bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Physical Activity at School Improves Physical Fitness of Early Adolescents
Authors: Ługowska Katarzyna , Kolanowski Wojciech , Trafialek Joanna
Published: January 2023

(1) Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an increase in organized PA at school on the physical fitness (PF) of early adolescent boys and girls. (2) Methods: A total of 294 children born in 2007 took part in the study. The sample was divided into two groups: of increased PA at school (n = 140, girls n = 66, boys n = 74) and standard PA (n = 154, girls G n = 70, boys n = 84). Increased and standard PA levels consisted of 10 and 4 h of physical education lessons (PE) per week, respectively. PE consisted of team games and fitness exercises. Three of the Eurofit tests, core strength, long jump, and running speed, were used to measure PF. Tests were conducted in May 2018 and 2019, at an average age of a participant of 11 and 12 years, respectively. Descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were applied for analyzing the results. (3) Results: After one year of observation PF of children was improved in both groups (p < 0.001). However, it was greater in the increased PA group than in the standard one. A higher percentage of very good scores and lower of poor and very poor were noted in the increased PA group than the standard one (20.36% vs. 12.90%, p = 0.003 and 18.58% vs. 24.85%, p = 0.022, respectively). Boys obtained better results than girls (p = 0.003). Children achieved the best results in the shuttle run test, and the worst in the core strength. Children with normal body mass obtained better results than those with excessive ones. (4) Conclusions: Increasing the number of PE at school beneficially affects the fitness performance of early adolescents. To improve the health status of adolescents it is advisable to increase the number of compulsory PE lessons in the school curriculum.
Effects of Emotional Labor, Anger, and Work Engagement on Work-Life Balance of Mental Health Specialists Working in Mental Health Welfare Centers
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ok , Lee Kyoung-Sook
Published: January 2023

This study is a descriptive survey aiming to examine the general characteristics, emotional labor, anger, and work engagement of mental health specialists at mental health welfare centers and determine their effects on work-life balance (WLB). A total of 193 mental health specialists from 21 mental health welfare centers at metropolitan cities U and B were enrolled. A self-report and anonymous online questionnaire was used to collect data from 11 March to 1 April 2021. The collected data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regressions using SPSS Windows (Ver 25.0). We found that WLB is significantly negatively correlated with emotional labor (r = −0.47, p < 0.001), anger (r = −0.32, p < 0.001), and work engagement (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). The regression model confirmed that the male sex (β = 0.35, p = 0.002), moderate perceived health (β = −0.31, p = 0.003), poor perceived health (β = −0.35, p = 0.020), 1–3 years of career experience at a mental health welfare center (β = 0.27, p = 0.043), level of attentiveness required in emotional labor (β = −0.23, p = 0.014), and vigor of work engagement (β = 0.15, p = 0.005) were predictors of WLB, and these factors explained 43.1% of the variance. Supportive work policies and environments that promote perceived health, reduce emotional labor, and stimulate work engagement are needed to help mental health specialists at mental health welfare centers maintain a good WLB and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Sleep in Residents: A Comparison between Anesthesiology and Occupational Medicine Interns
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Di Prinzio Reparata Rosa , Meraglia Igor , Vacca Maria Eugenia , Soave Paolo Maurizio , Di Stasio Enrico
Published: January 2023

Sleep deprivation is a significant risk to the health and judgment of physicians. We wanted to investigate whether anesthesiology residents (ARs) who work only one night shift per week have different physical and mental health from occupational medicine residents (OMRs) who do not work at night. A total of 21 ARs and 16 OMRs attending a university general hospital were asked to wear an actigraph to record sleep duration, heart rate and step count and to complete a questionnaire for the assessment of sleep quality, sleepiness, fatigue, occupational stress, anxiety, depression and happiness. ARs had shorter sleep duration than OMRs; on average, they slept 1 h and 20 min less (p < 0.001). ARs also had greater daytime sleepiness, a higher heart rate and lower happiness than OMRs. These results should be interpreted with caution given the cross-sectional nature of the study and the small sample size, but they are an incentive to promote sleep hygiene among residents.
“I Carry the Trauma and Can Vividly Remember”: Mental Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Frontline Health Care Workers in South Africa
Authors: Mahlangu Pinky , Sikweyiya Yandisa , Gibbs Andrew , Shai Nwabisa , Machisa Mercilene
Published: January 2023

