bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mechanism of miR-21-5p/TSP-1-Mediating Exercise on the Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Aged Rats
Authors: Chen Xiaoke , Xie Kejia , Sun Xinzheng , Zhang Chengzhu , He Hui
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: The declined function of peripheral circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in aging individuals resulted in decreased endothelial cell regeneration and vascular endothelial function. Improving EPCs function in aging individuals plays an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. (2) Methods: Thirty aged (18-month-old) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and exercise groups. An aerobic exercise intervention was performed 5 days/week for 8 weeks. EPCs functions, miR-21-5p, and TSP-1 expressions were detected after the intervention. The senescence rate, proliferation, and migration of EPCs were examined after overexpression of miR-21-5p and inhibition of TSP-1 expression. (3) Results: The senescence rate, proliferation, and migration of EPCs in exercise groups were significantly improved after exercise intervention. The miR-21-5p expression was increased and the TSP-1 mRNA expression was decreased in the EPCs after the intervention. miR-21-5p overexpression can improve EPCs function and inhibit TSP-1 expression but has no effect on senescence rate. Inhibition of TSP-1 expression could improve the function and reduce the senescence rate. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicate that long-term aerobic exercise can improve the functions of EPCs in aging individuals by downregulating TSP-1 expression via miR-21-5p, which reveals the mechanism of exercise in improving cardiovascular function.
Perceived Stress and Smoking Cessation: The Role of Smoking Urges
Authors: Barroso-Hurtado María , Suárez-Castro Daniel , Martínez-Vispo Carmela , Becoña Elisardo , López-Durán Ana
Published: January 2023

Despite the fact that perceived stress is related to abstinence smoking outcomes, no studies have investigated the mediational effect of specific tobacco-related variables on this relationship. This study aimed to explore the indirect effect of perceived stress on abstinence at the end of treatment through smoking urges. The sample comprised 260 treatment-seeking smokers (58.5% female; Mage = 46.00; SD = 11.1) who underwent psychological smoking cessation treatment. The brief version of the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14) were used. Mediation analyses were conducted in which smoking urges and their dimensions were potential mediators in the relationship between perceived stress and abstinence at the end of treatment. The results showed a non-significant direct effect of perceived stress on abstinence. However, a significant indirect effect was found through smoking urges (QSU-total) and, specifically, through smoking urges associated with the expectation of negative affect relief (QSU-Factor 2). A non-significant indirect effect through smoking urges related to the expectation of tobacco use as a pleasurable experience (QSU-Factor 1) was also found. Analyzing possible mediator variables could contribute to understanding previous conflicting data. These findings point to potential interest in including treatment components targeting perceived stress and smoking urges to improve the effectiveness of smoking cessation treatments.
Assessing Enacted Sexual Stigma toward Gay and Bisexual Men in the Military: The Enacted Sexual Stigma Experiences Scale in Military Service
Authors: Lin Chung-Ying , Chang Yu-Ping , Chou Wen-Jiun , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: January 2023

Gay and bisexual military servicemembers experience disproportionately high rates of victimization due to enacted sexual stigma (ESS). This study formulated a new scale, called the Enacted Sexual Stigma Experiences Scale in Military Service (ESSESiMS) for gay and bisexual servicemembers, and examined its psychometric propensities. The five-item ESSESiMS was first developed based on the results of focus group interviews with 12 participants. A total of 399 gay and bisexual men who have experience of the military service participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was implemented to determine the factor structure of the ESSESiMS; the internal consistency and concurrent validity of the ESSESiMS was also examined. The EFA results indicate that the ESSESiMS should have a single-item structure. The ESSESiMS exhibited acceptable internal consistency and concurrent validity. Incidents of ESS in the ESSESiMS were significantly associated with perceived sexual stigma outside the military service and with higher levels of depression, loneliness, and suicidal ideation. The results of our study supported the psychometric properties of the newly developed ESSESiMS for assessing the experiences of ESS among gay and bisexual servicemembers in Taiwan. Experiences of ESS toward gay and bisexual servicemembers were common; ESS was significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
Physical Activity Levels and Sleep in Schoolchildren (6–17) with and without School Sport
Authors: Larrinaga-Undabarrena Arkaitz , Río Xabier , Sáez Iker , Angulo-Garay Garazi , Aguirre-Betolaza Aitor Martinez , Albisua Neritzel , Martínez de Lahidalga Aguirre Gorka , Sánchez Isla José Ramón , García Natalia , Urbano Mikel , Guerra-Balic Myriam , Fernández Juan Ramón , Coca Aitor
Published: January 2023

