bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Response of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) to Separate and Mixed Inoculations with Rhizobium leguminosarum and Azospirillum brasilense in Presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Furtak Karolina , Gawryjołek Karolina , Gałązka Anna , Grządziel Jarosław
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of co-inoculation Rhizobium sp. and Azospirillum sp. on plant (Trifolium pratense L.) growth in the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination (anthracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene). Eight strains from the genus Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii were selected for biotest analysis. Two methods of inoculation were used in the chamber experiment: (1) R. leguminosarum alone and (2) a combined inoculant (R. leguminosarum and Azospirillum brasilense). For comparison, non-contaminated controls were also used. The results demonstrated that co-inoculation of plants with Rhizobium and Azospirillum resulted in more root and shoot biomass than in plants inoculated with R. leguminosarum alone. The results indicated that application of a co-inoculation of bacteria from Rhizobium and Azospirillum species had a positive effect on clover nodulation and growth under the condition of PAH contamination.
Supporting Students with Neurodevelopment Disorders in School Health Care—School Nurses’ Experiences
Authors: Berglund Melendez Andrea , Malmsten Maria , Einberg Eva-Lena , Clausson Eva K. , Garmy Pernilla
Published: August 2020

Students with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are present in every school, and most likely, there are a few students in every class. School health care is responsible for providing support to all students, especially those with special needs. The aim of the study was to describe school nurses’ experiences of supporting students with NDDs. A qualitative method consisting of seven focus group interviews (that included a total of 35 school nurses) in Southern Sweden was conducted. Three themes were identified in the findings: helping students with NDDs to interpret sensations, detecting early signs of distress among students with NDDs, and using an inclusive design for health education. This study highlights the importance of school nurses in identifying the needs of students with NDDs and promotes a person-centered approach to achieve a healthy and safe learning environment for all students.
Correlates of Physical Activity, Psychosocial Factors, and Home Environment Exposure among U.S. Adolescents: Insights for Cancer Risk Reduction from the FLASHE Study
Authors: Xu Lei , Rogers Charles R. , Halliday Tanya M. , Wu Qiang , Wilmouth Logan
Published: August 2020

Background and aims: Physical activity (PA) can bring numerous health benefits to adolescents and can largely aid in reducing the various types of cancer risks in their lifespans. However, few adolescents meet the physical activity guidelines recommended by the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Our study aimed to examine the multilevel determinants potentially influencing adolescent’s PA participation. Methods: A secondary analysis of physical activity, home and school neighborhood, and other psychosocial data from 1504 dyads of adolescents and their parents who participated in the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study was performed. Analysis of variance and general linear model analyses were used to examine the correlates. Results: General linear modeling revealed that younger adolescents participated in greater levels of PA than older adolescents (p < 0.001). Adolescents whose parents reported meeting PA guidelines participated in greater amounts of PA (p < 0.001). Parental support of adolescent PA (p < 0.001) was also predictive of adolescent PA levels. Furthermore, parents who reported meeting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines were more likely to have teenagers that engaged in higher amounts of PA (p < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusions: Our findings imply a dynamic relationship between adolescent and parent MVPA levels. Interventions focused on increasing parental MVPA and encouraging parents to engage in promoting PA are merited in order to aid in increasing PA among adolescents while reducing the cancer risk.
Time–Frequency Analysis of Particulate Matter (PM10) Concentration in Dry Bulk Ports Using the Hilbert–Huang Transform
Authors: Feng Xuejun , Shen Jinxing , Yang Haoming , Wang Kang , Wang Qiming , Zhou Zhongguo
Published: August 2020

To analyze the time–frequency characteristics of the particulate matter (PM10) concentration, data series measured at dry bulk ports were used to determine the contribution of various factors during different periods to the PM10 concentration level so as to support the formulation of air quality improvement plans around port areas. In this study, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) method was used to analyze the time–frequency characteristics of the PM10 concentration data series measured at three different sites at the Xinglong Port of Zhenjiang, China, over three months. The HHT method consists of two main stages, namely, empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Hilbert spectrum analysis (HSA), where the EMD technique is used to pre-process the HSA in order to determine the intrinsic mode function (IMF) components of the raw data series. The results show that the periods of the IMF components exhibit significant differences, and the short-period IMF component provides a modest contribution to all IMF components. Using HSA technology for these IMF components, we discovered that the variations in the amplitude of the PM10 concentration over time and frequency are discrete, and the range of this variation is mainly concentrated in the low-frequency band. We inferred that long-term influencing factors determine the PM10 concentration level in the port, and short-term influencing factors determine the difference in concentration data at different sites. Therefore, when formulating PM10 emission mitigation strategies, targeted measures must be implemented according to the period of the different influencing factors. The results of this study can help guide recommendations for port authorities when formulating the optimal layout of measurement devices.
Unravelling Work Drive: A Comparison between Workaholism and Overcommitment
Authors: Avanzi Lorenzo , Perinelli Enrico , Vignoli Michela , Junker Nina M. , Balducci Cristian
Published: August 2020

