bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds of ‘Fresh Garlic’ and ‘Black Garlic’ through In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Moreno-Ortega Alicia , Pereira-Caro Gema , Ordóñez José Luis , Moreno-Rojas Rafael , Ortíz-Somovilla Víctor , Moreno-Rojas José Manuel
Published: November 2020

Numerous studies have reported health benefits associated with the consumption of fresh and black garlic, which are characterized by the presence of polyphenols and organosulfur compounds (OS). This study aims to analyze the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds in fresh and black garlic after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion by monitoring the individual profile of these compounds by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Polyphenols decreased from the beginning of the digestive process, is mainly affected during intestinal digestion. Regarding the OS, the S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine (SACs) derivatives were more influenced by the acidic conditions of the gastric digestion, while the γ-glutamyl-S-alk(en)yl-L-cysteine (GSAk) derivatives were more susceptible to intestinal digestion conditions in both the fresh and black garlic samples. In conclusion, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the compounds with the highest bioaccessibility were vanillic acid (69%), caffeic acid (52%), γ−glutamyl-S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (GSMCS) (77%), and S-allylmercapto-L-cysteine (SAMC) (329%) in fresh garlic. Meanwhile, in black garlic, the main bioaccessible compounds were caffeic acid (65%), GSMCS (89%), methionine sulfoxide (262%), trans-S-(1-propenyl)-L-cysteine (151%), and SAMC (106%). The treatment (heating + humidity) to obtain black garlic exerted a positive effect on the bioaccessibility of OS compounds, 55.3% of them remaining available in black garlic, but only 15% in fresh garlic. Polyphenols showed different behavior regarding bioaccessibility.
Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris Produces Zinc Protoporphyrin IX Both Aerobically and Anaerobically and Improves the Bright Red Color of Fermented Meat Products
Authors: Kauser-Ul-Alam Md. , Toba Yu , Hioki Shoji , Hayakawa Toru , Kumura Haruto , Wakamatsu Jun-ichi
Published: November 2020

This study assessed the color improvement via zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) formation in nitrite-free, dry-cured sausages processed using five varieties of ZnPP-forming lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The ZnPP contents and color intensity of the sausages and other technological properties were analyzed during the processing of sausages. LAB count and acidity significantly increased in the LAB-inoculated sausages compared to the control group. The bright red color was observed both inside and outside the sausages inoculated with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and Leuconostoc lactis. However, a brown color was observed on the surface of the sausage inoculated with Lactobacillus spp. The redness of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris-inoculated sausages was close to that of the nitrite-added group. Moreover, the external bright red color was improved by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris due to the aerobic formation of ZnPP. Therefore, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris can be used to improve the color of fermented meat products.
Polydopamine Antioxidant Hydrogels for Wound Healing Applications
Authors: O’Connor Naphtali A. , Syed Abdulhaq , Wong Madeline , Hicks Josiah , Nunez Greisly , Jitianu Andrei , Siler Zach , Peterson Marnie
Published: November 2020

Antioxidants are known to improve the wound healing process and are researched as a therapeutic strategy to treat chronic wounds. Dopamine is a known neurotransmitter with antioxidant properties that can be polymerized to form polydopamine (PDA). Herein, polydopamine is demonstrated as an antioxidant biomaterial. In prior work, we developed methodology to prepare hydrogels by crosslinking polysaccharides with polyamines via epichlorohydrin and NaOH. Using this previously developed methodology, dextran hydrogels crosslinked with polydopamine were prepared. Darkening of the gels indicated the increasing incorporation of polydopamine within the hydrogels. In addition to basic pH, polydopamine can be formed by reaction with polyethylene imine (PEI), which results in PEI-PDA copolymer. Dextran was similarly crosslinked with the PEI-PDA copolymer and resulted in sturdier, darker gels, which had more polydopamine incorporated. Hydrogel morphology and strength were dependent on the feed ratios of dopamine. Antioxidant activity of polydopamine containing hydrogel was confirmed and shown to be dependent on the amount of dopamine used in hydrogel synthesis. Hydrogels with 0.5 dopamine to dextran feed ratio scavenged 78.8% of radicals in a 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) antioxidant assay while gels with no dopamine scavenged only 1.4% of radicals. An ex vivo wound healing assay showed considerable cell migration with the PEI-PDA containing hydrogel.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Prognostic Alternative Splicing Signature and Splicing Factors in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chang Ya-Sian , Tu Siang-Jyun , Chiang Hui-Shan , Yen Ju-Chen , Lee Ya-Ting , Fang Hsin-Yuan , Chang Jan-Gowth
Published: November 2020

Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data revealed that alternative splicing (AS) events could serve as prognostic biomarkers in various cancer types. This study examined lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues for AS and assessed AS events as potential indicators of prognosis in our cohort. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed. We used SUPPA2 to analyze the AS profiles. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, overall survival (OS)-related AS events were identified. Genes relating to the OS-related AS events were imported into Cytoscape, and the CytoHubba application was run. OS-related splicing factors (SFs) were explored using the log-rank test. The relationship between the percent spliced-in value of the OS-related AS events and SF expression was identified by Spearman correlation analysis. We found 1957 OS-related AS events in 1151 genes, and most were protective factors. Alternative first exon splicing was the most frequent type of splicing event. The hub genes in the gene network of the OS-related AS events were FBXW11, FBXL5, KCTD7, UBB and CDC27. The area under the curve of the MIX prediction model was 0.847 for 5-year survival based on seven OS-related AS events. Overexpression of SFs CELF2 and SRSF5 was associated with better OS. We constructed a correlation network between SFs and OS-related AS events. In conclusion, we identified prognostic predictors using AS events that stratified LUAD patients into high- and low-risk groups. The discovery of the splicing networks in this study provides an insight into the underlying mechanisms.
PURα Promotes the Transcriptional Activation of PCK2 in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Sun Yan , Gao Jiajia , Jing Zongpan , Zhao Yan , Sun Yulin , Zhao Xiaohang
Published: November 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies due to its characteristics of local invasion and distant metastasis. Purine element binding protein α (PURα) is a DNA and RNA binding protein, and recent studies have showed that abnormal expression of PURα is associated with the progression of some tumors, but its oncogenic function, especially in ESCC progression, has not been determined. Based on the bioinformatic analysis of RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data, we found that PURα affected metabolic pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism, and we observed that it has binding peaks in the promoter of mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2). Meanwhile, PURα significantly increased the activity of the PCK2 gene promoter by binding to the GGGAGGCGGA motif, as determined though luciferase assay and ChIP-PCR/qPCR. The results of Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis showed that PURα overexpression enhances the protein and mRNA levels of PCK2 in KYSE510 cells, whereas PURα knockdown inhibits the protein and mRNA levels of PCK2 in KYSE170 cells. In addition, measurements of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) indicated that PURα promoted the metabolism of ESCC cells. Taken together, our results help to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which PURα activates the transcription and expression of PCK2, which contributes to the development of a new therapeutic target for ESCC.
Application of Reflectance Transformation Imaging to Experimental Archaeology Studies
Authors: Florindi Silvia , Revedin Anna , Aranguren Biancamaria , Palleschi Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

In this work, we present a study on experimental archaeology replicas of 170,000-year-old digging sticks excavated in 2012 in the archaeological site of Poggetti Vecchi (Grosseto, Italy). One of the techniques used for documenting and studying the sticks was the reflectance transformation imaging (RTI) technique, which allows the creation of an interactive image by varying the angle of illumination. A reconstruction of the 3D profile of the surface was also made by applying the technique of photometric stereo imaging to the RTI images.
Lifestyle, Quality of Life, and Health Promotion Needs in Mexican University Students: Important Differences by Sex and Academic Discipline
Authors: Núñez-Rocha Georgina Mayela , López-Botello Cynthia Karyna , Salinas-Martínez Ana María , Arroyo-Acevedo Hiram V. , Martínez-Villarreal Rebeca Thelma , Ávila-Ortiz María Natividad
Published: November 2020

Few studies have evaluated and contrasted the lifestyles and quality of life of university students by academic discipline. We compared university students’ lifestyle and quality of life, and schools’ compliance with health promotion guidelines. Then, needs were ranked and prioritized. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a public university in Northeastern Mexico. Higher education students with no visual or hearing impairment from six different academic disciplines were included (N = 5443). A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was applied that included the HPLP (Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile) and SF-12 scales. A check list was employed for measuring 26 on-site schools’ compliance with health promotion guidelines, and needs were ranked using Z-scores. The mean lifestyle was 53.9 ± 14.8 and the mean quality of life was 69.7 ± 5. Men had healthier lifestyles with more exercise and better stress management. The mean compliance with health promotion guidelines was 58.7%. Agricultural Sciences students had the highest need for improving both lifestyle and quality of life. Arts, Education, and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, and Social and Administrative Sciences schools ranked first in need for health promotion actions. The methodology used allowed hierarchization of areas requiring planning and implementation of specific actions, and the results indicated that healthy lifestyles and quality of life should be a priority.
Test–Retest Reliability of Handgrip Strength Measurement in Children and Preadolescents
Authors: Gąsior Jakub , Pawłowski Mariusz , Jeleń Piotr , Rameckers Eugene , Williams Craig , Makuch Robert , Werner Bożena
Published: November 2020