We know from research that pandemics and disease outbreaks expose HCWs to an increased risk of short and long-term psychosocial and occupational impacts. We conducted qualitative research among 44 frontline health care workers (FHCWs) practicing in seven South African hospitals and clinics. FHCWs were interviewed on their experiences of working during the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived impact on their wellness. In this study, FHCWs included the non-medical and medical professionals in direct contact with COVID-19 patients, providing health care and treatment services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the FHCWs reported stressful and traumatic experiences relating to being exposed to a deadly virus and working in an emotionally taxing environment. They reported depression, anxiety, traumatic stress symptoms, demoralization, sleep difficulties, poor functioning, increased irritability and fear of being infected or dying from COVID-19. The mental health impacts of COVID-19 on HCWs were also associated with increased poor physical wellbeing, including fatigue, burnout, headache, and chest-pains. FHCWs reported professional commitment and their faith as critical intrinsic motivators that fostered adaptive coping while working on the frontline during the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many alluded to gaps in workplace psychosocial support which they perceived as crucial for coping mentally. The findings point to a need to prioritize interventions to promote mental wellness among FHCWs to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare to patients during pandemics or deadly disease outbreaks.
Machine Learning Approaches for the Prediction of Hepatitis B and C Seropositivity
Authors: Harabor Valeriu , Mogos Raluca , Nechita Aurel , Adam Ana-Maria , Adam Gigi , Melinte-Popescu Alina-Sinziana , Melinte-Popescu Marian , Stuparu-Cretu Mariana , Vasilache Ingrid-Andrada , Mihalceanu Elena , Carauleanu Alexandru , Bivoleanu Anca , Harabor Anamaria
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: The identification of patients at risk for hepatitis B and C viral infection is a challenge for the clinicians and public health specialists. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the predictive performances of four machine learning-based models for the prediction of HBV and HCV status. (2) Methods: This prospective cohort screening study evaluated adults from the North-Eastern and South-Eastern regions of Romania between January 2022 and November 2022 who underwent viral hepatitis screening in their family physician’s offices. The patients’ clinical characteristics were extracted from a structured survey and were included in four machine learning-based models: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), naïve Bayes (NB), and K nearest neighbors (KNN), and their predictive performance was assessed. (3) Results: All evaluated models performed better when used to predict HCV status. The highest predictive performance was achieved by KNN algorithm (accuracy: 98.1%), followed by SVM and RF with equal accuracies (97.6%) and NB (95.7%). The predictive performance of these models was modest for HBV status, with accuracies ranging from 78.2% to 97.6%. (4) Conclusions: The machine learning-based models could be useful tools for HCV infection prediction and for the risk stratification process of adult patients who undergo a viral hepatitis screening program.
The Short- and Long-Run Impacts of Air Pollution on Human Health: New Evidence from China
Authors: Ren Yayun , Yu Jian , Zhang Guanglai , Zhang Chang , Liao Wenmei
Published: January 2023

Under the background of the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on global economic development, the interactive effect of economic recovery and pollution rebound makes the research topic of air pollution and human health receive attention again. Matching a series of new datasets and employing thermal inversion as an instrumental variable, this study investigates the physical and mental health effect of air pollution jointly in China. We find that in the short run, the above inference holds for both physical and mental health. These short-run influences are credible after a series of robustness checks and vary with different individual characteristics and geographical locations. We also find that in the long run, air pollution only damages mental health. Finally, this study calculates the health cost of air pollution. The above findings indicate that in China, the effect of air pollution on physical and mental health cannot be ignored. The government needs to consider the heterogeneity and long-run and short-run differences in the health effects of air pollution when formulating corresponding environmental and medical policies.
Leaders’ Role in Shaping Followers’ Well-Being: Crossover in a Sample of Nurses
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Gatti Paola , Clari Marco , Garzaro Giacomo , Dimonte Valerio , Cortese Claudio Giovanni
Published: January 2023

The link between well-being at work and leadership has received considerable attention. Leaders have the power to influence followers not only due to formal position, but also their positive behaviors could reinforce the followers’ positive working experience. Following the crossover model (Westman, 2001), this study investigates whether leaders’ work-related positive psychological states (i.e., work engagement) cross over to those of the followers (i.e., work engagement and job satisfaction) through the mediation of the latter’s perception of transformational leadership. We used MPlus 8 to test two multilevel mediations in a sample of 1505 nurses nested in 143 groups led by as many leaders (87.19% of nurses and 56.50% of head nurses of the entire population). Results show that while there is not a crossover of leader work engagement to nurse work engagement, manager work engagement can cross over to nurse job satisfaction, enhancing their well-being through transformational leadership behaviors. This study adds further insights both on crossover theory and on the importance of leaders in expanding and transferring resources to followers at work. Fostering work engagement at a managerial level in the healthcare sector could be the driver to facilitate the well-being of nurses at work, address negative outcomes, and promote positive ones.
Effects of Housing Deprivation on Health: Empirical Evidence from Spain
Authors: Carmona-Derqui Demetrio , Torres-Tellez Jonathan , Montero-Soler Alberto
Published: January 2023