There is strong evidence to support the association between daily physical activity and sleep parameters in children and adolescents. Physical activity and outdoor play are favourably associated with most sleep outcomes in school children. The aim is to find out the levels of physical activity and the quality of sleep in Basque schoolchildren aged between six and seventeen and to analyse the possible differences between those who carry out some kind of physical sports activity and those who do not. The sample consisted of 1082 schoolchildren (50.1% male and 49.9% female). Differences between groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test (2 samples) and Kruskal–Wallis one-factor ANOVA (k samples). A total of 723 (66.94%) of the participants said they practiced some physical sports activity. The accelerometers obtained significant differences in all levels of physical activity, as well as in sleep efficiency, with higher levels of physical activity (sedentary p = 0.001; light p = 0.017; moderate p = 0.009; vigorous p = 0.001 and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity p = 0.002) and better sleep efficiency (p = 0.002) in those schoolchildren who perform some type of physical sports activity. A significant difference in time spent in sedentary activities was also observed between primary and secondary school pupils of both sexes and regardless of the degree of physical sports activity completion.
The FRISK (Fracture Risk)—A New Tool to Indicate the Probability of Fractures
Authors: Wichlas Florian , Hahn Franziska Melanie , Tsitsilonis Serafeim , Lindner Tobias , Marnitz Tim , Deininger Christian , Hofmann Valeska
Published: January 2023

Increasing patient inflow into the emergency department makes it necessary to optimize triage management. The scope of this work was to determine simple factors that could detect fractures in patients without the need for specialized personnel. Between 2014 and 2015, 798 patients were admitted to an orthopedic emergency department and prospectively included in the study. The patients received a questionnaire before contacting the doctor. Objective and subjective data were evaluated to determine fracture risk for the upper and lower extremities. The highest risk for fractures in one region was the hip (73.21%; n = 56), followed by the wrist (60.32%; n = 63) and the femoral shaft (4 of 7, 57.14%; n = 7). The regions with the lowest risk were the knee (8.41%; n = 107), the ankle (18.29%; n = 164), and the forearm shaft (30.00%; n = 10). Age was a predictor for fracture: patients older than 59 years had a risk greater than 59.26%, and patients older than 90 years had a risk greater than 83.33%. The functional questions could exclude fractures. Three factors seem to be able to predict fracture risk: the injured region, the patient’s age, and a functional question. They can be used for a probatory heuristic that needs to be proven in a prospective way.
What Do Local People Really Need from a Place? Defining Local Place Qualities with Assessment of Users’ Perceptions
Authors: Liu Huiming , Li Bin , Liu Qing , Li Yifan , Zhao Jing , Wang Xuechun , Cui Chaoyi , Zeng Shaoting
Published: January 2023

China is facing a serious urban regeneration issue in which replicable international-style locations are losing their socio-cultural adaptability, especially in anonymous residential neighbourhoods. This study defines the key location qualities from local literature and then refines these qualities through observation investigations and statistical analysis (n = 180) to establish links between theories and contemporary uses. Based on the results, a correlation analysis of local place qualities was assessed from users’ perceptions (n = 180) to identify the interactional influences between each indicator of local place qualities. Finally, local place qualities were scored to address their level of impact on users’ perceptions. The results highlighted health, enjoyment, and social dependence as the most concerning factors in site investigations based on local cognitions. They are strongly associated with key local place qualities (naturality, functionality, cosmological cognitions, and interdependent sociability), directly and indirectly resulting in different levels of impact on users’ perceptions at different scales.
The Role of Adaptive Goal Processes in Mental Wellbeing in Chronic Pain
Authors: Swindells Tara , Iddon Joanne , Dickson Joanne M.
Published: January 2023

Chronic pain, experienced as pain persisting for three months or longer, is associated with risk of poor mental health and disability. Research has implicated adaptive goal processes as important to mental wellbeing in a range of populations. However, research has rarely assessed these mechanisms in relation to pain characteristics and mental wellbeing in chronic pain populations. This study aimed to examine the potentially mediating roles of goal flexibility and goal tenacity in the relationships between pain intensity and pain interference and mental wellbeing among individuals with chronic pain. Community members who self-identified as experiencing non-cancer chronic pain (N = 315) completed an online self-report survey on goal tenacity, goal flexibility, mental wellbeing, pain intensity, and pain interference. Unexpectedly, pain intensity was not significantly related to mental wellbeing, when controlling for pain interference. However, pain interference was directly and significantly associated with mental wellbeing. Both goal flexibility and goal tenacity mediated the relationship between pain interference and mental wellbeing, whilst controlling for pain intensity. The results provide support for the protective role of adaptive goal processes in mental wellbeing in those with chronic pain and highlight the importance of pain interference in relation to mental wellbeing.
The Knowledge Sharing Capability in Innovative Behavior: A SEM Approach from Graduate Students’ Insights
Authors: Yepes Víctor , López Salvador
Published: January 2023

