bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Prebiotics from Pregnancy and Its Complications: Health for Mother and Offspring—A Narrative Review
Authors: García-Montero Cielo , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , Rodriguez-Martín Sonia , Saz Jose V. , Rodriguez Rocio Aracil , Moreno Juan Manuel Pina , Labarta Javier Ruiz , García-Honduvilla Natalio , Alvarez-Mon Melchor , Bravo Coral , De Leon-Luis Juan A. , Ortega Miguel A.
Published: March 2023

Pregnancy involves a metabolic reprogramming that includes changes in the gut microbiota composition in women. Evidence shows that maternal dysbiosis is linked to neonatal dysbiosis, and this factor can determine health status in adulthood. Although there is little literature available on this topic, high heterogeneity is a limitation when examining nutritional interventions. Information has been gathered to contrast the benefits of prebiotic usage, specifically in pregnancy, in its possible complications and in newborns’ gut microbiota development. The objective pursued in this brief narrative review is to provide a clear summary of relevant content when searching with regard to the use of prebiotics in pregnancy, the effects in prenatal and postnatal periods, and to help in clinical decision-making in pregnancy management and lactation. A search has found that the nutritional status of the pregnant mother is key for the earliest microbial colonization in newborns, and thus intervention programs from pregnancy could assure better outcomes in both the mother and offspring. In this sense, prebiotics (administered to mothers who breastfeed or provided in formula milk) are feasible and cost-effective elements that can prevent allergies, colic, and other maladies in newborns.
Taste Responses and Ingestive Behaviors to Ingredients of Fermented Milk in Mice
Authors: Yamase Yuko , Huang Hai , Mitoh Yoshihiro , Egusa Masahiko , Miyawaki Takuya , Yoshida Ryusuke
Published: March 2023

Fermented milk is consumed worldwide because of its nutritious and healthful qualities. Although it is somewhat sour, causing some to dislike it, few studies have examined taste aspects of its ingredients. Wild-type mice and T1R3-GFP-KO mice lacking sweet/umami receptors were tested with various taste components (sucrose, galactose, lactose, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, l- and d-lactic acid) using 48 h two-bottle tests and short-term lick tests. d-lactic acid levels were measured after the ingestion of d- or; l-lactic acid or water to evaluate d-lactic acidosis. In wild-type mice, for the sweet ingredients the number of licks increased in a concentration-dependent manner, but avoidance was observed at higher concentrations in 48 h two-bottle tests; the sour ingredients d- and l-lactic acid showed concentration-dependent decreases in preference in both short- and long-term tests. In 48 h two-bottle tests comparing d- and l-lactic acid, wild-type but not T1R3-GFP-KO mice showed higher drinking rates for l-lactic acid. d-lactic acidosis did not occur and thus did not contribute to this preference. These results suggest that intake in short-term lick tests varied by preference for each ingredient, whereas intake variation in long-term lick tests reflects postingestive effects. l-lactic acid may have some palatable taste in addition to sour taste.
Characterizing Meat- and Milk/Dairy-like Vegetarian Foods and Their Counterparts Based on Nutrient Profiling and Food Labels
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Noelia María , Córdoba Patricia , Sarriá Beatriz , Verardo Vito , Pedroche Justo , Alcalá-Santiago Ángela , García-Villanova Belén , Molina-Montes Esther
Published: March 2023

Vegetarian foods are plant-based (PB) foods, often perceived as healthier foods than animal-based (AB) foods. The objective of this study was to analyze the nutritional quality of a set of PB foods (meat, milk and dairy products) marketed in Spain, and to compare their nutrient profiles with respect to some AB counterparts. Nutritional information per 100 g or mL, ingredients, and nutritional declarations, as well as the Nutri-Score, NOVA, and Eco-Score of each food were collected from Open Food Facts. Differences in the nutrient compositions between PB foods and their counterparts, and between the different groups of PB foods, were assessed at a 5% significance level. A total of 544 PB foods and 373 AB foods were identified. Overall, PB foods had a higher median content of fiber and carbohydrates, but a lower amount of proteins (except PB “meat” analogues: 14 g) and saturated fats (except PB “cheese alternatives”: 12.5 g), than the AB counterparts (p < 0.05). PB “milk alternatives”, particularly oat “milk”, showed a higher median content of total carbohydrates (8 g) and sugars (5.5 g) compared to cow milks (4.7 g carbohydrates/sugars, on average; p < 0.001). PB “meat alternatives” also had a significantly higher value of carbohydrates (9 g) than AB meats (2 g, on average; p < 0.001). PB foods were mostly classified as Nutri-Score A and B (86%). However, more than half of them were of NOVA groups 3 and 4. Thus, there is a great diversity of PB meat and milk/dairy product alternatives on the Spanish market. Despite being products of good nutritional quality compared to AB foods, they also carry drawbacks that could have an impact on nutritional health.
Hydrogen Sulfide Enhances Browning Repression and Quality Maintenance in Fresh-Cut Peaches via Modulating Phenolic and Amino Acids Metabolisms
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Chen , Shi Kaili , Chen Shouchao , Shao Jiawei , Huang Xingli , Wang Mingliang , Wang Yanyan , Song Qingyuan
Published: March 2023

Effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the browning and quality maintenance of fresh-cut peach fruit were studied. The results showed that H2S treatment repressed the development of surface browning, suppressed the increase in respiration rate and weight loss, and delayed the decline of firmness while soluble solids content (SSC) and microbial growth were unaffected during storage. H2S treatment maintained higher contents of phenolic compounds, especially neo-chlorogenic acid, catechin, and quercetin, and delayed the degradation of phenolic compounds by enhancing the activities of phenolic biosynthesis-related enzymes and inhibiting the oxidative activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in comparison with control. Moreover, H2S stimulated the accumulation of amino acids and their derivatives including proline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and polyamines (PAs) via enhancing biosynthesis and repressing degradation compared to control. These results suggested that H2S treatment enhanced the accumulation of phenolic, amino acids, and their derivatives by modulating phenolic and amino acids metabolisms, which contributed to the higher antioxidant activity and membrane integrity maintenance, ultimately repressing browning development and maintaining the quality. Therefore, the current study speculated that H2S might be a promising approach for browning inhibition and quality maintenance in fresh-cut peach fruit.
Transcriptome-Wide Study Revealed That N6-Methyladenosine Participates in Regulation Meat Production in Goats
Authors: Zou Juhong , Shen Yujian , Zou Jianwei , Yu Jingsu , Jiang Yuhang , Huang Yanna , Jiang Qinyang
Published: March 2023

In mammals, skeletal muscle development is a complex biological process regulated by many factors. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays an important role in many biological processes. However, the regulation of m6A on skeletal muscle growth and development in adult goats remains unclear. In this study, Duan goats (DA) and Nubia goats (NBY), both female and 12 months old, were selected as the research objects, and m6A-Seq and RNA-Seq were mainly used to detect the difference of m6A modification and gene expression during the development of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle in the two breeds. The results showed that compared with DA, the meat production performance of NBY was better than that of DA, and the modification level of m6A was higher than that of DA in LD. The m6A-Seq of LD indicated m6A peaks were mainly enriched in the coding sequence (CDS) and stop codon. A total of 161 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and 1294 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in two breeds. GO and KEGG analysis showed that DMGs were closely related to cellular metabolism, and most of DMGs were enriched in pathways related to energy metabolism, muscle growth and development, mainly MAPK signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and CGMP-PKG signaling pathway. The DEGs were significantly enriched in actin binding, calcium ion binding, angiogenesis, and other biological processes, and most of them were enriched in PI3K-Akt and CGMP-PKG signaling pathways. Combined analysis of m6A-Seq and RNA-Seq data revealed a negative correlation between differentially methylated m6A levels and mRNA abundance, and mRNA expression of the gene with m6A peak near 3′UTR will decrease. In addition, 11 DMGs regulating cell differentiation, muscle growth and development were identified. This study displayed the m6A profiles and distribution patterns in the goat transcriptome, determined the potential role of m6A modification in muscle growth and provided a new reference for the further study of goat skeletal muscle development.
Euler Wavelet Method as a Numerical Approach for the Solution of Nonlinear Systems of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Tural Polat Sadiye Nergis , Turan Dincel Arzu
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a numerical approach for solving systems of nonlinear fractional differential equations (FDEs) is presented Using the Euler wavelets technique and associated operational matrices for fractional integration, we try to solve those systems of FDEs. The method’s major objective is to transform the nonlinear FDE into a nonlinear system of algebraic equations that is straightforward to solve with matrix techniques. The Euler wavelets are constructed using Euler polynomials, which have fewer terms than most other polynomials used to construct other types of wavelets, therefore, using Euler wavelets for the numerical approach provides sparse operational matrices. Thanks to the sparsity of those operational matrices, the proposed numerical approach requires less computation and takes less time to evaluate. The approach described here is also applicable to systems of fractional differential equations with variable orders. To illustrate the strength and performance of the method, four numerical examples are provided.
Prevalence and Associated Factors for Periodontal Disease among Type I and II Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alahmari Manea Musa , AlShaiban Hassan M. , Mahmood Syed E.
Published: March 2023

