bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trauma-Informed Care: A Transcendental Phenomenology of the Experiences of International Faculty during the Delta and Omicron Variant Outbreaks in East China
Authors: Nam Benjamin H. , English Alexander S.
Published: September 2022

This transcendental phenomenological study explored psychologically traumatic incidents and risk factors among international faculty members (IFMs) who experienced long-term lockdowns during the Delta and Omicron outbreak periods in East China. Based on empirical voices from 18 IFMs in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing, this study used trauma-informed care as its primary theoretical lens to examine potential traumatic incidents and risk factors. Findings showed that participants had neuroses about the omen of lockdowns and felt exhausted and frustrated about persistent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. They also experienced or witnessed burnout and dropout due to leisure constraints. Most notably, participants had concerns about families and friends during the series of lockdowns, entailing extreme stress due to separation, illness, loss, and grief. Overall, this study provides practical implications for counseling practices about social and cultural considerations and systemic barriers that impact clients’ well-being.
Green Paradox or Forced Emission Reduction—The Dual Effects of Environmental Regulation on Carbon Emissions
Authors: Yin Kedong , Liu Lu , Gu Haolei
Published: September 2022

In response to global climate change, China made a commitment about carbon emissions at the UN General Assembly. It will strive to achieve carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. To help China successfully meet its carbon emissions targets this study examines the impact of environmental regulation on carbon emissions from a different perspective. Using panel data from 30 provinces in China as samples, this paper discusses the direct and indirect effect of environmental regulation on carbon emissions and explains the indirect process through four transmission paths: energy consumption structure, industrial structure, technological innovation, and foreign direct investment (FDI). The empirical results show that the direct effect of environmental regulation on carbon emissions presents an inverted U-shaped curve, it means that when the intensity level of environmental regulation is low, it mainly shows the green paradox effect, and with the continuous tightening of environmental laws, it turns into a forced emission reduction on carbon emissions. In addition, we found that under the constraint of environmental regulation conditions, the coal-based energy consumption is still the leading cause of carbon emissions; environmental regulations have contributed to the upgrading of industrial structure and technological advance, which indirectly play a positive role in carbon emission reduction. However, environmental regulation restrains the spillover effect and capital accumulation effect of FDI, which brings a specific degree of hindrance to technological progress and economic development, and is not conducive to carbon emission reduction. Therefore, we have made the following recommendations: China should make reasonable use of environmental policies to regulate carbon emissions according to the situation of each region, optimize the energy structure and increase the proportion of clean energy use, and improve the technology level of related industries to reduce carbon emissions by innovation.
Searching for New Human Behavior Model in the Climate Change Age: Analyzing the Impact of Risk Perception and Government Factors on Intention–Action Consistency in Particulate Matter Mitigation
Authors: Shin Yeji , Kim Seoyong , Kim Sohee
Published: September 2022

This study aims to analyze factors influencing citizens’ intentions to take protective action against particulate matter (PM) and their actual actions in response to PM. There were few research on the role of government factors and the issue of intention–action inconsistency in the context of PM mitigation action. Therefore, this study set not only variables in the risk perception paradigm but also ones in government factors as independent variables, while intention and action in response to PM were set as dependent variables. This study’s analysis was based on survey data collected from Korean people. For representativeness of the samples, this study adopted the quota sampling method, considering region, gender, and age. Five hundred respondents finished the survey. To verify the hypotheses, this study used regression and binomial logistic analysis. Analysis showed that (1) negative emotions, trust, knowledge, government competency, policy satisfaction, and policy awareness had significant effects on intention and action in response to PM, and (2) perceived benefits only affected intention, whereas government accountability only affected action. Logistic analysis showed that there were groups in which intentions and actions did not match. Negative emotions and government competence induce intention–action consistency, whereas the perceived benefits and trust in government tend to encourage inconsistency. Knowledge is a variable that induces both consistency and inconsistency in the intention–action relationship. The determinant structures of independent variables affecting the likelihood of belonging to the four groups differed.
Environmental Regulation, Financial Pressure and Industrial Ecological Efficiency of Resource-Based Cities in China: Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Impact Mechanism
Authors: Hou Yiming , Yin Guanwen , Chen Yanbin
Published: September 2022

