bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal Photoreceptor Protection in an AMD-Related Mouse Model by Selective Sigma-1 or Sigma-2 Receptor Modulation
Authors: Mavlyutov Timur A. , Li Jing , Liu Xinying , Shen Hongtao , Yang Huan , McCurdy Christopher R. , Pattnaik Bikash , Guo Lian-Wang
Published: December 2022

The structurally and genetically distinct sigma-1 receptor (S1R) and sigma-2 receptor (S2R) comprise a unique class of drug binding sites. Their alleles are associated with human diseases involving neuronal systems, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy. Previous studies have suggested neuroprotective benefits for the brain and retina from pharmacological modulation of S1R and/or S2R. However, the effect of such modulation on AMD pathology remains underexplored. Here, we evaluated S1R- or S2R-selective modulation in an AMD-related model of Abca4−/−Rdh8−/− mice with a disrupted visual cycle that predisposes RPE and photoreceptors to illumination-induced damage. For S1R modulation, we used (+)-pentazocine, which is a high-affinity S1R-selective drug. For S2R modulation, we chose CM398, a high-affinity and highly S2R-selective ligand with drug-like properties. Abca4−/−Rdh8−/− mice received a single i.p. injection of (+)-pentazocine or CM398 or vehicle 30 min before illumination. Pretreatment with (+)-pentazocine improved electroretinogram a- and b-waves compared to that with vehicle. Consistently, in another AMD-related mouse model induced by tail-vein injected NaIO3, S1R genetic ablation aggravated photoreceptor loss. In Abca4−/−Rdh8−/− mice, pretreatment with CM398 appeared to partially avert illumination-induced photoreceptor loss and autofluorescent granule formation that signals RPE damage, as revealed by optical coherence tomography. Thus, this study using AMD-related models provides evidence of photoreceptor protection afforded by selective modulation of S1R or S2R.
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction: Current Techniques, Applications, and Role in COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Artika I Made , Dewi Yora Permata , Nainggolan Ita Margaretha , Siregar Josephine Elizabeth , Antonjaya Ungke
Published: December 2022

Successful detection of the first SARS-CoV-2 cases using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method reflects the power and usefulness of this technique. Real-time PCR is a variation of the PCR assay to allow monitoring of the PCR progress in actual time. PCR itself is a molecular process used to enzymatically synthesize copies in multiple amounts of a selected DNA region for various purposes. Real-time PCR is currently one of the most powerful molecular approaches and is widely used in biological sciences and medicine because it is quantitative, accurate, sensitive, and rapid. Current applications of real-time PCR include gene expression analysis, mutation detection, detection and quantification of pathogens, detection of genetically modified organisms, detection of allergens, monitoring of microbial degradation, species identification, and determination of parasite fitness. The technique has been used as a gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. Modifications of the standard real-time PCR methods have also been developed for particular applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the current applications of the real-time PCR technique, including its role in detecting emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.
Ssc-miR-141 Attenuates Hypoxia-Induced Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cell Injury in Tibetan Pigs by Targeting PDCD4
Authors: Xu Linna , Yuan Haonan , Wang Zongli , Zhao Shengguo , Yang Yanan
Published: December 2022

The Tibetan pig is an endemic economic animal in the plateau region of China, and has a unique adaptation mechanism to the plateau hypoxic environment. Research into microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the mechanism underlying hypoxia adaptation of Tibetan pig is very limited. Therefore, we isolated alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells from the lungs of the Tibetan pig, cultured them in normoxia/hypoxia (21% O2; 2% O2) for 48 h, and performed high-throughput sequencing analysis. We identified a hypoxic stress-related ssc-miR-141 and predicted its target genes. The target genes of ssc-miR-141 were mainly enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), autophagy-animal, and Ras signaling pathways. Further, we confirmed that PDCD4 may serve as the target gene of ssc-miR-141. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was performed to confirm the expression levels of ssc-miR-141 and PDCD4, and a dual-luciferase gene reporter system was used to verify the targeted linkage of ssc-miR-141 to PDCD4. The results showed that the expression level of ssc-miR-141 in the hypoxia group was higher than that in the normoxia group, while the expression level of PDCD4 tended to show the opposite trend and significantly decreased under hypoxia. These findings suggest that ssc-miR-141 is associated with hypoxia adaptation and provide a new insight into the role of miRNAs from ATII cells of Tibetan pig in hypoxia adaptation.
Some New Aspects of Genetic Variability in Patients with Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Vašků Vladimír , Máchal Jan , Zlámal Filip , Vašků Anna
Published: December 2022

