bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Autism Palette: Combinations of Impairments Explain the Heterogeneity in ASD
Authors: Fóthi Ábel , Soorya Latha , Lőrincz András
Published: December 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric condition traditionally defined by core symptoms in social behavior, speech/communication, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. Beyond the core symptoms, autism has strong association with other disorders such as intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, schizophrenia among many others. This paper outlines a theory of ASD with capacity to connect heterogeneous “core” symptoms, medical and psychiatric comorbidities as well as other etiological theories of autism in a unifying cognitive framework rooted in neuroscience and genetics. Cognition is embedded into an ever-developing structure modified by experiences, including the outcomes of environment influencing behaviors. The key constraint of cognition is that the brain can handle only 7±2 relevant variables at a time, whereas sensory variables, i.e., the number of sensory neurons is orders of magnitude larger. As a result, (a) the extraction, (b) the encoding, and (c) the capability for the efficient cognitive manipulation of the relevant variables, and (d) the compensatory mechanisms that counteract computational delays of the distributed components are critical. We outline our theoretical model to describe a Cartesian Factor (CF) forming, autoencoder-like cognitive mechanism which breaks combinatorial explosion and is accelerated by internal reinforcing machineries and discuss the neural processes that support CF formation. Impairments in any of these aspects may disrupt learning, cognitive manipulation, decisions on interactions, and execution of decisions. We suggest that social interactions are the most susceptible to combinations of diverse small impairments and can be spoiled in many ways that pile up. Comorbidity is experienced, if any of the many potential impairments is relatively strong. We consider component spoiling impairments as the basic colors of autism, whereas the combinations of individual impairments make the palette of autism. We put forth arguments on the possibility of dissociating the different main elements of the impairments that can appear together. For example, impairments of generalization (domain general learning) and impairments of dealing with many variable problems, such as social situations may appear independently and may mutually enhance their impacts. We also consider mechanisms that may lead to protection.
Connecting During COVID-19: A Protocol of a Volunteer-Based Telehealth Program for Supporting Older Adults' Health
Authors: Dikaios Elena , Sekhon Harmehr , Allard Alexandre , Vacaflor Blanca , Goodman Allana , Dwyer Emmett , Lavin-Gonzalez Paola , Mahdanian Artin , Park Haley , Walsh Chesley , Sasi Neeti , Nazar Rim , Gruber Johanna , Su Chien-Lin , Hanganu Cezara , Royal Isabelle , Schiavetto Alessandra , Cinalioglu Karin , Rigas Christina , Launay Cyrille , Beauchet Olivier , McDonald Emily , Seitz Dallas , Kumar Sanjeev , Nair Vasavan , Miresco Marc , Bruneau Marie-Andrée , Alexopoulos George , Looper Karl , Vahia Ipsit , Rej Soham , Bukhari Syeda Nayab
Published: December 2020

Introduction:Social-distancing due to COVID-19 has led to social isolation, stress, and mental health issues in older adults, while overwhelming healthcare systems worldwide. Telehealth involving phone calls by trained volunteers is understudied and may be a low-cost, scalable, and valuable preventive tool for mental health. In this context, from patient participatory volunteer initiatives, we have adapted and developed an innovative volunteer-based telehealth intervention program for older adults (TIP-OA).

Methods and analysis:To evaluate TIP-OA, we are conducting a mixed-methods longitudinal observational study.

Participants:TIP-OA clients are older adults (age ≥ 60) recruited in Montreal, Quebec.

Intervention:TIP-OA volunteers make weekly friendly phone calls to seniors to check in, form connections, provide information about COVID-19, and connect clients to community resources as needed.

Measurements:Perceived stress, fear surrounding COVID-19, depression, and anxiety will be assessed at baseline, and at 4- and 8-weeks. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups will be conducted to assess the experiences of clients, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Results:As of October 15th, 2020, 150 volunteers have been trained to provide TIP-OA to 305 older clients. We will consecutively select 200 clients receiving TIP-OA for quantitative data collection, plus 16 volunteers and 8 clinicians for focus groups, and 15 volunteers, 10 stakeholders, and 25 clients for semi-structured interviews.