A resource-based city is a type of city characterized by the exploitation and processing of natural resources as the leading industry in the region. Such cities provide essential resources for China’s economic development and support long-term rapid economic growth. However, resource-based cities (RBCs) face challenges, including resource depletion, economic recession, environmental pollution, and ecological damage, to which not enough attention has been paid. In the context of China’s increased focus on environmental protection and the economy, improving industrial ecological efficiency of RBCs has become ever more important. In the present study, the Super-SBM model was used to measure the industrial ecological efficiency of 114 RBCs in China from 2003 to 2016. The results show that during the study period, the industrial ecological efficiency of RBCs in China improved significantly, particularly in the central and western regions. The results from a Tobit model show that appropriate environmental regulation and financial pressure have a positive impact on the industrial ecological efficiency of RBCs. However, when faced with the dual pressures of environmental regulation and financial difficulty, improvement in industrial ecological efficiency was inhibited. The impact of environmental regulation and financial pressure on industrial ecological efficiency of cities in different regions and development stages and with different resource types shows heterogeneity. In accordance with the study findings, differentiated measures and suggestions are proposed to improve the industrial ecological efficiency of RBCs.
Critical Consciousness for Connectivity: Decoding Social Isolation Experienced by Latinx and LGBTQ+ Youth Using a Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Health Equity
Authors: Vargas Nancy , Clark Jesse L. , Estrada Ivan A. , De La Torre Cynthia , Yosha Nili , Magaña Alvarez Mario , Parker Richard G. , Garcia Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Systemic oppression creates a context in which Latinx LGBTQ+ youth experience social isolation. Social isolation has been associated with mental and physical health disparities, including disproportionate levels of depression, substance use, self-harm, and attempted suicide. These disparities are often magnified in rural and suburban areas with fewer identity-affirming spaces. This community-engaged study reports on the formative process of developing a Latinx LGBTQ+ telenovela (soap opera) allyship intervention based on critical consciousness theory. We conducted eight focus groups with community advisory boards, which included Latinx LGBTQ+ youth (n = 12), health and social service providers serving LGBTQ+ youth (n = 10), 4-H Latinx alumni youth (n = 12), and 4-H Latinx parents (n = 8). We interviewed nine Latinx LGBTQ+ youth enrolled in a film-making workshop. As a result of our multi-stakeholder approach, we: (1) described how stakeholders reflected on and decoded intersectional isolation on the individual, community, and structural levels; and (2) identified ways that stakeholders suggested taking action by improving access to resources to address social isolation, provide culturally competent healthcare, and co-create an enabling social environment. Our study indicated the importance of tapping into core values and intersectional identities to build solidarity among and within marginalized groups to dismantle oppressive systems.
Gratitude in Organizations: Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test–Revised Short (GRAT–RS) in Workers
Authors: Palazzeschi Letizia , Svicher Andrea , Gori Alessio , Di Fabio Annamaria
Published: September 2022

In a healthy organization’s framework and strength-based prevention perspectives, gratitude represents an important resource. Gratitude is a worthy construct able to promote the well-being of both workers and organizations. Gratitude is also an interesting variable in relation to success, efficiency and productivity in organizations that can be increased through specific training. Gratitude is, therefore, considered a promising resource for both individuals and organizations. This study aims at analyzing the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test–Revised Short (GRAT–RS). Participants were 359 Italian workers from different public and private organizations. Factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a multidimensional bifactor structure. Good internal consistency and concurrent validity were established. Results indicated that the Italian version of the Gratitude Resentment and Appreciation Test–Revised Short (GRAT–RS) is a valid instrument to detect gratitude in the Italian context with workers.
Vulnerable, Resilient, or Both? A Qualitative Study of Adaptation Resources and Behaviors to Heat Waves and Health Outcomes of Low-Income Residents of Urban Heat Islands
Authors: Palinkas Lawrence A. , Hurlburt Michael S. , Fernandez Cecilia , De Leon Jessenia , Yu Kexin , Salinas Erika , Garcia Erika , Johnston Jill , Rahman Md. Mostafijur , Silva Sam J. , McConnell Rob S.
Published: September 2022

Little is known of how low-income residents of urban heat islands engage their knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and resources to mitigate the health impacts of heat waves. In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 adults in two such neighborhoods in Los Angeles California to explore their adaptation resources and behaviors, the impacts of heat waves on physical and mental health, and threat assessments of future heat waves. Eighty percent of participants received advanced warning of heat waves from television news and social media. The most common resource was air conditioning (AC) units or fans. However, one-third of participants lacked AC, and many of those with AC engaged in limited use due primarily to the high cost of electricity. Adaptation behaviors include staying hydrated, remaining indoors or going to cooler locations, reducing energy usage, and consuming certain foods and drinks. Most of the participants reported some physical or mental health problem or symptom during heat waves, suggesting vulnerability to heat waves. Almost all participants asserted that heat waves were likely to increase in frequency and intensity with adverse health effects for vulnerable populations. Despite limited resources, low-income residents of urban heat islands utilize a wide range of behaviors to minimize the severity of health impacts, suggesting they are both vulnerable and resilient to heat waves.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Urban Community Function Loss in China under Flood Disaster Based on Social Network Analysis Model
Authors: Ma Lianlong , Huang Dong , Jiang Xinyu , Huang Xiaozhou
Published: September 2022

