo , Aquilué-Ballarín Marta , Mecho-Montoliu Gema , Cervera-Gasch Águeda , Valero-Chillerón María Jesús , Mena-Tudela Desirée , Andreu-Pejó Laura , Martínez-Gonzálbez Rafael , González-Chordá Víctor M.
Published: November 2022

Nursing assessment is the basis for performing interventions that match patient needs, but nurses perceive it as an administrative load. This research aims to develop and validate a meta-instrument that integrates the assessment of functional capacity, risk of pressure ulcers and risk of falling with a more parsimonious approach to nursing assessment in adult hospitalization units. Specifically, this manuscript presents the results of the development of this meta-instrument (VALENF instrument). A cross-sectional study based on recorded data was carried out in a sample of 1352 nursing assessments. Socio-demographic variables and assessments of Barthel, Braden and Downton indices at the time of admission were included. The meta-instrument’s development process includes: (i) nominal group; (ii) correlation analysis; (iii) multiple linear regressions models; (iv) reliability analysis. A seven-item solution showed a high predictive capacity with Barthel (R2adj = 0.938), Braden (R2adj = 0.926) and Downton (R2adj = 0.921) indices. Likewise, reliability was significant (p < 0.001) for Barthel (ICC = 0.969; τ-b = 0.850), Braden (ICC = 0.943; τ-b = 0.842) and Downton (ICC = 0.905; κ = 7.17) indices. VALENF instrument has an adequate predictive capacity and reliability to assess the level of functional capacity, risk of pressure injuries and risk of falls.
Fitness Dance Counteracts Female Ph.D. Candidates’ Stress by Affecting Emotion Regulation
Authors: Liu Datian , Sun Fengxin , Zhu Yongsheng , Jia Changjun , Mao Yupeng , Liu Bing
Published: November 2022

Background: The impact of stress on the nation’s physical and mental health is considerable. Exercise is considered to have beneficial effects on mental health and the capacity for coping with stress. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of fitness dance intervention on female Ph.D. candidates’ stress, and compare it with the intervention effects of MBSR. Method: A repeated measurement experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of fitness dance and MBSR on Chinese female Ph.D. candidates’ stress. Results: Twelve weeks of fitness dance and MBSR can reduce participants’ stress from severe to moderate. Eight weeks of fitness dance can reduce the tension from perceived stress (p = 0.019) and loss of control from perceived stress (p = 0.043). Twelve weeks of fitness dance can reduce the tension from perceived stress (p < 0.000), loss of control from perceived stress (p = 0.002) and perceived stress (p = 0.001). Fitness dance and MBSR affect emotion regulation, thereby affecting stress. Fitness dance reduced participants’ stress by improving their cognitive reappraisal ability. MBSR reduced participants’ stress by improving their cognitive reappraisal ability and expression suppression ability. Conclusions: Fitness dance, as a method of exercise intervention, is suitable for reducing Chinese female Ph.D. candidates’ stress.
Insights into the Effect of Aggregate Sizes on the Soil Radiation Interaction Properties Based on X-ray Fluorescence
Authors: Tech Lohane , Pires Luiz F.
Published: November 2022