Discussion:During COVID-19, healthcare professionals' decreased availability and increased needs related to geriatric mental health are expected. If successful and scalable, volunteer-based TIP-OA may help prevent and improve mental health concerns, improve community participation, and decrease healthcare utilization.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.govNCT04523610;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04523610?term=NCT04523610&draw=2&rank=1
Small Mammals as Carriers/Hosts of Leptospira spp. in the Western Amazon Forest
Authors: Medeiros Luciana dos Santos , Braga Domingos Susan Christina , Azevedo Maria Isabel Nogueira Di , Peruquetti Rui Carlos , de Albuquerque Narianne Ferreira , D'Andrea Paulo Sérgio , Botelho André Luis de Moura , Crisóstomo Charle Ferreira , Vieira Anahi Souto , Martins Gabriel , Teixeira Bernardo Rodrigues , Carvalho-Costa Filipe Anibal , Lilenbaum Walter
Published: December 2020

Leptospira is a bacteria that causes leptospirosis and is transmitted through water, soil, or mud that is contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Although it is mainly associated with the urban environment, Leptospires also circulate in rural and wild environments. This study aimed to investigate the role of small mammals in leptospirosis epidemiology in the western Amazon, Brazil. In total, 103 animals from 23 species belonging to the orders Didelphimorphia and Rodentia were captured. Blood, kidney, and urine samples were collected and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), lipL32 PCR, secY sequencing, and culturing were conducted. MAT was reactive on 1/15 sera, and no bacterial isolate was obtained. PCR yielded 44.7% positive samples from 16 species. Twenty samples were genetically characterized and identified as L. interrogans (n = 12), L. noguchii (n = 4), and L. santarosai (n = 4). No statistical association was found between the prevalence of infection by Leptospira spp. in small mammals within carrier/hosts species, orders, study area, and forest strata. Our results indicate a high prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in several rodent and marsupial species and report the first evidence of Leptospira spp. carrier/hosts in the Brazilian Western Amazon.
A Polyphenol-Rich Extract From Entada abyssinica Reduces Oxidative Damage in Cryopreserved Ram Semen
Authors: Sobeh Mansour , Hassan Soha A. , Hassan Mahmoud A. E. , Khalil Wael A. , Abdelfattah Mohamed A. O. , Wink Michael , Yasri Abdelaziz
Published: December 2020

The Splinter bean, Entada abyssinica, is widely used in folk medicine. In the current work, we profiled the secondary metabolites from E. abyssinica bark extract using LC-MS and investigated its effect on cryopreserved ram semen. Twenty-eight compounds, including tannins and gallic acid derivatives that prevailed in the extract, were tentatively identified. Results showed that the quality of the post-thawed semen showed a significant improvement when the extract was added to the extender at a concentration of 375 μg/mL. The progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity of sperm cells were significantly increased in the post-thawed semen; however, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was insignificantly increased. A significant decrease in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide was detected as well. No significant changes were observed in activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) within the treated samples. Intact sperm percentage was significantly increased, while apoptotic and necrotic sperm percentages were reduced significantly. Molecular docking of some individual components from the extract revealed their potential to interfere with the apoptosis cascade in which Bcl-2 is involved. In conclusion, Entada abyssinica appears to be useful for cryopreservation presumably owing to its polyphenol content that has potent antioxidant capacity scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhancing the endogenous antioxidant system and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
The Suppression of Th1 Response by Inducing TGF-β1 From Regulatory T Cells in Bovine Mycoplasmosis
Authors: Sajiki Yamato , Konnai Satoru , Goto Shinya , Okagawa Tomohiro , Ohira Kosuke , Shimakura Honami , Maekawa Naoya , Gondaira Satoshi , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Tajima Motoshi , Hirano Yuki , Kohara Junko , Murata Shiro , Ohashi Kazuhiko
Published: December 2020

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) regulate immune responses and maintain host immune homeostasis. Tregs contribute to the disease progression of several chronic infections by oversuppressing immune responses via the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin-10. In the present study, we examined the association of Tregs withMycoplasma bovisinfection, in which immunosuppression is frequently observed. Compared with uninfected cattle, the percentage of Tregs, CD4+CD25highFoxp3+T cells, was increased inM.bovis-infected cattle. Additionally, the plasma ofM.bovis-infected cattle contained the high concentrations of TGF-β1, andM.bovisinfection induced TGF-β1 production from bovine immune cells inin vitrocultures. Finally, we analyzed the immunosuppressive effects of TGF-β1 on bovine immune cells. Treatment with TGF-β1 significantly decreased the expression of CD69, an activation marker, in T cells, and Th1 cytokine productionin vitro. These results suggest that the increase in Tregs and TGF-β1 secretion could be one of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and that lead to increased susceptibility to other infections in terms of exacerbation of disease duringM.bovisinfection.
Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Tinnitus: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Chen Chih-Hao , Huang Chii-Yuan , Chang Chun-Yu , Cheng Yen-Fu
Published: December 2020