The capability to share knowledge is considered one of the most relevant components of knowledge management. Moreover, there is little empirical evidence indicating how future human resources in the construction industry value the richness of knowledge sharing and the richness of their innovative behavior. The purposes of this study are (1) to determine which facilitators, from the point of view of master’s degree students related to engineering and construction management in Spain, most substantially influence knowledge sharing capability; (2) to test whether knowledge sharing capability (KS) positively influences innovative behavior (IB); and (3) demonstrating whether organizational innovation climate (OIC) is a factor that moderates the relationship between KS and IB. In this research, we have proposed a theoretical model and empirically tested the model in a sample of 253 master’s degree students in public universities in Spain. The findings support the proposed model, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) evaluation suggests that, among all the facilitators of KS, information and communication technologies (ICT) stand out among the other facilitators and have a more significant influence on KS. Furthermore, the research found a direct correlation between KS and IB and causal links between OIC and IB.
Hospitalisation at Home of Patients with COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of User Experiences
Authors: Cerdan de las Heras Jose , Andersen Signe Lindgård , Matthies Sophie , Sandreva Tatjana Vektorvna , Johannesen Caroline Klint , Nielsen Thyge Lynghøj , Fuglebjerg Natascha , Catalan-Matamoros Daniel , Hansen Dorte Gilså , Fischer Thea K.
Published: January 2023

Hospitalisation at Home (HaH) is a new model providing hospital-level care at home as a substitute for traditional care. Biometric monitoring and digital communication are crucial, but little is known about user perspectives. We aim to explore how in-patients with severe COVID-19 infection and clinicians engage with and experience communication and self-monitoring activities following the HaH model. A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews of patients and clinicians participating in the early development phase of HaH were conducted. We interviewed eight clinicians and six patients. Five themes emerged from clinicians: (1) staff fear and concerns, (2) workflow, (3) virtual closeness, (4) patient relatives, and (5) future HaH models; four themes emerged from patients: (1) transition to home, (2) joint responsibility, (3) acceptability of technologies, and (4) relatives. Despite technical problems, both patients and clinicians were enthusiastic about the conceptual HaH idea. If appropriately introduced, treatment based on self-monitoring and remote communication was perceived acceptable for the patients; however, obtaining vitals at night was an overwhelming challenge. HaH is generally acceptable, perceived patient-centred, influencing routine clinical workflow, role and job satisfaction. Therefore, it calls for educational programs including more perspective than issues related to technical devices.
Predicting Challenge and Threat Appraisal of Job Demands among Nurses: The Role of Matching Job Resources
Authors: Fernandez de Henestrosa Martha , Sischka Philipp E. , Steffgen Georges
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Empirical studies have started to examine employees’ subjective appraisals of job demands and their relations to employees’ health. However, knowledge of working conditions, which might contribute to how employees appraise specific job demands, is scarce. The present study aimed to examine predictors of nurses’ appraisals of job demands (i.e., time pressure, emotional demands, physical demands, and role ambiguity) as challenges and/or threats among corresponding job resources (i.e., autonomy, social support, physical resources, participation in decision-making). It also examined moderating effects of these predictors. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected via an online survey in a sample of 425 nurses working in Luxembourg. (3) Results: Multiple regression analyses indicated that matching job resources predicted nurses’ appraisal of job demands as challenging. Threat appraisal was predicted by three out of four kinds of job resources (i.e., autonomy, physical resources, participation in decision-making). However, the current study did not find any moderating effects between job demands and job resources on challenge/threat appraisals. (4) Conclusions: The present study identified domain-specific job resources that contribute to how employees perceive selected job demands. Accordingly, we encourage scholars and practitioners to align job demands with matching job resources to prevent nurses’ threat appraisal of job demands, and to promote their challenge appraisals.
Development and Performance Evaluation of an IoT-Integrated Breath Analyzer
Authors: Khamis Abd Alghani , Idris Aida , Abdellatif Abdallah , Mohd Rom Noor Ashikin , Khamis Taha , Ab Karim Mohd Sayuti , Janasekaran Shamini , Abd Rashid Rusdi Bin
Published: January 2023

Although alcohol consumption may produce effects that can be beneficial or harmful, alcohol consumption prevails among communities around the globe. Additionally, alcohol consumption patterns may be associated with several factors among communities and individuals. Numerous technologies and methods are implemented to enhance the detection and tracking of alcohol consumption, such as vehicle-integrated and wearable devices. In this paper, we present a cellular-based Internet of Things (IoT) implementation in a breath analyzer to enable data collection from multiple users via a single device. Cellular technology using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) was implemented as an IoT gateway. IoT integration enabled the direct retrieval of information from a database relative to the device and direct upload of data from the device onto the database. A manually developed threshold algorithm was implemented to quantify alcohol concentrations within a range from 0 to 200 mcg/100 mL breath alcohol content using electrochemical reactions in a fuel-cell sensor. Two data collections were performed: one was used for the development of the model and was split into two sets for model development and on-machine validation, and another was used as an experimental verification test. An overall accuracy of 98.16% was achieved, and relative standard deviations within the range from 1.41% to 2.69% were achieved, indicating the reliable repeatability of the results. The implication of this paper is that the developed device (an IoT-integrated breath analyzer) may provide practical assistance for healthcare representatives and researchers when conducting studies involving the detection and data collection of alcohol consumption patterns.
Determinants of Outdoor Time in Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal and Intervention Studies
Authors: Larouche Richard , Kleinfeld Madeline , Charles Rodriguez Ulises , Hatten Cheryl , Hecker Victoria , Scott David R. , Brown Leanna Marie , Onyeso Ogochukwu K. , Sadia Farzana , Shimamura Hanako
Published: January 2023

