bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Wind Exposure on Scots Pine Trees: Within-Stem Variability of Wood Density and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Tomczak Arkadiusz , Jelonek Tomasz , Pazdrowski Witold , Grzywiński Witold , Mania Przemysław , Tomczak Karol
Published: October 2020

Survival in variable conditions of wind exposure depends on the strategy of trees in adapting to environmental constraints. There are many studies investigating the effect of wind on the adaptation of trees, but little attention is paid to the properties of the wood, particularly within-stem variability. In the present work, an analysis was made of within-stem variability of the density and mechanical properties of Scots pine wood from parts of stands with different wind exposure (stand edge, forest interior). The research was carried out in north-western Poland, in seven selected pine stands (without other species in the canopy) aged from 82 to 87 years. In each stand, three trial plots were marked, each at a different distance from the edge of the stand. The first plot was immediately adjacent to the edge (0–20 m), the second was at a distance of 30–50 m, and the third was at a distance of 60–80 m. Generally, wind exposure, defined by the distance from the windward edge, did not significantly affect the tree morphology and wood properties. A statistically significant difference was found only for the modulus of elasticity (MOE), between stand edge and forest interior. Trees growing at a distance from the stand edge compensate for their greater stem slenderness with higher elasticity. A certain growth response to wind loads is also represented by the within-stem variability of wood. We found that within-stem variability of wood at the stand edge is higher than in the forest interior. At various points along the stem, the wood density and strength were generally higher on the eastern radius (on the leeward side of the stem). Different wind resistance requirements at the stand edge and in the interior lead to combinations of tree architecture and wood properties that enable the best resistance to wind loads.
Allopurinol Suppresses Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Tumorigenesis in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice
Authors: Kato Junichi , Shirakami Yohei , Yamaguchi Kimihiro , Mizutani Taku , Ideta Takayasu , Nakamura Hiroshi , Ninomiya Soranobu , Kubota Masaya , Sakai Hiroyasu , Ibuka Takashi , Tanaka Takuji , Shimizu Masahito
Published: October 2020

Obesity and related metabolic disorders, including chronic inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress, are closely associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Previous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that increased serum uric acid is associated with the risk for various types of cancer, including colon cancer. This study examined the effects of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol, widely used as a uric acid lowering medicine, on colorectal tumorigenesis in obese mice. Male C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice were injected with azoxymethane (15 mg/kg body weight) and then received drinking water containing allopurinol (30 mg/kg body weight) for fourteen weeks. At the time of sacrifice, allopurinol treatment significantly inhibited the development of colonic premalignant lesions. In the allopurinol-treated group, cellular proliferation in colonic mucosa was significantly suppressed, which was evaluated by the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Allopurinol also inhibited macrophage infiltration in the adipose tissue and decreased the serum level of TNF-α. The values of oxidative stress markers were markedly decreased in the allopurinol-treated group compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that allopurinol attenuated chronic inflammation and decreased oxidative stress, preventing the development of colonic pre-neoplastic lesions in obesity-associated colon tumorigenesis model.
Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Relationship. Case Study: Depth-Duration Ratio in a Semi-Arid Zone in Mexico
Authors: Gámez-Balmaceda Ena , López-Ramos Alvaro , Martínez-Acosta Luisa , Medrano-Barboza Juan Pablo , Remolina López John Freddy , Seingier Georges , Daesslé Luis Walter , López-Lambraño Alvaro Alberto
Published: October 2020

Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves describe the relationship between rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, and return period. They are commonly used in the design, planning and operation of hydrologic, hydraulic, and water resource systems. Considering the intense rainfall presence with flooding occurrences, limited data used to develop IDF curves, and importance to improve the IDF design for the Ensenada City in Baja California, this research study aims to investigate the use and combinations of pluviograph and daily records, to assess rain behavior around the city, and select a suitable method that provides the best results of IDF relationship, consequently updating the IDF relationship for the city for return periods of 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. The IDF relationship is determined through frequency analysis of rainfall observations. Also, annual maximum rainfall intensity for several duration and return periods has been analyzed according to the statistical distribution of Gumbel Extreme Value (GEV). Thus, Chen’s method was evaluated based on the depth-duration ratio (R) from the zone, and the development of the IDF relationship for the rain gauges stations was focused on estimating the most suitable (R) ratio; chosen from testing several methods and analyzing the rain in the region from California and Baja California. The determined values of the rain for one hour and return period of 2 years (P12) obtained were compared to the values of some cities in California and Baja California, with a range between 10 and 16.61 mm, and the values of the (R) ratio are in a range between 0.35 and 0.44; this range is close to the (R) ratio of 0.44 for one station in Tijuana, a city 100 km far from Ensenada. The values found here correspond to the rainfall characteristics of the zone; therefore, the method used in this study can be replicated to other semi-arid zones with the same rain characteristics. Finally, it is suggested that these results of the IDF relationship should be incorporated on the Norm of the State of Baja California as the recurrence update requires it upon recommendation. This study is the starting point to other studies that imply the calculation of a peak flow and evaluation of hydraulic structures as an input to help improve flood resilience in the city of Ensenada.
Motor Imagery Performance and Tactile Spatial Acuity: Are They Altered in People with Frozen Shoulder?
Authors: Breckenridge John D. , McAuley James H. , Ginn Karen A.
Published: October 2020