The increasing frequency of floods is causing an increasing impact on urban communities. To identify the key influencing factors of functional loss in Chinese urban communities under floods, this paper explored the influencing factors and factor combinations through a social network analysis approach using the 265 cases of urban communities in China affected by floods collected from 2017–2021 as research data. The key influencing factors and factor combinations were identified comprehensively using multiple indicator analyses such as core-periphery structure, node centrality, and factor pairing. The analysis results showed that “road disruption”, “housing inundation”, and “power interruption” are the three most critical factors affecting the functional loss of urban communities in China under floods, followed by “residents trapped”, “enterprises flooded”, and “silt accumulation”. In addition, “road disruption–housing inundation”, “housing inundation–residents trapped”, and “road disruption–residents trapped” are the most common combinations of influencing factors.
Body Balance of Children and Youths with Visual Impairment (Pilot Study)
Authors: Walicka-Cupryś Katarzyna , Rachwał Maciej , Guzik Agnieszka , Piwoński Paweł
Published: September 2022

Aim: The study was designed to assess the effects of surface instability in the response of the balance control system in children and youths with visual impairment (BL) and in normally sighted controls (NE). Materials and Methods: The empirical research study involved 80 individuals, aged from 6 to 20 years, with a mean age of 14.37 (±4.68), including 40 blind individuals and a randomly selected control group 40 normally sighted. Stabilometric measurements were performed with the use of the Platform CQ Stab 2P, with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC) on the solid surface, and then, the same procedure was performed on the platform covered with 1-centimetre-thick foam. Results: Statistical analyses (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, Mann–Whitney U test) of the results identified during the trials reveal the following findings in the BL group in the EO and EC tests. The results of the foam surface test were higher and the differences were statistically significant in the BL group (sway path EO p = 0.009, EC p = 0.006; mean amplitude EC p = 0.030; mean velocity EO p = 0.009, EC p = 0.006; sway area EO p = 0.017, EC p = 0.009; and number of COP deflections along the sagittal plane EO p = 0.004). No similar correlations were observed in the NE group, except for the mean amplitude EO p = 0.033 and sway area EO p = 0.030. There was one difference between the BL and the NE group for the mean amplitude parameter, p = 0.018, in a solid surface test with open eyes. The results were higher in the BL group. Conclusions: The present study showed no worse balance in the BL group than in the NE group but worse performance on the foam than without it. It indicates the need to develop body balance skills in blind people by improving their proprioceptive sensitivity. In everyday life and training, blind people should experience exteroceptive stimuli, different textures, and unstable surfaces as much as possible.
Glutamate-Sodium Discrimination Status in Adults Is Associated with Salt Recognition Threshold and Habitual Intake of Discretionary Food and Meat: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hartley Isabella , Costanzo Andrew , Liem Djin Gie , Keast Russell
Published: September 2022