Spending more time outdoors can improve children’s social and cognitive development, physical activity, and vision. Our systematic review summarized the determinants of outdoor time (OT) based on the social-ecological model. We searched nine databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, SocINDEX, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. To be included, studies needed to be quantitative and longitudinal, include ≥1 potential determinant of OT among 0- to 17-year-olds, and be published in English, French, Japanese, or Spanish. We extracted the authors, publication year, country, design, sample size, OT measures, follow-up period, potential determinants, main results, and potential moderators or mediators. Fifty-five studies examining 119 potential determinants met the inclusion criteria. OT was consistently higher in warmer seasons and among participants reporting more OT at baseline. All three interventions that included both parent sessions and additional resources to promote OT (e.g., specific advice and community guides) were effective. COVID-19 restrictions and sun safety interventions discouraging midday outdoor activities led to less OT. The quality of evidence was rated as weak for 46 studies. Most potential determinants were examined in ≤3 studies; thus, more longitudinal studies are needed to enable stronger conclusions about the consistency of evidence and meta-analyses.
Identifying Emissions Reduction Opportunities in International Bilateral Emissions Trading Systems to Achieve China’s Energy Sector NDCs
Authors: Han Jing , Zhu Weilin , Chen Chaofan
Published: January 2023

Exploring more emissions reduction opportunities for China’s energy sector and lowering China’s decarbonisation costs are essential to fulfilling China’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and making China’s sustainable development more feasible. This study explored emissions reduction opportunities for China’s energy sector in international bilateral emissions trading systems (ETSs) using a CGE (computable general equilibrium) model. This study revealed that linking China’s ETS to those of regions with lower decarbonisation responsibilities, which tend to be developing regions, could lower China’s carbon prices, thus increasing China’s domestic energy supply and lowering energy prices (and vice versa). Meanwhile, the volume of emissions from regions linked to China also significantly affected the degree of the change in China’s carbon prices. Among these, ETS links to India and Russia could reduce China’s carbon price from 7.80 USD/ton under domestic ETS to 2.16 USD/ton and 6.79 USD/ton, allowing the energy sector and energy-intensive sectors to increase greenhouse gas emissions by 1.14% and 7.05%, respectively, without falling short of meeting its NDC targets. In contrast, as a consequence of links with the United States and the European Union, China’s carbon price could increase to 5.37 USD/ton and 1.79 USD/ton, respectively, which would limit China’s energy and energy-intensive sectors to emitting 5.45% and 2.24% fewer greenhouse gases in order to meet its NDC targets.
The Relationship between Young Children’s Graphomotor Skills and Their Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sinvani Rachel-Tzofia , Golos Anat , Ben Zagmi Stav , Gilboa Yafit
Published: January 2023

The current study aimed to examine the unique contribution of personal and environmental factors to explain graphomotor skills in typically developing preschoolers and first-year elementary school students. A convenience sample of 136 Israeli children aged three–seven years was recruited. Graphomotor skills were assessed using the Gilboa Functional Test (GIFT); personal and environmental factors were assessed using a demographic questionnaire and the Home Literacy Experiences Questionnaire (HLEQ). A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that home literacy and educational approach accounted for 43.1% of the variance of graphomotor skills (R2 = 40.4, p < 0.000), each providing a unique contribution to the explained variance after controlling for age, gender, and spoken language. Generally, our results supported the bioecological model, with proximal factors (home literacy and educational approach) having a greater influence on child graphomotor skills than distal factors (parental socioeconomic and immigration status). By highlighting the role of environmental factors in graphomotor development, these results can be used as a conceptual framework for developing early intervention programs.
Government Intervention, Structural Transformation, and Carbon Emissions: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Shuhua , Li Jian , Jiang Bao , Guo Tianmiao
Published: January 2023