Workaholism and overcommitment are often used as interchangeable constructs describing an individual’s over-involvement toward their own job. Employees with high levels in both constructs are characterized by an excessive effort and attachment to their job, with the incapability to detach from it and negative consequences in terms of poor health and job burnout. However, few studies have simultaneously measured both constructs, and their relationships are still not clear. In this study, we try to disentangle workaholism and overcommitment by comparing them with theoretically related contextual and personal antecedents, as well as their health consequences. We conducted a nonprobability mixed mode research design on 133 employees from different organizations in Italy using both self- and other-reported measures. To test our hypothesis that workaholism and overcommitment are related yet different constructs, we used partial correlations and regression analyses. The results confirm that these two constructs are related to each other, but also outline that overcommitment (and not workaholism) is uniquely related to job burnout, so that overcommitment rather than workaholism could represent the true negative aspect of work drive. Additionally, workaholism is more related to conscientiousness than overcommitment, while overcommitment shows a stronger relationship with neuroticism than workaholism. The theoretical implications are discussed.
Children’s Anxiety and Factors Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study Using the Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire and the Numerical Rating Scale
Authors: Garcia de Avila Marla , Hamamoto Filho Pedro , Jacob Francine , Alcantara Léia , Berghammer Malin , Jenholt Nolbris Margaretha , Olaya-Contreras Patricia , Nilsson Stefan
Published: August 2020

The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s lives deserve attention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety among Brazilian children and its associated factors during social distancing during COVID-19. We used a cross-sectional design with an online survey from April to May 2020 in Brazil. We included children aged 6–12 years and their guardians. The Children’s Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ; scores 4–12) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; scores 0–10) were used to measure anxiety. We enrolled 157 girls and 132 boys, with a mean age of 8.84 (±2.05) years; 88.9% of respondents were mothers. Based on CAQ ≥ 9, the prevalence of anxiety was 19.4% (n = 56), and higher among children with parents with essential jobs and those who were social distancing without parents. In logistic regression, the following variables were associated with higher CAQ scores: social distancing without parents; more persons living together in home; and education level of guardians. Based on NRS > 7, the prevalence of anxiety was 21.8% (n = 63); however, no associations with NRS scores were found with the investigated variables. These findings suggest the necessity of implementing public health actions targeting these parents and their children at the population level.
Compensatory Health Beliefs on Breastfeeding Varying by Breastfeeding Status; A Scale Development
Authors: Neter Efrat , Bagants Levana
Published: August 2020

Aims: To examine whether compensatory health beliefs (CHB) on breastfeeding vary as a function of breastfeeding status among mothers of infants. Methods: Participants included 773 women aged 18 and older (M = 32.8) who gave birth in the last two years; 445 were breastfeeding exclusively, 165 were breastfeeding partially, and 163 were not breastfeeding. They responded to a survey posted on social media sites’ closed groups that focused on post-natal issues. Design was cross-sectional, with CHB as the outcome variable (14 items) and demographics and feeding status as the explanatory variables. Results: The internal reliability of the CHB scale was α = 0.87. There was a statistically significant difference in the level of CHB between non-breastfeeding women, breastfeeding women, and women who combined breastfeeding with infant formula, so that non- breastfeeding women had the highest level of CHB. There was no significant difference in CHB by either birth experience or demographic characteristics. Conclusion: This study extended CHB to breastfeeding, documenting the minimization of the disadvantages of not breastfeeding by non-breastfeeding women, attempting to neutralize or reduce the cognitive dissonance between non-nursing and optimal infant care. Possible uses of the scale for counselling were suggested, both in the prenatal and post-natal period, proactively bringing forward and addressing ambivalence towards breastfeeding.
Planning for Supportive Green Spaces in the Winter City of China: Linking Exercise of Elderly Residents and Exercise Prescription for Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Leng Hong , Li Shuyuan , Zhao Huimin , Song Yan , Yuan Qing
Published: August 2020

