bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teaching efficacy of undergraduate PE students; what are the key predictors and what can PE educators learn from this?
Authors: Magill Ceriann , Cronin Colum , Walsh Barbara , Polman Remco , Rudd James 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionTeaching efficacy describes the belief in a teacher's ability to promote learning and this belief is an invaluable asset for all teachers. This study examined the contextual influences that predict the teaching efficacy of first-year undergraduate PE students wishing to enter teacher training programs.MethodUsing a mixed methods study design, 168 PE students completed an online questionnaire and 16 of these participants took part in semi-structured focus groups. The data collection procedures investigated students' perceptions of PE teaching efficacy and examined students' awareness of how their involvement in PE or sports influenced their decision to study PE.ResultsTeaching experiences and role model influences were the key predictors of students' perceived PE teaching efficacy.DiscussionsWe recommend that higher education PE programs should facilitate theoretically informed reflective learning opportunities to enable students to understand and make sense of the impact of these key predictors. These opportunities will enable students to understand their starting point in PE teaching efficacy and identify the requirements to develop it. The study extends the existing literature by identifying the key predictors of PE teaching efficacy derived from the acculturation experiences of undergraduate PE students.
Bidirectional associations between adiposity and physical activity: a longitudinal study from pre-puberty to early adulthood
Authors: Le Shenglong , Törmäkangas Timo , Wang Xiuqiang , Lei Si Man , Møller Niels Christian , Brønd Jan Christian , Wedderkopp Niels , Wiklund Petri , Cheng Sulin 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate directional influences in the association between adiposity and physical activity (PA) from pre-puberty to early adulthood.MethodsIn the Calex-study, height, weight, body fat and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) were measured at age11.2-years, 13.2-years and 18.3-years in 396 Finnish girls. Body fat was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, calculating fat mass index (FMI) as total fat mass in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. LTPA level was evaluated using a physical activity questionnaire. In the European Youth Heart Study (EYHS), height, weight and habitual PA were measured at age 9.6-years, 15.7-years and 21.8-years in 399 Danish boys and girls. Habitual PA and sedentary behaviour were assessed with an accelerometer. Directional influences of adiposity and PA were examined using a bivariate cross-lagged path panel model.ResultsThe temporal stability of BMI from pre-puberty to early adulthood was higher than the temporal stability of PA or physical inactivity over the same time period both in girls and boys. In the Calex-study, BMI and FMI at age 11.2-years were both directly associated with LTPA at age 13.2-years (β = 0.167, p = 0.005 and β = 0.167, p = 0.005, respectively), whereas FMI at age 13.2-years showed an inverse association with LTPA at age 18.3-years (β = - 0.187, p = 0.048). However, earlier LTPA level was not associated with subsequent BMI or FMI. In the EYHS, no directional association was found for physical inactivity, light-, moderate-, and vigorous-PA with BMI during the follow-up in girls. In boys, BMI at age 15.7-years was directly associated with moderate PA (β = 0.301, p = 0.017) at age 21.8-years, while vigorous PA at age 15.7-years showed inverse associations with BMI at age 21.8-years (β = - 0.185, p = 0.023).ConclusionOur study indicates that previous fatness level is a much stronger predictor of future fatness than level of leisure-time or habitual physical activity during adolescence. The directional associations between adiposity and physical activity are not clear during adolescence, and may differ between boys and girls depending on pubertal status.