Study Objective: Tinnitus is a common disorder characterized by sound in the ear in the absence of external or internal stimuli. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was discovered enhancing tissue repair via increasing the blood microcirculation and cell proliferation in 1960s. In the last two decades, LLLT delivered to the cochlea has frequently been used to reduce the severity of tinnitus. However, whether LLLT effectively attenuates the severity of tinnitus remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy on adult patients with complaints of tinnitus. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Interventions: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Measurements: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score; improvement rates of the visual analog scale (VAS), verbal rating scale (VRS) and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception through 17 September 2020. Randomized control trials that involved adult patients with complaints of tinnitus, compared LLLT to a placebo and provided sufficient information for meta-analysis were considered eligible. Main Results: Overall, 11 studies involving 670 patients were included. No significant difference in the overall effect according to the THI score (mean difference (MD), −2.85; 95% CI, −8.99 to 3.28; p = 0.362; I2 = 0%) and the rating scale score improvement rate (risk ratio (RR), 1.35; 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.27; p = 0.250; I2 = 67%) was demonstrated between patients receiving LLLT and those receiving a placebo. None of the subgroup analyses showed significant differences, regardless of underlying sensorineural hearing loss, the number of irradiation sessions or the wavelength used. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the value of LLLT in controlling the severity of tinnitus remains unclear, in part due to the relatively small number of patients and underlying heterogeneity. More large-scale investigations of LLLT for tinnitus related to inner ear disease are required to further elucidate the therapeutic effects.
Potential Roles of Tumor Cell- and Stroma Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles in Promoting a Pro-Angiogenic Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Ludwig Nils , Rubenich Dominique S. , Zaręba Łukasz , Siewiera Jacek , Pieper Josquin , Braganhol Elizandra , Reichert Torsten E. , Szczepański Mirosław J.
Published: December 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced and released by all cells and are present in all body fluids. They exist in a variety of sizes, however, small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), the EV subset with a size range from 30 to 150 nm, are of current interest. They are characterized by a distinct biogenesis and complex cargo composition, which reflects the cytosolic contents and cell-surface molecules of the parent cells. This cargo consists of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids and is competent in inducing signaling cascades in recipient cells after surface interactions or in initiating the generation of a functional protein by delivering nucleic acids. Based on these characteristics, sEVs are now considered as important mediators of intercellular communication. One hallmark of sEVs is the promotion of angiogenesis. It was shown that sEVs interact with endothelial cells (ECs) and promote an angiogenic phenotype, ultimately leading to increased vascularization of solid tumors and disease progression. It was also shown that sEVs reprogram cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and act in a functionally cooperative fashion to promote angiogenesis by a paracrine mechanism involving the differential expression and secretion of angiogenic factors from other cell types. In this review, we will focus on the distinct functions of tumor-cell-derived sEVs (TEX) in promotion of angiogenesis and describe their potential as a therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic therapies. Also, we will focus on non-cancer stroma-cell-derived small extracellular vesicles and their potential role in stimulating a pro-angiogenic TME.
Immune Cell Infiltrate and Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kemi Niko , Hiltunen Niko , P. Väyrynen Juha , Pohjanen Vesa-Matti , Helminen Olli , Junttila Anna , Mrena Johanna , Böhm Jan , Huhta Heikki , Leppänen Joni , J. Karttunen Tuomo , H. Kauppila Joonas
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To examine and compare the prognostic value of immune cell score (ICS) and Klintrup–Mäkinen (KM) grade in gastric cancer. Methods: Gastric adenocarcinoma tissues from samples of 741 patients surgically treated in two hospitals in Finland were assessed for ICS and KM grade. Cox regression with adjustment for confounders provided hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Subgroup analyses were performed in intestinal and diffuse type subgroups. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival. Results: High ICS was associated to longer 5-year survival (adjusted HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.94), compared to low ICS. The difference was significant in intestinal type subgroup (adjusted HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.36–0.81) but not in diffuse type subgroup (adjusted HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.58–1.46). High KM grade was an independent prognostic factor for longer 5-year overall survival (adjusted HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.77) in both intestinal (adjusted HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.85) and diffuse subgroups (adjusted HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31–0.86). ICS and KM grade were moderately correlated (ρ = 0.425). When both immune cell score and KM grade were included in the regression analysis, only KM grade remained prognostic. Conclusions: Both ICS and KM grade are prognostic factors in gastric adenocarcinoma, but immunohistochemistry-based ICS might not have additional prognostic value over hematoxylin–eosin-based KM grade.
Immune Escape Mechanisms in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Anichini Andrea , Perotti Valentina E. , Sgambelluri Francesco , Mortarini Roberta
Published: December 2020