Umami non-discriminators (NDs) are a sub-group of the population with a reduced ability to discriminate between monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sodium chloride (NaCl) compared to umami discriminators (UDs). No research has investigated umami and salty taste perception associations across detection threshold (DT), recognition threshold (RT), and suprathreshold intensity perception (ST) or the habitual dietary intake of ND. Adults (n = 61, mean age of 30 ± 8 years, n = 40 females) completed taste assessments measuring their DT, RT, and ST for salty, umami (MSG and monopotassium glutamate (MPG)), and sweet tastes. To determine the umami discrimination status, participants completed 24 triangle tests containing 29 mM NaCl and 29 mM MSG, and those with ≥13 correct identifications were considered UDs. Habitual dietary intake was recorded via a food frequency questionnaire. NDs made up 14.8% (n = 9) of the study population, and UDs made up 85.2% (n = 52). NDs were less sensitive to salt at RT (mean step difference: −1.58, p = 0.03), and they consumed more servings of meat and poultry daily (1.3 vs. 0.6 serves, p = 0.006); fewer servings of discretionary food (1.6 vs. 2.4, p = 0.001); and, of these, fewer salty discretionary foods (0.9 vs. 1.3, p = 0.003) than NDs. Identifying these NDs may provide insight into a population at risk of the overconsumption of discretionary foods and reduced intake of protein-rich meat foods.
Factors Affecting Perceived Work Environment, Wellbeing, and Coping Styles: A Comparison between Physicians and Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Costa Chiara , Teodoro Michele , De Vita Annalisa , Giambò Federica , Mento Carmela , Muscatello Maria Rosaria Anna , Alibrandi Angela , Italia Sebastiano , Fenga Concettina
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is a current emergency worldwide. All the consequent changes in sanitary systems have negatively affected the work–life balance. In particular, healthcare workers suffered from anxiety, stress, and depression, mostly nurses compared to physicians. To handle this situation, the adoption of different coping strategies has played a strategic role in psychophysical wellbeing. Our main goal is to the assess the perception of work environment and wellbeing (EQ-5D questionnaire), as well as to analyze possible differences in coping styles between physicians and nurses (brief COPE questionnaire). The arising differences were compared between the two groups, and associations with variables were assessed through a bivariate correlation analysis. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2020 through an online survey. A total of 172 respondents (117 physicians and 55 nurses), of which 102 were women and 70 were men, accepted to join the study. Our results showed that physicians referred a higher perception of wellbeing, and nurses reported an increased perception of work activity and efficiency, along with an unchanged economic status. The most frequently adopted coping strategies were Active and Planning (self-sufficient coping). Physicians showed a greater tendency to use avoidant coping strategies. More-experienced nurses and physicians were less prone to adopt socially supported coping strategies, emphasizing the need for novel organizational measures at the social dimension that favored sharing and interaction between peers. Future research should aim to further investigate the relationship between the perception of work environment and coping strategies in order to identify risk factors to be prevented by promoting adequate measures at an organizational level.
Association of Vitamin D Knowledge, Behavior and Attitude with BMI Status among Arab Adults
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Alfawaz Hanan , Khan Nasiruddin , Al-Saleh Yousef , Aljohani Naji J. , Aldisi Dara , Alkhaldi Ghadah , Alqarni Amani M. , Almasoudi Hadeel O. , Alshehri Lina A. , Alanzi Rinad M. , Khattak Malak N. K. , Elsaid Mohamed A. , Alokail Majed S.
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate the association of vitamin D (VD) knowledge, behavior, and attitude with BMI status among Saudi adults. This cross-sectional online survey included a total of 774 participants (M/F: 239/535). Knowledge about the overall sources of VD was highest in OB participants in correctly identifying sunlight (95.1%; p < 0.001) while significantly more OW participants answered food (83.1%; p = 0.04) and fortified food (66.5%; p = 0.02). However, 18.9% of OB participants also wrongly identified air as a VD source and this was significantly higher than in other groups (p = 0.03). OW participants were 50% less likely to identify salmon and fish oil (odds ratio, OR 0.5 (95% Confidence interval, CI 0.4–0.7); p < 0.01) and 40% more likely to identify chicken (OR 1.4 (1.0–1.9); p < 0.05) as dietary sources of VD than controls. On the other hand, OB participants were almost three times more likely to know that sunlight exposure is the main source of VD than controls (OR 2.65 (1.2–6.0); p < 0.05). In conclusion, while VD knowledge overall was apparently high in Saudi adults regardless of BMI status, the quality of knowledge among OB and OW individuals appear inconsistent, particularly in terms of identifying the right VD sources. Public health awareness campaigns should include the correction of VD misconceptions so that high-risk populations are able to make well-informed decisions in achieving optimal VD levels.
Estimating the Burden of Stroke: Two-Year Societal Costs and Generic Health-Related Quality of Life of the Restore4Stroke Cohort
Authors: van Mastrigt Ghislaine , van Heugten Caroline , Visser-Meily Anne , Bremmers Leonarda , Evers Silvia
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate two-year societal costs and generic health-related quality of life (QoL) using a bottom-up approach for the Restore4Stroke Cohort. (2) Methods: Adult post-stroke patients were recruited from stroke units throughout the Netherlands. The societal costs were calculated for healthcare and non-healthcare costs in the first two years after stroke. The QoL was measured using EQ-5D-3L. The differences between (sub)groups over time were investigated using a non-parametric bootstrapping method. (3) Results: A total of 344 post-stroke patients were included. The total two-year societal costs of a post-stroke were EUR 47,502 (standard deviation (SD = EUR 2628)). The healthcare costs decreased by two thirds in the second year −EUR 14,277 (95% confidence interval −EUR 17,319, −EUR 11,236). In the second year, over 50% of the total societal costs were connected to non-healthcare costs (such as informal care, paid help, and the inability to perform unpaid labor). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the importance of including non-healthcare costs for long-term follow-up. The subgroup analyses showed that patients who did not return home after discharge, and those with moderate to severe stroke symptoms, incurred significantly more costs compared to patients who went directly home and those who reported fewer symptoms. QoL was stable over time except for the stroke patients over 75 years of age, where a significant and clinically meaningful decrease in QoL over time was observed. (4) Conclusions: The non-healthcare costs have a substantial impact on the first- and second-year total societal costs post-stroke. Therefore, to obtain a complete picture of all the relevant costs related to a stroke, a societal perspective with a follow-up of at least two years is highly recommended. Additionally, more research is needed to investigate the decline in QoL found in stroke patients above the age of 75 years.
The Atmospheric Environment Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Metrological Study
Authors: Chen Zhong , Shi Dongping
Published: September 2022