Huobahuagen tablet improves renal function in diabetic kidney disease: a real-world retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tan Ying , Li Ruihan , Zhou Peipei , Li Nan , Xu Weilong , Zhou Xiqiao , Yan Qianhua , Yu Jiangyi 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the value of Huobahuagen tablet (HBT) in improving decreased renal function for patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) over time.MethodsThis was a single-center, retrospective, real-world study on eligible 122 DKD patients who continued to use HBT + Huangkui capsule (HKC) therapy or HKC therapy without interruption or alteration in Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from July 2016 to March 2022. The primary observation outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits and changes in eGFR from baseline (ΔeGFR). Propensity score (PS) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to control for confounders.ResultseGFR was significantly higher in the HBT + HKC group than in the HKC alone group at the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits (p = 0.0448, 0.0002, and 0.0037, respectively), indicating the superiority of HBT + HKC over HBT alone. Furthermore, the ΔeGFR of the HBT + HKC group was significantly higher than that of the HKC alone group at the 6- and 12-month follow-up visits (p = 0.0369 and 0.0267, respectively). In the DKD G4 patients, eGFR was higher in the HBT + HKC group at the 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up visits compared with baseline, with statistically significant differences at the 1-, 3-, and 6- month follow-up visits (p = 0.0256, 0.0069, and 0.0252, respectively). The fluctuations in ΔeGFR ranged from 2.54 ± 4.34 to 5.01 ± 5.55 ml/min/1.73 m2. Change in the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio from baseline did not exhibit a significant difference between the two groups at any of the follow-up visits (p &gt; 0.05 for all). Adverse event incidence was low in both groups.ConclusionThe findings of this study based on real-world clinical practice indicate that HBT + HKC therapy exhibited better efficacy in improving and protecting renal function with a favorable safety profile than HKC therapy alone. However, further large-scale prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results.
Duration of late-follicular elevated progesterone and in vitro fertilization outcomes in pituitary down-regulation treatment cycles
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Ge Xiaofei , Bu Zhiqin 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to explore whether the duration of LFEP (late-follicular elevated progesterone) affected pregnancy outcomes in IVF (in vitro fertilization) patients treated with pituitary downregulation protocols.MethodPatients with their first IVF/ICSI cycles between January 2016 and December 2016 were included. LFEP was set either at P &gt; 1.0ng/ml or P &gt; 1.5ng/ml. Clinical pregnancy rate was compared among three different groups (no LFEP; LFEP for 1 day; LFEP for ≥ 2 days). Then multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the influencing factors of clinical pregnancy rate.ResultsThis retrospective analysis involved 3,521 first IVF/ICSI cycles with fresh embryo transfers. Clinical pregnancy rate was the lowest in patients with a LFEP duration of ≥ 2 days, irrespective of whether LFEP was defined as P &gt; 1.0 ng/ml (68.79% vs. 63.02% vs. 56.20%; P = 0.000) or as P &gt; 1.5 ng/ml (67.24% vs. 55.95% vs. 45.51%; P = 0.000). In addition, LFEP duration was significantly associated with clinical pregnancy outcomes in unadjusted logistic regression analysis. However, in multivariate regression models after adjusting confounders, adjusted OR for LFEP duration (≥ 2 days) in the two models was 0.808 (P = 0.064; LFEP as P &gt; 1.0 ng/ml) and 0.720 (P = 0.098; LFEP as P &gt; 1.5 ng/ml), respectively.ConclusionLFEP adversely affects clinical pregnancy outcomes. However, the duration of LFEP seems to have no influence on the clinical pregnancy rate in pituitary downregulation treatment cycles.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Liu Ying , Shuai Ping , Chen Wanjing , Liu Yuping , Li Dongyu 
Published: June 2023

Background and aimThe association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been studied previously; however, the results remain controversial, which could be partly due to the different criteria used for defining MetS. We adopted five MetS criteria to provide better understanding of the association between H. pylori infection and MetS.MethodsPhysical examination data of 100,708 subjects were obtained from January 2014 to December 2018. MetS was defined based on five criteria including: International Diabetes Federation (IDF), The Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel, Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), Joint Statement of International Multi-Societies (JIS), Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS), and the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in China (2017 edition)(CDS DM). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate the association between H. pylori infection and MetS and its components.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS defined assessed using IDF, ATP III, JIS, CDS and CDS DM criteria was 15.8%, 19.9%, 23.7%, 8.7% and 15.4%, respectively. In males, the prevalence of MetS assessed using the five criteria in H. pylori-positive group was higher than that in negative-group; however, in females, same results were obtained using the three international criteria. In males, the prevalence of all MetS components was found to be higher in the H. pylori-positive group than those in the negative group; however, in females, only the prevalence of dyslipidemia and waist circumferences exhibited significant differences. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that H. pylori infection in males was positively correlated with MetS. Additionally, H. pylori infection was found to be positively correlated with the waist circumference in the general population, and with hypertension and hyperglycemia in males.ConclusionsH. pylori infection was found to be positively associated with MetS in males in China.