Development of strong immune evasion has been traditionally associated with the late stages of solid tumor progression, since advanced cancers are more likely to have reached the third phase of the immunoediting process. However, by integrating a variety of approaches, evidence for active immune escape mechanisms has been found even in the pre-invasive lesions that later progress to the main NSCLC histotypes. Pre-invasive lesions of adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and of squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) can show impaired antigen presentation, loss of heterozygosity at the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) region, neoantigen silencing, activation of immune checkpoints, altered TH1/TH2 cytokine ratios, and immune contexture evolution. Analysis of large panels of LUAD vs. LUSC, of early stage NSCLC vs. normal lung tissue, of specific molecular subsets of NSCLC, and of distinct regions within the same tumor, indicates that all these processes of immune escape continue to evolve in the invasive stage of NSCLC, are associated with inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, and contribute to resistance to therapy by immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). In this review, we will discuss the most recent evidence on immune escape mechanisms developing from the precursor to invasive stage in NSCLC, and the contribution of immune evasion to resistance to ICB in lung cancer.
Ablative Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and High Dose Rate Brachytherapy
Authors: Ma Ting Martin , Lilleby Oscar , Lilleby Wolfgang A. , Kishan Amar U.
Published: December 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common noncutaneous solid organ malignancy among men worldwide. Radiation therapy is a standard of care treatment option that has historically been delivered in the form of small daily doses of radiation over the span of multiple weeks. PCa appears to have a unique sensitivity to higher doses of radiation per fraction, rendering it susceptible to abbreviated forms of treatment. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) are both modern radiation modalities that allow the precise delivery of ablative doses of radiation to the prostate while maximally sparing sensitive surrounding normal structures. In this review, we highlight the evidence regarding the radiobiology, oncological outcomes, toxicity and dose/fractionation schemes of SBRT and HDRBT monotherapy in men with low-and intermediate-risk PCa.
Wavelet Transforms of Diagnosable Signals from Ship Power Complexes in a MATLAB Environment
Authors: Sakharov Vladimir , Chernyi Sergei , Saburov Sergey , Chertkov Aleksandr
Published: December 2020

The use of digital technologies in the systems of diagnostics and monitoring of units of a ship’s propulsion plant can significantly increase the efficiency and quality of assessing the technical condition of operated objects in the online mode as well as expand the class of practical problems to be solved. Digital processing of signals of complex configuration at a qualitatively new level is an indispensable condition for a critical improvement in the course of processing the current values of diagnosable parameters, increasing the reliability and trouble-free performance of a ship’s technical equipment during operation. A method of approximation has been discussed in the paper. Moreover, the paper provides an algorithm for analyzing the signal of the indicator diagram of a marine diesel engine, the spectrum of which contains high-frequency components and short-term pulses indicating deviations from the normal operating mode, the assessment of which is practically impossible with the traditionally applied methods of spectral analysis of signals. The approximation method is based on the use of wavelet analysis, which makes it possible to deeply explore such modes. Examples of using wavelet analysis to approximate one-dimensional signals of elements and systems of a ship’s power complexes are given.
Fluid Mixing Nonequilibrium Processes in Industrial Piping Flows
Authors: Sukharev Mikhail
Published: December 2020

The flow of a multicomponent fluid through a pipeline system of arbitrary configuration is considered. The problem consists in determining the component composition of the fluid for each pipeline of the system based on the values of the concentration of the components throughout the entire set of measuring points, provided that there are no phase transitions. To solve the problem, mathematical models have been developed that, in principle, are suitable for pipeline systems of various functional purposes, the presentation is concretized and carried out in relation to gas transmission systems. The models are stochastic in nature due to measurement errors, which are considered random variables. The solution of the problem is reduced to the optimization of a quadratic function with constraints in the form of equalities and inequalities. The considered mixing processes do not depend on the regime parameters of the fluid flow. The processes are irreversible and non-equilibrium. A criterion is introduced that characterizes the degree of closeness of a multicomponent mixture to an equilibrium state. The criterion is analogous to entropy in thermodynamic processes. A numerical example of calculating the distribution of a three-component mixture is given. The example illustrates the feasibility of the proposed computational procedures and gives an idea of the distribution of the component composition and the change in «entropy» along the directions of pumping of the gas supply system.
Pat-in-the-Loop: Declarative Knowledge for Controlling Neural Networks
Authors: Onorati Dario , Tommasino Pierfrancesco , Ranaldi Leonardo , Fallucchi Francesca , Zanzotto Fabio Massimo
Published: December 2020

The dazzling success of neural networks over natural language processing systems is imposing an urgent need to control their behavior with simpler, more direct declarative rules. In this paper, we propose Pat-in-the-Loop as a model to control a specific class of syntax-oriented neural networks by adding declarative rules. In Pat-in-the-Loop, distributed tree encoders allow to exploit parse trees in neural networks, heat parse trees visualize activation of parse trees, and parse subtrees are used as declarative rules in the neural network. Hence, Pat-in-the-Loop is a model to include human control in specific natural language processing (NLP)-neural network (NN) systems that exploit syntactic information, which we will generically call Pat. A pilot study on question classification showed that declarative rules representing human knowledge, injected by Pat, can be effectively used in these neural networks to ensure correctness, relevance, and cost-effective.
Malware Classification Based on Shallow Neural Network
Authors: Yang Pin , Zhou Huiyu , Zhu Yue , Liu Liang , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2020