Soils subjected to disaggregation can break into aggregates of different sizes composed of sand, clay, and silt particles. Each aggregate contains different oxides, which can vary according to the aggregate size and influence its properties, such as the radiation interaction parameters. These parameters are relevant in the evaluation of radiation shielding and soil physical properties. Thirteen tropical/subtropical soils of contrasting textures (clayey and loamy/sandy) with two aggregate sizes (2–1 mm and <45 μm) were studied. The radiation parameters analyzed were the atomic (σA), electronic (σE), and molecular (σM) cross-sections; the effective atomic number (Zeff); and the electron density (Nel). We verified that the aggregate sizes affected the major oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3). In general, the attenuation coefficient and Zeff were sensitive to the clayey soils’ aggregate sizes (low photon energies). However, the loamy/sandy soils did not exhibit differences among the parameters. As the photon energy increased, only Zeff presented differences for most soils. We also verified that σM, Zeff, and Nel were the most sensitive parameters to the soil composition. Although the soil chemical composition was influenced by the studied aggregate sizes, the radiation parameters exhibited differences for only some of these parameters. This means that the aggregate size is practically irrelevant when radiation parameters are determined based on X-ray fluorescence.
Association between Dietary Diversity and Sociopsychological Factors and the Onset of Dyslipidemia after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Hayashi Fumikazu , Ohira Tetsuya , Sato Shiho , Nakano Hironori , Okazaki Kanako , Nagao Masanori , Shimabukuro Michio , Sakai Akira , Kazama Junichiro James , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Takahashi Atsushi , Maeda Masaharu , Yabe Hirooki , Yasumura Seiji , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the onset of low-density lipoprotein hypercholesterolemia (hyper-LDLemia), high-density lipoprotein hypocholesterolemia (hypo-HDLemia), and hyper-triglyceridemia (hyper-TGemia) and lifestyle/socio-psychological factors among Fukushima evacuation area residents after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Participants included 11,274 non-hyper-LDLemia, 16,581 non-hypo-HDLemia, and 12,653 non-hyper-TGemia cases in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. In FY2011, these participants underwent a health checkup and responded to a mental health and lifestyle survey. The onset of each disease was followed through FY2017. The evacuation experience was positively associated with the risk of hyper-LDLemia, hypo-HDLemia, or hyper-TGemia. Conversely, the middle high dietary diversity score was negatively associated with the onset of hyper-TGemia. Moreover, low sleep satisfaction was positively associated with hypo-HDLemia and hyper-TGemia. The “almost never” exercise habit was positively associated with hypo-HDLemia. Current smoking and audible nuclear power plant explosions were positively associated with the risk of hyper-TGemia. Drinking habits exhibited a negative association with the onset of hyper-LDLemia, hypo-HDLemia, and hyper-TGemia. The results of this study indicate the need for continuous improvement in lifestyle, as well as efforts to eliminate the impact of disasters to prevent the onset of dyslipidemia among disaster evacuees.
Clinical Decision-Making for Heart Failure in Kosovo: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Hoxha Ilir , Guda Besim , Hoti Ali , Zhubi Esra , Selmani Erza , Avdiu Blerta , Cegllar Jakob , Marušič Dorjan , Osmani Aferdita
Published: November 2022

Background: Heart failure represents a life-threatening progressive condition. Early diagnosis and adherence to clinical guidelines are associated with improved outcomes for patients with heart failure. However, adherence to clinical guidelines remains limited in Kosovo. Objective: To assess the clinical decision-making related to heart failure diagnosis by evaluating clinicians’ preferences for clinical attributes. Method: Conjoint analysis with 33 clinical scenarios with physicians employed in public hospitals in Kosovo. Setting: Two public hospitals in Kosovo that benefited from quality improvement intervention. Participants: 14 physicians (internists and cardiologists) in two hospitals in Kosovo. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was the overall effect of clinical attributes on the decision for heart failure diagnosis. Results: When considering clinical signs, the likelihood of a heart failure diagnosis increased for ages between 60 to 69 years old (RRR, 1.88; CI 95%, 1.05–3.34) and a stable heart rate (RRR, 1.93; CI 95%, 1.05–3.55) and decreased for the presence of edema (RRR, 0.23; CI 95%, 0.15–0.36), orthopnea (RRR, 0.31; CI 95%, 0.20–0.48), and unusual fatigue (RRR, 0.61; CI 95%, 0.39–0.94). When considering clinical examination findings, the likelihood for heart failure diagnosis decreased for high jugular venous pressure (RRR, 0.49; CI 95%, 0.32–0.76), pleural effusion (RRR, 0.35; CI 95%, 0.23–0.54), hearing third heart sound, (RRR, 0.50; CI 95%, 0.33–0.77), heart murmur (RRR, 0.57; CI 95%, 0.37–0.88), troponin levels (RRR, 0.59; CI 95%, 0.38–0.91), and NTproBNP levels (RRR, 0.36; CI 95%, 0.24–0.56). Conclusions: We often found odd and wide variations of clinical signs and examination results influencing the decision to diagnose a person with heart failure. It will be important to explore and understand these results better. The study findings are important for existing quality improvement support efforts and contribute to the standardization of clinical decision-making in the public hospitals in the country. This experience and this study can provide valuable impetus for further examination of these efforts and informing policy and development efforts in the standardization of care in the country.
Effects of Health Service Utilization and Informal Social Support on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the Internal Migrant Elderly following Children in Weifang, China
Authors: Li Hexian , Pang Mingli , Wang Jieru , Xu Jing , Kong Fanlei
Published: November 2022