Severe housing deprivation rates in Spain have tripled in just four years, affecting 3.4% of the population in 2020, with a higher incidence among the low-income population (9.2%). Despite the social aspect of the problem, minimal research has been carried out in Spain on the effects that the various forms of housing deprivation have on health. This study analyzes the impact of housing deprivation on health outcomes, with the objective of achieving results that facilitate the creation of improved public policies. Microdata are used from the Living Conditions Survey carried out by the National Institute of Statistics for the period 2009–2019, and several multilevel logistic regression models are presented to control for possible regional differences. The results show that the elements with the greatest effect on objective health are noise, leaks and harmful temperatures in housing. In addition, environmental factors, such as pollution, neighborhood crime and the number of units in a given apartment building, can be added to the list. As a result, we conclude that there are certain structural and environmental elements in housing and the environment in which is located that have a more intense impact on objective health and on the subjective perception of a person’s state of health.
The Relationship between the Frontal QRS-T Angle on ECG and Physical Activity Level in Young Adults
Authors: Ciucurel Constantin , Iconaru Elena Ioana
Published: January 2023

Background: The heart’s electrical activity has been the subject of numerous research concerning various physiological parameters. The frontal QRS-T angle (FQRST) is an advanced ECG variable with clinical epidemiological utility. This study aimed to determine the relationship between FQRST and physical activity exposure among young adults. Methods: We recorded the ECG with 12 leads of 124 participants (mean age 20.28 ± 2.23 years, age range 18–27 years). Next, we measured their physical activity level (PAL) with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ), which categorizes activity into three classes: low, moderate, or high. Results: An inferential analysis, based on the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann–Whitney U test, revealed a statistically significant difference in FQRST between the three groups of subjects, classified by their PAL (p < 0.001). We also identified a significant regression model between the body mass index (BMI) and the FQRST (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The physical activity regime of young adults significantly influences the concordance between ventricular depolarization and repolarization, reflected in the FQRST’s width. Also, we found a regression model between FQRST and BMI with statistical significance.
Analysis of Consumer Behaviour in the Context of the Place of Purchasing Food Products with Particular Emphasis on Local Products
Authors: Dudziak Agnieszka , Stoma Monika , Osmólska Emilia
Published: January 2023

Background: Researchers and marketing specialists study consumer behaviour in the market because it is an important part of economics. There is a growing trend among consumers to buy local products. Consumers know that buying local products is seen to support local producers and entrepreneurs and protect the domestic economy. Methods: A diagnostic survey analysis was conducted among 404 respondents from Eastern Poland in 2022 to achieve the research objectives. The aim was to present the specifics of the phenomenon of consumer behaviour in relation to the place of purchase of food products, with particular emphasis on local products, according to the qualitative approach adopted. An attempt was made to identify and evaluate the attitudes and declarations of individual consumers in this area. A questionnaire was used as the research tool, and its distribution was carried out entirely electronically via the Internet. Results: The study showed that shopping habits vary by location and age, with hypermarkets and local stores popular among both men and women, while online shopping and wholesale options were also common. Conclusions: Understanding how consumers make decisions is a complex task, as it involves various factors such as thoughts, emotions and actions that lead to product selection and purchase. These factors can vary based on demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, and location. Studies have shown that Polish consumers are more likely to buy local products from large chain stores than from smaller manufacturer-owned stores, and prefer domestically produced goods, which is reflected in an ethnocentric attitude toward the local market.
Achieving Carbon Neutrality through Urban Planning and Design
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Zhao Zichen , Gan Wei , Zhou Shiqi , Dong Wen , Wang Mo
Published: January 2023

Much of the research on climate change has focused on carbon reduction in cities or countries. However, more attention needs to be paid to how to achieve carbon neutrality in the urban design and planning stage, and the lack of quantitative analysis of carbon related to urban space makes it difficult to locate urban space and provide direct guidance for urban planning and design. This study proposed three optimization paths to achieve carbon neutrality in multi-scale urban building clusters. Firstly, we reconstructed the quantitative calculation system of urban building communities with the goal of carbon neutrality; secondly, we screened the carbon source reduction and carbon sink interventions that are suitable for multi-scale urban building communities; finally, we constructed a carbon emission and carbon sink calculation system of planning and design schemes based on the layout of relevant elements of planning and design schemes with a grid cell of 100 × 100 m. In practice, there was a gap of about 115,000 tons of CO2 from the carbon-neutral target and 26% of carbon emission was distributed in the Xiajiabian Station TOD. In this study, nine types of carbon reduction measures were adopted to achieve carbon neutrality in the region, among which the highest carbon reduction was achieved by biomass energy measures, accounting for 29% of the total carbon reduction of 33,745.27 T. The objective of this study is to accurately and quantitatively assess the carbon targets of urban spaces at different scales and adopt effective measures to achieve carbon neutrality.
Analysis of the Impact of Environmental Perception on the Health Status of Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Study Based on CFPS 2020 Data
Authors: Liu Tingyi , Liu Huake , You Shibing
Published: January 2023