The emergence of a large number of new malicious code poses a serious threat to network security, and most of them are derivative versions of existing malicious code. The classification of malicious code is helpful to analyze the evolutionary trend of malicious code families and trace the source of cybercrime. The existing methods of malware classification emphasize the depth of the neural network, which has the problems of a long training time and large computational cost. In this work, we propose the shallow neural network-based malware classifier (SNNMAC), a malware classification model based on shallow neural networks and static analysis. Our approach bridges the gap between precise but slow methods and fast but less precise methods in existing works. For each sample, we first generate n-grams from their opcode sequences of the binary file with a decompiler. An improved n-gram algorithm based on control transfer instructions is designed to reduce the n-gram dataset. Then, the SNNMAC exploits a shallow neural network, replacing the full connection layer and softmax with the average pooling layer and hierarchical softmax, to learn from the dataset and perform classification. We perform experiments on the Microsoft malware dataset. The evaluation result shows that the SNNMAC outperforms most of the related works with 99.21% classification precision and reduces the training time by more than half when compared with the methods using DNN (Deep Neural Networks).
Foresight for the Fitness Sector: Results from a European Delphi Study and Its Relevance in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Moustakas Louis , Szumilewicz Anna , Mayo Xian , Thienemann Elisabeth , Grant Andrew
Published: December 2020

The fitness sector is an essential player in the promotion of physical activity and healthy behaviour in Europe. However, the sector is confronted with numerous socio-demographic trends that will shape its ability to be financially successful and contribute to public health. The sector must understand current drivers of change and the skills its workforce needs to navigate them. As such, using the results of a 2019 Delphi Survey of over 50 fitness experts from 26 countries, we aim to define the drivers of change facing the sector and identify the skills needed by the fitness workforce to navigate these changes. We find that several technological, social, health and economic trends affect the sector. As a result, so-called soft skills such as communication or customer service, along with digital technology skills, are becoming increasingly important. There is also growing recognition that fitness professionals need to be trained to work with a number of special populations. Furthermore, we argue that many of the trends identified here—such as the increasing use of technology or the focus on individual customer needs—have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude by arguing that well-developed, pan-European qualifications are needed to address these common issues.
Residential Exposure to PM2.5 Components and Risk of Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Denmark: A Nationwide Register-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Hvidtfeldt Ulla Arthur , Erdmann Friederike , Urhoj Stine Kjaer , Brandt Jørgen , Geels Camilla , Ketzel Matthias , Frohn Lise M. , Christensen Jesper Heile , Sørensen Mette , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole
Published: December 2020

In a recent study, we observed an increased risk of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) associated with exposure to fine atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC). In this nationwide register-based case-control study, we focus on specific components of PM2.5 in relation to childhood NHL in Denmark (1981–2013) by identifying all incidents of childhood NHL cases in the Danish Cancer Registry (n = 170) and four (cancer-free) randomly selected controls matched by date of birth and sex. We applied PM2.5 concentrations and the following sub-components: secondary organic aerosols (SOA), secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA; i.e., NO3−, NH4+ and SO42−), BC, organic carbon (OC) and sea salt. We calculated a time-weighted exposure average from birth to index-date at all addresses. Odds ratios (ORs) were adjusted for register-based socio-demographic variables. We observed adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of 2.05 (1.10, 3.83) per interquartile range (IQR, 4.83 µg/m3) PM2.5 and 1.73 (0.68, 4.41) per IQR (3.71 µg/m3) SIA, 0.95 (0.71, 1.29) per IQR (0.05 µg/m3) SOA, 1.22 (1.02, 1.46) per IQR (0.39 µg/m3) BC, 1.02 (0.83, 1.26) per IQR (0.56 µg/m3) OC and 1.01 (0.79, 1.30) per IQR (0.87 µg/m3) sea salt, respectively. The estimates were attenuated after adjustment for PM2.5, whereas the OR for PM2.5 remained increased regardless of adjustment for specific components. The findings indicate that the previously observed relation between PM2.5 and childhood NHL may be related to BC (as reported in our previous study) but also partly to SIA, but the role of specific chemical components of PM2.5 remains ambiguous.
Loyalty in Heritage Tourism: The Case of Córdoba and Its Four World Heritage Sites
Authors: Jimber del Río Juan Antonio , Hernández-Rojas Ricardo D. , Vergara-Romero Arnaldo , Dancausa Millán Mª Genoveva Dancausa
Published: December 2020