The elderly population have a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and are the main users of green spaces, such as city parks. Creating supportive green spaces for exercise for the elderly is of great significance to promote their cardiovascular health. The winter cities have a severely cold climate and high incidence of cardiovascular disease, while the elderly, especially those with cardiovascular disease, face more challenges when participating in exercise in the green spaces. In the context of the winter cities, the kinds of exercise the elderly participate in are more conducive to their cardiovascular health, and determining the factors of the green spaces that are supportive for exercise for cardiovascular health in the winter are of particular interest. Taking Harbin, a typical winter city in China, as an example, this study aims to identify the exercise characteristics of elderly residents in the green spaces in winter, to link them with the principles and contents of exercise prescription for cardiovascular health, to identify the deficient factors of the green spaces in supporting exercise for cardiovascular health, and to put forward optimization design implications. Mixed qualitative methods including interviews, a questionnaire, and field observation were used to identify special behavioral characteristics and spatial factors involving winter exercise in the green spaces among the elderly. The results showed that: (1) about 42.4% of the participants had a gap with the principles of exercise prescription for cardiovascular health. Their exercise items were generally consistent with the principle of low-intensity exercise, but some of them had the problems regarding early exercise time and insufficient exercise duration and frequency. (2) Insufficient supportive factors of the green spaces mainly included facilities allocation, comfort, safety, accessibility, and air quality. Facilities allocation involved walking paths, rehabilitation facilities, auxiliary facilities, and guidance facilities; comfort involved sunlight conditions of the exercise areas; safety involved slippery roads and sites with ice and snow and medical accidents; accessibility involved the proximity, the safety of connecting roads, and the movement of the elderly; air quality involved the planting of evergreen trees. Accordingly, the design implications were given in order to bridge the supportive gap of the green spaces for exercise for cardiovascular health in the elderly population.
Five Year Trends of Particulate Matter Concentrations in Korean Regions (2015–2019): When to Ventilate?
Authors: Kim Dohyeong , Choi Hee-Eun , Gal Won-Mo , Seo SungChul
Published: August 2020

Indoor air quality becomes more critical as people stay indoors longer, particularly children and the elderly who are vulnerable to air pollution. Natural ventilation has been recognized as the most economical and effective means of improving indoor air quality, but its benefit is questionable when the external air quality is unacceptable. Such risk-risk tradeoffs would require evidence-based guidelines for households and policymakers, but there is a lack of research that examines spatiotemporal long-term air quality trends, leaving us unclear on when to ventilate. This study aims to suggest the appropriate time for ventilation by analyzing the hourly and quarterly concentrations of particulate matter (PM)10 and PM2.5 in seven metropolitan cities and Jeju island in South Korea from January 2015 to September 2019. Both areas’ PM levels decreased until 2018 and rebounded in 2019 but are consistently higher in spring and winter. Overall, the average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 peaked in the morning, declined in the afternoon, and rebounded in the evening, but the second peak was more pronounced for PM2.5. This study may suggest ventilation in the afternoon (2–6pm) instead of the morning or late evening, but substantial differences across the regions by season encourage intervention strategies tailored to regional characteristics.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Insurance Industry
Authors: Babuna Pius , Yang Xiaohua , Gyilbag Amatus , Awudi Doris Abra , Ngmenbelle David , Bian Dehui
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on the insurance industry by studying the case of Ghana from March to June 2020. With a parallel comparison to previous pandemics such as SARS-CoV, H1N1 and MERS, we developed outlines for simulating the impact of the pandemic on the insurance industry. The study used qualitative and quantitative interviews to estimate the impact of the pandemic. Presently, the trend is an economic recession with decreasing profits but increasing claims. Due to the cancellation of travels, events and other economic losses, the Ghanaian insurance industry witnessed a loss currently estimated at GH Ȼ112 million. Our comparison and forecast predicts a normalization of economic indicators from January 2021. In the meantime, while the pandemic persists, insurers should adapt to working from remote locations, train and equip staff to work under social distancing regulations, enhance cybersecurity protocols and simplify claims/premium processing using e-payment channels. It will require the collaboration of the Ghana Ministry of Health, Banking Sector, Police Department, Customs Excise and Preventive Service, other relevant Ministries and the international community to bring the pandemic to a stop.
The Health Opportunity Index: Understanding the Input to Disparate Health Outcomes in Vulnerable and High-Risk Census Tracts
Authors: Ogojiaku Chinonso N. , Allen JC , Anson-Dwamena Rexford , Barnett Kierra S. , Adetona Olorunfemi , Im Wansoo , Hood Darryl B.
Published: August 2020

The Health Opportunity Index (HOI) is a multivariate tool that can be more efficiently used to identify and understand the interplay of complex social determinants of health (SDH) at the census tract level that influences the ability to achieve optimal health. The derivation of the HOI utilizes the data-reduction technique of principal component analysis to determine the impact of SDH on optimal health at lower census geographies. In the midst of persistent health disparities and the present COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrate the potential utility of using 13-input variables to derive a composite metric of health (HOI) score as a means to assist in the identification of the most vulnerable communities during the current pandemic. Using GIS mapping technology, health opportunity indices were layered by counties in Ohio to highlight differences by census tract. Collectively we demonstrate that our HOI framework, principal component analysis and convergence analysis methodology coalesce to provide results supporting the utility of this framework in the three largest counties in Ohio: Franklin (Columbus), Cuyahoga (Cleveland), and Hamilton (Cincinnati). The results in this study identified census tracts that were also synonymous with communities that were at risk for disparate COVID-19 related health outcomes. In this regard, convergence analyses facilitated identification of census tracts where different disparate health outcomes co-exist at the worst levels. Our results suggest that effective use of the HOI composite score and subcomponent scores to identify specific SDH can guide mitigation/intervention practices, thus creating the potential for better targeting of mitigation and intervention strategies for vulnerable communities, such as during the current pandemic.
Multidimensional Correlates of Parental Self-Efficacy in Managing Adolescent Internet Use among Parents of Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ping , Wu Chia-Fen , Chou Wen-Jiun , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: August 2020