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the scientific community has been trying to clarify various problems, such as the mechanism of virus transmission, environmental impact, and socio-economic impact. The spread of COVID-19 in the atmospheric environment is variable and uncertain, potentially resulting in differences in air pollution. Many scholars are striving to explore the relationship between air quality, meteorological indicators, and COVID-19 to understand the interaction between COVID-19 and the atmospheric environment. In this study, we try to summarize COVID-19 studies related to the atmospheric environment by reviewing publications since January 2020. We used metrological methods to analyze many publications in Web of Science Core Collection. To clarify the current situation, hotspots, and development trends in the field. According to the study, COVID-19 research based on the atmospheric environment has attracted global attention. COVID-19 and air quality, meteorological factors affecting the spread of COVID-19, air pollution, and human health are the main topics. Environmental variables have a certain impact on the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and the prevalence of COVID-19 has improved the atmospheric environment to some extent. The findings of this study will aid scholars to understand the current situation in this field and provide guidance for future research.
Comparative Quality Assessment of Five Bread Wheat and Five Barley Cultivars Grown in Romania
Authors: Moroșan Elena , Secareanu Ana Andreea , Musuc Adina Magdalena , Mititelu Magdalena , Ioniță Ana Corina , Ozon Emma Adriana , Raducan Ionuț Daniel , Rusu Andreea Ioana , Dărăban Adriana Maria , Karampelas Oana
Published: September 2022

Cereals whole grains contain vitamins, phytochemicals, antioxidants, resistant starch, and minerals with potential benefits to human health. The consumption of whole grains is correlated with a lowered risk of the most important chronic diseases, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some cancers. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the content of five cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and five cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) obtained by conventional plant breeding using crossing and selection methods. The novelty and the purpose of this research was to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze these ten cultivars from Romania and to show the importance of, and the changes produced by, crossing and selection methods when these are aimed at the physiological or morphological development of the cultivars. Studies based on gluten dosing; spectrophotometry using Bradford, fructan and protein dosing; Kjeldahl protein dosing; GC-MS/MS-protein and amino acid dosing; and identification of protein fractions using polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic method were conducted. This study demonstrates the possibility of developing future cultivars using conventional methods of improvement to modify the content and composition of nutrients to increase their health benefits.
Perception of Tunisian Public Health Practitioners on the Role of Primary Health Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Melki Sarra , Ben Hassine Donia , Chebil Dhekra , Nouira Sarra , Zanina Youssef , Ben Abdelaziz Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Context: Primary Health Care is the first level of healthcare delivery services. Its role in the management of epidemics has been documented especially during the SARS and Ebola epidemics, and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To describe public health experts’ perceptions of the implication of Primary Health Care on managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia. Methods: This qualitative study was based on a structured interview covering five domains: 1. Preparedness, 2. Implication, 3. Health delivery, 4. Response and 5. Fight against COVID-19 in Primary Health Care in Tunisia. Convenient sampling was done to include public health practitioners and experts. Results: A total of 25 experts were included with a sex ratio that was equal to 0.92, including two international experts, and four that were working in the Ministry of Health. The majority of respondents affirmed that the Tunisian PHC was not prepared to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerning the response role of PHC against COVID-19, some experts stated that PHC played an important role in the early stages of the pandemic. Almost all included participants claimed that PHC was marginalized from the national strategy against COVID-19. In addition, all respondents affirmed that there had been a weakening effect of the delivery of the minimum healthcare package that was dispended by the PHC after the pandemic. However, they all expressed the ability of PHC to manage future epidemics. Conclusion: The Tunisian PHC system did not play an efficient role in the current COVID-19 pandemic. However future lessons should be deduced for further implications in potential upcoming epidemics.
Characterization and Mechanistic Study of Heavy Metal Adsorption by Facile Synthesized Magnetic Xanthate-Modified Chitosan/Polyacrylic Acid Hydrogels
Authors: Dong Liming , Shan Chengyang , Liu Yuan , Sun Hua , Yao Bing , Gong Guizhen , Jin Xiaodong , Wang Shifan
Published: September 2022

A simple method was used to synthesize magnetic xanthate-modified chitosan/polyacrylic acid hydrogels that were used to remove heavy metal ions from an aqueous solution. Xanthate modification of chitosan significantly improved adsorption performance: individual adsorption capacities of the hydrogel for Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Co(II) ions were 206, 178, 168, and 140 mg g−1, respectively. The magnetic hydrogels had good regeneration ability and were effectively separated from the solution by use of a magnet. Adsorption kinetic data showed that the removal mechanism of heavy metal ions from the solution by magnetic hydrogels occurs mainly by chemical adsorption. The equilibrium adsorption isotherms were well-described by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations. Positive values were found for the Gibbs standard free energy and enthalpy, indicating an increase in the disorder at the solid–liquid interface during adsorption. Magnetic xanthate-modified chitosan-based hydrogels that exhibit high adsorption efficiency, regeneration, and easy separation from a solution have broad development prospects in various industrial sewage and wastewater treatment fields.
Investigating the Risk Factors Associated with Injury Severity in Pedestrian Crashes in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Rampinelli Angelo , Calderón Juan Felipe , Blazquez Carola A. , Sauer-Brand Karen , Hamann Nicolás , Nazif-Munoz José Ignacio
Published: September 2022