The aim of this research is to study visitor loyalty at a destination with heritage sites and to use the results to improve the competitiveness of the destination. This study used the SPSS AMOS software with a model of structural equations to evaluate the proposed hypotheses. A questionnaire was given to a sample of 428 tourists who visited the heritage sites in Córdoba. The management of any World Heritage City needs to know about the visitors’ experience at the destination, which includes their expectations for the trip, expected quality of the destination, satisfaction with the destination, and how these affect visitor loyalty to the city, because it is important to get the visitor to recommend, and return to, the destination. In the case of Córdoba, the research has proven that visitor loyalty depends on visitor satisfaction with the destination, which depends on the perceived quality and value of the visit. In addition, the following areas for improvement have been identified: improvement of the information about the destination, improvement of waiting times and the professionalization of specialized tour guides at heritage sites. Therefore, the findings are important for city managers in order to be able to take actions which increase the loyalty to, and competitiveness of, the city compared to other similar destinations with heritage sites.
Physical Disorders and Poor Self-Rated Health in Adults Living in Four Latin American Cities: A Multilevel Approach
Authors: Vaz Camila , Andrade Amanda Cristina , Silva Uriel , Rodríguez Daniel , Wang Xize , Moore Kari , Friche Amélia Augusta , Diez-Roux Ana Victoria , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira
Published: December 2020

Considering that urban environments may affect self-rated health through behavioral and psychosocial mechanisms, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-rated health and perceived urban environment characteristics among adults living in four Latin American cities. Data is from a population-based survey by Development Bank of Latin America, encompassing adults between 20 and 60 years old in Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, and Panama City. Self-rated health was measured using a single question and the response options were categorized as poor and good. The explanatory variables were empirical Bayes estimates of self-reported area physical disorder, social disorder, access to services, and access to leisure spaces derived from the survey. The covariates were: individual age, sex, education, wealth index, and length of residency in the neighborhood; and an area social environment index. Multilevel logistic regressions with two levels (individual and sub-city areas) were fitted. Poor self-rated health was reported by 34.73% (95% CI: 33.17 to 36.29) of the participants and was associated with physical disorder (OR = 1.16 per SD; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.32). Our findings suggest that public policies to promote population health should consider area urban environment factors, especially those associated with disorder.
Health-Related Factors in Rural and Urban Mexican Adolescents from the State of Jalisco: The HELENA-MEX Study
Authors: Rivera-Ochoa María , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Vizmanos-Lamotte Barbara , Mañas Asier , López-Taylor Juan Ricardo , González-Gross Marcela , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia
Published: December 2020

Mexico shows a high prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents. Geographical location and cultural environment could play a role in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and nutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in body composition (BC), physical fitness (PF), PA and nutritional status of adolescents from the state of Jalisco (Mexico). The study involved 469 students aged 13–17 years (55.0% girls) from eight high schools. BC was analyzed by bioimpedance and PF by standardized field tests. Objective measurements of PA and SB were taken in a subsample (n = 240). Energy intake (EI) was calculated from two 24h recalls. Rural residents presented a higher prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, regional fat free mass and muscle handgrip strength (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.06). Cardiorespiratory fitness was similar among participants, whereas urban adolescents showed higher muscle power, speed-agility and flexibility scores (all p < 0.05, η2p < 0.07). Overall lifestyle behavior in urban adolescents was more sedentary (p < 0.05, η2p = 0.11). EI was similar in both locations. In conclusion, rural Mexican adolescents presented a generally lower sedentary behavior and a lower fitness and fatness profile than their urban peers.
The Relationship between Simple Snoring and Sleep Bruxism: A Polysomnographic Study
Authors: Michalek-Zrabkowska Monika , Wieckiewicz Mieszko , Macek Piotr , Gac Pawel , Smardz Joanna , Wojakowska Anna , Poreba Rafal , Mazur Grzegorz , Martynowicz Helena
Published: December 2020

Simple snoring is defined as the production of sound in the upper aerodigestive tract during sleep, not accompanied by other pathologies. Sleep bruxism (SB) refers to repetitive phasic, tonic, or mixed masticatory muscle activity during sleep. In this study, we investigated the relationship between simple snoring and SB in patients without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A total of 565 snoring subjects underwent polysomnography. After examination, individuals with OSA were excluded from the study group. Finally, 129 individuals were analyzed. The bruxism episode index was positively correlated with maximum snore intensity. Phasic bruxism was positively correlated with snore intensity in all sleep positions. Bruxers had a significantly decreased average and minimum heart rate compared with non-bruxers. Supine sleep position seemed to have a significant impact on snore intensity and SB. In summary, our study showed the relationship between SB, snore intensity, and body position. Phasic bruxism was positively correlated with snore intensity despite the body position, which is an interesting and novel finding.
Exploring Perceived Stress among Students in Turkey during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aslan Imran , Ochnik Dominika , Çınar Orhan
Published: December 2020