In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is high. DM is a risk factor for periodontal disease. The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence and potential associated factors for periodontitis among type I and II DM patients in Abha, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with DM who attended the Periodontal Consultant Center at King Khalid University and Aseer Central Hospital, in Abha city, from January 2020 to January 2022. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. Patients were assessed for the severity of periodontitis. A total of 499 DM patients were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of periodontitis was 7.4% among type I DM and 46.4% among type II DM patients. The prevalence of periodontitis was significantly associated with age among type I DM patients (p-value = 0.001) and type II DM patients (p-value = 0.001), respectively, and smoking among type I DM patients (p-value = 0.002) and among type II DM patients (p-value = 0.000), respectively. Age and smoking were the potential associated factors for the prevalence of periodontitis among type I and II DM. The study provides evidence about the prevalence of periodontitis among DM patients, creates awareness regarding the factors that potentially contribute to worsening periodontal tissues, and the importance of early diagnosis and prevention to avoid the irreversible destruction of the periodontal tissues.
Mediating Effect of Motivation on the Relationship of Fitness with Volitional High-Intensity Exercise in High-School Students
Authors: Bento André , Carrasco Luis , Raimundo Armando
Published: March 2023

We aimed to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and motivation in adolescents and analyze if the associations of physical fitness with volitional exercise intensity in adolescents are mediated by motivation. The participants were 108 adolescents (58 girls 16.0 ± 0.92 years). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was assessed using the Yo-YoITL1, and the push-up test was used to evaluate strength. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The intervention was applied in the first 10–15 min of each Physical Education class (PEC), twice a week, for 16 weeks and ranged from 14 to 20 all-out bouts intervals, adopting a 2:1 work to rest ratio. A cut-point of ≥90% of the maximal heart rate (HR) was used as a criterion for satisfactory compliance with high-intensity exercise. Volition intensity was assessed through a forearm wearable plethysmography heart rate sensor to ensure compliance with the exercise stimulus at the predetermined target HR zone. Motivation was estimated with a validated questionnaire (BREQ-3). Mediation effects were estimated using bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals and were deemed significant if zero was not included in the intervals, and values below 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. The mediation analysis revealed a non-significant indirect effect of physical fitness through motivation on exercise intensity, specifically on CRF (B = −0.0355, 95% BootCI [−0.5838; 0.4559]), muscular fitness (B = −0.7284, 95% BootCI [−2.0272; 0.2219]) and body fat (B = 0.5092, 95% BootCI [−0.4756; 1.6934]). These results suggest that high or low values of motivation did not increase or decrease volitional high-intensity exercise, and lower levels of fitness (CRF, muscular and body fat) were associated with higher volitional exercise intensity. These findings highlight the need for regular moderate-to-vigorous physical exercise for maintaining or improving physical fitness, regardless of motivation regulations, and emphasize the importance of new strategies in PEC with acute vigorous-intensity activities that retain the health-enhancing effects.
Association between Shift Work and Metabolic Syndrome: A 4-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ye Byeong-Jin
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Previous studies on the association between shift work and metabolic syndrome have had inconsistent results. This may be due to the cross-sectional study design and non-objective data used in those studies. Hence, this study aimed to identify risk factors for Metabolic syndrome using objective information provided by the relevant companies and longitudinal data provided in health examinations. (2) Methods: In total, 1211 male workers of three manufacturing companies, including shift workers, were surveyed annually for 4 years. Data on age, smoking, drinking, physical activity, length of shift work, type of shift, past history, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride, and high-density cholesterol (HDL) were collected and analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to identify the risk factors for Metabolic syndrome. (3) Results: In the multivariate analysis of Metabolic syndrome risk factors, age (OR = 1.078, 95% CI: 1.045–1.112), current smoking (OR = 1.428, 95% CI: 1.815–5.325), and BMI (OR = 1.498, 95% CI: 1.338–1.676) were statistically significant for day workers (n= 510). Additionally, for shift workers (N = 701), age (OR = 1.064, 95% CI: 1.008–1.174), current smoking (OR = 2.092, 95% CI: 1.854–8.439), BMI (OR = 1.471, 95% CI: 1.253–1.727) and length of shift work (OR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.010-1.320) were statistically significant. Shift work was associated with a higher risk of Metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.093, 95% CI: 1.137–2.233) compared to day workers. For shift workers, shift work for more than 20 years was associated with Metabolic syndrome (OR = 2.080, 95% CI: 1.911–9.103), but the dose–response relationship was not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: This study revealed that age, current smoking, BMI, and shift work are potential risk factors for Metabolic syndrome. In particular, the length of shift work (>20 years) is a potential risk factor for Metabolic syndrome in shift workers. To prevent metabolic syndrome in shift workers, health managers need to actively accommodate shift workers (especially those who have worked for more than 20 years), current smokers, and obese people. A long-term cohort study based on objective data is needed to identify the chronic health impact and the risk factors of shift work.
Solitary Sexual Desire: Its Relation to Subjective Orgasm Experience and Sexual Arousal in the Masturbation Context within a Spanish Population
Authors: Cervilla Oscar , Jiménez-Antón Eva , Álvarez-Muelas Ana , Mangas Pablo , Granados Reina , Sierra Juan Carlos
Published: March 2023