The reliability of handgrip strength (HGS) measurement has been confirmed in adults but has been sparsely addressed in pediatric populations. The aims of this study are twofold: to determine whether sex, age and/or hand-dominance influence the test–retest differences and to establish the reliability level of the HGS measurement in typical developing pediatric participants. A total of 338 participants aged 7–13 years were tested using a digital handgrip strength (HGS) dynamometer (Jamar Plus+ Dynamometer) by the same rater on two testing trials separated by a one-day interval between sessions. The HGS testing was conducted according to the American Society of Hand Therapists recommendations. Relative and absolute reliability statistics were calculated. Age influenced the test–retest difference of the HGS measurement as children compared to preadolescents had lower intraclass correlation coefficients (0.95 vs. 0.98), standard error of measurement (SEM) (0.74 vs. 0.78 kg), smallest detectable difference (SDD) (2.05 vs. 2.16 kg) and higher values of the percentage value of SEM (5.48 vs. 3.44%), normalized SDD (15.52 vs. 9.61%) and a mean difference between the test and retest values (0.50 vs. 0.02 kg) for the dominant hand. The results indicate that the protocol using the Jamar digital handgrip dynamometer is a reliable instrument to measure HGS in participants aged 7–13 years with typical development. Clinicians and researchers therefore can have confidence in determining the minimally clinical effect for HGS.
Productivity Effect Evaluation on Market-Type Environmental Regulation: A Case Study of SO2 Emission Trading Pilot in China
Authors: Feng Yanhong , Chen Shuanglian , Failler Pierre
Published: November 2020

Taking China’s SO2 emissions trading pilot (ETP) in 2007, a large-scale market-based environmental regulation as its target, this paper reexamines the strong Porter hypothesis by adopting the method of propensity score matching-differences-in-differences. Research shows the following results: first, SO2 ETP which provides high flexibility for enterprises in the process of emission reduction, improves total factor productivity (TFP) significantly on the whole. Second, the productivity effect of market-based environmental regulation varies from the productivity level of enterprise. For example, the SO2 ETP has a significant effect on TFP only at 40–80 percent quantile of TFP, and the effect increases at first and then decreases. Third, the financing constraints and bargaining power of enterprises have significant negative moderating effects on the impact of SO2 ETP on TFP, and the moderating effects between state-owned and non-state-owned enterprises exist heterogeneity. In conclusion, it provides reference for the formulation of market-type environmental regulations and the realization of high-quality development for developing countries.
Comorbidity in Older Patients Hospitalized with Cancer in Northeast China based on Hospital Discharge Data
Authors: Mu Xiao-Min , Wang Wei , Wu Fang-Yi , Jiang Yu-Ying , Ma Ling-ling , Feng Jia
Published: November 2020

Patients with cancer often carry the dual burden of the cancer itself and other co-existing medical conditions. The problems associated with comorbidities among elderly cancer patients are more prominent compared with younger patients. This study aimed to identify common cancer-related comorbidities in elderly patients through routinely collected hospital discharge data and to use association rules to analyze the prevalence and patterns of these comorbidities in elderly cancer patients at different cancer sites. We collected the discharge data of 80,574 patients who were diagnosed with cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colorectum, liver, lung, female breast, cervix, and thyroid between 2016 and 2018. The same number of non-cancer patients were randomly selected as the control group and matched with the case group by age and gender. The results showed that cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, digestive diseases, and anemia were the most common comorbidities in elderly patients with cancer. The comorbidity patterns differed based on the cancer site. Elderly patients with liver cancer had the highest risk of comorbidities, followed by lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, and reproductive cancer. For example, elderly patients with liver cancer had the higher risk of the comorbid infectious and digestive diseases, whereas patients with lung cancer had the higher risk of the comorbid respiratory system diseases. The findings can assist clinicians in diagnosing comorbidities and contribute to the allocation of medical resources.
Trends and Associated Factors of Dietary Knowledge among Chinese Older Residents: Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2004–2015
Authors: Wang Shizhen , Yang Ying , Hu Runhu , Long Hongfei , Wang Ni , Wang Quan , Mao Zongfu
Published: November 2020

Promoting a healthy diet of the elderly is an important task in the current “Healthy China Action”. This study aimed to describe the changing trends of the dietary knowledge elderly Chinese during 2004–2015 and to examine the associated factors of dietary knowledge. Elderly people aged ≥60 years were included as study subjects from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2004–2015. A total of 15,607 samples were involved in the analysis. The correct rate of dietary knowledge items followed upward trends over time, except for two items regarding physical activity intensity (Question 11, Cochran-Armitage χ2 = 20.05, p < 0.001) and healthy weight (Question 12, Cochran-Armitage χ2 = 43.93, p < 0.001). Four of the twelve dietary knowledge items consistently followed the lowest correct rate between 2006 and 2015, regarding physical activity intensity (Question 11, 24.5%−25.8%), staple food consumption (Question 5, 36.6%−41.5%), animal product consumption (Question 6, 45.8%−59.5%), and fatty meat and animal fat consumption (Question 7, 63.6%−64.9%). Participants who had a lower educational level or lived in rural areas or western regions, did not know about the Chinese Food Pagoda (CFP) or Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (DGCR), and did not proactively look for nutrition knowledge were less likely to have adequate dietary knowledge literacy. Targeted interventions should be developed to promote dietary knowledge level of the elderly.
Effectiveness of a Novel Index System in Preventing Early Hearing Loss among Furniture Industry Skills Training Students in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Rahim Khairul Azhar , Jewaratnam Jegalakshimi , Che Hassan Che Rosmani , Hamid Mahar Diana
Published: November 2020