Given the growing concerns of problematic Internet use and online safety, it is critical to address parental self-efficacy in managing adolescent Internet use and to examine associated factors, especially in parents of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We examined the roles of adolescents’ hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms, parents’ depressive symptoms, parenting behavior (parental care and indifference), and child behavior (Internet addiction) in relation to parental self-efficacy in managing adolescent Internet use. We recruited 237 Taiwanese parents of adolescents with ADHD (ages 11–18). Hierarchical linear regression was performed in four steps to test the study hypotheses. The results indicated that child’s age, ODD symptoms, and Internet addiction of adolescents were negatively associated, and parental care was positively associated with parental self-efficacy in managing adolescent Internet use. The final model was significant and explained 43% of the variance. The present study demonstrated that parenting and child behaviors contribute to parental self-efficacy in managing adolescent Internet use. Moreover, children’s ODD symptoms were identified as the risk factor for reduced parental self-efficacy.
Analysis of Gender-Dependent Personal Protective Behaviors in a National Sample: Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study
Authors: Guzek Dominika , Skolmowska Dominika , Głąbska Dominika
Published: August 2020

During the coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the basic strategy that is recommended to reduce the spread of the disease is to practice proper hand hygiene and personal protective behaviors, but among adolescents, low adherence is common. The present study aimed to assess the gender-dependent hand hygiene and personal protective behaviors in a national sample of Polish adolescents. The Polish Adolescents’ COVID-19 Experience (PLACE-19) Study was conducted in a group of 2323 secondary school students (814 males, 1509 females). Schools were chosen based on the random quota sampling procedure. The participants were surveyed to assess their knowledge and beliefs associated with hand hygiene and personal protection, as well as their actual behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of respondents gave proper answers when asked about their knowledge. However, females displayed a higher level of knowledge (p < 0.05). Most of the respondents declared not leaving home, handwashing, using alcohol-based hand rub, avoiding contact with those who may be sick, and avoiding public places as their personal protective behaviors. They declared using face masks and gloves after the legal regulation requiring people to cover their nose and mouth in public places was enacted in Poland. Regarding the use of face masks and not touching the face, no gender-dependent differences were observed, while for all the other behaviors, females declared more adherence than males (p < 0.05). Females also declared a higher daily frequency of handwashing (p < 0.0001) and washing their hands always when necessary more often than males (68.2% vs. 54.1%; p < 0.0001). Males more often indicated various reasons for not handwashing, including that there is no need to do it, they do not feel like doing it, they have no time to do it, or they forget about it (p < 0.0001), while females pointed out side effects (e.g., skin problems) as the reason (p = 0.0278). Females more often declared handwashing in circumstances associated with socializing, being exposed to contact with other people and health (p < 0.05), and declared always including the recommended steps in their handwashing procedure (p < 0.05). The results showed that female secondary school students exhibited a higher level of knowledge on hand hygiene and personal protection, as well as better behaviors, compared to males. However, irrespective of gender, some false beliefs and improper behaviors were observed, which suggests that education is necessary, especially in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Are Body Composition Parameters Better than Conventional Anthropometric Measures in Predicting Pediatric Hypertension?
Authors: Hsu Chih-Yu , Lin Rong-Ho , Lin Yu-Ching , Chen Jau-Yuan , Li Wen-Cheng , Lee Li-Ang , Liu Keng-Hao , Chuang Hai-Hua
Published: August 2020