The tridimensional sexual desire proposal (i.e., dyadic to partner, dyadic to attractive other and solitary) has been empirically supported. However, solitary sexual desire and its relationship to other dimensions of sexual functioning has received less attention. Hence, we examined the capacity of solitary sexual desire to explain the subjective orgasm experience (Study 1) and sexual arousal (Study 2) in the context of solitary masturbation. Study 1, composed of 2406 heterosexual adults (M age = 39.72, SD = 11.81), assessed for solitary sexual desire, dyadic sexual desire, and the intensity of the subjective orgasm experience obtained through solitary masturbation, along with other associated parameters. Study 2, consisting of 41 heterosexual young people (M age = 22.49, SD = 3.17), evaluated the genital response (penile circumference/vaginal pulse amplitude) and subjective arousal to sexually explicit films related to solitary masturbation. In both men and women, solitary sexual desire accounted for a significant percentage of the subjective orgasm experience obtained through solitary masturbation. In addition, in women, the propensity for sexual arousal was explained by solitary sexual desire. It is concluded that solitary sexual desire -as opposed to dyadic- is important to explain sexual arousal and orgasm in the solitary masturbation context. These results highlight the importance of addressing sexual desire in the solitary context, given its implications with other dimensions of sexual functioning.
Analysis of the Determinants of Stunting among Children Aged below Five Years in Stunting Locus Villages in Indonesia
Authors: Atamou Lasarus , Rahmadiyah Dwi Cahya , Hassan Hamidah , Setiawan Agus
Published: March 2023

Determinants of stunting are a concern in stunting locus villages, especially in East Nusa Tenggara, the province with the highest prevalence of stunting in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the determinants of stunting in such villages. A cross-sectional research design was conducted on a sample of 166 mothers of children aged 24–59 months selected using a proportional random sampling method in four stunting locus villages in East Nusa Tenggara province, from January to March 2022. Chi-square and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the determinants of stunting with a significance level of p < 0.05. The prevalence of stunting among children aged below five years in the villages was 22.3%. Lack of maternal knowledge (AOR: 5.310; 95% CI: 0.671–41.997) and negative parenting (AOR: 3.026; 95% CI: 1.191–7.871) were associated with higher risk of stunting. Meanwhile, children aged below five years with close birth spacing (AOR: 0.304; 95% CI: 0.087–1.063) had a low risk of stunting. The prevalence of stunting in stunting locus villages needs special attention from the Indonesian government. Maternal knowledge should be enhanced by distributing information related to stunting through formal and non-formal education and teaching good parenting to reduce the prevalence of stunting among children aged below five years in stunting locus villages.
BabyByte: Qualitative Research to Inform the Development of an App to Improve Responsive Feeding Practices in Parents of Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Mobley Amy R. , Jake-Schoffman Danielle E. , Fedele David A. , Varela Elder Garcia , Zeldman Jamie
Published: March 2023

Responsive feeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity. The objective of this qualitative study was to determine parental preferences for mobile health (mHealth) app content and features designed to improve responsive feeding practices. Parents of 0–2-year-old children were interviewed individually. Interview questions were informed by the Technology Acceptance Model, and parents provided feedback on sample app content and features. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by two researchers using thematic analysis; responses were compared by parent gender and income. Parents (n = 20 fathers, n = 20 mothers) were, on average, 33 years old, low-income (50%), identified as non-white (52.5%), and had a bachelor’s degree or higher (62%). Overall, parents were most interested in feeding tips and recipe content, and app features that allowed tracking child growth and setting feeding goals. Fathers were most interested in content about first foods, choking hazards, and nutrition information, while mothers preferred content on breastfeeding, picky eating, and portion sizes. Parents with lower incomes were interested in nutrition guidelines, breastfeeding, and introducing solids. Non-low-income parents preferred information related to food allergies, portion sizes, and picky eating. The findings of this study provide considerations when developing mHealth apps to improve responsive feeding practices in parents.
A Case Study of Enhancing the Data Science Capacity of an RCMI Program at a Historically Black Medical College
Authors: Wang Qingguo , Gupta Vibhuti , Cao Aize , Singhal Ashutosh , Gary Todd , Adunyah Samuel E.
Published: March 2023

As data grows exponentially across diverse fields, the ability to effectively leverage big data has become increasingly crucial. In the field of data science, however, minority groups, including African Americans, are significantly underrepresented. With the strategic role of minority-serving institutions to enhance diversity in the data science workforce and apply data science to health disparities, the National Institute for Minority Health Disparities (NIMHD) provided funding in September 2021 to six Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) to improve their data science capacity and foster collaborations with data scientists. Meharry Medical College (MMC), a historically Black College/University (HBCU), was among the six awardees. This paper summarizes the NIMHD-funded efforts at MMC, which include offering mini-grants to collaborative research groups, surveys to understand the needs of the community to guide project implementation, and data science training to enhance the data analytics skills of the RCMI investigators, staff, medical residents, and graduate students. This study is innovative as it addressed the urgent need to enhance the data science capacity of the RCMI program at MMC, build a diverse data science workforce, and develop collaborations between the RCMI and MMC’s newly established School of Applied Computational Science. This paper presents the progress of this NIMHD-funded project, which clearly shows its positive impact on the local community.
Exploring First Responders’ Use and Perceptions on Continuous Health and Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Grothe Jacob , Tucker Sarah , Blake Anthony , Achutan Chandran , Medcalf Sharon , Suwondo Troy , Fruhling Ann , Yoder Aaron
Published: March 2023