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most reported occupational disease in Malaysia. ONIHL is aggravated by the presence of early hearing loss amongst the youth prior to entering a real working environment. At technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions, students may develop early ONIHL because training workshops are designed imitating the industrial working environment to produce skilled workers. The exceeding noise level at workshops and recent risk of non-occupational noise can cause early ONIHL among these students. Therefore, ONIHL must be addressed at the early stage of producing skilled workers. Octa hearing conservation index (OHCI) system is developed as a management and monitoring tool for hearing conservation program (HCP) in TVET institutions. Six existing and two new HCP components were used to build the index system. A pilot test on the effectiveness of the OHCI system was conducted in a selected TVET institution for six months. The post-HCP shows a 52.6% improvement compared to the pre-HCP. The implementation of HCP has shown improved awareness on the hazards of loud noise exposure and active use of hearing protection devices among participants. The OHCI system has a great potential as a tool to improve HCP implementation in TVET institutions, and eventually, industry.
COVID-19 Risk Management and Screening in the Penitentiary Facilities of the Salerno Province in Southern Italy
Authors: Pagano Antonio Maria , Maiese Aniello , Izzo Carmine , Maiese Adamo , Ametrano Marcello , De Matteis Alessandra , Attianese Maria Rosaria , Busato Gaia , Caruso Rosa , Cestari Michele , Biasi Sebastiana De , Chiara Anna De , De Matteis Giuseppe , Goffredi Goffredo , La Russa Raffaele
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: The emergency linked to the spread of COVID-19 in Italy has led to inevitable consequences on the penitentiary system. The risks of this emergency in prisons is mainly related to the problem of persistent overcrowding that makes social distancing difficult and the isolation of any contagion hard to arrange. The Department of Protection for Adults and Minors of the ASL Salerno Criminal Area has taken steps in order to perform screening operations and minimize the risks for prisoners and operators. (2) Methods: We conducted a two-phase observational study. In the first phase, we offered and then executed serum COVID-19 screening to all the convicted inmates. For those who had a doubtful or positive result, a swab was executed in the shortest time possible. In the second phase, a pharyngeal swab was offered and executed to all the police officers, the penitentiary administrative staff and the medical personnel working in the prison. (3) Results: In the first phase, we executed 485 COVID-19 blood tests on prisoners, 3 (0.61%) of which were positive. The three positive inmates underwent nasopharyngeal swabbing, which ultimately were negative. After that, we executed 276 nasopharyngeal swabs on the prison personnel, penitentiary administrative staff and medical personnel—all were negative. (4) Conclusion: All tests (blood tests and swabs) that were carried out on the prisoners and on the staff were negative for COVID-19. We believe that all prisons in Italy and in the world should take action to ensure preventive and control measures in order to safeguard the health of the prison population and of all the people who work there.
The Use of Penalized Regression Analysis to Identify County-Level Demographic and Socioeconomic Variables Predictive of Increased COVID-19 Cumulative Case Rates in the State of Georgia
Authors: Richmond Holly L. , Tome Joana , Rochani Haresh , Fung Isaac Chun-Hai , Shah Gulzar H. , Schwind Jessica S.
Published: November 2020

Systemic inequity concerning the social determinants of health has been known to affect morbidity and mortality for decades. Significant attention has focused on the individual-level demographic and co-morbid factors associated with rates and mortality of COVID-19. However, less attention has been given to the county-level social determinants of health that are the main drivers of health inequities. To identify the degree to which social determinants of health predict COVID-19 cumulative case rates at the county-level in Georgia, we performed a sequential, cross-sectional ecologic analysis using a diverse set of socioeconomic and demographic variables. Lasso regression was used to identify variables from collinear groups. Twelve variables correlated to cumulative case rates (for cases reported by 1 August 2020) with an adjusted r squared of 0.4525. As time progressed in the pandemic, correlation of demographic and socioeconomic factors to cumulative case rates increased, as did number of variables selected. Findings indicate the social determinants of health and demographic factors continue to predict case rates of COVID-19 at the county-level as the pandemic evolves. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence that health disparities continue to widen, disproportionality affecting vulnerable populations.
Relationships between Extra-School Tutoring Time, Somatic Symptoms, and Sleep Duration of Adolescent Students: A Panel Analysis Using Data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Kim Jinseok , Cheon Jooyoung , Lee Yejin , Kwon Young Dae
Published: November 2020