Government intervention and structural transformation play an important role in both the economy and carbon emissions. Based on provincial panel data from China from 2003 to 2020, this paper employs econometric models to investigate the impact of government intervention and structural transformation on carbon emissions. In particular, structural transformation is divided into two indicators: The rationalization of the industrial structure and the upgrading of the industrial structure. According to the research findings, government intervention has significantly promoted carbon emissions and structural transformation has had dual effects on carbon emissions; meanwhile, the rationalization of the industrial structure has significantly increased carbon emissions, while the upgrading of the industrial structure has slowed down carbon emissions, with these findings passing the corresponding robustness test. The relationship between government intervention, structural transformation, and carbon emissions varies significantly over time and across regions. Further investigations revealed that government intervention and structural transformation have a significant impact on carbon emissions in various panel quantiles. Finally, the paper makes policy recommendations in order to provide empirical support for promoting China’s high-quality economic development and achieving the “double carbon” goal.
Effects of a Diet Containing Sources of Prebiotics and Probiotics and Modification of the Gut Microbiota on the Reduction of Body Fat
Authors: Jagielski Paweł , Bolesławska Izabela , Wybrańska Iwona , Przysławski Juliusz , Łuszczki Edyta
Published: January 2023

In 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the WHO European Region, affecting almost 60% of adults. Based on the assessment of BMI (Body Mass Index), a group of 56 women aged 25–45 years (31 women group A average BMI 34.9 ± 4.86 kg/m2 and 25 women group B average BMI 33.4 ± 4.02 kg/m2) were qualified for the study. In a multi-center, two-arm, parallel, non-randomized study, two types of weight-reduction diets (A and B) were used over a 3-month period. In group A, a standard low-energy diet was used with individually adjusted caloric intake of 1100–1300 kcal, with an increase in the amount and frequency of consumption of sauerkraut and groats and a daily intake of fermented milk drinks (300–400 g), fermented cucumbers (100 g), mineral water (1 L) and cod liver oil (5 mL). In group B, a standard low-energy diet with individually adjusted caloric intake of 1100–1300 kcal with daily intake of fermented milk products (150 g), highly mineralized water (0.5 L), once a week fermented cucumbers, and once a week buckwheat groats was used. The following measurements were taken: body weight, body fat mass, water content, body height, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Body weight and body composition were measured using the Tanita MC-780 MA and TANITA BC-601 analyzer using the bioelectric bioimpedance method. The stool samples were analyzed in the microbiology laboratory where quantification of Bifidobcaterium spp., Bacteroides spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii species, Akkermansia muciniphila and total bacterial count (TBC) was performed. Under the influence of the introduced nutritional intervention, a statistically significant reduction in body weight, body fat, waist circumference, and hip circumference was demonstrated after 3 months. Under the influence of weight reduction, as well as dietary changes, there was an increase in the number of Akkermansia muciniphila bacteria in the women studied. The low-energy diet containing sources of natural prebiotics and probiotics had a more favorable effect on the number of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii bacteria compared to the standard diet.
Is Women’s Engagement in Women’s Development Groups Associated with Enhanced Utilization of Maternal and Neonatal Health Services? A Cross-Sectional Study in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregizabher Fisseha Ashebir , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Bezabih Afework Mulugeta , Persson Lars Åke , Abegaz Della Berhanu
Published: January 2023

Background: In Ethiopia, the Women Development Group program is a community mobilization initiative aimed at enhancing Universal Health Coverage through supporting the primary healthcare services for mothers and newborns. This study aimed to assess the association between engagement in women’s groups and the utilization of maternal and neonatal health services. Method: A cluster-sampled community-based survey was conducted in Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, and Tigray regions of Ethiopia from mid-December 2018 to mid-February 2019. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed, considering the cluster character of the sample. Results: A total of 6296 women (13 to 49 years) from 181 clusters were interviewed. Of these, 896 women delivered in the 12 months prior to the survey. Only 79 (9%) of these women including Women Development Group leaders reported contact with Women Development Groups in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Women who had educations and greater economic status had more frequent contact with Women Development Group leaders. Women who had contact with Women Development Groups had better knowledge on pregnancy danger signs. Being a Women Development Group leader or having contact with Women Development Groups in the last 12 months were associated with antenatal care utilization (AOR 2.82, 95% CI (1.23, 6.45)) but not with the use of facility delivery and utilization of postnatal care services. Conclusions: There is a need to improve the organization and management of the Women Development Group program as well as a need to strengthen the Women Development Group leaders’ engagement in group activities to promote the utilization of maternal and neonatal health services.
An Improved Machine Learning Approach for Optimizing Dust Concentration Estimation in Open-Pit Mines
Authors: Luan Boyu , Zhou Wei , Jiskani Izhar Mithal , Wang Zhiming
Published: January 2023