Pedestrians are vulnerable road users that are directly exposed to road traffic crashes with high odds of resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify the risk factors associated with injury severity in pedestrian crashes to promote safe and friendly walking environments for pedestrians. This study investigates the risk factors related to pedestrian, crash, and built environment characteristics that contribute to different injury severity levels in pedestrian crashes in Santiago, Chile from a spatial and statistical perspective. First, a GIS kernel density technique was used to identify spatial clusters with high concentrations of pedestrian crash fatalities and severe injuries. Subsequently, partial proportional odds models were developed using the crash dataset for the whole city and the identified spatial clusters to examine and compare the risk factors that significantly affect pedestrian crash injury severity. The model results reveal higher increases in the fatality probability within the spatial clusters for statistically significant contributing factors related to drunk driving, traffic signage disobedience, and imprudence of the pedestrian. The findings may be utilized in the development and implementation of effective public policies and preventive measures to help improve pedestrian safety in Santiago.
Nurses’ Involvement in the Development and Usability Assessment of an Innovative Peripheral Intravenous Catheterisation Pack: A Mix-Method Study
Authors: Santos-Costa Paulo , Alves Mariana , Sousa Carolina , Sousa Liliana B. , Paiva-Santos Filipe , Bernardes Rafael A. , Ventura Filipa , Salgueiro-Oliveira Anabela , Parreira Pedro , Vieira Margarida , Graveto João
Published: September 2022

Guaranteeing peripheral venous access is one of the cornerstones of modern healthcare. Recent evidence shows that the lack of adequate clinical devices can result in the provision of substandard care to patients who require peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIVC). To address this challenge, we aimed to develop a PIVC pack for adult patients and assess the usability of this new device. Methods: Following a mix-method design, the PIVC pack development and usability assessment were performed in two phases with the involvement of its potential end-users (nurses). In phase one (concept and semi-functional prototype assessment), focus group rounds were conducted, and a usability assessment questionnaire was applied at each stage. In phase two (pre-clinical usability assessment), a two-arm crossover randomised controlled trial (PIVC pack versus traditional material) was conducted with nurses in a simulated setting. Final interviews were conducted to further explore the PIVC pack applicability in a real-life clinical setting. Results: High average usability scores were identified in each study phase. During the pre-clinical usability assessment, the PIVC pack significantly reduced procedural time (Z = −2.482, p = 0.013) and avoided omissions while preparing the required material (Z = −1.977, p = 0.048). The participating nurses emphasised the pack’s potential to standardise practices among professionals, improve adherence to infection control recommendations, and enhance stock management. Conclusions: The developed pack appears to be a promising device that can assist healthcare professionals in providing efficient and safe care to patients requiring a PIVC. Future studies in real clinical settings are warranted to test its cost-effectiveness.
Navigating through COVID-19 Pandemic Period in Implementing Quality Teaching and Learning for Higher Education Programmes: A Document Analysis Study
Authors: Ngoatle Charity , Mothiba Tebogo M. , Ngoepe Modikana A.
Published: September 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, has caused a swift change in the higher education system giving way to a rise in instituting multimodal teaching and learning approaches. These approaches have demonstrated an inadequate capacity for multimodal teaching, particularly through online instruction by many institutions. The Department of Higher Education in South Africa did its utmost best to equip the institutions with the required resources to continue with the provision of education. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was followed in the study. The study data source included the South African government’s COVID-19 regulations relating to higher education and training. The purposive sampling method was used to select (8) several government documents relating to the regulation of COVID-19 in higher education and training institutions Document analysis technique was used to collect data from the COVID-19 pandemic regulation documents. Results: the study showed that most HEIs in South Africa adhere to safety measures, ensure business continuity in teaching and learning, continued with the distribution of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances as allocated by the government, and followed procedures for returning certain categories of students on campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The study has evaluated the support for quality higher education teaching and learning during the pandemic period in South Africa. The study, therefore, recommends the continuing of online teaching as part of blended learning so that institutions could always be ready should situations like this occurs again in the future and above be in sync with digital transformation.
Boosting the Energetic Performance of Trinitromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole Moiety by Increasing Nitrogen-Oxygen in the Bridge
Authors: Chen Peng , Dou Hui , He Chunlin , Pang Siping
Published: September 2022

The trinitromethyl moiety is a useful group for the design and development of novel energetic compounds with high nitrogen and oxygen content. In this work, by using an improved nitration method, the dinitromethyl precursor was successfully nitrated to the trinitromethyl product (2), and its structure was thoroughly characterized by FTIR, NMR, elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 has a high density (1.897 g cm−3), high heat of formation (984.8 kJ mmol−1), and a high detonation performance (D: 9351 m s−1, P: 37.46 GPa) that may find useful applications in the field of high energy density materials.
Curcumin Remedies Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis in Male Mice with Low-Carbohydrate-Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction
Authors: Tsao Chih-Wei , Ke Pei-Shan , Yang Hsin-Yi , Chang Ting-Chia , Liu Chin-Yu
Published: September 2022