As private tutoring has expanded worldwide, it has been noted that private tutoring and associated emotional distress can affect sleep duration and the health of adolescent students. However, the relationships between extra-school tutoring time, somatic symptoms, defined as physical symptoms of emotional distress, and sleep duration in adolescents has rarely been determined. The aim of this study was to identify these relationships in adolescent students. Data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey were analyzed to address the research questions. Weekday sleep duration, extra-school tutoring time, and somatic symptoms were measured using adolescents’ self-report questionnaires. A multilevel, structural equation model was utilized to test the relationships between these variables and was deemed appropriate considering the repeated measure of the panel data. After controlling for respondent sex, parent working status and education level, and family structure, adolescents’ extra-school tutoring time and level of somatic symptoms were associated with sleep duration during weekdays. Furthermore, the association between extra-school tutoring time and sleep duration was partially mediated by somatic symptoms. Korean adolescent students slept less than the recommended duration. Intervention programs that increase parental interest and attention in adolescent students’ lives, not only focused on academic achievement but also emotional distress is needed. Researchers and policymakers should understand recommended age-appropriate sleep duration and the educational culture and provide balanced strategies between the consideration of the effect of private education on academic achievement and the need to guarantee physical and mental health in adolescent students.
How Can One Strengthen a Tiered Healthcare System through Health System Reform? Lessons Learnt from Beijing, China
Authors: Zhou Shuduo , Xu Jin , Ma Xiaochen , Yuan Beibei , Liu Xiaoyun , Fang Hai , Meng Qingyue
Published: November 2020

How one can reshape the current healthcare sector into a tiered healthcare system with clarified division of functions between primary care facilities and hospitals, and improve the utilization of primary care, is a worldwide problem, especially for the low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper aimed to evaluate the impact of the Beijing Reform on healthcare-seeking behavior and tried to explain the mechanism of the change of patient flow. In this before and after study, we evaluated the changes of outpatient visits and inpatient visits among different levels of health facilities. Using the monitored and statistical data of 373 healthcare institutions 1-year before and 1-year after the Beijing Reform, interrupted time series analysis was applied to evaluate the impact of the reform on healthcare-seeking behavior. Semi-structured interviews were used to further explore the mechanisms of the changes. One year after the reform, the flow of outpatients changed from tertiary hospitals to community health centers with an 11.90% decrease of outpatients in tertiary hospitals compared to a 15.01% increase in primary healthcare facilities. The number of ambulatory care visits in primary healthcare (PHC) showed a significant upward trend (P < 0.10), and the reform had a significant impact on the average number of ambulatory care visits per institution in Beijing’s tertiary hospitals (p < 0.10). We concluded that the Beijing Reform has attracted a substantial number of ambulatory care visits from hospitals to primary healthcare facilities in the short-term. Comprehensive reform policies were necessary to align incentives among relative stakeholders, which was a critical lesson for other provinces in China and other LMICs.
Assessment and Modeling of the Influence of Age, Gender, and Family History of Hearing Problems on the Probability of Suffering Hearing Loss in the Working Population
Authors: Barrero Jesús P. , López-Perea Eva M. , Herrera Sixto , Mariscal Miguel A. , García-Herrero Susana
Published: November 2020

Hearing loss affects hundreds of millions of people all over the world, leading to several types of disabilities, ranging from purely physical to psychological and/or social aspects. A proper analysis to ascertain the main risk factors is essential in order to diagnose early and treat adequately. An exploratory analysis based on a heterogeneous sample of 1418 workers is presented in order to identify the main trigger factors for hearing loss. On the one hand, we recorded several medical and environmental parameters, and on the other, we created a model based on Bayesian networks in order to be able to infer the probability of hearing loss considering different scenarios. This paper focuses on three parameters: gender, age, and a family history of hearing problems. The results obtained allow us to infer or predict the best or worst auditory level for an individual under several different scenarios. The least relevant factor is the existence of a family history of deafness, followed by the gender factor, which slopes considerably toward better hearing for females, and most prominent of all, the age factor, given the large differences identified between the various age groups when the gender and family history of deafness variables remain constant.
Relationship between Smoking, Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Quality of Life among Adolescents
Authors: Dong Xiaosheng , Ding Meng , Chen Wenxin , Liu Zongyu , Yi Xiangren
Published: November 2020

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is a crucial part of evaluating health conditions IN adolescents. The purposes of this study were to (1) examine the relationship of QOL and smoking, physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) among Chinese adolescents, (2) explore the relationship between PA-ST combination and QOL of adolescents, and (3) investigate the dose-response relationship between PA-ST and QOL. Methods: This study randomly selected 12,900 adolescents (11–18 years) from 13 administrative regions in Shandong Province, China. The data gathering tools for Smoking (tobacco), PA (PAQ-A) and ST (average daily time for ST) and QOL questionnaire (child and adolescent quality of life scale) were completed among all adolescents. Statistical analysis was performed by T test, chi-square test and multiple linear regression. Results: 12,641 adolescents (aged 12–18) completed the study. In multiple linear regression models, the result demonstrated that the adolescents from rural areas, with high ST, low PA, and smoking, with older age and low socioeconomic status, showed a lower QOL score. First-time smokers under 10 years revealed the lowest QOL, and PA > 30 min five days per week have the highest QOL. In addition, boys and girls with PA > 30 min three to four days per week in high ST group obtain the higher scores (boys β = 5.951, girls β = 3.699) than low PA-low ST groups. Conclusions: Adolescents from rural areas suffer from a relatively poorer QOL. More than 30 min of PA five or more days for boys and three or four days per week for girls could decrease negative effects of ST and improve QOL.
Pressure Point Thresholds and ME/CFS Comorbidity as Indicators of Patient’s Response to Manual Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Falaguera-Vera Francisco Javier , Garcia-Escudero María , Bonastre-Férez Javier , Zacarés Mario , Oltra Elisa
Published: November 2020