Health risks and hazards caused by the environment have long been one of the most important public issues of concern to the state, society, and the public. At the same time, population aging is becoming a global issue, and residents’ health is the most important component of people’s livelihood, and residents can only pursue other rights and interests if they can protect their own health. Therefore, based on the micro data from the fifth round of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this paper uses binary logistic regression with propensity score matching (PSM) to analyze the effect of environmental perception on the health status (including mental health and physical health) of middle-aged and older adults. It was found that environmental perceptions significantly affect the depressive state and sickness status of middle-aged and older adults. Among them, middle-aged and older adults who were female, of rural households, with low education and relatively low income were more affected by environmental shocks on their health. Therefore, we should pay attention to the mental and physical health of middle-aged and older adults and change the existing design concept of aging policy: the government should formulate effective policies and increase corresponding social support; and society and families should also give corresponding care and encourage middle-aged and older adults to exercise more and provide reasonable psychological guidance.
Occupational Burnout in Healthcare Workers, Stress and Other Symptoms of Work Overload during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland
Authors: Izdebski Zbigniew , Kozakiewicz Alicja , Białorudzki Maciej , Dec-Pietrowska Joanna , Mazur Joanna
Published: January 2023

This study explored the level and selected determinants of burnout among five groups of healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, paramedics, other medical and nonmedical staff) working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. This cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2022, with the use of a self-administered mostly online survey. The BAT-12 scale was used to measure burnout, and the PSS-4 scale was used to measure stress. The sample was limited to 2196 individuals who worked with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of multivariate logistic regression models with three to nine predictors was estimated. The prevalence of burnout ranged from 27.7% in other nonmedical staff to 36.5% in nurses. Adjusting for age and gender, both physicians (p = 0.011) and nurses (p < 0.001) were at higher risk of burnout. In the final model, elevated stress most likely increased the risk of burnout (OR = 3.88; 95%CI <3.13–3.81>; p < 0,001). Other significant predictors of burnout included traumatic work-related experience (OR =1.91, p < 0.001), mobbing (OR = 1.83, p < 0.001) and higher workload than before the pandemic (OR = 1.41, p = 0.002). Only 7% of the respondents decided to use various forms of psychological support during the pandemic. The presented research can contribute to the effective planning and implementation of measures in the face of crisis when the workload continues to increase.
Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter Impacted by Different Land Use in Haihe River Watershed, China
Authors: Chen Zhaochuan , Wen Yanan , Xiao Min , Yue Fujun , Zhang Wenxi
Published: January 2023

It is important to explore characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the riverine system due to its critical role in the carbon cycle. This study investigated the distribution characteristics and sources of DOM based on excitation emission matrix three-dimensional fluorescence technology and parallel factor (EEM-PARAFAC) analysis at two rivers in northern China strongly impacted by human activities. The results show that the fluorescence intensity of terrestrial humic-like substances increased during summer in Haihe River. The intensity was significantly higher than in spring due to terrestrial detritus from runoff conveyance. The fluorescence intensity of protein-like substances in spring was the highest and decreased in summer. This feature of DOM in the Duliujian River was related to the increase in precipitation and surface runoff in the wet season and the rapid degradation of mixed DOM in the dry season. An analysis of HIX, BIX and FI showed a low degree of DOM humification and more endogenous contributions from microbial and phytoplankton degradation. Seasonal variations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chromophoric DOM (CDOM, a335, thereinto C1) suggest that chromophores, particularly terrestrial substances, regulate the temporal patterns of DOM in the two rivers. Combined with the analysis of the proportion of land use types in riparian buffers, tillage had a great impact on DOM content and hydrophobicity in Haihe River watershed. Domestic wastewater and industrial sewage discharge contribute more DOM to Duliujian River watershed, which was indicated by more abundant protein-like components (212.17 ± 94.63 QSU in Duliujian River;186.59 ± 238.72 QSU in Haihe River). This study highlights that different land use types resulted in distinctive sources and seasonal dynamics of DOM in rivers. Meanwhile, it should be considered that the estimation of carbon cycling should involve monitoring and evaluating anthropogenic inputs into rivers.
Problematic Internet Use among Polish Students: Prevalence, Relationship to Sociodemographic Data and Internet Usage Patterns
Authors: Kożybska Marta , Radlińska Iwona , Kolwitz Marcin , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: January 2023