First responders lose their lives in the line of duty each year, and many of these deaths result from strenuous physical exertion and exposure to harmful environmental agents. Continuous health monitoring may detect diseases and alert the first responder when vital signs are reaching critical levels. However, continuous monitoring must be acceptable to first responders. The purpose of this study was to discover first responders’ current use of wearable technology, their perceptions of what health and environmental indicators should be monitored, and who should be permitted to monitor them. The survey was sent to 645 first responders employed by 24 local fire department stations. A total of 115 (17.8%) first responders answered the survey and 112 were used for analysis. Results found first responders perceived a need for health and environmental monitoring. The health and environmental indicators that respondents perceived as most important for monitoring in the field were heart rate (98.2%) and carbon monoxide (100%), respectively. Overall, using and wearing monitoring devices was not age-dependent and health and environmental concerns were important for first responders at any stage of their career. However, current wearable technology does not seem to be a viable solution for first responders due to device expense and durability issues.
A Machine Learning Approach for Monitoring and Classifying Healthcare Data-A Case of Emergency Department of KSA Hospitals
Authors: Ragab Mahmoud , Kateb Faris , Al-Rabia Mohammed W. , Hamed Diaa , Althaqafi Turki , AL-Ghamdi Abdullah S. AL-Malaise
Published: March 2023

The Emergency Departments (EDs), in hospitals located in a few important areas in Saudi Arabia, experience a heavy inflow of patients due to viral illnesses, pandemics, and even on a few special occasions events such as Hajj or Umrah, when pilgrims travel from one region to another with severe disease conditions. Apart from the EDs, it is critical to monitor the movements of patients from EDs to other wards inside the hospital or in the region. This is to track the spread of viral illnesses that require more attention. In this scenario, Machine Learning (ML) algorithms can be used to classify the data into many classes and track the target audience. The current research article presents a Machine Learning-based Medical Data Monitoring and Classification Model for the EDs of the KSA hospitals and is named MLMDMC-ED technique. The most important aim of the proposed MLMDMC-ED technique is to monitor and track the patient’s visits to the EDs, the treatment given to them based on the Canadian Emergency Department Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), and their Length Of Stay (LOS) in the hospital, based on their treatment requirements. A patient’s clinical history is crucial in terms of making decisions during health emergencies or pandemics. So, the data should be processed so that it can be classified and visualized in different formats using the ML technique. The current research work aims at extracting the textual features from the patients’ data using the metaheuristic Non-Defeatable Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA II). The data, collected from the hospitals, are classified using the Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) model. Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is exploited for fine-tuning the parameters to optimize the performance of the GCN model. The proposed MLMDMC-ED technique was experimentally validated on the healthcare data and the outcomes indicated the improvements of the MLMDMC-ED technique over other models with a maximum accuracy of 91.87%.
Influence of Emotional Skills on Attitudes towards Communication: Nursing Students vs. Nurses
Authors: Giménez-Espert María del Carmen , Maldonado Sandra , Prado-Gascó Vicente
Published: March 2023

Communication in nursing is essential to the quality of care and patients’ satisfaction, and personal variables such as empathy and emotional intelligence (EI) can improve it; however, no studies have to date analyzed these competencies and their relations among nursing students compared with nurses. The aims of this study are, therefore, to analyze the differences between nursing students and nurses in the means for empathy, EI and attitudes towards communication in order to assess the impact of empathy and EI on nurses’ and nursing students’ attitudes towards communication, and their influence on the behavioral dimension of attitude. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on a convenience sample of 961 nursing students and 460 nurses from the Valencian Community, Spain. T-test and hierarchical regression models (HRM) were used. The data was collected in the selected universities in the 2018/2019 academic year. The results showed high levels in all the variables analyzed (i.e., empathy, EI, and attitudes towards communication) in both samples. The HRM results suggested that empathy was a better predictor than EI of the attitudes towards patient communication among both the nursing students and nurses. In the behavioral dimension of the attitude, the cognitive and affective dimensions had greater weight than the emotional component (i.e., empathy and EI). Developing empathy and the cognitive dimension of the attitude in nursing students and nurses could, therefore, help improve EI and attitudes towards communication. These findings are important for developing intervention programs adjusted to real needs.
Deep Neural Networks-Based Age Estimation of Cadavers Using CT Imaging of Vertebrae
Authors: Kondou Hiroki , Morohashi Rina , Ichioka Hiroaki , Bandou Risa , Matsunari Ryota , Kawamoto Masataka , Idota Nozomi , Ting Deng , Kimura Satoko , Ikegaya Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Although age estimation upon death is important in the identification of unknown cadavers for forensic scientists, to the best of our knowledge, no study has examined the utility of deep neural network (DNN) models for age estimation among cadavers. We performed a postmortem computed tomography (CT) examination of 1000 and 500 male and female cadavers, respectively. These CT slices were converted into 3-dimensional images, and only the thoracolumbar region was extracted. Eighty percent of them were categorized as training datasets and the others as test datasets for both sexes. We fine-tuned the ResNet152 models using the training datasets. We conducted 4-fold cross-validation, and the mean absolute error (MAE) of the test datasets was calculated using the ensemble learning of four ResNet152 models. Consequently, the MAE of the male and female models was 7.25 and 7.16, respectively. Our study shows that DNN models can be useful tools in the field of forensic medicine.
Assessment of Multiple Ecosystem Services and Ecological Security Pattern in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Li Ya , Wang Sheng , Li Qing , Li Lingfeng , Liu Xiaoling
Published: March 2023