Aim: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of T-cell malignancies that develop in the skin. Though studied intensively, the etiology and pathogenesis of CTCL remain elusive. This study evaluated the survival of CTCL patients in the 1st Department of Dermatovenereology of St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno. It included analysis of 19 polymorphic gene variants based on their expected involvement in CTCL severity. Material and methods: 75 patients with CTCL, evaluated and treated at the 1st Department of Dermatovenereology of St. Anne´s University Hospital Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, were recruited for the study over the last 28 years (44 men and 31 women, average age 58 years, range 20–82 years). All patients were genotyped for 19 chosen gene polymorphisms by the conventional PCR method with restriction analysis. A multivariate Cox regression model was calculated to reveal genetic polymorphisms and other risk factors for survival. Results: The model identified MDR Ex21 2677 (rs2032582) as a significant genetic factor influencing the survival of the patients, with the T-allele playing a protective role. A multivariate stepwise Cox regression model confirmed the following as significant independent risk factors for overall survival: increased age at admission, clinical staging of the tumor, and male sex. Conclusion: We showed that the TT genotype at position 2677 of the MDR1 gene exhibited statistically significant longer survival in CTCL patients. As such, the TT genotype of MDR1 confers a significant advantage for the CTCL patients who respond to treatment.
Identification of Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Porcine Adipose Tissues and Evaluation of Their Effects on Feed Efficiency
Authors: Liao Mingxing , Ren Zhuqing , Miao Yuanxin
Published: December 2022

Feed efficiency (FE) is a very important trait affecting the economic benefits of pig breeding enterprises. Adipose tissue can modulate a variety of processes such as feed intake, energy metabolism and systemic physiological processes. However, the mechanism by which microRNAs (miRNAs) in adipose tissues regulate FE remains largely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to screen potential miRNAs related to FE through miRNA sequencing. The miRNA profiles in porcine adipose tissues were obtained and 14 miRNAs were identified differentially expressed in adipose tissues of pigs with extreme differences in FE, of which 9 were down-regulated and 5 were up-regulated. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that these miRNAs were significantly related to lipid metabolism and these miRNAs modulated FE by regulating lipid metabolism. Subsequently, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of five randomly selected DEMs was used to verify the reliability of miRNA-seq data. Furthermore, 39 differentially expressed target genes of these DEMs were obtained, and DEMs–target mRNA interaction networks were constructed. In addition, the most significantly down-regulated miRNAs, ssc-miR-122-5p and ssc-miR-192, might be the key miRNAs for FE. Our results reveal the mechanism by which adipose miRNAs regulate feed efficiency in pigs. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further study of swine feed efficiency improvement.
Causal Association of Obesity and Dyslipidemia with Type 2 Diabetes: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Lee Young , Kim Ye An , Seo Je Hyun
Published: December 2022

Recent studies have suggested an association between obesity and dyslipidemia in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The purpose of this study was to explore the causal effects of obesity and dyslipidemia on T2D risk in Asians. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to assess genetically predicted obesity using body mass index (BMI) and dyslipidemia using high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TCHL), and triglycerides (TG) versus T2D susceptibility using genome-wide association study (GWAS) results derived from the summary statistics of Biobank Japan (n = 179,000) and DIAbetes Meta-ANalysis of Trans-Ethnic association studies (n = 50,533). The MR analysis demonstrated evidence of a causal effect of higher BMI on the risk of T2D (odds ratio (OR) > 1.0, p < 0.05). In addition, TG showed a protective effect on the risk of T2D (ORs 0.68–0.85). However, HDL, LDL, and TCHL showed little genetic evidence supporting a causal association between dyslipidemia and T2D. We found strong genetic evidence supporting a causal association of BMI with T2D. Although HDL, LDL, and TCHL did not show a causal association with T2D, TG had a causal relationship with the decrease of T2D. Although it was predicted that TG would be linked to a higher risk of T2D, it actually exhibited a paradoxical protective effect against T2D, which requires further investigation.
In Silico Prediction of Hub Genes Involved in Diabetic Kidney and COVID-19 Related Disease by Differential Gene Expression and Interactome Analysis
Authors: Osuna-Martinez Ulises , Aviña-Padilla Katia , Olimon-Andalon Vicente , Angulo-Rojo Carla , Guadron-Llanos Alma , Rivas-Ferreira Jose Carlos , Urrea Francisco , Calderon-Zamora Loranda
Published: December 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a frequently chronic kidney pathology derived from diabetes comorbidity. This condition has irreversible damage and its risk factor increases with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The prognostic outcome for diabetic patients with COVID-19 is dismal, even with intensive medical treatment. However, there is still scarce information on critical genes involved in the pathophysiological impact of COVID-19 on DKD. Herein, we characterize differential expression gene (DEG) profiles and determine hub genes undergoing transcriptional reprogramming in both disease conditions. Out of 995 DEGs, we identified 42 shared with COVID-19 pathways. Enrichment analysis elucidated that they are significantly induced with implications for immune and inflammatory responses. By performing a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and applying topological methods, we determine the following five hub genes: STAT1, IRF7, ISG15, MX1 and OAS1. Then, by network deconvolution, we determine their co-expressed gene modules. Moreover, we validate the conservancy of their upregulation using the Coronascape database (DB). Finally, tissue-specific regulation of the five predictive hub genes indicates that OAS1 and MX1 expression levels are lower in healthy kidney tissue. Altogether, our results suggest that these genes could play an essential role in developing severe outcomes of COVID-19 in DKD patients.
Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of CRa and CRd Genes to Improve the Clubroot Resistance of Brassica rapa
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Wei Yingxia , Ma Yingmei , Cao Guizhu , Ma Siwen , Zhang Tianyu , Zhan Zongxiang , Piao Zhongyun
Published: December 2022