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is a broad term that covers problems with Internet use that result in psychological, social, academic or professional difficulties. The aim of our study was to identify individuals particularly vulnerable to developing PIU among Polish students, taking into account sociodemographic characteristics and Internet use patterns. A total of 1008 students of Polish universities took part in the survey. The research tool was The Problematic Internet Use Test—the Polish version of the Internet Addiction Test. Among the respondents, 10.2% showed signs of PIU—high or very high risk of addiction. Significantly higher levels of PIU were found in males than females, science students than medical and humanities students, and Internet users using a computer, as opposed to students using only a phone/tablet. A decrease in PIU was observed as students improved their assessment of their material situation. The severity of PIU increased significantly as the importance of Internet use for entertainment increased. Our research indicates that it is worth implementing measures to prevent the development of PIU in Poland, e.g., screening educational campaigns, especially for science students. It is also necessary to offer students at lower levels of education, especially the less affluent, forms of leisure time other than computer activity with the use of the Internet.
Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Other Factors with the Presence of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Tseng Peng-Lin , Chung Tung-Ling , Lee Chao-Hsien
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe diabetes mellitus (DM) complication that contributes to medical and financial burdens. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for DN among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by stratifying the participants based on the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Materials and methods: Between June 2017 and June 2022, Taiwan Hospital was chosen for this retrospective case-control study. Following the completion of a standardized interview and the donation of blood samples for this study, participants were divided into two groups according to whether they had MetS. We contrasted how the potential DN-related factors impacted these two groups. Results: A total of 1212 patients were included, and 639 patients (52.7%) had MetS. Multivariable analysis showed that the level of educational qualifications, fasting glucose, and uric acid (UA) were associated with DN. However, chewing betel nut behavior, higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), and higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were found to be risk factors of DN among the patients who had both T2DM and MetS. Notably, betel nut chewing increased the chance of DN in T2DM patients with MetS. Conclusions: This study found that the level of education, chewing betel nut behavior, HbA1c, fasting glucose, SBP, and UA were significant risk factors for the development of DN in diabetic individuals with concurrent MetS. Our research reveals that managing the aforementioned risk factors is crucial to lowering the prevalence of DN, particularly in individuals with lower levels of education.
Differences in Work and Commuting Accidents between Employees and Students at Higher Education Institutions in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, from December 2014 to December 2019
Authors: van der Staay Lea Ursula , Koestner Clemens , Dietz Pavel
Published: January 2023

Accidents are one of the most important public health concerns because of their high prevalence and considerable health outcomes. Although higher education institutions (HEIs) play an important role in health promotion and disease prevention, accidents are rarely investigated in this setting. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to address this gap by analyzing the frequency and characteristics of employee and student accidents at HEIs in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. A dataset of all accidents that happened to employees and students at HEIs in Rhineland-Palatinate from December 2014 to December 2019 and the characteristics of these accidents was provided by the responsible statutory accident insurance (Accident Insurance Fund of Rhineland-Palatinate). Modified thousand-men quotas (the rate of injuries per 1000 people) were calculated to investigate the differences in frequencies and characteristics of accidents between employees and students, as well as between institutions. A total of 3810 accidents (n = 1326; 34.8% work and n = 2484; 65.2% commuting) were reported, of which 426 involved employees and 3384 involved students. The frequency and characteristics of the accidents varied between employees and students, as well as between institutions. Sports programs at HEIs for example imply high risks for unintentional injuries especially for students (as they make up the majority of participants). Other main findings are that medical students, as well as students of subjects including laboratory work, are at a higher risk to experience study-related accidents whereas employees seem to be at a higher risk when working in a technical field. The results call for the development of accident prevention concepts at HEIs and the implementation of interventions in respective institutions and target groups.
Personal PM2.5 Exposure Monitoring of Informal Cooking Vendors at Indoor and Outdoor Markets in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Sepadi Maasago Mercy , Nkosi Vusumuzi
Published: January 2023

Air pollutants of concern include particulate matter (PM) in fine size fractions. Thus far, a few studies have been conducted to study the adverse health effects of environmental and occupational air pollutants among informal vendors in big cities in South Africa. Informal vendors in these cities may experience higher exposure to road dust, cooking fumes, and air pollution. This exposure assessment was part of a health risk assessment study of vendors. The objective of this exposure assessment was to determine the differences between outdoor and indoor informal vendors’ personal PM2.5 exposures during trading hours. A walkthrough survey was conducted to map the homogeneous exposure groups (HEGs) at vendor markets for sampling purposes, and one market was selected from each of the three identified HEGs. Twenty-five informal cooked food vendors from both indoor (inside buildings) and outdoor (street or roadside vendors) markets in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa, participated in the study. HEG-1 were vendors from indoor stalls who used electricity and gas for cooking (10 vendors), HEG-2 was composed of informal outdoor vendors at a fenced site market who used open fire for cooking (10 vendors), and HEG-3 (5 vendors) were roadside vendors who used gas for cooking. Cooking vendors from outdoor markets recorded higher TWA concentrations than indoor market vendors. The vendors’ PM2.5 concentrations ranged from <0.01 mg/m3 to 0.77 mg/m3. The mean concentrations of PM2.5 were found to be 0.12 mg/m3, and 0.18 mg/m3 for HEG-2, and HEG-3, respectively. HEG-2 recorded the highest PM2.5 TWA concentrations, followed by HEG-3 and HEG-1. All concentrations were below the South African occupational exposure limit. The findings point to the need for further research into the health risks associated with outdoor cooking vendors, particularly those who utilize open fires.
Effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mental Disorders on the Labor Market Integration of Young Syrian Refugees
Authors: Dietrich Hans , Estramiana José Luis Álvaro , Luque Alicia Garrido , Reissner Volker
Published: January 2023