Increasing reports on the significance of dietary patterns in reproduction have arisen from both animal and human studies, suggesting an interactive association between nutrition and male fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on low-carbohydrate-diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, testicular antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, inflammation and spermatogenesis in male mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-93M group, n = 12) and a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks (LC group, fed with low-carbohydrate diet, n = 48), and mice randomly chosen from the LC group were later fed their original diet (LC group, n = 12). This diet was changed to AIN-93M feed (LC/AIN-93M group, n = 12), a ketogenic diet (LC/KD group, n = 12), or a ketogenic diet treated with curcumin supplementation for the final 6 weeks (LC/KDCu group, n = 12). A poor sperm morphology and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) were observed in the LC and LC/KD groups, but they were eliminated by the normal diet or ketogenic diet with curcumin. The LC group exhibited a lower testicular testosterone level and a lower 17β-HSD activity and protein expression. This also enhanced apoptosis protein expressions in testis tissue, including Bax/BCl2, cleaved caspase 3, PARP and NF-κB. Meanwhile, we found a statistically significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase levels in the LC group. Our study indicated that a replacement of a normal diet or ketogenic diet supplemented with curcumin attenuated poor semen quality and reduced testosterone levels by the LC diet by reducing oxidative stress.
A Therapeutic Perspective of HDAC8 in Different Diseases: An Overview of Selective Inhibitors
Authors: Fontana Anna , Cursaro Ilaria , Carullo Gabriele , Gemma Sandra , Butini Stefania , Campiani Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic enzymes which participate in transcriptional repression and chromatin condensation mechanisms by removing the acetyl moiety from acetylated ε-amino group of histone lysines and other non-histone proteins. In recent years, HDAC8, a class I HDAC, has emerged as a promising target for different disorders, including X-linked intellectual disability, fibrotic diseases, cancer, and various neuropathological conditions. Selective HDAC8 targeting is required to limit side effects deriving from the treatment with pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACis); thus, many endeavours have focused on the development of selective HDAC8is. In addition, polypharmacological approaches have been explored to achieve a synergistic action on multi-factorial diseases or to enhance the drug efficacy. In this frame, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) might be regarded as a dual-targeting approach for attaining HDAC8 proteasomal degradation. This review highlights the most relevant and recent advances relative to HDAC8 validation in various diseases, providing a snapshot of the current selective HDAC8is, with a focus on polyfunctional modulators.
Using a Polygenic Score to Predict the Risk of Developing Primary Osteoporosis
Authors: Yalaev Bulat , Tyurin Anton , Prokopenko Inga , Karunas Aleksandra , Khusnutdinova Elza , Khusainova Rita
Published: September 2022