Body composition (BC) parameters are associated with cardiometabolic diseases in children; however, the importance of BC parameters for predicting pediatric hypertension is inconclusive. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the difference in predictive values of BC parameters and conventional anthropometric measures for pediatric hypertension in school-aged children. A total of 340 children (177 girls and 163 boys) with a mean age of 8.8 ± 1.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) z-score of 0.50 ± 1.24 were enrolled (102 hypertensive children and 238 normotensive children). Significantly higher values of anthropometric measures (BMI, BMI z-score, BMI percentile, waist-to-height ratio) and BC parameters (body-fat percentage, muscle weight, fat mass, fat-free mass) were observed among the hypertensive subgroup compared to their normotensive counterparts. A prediction model combining fat mass ≥ 3.65 kg and fat-free mass ≥ 34.65 kg (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.688; sensitivity = 66.7%; specificity = 89.9%) performed better than BMI alone (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.649; sensitivity = 55.9%; specificity = 73.9%) in predicting hypertension. In conclusion, BC parameters are better than anthropometric measures in predicting pediatric hypertension. BC measuring is a reasonable approach for risk stratification in pediatric hypertension.
The Impact of Natural Elements on Environmental Comfort in the Iranian-Islamic Historical City of Isfahan
Authors: Habibi Kyoumars , Hoseini Seyedeh Maryam , Dehshti Majid , Khanian Mojtaba , Mosavi Amir
Published: August 2020

Cities directly influence microclimates. As the urbanization expands, and the green spaces diminish, the heat islands begin to emerge. An old technique used during the past centuries—in both hot and dry climates of the central cities of Iran—was the moderation of microclimates via water and plants. With a diachronic approach to the study of the historical Chahar Bagh Street in Isfahan, this paper investigates the impact of the structural changes on its microclimate in three different scenarios, i.e., the street with its features during the Safavid Era (from 1501 to 1736); the street in its current status; and finally a probable critical condition resulting from complete elimination of natural elements from the environment. The mixed strategy used in this study relies on logical reasoning and software-assisted evaluation for comparing the three scenarios. The predicted mean vote (PMV) model was used for measuring thermal comfort. The results indicate that the evaluated comfort-providing area in the Safavid scenario is 7–17 times more favorable than the others. Moreover, the temperature in the contemporary era was found to be 1.5 degrees Celsius cooler than that of the critical status scenario.
Relationship between Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Impairment in Autonomous and Institutionalized Older Adults
Authors: Wöbbeking-Sánchez Marina , Bonete-López Beatriz , Cabaco Antonio S. , Urchaga-Litago José David , Afonso Rosa Marina
Published: August 2020

It is necessary to determine which variables help prevent the presence of decline or deterioration during the aging process as a function of advancing age. This research analyses the relations between cognitive reserve (CR) and cognitive impairment in 300 individuals. It also aims to confirm the influence of different variables (gender, age, level of studies and institutionalization) in CR and in deterioration in a population of older adults. The results indicate that people with higher CR present less deterioration. Regarding the role of the sociodemographic variables in the level of deterioration and CR, there are no differences between men and women, but there are differences in the variables age, level of studies and institutionalization, in such a way that the older age the greater the cognitive deterioration, the higher the level of studies, the more RC and less deterioration and it was found that the non-institutionalized people present less deterioration and greater CR. It is affirmed that two people with similar clinical characteristics may present different levels of pathology, being the CR the explanation of this fact. The results obtained allow us to affirm that the measurement of CR is considered an essential variable for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Impact of COVID-19 Related Lockdown on Dental Practice in Central Italy—Outcomes of A Survey
Authors: Sinjari Bruna , Rexhepi Imena , Santilli Manlio , D′Addazio Gianmaria , Chiacchiaretta Piero , Di Carlo Piero , Caputi Sergio
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives and professions worldwide. We aimed to determine the behavior of dentists during the lockdown in Central Italy through an online survey. We demonstrated that the most frequent of urgencies, not otherwise manageable through telemedicine, was dental pulp inflammation. Although a statistically significant increase in the use of some of the personal protective equipment (PPE) from pre to during lockdown was shown, dentists were afraid of being infected during the dental procedures. Moreover, we showed that digital dentistry, telemedicine, use of the rubber dam, distancing of the appointments and further structural changes at the dental office are necessary to reduce the contagion among dentists and patients. No significant differences were shown between gender.
COVID-19 Pandemic among Latinx Farmworker and Nonfarmworker Families in North Carolina: Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, and Preventive Behaviors
Authors: Quandt Sara A. , LaMonto Natalie J. , Mora Dana C. , Talton Jennifer W. , Laurienti Paul J. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: August 2020

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic poses substantial threats to Latinx farmworkers and other immigrants in food production and processing. Classified as essential, such workers cannot shelter at home. Therefore, knowledge and preventive behaviors are important to reduce COVID-19 spread in the community. (2) Methods: Respondents for 67 families with at least one farmworker (FWF) and 38 comparable families with no farmworkers (nonFWF) in North Carolina completed a telephone survey in May 2020. The survey queried knowledge of COVID-19, perceptions of its severity, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors. Detailed data were collected to document household members’ social interaction and use of face coverings. (3) Results: Knowledge of COVID-19 and prevention methods was high in both groups, as was its perceived severity. NonFWF had higher self-efficacy for preventing infection. Both groups claimed to practice preventive behaviors, though FWF emphasized social avoidance and nonFWF emphasized personal hygiene. Detailed social interactions showed high rates of inter-personal contact at home, at work, and in the community with more mask use in nonFWF than FWF. (4) Conclusions: Despite high levels of knowledge and perceived severity for COVID-19, these immigrant families were engaged in frequent interpersonal contact that could expose community members and themselves to COVID-19.
A Geographic Information System-Based Indicator of Waste Risk to Investigate the Health Impact of Landfills and Uncontrolled Dumping Sites
Authors: Fazzo Lucia , De Santis Marco , Beccaloni Eleonora , Scaini Federica , Iavarone Ivano , Comba Pietro , Airoma Domenico
Published: August 2020