The ecological security pattern construction could effectively regulate ecological processes and ensure ecological functions, then rationally allocate natural resources and green infrastructure, and, finally, realize ecological security. In view of serious soil erosion, accelerated land desertification, soil pollution and habitat degradation in Shanxi Province, the spatial distribution of six key ecosystem services, including water conservation (WC), soil conservation (SC), sand fixation (SF), carbon storage (CS), net primary productivity (NPP) and habitat quality (HQ), was analyzed by using multiple models. The comprehensive ability of multiple ecosystem services in different regions was quantified by calculating multiple ecosystem services landscape index (MESLI). Combined with ecosystem services hotspots, the ecological security pattern of Shanxi Province was constructed by using the minimum cumulative resistance model. The results showed that the spatial differences in ecosystem services in Shanxi Province were obvious, which was low in the seven major basins and Fen River valley, and high in the mountains (especially Taihang and Lvliang Mountains) for WC, SC, CS, NPP and HQ, while high SF was only distributed in the northern Shanxi. The MESLI showed that the ability to provide multiple ecosystem services simultaneously was low in Shanxi Province, with the medium and low grade MESLI regions accounting for 58.61%, and only 18.07% for the high grade MESLI regions. The important protected areas and ecological sources of the ecological security pattern were concentrated in the Lvliang and Taihang Mountains, which were consistent with the key areas of ecosystem services. The ecological corridors illustrated network distribution with ecological sources as the center, the low-, medium- and high-level buffers accounted for 26.34%, 17.03% and 16.35%, respectively. The results will provide important implications for economic transformation, high-quality development and ecological sustainable development in resource-based regions worldwide.
Visual Characteristics of Adults with Long-Standing History of Dietary Exposure to Mercury in Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada
Authors: Tousignant Benoit , Chatillon Annie , Philibert Aline , Da Silva Judy , Fillion Myriam , Mergler Donna
Published: March 2023

Since the 1960s, Grassy Narrows First Nation (Ontario, Canada) has been exposed to methyl mercury (Hg) through fish consumption, resulting from industrial pollution of their territorial waters. This cross-sectional study describes the visual characteristics of adults with documented Hg exposure between 1970 and 1997. Oculo-visual examinations of 80 community members included visual acuity, automated visual fields, optical coherence tomography [OCT], color vision and contrast sensitivity. Median age was 57 years (IQR 51–63) and 55% of participants were women. Median visual acuity was 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 6/6.4; IQR 0–0.2). A total of 26% of participants presented a Visual Field Index inferior to 62%, and qualitative losses assessment showed concentric constriction (18%), end-stage concentric loss (18%), and complex defects (24%). On OCT, retinal nerve fiber layer scans showed 74% of participants within normal/green range. For color testing with the Hardy, Rand, and Rittler test, 40% presented at least one type of color defect, and with the Lanthony D-15 test, median color confusion index was 1.59 (IQR 1.33–1.96). Contrast sensitivity showed moderate loss for 83% of participants. These findings demonstrate important loss of visual field, color vision, and contrast sensitivity in older adults in a context of long-term exposure to Hg in Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Sleep Well, Study Well: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies on the Interplay between Sleep and School Experience in Adolescence
Authors: Bacaro Valeria , Carpentier Liesbeth , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

Adolescents spend most of their daily time in school and performing school-related activities. Different aspects of their school experiences, such as school performance, psychological factors related to school, and structural factors, consistently impact adolescents’ health and are likely to be intertwined with their sleep (i.e., quantity and quality, sleep disturbances). This systematic review aimed to comprehensively summarize the reciprocal and longitudinal associations between adolescents’ sleep and multiple aspects of their school experience. Using multiple search strategies and applying a two-step selection process, 25 journal articles matched the eligibility criteria and were thus included in the review. The results highlighted the contribution of poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances in predicting longitudinal school experiences-related outcomes (i.e., decreasing school engagement and performance, and increasing school-related burnout, absenteeism, and bullying). At the same time, the results showed how experiences related to the school’s psychological factors (e.g., high levels of school burnout and stressful environment) and structural characteristics (e.g., early school entrance time) affect youth sleep over time (i.e., decreasing sleep quality and quantity). These main findings provided novel insights into the bidirectional relationship between school experience and sleep health, highlighting the importance of more longitudinal research investigating all aspects of healthy sleep, including the size and direction of the association.
Silica Nanoparticles Promote Apoptosis in Ovarian Granulosa Cells via Autophagy Dysfunction
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Zuo Wenlong , Ye Rongrong , Grunberger Jason William , Khurana Nitish , Xu Xianyu , Ghandehari Hamidreza , Chen Fenglei
Published: March 2023