Current pharmacological treatments of Fibromyalgia (FM) are merely symptom palliative, as clinical trials have so far failed to provide overall benefits without associated harms. Polypharmacy often leads to patient’s health deterioration and chronic drug use to an eventual lack of patient’s response. Emerging evidence supports that physiotherapy treatments based on mechanical triggers improve FM symptoms and therefore could be used for therapeutic purposes by themselves or in combination with current pharmacological treatments, as part of integrative medicine programs. However, a paucity of studies rigorously and systematically evaluating this possibility exists. This study uses scores from validated standardized questionnaires, algometer pressure point threshold (PPT) readings and responses from a custom self-developed questionnaire to determine the impact of a pressure-controlled custom manual protocol on FM hyperalgesia/allodynia, fatigue and patient’s quality of life. The results show that patient’s baseline sensitivity to pain inversely correlates with treatment response in FM. Moreover, post-stratification analysis unexpectedly reveals that patients presenting comorbid ME/CFS do not seem to respond to the applied therapy as those presenting FM only. Therefore, pre-treatment PPTs and ME/CFS comorbidity may serve as indicators to predict patient’s response to physiotherapy programs based on mechanical triggers. Further exploration of these findings is granted. In addition, the study of gene expression profiles in the blood collection generated by this study should help unveil the molecular mechanisms behind patient’s differential response to manual therapy.
Immunization Coverage of Inmates in Spanish Prisons
Authors: Vicente-Alcalde Nancy , Tuells Jose , Egoavil Cecilia M. , Ruescas-Escolano Esther , Altavilla Cesare , Caballero Pablo
Published: November 2020

The correct immunization of the inmate population minimizes the risk of transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases in prisons. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vaccine coverage of long-term prisoners in the Spanish penitentiary system through a retrospective longitudinal study. One-thousand and five prisoners were selected, who were imprisoned from 2008 and 2018 in three Spanish prisons. Their degree of immunization was evaluated as related to hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), tetanus, diphtheria, pneumococcus and seasonal flu. The state of vaccination of the prisoners with a serological diagnosis of HBV, hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was also evaluated. The vaccination coverage obtained for hepatitis B was 52.3%, and for tetanus–diphtheria, it was 71.9%. However, for hepatitis A and pneumococcus infection, it was insignificant (<2% of the prisoners). Vaccination against seasonal flu was lower than 16%. The HCV and HIV-positive inmates were not correctly vaccinated either. The insufficient level of immunization obtained reflects the lack of interest and marginalization of this population by the penitentiary system and the health authorities. The lack of reliable records is combined with the lack of planned strategies that promote stable and well-defined programs of active vaccination.
Tinder Users: Sociodemographic, Psychological, and Psychosexual Characteristics
Authors: Barrada Juan Ramón , Castro Ángel
Published: November 2020

Tinder is the most popular and most used dating app in the world today. Due to the recent popularization of the phenomenon of dating apps, there are still some gaps in the literature. Therefore, this study had a threefold objective: (1) to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Tinder users and Tinder use among young university students; (2) to know why these young people use Tinder; and (3) to analyze the relationship between Tinder use and different psychosocial correlates (positive and negative affect, body satisfaction, sociosexuality, and attitudes towards consensual nonmonogamy) and psychosexual well-being (self-esteem as a sexual partner, satisfaction with sex life, and preoccupation with sex). Participants were 1261 Spanish university students (77.4% women, 77.5% heterosexuals) between ages 18 and 26 (M = 20.59, SD = 2.04) who completed a battery of online questionnaires. A prevalence of Tinder use of about 15% was found. The motives for use most frequently reported by the participants were those of curiosity, passing time/entertainment, and sexual orientation. Besides, Tinder users showed greater sociosexuality than nonusers, as well as increased dissatisfaction with their sex life and sexual preoccupation, and more positive attitudes towards consensual nonmonogamy. Importantly, no or very small differences were found in the general emotional well-being-related variables. Tinder seems like just another tool used by young people for their romantic and/or sexual interactions, without any negative connotation.
Patient and Public Involvement in Sexual and Reproductive Health: Time to Properly Integrate Citizen’s Input into Science
Authors: García-Martín Miguel , Amezcua-Prieto Carmen , H Al Wattar Bassel , Jørgensen Jan Stener , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Khan Khalid Saeed
Published: November 2020

Evidence-based sexual and reproductive health is a global endeavor without borders. Inter-sectorial collaboration is essential for identifying and addressing gaps in evidence. Health research funders and regulators are promoting patient and public involvement in research, but there is a lack of quality tools for involving patients. Partnerships with patients are necessary to produce and promote robust, relevant and timely research. Without the active participation of women as stakeholders, not just as research subjects, the societal benefits of research cannot be realized. Creating and developing platforms and opportunities for public involvement in sexual and reproductive health research should be a key international objective. Cooperation between healthcare professionals, academic institutions and the community is essential to promote quality research and significant developments in women’s health. This cooperation will be improved when involvement of citizens in the research process becomes standard.
Impact of UAV Surveying Parameters on Mixed Urban Landuse Surface Modelling
Authors: Chaudhry Muhammad Hamid , Ahmad Anuar , Gulzar Qudsia
Published: November 2020