Dust is a severe environmental issue in open-pit mines, and accurate estimation of its concentration allows for viable solutions for its control and management. This research proposes a machine learning-based solution for accurately estimating dust concentrations. The proposed approach, tested using real data from the Haerwusu open-pit coal mine in China, is based upon the integrated random forest-Markov chain (RF-MC) model. The random forest method is used for estimation, while the Markov chain is used for estimation correction. The wind speed, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure are used as inputs, while PM2.5, PM10, and TSP are taken as estimated outputs. A detailed procedure for implementing the RF-MC is presented, and the estimated performance is analyzed. The results show that after correction, the root mean squared error significantly decreased from 7.40 to 2.56 μg/m3 for PM2.5, from 15.73 to 5.28 μg/m3 for PM10, and from 18.99 to 6.27 μg/m3 for TSP, and the Pearson correlation coefficient and the mean absolute error also improved considerably. This work provides an improved machine learning approach for dust concentration estimation in open-pit coal mines, with a greater emphasis on simplicity and rapid model updates, which is more applicable to ensure the prudent use of water resources and overall environmental conservation, both of which are advantageous to green mining.
Analysing the Influence of Green Marketing Communication in Consumers’ Green Purchase Behaviour
Authors: Correia Elisabete , Sousa Sara , Viseu Clara , Larguinho Manuela
Published: January 2023

This study aims to explore whether consumers’ attention to companies’ green marketing communication influences their green purchase behaviour. It also analyses the importance of consumers’ characteristics, namely gender, education, and green attitudes, in their attention to companies’ green marketing communication. An online survey was carried out on the population residing in Portugal over 18 years of age, allowing us to collect 690 valid responses. Data analysis techniques including descriptive analyses, parametric and non-parametric tests, linear correlation, and regression analysis were used. The achieved results allow us to conclude that consumers are attentive to companies’ green marketing communication. A strong correlation between consumers’ attention to companies’ green marketing communication and green purchasing behaviour was identified. The results also confirm that individuals with higher educational levels and green attitudes and females are the most attentive to companies’ green marketing communication.
Molecular Analysis of Pathogenicity, Adhesive Matrix Molecules (MSCRAMMs) and Biofilm Genes of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Food
Authors: Chajęcka-Wierzchowska Wioleta , Gajewska Joanna , Zakrzewski Arkadiusz Józef , Caggia Cinzia , Zadernowska Anna
Published: January 2023

This paper provides a snapshot on the pathogenic traits within CoNS isolated from ready-to-eat (RTE) food. Eighty-five strains were subjected to biofilm and slime production, as well as biofilm-associated genes (icaA, icaD, icaB, icaC, eno, bap, bhp, aap, fbe, embP and atlE), the insertion sequence elements IS256 and IS257 and hemolytic genes. The results showed that the most prevalent determinants responsible for the primary adherence were eno (57.6%) and aap (56.5%) genes. The icaADBC operon was detected in 45.9% of the tested strains and was correlated to slime production. Moreover, most strains carrying the icaADBC operon simultaneously carried the IS257 insertion sequence element. Among the genes encoding for surface proteins involved in the adhesion to abiotic surfaces process, atlE was the most commonly (31.8%) followed by bap (4.7%) and bhp (1.2%). The MSCRAMMs, including fbe and embp were detected in the 11.8% and 28.2% of strains, respectively. A high occurrence of genes involved in the hemolytic toxin production were detected, such as hla_yiD (50.6%), hlb (48.2%), hld (41.2%) and hla_haem (34.1%). The results of the present study revealed an unexpected occurrence of the genes involved in biofilm production and the high hemolytic activity among the CoNS strains, isolated from RTE food, highlighting that this group seems to be acquiring pathogenic traits similar to those of S. aureus, suggesting the need to be included in the routine microbiological analyses of food.
Can Regional Eco-Efficiency Forecast the Changes in Local Public Health: Evidence Based on Statistical Learning in China
Authors: Wang Xianning , Ma Zhengang , Chen Jiusheng , Dong Jingrong
Published: January 2023

Regional eco-efficiency affects local public health through intermediaries such as economic and environmental impacts. Considering multiple factors, the implicit and uncertain relationship with regional characteristics, and the limited data availability, this paper investigated the forecasting of changes in local public health—including the number of visits to hospitals (VTH), outpatients with emergency treatment (OWET), number of inpatients (NI), number of health examinations (NOHE), and patients discharged (PD)—using calculated regional eco-efficiency with the Least Square-Support Vector Machine-Forecasting Model and acquired empirical evidence, utilizing the province-level data in China. Results: (1) regional eco-efficiency is a good predictor in both a single and multi-factor situation; (2) the prediction accuracy for five dimensions of the changes in local public health was relatively high, and the volatility was lower and more stable throughout the whole forecasting period; and (3) regional heterogeneity, denoted by three economic and demographic factors and three medical supply and technical level factors, improved the forecasting performance. The findings are meaningful for provincial-level decision-makers in China in order for them to know the current status or trends of medical needs, optimize the allocation of medical resources in advance, and enable ample time to tackle urgent emergencies, and, finally, the findings can serve to evaluate the social effects of improving regional eco-efficiency via local enterprises or individuals and adopting sustainable development strategies.
Gestational Exercise Antagonises the Impact of Maternal High-Fat High-Sucrose Diet on Liver Mitochondrial Alterations and Quality Control Signalling in Male Offspring
Authors: Stevanović-Silva Jelena , Beleza Jorge , Coxito Pedro , Oliveira Paulo J. , Ascensão António , Magalhães José
Published: January 2023