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a severe chronic pain condition that is not well understood and current treatment is suboptimal. In several other chronic pain conditions motor imagery and tactile acuity deficits are present, which are thought to represent associated neuroplastic changes. The aims of this study were to determine if motor imagery performance assessed by the left/right judgement task, and tactile acuity assessed by two-point discrimination, are altered in people with unilateral frozen shoulder. In this cross-sectional, prospective study eighteen adults diagnosed with frozen shoulder in a physiotherapy clinic setting completed a left/right judgement task, response times (RT) and accuracy for the left/right judgement task were determined. Next, tactile acuity over both shoulders was assessed with a novel, force-standardised two-point discrimination test. Results corresponding to the affected side were compared to the pain free shoulder; Left/right judgement task: mean RT (SD) corresponding to the affected shoulder was significantly slower than RT for the healthy shoulder (p = 0.031). There was no side-to-side difference in accuracy (p > 0.05). Neither RT nor accuracy was related to pain/disability scores or duration of symptoms (p > 0.05). Two-point discrimination: mean two-point discrimination threshold of the affected shoulder was significantly larger than the contralateral healthy shoulder (p < 0.001). Two-point discrimination threshold was not related to pain/disability scores or pain duration (p > 0.05); One explanation for these findings is altered sensorimotor processing and/or disrupted sensorimotor cortex representations of the affected shoulder. A case then exists for the use of treatments aimed at reversing these changes, training the brain to reduce chronic shoulder pain.
Acute Effects of Self-Selected Music Intervention on Golf Performance and Anxiety Level in Collegiate Golfers: A Crossover Study
Authors: Wang Hung-Tsung , Tai Hsia-Ling , Yang Chia-Chen , Chen Yung-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Music has been reported as a positive intervention for improving psychophysiological conditions and exercise performance. However, the effects of music intervention on golf performance in association with psychophysiological responses have not been well examined in the literature. The purpose of the study was to investigate the acute effects of self-selected music intervention on golf swing and putting performance, heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), and anxiety. Twenty collegiate golfers voluntarily participated in this study (age = 20.2 ± 1.4 years, height = 171.7 ± 8.0 cm, body weight = 69.5 ± 14.6 kg, golf experience = 7.5 ± 2.1 years). A cross-over and within-subject design was used in this study. Participants performed a non-music trial (T1), pre-exercise music trial (T2), and simultaneous music trial (T3) in a randomized order with 48–72 h apart. The participants were attached to a HR monitor to record the HR and HRV during the measurement. The golf swing and putting performance was assessed by using the Golfzon golf simulator system. The state-trait anxiety inventory-state questionnaire (STAI-S) was used to evaluate anxiety state. All measurements were taken during baseline (phase one) and after resting or music intervention (phase two). Repeated measurement of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Cohen’s effect size (ES) were used for statistical analyses. The results show no significant differences in golf swing and putting performance (p > 0.05). However, significant decrease in STAI-S score was found in T2 (p = 0.047, ES = 0.32). A significant increase in the standard deviation of normal R-R interval (SDNN), low-frequency power spectrum (LF), standard deviation of along the line-of-identity (SD2) in T2 and T3 were observed (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a single pre-exercise or simultaneous self-selected music intervention contributes minor effects to golf performance in collegiate golfers. The positive benefits of self-selected music intervention on the psychological condition and cardia-related modulation while practicing golf is warranted.
Understanding How Nutrition Literacy Links to Dietary Adherence in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Theoretical Exploration using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Lim Jun-Hao , Chinna Karuthan , Khosla Pramod , Karupaiah Tilakavati , Daud Zulfitri Azuan Mat
Published: October 2020