Uncontrolled and poor waste management practices are widespread. The global health impact of hazardous waste exposure is controversial, but the excess of some diseases appears to be consistent. The Geographic Information System (GIS, ESRI Inc., Rome, Italy) method used to estimate the waste risk exposure, in an area with many illegal waste dumps and burning sites, is described. A GIS geodatabase (ESRI ArcGIS format) of waste sites’ data was built. A municipal GIS-based indicator of waste risk (Municipal Risk Index: MRI) has been computed, based on type and quantity of waste, typology of waste disposal, known or potential environmental contamination by waste and population living near waste sites. 2767 waste sites were present in an area 426 km2 large. 38% of the population lived near one or more waste sites (100 m). Illegal/uncontrolled waste dumps, including waste burning areas, constituted about 90% of all sites. The 38 investigated municipalities were categorized into 4 classes of MRI. The GIS approach identified a widespread impact of waste sites and the municipalities likely to be most exposed. The highest score of the MRI included the municipalities with the most illegal hazardous waste dumps and burning sites. The GIS-geodatabase provided information to contrast and to prosecute illegal waste trafficking and mismanagements.
Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and the Sense of Coherence—Their Role in Body Acceptance among Polish Adolescents
Authors: Laudańska-Krzemińska Ida , Krzysztoszek Jana , Naczk Mariusz , Gajewska Ewa
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective role of physical activity (PA) and other health-related bio-psycho components (physical fitness, body composition, body perception and the sense of coherence (SOC)) in body acceptance. We searched for gender differences in those relationships. We investigated 231 adolescents aged 13–16 years from an urban area in Poland. We conducted objective measurements of height, weight, fat% and relative value of minute oxygen consumption. Questionnaires for PA, SOC Body Figure Perception and body acceptance were applied. Linear regression was used for analyzing determinants of body acceptance. We found that more physically active girls reported a less slim ideal vision of their figure (p < 0.05). Physical fitness is a better predictor of body acceptance than physical activity. In the final model, the sense of coherence, body mass index (BMI), and gender (being a boy) were also predictors of body acceptance (F(6,92) = 13.084, p < 0.0001). Gender differences were discussed in the present study. Fitness enhancing physical activity should be recommended for adolescents to achieve the protective psychosocial effect especially among girls. Physical activity on a daily basis brings positive results in a more adequate and reasonable body assessment and it can play a protective role in terms of mental wellbeing. Body satisfaction varies between genders and it is a more sensitive issue among girls than boys during adolescence.
Role of Excitatory Amino Acid Carrier 1 (EAAC1) in Neuronal Death and Neurogenesis After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Ko Dong Gyun , Hong Dae Ki , Lim Man-Sup , Choi Bo Young , Suh Sang Won
Published: August 2020

Although there have been substantial advances in knowledge regarding the mechanisms of neuron death after stroke, effective therapeutic measures for stroke are still insufficient. Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is a type of neuronal glutamate transporter and considered to have an additional action involving the neuronal uptake of cysteine, which acts as a crucial substrate for glutathione synthesis. Previously, our lab demonstrated that genetic deletion of EAAC1 leads to decreased neuronal glutathione synthesis, increased oxidative stress, and subsequent cognitive impairment. Therefore, we hypothesized that reduced neuronal transport of cysteine due to deletion of the EAAC1 gene might exacerbate neuronal injury and impair adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia. EAAC1 gene deletion profoundly increased ischemia-induced neuronal death by decreasing the antioxidant capacity. In addition, genetic deletion of EAAC1 also decreased the overall neurogenesis processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, after cerebral ischemia. These studies strongly support our hypothesis that EAAC1 is crucial for the survival of newly generated neurons, as well as mature neurons, in both physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the role of EAAC1 in neuronal death and neurogenesis induced by ischemic stroke, focusing on its potential cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Sarcopenia in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: An Hyo Jin , Tizaoui Kalthoum , Terrazzino Salvatore , Cargnin Sarah , Lee Keum Hwa , Nam Seoung Wan , Kim Jae Seok , Yang Jae Won , Lee Jun Young , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Li Han , Shin Jae Il , Kronbichler Andreas
Published: August 2020