This study explored the relationship between health service utilization, informal social support and depression, anxiety and stress among the internal migrant elderly following children (IMEFC) in Weifang, China. A total of 613 IMEFC were selected using multistage cluster random sampling. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) was used to assess the depression, anxiety and stress of the IMEFC. Descriptive analysis and univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to clarify the correlation between health service utilization and social support and depression, anxiety and stress of the IMEFC. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress of the IMEFC was 6.9%, 7.7% and 3.4%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the IMEFC who having financial stress on medical costs were more likely to feel depressed than those haven’t financial stress on medical costs (OR = 6.557), while those unemployed and having no income were less likely to feel depressed than those employed (OR = 0.262), having children support were less likely to feel depressed than those haven’t children support (OR = 0.257) and having comfort support were less likely to feel depressed than haven’t comfort support (OR = 0.018). Trans-city migration were more likely to feel anxious than trans-county migration (OR = 3.198), having outpatient service were more likely to feel anxious than haven’t experienced inpatient service (OR = 3.818), having financial stress on medical costs were more likely to feel anxious than haven’t financial stress on medical costs (OR = 3.726), while having children support were less likely to feel anxious than haven’t children support (OR = 0.198). Those who migrate to cure disease or rehabilitation were more likely to feel stressed than those migrated to taking care of grandchildren (OR = 12.702) and having financial stress on medical costs were more likely to feel stressed than haven’t financial stress on medical costs (OR = 32.155), while having children support were less likely to feel stressed than haven’t children support (OR = 0.055) and having economic support in troubles were less likely to feel stressed than haven’t economic support in troubles (OR = 0.012). More effective measures should be taken to improve the accessibility and efficiency of cross-regional health insurance reimbursement, and family members should spend more time with the IMEFC to lower their psychological tension in a new environment.
Cultural Image of Older People during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jiménez-Etxebarria Eneritz , Jaureguizar Alboniga-Mayor Joana , Bernaras Iturrioz Elena
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has made evident the exclusion to which older people may be subjected for reasons of age. This study delves into the cultural image of older adults during the pandemic from the perspective of people between 60 and 81 years of age. Through a qualitative methodology, the voices of 37 people have been collected through in-depth interviews. Two main themes are derived from the inductive analysis: on the one hand, the devaluation of older people, and on the other hand, the positive image of the older population as older and valid. We conclude that people over 60 years of age in the Basque Country denounce the stigma of low capacity attributed to the older population during the pandemic. They reject the signs of age-based overprotection manifested during the pandemic and highlight the vital experience by which older people could be considered referents in situations of social crisis. They reflect on the initiatives necessary to improve the cultural image of the older population and point out the opportunities for active ageing, education based on values and intergenerational relationships.
Physical as Well as Psychological Distress and Coping with Situational Dilemmas Experienced by People Infected with COVID-19: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Hengyotmark Arunee , Kusoom Wichitra
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused serious health problems that affected people around the globe. This study aims to understand the physical distress (PhyD), psychological distress (PsyD), and coping experiences among people infected with COVID-19, develop a grounded theory, and examine PhyD, PsyD, and coping among people infected with COVID-19. A sequential exploratory mixed methods strategy is employed. A qualitative procedure is based on a grounded theory; data collection includes observation and in-depth interviews with 25 participants, aged 18 years and above. The quantitative one included 180 participants. Content analysis was applied using the Strauss and Corbin method, and ATLAS.ti software. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and the independent t-test were used. Results: The six major themes, including (1) severity of COVID-19 symptoms, (2) death anxiety, (3) uncertainty, (4) barrier to healthcare access, (5) compliance and self-regulation coping (6) post-COVID-19 effects. PhyD, PsyD, and coping were all at a moderate level. The relationship between PhyD, PsyD, and coping was positive. The prevalence in post-COVID-19 effects was 70% (95% CI 63.3-76.4%). There were higher amounts in women than men. The most frequent residual symptoms were decreased activity tolerance (40%), fatigue (33.3%), anxiety and fear of abnormal lungs (33.3%), dyspnea (27.8%), allergy (24.4%), and lung impairment (22.2%). Moreover, the prevalence of more than two symptoms was 54% (95% CI 47.2–61.7%). This study considers that the healthcare providers should be concerned with sufficient healthcare services. Interventions are needed for supporting their recovery from COVID-19 effects.
Teachers’ Well-Being and Associated Factors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Lau Sam , Shum Eric , Man Jackie , Cheung Ethan , Amoah Padmore , Leung Angela , Okan Orkan , Dadaczynski Kevin
Published: November 2022