Maternal high-caloric nutrition and related gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are relevant modulators of the intrauterine environment, increasing the risk of liver metabolic alterations in mothers and offspring. In contrast, as a non-pharmacological approach against metabolic disorders, exercise is highly recommended in GDM treatment. We analysed whether gestational exercise (GE) protects mothers from diet-induced GDM metabolic consequences and mitigates liver mitochondrial deleterious alterations in their 6-week-old male offspring. Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed with control or high-fat high-sucrose (HFHS) diet and kept sedentary or submitted to GE. Male offspring were sedentary and fed with control diet. Sedentary HFHS mothers and their offspring showed impaired hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and morphological evidence of mitochondrial remodelling. In contrast, GE-related beneficial effects were demonstrated by upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis signalling markers and mitochondrial fusion proteins and downregulation of mitochondrial fission protein. Alterations in miR-34a, miR-130b, and miR-494, associated with epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, suggested that GE is a more critical modulator of intergenerational changes in miRs expression than the maternal diet. Our data showed that GE positively modulated the altered hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics markers and quality control signalling associated with maternal HFHS-diet-related GDM in mothers and offspring.
Tinnitus Prevalence and Associated Factors among Dental Clinicians in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Nassar Mohannad , Islam Md Sofiqul , D’souza Stancey , Praveen Milan , Al Masri Mohammad Hani , Sauro Salvatore , Jamleh Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Dental clinicians are at increased risk for developing tinnitus due to exposure to high levels of occupational noise. This study aimed to determine tinnitus prevalence and associated factors among dental clinicians. Interviews were conducted with 150 randomly selected dental clinicians using a questionnaire. Noise levels were measured at three points of time at the operating area. Tinnitus was reported in 19.33% of the participants. The average noise level was significantly higher among participants with tinnitus compared to those without the condition. More participants complained of intermittent tinnitus and the rest had the constant type, with the latter being significantly more bothersome. The weekly average time of using high-speed handpieces, suction and electric handpieces, age and experience had a significant effect on the presence of tinnitus. Only 2.7% of the participants reported the use of a hearing protection device. Tinnitus is a common finding among dental clinicians especially those with higher levels of occupational noise and more frequent use of noise-generating equipment. Knowledge of tinnitus prevalence aids in realizing the extent of its impact and making informed decisions. These results call for improved awareness of the negative impact of clinically-generated noise and emphasize the importance of preventive measures and periodic audiometry exams.
Evaluation of Geological Hazard Susceptibility Based on the Regional Division Information Value Method
Authors: Ma Jingru , Wang Xiaodong , Yuan Guangxiang
Published: January 2023

The traditional susceptibility evaluation of geological hazards usually comprises a global susceptibility evaluation of the entire study area but ignores the differences between the local areas caused by spatial non-stationarity. In view of this, the geographically weighted regression model (GWR) was used to divide the study area at regional scale. Seven local areas were obtained with low spatial auto-correlation of each evaluation factor. Additionally, 11 evaluation factors, including the aspect, elevation, curvature, ground roughness, relief amplitude, slope, lithology, distance from the fault, height of the cut slope, multiyear average rainfall and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were selected to establish the evaluation index system of the geological hazard susceptibility. The Pearson coefficient was used to remove the evaluation factors with high correlation. The global and seven local areas were evaluated for susceptibility using the information value model and the global and regional division susceptibility evaluation results were obtained. The results show that the regional division information value model had better prediction performance (AUC = 0.893) and better accuracy. This model adequately considers the influence of the geological hazard impact factors in the different local areas on geological hazard susceptibility and weakens the influence of some factors that have higher influence in the global model but lower influence in local areas on the evaluation results. Therefore, the use of the regional division information value model for susceptibility evaluation is more consistent with the actual situation in the study area and is more suitable for guiding risk management and hazard prevention and mitigation.
Sperm DNA Damage and Its Relevance in Fertility Treatment: A Review of Recent Literature and Current Practice Guidelines
Authors: Marinaro Jessica A. , Schlegel Peter N.
Published: January 2023

Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage has recently emerged as one of the most controversial topics in male reproductive medicine. While level I evidence indicates that abnormal sperm DNA damage has substantial adverse effects on reproductive outcomes (including chance of pregnancy and risk of miscarriage), there is limited consensus on how sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) testing should be performed and/or interpreted in clinical practice. In this article, we review: (1) how SDF is assessed, (2) cumulative evidence regarding its impact on reproductive outcomes, (3) methods for mitigating high SDF, and (4) the most recent practice guidelines available for clinicians regarding the use and interpretation of SDF testing.
Identification of Human UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase Involved in Gypensapogenin C Glucuronidation and Species Differences
Authors: Chen Juan , Qin Lin , Wu Xingdong , Tan Daopeng , Lu Yanliu , Du Yimei , Wu Di , He Yuqi
Published: January 2023