Analysis on the effects of ecological conservation redline policies in the Pearl River Delta area, China
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Zhe , Hao Haiguang , Zhang Chao , Wang Ding 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe ecological conservation redline (ECR) policies conducted in China are an important innovation to protect biodiversity, safeguard ecological security, and achieve sustainable development. The Pearl River Delta (PRD) area implemented the ECR policies in 2005.MethodsThis study examines the contrast between the 15 years before and after 2005. It also reveals the ECR policies' effects by comparing land use change, landscape pattern index, and habitat quality inside (IECR) and outside (OECR) the ECR area. Results and discussionThe results suggest that: (1) The ECR area has served as an ecological barrier in maintaining the stability of natural ecosystems. Over the past 30 years, the PRD area significantly changed land use types and ecosystems, mainly concentrated in the central plains and estuaries. Specifically, in the IECR, land use change was relatively stable, with a decrease of 0.05% and 0.57% in ecological land and an increase of 0.28% and 0.68% in construction land before and after 2005. In contrast, the OECR area land use changed dramatically, with a decrease of 0.37% and 1.36% in ecological land and an increase of 7.06% and 5.02% in construction land before and after 2005. (2) A general trend of landscape fragmentation exists in the study area. The contagion (CONTAG) in the IECR area is higher than in the OECR. The Shannon's diversity index (SHDI) in the IECR is lower than in the OECR area, which indicates a high degree and rapid landscape fragmentation in the OECR area. (3) Over 85% of the IECR scale had a habitat quality of 0.8–1, while the OECR area had an almost half scale with a habitat quality of 0–0.2. On the whole, the ecological stability and landscape connectivity of in the IECR area was higher than that of the OECR area. This indicates that the prohibitions on human disturbance, industrial construction, and logging activities in the IECR area allow green vegetation to succumb under natural conditions. Habitat quality in the IECR area was also higher than that of the OECR area in the PRD area, revealing that the quality of green development in the IECR area was higher. Finally, the ECR policies’ implementation has protected the environment in the PRD area and will provide experience for ecological conservation in other areas.
Determining representative pseudo-absences for invasive plant distribution modeling based on geographic similarity
Authors: Wang Xiao , Xu Quanli , Liu Jing 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe use of pseudo-absence data constrained by environmental conditions can facilitate potential distribution predictions of invasive species. However, pseudo-absence data generated by existing methods are usually not representative because the relationship between the presence and pseudo-absence points is either simplistic or neglected. This could under or overestimate the potential distribution of invasive species.MethodsTo address this deficiency, this study proposes a new method for obtaining pseudo-absence data based on geographic similarities. First, the reliability of pseudo-absences was quantified based on the geographic similarity to the occurrence of species. Subsequently, a representative pseudo-absence reliability threshold interval was determined. Finally, different pseudo-absence acquisition methods were assessed by combining virtual species with a real invasive species.ResultsThe analysis demonstrated that the geographic similarity method can improve model accuracy and achieve a more realistic distribution compared with the traditional method of sampling for pseudo-absence data.DiscussionThis result indicates that the pseudo-absence data obtained using the geographic similarity approach were more representative. Our study provides valuable insights into improving invasive plant distribution predictions by considering the geographical relationships between species occurrences and the surrounding environments.