Civil war experience in the Syrian home country, insecurity and critical life events during migration, or adverse events in the receiving country might affect refugees’ mental health. This paper addresses the effects of psychological distress and mental disorders on refugees’ labor market integration in Germany between 2016 and 2021. We employ survey data from about 2700 young Syrians, delivering information on individuals’ experience of migration and arrival in Germany in 2016. The survey data were successfully merged with register data, delivering detailed information regarding individuals’ process of labor market integration and employment status from 2016 to 2021. Overall, the labor market integration of young refugees improved remarkably over time. In 2021, about 69% of the study population was integrated in a wider sense, and 30% was employed in fulltime contracts in 2021. However, the results indicate long-lasting effects of PTSD and mental disorders on individuals’ labor market integration, whilst individuals’ characteristics related to migration and arrival lose relevance over time and hardly affect labor market integration around five years after arrival. High PTSD scores in 2016 indicate a significantly reduced full-time employment probability in 2021. Anxiety and depression show significant negative effects on individuals’ labor market integration, but with a less severe impact compared to a PTSD diagnosis.
The Changes in the Level of Knowledge about the Effects of Alcohol Use during Pregnancy among Three Last Generations of Women in Poland
Authors: Piotrkowicz Emilia , Kowalik Ilona , Szymusik Iwona
Published: January 2023

Since 1973, when the term Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was introduced, a major impact has been put on raising awareness about the negative effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. This study aimed to compare the level of knowledge about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy among three last generations of women in Poland, in order to assess the effectiveness of prenatal education regarding FAS. An online questionnaire was conducted among women of reproductive age, between February and March 2022. The level of knowledge was determined based on the average number of correct answers to 9 questions. Data were analyzed using Cochran–Armitage, ANOVA Kruskal–Wallis, Cochran–Mentel–Haenszel and Pearson’s chi-squared tests. Out of 471 women participating in the study, 34.8% belonged to Generation Z (15–25 years), 55.6% to Generation Y (26–41 years), and 9.6% to Generation X (42–49 years). The average score of correct answers was the highest for Generation Y women (7.55 points) and the lowest for Generation X (6.96 points). Women from Generation Z scored 7.27 points on average. The ANOVA Kruskal–Wallis test was performed with p = 0.07. The level of women’s knowledge about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy suggests that education regarding FAS in Poland is less effective in recent years.
Circulating Dopamine Is Regulated by Dietary Glucose and Controls Glucagon-like 1 Peptide Action in White Adipose Tissue
Authors: Tavares Gabriela , Rosendo-Silva Daniela , Simões Flávia , Eickhoff Hans , Marques Daniela , Sacramento Joana F. , Capucho Adriana M. , Seiça Raquel , Conde Sílvia V. , Matafome Paulo
Published: January 2023

Dopamine directly acts in the liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) to regulate insulin signaling, glucose uptake, and catabolic activity. Given that dopamine is secreted by the gut and regulates insulin secretion in the pancreas, we aimed to determine its regulation by nutritional cues and its role in regulating glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) action in WAT. Solutions with different nutrients were administered to Wistar rats and postprandial dopamine levels showed elevations following a mixed meal and glucose intake. In high-fat diet-fed diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats, sleeve gastrectomy upregulated dopaminergic machinery, showing the role of the gut in dopamine signaling in WAT. Bromocriptine treatment in the same model increased GLP-1R in WAT, showing the role of dopamine in regulating GLP-1R. By contrast, treatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist Liraglutide had no impact on dopamine receptors. GLP-1 and dopamine crosstalk was shown in rat WAT explants, since dopamine upregulated GLP-1-induced AMPK activity in mesenteric WAT in the presence of the D2R and D3R inhibitor Domperidone. In human WAT, dopamine receptor 1 (D1DR) and GLP-1R expression were correlated. Our results point out a dietary and gut regulation of plasma dopamine, acting in the WAT to regulate GLP-1 action. Together with the known dopamine action in the pancreas, such results may identify new therapeutic opportunities to improve metabolic control in metabolic disorders.
Microvascular Thrombosis as a Critical Factor in Severe COVID-19
Authors: Wadowski Patricia P. , Panzer Benjamin , Józkowicz Alicja , Kopp Christoph W. , Gremmel Thomas , Panzer Simon , Koppensteiner Renate
Published: January 2023