Although silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are generally thought to be biocompatible and safe, the adverse effects of SNPs were also reported in previous studies. SNPs cause follicular atresia via the induction of ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. However, the mechanisms for this phenomenon are not well understood. This study focuses on exploring the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis induced by SNPs in ovarian granulosa cells. Our results showed that 25.0 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/intratracheal instillation of 110 nm in diameter spherical Stöber SNPs caused ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in follicles in vivo. We also found that SNPs mainly internalized into the lumens of the lysosomes in primary cultured ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. SNPs induced cytotoxicity via a decrease in viability and an increase in apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. SNPs increased BECLIN-1 and LC3-II levels, leading to the activation of autophagy and increased P62 level, resulting in the blockage of autophagic flux. SNPs increased the BAX/BCL-2 ratio and cleaved the caspase-3 level, resulting in the activation of the mitochondrial-mediated caspase-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway. SNPs enlarged the LysoTracker Red-positive compartments, decreased the CTSD level, and increased the acidity of lysosomes, leading to lysosomal impairment. Our results reveal that SNPs cause autophagy dysfunction via lysosomal impairment, resulting in follicular atresia via the enhancement of apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
Dermatophagoides farinae Extract Induces Interleukin 33-Mediated Atopic Skin Inflammation via Activation of RIP1
Authors: Jin Meiling , Bang Jin Seon , Ha Dae-Lyong , Kim Jun Young , Park Kyung Duck , Lee Weon Ju , Lee Seok-Jong , Choi Jin Kyeong , Choi Young-Ae , Jang Yong Hyun , Kim Sang-Hyun
Published: March 2023

Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP) family 1 signaling has complex effects on inflammatory processes and cell death, but little is known concerning allergic skin diseases. We examined the role of RIP1 in Dermatophagoides farinae extract (DFE)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin inflammation. RIP1 phosphorylation was increased in HKCs treated with DFE. Nectostatin-1, a selective and potent allosteric inhibitor of RIP1, inhibited AD-like skin inflammation and the expression of histamine, total IgE, DFE-specific IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in an AD-like mouse model. The expression of RIP1 was increased in ear skin tissue from a DFE-induced mouse model with AD-like skin lesions and in the lesional skin of AD patients with high house dust mite sensitization. The expression of IL-33 was down-regulated after RIP1 inhibition, and the levels of IL-33 were increased by over-expression of RIP1 in keratinocytes stimulated with DFE. Nectostatin-1 reduced IL-33 expression in vitro and in the DFE-induced mouse model. These results suggest that RIP1 can be one of the mediators that regulate IL-33-mediated atopic skin inflammation by house dust mites.
The Role of the Oral Microbiome in the Development of Diseases
Authors: Kozak Małgorzata , Pawlik Andrzej
Published: March 2023