Postharvest strategies for preventing flower wilting and leaf yellowing in cut Ranunculus flowers
Authors: Cavallaro Viviana , Bulgari Roberta , Florio Francesco Elia , Restuccia Pasquale , Vinci Gianluca , Guffanti Davide , Vignati Sara , Ferrante Antonio 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionAppropriate postharvest treatment, as well as adequate conditions of storage, can be adopted to elongate the lifespan of cut flowers. Thidiazuron (TDZ), a substituted phenylurea, and 1-methylcycloproene (1-MCP), a non-toxic inhibitor of ethylene perception, are nowadays substances commonly used to prevent early damage caused by senescence and to delay chlorophyll degradation. Ranunculus asiaticus L. is cultivated for cut flower production and is highly sensitive to ethylene and leaf yellowing. In this study, the effect of different pulse-tratment in prolonging cut ranunculus vase life was analyzed.MethodsTDZ 10 µM, 1-MCP 500 ppb, and a combination of both were applied for 24 hours after harvest. The effect of the treatments was evaluated by performing non-destructive (% loss of fresh weight, chlorophyll a fluorescence, in vivo chlorophyll content, and Nitrogen Flavonol Index – NFI) and destructive (chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins concentration, and phenolic index) analyses at 0, 1, 12, and 14 days from treatments. Results and DiscussionFlower wilting was delayed by 4 days in 1-MCP + TDZ 10 µM treatments, which also reduced weight loss and chlorophyll degradation compared to controls. The effectiveness of these compounds in preventing senescence has been confirmed by the decreased biosynthesis of phenolic compounds.
Immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel multi-patch SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine candidate
Authors: Perdiguero Beatriz , Marcos-Villar Laura , López-Bravo María , Sánchez-Cordón Pedro J. , Zamora Carmen , Valverde José Ramón , Sorzano Carlos Óscar S. , Sin Laura , Álvarez Enrique , Ramos Manuel , Del Val Margarita , Esteban Mariano , Gómez Carmen Elena 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionWhile there has been considerable progress in the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, largely based on the S (spike) protein of the virus, less progress has been made with vaccines delivering different viral antigens with cross-reactive potential.MethodsIn an effort to develop an immunogen with the capacity to induce broad antigen presentation, we have designed a multi-patch synthetic candidate containing dominant and persistent B cell epitopes from conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins associated with long-term immunity, termed CoV2-BMEP. Here we describe the characterization, immunogenicity and efficacy of CoV2-BMEP using two delivery platforms: nucleic acid DNA and attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA).ResultsIn cultured cells, both vectors produced a main protein of about 37 kDa as well as heterogeneous proteins with size ranging between 25-37 kDa. In C57BL/6 mice, both homologous and heterologous prime/boost combination of vectors induced the activation of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, with a more balanced CD8+ T cell response detected in lungs. The homologous MVA/MVA immunization regimen elicited the highest specific CD8+ T cell responses in spleen and detectable binding antibodies (bAbs) to S and N antigens of SARS-CoV-2. In SARS-CoV-2 susceptible k18-hACE2 Tg mice, two doses of MVA-CoV2-BMEP elicited S- and N-specific bAbs as well as cross-neutralizing antibodies against different variants of concern (VoC). After SARS-CoV-2 challenge, all animals in the control unvaccinated group succumbed to the infection while vaccinated animals with high titers of neutralizing antibodies were fully protected against mortality, correlating with a reduction of virus infection in the lungs and inhibition of the cytokine storm.DiscussionThese findings revealed a novel immunogen with the capacity to control SARS-CoV-2 infection, using a broader antigen presentation mechanism than the approved vaccines based solely on the S antigen.