Sarcopenia refers to a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and function. Because sarcopenia affects mortality, and causes significant disability, the clinical importance of sarcopenia is emerging. At first, sarcopenia was recognized as an age-related disease but, recently, it has been reported to be prevalent also in younger patients with autoimmune diseases. Specifically, the association of sarcopenia and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis has been studied in detail. Although the pathogenesis of sarcopenia in autoimmune diseases has not been elucidated, chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to sarcopenia, and moreover the pathogenesis seems to be different depending on the respective underlying disease. The definition of sarcopenia differs among studies, which limits direct comparisons. Therefore, in this review, we cover various definitions of sarcopenia used in previous studies and highlight the prevalence of sarcopenia in diverse autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune diabetes. In addition, we cover the pathogenesis and treatment of sarcopenia in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of sarcopenia in various autoimmune diseases and highlights the need for a consistent definition of sarcopenia.
Contributions of Nitric Oxide to AHR-Ligand-Mediated Keratinocyte Differentiation
Authors: Sutter Carrie Hayes , Rainwater Haley M. , Sutter Thomas R.
Published: August 2020

Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) accelerates keratinocyte terminal differentiation through metabolic reprogramming and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Of the three NOS isoforms, NOS3 is significantly increased at both the RNA and protein levels by exposure to the very potent and selective ligand of the AHR, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Inhibition of NOS with the chemical N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) reversed TCDD-induced cornified envelope formation, an endpoint of terminal differentiation, as well as the expression of filaggrin (FLG), a marker of differentiation. Conversely, exposure to the NO-donor, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP), increased the number of cornified envelopes above control levels and augmented the levels of cornified envelopes formed in response to TCDD treatment and increased the expression of FLG. This indicates that nitric oxide signaling can increase keratinocyte differentiation and that it is involved in the AHR-mediated acceleration of differentiation. As the nitrosylation of cysteines is a mechanism by which NO affects the structure and functions of proteins, the S-nitrosylation biotin switch technique was used to measure protein S-nitrosylation. Activation of the AHR increased the S-nitrosylation of two detected proteins of about 72 and 20 kD in size. These results provide new insights into the role of NO and protein nitrosylation in the process of epithelial cell differentiation, suggesting a role of NOS in metabolic reprogramming and the regulation of epithelial cell fate.
YRNAs and YRNA-Derived Fragments as New Players in Cancer Research and Their Potential Role in Diagnostics
Authors: Guglas Kacper , Kołodziejczak Iga , Kolenda Tomasz , Kopczyńska Magda , Teresiak Anna , Sobocińska Joanna , Bliźniak Renata , Lamperska Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

YRNAs are a type of short, noncoding RNAs. A total of four different transcripts can be distinguished, which are YRNA1, YRNA3, YRNA4 and YRNA5. All YRNAs are relatively small, made up of about 100 nucleotides each. YRNAs are characterized by a stem-loop structure and each part of that structure carries a different function. YRNAs are transcribed in the nucleus by RNA polymerase III. Then, the YRNA molecule is bound to the polyuridine tail of the La protein responsible for both its nuclear retention and protection from degradation. They also bind to the Ro60 protein, making the molecule more stable. In turn, YRNA-derived small RNAs (YsRNAs) are a class of YRNAs produced in apoptotic cells as a result of YRNA degradation. This process is performed by caspase-3-dependent pathways that form two groups of YsRNAs, with lengths of either approximately 24 or 31 nucleotides. From all four YRNA transcripts, 75 well-described pseudogenes are generated as a result of the mutation. However, available data indicates the formation of up to 1000 pseudogenes. YRNAs and YRNA-derived small RNAs may play a role in carcinogenesis due to their altered expression in cancers and influence on cell proliferation and inflammation. Nevertheless, our knowledge is still limited, and more research is required. The main aim of this review is to describe the current state of knowledge about YRNAs, their function and contribution to carcinogenesis, as well as their potential role in cancer diagnostics. To confirm the promising potential of YRNAs and YRNA-derived fragments as biomarkers, their significant role in several tumor types was taken into consideration.
Computational Methods for Predicting Functions at the mRNA Isoform Level
Authors: Mishra Sambit K. , Muthye Viraj , Kandoi Gaurav
Published: August 2020