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is an economically important soil-borne disease that threatens Brassicaceae crops worldwide. In recent years, the incidence area of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) clubroot disease has increased, which severely affects the yield and quality of Chinese cabbage. The resistance of varieties harboring the single clubroot-resistance (CR) gene is easily broken through by P. brassicae pathotypes. CRa and CRd, genetically identified in B. rapa, are CR genes known to be highly resistant to different P. brassicaea pathotypes. In our study, we perform the gene pyramiding of CRa and CRd in Chinese cabbages through marker-assisted selection (MAS), and develop homozygous pyramided lines. The newly generated pyramided lines exhibit greater resistance to six different pathotypes than that of two parental lines carrying a single CR gene. This study provides new CR-gene-pyramided lines for the development of clubroot-resistant Brassica varieties for future breeding programs.
Analysis of Breast Cancer Differences between China and Western Countries Based on Radiogenomics
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Lifeng , Jiao Xiong
Published: December 2022

Using radiogenomics methods, the differences between tumor imaging data and genetic data in Chinese and Western breast cancer (BC) patients were analyzed, and the correlation between phenotypic data and genetic data was explored. In this paper, we analyzed BC patients’ image characteristics and transcriptome data separately, then correlated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotype with the transcriptome data through a computational method to develop a radiogenomics feature. The data was fed into the designed random forest (RF) model, which used the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) as the evaluation index. Next, we analyzed the hub genes in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and obtained seven hub genes, which may cause Chinese and Western BC patients to behave differently in the clinic. We demonstrated that combining relevant genetic data and imaging features could better classify Chinese and Western patients than using genes or imaging characteristics alone. The AUC values of 0.74, 0.81, and 0.95 were obtained separately using the image characteristics, DEGs, and radiogenomics features. We screened SYT4, GABRG2, CHGA, SLC6A17, NEUROG2, COL2A1, and MATN4 and found that these genes were positively or negatively correlated with certain imaging characteristics. In addition, we found that the SLC6A17, NEUROG2, CHGA, and MATN4 genes were associated with clinical features.
The Composition of Anthocyanins and Carotenoids Influenced the Flower Color Heredity in Asiatic Hybrid Lilies
Authors: Li Jiewen , Chen Jiawei , Zhang Qian , Yu Pengcheng , Zhou Yanping , Jia Guixia
Published: December 2022

Flower color, including color hues and spot patterns, is an extremely important trait in Asiatic hybrid lilies. Investigating flower color variation across different cross combinations may help us select breeding parents efficiently. Thus, three hybridizations with different compositions of anthocyanins and carotenoids were performed, and 65, 289 and 125 offspring were obtained, respectively. For the parents and progenies, flower color hues were quantified by the CIELAB system, and the total number of raised spots on tepals was counted. Then, a cluster analysis and a statistical analysis were used to explore the inheritance patterns of flower color. The results showed that an orange flower color with high levels of carotenoids was highly heritable and that the progenies were less segregated, showing orange, orange-red, and yellow flowers. Parents showing red and purple-red flowers with differing levels of carotenoids and anthocyanins produced offspring with extensive segregation, including pink-white, pink, orange-pink, orange-red, yellow, and orange flowers. Meanwhile, different contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids resulted in variable proportions in color groups. Additionally, for F1 generation, the number of raised spots was continuously separated, demonstrating distinct quantitative genetic characteristics. For parents with few or intermediate spots, the hybrid plants showed both prominent negative and positive heterosis. For parents with many spots that covered almost the full tepals, the hybrid seedlings all exhibited raised spots.
Continuous Third Phase Fruit Monitoring in Olive with Regulated Deficit Irrigation to Set a Quantitative Index of Water Stress
Authors: Khosravi Arash , Zucchini Matteo , Mancini Adriano , Neri Davide
Published: December 2022

The transversal fruit diameter (FD) was monitored continuously by automatic extensimeters (fruit gauges) in order to monitor fruit growth dynamics under deficit irrigation treatments. The daily diameter fluctuation (ΔD, mm), the daily growth (ΔG, mm), the cumulative fruit growth (CFG, mm), and the fruit relative growth rate (RGR, mm mm−1 h−1) of four olive cultivars (Ascolana dura, Piantone di Falerone, Arbequina, and Lea) were studied during the third phase of fruit growth. Two regulated deficit irrigation treatments DI-20 (20% of ETc) and DI-10 (10% of ETc) were applied. The daily hysteretic pattern of FD versus the environmental variable of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was evaluated using the data of a local weather station. The assessment of fruit growth parameters showed cultivar-specific response to water stress. For instance, after performing deficit irrigation, minimum RGR in different cultivars downsized with various slopes which suggested a very different response of the cultivars to dehydration. On the other hand, the daily hysteretic pattern of FD versus VPD was detected in all the studied cultivars, and a quantitative index (height of hysteresis curves) used for explanation of hysteresis magnitude’s changed according to the deficit irrigation treatments. The results showed a significant reduction of height of hysteresis curves by irrigation treatments which were not cultivar-specific. The quantitative index for hysteresis curve magnitude’s change in the four olive cultivars of Ascolana dura, Piantone di Falerone, Arbequina and Lea can efficiently estimate the plant water response to irrigation treatment in olive orchards. However, further investigation needs to be done to implement precise irrigation systems.
Validation of the Malay Oral Impacts on Daily Performances and Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in a Multi-Ethnic Urban Malaysian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lim Fei Yee , Goo Chui Ling , Leung Wai Keung , Goh Victor
Published: December 2022

Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) can be used as a generic or condition-specific oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) instrument. It offers different contexts on how dental conditions affect OHRQoL. This cross-sectional study aimed to validate a newly translated Malay OIDP (OIDP-M), compare OHRQoL, decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) in Malaysians, and investigate factors associated with OHRQoL. A total of 368 Malaysians were surveyed and examined for DMFT. Short-form oral health impact profile-Malaysia [S-OHIP(M)] and OIDP-M were used to measure OHRQoL. The OIDP-M was tested for reliability and validity. DMFT, S-OHIP(M), and OIDP-M between ethnicities were compared. Associations between ethnicity, DMFT, S-OHIP(M), and OIDP-M of Malays and Chinese were evaluated through partial correlation. Malays and Chinese had more filled teeth and DMFT compared with Indians. Malays reported worse OHRQoL through S-OHIP(M). Decayed teeth were positively associated with S-OHIP(M), physical, psychological, social disabilities, and handicap. For OIDP-M, decayed teeth were positively associated with OIDP-M, working, and sleeping. Missing teeth and ethnicity were positively associated with eating and speaking. Filled teeth were negatively associated with cleaning teeth. The OIDP-M was reliable and valid for evaluating OHRQoL. There were differences in DMFT and OHRQoL between ethnicities. Ethnicity affects OHRQoL, where Malays experienced worse OHRQoL due to dental problems.
Gender and Socioeconomic Differences in the Prevalence and Patterns of Multimorbidity among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China
Authors: Zhong Yaqin , Xi Hanqing , Guo Xiaojun , Wang Tiantian , Wang Yanan , Wang Jian
Published: December 2022

Background: Multimorbidity has become a global public health concern. Knowledge about the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity will provide essential information for public intervention and clinical management. This study aimed to examine gender and socioeconomic differences in the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity among a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older Chinese individuals. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2018 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Latent class analysis was conducted to discriminate among the multimorbidity patterns. Multinomial logit analysis was performed to explore gender and socioeconomic factors associated with various multimorbidity patterns. Results: A total of 19,559 respondents over 45 years old were included in the study. The findings showed that 56.73% of the respondents reported multimorbidity, with significantly higher proportions among women. Four patterns, namely “relatively healthy class”, “respiratory class”, “stomach-arthritis class” and “vascular class”, were identified. The women were more likely to be in the stomach-arthritis class. Respondents with a higher SES, including higher education, urban residence, higher consumption, and medical insurance, had a higher probability of being in the vascular class. Conclusions: Significant gender and socioeconomic differences were observed in the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity. The examination of gender and socioeconomic differences for multimorbidity patterns has great implications for clinical practice and health policy. The results may provide insights to aid in the management of multimorbidity patients and improve health resource allocation.
Acculturation, Adaptation, and Health among Croatian Migrants in Austria and Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pristojkovic Suko Izolda , Holter Magdalena , Stolz Erwin , Greimel Elfriede Renate , Freidl Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

Since Croatia joined the European Union, majority of the studies on Croatian emigrants have predominantly addressed the reasons for migration and their future predictions. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the sense of coherence, health behavior, acculturation, adaptation, perceived health, and quality of life (QoL) in first-generation Croatian migrants living in Austria and Ireland. Our study is the first study that addresses the perceived health and QoL of Croatian migrants since the last emigration wave in 2013. An online survey was conducted in Austria (n = 112) and Ireland (n = 116) using standardized questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted for emigrated Croats to identify the predictors of perceived health and QoL. The analyses revealed that the sense of coherence and psychological adaptation were the strongest predictors of perceived health and QoL in Austria and Ireland. Furthermore, in the environmental domain of QoL, a higher education, higher net income, life in Austria rather than Ireland, better health behavior, higher sense of coherence, and better psychological and sociocultural adaptation explained 55.9% of the variance. Health policies and programs should use the salutogenic model to improve the health-related quality of life and psychological adaptation of Croatian migrants.
The Impact of Social Media on Employee Mental Health and Behavior Based on the Context of Intelligence-Driven Digital Data
Authors: Zhou Rong , Luo Zhilin , Zhong Shunbin , Zhang Xinhua , Liu Yihui
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development and widespread popularity of the Internet, employee social media use at work has become an increasingly common phenomenon in organizations. This paper analyzes 105 related papers from the Social Science Citation Index in Web of Science through Scoping Review to clarify the definition and characteristics of employee social media use and the types of social media and summarizes the current research methods. Then, the reasons for employees’ willingness and refusal to use social media and the positive and negative effects of employee social media use on employees’ work attitudes, behaviors, and performance are discussed. Then, the mediating variables, moderating variables, and theoretical frameworks used in the relevant studies are described, and a comprehensive model of employee social media use is constructed. Finally, this paper indicates future research directions based on the latest research results in 2020–2022, i.e., improving research methods, increasing antecedent studies, expanding consequence research, and expanding mediating variables, moderating variables, and theoretical perspectives.
Stress and Health Outcomes in Midwestern Latinx Youth: The Moderating Role of Ethnic Pride
Authors: Jones Blake L. , Grendell Matthew K. , Bezzant Joshua M. , Russell Keeley A. , Williams Brooke W. , Jensen Lainey , Peterson Carli , Christensen Joshua , Pyper Brynn , Muh Jaren , Taylor Zoe E.
Published: December 2022

