bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between depression and lung function in college students
Authors: Wang Cui , Chen Hongbo , Shang Shaomei 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundDepression is positively associated with lung dysfunction in middle-aged and older adults, but the correlation between depression and lung dysfunction in healthy young adults has not been well researched.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a spirometer to evaluate the lung function of 352 college students (mean age: 24.1 years). The spirometry measurements included the peak expiratory flow (PEF), predicted percentage of the peak expiratory flow (PEF pp), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), predicted percentage of the FEV1 (FEV1 pp), forced vital capacity (FVC), predicted percentage of the FVC (FVC pp), FEV1/FVC ratio and the predicted percentage of the FEV1/FVC ratio (FEV1/FVC pp). A validated Chinese version of the 20-item Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to assess the severity of depression among young adults, with scores of ≥40 and ≥ 45 points indicating mild and moderate-to-severe depression, respectively. The Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the continuous variables, to estimate differences in lung function among the different levels of depression. Chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze the categorical variables, to estimate differences in characteristics among the different levels of depression. Several multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between participants’ level of depression and each of the variables measuring lung function.ResultsMild and moderate-to-severe depression were observed in 9.9 and 7.4% of the students, respectively. In particular, mild depression was associated with reduced FEV1 in both unadjusted (OR = 1.498, p = 0.003) and adjusted models (OR = 1.290, p = 0.018; OR = 1.199, p = 0.044). On the other hand, moderate-to-severe depression was significantly but negatively related to FEV1 in both unadjusted (OR = 3.546, p = 0.005) and adjusted models (OR = 3.137, p = 0.020; OR = 2.980, p = 0.048). Furthermore, the unadjusted model indicated that mild depression was associated with a higher risk of a lower PEF (OR = 3.546, p = 0.008).ConclusionSevere depression is an independent predictor of decreased FEV1 among Chinese college students.
Humoral response after a fourth dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in immunocompromised patients. Results of a systematic review
Authors: Martinelli Silvia , Pascucci Domenico , Laurenti Patrizia 
Published: March 2023

Background and objectiveThe fourth dose the COVID-19 vaccine was first proposed to immunocompromised patients. The aim of the article is to systematically review the literature and report the humoral response and outcomes after the fourth dose administration in people with impaired immune system.MethodsPublished studies on the humoral response, efficacy and safety of the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine were analyzed in various settings of immunocompromised patients. We conducted systematic searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library and WHO COVID-19 Research Database for series published through January 31, 2023, using the search terms “fourth dose” or “second booster” or “4th dose” and “Coronavirus” or “COVID-19” or “SARS-CoV-2.” All articles were selected according to the PRISMA guidelines.ResultsA total of 24 articles including 2,838 patients were comprised in the systematic review. All the studies involved immunocompromised patients, including solid organ transplant recipients, patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease, patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and patients with blood cancers or diseases. Almost all patients received BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 as fourth dose. All the studies demonstrated the increase of antibody titers after the fourth dose, both in patients who had a serological strong response and in those who had a weak response after the third dose. No serious adverse events after the 4th dose have been reported by 13 studies. COVID-19 infection after the fourth dose ranged from 0 to 21%.ConclusionThe present review highlights the importance of the fourth dose of covid-19 vaccines for immunocompromised patients. Across the included studies, a fourth dose was associated with improved seroconversion and antibody titer levels. In particular, a fourth dose was associated with increasing immunogenicity in organ transplant recipients and patients with hematological cancers, with a very low rate of serious side effects.
A moderated mediation analysis of depression and age on the relationship between resilience and frailty among HIV-positive adults
Authors: Meng Lijun , Chen Dan , Hu Peiwu , Yao Meng , Zhou Cui , Li Xingli 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundGiven the continuing challenges frailty poses among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV), accumulating evidence suggests that frailty is linked to psychological factors. However, the mutual influences of resilience, depression, and frailty have not yet been clarified. This study aimed to identify the potential mechanistic pathway through which psychological factors mitigate frailty.MethodsData were collected from June to August 2019 by trained investigators through face-to-face interviews with 375 HIV-positive Chinese adults. Each participant completed structured questionnaires to collect data in respect of their socio-demographic characteristics, and levels of frailty, depression, and resilience. These assessment measures included a self-designed questionnaire, the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10), and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). SPSS PROCESS macro was used to analyze the mediation and moderated mediation models.ResultsThe overall prevalence of frailty was 26.4%, and the prevalence of frailty among older and younger adults living with HIV was 22 and 31.4%, respectively. Mediation analysis showed that an association between resilience and frailty was mediated by depression, whereas resilience did not mediate the relationship between depression and frailty. Compared to physical frailty, depression was a stronger mediator of resilience to psychological frailty. We further found that age moderated the indirect effect of resilience on psychological frailty, with resilience being a stronger negative predictor of depression and depression being a stronger positive predictor of psychological frailty for older PLHIV than for younger PLHIV.ConclusionLower levels of resilience and greater levels of depression may be significant risk factors for frailty among PLHIV. Levels of resilience influenced frailty directly and frailty was indirectly affected by depression. Therefore, it is recommended that PLHIV, especially older patients, should be encouraged to establish positive psychological coping strategies to slow the progression of frailty.