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a surveying tool are mainly characterized by a large amount of data and high computational cost. This research investigates the use of a small amount of data with less computational cost for more accurate three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetric products by manipulating UAV surveying parameters such as flight lines pattern and image overlap percentages. Sixteen photogrammetric projects with perpendicular flight plans and a variation of 55% to 85% side and forward overlap were processed in Pix4DMapper. For UAV data georeferencing and accuracy assessment, 10 Ground Control Points (GCPs) and 18 Check Points (CPs) were used. Comparative analysis was done by incorporating the median of tie points, the number of 3D point cloud, horizontal/vertical Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and large-scale topographic variations. The results show that an increased forward overlap also increases the median of the tie points, and an increase in both side and forward overlap results in the increased number of point clouds. The horizontal accuracy of 16 projects varies from ±0.13m to ±0.17m whereas the vertical accuracy varies from ± 0.09 m to ± 0.32 m. However, the lowest vertical RMSE value was not for highest overlap percentage. The tradeoff among UAV surveying parameters can result in high accuracy products with less computational cost.
Sex-Dependent Molecular Mechanisms of Lipotoxic Injury in Brain Microvasculature: Implications for Dementia
Authors: Nuthikattu Saivageethi , Milenkovic Dragan , Rutledge John C. , Villablanca Amparo C.
Published: November 2020

Cardiovascular risk factors and biologic sex play a role in vascular dementia which is characterized by progressive reduction in cognitive function and memory. Yet, we lack understanding about the role sex plays in the molecular mechanisms whereby lipid stress contributes to cognitive decline. Five-week-old low-density lipoprotein deficient (LDL-R −/−) male and female mice and C57BL/6J wild types (WT) were fed a control or Western Diet for 8 weeks. Differential expression of protein coding and non-protein coding genes (DEG) were determined in laser captured hippocampal microvessels using genome-wide microarray, followed by bioinformatic analysis of gene networks, pathways, transcription factors and sex/gender-based analysis (SGBA). Cognitive function was assessed by Y-maze. Bioinformatic analysis revealed more DEGs in females (2412) compared to males (1972). Hierarchical clusters revealed distinctly different sex-specific gene expression profiles irrespective of diet and genotype. There were also fewer and different biologic responses in males compared to females, as well as different cellular pathways and gene networks (favoring greater neuroprotection in females), together with sex-specific transcription factors and non-protein coding RNAs. Hyperlipidemic stress also resulted in less severe cognitive dysfunction in females. This sex-specific pattern of differential hippocampal microvascular RNA expression might provide therapeutic targets for dementia in males and females.
Utilizing PacBio Iso-Seq for Novel Transcript and Gene Discovery of Abiotic Stress Responses in Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Schaarschmidt Stephanie , Fischer Axel , Lawas Lovely Mae F. , Alam Rejbana , Septiningsih Endang M. , Bailey-Serres Julia , Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Huettel Bruno , Hincha Dirk K. , Zuther Ellen
Published: November 2020

The wide natural variation present in rice is an important source of genes to facilitate stress tolerance breeding. However, identification of candidate genes from RNA-Seq studies is hampered by the lack of high-quality genome assemblies for the most stress tolerant cultivars. A more targeted solution is the reconstruction of transcriptomes to provide templates to map RNA-seq reads. Here, we sequenced transcriptomes of ten rice cultivars of three subspecies on the PacBio Sequel platform. RNA was isolated from different organs of plants grown under control and abiotic stress conditions in different environments. Reconstructed de novo reference transcriptomes resulted in 37,500 to 54,600 plant-specific high-quality isoforms per cultivar. Isoforms were collapsed to reduce sequence redundancy and evaluated, e.g., for protein completeness (BUSCO). About 40% of all identified transcripts were novel isoforms compared to the Nipponbare reference transcriptome. For the drought/heat tolerant aus cultivar N22, 56 differentially expressed genes in developing seeds were identified at combined heat and drought in the field. The newly generated rice transcriptomes are useful to identify candidate genes for stress tolerance breeding not present in the reference transcriptomes/genomes. In addition, our approach provides a cost-effective alternative to genome sequencing for identification of candidate genes in highly stress tolerant genotypes.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Radiotherapy
Authors: Kumari Sharda , Mukherjee Shibani , Sinha Debapriya , Abdisalaam Salim , Krishnan Sunil , Asaithamby Aroumougame
Published: November 2020