Background: Stress has been linked to numerous health outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors, self-esteem, and physical health. Culture has also been linked to stress and health. This study examined the links between stress and health, and the potential moderating role of Latinx ethnic pride (LEP). Methods: The sample consisted of 119 Latinx youth from the Midwestern U.S. Mothers and youth completed surveys. Variables included the Multicultural Events Scale for Adolescents (MESA), parent and home stressors/risks (PHSR), LEP, depressive symptoms, aggression, frustration, and self-esteem. Research assistants measured child heights and weights and calculated BMI percentiles. Results: LEP was negatively related to MESA, depressive symptoms, aggression, and frustration, and positively related to self-esteem. MESA and PHSR were associated with depressive symptoms, aggression, frustration, and self-esteem, but not with BMI percentile. In adjusted regression analyses, LEP moderated the effects MESA had on frustration and self-esteem, marginally moderated the link between MESA and depressive symptoms, and was not related to aggression or BMI percentile. LEP did not moderate the relationship between PHSR with any health outcomes. Conclusions: Stressors were generally related to child mental health. LEP may play an important role in protecting against some of the effects of stressful events on mental health outcomes.
More-Than-Human: A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring Children’s Perceptions of Health and Health-Promoting Neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Williams Tiffany , Ward Kim , Egli Victoria , Mandic Sandra , Pocock Tessa , Clark Terryann C. , Smith Melody
Published: December 2022

A disconnect between children’s ideas and their incorporation into environmental design, in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate crises, compelled us to reflect on children’s meaningful participation in positive environmental change. Our research aimed to bring new knowledge to the fore using a participatory, child-centred approach to understanding children’s perceptions of health and health-promoting neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand. The cross-sectional Neighbourhoods and Health study was conducted with 93 primary school-aged children (approximate ages 8 to 10 years) from two schools in Ōtepoti Dunedin and two schools in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from June 2020 to August 2021. We present a framework of twelve child-centred topics of importance for health (Healthcare and ‘not getting sick’, ‘How you feel’, and Taking care of yourself), health-promoting neighbourhoods (Proximity, safety and feel, Range of ‘places to go’, ‘Friendly streets’, and ‘No smoking’), and those common to both (Connections with other humans, Healthy food and drink, Exercising and playing sport ‘to keep fit’, ‘Nature’ and ‘helping the environment’, and Recreational activities). The more-than-human theory was used to situate our study findings, and we explored three threads evident in children’s thinking: (1) care for humans and non-humans, (2) vital interdependence of human–non-human relations, and (3) understanding complex urban environments through everyday activities. We conclude that the thriving of humans and non-humans in urban environments is important to children in Aotearoa New Zealand. We affirm that children have clear and salient ideas about health and health-promoting neighbourhoods.
Applying OHSA to Detect Road Accident Blackspots
Authors: Wang Zhuang-Zhuang , Lu Yi-Ning , Zou Zi-Hao , Ma Yu-Han , Wang Tao
Published: December 2022

With increasing numbers of crashes and injuries, understanding traffic accident spatial patterns and identifying blackspots is critical to improve overall road safety. This study aims at detecting blackspots using optimized hot spot analysis (OHSA). Traffic accidents were classified by their participants and severity to explore the relationship between blackspots and different types of accidents. Based on the outputs of incremental spatial autocorrelation, OHSA was then implemented on different types of accidents. Finally, the performance of OHSA in evaluating the road safety level of the proposed RBT index are examined using a binary correlation analysis (i.e., R2 = 0.89). The results show that: (1) The optimal scale distance varies from 0.6 km to 2.8 km and is influenced by the distance of the travel mode. (2) Central cities, with 54.6% of the total accidents, experiences more rigorous challenges regarding traffic safety than satellite cities. (3) There are many types of black spots in vulnerable communities, but in some specific areas, there are only black spots of non-motor vehicle accidents. Considering the practical significance of the above results, policy makers and traffic engineers are expected to give higher attention to central cities and vulnerable communities or prioritize the implementation of relevant optimization measures.
Impact of Cooperative Learning and Project-Based Learning through Emotional Intelligence: A Comparison of Methodologies for Implementing SDGs
Authors: Lozano Alba , López Roberto , Pereira Fernando J. , Blanco Fontao Carolina
Published: December 2022