Socio-ecological determinants of older people’s mental health and well-being during COVID-19: A qualitative analysis within the Irish context
Authors: Guzman Viveka , Doyle Frank , Foley Ronan , Craven Peter , Crowe Noelene , Wilson Penny , Smith Ailbhe , Hegarty Gerry , Pertl Maria M. 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEvidence indicates that older people with biological and social vulnerabilities are at high risk of short- and long-term consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, studies have also highlighted that the crisis may present opportunities for personal growth if older individuals are met with appropriate resources and support.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of older people regarding how individual, social, and environmental factors have supported or hindered their well-being and health during COVID-19.MethodsWe analyzed data collected between April–May and October–November 2021 from the Well-being, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE) study, a qualitative investigation of community-dwellers based in Ireland and aged 65 years or over. Participants (n = 57) completed written submissions, narrative interviews and/or go-along interviews detailing their experiences during the pandemic. Framework analysis was carried out in NVivo 12 to identify determinants, linkages, and explanations within Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 74.9 years, 53% were female, 45% lived alone, and 86% lived in areas with high urban influence. Our findings highlight the heterogeneous effect of COVID-19 across diverse older individuals who held distinct concerns, capabilities, and roles in society before and during the pandemic. Multi-scalar contextual characteristics such as individual’s living arrangements, neighborhood social and built environments, as well as social expectations about aging and help seeking, had an influential role in participants’ well-being and available supports. We identified mixed views regarding public health restrictions, but a consensus emerged questioning the suitability of one-size-fits-all approaches based on chronological age.ConclusionsOur results suggest that some negative pandemic consequences could have been avoided by increasing collaboration with older people and with the provision of clearer communications. The interdependencies identified between individual characteristics and socio-ecological factors that influenced participants’ availability of supports and development of adaptive strategies represent areas of opportunity for the development of age-friendly interventions during and beyond public health crises.
Glucocorticoids and physical performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Riiser Amund , Stensrud Trine , Andersen Lars Bo 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThis systematic review with meta-analysis investigates the effect of glucocorticoids on maximal and submaximal performance in healthy subjects.MethodsWe searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of glucocorticoids on physical performance in Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Embase and SportDiscus in March 2021. Risk of bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2). Data from random effect models are presented as standardized difference in mean (SDM) with 95% confidence interval. We included 15 studies comprising 175 subjects.ResultsTwo studies had high risk of bias. Glucocorticoids had a small positive effect on maximal physical performance compared to placebo (SDM 0.300, 95% CI 0.080 to 0.520) and the SDM for the 13 included comparisons was not heterogeneous (I2 = 35%, p = 0.099). Meta regression found no difference in the effect of acute treatment vs. prolonged treatment or oral ingestion vs. inhalation (p &gt; 0.124). In stratified analysis prolonged treatment (SDM 0.428, 95% CI 0.148 to 0.709) and oral ingestion (SDM 0.361, 95% CI 0.124 to 0.598) improved physical performance. Glucocorticoids improved aerobic performance (SDM 0.371, 95% CI 0.173 to 0.569) but not anaerobic performance (p = 0.135). Glucocorticoids did not change energy expenditure during submaximal performance (SDM 0.0.225 95% CI −0.771 to 0.112).DiscussionThis study indicates that glucocorticoids improves maximal performance and aerobic performance. Glucocorticoids did not affect the energy expenditure during submaximal performance. The conclusions are based on relatively few subjects leading to limited statistical power and uncertain estimates. Still, these results are consistent and should be of interest to WADA and anyone concerned about fair play.Systematic Review RegistrationOpen Science Framework 2021-04-29 (https://osf.io/fc29t/).