Platelet–endothelial interactions have a critical role in microcirculatory function, which maintains tissue homeostasis. The subtle equilibrium between platelets and the vessel wall is disturbed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which affects all three components of Virchow’s triad (endothelial injury, stasis and a hypercoagulable state). Endotheliitis, vasculitis, glycocalyx degradation, alterations in blood flow and viscosity, neutrophil extracellular trap formation and microparticle shedding are only few pathomechanisms contributing to endothelial damage and microthrombosis resulting in capillary plugging and tissue ischemia. In the following opinion paper, we discuss major pathological processes leading to microvascular endothelial activation and thrombosis formation as a possible major adverse factor driving the deterioration of patient disease course in severe COVID-19.
“Pulsed Hypoxia” Gradually Reprograms Breast Cancer Fibroblasts into Pro-Tumorigenic Cells via Mesenchymal–Epithelial Transition
Authors: Nushtaeva Anna , Ermakov Mikhail , Abdurakhmanova Maria , Troitskaya Olga , Belovezhets Tatyana , Varlamov Mikhail , Gayner Tatyana , Richter Vladimir , Koval Olga
Published: January 2023

Hypoxia arises in most growing solid tumors and can lead to pleotropic effects that potentially increase tumor aggressiveness and resistance to therapy through regulation of the expression of genes associated with the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET). The main goal of the current work was to obtain and investigate the intermediate phenotype of tumor cells undergoing the hypoxia-dependent transition from fibroblast to epithelial morphology. Primary breast cancer fibroblasts BrC4f, being cancer-associated fibroblasts, were subjected to one or two rounds of “pulsed hypoxia” (PH). PH induced transformation of fibroblast-shaped cells to semi-epithelial cells. Western blot analysis, fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry of transformed cells demonstrated the decrease in the mesenchymal markers vimentin and N-cad and an increase in the epithelial marker E-cad. These cells kept mesenchymal markers αSMA and S100A4 and high ALDH activity. Real-time PCR data of the cells after one (BrC4f_Hyp1) and two (BrC4f_Hyp2) rounds of PH showed consistent up-regulation of TWIST1 gene as an early response and ZEB1/2 and SLUG transcriptional activity as a subsequent response. Reversion of BrC4f_Hyp2 cells to normoxia conditions converted them to epithelial-like cells (BrC4e) with decreased expression of EMT genes and up-regulation of MET-related OVOL2 and c-MYC genes. Transplantation of BrC4f and BrC4f_Hyp2 cells into SCID mice showed the acceleration of tumor growth up to 61.6% for BrC4f_Hyp2 cells. To summarize, rounds of PH imitate the MET process of tumorigenesis in which cancer-associated fibroblasts pass through intermediate stages and become more aggressive epithelial-like tumor cells.
Design Hybrid Porous Organic/Inorganic Polymers Containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane/Pyrene/Anthracene Moieties as a High-Performance Electrode for Supercapacitor
Authors: Ejaz Mohsin , Samy Maha Mohammed , Ye Yunsheng , Kuo Shiao-Wei , Gamal Mohamed Mohamed
Published: January 2023

We synthesized two hybrid organic–inorganic porous polymers (HPP) through the Heck reaction of 9,10 dibromoanthracene (A-Br2) or 1,3,6,8-tetrabromopyrene (P-Br4)/A-Br2 as co-monomers with octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS), in order to afford OVS-A HPP and OVS-P-A HPP, respectively. The chemical structures of these two hybrid porous polymers were validated through FTIR and solid-state 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability and porosity of these materials were measured by TGA and N2 adsorption/desorption analyses, demonstrating that OVS-A HPP has higher thermal stability (Td10: 579 °C) and surface area (433 m2 g−1) than OVS-P-A HPP (Td10: 377 °C and 98 m2 g−1) due to its higher cross-linking density. Furthermore, the electrochemical analysis showed that OVS-P-A HPP has a higher specific capacitance (177 F g −1 at 0.5 A F g−1) when compared to OVS-A HPP (120 F g −1 at 0.5 A F g−1). The electron-rich phenyl rings and Faradaic reaction between the π-conjugated network and anthracene moiety may be attributed to their excellent electrochemical performance of OVS-P-A HPP.
VT68.2: An Antibody to Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) Displays Reactivity against a Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigen
Authors: Nounamo Bernice , Jousheghany Fariba , Siegel Eric Robb , Post Steven R. , Kelly Thomas , Ferrone Soldano , Kieber-Emmons Thomas , Monzavi-Karbassi Behjatolah
Published: January 2023

The anti-CSPG4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have shown anti-tumor activity and therapeutic potential for treating breast cancer. In addition, CSPG4 is a dominant tumor-associated antigen that is also involved in normal-tissue development in humans. Therefore, the potential for off-tumor activity remains a serious concern when targeting CSPG4 therapeutically. Previous work suggested that glycans contribute to the binding of specific anti-CSPG4 antibodies to tumor cells, but the specificity and importance of this contribution are unknown. In this study, the reactivity of anti-CSPG4 mAbs was characterized with a peptide mimetic of carbohydrate antigens expressed in breast cancer. ELISA, flow cytometry, and microarray assays were used to screen mAbs for their ability to bind to carbohydrate-mimicking peptides (CMPs), cancer cells, and glycans. The mAb VT68.2 displayed a distinctly strong binding to a CMP (P10s) and bound to triple-negative breast cancer cells. In addition, VT68.2 showed a higher affinity for N-linked glycans that contain terminal fucose and fucosylated lactosamines. The functional assays demonstrated that VT68.2 inhibited cancer cell migration. These results define the glycoform reactivity of an anti-CSPG4 antibody and may lead to the development of less toxic therapeutic approaches that target tumor-specific glyco-peptides.
Ion Channels in Gliomas—From Molecular Basis to Treatment
Authors: Elias Abdallah F. , Lin Bernice C. , Piggott Beverly J.
Published: January 2023