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a holistic and transformative form of education that seeks action-oriented pedagogy using self-directed learning, participation, and collaboration, among other aspects, and is suitable for developing active methodologies. Since affective-emotional aspects can contribute in the teaching-learning process, this work studies, through a case study, the comparison of the influence of two active methodologies: Cooperative Learning (CL) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) in student emotions and learning processes, as well as their awareness of ESD. For that purpose, a survey was conducted at the fourth secondary level in the science laboratory, subjected to the innovation project e-WORLD, which developed the content of the 7 and 13 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the 2030 Agenda. Results of ANOVA and Tukey’s tests carried out showed that both methodologies improved skills and knowledge related to climate change and energy, and triggered major positive emotions in students. Furthermore, CL allowed students to acquire more individual and group responsibility than communication skills developed with PBL. It is necessary to continue working on the involvement of students in these methodologies in order to improve their social skills and to reveal life changes towards more socio-sustainable ones.
Do Homicide Perpetrators Have Higher Rates of Delayed-Suicide Than the Other Offenders? Data from a Sample of the Inmate Population in Italy
Authors: Raddi Silvia , Baralla Francesca , D’Argenio Alberto , Traverso Simona , Sarchiapone Marco , Marchetti Marco
Published: December 2022

Homicide-suicide can be defined as homicide followed by the suicide of the perpetrator shortly afterward. In the so-called “homicide-delayed suicide”, homicide and suicide occur but within a wide and not strictly defined timeframe. This study analyzes data concerning the suicide of 667 inmates in Italy between 2002 and 2015, considering homicide perpetrators compared to all offenders. The analyses revealed that inmates who had committed homicide were more likely to commit suicide (71% versus 45%; χ2 = 10.952, p = 0.001) and the odds of suicide increase concerning 1.58 times among homicide perpetrators. The time-to-suicide interval after homicide ranges between 0 to 9.125 days (mean = 1.687,9; SD = 2.303,1). Moreover, the intimate-homicide offenders who committed suicide had a significantly shorter survival time after the offense than did the other non-intimate offenders who died by suicide (t test, t = −3.56, df = 90, p = 0.001). The link between homicide and higher suicide risk in homicide perpetrators should be highlighted because of all the homicide offenders passing through the criminal justice system. Superior knowledge about the path of homicide-delayed suicide will be of particular use to professionals in evaluating and treating homicide inmates.
Higher Infection Risk among Health Care Workers and Lower Risk among Smokers Persistent across SARS-CoV-2 Waves—Longitudinal Results from the Population-Based TiKoCo Seroprevalence Study
Authors: Günther Felix , Einhauser Sebastian , Peterhoff David , Wiegrebe Simon , Niller Hans Helmut , Beileke Stephanie , Steininger Philipp , Burkhardt Ralph , Küchenhoff Helmut , Gefeller Olaf , Überla Klaus , Heid Iris M. , Wagner Ralf
Published: December 2022

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was reported as substantially increased in medical personnel and decreased in smokers after the first wave in spring 2020, including in our population-based Tirschenreuth Study (TiKoCo). However, it is unclear whether these associations were limited to the early pandemic and whether the decrease in smokers was due to reduced infection or antibody response. We evaluated the association of occupation and smoking with period-specific seropositivity: for the first wave until July 2020 (baseline, BL), the low infection period in summer (follow-up 1, FU1, November 2020), and the second/third wave (FU2, April 2021). We measured binding antibodies directed to SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (N), viral spike protein (S), and neutralizing antibodies at BL, FU1, and FU2. Previous infection, vaccination, smoking, and occupation were assessed by questionnaires. The 4181 participants (3513/3374 at FU1/FU2) included 6.5% medical personnel and 20.4% current smokers. At all three timepoints, new seropositivity was higher in medical personnel with ORs = 1.99 (95%-CI = 1.36–2.93), 1.41 (0.29–6.80), and 3.17 (1.92–5.24) at BL, FU1, and FU2, respectively, and nearly halved among current smokers with ORs = 0.47 (95%-CI = 0.33–0.66), 0.40 (0.09–1.81), and 0.56 (0.33–0.94). Current smokers compared to never-smokers had similar antibody levels after infection or vaccination and reduced odds of a positive SARS-CoV-2 result among tested. Our data suggest that decreased seroprevalence among smokers results from fewer infections rather than reduced antibody response. The persistently higher infection risk of medical staff across infection waves, despite improved means of protection over time, underscores the burden for health care personnel.
Aerobic Degradation Characteristics and Mechanism of Decabromodiphenyl Ether (BDE-209) Using Complex Bacteria Communities
Authors: Hu Dingfan , Wu Juan , Fan Luosheng , Li Shunyao , Jia Rong
Published: December 2022