Students have been highly vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, and researchers have shown that perceived stress and mental health problems have increased during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to reveal the prevalence of perceived stress and mental health among students during the pandemic and to explore predictors of stress levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 358 undergraduates from 14 universities in Turkey, including 200 female students (56%). The measurements used in the study were the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perception of COVID Impact on Student Well-Being (CI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Physical Activity Scale (PA), and a sociodemographic survey. Students reported high perceived stress, mild generalized anxiety, and low satisfaction with life. More than half of the students met the diagnostic criteria of GAD (52%) and depression (63%). Female and physically inactive students had higher PSS-10 levels. A hierarchical linear regression model showed that after controlling for gender and negative CI, anxiety and physical inactivity significantly predicted high perceived stress. The study shows that students’ mental health during the pandemic is at high risk.
The Effect of Parenting Quality on Child Development at 36–48 Months in China’s Urban Area: Evidence from a Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Xihong , Cheng Gang , Tang Cai , Xie Qunhui , He Simin , Li Ruotong , Yan Yan
Published: December 2020

Environmental exposures, especially parenting quality, are critical for later child development. This study aimed to determine the status of parenting quality and suspected development delay of preschool children in China’s urban area and explore the associations between these two factors. The research was based on a birth cohort study conducted in Changsha, Hunan province, China. We used the Parenting Assessment Tool and Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3), to measure parenting quality and child development status, respectively. Other data were collected from maternal health manuals and self-administered questionnaires during the follow-up period. The generalized estimating equation was used to examine whether parenting quality was significantly associated with child development outcomes. In the study, good parenting quality was 33.6% measured at 18 months, and suspected development delay was below 10% at 36–48 months among urban China; we observed negative associations between parenting quality scores and child development scores; poor parenting quality had a negative association with suspected development delay [OR and 95% CI: 2.74 (1.17, 6.40)], girls [OR and 95% CI: 0.33 (0.16, 0.69)] and maternal education years (>12 years) [OR and 95% CI: 0.27 (0.12, 0.64)] were protective factors for suspected development delay. Our findings highlighted the importance of good parenting quality among children in urban areas of China through a birth cohort study and may be used to reduce the children at high risk of developmental delay as a future intervention program.
Risk Perception of COVID−19 Community Transmission among the Spanish Population
Authors: Mansilla Domínguez José Miguel , Font Jiménez Isabel , Belzunegui Eraso Angel , Peña Otero David , Díaz Pérez David , Recio Vivas Ana María
Published: December 2020

On 11 March 2020 the SARS-CoV−2 virus was officially declared a pandemic and measures were set up in various countries to avoid its spread among the population. This paper aims to analyse the perception of risk of COVID−19 infection in the Spanish population. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with a total of 16,372 Spanish participants. An online survey was used to gather data for 5 consecutive days over the compulsory lockdown period which was established after the state of emergency was declared. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and risk perception, and a very strong relationship between this perception and contact and direct experience with the virus in a family, social or professional setting. We also found that compared to working from home, working outside the home increased the perception of risk of infection and the perception of worsening health. Understanding the public perception of the risk of COVID−19 infection is fundamental for establishing effective prevention measures.
Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda: Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes in Nine Italian Universities, 2019
Authors: Smaniotto Cecilia , Battistella Claudio , Brunelli Laura , Ruscio Edoardo , Agodi Antonella , Auxilia Francesco , Baccolini Valentina , Gelatti Umberto , Odone Anna , Prato Rosa , Tardivo Stefano , Voglino Gianluca , Valent Francesca , Brusaferro Silvio , Balzarini Federica , Barchitta Martina , Carli Alberto , Castelli Francesco , Coppola Cristina , Iannelli Giuseppina , Milazzo Marica , Rosina Barbara , Salerno Carla , Siliquini Roberta , Sisi Sauro
Published: December 2020

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 2030 Agenda represent global development programs. Education can widen the acknowledgement of their relevance and their applications. This survey aims to assess awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards SDGs and sustainability among first-year students in nine Italian Universities. A Likert scale-based online questionnaire of 70 items was compiled by students from March to July 2019. It examined knowledge and expectations referred to sustainable development concepts, indicators and documents/models accounting for sociodemographic variables. Statistical analyses performed were Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, Kendall’s W correlation coefficient, univariate and multivariate analysis. The questionnaire was completed by 1676 students. A low percentage referred a good knowledge of SDGs and 2030 Agenda, most of them had never attended related educational activities previously. Better knowledge of SDGs and 2030 Agenda was observed in case of previous specific educational activities (p < 0.001). The expectation towards university guaranteeing an education on SDGs was high, both for personal wisdom and for usefulness in future professional context. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in such expectations was found, as healthcare students were less interested than colleagues of other areas. The results showed low knowledge but interest towards sustainable development. A scheduled implementation of academic initiatives should be considered.
Versatile Types of Polysaccharide-Based Drug Delivery Systems: From Strategic Design to Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Yanzhen , Jing Xiaodong , Ma Xiaoli , Feng Yinglong , Hu Hao
Published: December 2020