Ion channels provide the basis for the nervous system’s intrinsic electrical activity. Neuronal excitability is a characteristic property of neurons and is critical for all functions of the nervous system. Glia cells fulfill essential supportive roles, but unlike neurons, they also retain the ability to divide. This can lead to uncontrolled growth and the formation of gliomas. Ion channels are involved in the unique biology of gliomas pertaining to peritumoral pathology and seizures, diffuse invasion, and treatment resistance. The emerging picture shows ion channels in the brain at the crossroads of neurophysiology and fundamental pathophysiological processes of specific cancer behaviors as reflected by uncontrolled proliferation, infiltration, resistance to apoptosis, metabolism, and angiogenesis. Ion channels are highly druggable, making them an enticing therapeutic target. Targeting ion channels in difficult-to-treat brain tumors such as gliomas requires an understanding of their extremely heterogenous tumor microenvironment and highly diverse molecular profiles, both representing major causes of recurrence and treatment resistance. In this review, we survey the current knowledge on ion channels with oncogenic behavior within the heterogeneous group of gliomas, review ion channel gene expression as genomic biomarkers for glioma prognosis and provide an update on therapeutic perspectives for repurposed and novel ion channel inhibitors and electrotherapy.
The Light-Controlled Release of 2-fluoro-l-fucose, an Inhibitor of the Root Cell Elongation, from a nitrobenzyl-caged Derivative
Authors: Carlier Mathieu , Poisson Thomas , Mollet Jean-Claude , Lerouge Patrice , Sabot Cyrille , Lehner Arnaud
Published: January 2023

Glycan metabolic engineering is a powerful tool for studying the glycosylation in living plant cells. The use of modified monosaccharides such as deoxy or fluorine-containing glycosides has been reported as a powerful pharmacological approach for studying the carbohydrate metabolism. 1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2-fluoro-l-fucose (2F-Fuc) is a potent inhibitor of the plant cell elongation. After feeding plant seedlings with 2F-Fuc, this monosaccharide derivative is deacetylated and converted by the endogenous metabolic machinery into the corresponding nucleotide-sugar, which then efficiently inhibits Golgi-localized fucosyltransferases. Among plant cell wall polymers, defects in the fucosylation of the pectic rhamnogalacturonan-II cause a decrease in RG-II dimerization, which in turn induce the arrest of the cell elongation. In order to perform the inhibition of the cell elongation process in a spatio-temporal manner, we synthesized a caged 3,4-di-O-acetyl-1-hydroxy-2-fluoro-l-fucose (1-OH-2F-Fuc) derivative carrying a photolabile ortho-nitrobenzyl alcohol function at the anomeric position: 3,4-di-O-acetyl-1-ortho-nitrobenzyl-2-fluoro-l-fucose (2F-Fuc-NB). The photorelease of the trapped 1-OH-2F-Fuc was performed under a 365 nm LED illumination. We demonstrated that the in planta elimination by photoexcitation of the photolabile group releases free 2F-Fuc in plant cells, which in turn inhibits in a dose-dependent manner and, reversibly, the root cell elongation.
Aluminum Nanoparticles Affect Human Platelet Function In Vitro
Authors: Taterra Dominik , Skinningsrud Bendik , Lauritzen Sigurd , Pękala Przemysław A. , Szwedowski Dawid , Tomaszewska Iwona M. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A.
Published: January 2023

Endoprostheses are prone to tribological wear and biological processes that lead to the release of particles, including aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs). Those particles can diffuse into circulation. However, the toxic effects of NPs on platelets have not been comprehensively analyzed. The aim of our work was to investigate the impact of Al NPs on human platelet function using a novel quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) methodology. Moreover, a suite of assays, including light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry, optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, were utilized. All Al NPs caused a significant increase in dissipation (D) and frequency (F), indicating platelet aggregation even at the lowest tested concentration (0.5 µg/mL), except for the largest (80 nm) Al NPs. A size-dependent effect on platelet aggregation was observed for the 5–20 nm NPs and the 30–50 nm NPs, with the larger Al NPs causing smaller increases in D and F; however, this was not observed for the 20–30 nm NPs. In conclusion, our study showed that small (5–50 nm) Al NPs caused platelet aggregation, and larger (80 nm) caused a bridging–penetrating effect in entering platelets, resulting in the formation of heterologous platelet–Al NPs structures. Therefore, physicians should consider monitoring NP serum levels and platelet activation indices in patients with orthopedic implants.