Uptake of agroforestry-based crop management in the semi-arid Sahel – Analysis of joint decisions and adoption determinants
Authors: Grovermann Christian , Rees Charles , Beye Assane , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Cicek Harun 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionAgroforestry plays a vital role in maintaining and developing the resilience and productivity of farms and landscapes. Scientific evidence from the Sahel region suggests that integration of trees and shrubs has the potential to improve temperature and moisture levels whilst providing bio-based fertilizer that contributes to increased yields of annual crops. However, little is known about the factors that influence the diffusion of agroforestry. This study examines joint decisions on the use of agroforestry alongside other complementary agricultural practices and disentangles agroforestry awareness from adoption and disadoption decisions.MethodsOur analysis is based on a comprehensive farm-level dataset covering almost 3,000 farm households in Mali and Senegal. A large number of adoption determinants are utilized, with a special focus on information access, information flows and social groups.ResultsThe findings suggest that extension access and training participation boost awareness of agroforestry-based soil fertility management, while information provided by public extension, NGOs and community members is strongly associated with higher adoption intensity. In the analysis of disadoption, farmer-to-farmers exchange in the community was found to be a key factor in the decision to maintain agroforestry use. Membership in cooperatives and youth groups appear to have a favorable effect on awareness and adoption in Mali, but less so in the Senegalese case. Similarly, only results from Mali show that adoption of agroforestry is accompanied by the adoption of other sustainable intensification practices and lower use of synthetic pesticides.DiscussionWe conclude that in order to support the transition to more widespread agroforestry-based soil fertility management, it is essential to strengthen public and NGO-based advisory systems that fully engage with local knowledge networks.
Does fairness matter? Consumers' perception of fairness in the agro-food chain
Authors: Del Prete Margherita , Samoggia Antonella 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionDefining ‘fairness’ in the agro-food sector is a challenging task. There is no single definition of fairness and the literature does not provide a complete conceptualization from the consumer's point of view. The current research seeks to explore the consumers' interest in fairness and ethics in the agro-food chain by exploring (i) a comprehensive theoretical framework to conceptualize fairness from a consumer perspective, and (ii) the consumers' perceived importance of different food attributes as fairness-related aspects.MethodLiterature review and focus groups allowed for the creation of the final survey to be submitted to consumers. 529 valid responses from a predominantly Italian female sample were collected. Data were elaborated with Exploratory Factor Analysis and ANOVA test.ResultsThe research identified five dimensions of fairness: Fair price, environment, networking, short chain, and working condition. Also, it emerged that age influences consumers' perceived importance of products with fair attributes.DiscussionThis research contributes to the development of a fairer and more sustainable food system by identifying perceptions of agro-food chain fairness and establishing a link with food shopping intentions. The research provides companies with suggestions on how to expand sales by reaching a greater number of consumers.
Building the resilience of agri-food systems to compounding shocks and stresses: A case study from Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Murphy Maureen , Carey Rachel , Alexandra Leila 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe war in Ukraine is causing significant disruption to global agri-food systems, which are still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Australia, these global shocks followed a series of localized climate-induced crises from forest fires, floods and drought. There is a pressing need to increase our understanding of ways to strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems to multiple shocks and stresses that co-occur or follow on each other. The aims of this study in Melbourne, Australia, were to investigate how forest fire and pandemic shocks affected the agri-food system, to identify vulnerabilities in the system, and to explore opportunities to build resilience to future shocks and stresses.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted during 2020-21 with 41 key stakeholders from government, industry and civil society organizations.Results and discussionVulnerabilities identified in agri-food supply chains included geographic and corporate concentration, complex “just in time” supply chains, critical infrastructure and logistics, and workforce availability. Strategies identified to build the resilience of agri-food systems include increasing the diversity of supply chains, decentralization, collaboration throughout agri-food supply chains, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.ConclusionOur study highlights the cascading effects of multiple shocks and stresses on agri-food systems, and the need for greater policy focus on transformative actions that build the resilience of agri-food systems to any future shock, and that counter the cumulative effects of underlying environmental stresses.