Chemotherapy is still the most direct and effective means of cancer therapy nowadays. The proposal of drug delivery systems (DDSs) has effectively improved many shortcomings of traditional chemotherapy drugs. The technical support of DDSs lies in their excellent material properties. Polysaccharides include a series of natural polymers, such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginic acid. These polysaccharides have good biocompatibility and degradability, and they are easily chemical modified. Therefore, polysaccharides are ideal candidate materials to construct DDSs, and their clinical application prospects have been favored by researchers. On the basis of versatile types of polysaccharides, this review elaborates their applications from strategic design to cancer therapy. The construction and modification methods of polysaccharide-based DDSs are specifically explained, and the latest research progress of polysaccharide-based DDSs in cancer therapy are also summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a reference for the design and preparation of polysaccharide-based DDSs with excellent performance.
Glia in Neurodegeneration: The Housekeeper, the Defender and the Perpetrator
Authors: Sheeler Carrie , Rosa Juao-Guilherme , Ferro Austin , McAdams Brian , Borgenheimer Ella , Cvetanovic Marija
Published: December 2020

Over the past decade, research has unveiled the intimate relationship between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Microglia and astrocytes react to brain insult by setting up a multimodal inflammatory state and act as the primary defenders and executioners of neuroinflammatory structural and functional changes. Microglia and astrocytes also play critical roles in the maintenance of normal brain function. This intricate balance of homeostatic and neuroinflammatory functions can influence the onset and the course of neurodegenerative diseases. The emergent role of the microglial-astrocytic axis in neurodegenerative disease presents many druggable targets that may have broad therapeutic benefits across neurodegenerative disease. Here, we provide a brief review of the basal function of both microglia and astrocytes, how they are changed in disease states, the significant differences between mouse and human glia, and use of human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients to study cell autonomous changes in human astrocytes and microglia.
Openness and Security Thinking Characteristics for IoT Ecosystems
Authors: Vogel Bahtijar , Kajtazi Miranda , Bugeja Joseph , Varshney Rimpu
Published: December 2020

While security is often recognized as a top priority for organizations and a push for competitive advantage, repeatedly, Internet of Things (IoT) products have become a target of diverse security attacks. Thus, orchestrating smart services and devices in a more open, standardized and secure way in IoT environments is yet a desire as much as it is a challenge. In this paper, we propose a model for IoT practitioners and researchers, who can adopt a sound security thinking in parallel with open IoT technological developments. We present the state-of-the-art and an empirical study with IoT practitioners. These efforts have resulted in identifying a set of openness and security thinking criteria that are important to consider from an IoT ecosystem point of view. Openness in terms of open standards, data, APIs, processes, open source and open architectures (flexibility, customizability and extensibility aspects), by presenting security thinking tackled from a three-dimensional point of view (awareness, assessment and challenges) that highlight the need to develop an IoT security mindset. A novel model is conceptualized with those characteristics followed by several key aspects important to design and secure future IoT systems.
Local Knowledge about Ecosystem Services Provided by Trees in Coffee Agroforestry Practices in Northwest Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Mai Phuong , Vaast Philippe , Pagella Tim , Sinclair Fergus
Published: December 2020

In recent decades in northwest Vietnam, Arabica coffee has been grown on sloping land in intensive, full sun monocultures that are not sustainable in the long term and have negative environmental impacts. There is an urgent need to reverse this negative trend by promoting good agricultural practices, including agroforestry, to prevent further deforestation and soil erosion on slopes. A survey of 124 farmers from three indigenous groups was conducted in northwest Vietnam to document coffee agroforestry practices and the ecosystem services associated with different tree species used in them. Trees were ranked according to the main ecosystem services and disservices considered to be locally relevant by rural communities. Our results show that tree species richness in agroforestry plots was much higher for coffee compared to non-coffee plots, including those with annual crops and tree plantations. Most farmers were aware of the benefits of trees for soil improvement, shelter (from wind and frost), and the provision of shade and mulch. In contrast, farmers had limited knowledge of the impact of trees on coffee quality and other interactions amongst trees and coffee. Farmers ranked the leguminous tree species Leucaena leucocephala as the best for incorporating in coffee plots because of the services it provides to coffee. Nonetheless, the farmers’ selection of tree species to combine with coffee was highly influenced by economic benefits provided, especially by intercropped fruit trees, which was influenced by market access, determined by the proximity of farms to a main road. The findings from this research will help local extension institutions and farmers select appropriate tree species that suit the local context and that match household needs and constraints, thereby facilitating the transition to a more sustainable and climate-smart coffee production practice.