Massively HIV-1-infected macrophages exhibit a severely hampered ability to differentiate into osteoclasts
Authors: Sviercz Franco A. , Jarmoluk Patricio , Cevallos Cintia G. , López Cynthia A. M. , Freiberger Rosa N. , Guano Alex , Adamczyk Alan , Ostrowski Matías , Delpino M. Victoria , Quarleri Jorge 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionOsteoclasts play a crucial role in bone resorption, and impairment of their differentiation can have significant implications for bone density, especially in individuals with HIV who may be at risk of altered bone health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of HIV infection on osteoclast differentiation using primary human monocyte-derived macrophages as precursors. The study focused on assessing the impact of HIV infection on cellular adhesion, cathepsin K expression, resorptive activity, cytokine production, expression of co-receptors, and transcriptional regulation of key factors involved in osteoclastogenesis.MethodsPrimary human monocyte-derived macrophages were utilized as precursors for osteoclast differentiation. These precursors were infected with HIV, and the effects of different inoculum sizes and kinetics of viral replication were analyzed. Subsequently, osteoclastogenesis was evaluated by measuring cellular adhesion, cathepsin K expression, and resorptive activity. Furthermore, cytokine production was assessed by monitoring the production of IL-1β, RANK-L, and osteoclasts. The expression levels of co-receptors CCR5, CD9, and CD81 were measured before and after infection with HIV. The transcriptional levels of key factors for osteoclastogenesis (RANK, NFATc1, and DC-STAMP) were examined following HIV infection.ResultsRapid, massive, and productive HIV infection severely impaired osteoclast differentiation, leading to compromised cellular adhesion, cathepsin K expression, and resorptive activity. HIV infection resulted in an earlier production of IL-1β concurrent with RANK-L, thereby suppressing osteoclast production. Infection with a high inoculum of HIV increased the expression of the co-receptor CCR5, as well as the tetraspanins CD9 and CD81, which correlated with deficient osteoclastogenesis. Massive HIV infection of osteoclast precursors affected the transcriptional levels of key factors involved in osteoclastogenesis, including RANK, NFATc1, and DC-STAMP.ConclusionsThe effects of HIV infection on osteoclast precursors were found to be dependent on the size of the inoculum and the kinetics of viral replication. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms to develop novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of bone disorders in individuals with HIV.
Using dune restoration on an urban beach as a coastal resilience approach
Authors: Johnston Karina K. , Dugan Jenifer E. , Hubbard David M. , Emery Kyle A. , Grubbs Melodie W. 
Published: June 2023

Coastal dunes are globally recognized as natural features that can be important adaptation approaches for climate change along urban and natural shores. We evaluated the recovery of coastal dunes on an intensively groomed urban beach in southern California over a six-year period after grooming was discontinued. Restoration actions were minimal and included installation of three sides of perimeter sand fencing, cessation of mechanical grooming and driving, and the addition of seeds of native dune plants. To track recovery, we conducted physical and biological surveys of the restoration site and an adjacent control site (groomed beach) using metrics including sand accretion, elevation, foredune and hummock formation, vegetation recovery, and wildlife use. Sediment accretion, elevation, and geomorphic complexity increased over time in the restoration site, largely in association with sand fencing and dune vegetation. A foredune ridge (maximum elevation increase of 0.9 m) and vegetated hummocks developed, along with a general increase in elevation across the restoration site (0.3 m). After six years, an estimated total volume of approximately 1,730 m3 of sand had accreted in the restoration site and 540 m3 of sand had accreted in the foredune ridge. Over the same period, more than a meter of sediment (vertical elevation change) accumulated along the perimeter sand fencing. Groomed control areas remained flat and uniform. The total cover of vegetation in the restoration site increased over time to a maximum of approximately 7% cover by the sixth year. No vegetation was observed on the groomed control site. Native plant species formed distinct zones across the restoration site beginning by the second year and increasing over time, with dune forming species aggregating closest to the ocean in association with the incipient foredune ridge. Ecological functions observed in the restoration area included presence of dune invertebrates, shorebird roosting, and use by a breeding federally threatened shorebird, the western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus). Our findings on geomorphic and ecological responses of a pilot dune restoration on a heavily groomed urban beach provide new insights on the opportunities and expectations for restoring dunes as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation on urban shorelines.