School teachers have faced many challenges due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and public health-related containment measures. Recent studies have demonstrated high levels of stress and mental health issues among school teachers. To better understand teacher well-being and inform practices to support them in the face of the ongoing pandemic, we aimed to assess perceived stress, well-being and associated factors among school teachers in Hong Kong, China. For this cross-sectional study, we employed a self-reported questionnaire to assess teacher well-being as an indicator of mental health. Drawing on quantitative data obtained from 336 teachers in Hong Kong from April 2021 to February 2022, we assessed workloads, work-related sense of coherence, perceived stress, secondary burnout symptoms (i.e. intensification of work and exhaustion related to work situation), self-endangering work behaviours and satisfaction with work. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the associations between well-being, demographic and work characteristics. A high percentage (87.6%) of teachers had high levels of perceived stress, which was positively associated with extensification of work (r = 0.571, p < 0.01), intensification of work (r = 0.640, p < 0.01) and exhaustion related to work situation (r = 0.554, p < 0.01). A multilinear regression model adjusted for age and gender was computed to detect predictors of teachers’ well-being index values (F(12, 296) = 41.405, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.627). A higher WHO-5 score was associated with (1) higher teaching hours (B = 0.235, 95% CI = 0.093, 0.413, p = 0.002); (2) higher work-related sense of coherence (B = 2.490, 95% CI = 0.209, 4.770, p = 0.032); (3) higher work satisfaction (B = 5.410, 95% CI = 2.979, 7.841, p < 0.001); (4) lower level of exhaustion related to work situations (B = −9.677, 95% CI = −12.279, −7.075, p < 0.001); and (5) lower level of psychosomatic complaints (B = −4.167, 95% CI = −6.739, −7.075, p = 0.002). These findings highlight the critical need to allocate more attention and resources to improve the mental health of school teachers in Hong Kong. The findings can also inform the development of psychological and organisational interventions and support mechanisms for teachers during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for future stressful scenarios. Safeguarding the well-being and mental health of teachers is important for improving the quality of teaching and learning environments and the mental health of school students.
Prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Year Rates of Asthma in China: Findings from the GBD Study 2019 of the G20
Authors: Liu Mingtao , Gan Hui , Lin Yilu , Lin Runpei , Xue Mingshan , Zhang Teng , Cheng Zhangkai J. , Sun Baoqing
Published: November 2022