Gypensapogenin C (GPC) is one of the important aglycones of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP), which is structurally glucuronidated and is highly likely to bind to UGT enzymes in vivo. Due to the important role of glucuronidation in the metabolism of GPC, the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase metabolic pathway of GPC in human and other species’ liver microsomes is investigated in this study. In the present study, metabolites were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The results show that GPC could generate a metabolite through glucuronidation in the human liver microsomes (HLMs). Additionally, chemical inhibitors combined with recombinant human UGT enzymes clarified that UGT1A4 is the primary metabolic enzyme for GPC glucuronidation in HLMs according to the kinetic analysis of the enzyme. Metabolic differential analysis in seven other species indicated that rats exhibited the most similar metabolic rate to that of humans. In conclusion, UGT1A4 is a major enzyme responsible for the glucuronidation of GPC in HLMs, and rats may be an appropriate animal model to evaluate the GPC metabolism.
C/EBPβ Regulates TFAM Expression, Mitochondrial Function and Autophagy in Cellular Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sierra-Magro Ana , Bartolome Fernando , Lozano-Muñoz David , Alarcón-Gil Jesús , Gine Elena , Sanz-SanCristobal Marina , Alonso-Gil Sandra , Cortes-Canteli Marta , Carro Eva , Pérez-Castillo Ana , Morales-García José A.
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Since there are only symptomatic treatments available, new cellular and molecular targets involved in the onset and progression of this disease are needed to develop effective treatments. CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β (C/EBPβ) transcription factor levels are altered in patients with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that it may be a good therapeutic target for the treatment of PD. A list of genes involved in PD that can be regulated by C/EBPβ was generated by the combination of genetic and in silico data, the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) being among them. In this paper, we observed that C/EBPβ overexpression increased TFAM promoter activity. However, downregulation of C/EBPβ in different PD/neuroinflammation cellular models produced an increase in TFAM levels, together with other mitochondrial markers. This led us to propose an accumulation of non-functional mitochondria possibly due to the alteration of their autophagic degradation in the absence of C/EBPβ. Then, we concluded that C/EBPβ is not only involved in harmful processes occurring in PD, such as inflammation, but is also implicated in mitochondrial function and autophagy in PD-like conditions.
Cardiac Hypoxia Tolerance in Fish: From Functional Responses to Cell Signals
Authors: Cerra Maria Carmela , Filice Mariacristina , Caferro Alessia , Mazza Rosa , Gattuso Alfonsina , Imbrogno Sandra
Published: January 2023

Aquatic animals are increasingly challenged by O2 fluctuations as a result of global warming, as well as eutrophication processes. Teleost fish show important species-specific adaptability to O2 deprivation, moving from intolerance to a full tolerance of hypoxia and even anoxia. An example is provided by members of Cyprinidae which includes species that are amongst the most tolerant hypoxia/anoxia teleosts. Living at low water O2 requires the mandatory preservation of the cardiac function to support the metabolic and hemodynamic requirements of organ and tissues which sustain whole organism performance. A number of orchestrated events, from metabolism to behavior, converge to shape the heart response to the restricted availability of the gas, also limiting the potential damages for cells and tissues. In cyprinids, the heart is extraordinarily able to activate peculiar strategies of functional preservation. Accordingly, by using these teleosts as models of tolerance to low O2, we will synthesize and discuss literature data to describe the functional changes, and the major molecular events that allow the heart of these fish to sustain adaptability to O2 deprivation. By crossing the boundaries of basic research and environmental physiology, this information may be of interest also in a translational perspective, and in the context of conservative physiology, in which the output of the research is applicable to environmental management and decision making.
Post-Translation Modifications and Mutations of Human Linker Histone Subtypes: Their Manifestation in Disease
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Maurya Preeti , Hayes Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2023

Linker histones (LH) are a critical component of chromatin in addition to the canonical histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). In humans, 11 subtypes (7 somatic and 4 germinal) of linker histones have been identified, and their diverse cellular functions in chromatin structure, DNA replication, DNA repair, transcription, and apoptosis have been explored, especially for the somatic subtypes. Delineating the unique role of human linker histone (hLH) and their subtypes is highly tedious given their high homology and overlapping expression patterns. However, recent advancements in mass spectrometry combined with HPLC have helped in identifying the post-translational modifications (PTMs) found on the different LH subtypes. However, while a number of PTMs have been identified and their potential nuclear and non-nuclear functions explored in cellular processes, there are very few studies delineating the direct relevance of these PTMs in diseases. In addition, recent whole-genome sequencing of clinical samples from cancer patients and individuals afflicted with Rahman syndrome have identified high-frequency mutations and therefore broadened the perspective of the linker histone mutations in diseases. In this review, we compile the identified PTMs of hLH subtypes, current knowledge of the relevance of hLH PTMs in human diseases, and the correlation of PTMs coinciding with mutations mapped in diseases.