Complex bacteria communities that comprised Brevibacillus sp. (M1) and Achromobacter sp. (M2) with effective abilities of degrading decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) were investigated for their degradation characteristics and mechanisms under aerobic conditions. The experimental results indicated that 88.4% of 10 mg L−1 BDE-209 could be degraded after incubation for 120 h under the optimum conditions of pH 7.0, 30 °C and 15% of the inoculation volume, and the addition ratio of two bacterial suspensions was 1:1. Based on the identification of BDE-209 degradation products via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis, the biodegradation pathway of BDE-209 was proposed. The debromination, hydroxylation, deprotonation, breakage of ether bonds and ring-opening processes were included in the degradation process. Furthermore, intracellular enzymes had the greatest contribution to BDE-209 biodegradation, and the inhibition of piperyl butoxide (PB) for BDE-209 degradation revealed that the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme was likely the key enzyme during BDE-209 degradation by bacteria M (1+2). Our study provided alternative ideas for the microbial degradation of BDE-209 by aerobic complex bacteria communities in a water system.
The Contribution of Mycological Tourism to Well-Being, the Economy and Sustainable Development
Authors: Suazo Pablo , Viana-Lora Alba
Published: December 2022

This article analyses the scientific production related to tourism and mushrooms. The method used was a bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. The main results show that it is a recent area of study that predominates in Spain but that will expand and gain relevance over time. The thematic analysis has made it possible to structure the information according to the economic contribution of this tourist niche, the well-being it brings to residents and tourists, the importance of a sustainable development of the activity, and the promotion and marketing of this new tourism. Supporting mycological tourism will help the development of rural areas and bring physical, mental, social, educational, and nutritional benefits to residents and tourists. This study has allowed us to develop a future research agenda, highlighting the importance of further research to harness the benefits of mycological tourism while at the same time transferring that knowledge to stakeholders, which will be necessary.
Believing in or Denying Climate Change for Questionable Reasons: Generic Conspiracist Beliefs, Personality, and Climate Change Perceptions of Romanian University Students
Authors: Boncu Ștefan , Prundeanu Oara , Holman Andrei Corneliu , Popușoi Simona Andreea
Published: December 2022

People’s perceptions of climate change represent a growing concern, especially when these perceptions entail the denial of climate change. Past studies have highlighted the detrimental role of conspiracist beliefs concerning climate change regarding people’s perceptions on this matter. However, the effects of generic conspiracy beliefs and the different types of beliefs determining skepticism about climate change, as well as that of an individual’s personality, are still an open area of inquiry. Our cross-sectional study (N = 842) explored the relationships between the degree to which people hold different generic conspiracy beliefs, their personality characteristics (as defined within the Big Five taxonomy), and climate change beliefs (i.e., in its occurrence and anthropogenic causation). Results indicated common predictors of these dimensions of climate change beliefs, specifically three of the five types of generic conspiracy beliefs, extraversion, agreeability, and intellect/imagination as personality factors. While conspiracy beliefs related to personal well-being emerged as related to climate change skepticism, those in government malfeasance and information control were found to be associated with more acceptance of climate change and its anthropogenic causation. These findings reveal a mixed pattern of relationships between different conspiracist beliefs and climate change perceptions and suggest the complex psychological and ideological underpinnings of the attitudes towards climate change.
Indicators of Climate Change, Geospatial and Analytical Mapping of Trends in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh: An Observational Study
Authors: Falak Faiqa , Ayub Farsom , Zahid Zunaira , Sarfraz Zouina , Sarfraz Azza , Robles-Velasco Karla , Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan
Published: December 2022

The year 2022 has served as a recall for the impact that climate change has in the South Asian region, which is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate shock. With a paucity of climate-based and geospatial observational studies in South Asia, this paper (i) links power sectors and carbon dioxide emissions, (ii) maps nitrogen dioxide density across three countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh), (iii) understands electricity generation trends and projects weather changes through 2100. We monitored data monitored between 1995 and 2021. The following databases were used: the International Energy Agency, the World Bank, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization. Raw data was obtained for climate indicators, which were entered into Microsoft Excel. Geospatial trends were generated in the ArcGIS geostatistical tool by adopting the ordinary kriging method to interpolate and create continuous surfaces depicting the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the three countries. We found increased usage of coal and fossil fuels in three countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh). Both were significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. The geographic localities in South Asia were densely clouded with nitrogen dioxide as reported with the tropospheric column mapping. There are expected to be increased days with a heat index >35 °C, and consecutive dry days from 2020 and 2100. We also found increased chances of flooding in certain regions across the three countries. This study monitored climate change indicators and projects between 1995 and 2100. Lastly, we make recommendations to improve the relationship of the environment and living beings.
Did They Deserve It? Adolescents’ Perception of Online Harassment in a Real-Case Scenario
Authors: Cricenti Clarissa , Pizzo Alessandra , Quaglieri Alessandro , Mari Emanuela , Cordellieri Pierluigi , Bonucchi Cristina , Torretta Patrizia , Giannini Anna Maria , Lausi Giulia
Published: December 2022