Background: The credible materials about the burden of asthma in China when compared to other countries in the group of twenty (G20) remain unavailable. Objectives and design: Following the popular analysis strategy used in the Global Burden of Disease Study, the age-, sex-, country-specific prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of asthma in China were analyzed. Meanwhile, the comparison in trends between China and other countries in the G20 was also evaluated. Results: In 2019, asthma was the 8th leading cause of the DALYs’ burden of 369 diseases in China. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates of asthma in China decreased by 14% and 51%, respectively; further, the decline rate of DALYs was much higher than the global average (−51%: −43%). It is worth noting that the overall population age-standardized DALYs rate of asthma in China was the lowest in the G20 during 2019 (102.81, 95% UI: (72.30,147.42)/100,000). Moreover, the age-standardized asthma prevalence rate peaks in both childhood (178.14, 95% UI: (90.50, 329.01)/100,000) and the elderly (541.80, 95% UI: (397.79, 679.92)/100,000). Moreover, throughout the study, subjects in the 5 to 9 years old interval were a constant focus of our attention. Conclusions: The disease burden of asthma has varied greatly by gender and age over the past 30 years. In contrast to the increasing burden in most other G20 countries, the age-standardized prevalence rate of asthma shows a significant decreasing trend in China, however, the age-standardized DALYs rate shows a fluctuating change, and has even shown a rebound trend in recent years.
Association between Alcohol Consumption and Health-Related Quality of Life among Hospital and Ambulatory Care Patients with Past Year Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Krause Kristian , Guertler Diana , Moehring Anne , Batra Anil , Eck Sandra , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , Bischof Gallus , Buchholz Maresa , John Ulrich , Meyer Christian
Published: November 2022

Background: Little is known about how substance use affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in depressed individuals. Here, associations between alcohol consumption and HRQOL in hospital and ambulatory care patients with past-year depressive symptoms are analyzed. Method: The sample consisted of 590 participants (26.8% non-drinkers) recruited via consecutive screenings. Individuals with alcohol use disorders were excluded. HRQOL was assessed with the Veterans Rand 12-item health survey (VR-12). Multivariable fractional polynomials (MFP) regression analyses were conducted (1) to test for non-linear associations between average daily consumption and HRQOL and (2) to analyze associations between alcohol consumption and the physical and mental health component summaries of the VR-12 and their subdomains. Results: Alcohol consumption was positively associated with the physical health component summary of the VR-12 (p = 0.001) and its subdomains general health (p = 0.006), physical functioning (p < 0.001), and bodily pain (p = 0.017), but not with the mental health component summary (p = 0.941) or any of its subdomains. Average daily alcohol consumption was not associated with HRQOL. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption was associated with better physical HRQOL. Findings do not justify ascribing alcohol positive effects on HRQOL. Data indicate that non-drinkers may suffer from serious health disorders. The results of this study can inform the development of future alcohol- and depression-related interventions.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Advanced Biomarkers for Predicting Incident Cardiovascular Disease among Asymptomatic Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Romero-Cabrera Juan Luis , Ankeny Jacob , Fernández-Montero Alejandro , Kales Stefanos N. , Smith Denise L.
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues as the most important cause of mortality. Better risk screening and prediction are needed to reduce the cardiovascular disease burden. The aim of the study was to assess the role of serum biomarkers in the prediction of CVD among asymptomatic middle-aged adults with no prior CVD history. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out using literature from PubMed and following PRISMA reporting guidelines. Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The most commonly studied biomarker was high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) (10 studies), which showed that higher hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of subsequent CVD events and mortality. In addition, several less-studied biomarkers (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), fibrinogen, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and others) also showed significant associations with greater future risk of CVD. A meta-analysis was possible to perform for hs-CRP and NT-proBNP, which showed statistically significant results for the ability of hs-CRP (hazard ratio (HR) 1.19, (95% CI: 1.09–1.30), p < 0.05) and NT-proBNP (HR 1.22, (1.13–1.32), p < 0.05) to predict incident CVD among middle-aged adults without a prior CVD history or symptoms. Several serum biomarkers, particularly hs-CRP and NT-proBNP, have the potential to improve primary CVD risk prevention among asymptomatic middle-aged adults.
Functional Characterization of Laccase Isozyme (PoLcc1) from the Edible Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus Involved in Lignin Degradation in Cotton Straw
Authors: Li Guoqing , Wang Yahui , Zhu Peilei , Zhao Guiyun , Liu Caiyu , Zhao Hongyuan
Published: November 2022