Paravertebral block vs. epidural block for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A prospective, randomized study
Authors: Zhu Pengcheng , Meng Qianqian , Miao YuanYuan , Zhou Le , Wang Chun , Yang Haitao 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundPercutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is the main method for urinary calculi. An anesthesia method with little effect on the blood circulation and which does not affect the postoperative activity of a patient is lacking.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of paravertebral nerve block (PNB) and epidural block (EPB) on quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) strength in patients after PCNL.Methods163 patients were separated into two groups: EPB (81) and PNB (82). Primary outcome parameters were QFM strength and range of motion (RoM) of the knee 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 24 h after anesthesia induction (AI). Secondary outcome parameters were: time from AI beginning to first ambulation; time of sensory-plane recovery; amount of additional analgesics given during and after surgery; prevalence of nausea and vomiting; duration of hospital stay (DoHS); mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) before, 0.5 h, and 1 h after AI; visual analog scale (VAS) score 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 24 h after AI.ResultsThere was no significant difference in QFM strength or knee RoM before or 24 h after AI between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). The time from AI to first ambulation was shorter (P &lt; 0.05) and the sensory plane took longer to recover (P &lt; 0.05) in the PNB group than in the EPB group. The amount of additional analgesics during surgery was more in the PNB group than in the EPB group (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference after surgery (P &gt; 0.05). VAS scores were higher in the PNB group than in the EPB group 0.5 after AI (P &lt; 0.05). MAP 1 h after AI was higher in the PNB group than in the EPB group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, DoHS, HR, or SpO2 at 0.5 h and 1 h after AI between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsFor patients undergoing PCNL, PNB can meet the need for surgical analgesia while having little effect on QFM strength.Trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2200060606.
Aflatoxin contamination of animal feeds and its predictors among dairy farms in Northwest Ethiopia: One Health approach implications
Authors: Tadele Fitalew , Demissie Biruk , Amsalu Alebachew , Demelash Habtamu , Mengist Zelalem , Ambelu Argaw , Yenew Chalachew 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundIn dairy farming, animal feed is the first line of food safety. Animal feed can become contaminated and spoiled on farms or in storage facilities due to the diverse microorganisms that are naturally present around or on various animal feeds. This study aims to assess the level of aflatoxin and predictors in animal feeds among dairy farms in the South Gondar Zone of Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 100 samples of each animal feed ingredient (atella, hay, commercial concentrates, and cut and carry pasture) were obtained. A total of 400 animal feed ingredient samples were tested separately among 100 randomly chosen dairy farmers for aflatoxin analysis. Simultaneously, swabs from cow udders and water samples were also collected. Using a structured and pretested questionnaire, the knowledge and practices of animal feed administrators responsible for managing animal feed were also evaluated. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify determinants.ResultsFrom the total animal feed analyzed, 96% was positive for aflatoxins. Feed storage facilities, feed storage duration, education of animal feed administrators, mixed concentrates, and previous training were found to be associated with aflatoxin contamination levels in animal feeds.ConclusionsThe levels of aflatoxin contamination in animal feeds were found to be higher than the recommended limit; these findings suggest the spread of aflatoxin contamination between humans and animals. Furthermore, the occurrence of aflatoxins in the environment results from milk becoming contaminated with aflatoxins. A One Health strategy should therefore receive special consideration to tackle such problems and safeguard consumer safety.
Forms of Toxic and Trace Metals in Grassland Soils of Galicia, Spain
Authors: López-Mateo Cristina , Marcos-Rodríguez Raúl , Díaz-Rodríguez Florentino , Fernandez-Marcos Maria Luisa 
Published: March 2023

The application of cattle slurry to agricultural soils contributes to the circular economy, while enriching the soil in macro and micronutrients and organic matter. However, this practice can have deleterious environmental effects, by adding toxic metals and other contaminants. The pseudo-total concentrations of nine potentially toxic and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb) as well as metals extracted by DTPA, Mehlich 3 and 0.01 M CaCl2 were determined in Galician (NW Spain) grassland soils regularly receiving cattle slurry. Four soil depths (0–5, 5–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm) were sampled and analysed. The pollution condition was assessed by comparing the pseudo-total concentrations with generic reference levels for Galician soils and by using pollution indices. The results indicated the absence of soil pollution by Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Pb and a situation of no pollution to moderate pollution by Mn, Zn and Cu. Cd was the element most frequently enriched in the studied soils according to the pseudo-total, DTPA and Mehlich-3 concentrations, while the extraction by CaCl2 pointed to no environmental risk. The study supports the lithogenic character of Fe, Ni, Co and Cr, the mixed lithogenic and anthropogenic nature of Mn, Zn and Cu and the anthropogenic origin of Cd in these soils. The latter element can be added by both the application of cattle slurry and inorganic phosphate fertilisers.