Osteoporosis (OP) is a multifactorial bone disease belonging to the metabolic osteopathies group. Using the polygenic score (PGS) approach, we combined the effects of bone mineral density (BMD) DNA loci, affecting osteoporosis pathogenesis, based on GEFOS/GENOMOS consortium GWAS meta-analysis. We developed models to predict the risk of low fractures in women from the Volga-Ural region of Russia with efficacy of 74% (AUC = 0.740; OR (95% CI) = 2.9 (2.353–3.536)), as well as the formation of low BMD with efficacy of 79% (AUC = 0.790; OR (95% CI) = 3.94 (2.993–5.337)). In addition, we propose a model that predicts fracture risk and low BMD in a comorbid condition with 85% accuracy (AUC = 0.850; OR (95% CI) = 6.6 (4.411–10.608)) in postmenopausal women.
Aurora Kinase A and Bcl-xL Inhibition Suppresses Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Skov Natascha , Alves Carla L. , Ehmsen Sidse , Ditzel Henrik J.
Published: September 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease that accounts for 10–15% of all breast cancer cases. Within TNBC, the treatment of basal B is the most challenging due to its highly invasive potential, and thus treatments to suppress metastasis formation in this subgroup are urgently needed. However, the mechanisms underlying the metastatic ability of TNBC remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of Aurora A and Bcl-xL in regulating basal B cell invasion. We found gene amplification and elevated protein expression in the basal B cells, which also showed increased invasiveness in vitro, compared to basal A cells. Chemical inhibition of Aurora A with alisertib and siRNA-mediated knockdown of BCL2L1 decreased the number of invading cells compared to non-treated cells in basal B cell lines. The analysis of the correlation between AURKA and BCL2L1 expression in TNBC and patient survival revealed significantly decreased relapse-free survival (n = 534, p = 0.012) and distant metastasis-free survival (n = 424, p = 0.017) in patients with primary tumors exhibiting a high combined expression of AURKA and BCL2L1. Together, our findings suggest that high levels of Aurora A and Bcl-xL promote metastasis, and inhibition of these proteins may suppress metastasis and improve patient survival in basal B TNBC.
Lipid-Based Nanoparticles as a Pivotal Delivery Approach in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Therapy
Authors: Chaudhuri Aiswarya , Kumar Dulla Naveen , Shaik Rasheed A. , Eid Basma G. , Abdel-Naim Ashraf B. , Md Shadab , Ahmad Aftab , Agrawal Ashish Kumar
Published: September 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer is considered the most aggressive type of breast cancer among women and the lack of expressed receptors has made treatment options substantially limited. Recently, various types of nanoparticles have emerged as a therapeutic option against TNBC, to elevate the therapeutic efficacy of the existing chemotherapeutics. Among the various nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) viz. liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid nanocarriers, and lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles are developed for cancer treatment which is well confirmed and documented. LNPs include various therapeutic advantages as compared to conventional therapy and other nanoparticles, including increased loading capacity, enhanced temporal and thermal stability, decreased therapeutic dose and associated toxicity, and limited drug resistance. In addition to these, LNPs overcome physiological barriers which provide increased accumulation of therapeutics at the target site. Extensive efforts by the scientific community could make some of the liposomal formulations the clinical reality; however, the relatively high cost, problems in scaling up the formulations, and delivery in a more targetable fashion are some of the major issues that need to be addressed. In the present review, we have compiled the state of the art about different types of LNPs with the latest advances reported for the treatment of TNBC in recent years, along with their clinical status and toxicity in detail.
Membrane-Bound EMC10 Is Required for Sperm Motility via Maintaining the Homeostasis of Cytoplasm Sodium in Sperm
Authors: Liu Lijie , Mao Shanhua , Chen Kuangyang , Dai Jiarong , Jin Shuoshuo , Chen Lijiao , Wang Yahao , Guo Lina , Yang Yiting , Zhan Chongwen , Xiong Zuquan , Diao Hua , Zhou Yuchuan , Ding Qiang , Wang Xuanchun
Published: September 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 10 (EMC10) is an evolutionarily conserved and multifunctional factor across species. We previously reported that Emc10 knockout (KO) leads to mouse male infertility. Emc10-null spermatozoa exhibit multiple aspects of dysfunction, including reduced sperm motility. Two subunits of a Na/K-ATPase, ATP1A4 and ATP1B3, are nearly absent in Emc10 KO spermatozoa. Here, two isoforms of EMC10 were characterized in the mouse testis and epididymis: the membrane-bound (mEMC10) and secreted (scEMC10) isoforms. We present evidence that mEMC10, rather than scEMC10, is required for cytoplasm sodium homeostasis by positively regulating ATP1B3 expression in germ cells. Intra-testis mEMC10 overexpression rescued the sperm motility defect caused by Emc10 KO, while exogenous recombinant scEMC10 protein could not improve the motility of spermatozoa from either Emc10 KO mouse or asthenospermic subjects. Clinically, there is a positive association between ATP1B3 and EMC10 protein levels in human spermatozoa, whereas no correlation was proven between seminal plasma scEMC10 levels and sperm motility. These results highlight the important role of the membrane-bound EMC10 isoform in maintaining cytoplasm sodium homeostasis and sperm motility. Based on the present results, the mEMC10-Na, K/ATPase α4β3 axis is proposed as a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of cytoplasmic sodium and sperm motility, and its components seem to have therapeutic potential for asthenospermia.
Reversal of High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Metformin Combined with PGG, an Inducer of Glycine N-Methyltransferase
Authors: Yang Ming-Hui , Li Wei-You , Wu Ching-Fen , Lee Yi-Ching , Chen Allan Yi-Nan , Tyan Yu-Chang , Chen Yi-Ming Arthur
Published: September 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidities and mortality, and no effective drug treatment currently exists. We aimed to develop a novel treatment strategy to induce the expression of glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), which is an important enzyme regulating S-adenosylmethionine metabolism whose expression is downregulated in patients with NAFLD. Because 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) is a GNMT inducer, and metformin was shown to upregulate liver mitochondrial GNMT protein expression, the effect of PGG and metformin was evaluated. Biochemical analysis, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting (WB), proteomic analysis and Seahorse XF Cell Mito Stress Test were performed. The high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice were treated with PGG and metformin. Combination of PGG and metformin nearly completely reversed weight gain, elevation of serum aminotransferases, and hepatic steatosis and steatohepatitis. In addition, the downregulated GNMT expression in liver tissues of HFD-induced NAFLD mice was restored. The GNMT expression was further confirmed by RT-qPCR and WB analysis using both in vitro and in vivo systems. In addition, PGG treatment was shown to increase oxygen consumption rate (OCR) maximum capacity in a dose-dependent manner, and was capable of rescuing the suppression of mitochondrial OCR induced by metformin. Proteomic analysis identified increased expression of glutathione S-transferase mu 4 (GSTM4), heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), pyruvate carboxylase (PYC) and 40S ribosomal protein S28 (RS28) in the metformin plus PGG treatment group. Our findings show that GNMT expression plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, and combination of an inducer of GNMT and metformin can be of therapeutic potential for patients with NAFLD.