Fungal laccases play important roles in the degradation of lignocellulose. In this study, the laccase producing cotton straw medium for Pleurotus ostreatus was optimized by single-factor and orthogonal experiments, and to investigate the role of Lacc1 gene, one of the laccase-encoding genes, in the degradation of cotton straw lignin, an overexpression strain of Lacc1 gene was constructed, which was analyzed for the characteristics of lignin degradation. The results demonstrated that the culture conditions with the highest lignin degradation efficiency of the P. ostreatus were the cotton straw particle size of 0.75 mm, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:3 and containing 0.25 g/L of Tween in the medium, as well as an incubation temperature of 26 °C. Two overexpression strains (OE L1-1 and OE L1-4) of Lacc1 gene were obtained, and the gene expression increased 12.08- and 33.04-fold, respectively. The results of 1H-NMR and FTIR analyses of significant changes in lignin structure revealed that Lacc1 gene accelerated the degradation of lignin G-units and involved in the cleavage of β-O-4 linkages and the demethylation of lignin units. These findings will help to improve the efficiency of biodelignification and expand our understanding of its mechanism.
Combined Transcriptome and Metabolome Profiling Provide Insights into Cold Responses in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Genotypes with Contrasting Cold-Stress Sensitivity
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Wei Ran , Tian Minyu , Liu Jinchu , Ruan Ying , Sun Chuanxin , Liu Chunlin
Published: November 2022

Low temperature is a major environmental factor, which limits rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) growth, development, and productivity. So far, the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rapeseed responses to cold stress are not fully understood. Here, we explored the transcriptome and metabolome profiles of two rapeseed genotypes with contrasting cold responses, i.e., XY15 (cold-sensitive) and GX74 (cold-tolerant). The global metabolome profiling detected 545 metabolites in siliques of both genotypes before (CK) and after cold-stress treatment (LW). The contents of several sugar metabolites were affected by cold stress with the most accumulated saccharides being 3-dehydro-L-threonic acid, D-xylonic acid, inositol, D-mannose, D-fructose, D-glucose, and L-glucose. A total of 1943 and 5239 differentially expressed genes were identified from the transcriptome sequencing in XY15CK_vs_XY15LW and GX74CK_vs_GX74LW, respectively. We observed that genes enriched in sugar metabolism and biosynthesis-related pathways, photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species scavenging, phytohormone, and MAPK signaling were highly expressed in GX74LW. In addition, several genes associated with cold-tolerance-related pathways, e.g., the CBF-COR pathway and MAPK signaling, were specifically expressed in GX74LW. Contrarily, genes in the above-mentioned pathways were mostly downregulated in XY15LW. Thus, our results indicate the involvement of these pathways in the differential cold-stress responses in XY15 and GX74.
Suffruticosol B Is an Osteogenic Inducer through Osteoblast Differentiation, Autophagy, Adhesion, and Migration
Authors: Yun Hyung-Mun , Lee Joon Yeop , Kim Bomi , Park Kyung-Ran
Published: November 2022

Suffruticosol B (Suf-B) is a stilbene found in Paeonia suffruticosa ANDR., which has been traditionally used in medicine. Stilbenes and their derivatives possess various pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoporotic activities. This study aimed to explore the bone-forming activities and mechanisms of Suf-B in pre-osteoblasts. Herein, >99.9% pure Suf-B was isolated from P. suffruticosa methanolic extracts. High concentrations of Suf-B were cytotoxic, whereas low concentrations did not affect cytotoxicity in pre-osteoblasts. Under zero levels of cytotoxicity, Suf-B exhibited bone-forming abilities by enhancing alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities, bone matrix calcification, and expression levels with non-collagenous proteins. Suf-B induces intracellular signal transduction, leading to nuclear RUNX2 expression. Suf-B-stimulated differentiation showed increases in autophagy proteins and autophagosomes, as well as enhancement of osteoblast adhesion and transmigration on the ECM. These results indicate that Suf-B has osteogenic qualities related to differentiation, autophagy, adhesion, and migration. This also suggests that Suf-B could have a therapeutic effect as a phytomedicine in skeletal disorders.