Periodontal disease (PD) is a complex and infectious illness that begins with a disruption of bacterial homeostasis. This disease induces a host inflammatory response, leading to damage of the soft and connective tooth-supporting tissues. Moreover, in advanced cases, it can contribute to tooth loss. The aetiological factors of PDs have been widely researched, but the pathogenesis of PD has still not been totally clarified. There are a number of factors that have an effect on the aetiology and pathogenesis of PD. It is purported that microbiological, genetic susceptibility and lifestyle can determine the development and severity of the disease. The human body’s defence response to the accumulation of plaque and its enzymes is known to be a major factor for PD. The oral cavity is colonised by a characteristic and complex microbiota that grows as diverse biofilms on all mucosal and dental surfaces. The aim of this review was to provide the latest updates in the literature regarding still-existing problems with PD and to highlight the role of the oral microbiome in periodontal health and disease. Better awareness and knowledge of the causes of dysbiosis, environmental risk factors and periodontal therapy can reduce the growing worldwide prevalence of PDs. The promotion of good oral hygiene, limiting smoking, alcohol consumption and exposure to stress and comprehensive treatment to decrease the pathogenicity of oral biofilm can help reduce PD as well as other diseases. Evidence linking disorders of the oral microbiome to various systemic diseases has increased the understanding of the importance of the oral microbiome in regulating many processes in the human body and, thus, its impact on the development of many diseases.
Macrophages CD163+ and Factor XIIIa+ Provide a First-Line Defence against Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Antigens
Authors: Palaçon Mariana Paravani , de Oliveira Barbeiro Camila , Fernandes Darcy , Biancardi Mariel Ruivo , Silveira Heitor Albergoni , Ferrisse Túlio Morandin , León Jorge Esquiche , Kujan Omar , Bufalino Andreia
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the density of the dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages in oral leukoplakia (OL) and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) by immunohistochemical analysis. We analysed paraffined tissue samples of PVL (n = 27), OL (n = 20), and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (n = 20) as the control group using the immunomarkers for DCs (CD1a, CD207, CD83, CD208 and CD123) and macrophages (CD68, CD163, FXIIIa and CD209). A quantitative analysis of positive cells in the epithelial and subepithelial areas was determined. Our results showed a reduction in CD208+ cells in the subepithelial area of the OL and PVL compared to the control. Additionally, we found a higher density of FXIIIa+ and CD163+ cells in the subepithelial area in PVL compared to the OL and control. Four-way MANOVA revealed a relationship between increased CD123+ cell density in the subepithelial area of “high-risk” samples regardless of disease. Macrophages provide the first line of defence against PVL antigens, suggesting a distinct pattern of innate immune system activation in PVL compared to OL, which may contribute to the complexity and the high rate of malignant transformation in the PVL.
Electrochemical Performance of Potassium Bromate Active Electrolyte for Laser-Induced KBr-Graphene Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Shaalan Nagih M. , Ahmed Faheem , Kumar Shalendra , Ahmad Mohamad M. , Al-Naim Abdullah F. , Hamad D.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we have reported a low-concentration active electrolyte of KBrO3 for the supercapacitor’s application. The electrochemical processes were carried out in two concentrations of KBrO3 with 0.2 and 0.4 M. Additionally, we have reported a novel strategy for doping graphene during its fabrication process with a potassium bromide (KBr) solution. The chemical doping of graphene with KBr improved the electrochemical properties of graphene used as supercapacitors. HRTEM images confirmed the multi-layer graphene obtained by CO2 laser based on polyimide. The effect of KBr on the graphene lattice has been studied using Raman spectroscopy. The two electrodes of graphene and KBr-doped graphene were subjected to the electrochemical properties study as a supercapacitor by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The results exhibited the successful method of graphene doping and the stability of using KBrO3 as a suitable electrolyte for electrochemical processes with this lower molarity. The specific capacitance of the pristine graphene capacitor in 0.2 M of KBrO3 was 33 Fg−1, while this value increased up to 70 Fg−1 for KBr-doped graphene in 0.4 M of KBrO3. The specific capacity in mAhg−1 has also increased twofold. The results exhibited the possibility of using KBrO3 as an electrolyte. The supercapacitor performance almost showed good stability in the life cycle.
Development of Aldehyde Functionalized Iridium(III) Complexes Photosensitizers with Strong Visible-Light Absorption for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Water
Authors: Yao Xiao , Zhang Qian , Ho Po-Yu , Yiu Sze-Chun , Suramitr Songwut , Hannongbua Supa , Ho Cheuk-Lam
Published: March 2023

Four iridium(III) dyes functionalized with aldehyde functional group in the cyclometalating (C^N) ligands, bearing either diethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-dicarboxylate or tetraethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-diylbis(phosphonate) anchoring groups, coded as Ir1–Ir4, are synthesized and explored as photosensitizers. The synthetic route is described and all of the complexes are characterized with respect to their electrochemical and photophysical properties. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to gain insight into the factors responsible for the photocatalytic properties of Ir1–Ir4 as effective photosensitizers for photocatalytic hydrogen generation. Relative to common iridium(III) dyes, such as [Ir(ppy)2(dcbpy)]+ (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine), the absorption spectra of our dyes are broader, which is attributed to the extended π-conjugation in their C^N ligands. All of the new iridium(III) dyes were used as photosensitizers for visible-light driven hydrogen production by attaching to platinized TiO2 nanoparticles (Pt–TiO2) in the presence of sacrificial electron donor (SED) of ascorbic acid (AA) in a purely aqueous solution. A H2 turnover number (TON) up to 5809 was demonstrated for 280 h irradiation. Complexes with tetraethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-diylbis(phosphonate) anchoring groups were found to outperform those with classical diethyl [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-dicarboxylate, which may be one of the important steps in developing high-efficiency iridium(III) photosensitizers in water splitting hydrogen generation.
Bis(benzimidazole) Complexes, Synthesis and Their Biological Properties: A Perspective
Authors: Šindelář Zdeněk , Kopel Pavel
Published: March 2023

Benzimidazoles are a very well-known, broad group of compounds containing nitrogen atoms in their structure that can mimic properties of DNA bases. The compounds show not only biological activities but also are used for spectral and catalytic properties. Biological activity of benzimidazoles can be tuned and accelerated in coordination compounds. This minireview is focused on preparation of bis(benzimidazoles), their complexes, and biological properties that can be found from 2015.