Multiple mRNA isoforms of the same gene are produced via alternative splicing, a biological mechanism that regulates protein diversity while maintaining genome size. Alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms of the same gene may sometimes have very similar sequence, but they can have significantly diverse effects on cellular function and regulation. The products of alternative splicing have important and diverse functional roles, such as response to environmental stress, regulation of gene expression, human heritable, and plant diseases. The mRNA isoforms of the same gene can have dramatically different functions. Despite the functional importance of mRNA isoforms, very little has been done to annotate their functions. The recent years have however seen the development of several computational methods aimed at predicting mRNA isoform level biological functions. These methods use a wide array of proteo-genomic data to develop machine learning-based mRNA isoform function prediction tools. In this review, we discuss the computational methods developed for predicting the biological function at the individual mRNA isoform level.
Isoforsythiaside Attenuates Alzheimer’s Disease via Regulating Mitochondrial Function Through the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Wang Chunyue , Hao Jie , Liu Xin , Li Chenliang , Yuan Xuyang , Lee Robert J. , Bai Tian , Wang Di
Published: August 2020

Improving mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting apoptosis has always been regarded as a treatment strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Isoforsythiaside (IFY), a phenylethanoid glycoside isolated from the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa, displays antioxidant activity. This study examined the neuroprotective effects of IFY and its underlying mechanisms. In the L-glutamate (L-Glu)-induced apoptosis of HT22 cells, IFY increased cell viability, inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis, and reduced the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3, -8 and -9 after 3 h of pretreatment and 12–24 h of co-incubation. In the APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic (APP/PS1) model, IFY reduced the anxiety of mice, improved their memory and cognitive ability, reduced the deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain, restrained the phosphorylation of the tau protein to form neurofibrillary tangles, inhibited the level of 4-hydroxynonenal in the brain, and improved phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway-related mitochondrial apoptosis. In Aβ1-42-induced U251 cells, IFY relieved the mitochondrial swelling, crest ruptures and increased their electron density after 3 h of pretreatment and 18–24 h of co-incubation. The improved cell viability and mitochondrial function after IFY incubation was blocked by the synthetic PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, these results suggest that IFY exerts a protective effect against AD by enhancing the expression levels of anti-apoptosis proteins and reducing the expression levels of pro-apoptosis proteins of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family members though activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Strain-Level Metagenomic Data Analysis of Enriched In Vitro and In Silico Spiked Food Samples: Paving the Way towards a Culture-Free Foodborne Outbreak Investigation Using STEC as a Case Study
Authors: Saltykova Assia , Buytaers Florence E. , Denayer Sarah , Verhaegen Bavo , Piérard Denis , Roosens Nancy H. C. , Marchal Kathleen , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J.
Published: August 2020

Culture-independent diagnostics, such as metagenomic shotgun sequencing of food samples, could not only reduce the turnaround time of samples in an outbreak investigation, but also allow the detection of multi-species and multi-strain outbreaks. For successful foodborne outbreak investigation using a metagenomic approach, it is, however, necessary to bioinformatically separate the genomes of individual strains, including strains belonging to the same species, present in a microbial community, which has up until now not been demonstrated for this application. The current work shows the feasibility of strain-level metagenomics of enriched food matrix samples making use of data analysis tools that classify reads against a sequence database. It includes a brief comparison of two database-based read classification tools, Sigma and Sparse, using a mock community obtained by in vitro spiking minced meat with a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolate originating from a described outbreak. The more optimal tool Sigma was further evaluated using in silico simulated metagenomic data to explore the possibilities and limitations of this data analysis approach. The performed analysis allowed us to link the pathogenic strains from food samples to human isolates previously collected during the same outbreak, demonstrating that the metagenomic approach could be applied for the rapid source tracking of foodborne outbreaks. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a data analysis approach for detailed characterization and phylogenetic placement of multiple bacterial strains of one species from shotgun metagenomic WGS data of an enriched food sample.
Identification and Comparison of microRNAs in the Gonad of the Yellowfin Seabream (Acanthopagrus Latus)
Authors: Li Shizhu , Lin Genmei , Fang Wenyu , Gao Dong , Huang Jing , Xie Jingui , Lu Jianguo
Published: August 2020

Yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) is a commercially important fish in Asian coastal waters. Although natural sex reversal has been described in yellowfin seabream, the mechanisms underlying sexual differentiation and gonadal development in this species remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play crucial roles in gametogenesis and gonadal development. Here, two libraries of small RNAs, constructed from the testes and ovaries of yellowfin seabream, were sequenced. Across both gonads, we identified 324 conserved miRNAs and 92 novel miRNAs: 67 ovary-biased miRNAs, including the miR-200 families, the miR-29 families, miR-21, and miR-725; and 88 testis-biased miRNAs, including the let-7 families, the miR-10 families, miR-7, miR-9, and miR-202-3p. GO (Gene Ontology) annotations and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses of putative target genes indicated that many target genes were significantly enriched in the steroid biosynthesis pathway and in the reproductive process. Our integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis demonstrated a putative negatively correlated expression pattern in yellowfin seabream gonads. This study profiled the expression patterns of sex-biased miRNAs in yellowfin seabream gonads, and provided important molecular resources that will help to clarify the miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of sexual differentiation and gonadal development in this species.