Online harassment, particularly cyberbullying and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, is a widespread phenomenon among adolescents and young adults. Descriptive research was carried out to investigate any differences among Italian school classes in the perception of cybercrime through a real-case scenario. Following the Italian school system, the final sample of 1777 adolescents (Mage = 15.37, SD = 1.65; Male = 52%) was divided into three groups based on the school class attended: middle school (N = 562; Mage = 13.37, SD = 0.48); high school biennium (N = 728; Mage = 15.55, SD = 0.50), and triennium (N = 487, Mage = 17.40, SD = 0.71). Participants completed a self-report questionnaire investigating the use of the Internet and the perception of a real case scenario involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyberbullying received by the National Centre for Combating Child Pornography Online (NCPO). Results showed differences among the three groups’ perceptions of the event’s features, motivations underlying the offense, victim-blaming and harassment justification (e.g., cyberbullying, in particular non-consensual sharing of intimate images, is recognized as a crime as age increases). The findings provide significant insights for future research and age-specific factors to consider when developing prevention programs for online risks.
Effects of Maitland Thoracic Joint Mobilization and Lumbar Stabilization Exercise on Diaphragm Thickness and Respiratory Function in Patients with a History of COVID-19
Authors: Kim Kyung-hun , Kim Dong-hoon
Published: December 2022

Objective: We investigated the effects of maitland thoracic joint mobilization and lumbar stabilization exercise on diaphragm thickness and respiratory function in patients with a history of COVID-19. Methods: Thirty patients who had passed one month after COVID-19 onset were randomly divided into maitland thoracic mobilization and lumbar stabilization and combined breathing exercise groups; each group performed thoracic mobilization and lumbar stabilization exercises and combined breathing exercise and ergometer exercises, respectively, for 50 min, three times a week, for eight weeks. We used the MYSONO U5 MicroQuark to evaluate diaphragm thickness and respiratory function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the one second, peak expiratory flow), respectively. Results: There were no significant between-group differences in general patient characteristics and change in diaphragm thickness and respiratory function. Both groups showed significant improvement within each parameter. However, the maitland thoracic mobilization and lumbar stabilization group showed more significant improvements than did the combined breathing exercise group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed the maitland thoracic joint mobilization and lumbar stabilization exercise on the diaphragm thickness and respiratory function in patients with a history of COVID-19.
Early Detection of the Start of the Influenza Epidemic Using Surveillance Systems in Catalonia (PREVIGrip Study)
Authors: Dalmau Llorca M. Rosa , Castro Blanco Elisabet , Aguilar Martín Carina , Carrasco-Querol Noèlia , Hernández Rojas Zojaina , Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga , Fernández-Sáez José
Published: December 2022

Sentinel physician networks are the method of influenza surveillance recommended by the World Health Organization. Weekly clinical diagnoses based on clinical history are a surveillance method that provides more immediate information. The objective of this study is to evaluate which influenza surveillance system is capable of the earliest detection of the start of the annual influenza epidemic. We carried out an ecological time-series study based on influenza data from the population of Catalonia from the 2010–2011 to the 2018–2019 seasons. Rates of clinical diagnoses and of confirmed cases in Catalonia were used to study the changes in trends in the different surveillance systems, the differences in area and time lag between the curves of the different surveillance systems using Joinpoint regression, Simpson’s 1/3 method and cross-correlation, respectively. In general, changes in the trend of the curves were detected before the beginning of the epidemic in most seasons, using the rates for the complete seasons and the pre-epidemic rates. No time lag was observed between clinical diagnoses and the total confirmed cases. Therefore, clinical diagnoses in Primary Care could be a useful tool for early detection of the start of influenza epidemics in Catalonia.
Influencing Factors of Direct Carbon Emissions of Households in Urban Villages in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Yamei , Jiang Lu
Published: December 2022

China’s household energy consumption has obvious regional differences, and rising income levels and urbanization have changed the ability of households to make energy consumption choices. In this paper, we analyze the energy consumption characteristics of urban village residents based on microlevel household survey data from urban villages in Guangzhou, China. Then, the results of modeling the material flows of per capita carbon emissions show the most dominant type of energy consumption. OLS is applied to analyze the influencing factors of carbon emissions. We find that the per capita household carbon emissions in urban villages are 722.7 kg/household.year, and the average household carbon emissions are 2820.57 kg/household.year. We also find that household characteristics, household size, household appliance numbers, and carbon emissions have a significant positive correlation, while income has no significant effect on carbon emissions. What is more, the size and age of the house have a positive impact on carbon emissions. Otherwise, the new finding is the demonstration that income is not significantly correlated with household carbon emissions, which is consistent with the characteristics of urban villages described earlier. On the basis of this study, we propose more specific recommendations regarding household energy carbon emissions in urban villages.