Radiation therapy (RT), an integral component of curative treatment for many malignancies, can be administered via an increasing array of techniques. In this review, we summarize the properties and application of different types of RT, specifically, conventional therapy with x-rays, stereotactic body RT, and proton and carbon particle therapies. We highlight how low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation induces simple DNA lesions that are efficiently repaired by cells, whereas high-LET radiation causes complex DNA lesions that are difficult to repair and that ultimately enhance cancer cell killing. Additionally, we discuss the immunogenicity of radiation-induced tumor death, elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which radiation mounts innate and adaptive immune responses and explore strategies by which we can increase the efficacy of these mechanisms. Understanding the mechanisms by which RT modulates immune signaling and the key players involved in modulating the RT-mediated immune response will help to improve therapeutic efficacy and to identify novel immunomodulatory drugs that will benefit cancer patients undergoing targeted RT.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Differentiated by Exosomes Isolated from Cancer Cells Promote Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Kim Kimin , Sohn Yeh Joo , Lee Ruri , Yoo Hye Ju , Kang Ji Yoon , Choi Nakwon , Na Dokyun , Yeon Ju Hun
Published: November 2020

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the cancer microenvironment play an essential role in metastasis. Differentiation of endothelial cells into CAFs is induced by cancer cell-derived exosomes secreted from cancer cells that transfer molecular signals to surrounding cells. Differentiated CAFs facilitate migration of cancer cells to different regions through promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications. However, in vitro models in which endothelial cells exposed to cancer cell-derived exosomes secreted from various cancer cell types differentiate into CAFs or a microenvironmentally controlled model for investigating cancer cell invasion by CAFs have not yet been studied. In this study, we propose a three-dimensional in vitro cancer cell invasion model for real-time monitoring of the process of forming a cancer invasion site through CAFs induced by exosomes isolated from three types of cancer cell lines. The invasiveness of cancer cells with CAFs induced by cancer cell-derived exosomes (eCAFs) was significantly higher than that of CAFs induced by cancer cells (cCAFs) through physiological and genetic manner. In addition, different genetic tendencies of the invasion process were observed in the process of invading cancer cells according to CAFs. Our 3D microfluidic platform helps to identify specific interactions among multiple factors within the cancer microenvironment and provides a model for cancer drug development.
Extracellular Matrix-Specific Platelet Activation Leads to a Differential Translational Response and Protein De Novo Synthesis in Human Platelets
Authors: Kraemer Bjoern F. , Geimer Marc , Franz-Wachtel Mirita , Lamkemeyer Tobias , Mannell Hanna , Lindemann Stephan
Published: November 2020

Platelets are exposed to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like collagen and laminin and to fibrinogen during acute vascular events. However, beyond hemostasis, platelets have the important capacity to migrate on ECM surfaces, but the translational response of platelets to different extracellular matrix stimuli is still not fully characterized. Using 2D-gel electrophoresis, confocal microscopy, polysome analysis and protein sequencing by mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that platelets show a differential expression profile of newly synthesized proteins on laminin, collagen or fibrinogen. In this context, we observed a characteristic, ECM-dependent translocation phenotype of translation initiation factor eIF4E to the ribosomal site. eIF4E accumulated in polysomes with increased binding of mRNA and co-localization with vinculin, leading to de novo synthesis of important cytoskeletal regulator proteins. As the first study, we included a proteome analysis of laminin-adherent platelets and interestingly identified upregulation of essentially important proteins that mediate cytoskeletal regulation and mobility in platelets, such as filamin A, talin, vinculin, gelsolin, coronin or kindlin-3. In summary, we demonstrate that platelet activation with extracellular matrix proteins results in a distinct stimulus-specific translational response of platelets that will help to improve our understanding of the regulation of platelet mobility and migration.
Assessment of Polyethylene Glycol-Coated Gold Nanoparticle Toxicity and Inflammation In Vivo Using NF-κB Reporter Mice
Authors: Chen Tzu-Yin , Chen Mei-Ru , Liu Shan-Wen , Lin Jin-Yan , Yang Ya-Ting , Huang Hsin-Ying , Chen Jen-Kun , Yang Chung-Shi , Lin Kurt Ming-Chao
Published: November 2020

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) improves AuNP distribution via blood circulation. The use of PEG-coated AuNPs was shown to result in acute injuries to the liver, kidney, and spleen, but long-term toxicity has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated reporter induction for up to 90 days in NF-κB transgenic reporter mice following intravenous injection of PEG-coated AuNPs. The results of different doses (1 and 4 μg AuNPs per gram of body weight), particle sizes (13 nm and 30 nm), and PEG surfaces (methoxyl- or carboxymethyl-PEG 5 kDa) were compared. The data showed up to 7-fold NF-κB reporter induction in mouse liver from 3 h to 7 d post PEG-AuNP injection compared to saline-injected control mice, and gradual reduction to a level similar to control by 90 days. Agglomerates of PEG-AuNPs were detected in liver Kupffer cells, but neither gross pathological abnormality in liver sections nor increased activity of liver enzymes were found at 90 days. Injection of PEG-AuNPs led to an increase in collagen in liver sections and elevated total serum cholesterol, although still within the normal range, suggesting that inflammation resulted in mild fibrosis and affected hepatic function. Administrating PEG-AuNPs inevitably results in nanoparticles entrapped in the liver; thus, further investigation is required to fully assess the long-term impacts by PEG-AuNPs on liver health.