Dietary non-adherence is pervasive in the hemodialysis (HD) population. Health literacy is a plausible predictor of dietary adherence in HD patients, but its putative mechanism is scarcely studied. Thus, this study aimed to establish the causal model linking nutrition literacy to dietary adherence in the HD population. This was a multi-centre, cross-sectional study, involving 218 randomly selected multi-ethnic HD patients from nine dialysis centres in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Dietary adherence and self-management skills were assessed using validated End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire and Perceived Kidney/Dialysis Self-Management Scale, respectively. Validated self-developed scales were used to gauge nutrition literacy, dietary knowledge and Health Belief Model constructs. Relationships between variables were examined by multiple linear regressions and partial least squares structural equation modeling. Limited nutrition literacy was evident in 46.3% of the HD patients, associated with older age, lower education level, and shorter dialysis vintage. Dietary adherence rate was at 34.9%. Nutrition literacy (β = 0.390, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of dietary adherence, mediated by self-efficacy (SIE = 0.186, BC 95% CI 0.110–0.280) and self-management skills (SIE = 0.192, BC 95% CI 0.103–0.304). Thus, nutrition literacy-enhancing strategies targeting self-efficacy and self-management skills should be considered to enhance dietary adherence in the HD population.
Current Perceptions and Improvement Approaches of Pharmaceutical Care Capacity of Community Pharmacists: A Quantitative Analysis Based on Survey Data at Chinese Chain Pharmacies
Authors: Tang Zhijia , Lhamu Pema , Ye Hua , Hong Lan , Xiang Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2020

Background: The benefits of patient-focused pharmaceutical care in improving clinical outcomes and reducing health expenditure have been well documented. However, these services are not fully implemented in many developing countries like China, especially in the community setting at chain pharmacies. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted at nine chain pharmacies in eight provinces of China in late 2019 to assess the difference in attitude, perceived barriers, and expected facilitators of Chinese community pharmacists to deliver pharmaceutical care, as well as their willingness to develop the competencies based on age, education level, and seniority. A quantitative analysis of responses was undertaken by using nonparametric (Kruskal–Wallis) and chi-square tests (followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test). Results: A total of 1260 community pharmacists were enrolled in the survey. In total, 16.3% of participant pharmacists often felt that lack of ability had a negative impact on work especially when providing comprehensive medication guidance (39.0%); 44.4% were unsatisfied with academic degrees; 85.8% were “very willing” to improve ability of pharmaceutical care while only 46.9% and 38.4% regarded traditional practice and continuing education as of lots of help, respectively. Main barriers in capacity enhancement were linked to conflict with daily work (35.4%), conflict with family life (21.9%), and poor memories (15.3%). The most welcomed facilitators to enhance pharmaceutical care development included professional skills training (28.4%), self-study of online resources (20.3%), and adult education in universities (15.6%). Community pharmacists of different age, education level, and seniority held significantly different opinions on the above aspects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Chinese community pharmacists showed a positive attitude towards capacity enhancement in pharmaceutical care. Specific efforts and reforms should be made to improve the professionalism and to remove barriers based on their age, different education level, and seniority.
Prevalence and Economic Burden of Respiratory Diseases in Central Asia and Russia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tabyshova Aizhamal , Emilov Berik , Postma Maarten J. , Chavannes Niels H. , Sooronbaev Talant , van Boven Job F. M.
Published: October 2020

Prevalence data of respiratory diseases (RDs) in Central Asia (CA) and Russia are contrasting. To inform future research needs and assist government and clinical policy on RDs, an up-to-date overview is required. We aimed to review the prevalence and economic burden of RDs in CA and Russia. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that reported prevalence and/or economic burden of RDs (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung diseases (ILD), lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and tuberculosis (TB)) in CA (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan) and Russia. A total of 25 articles (RD prevalence: 18; economics: 7) were included. The majority (n = 12), mostly from Russia, reported on TB. TB prevalence declined over the last 20 years, to less than 100 per 100,000 across Russia and CA, yet in those, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) was alarming high (newly treated: 19–26%, previously treated: 60–70%). COPD, asthma (2–15%) and ILD (0.006%) prevalence was only reported for Russia and Kazakhstan. No studies on cystic fibrosis, lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension were found. TB costs varied between US$400 (Tajikistan) and US$900 (Russia) for drug-susceptible TB to ≥US$10,000 for MDR-TB (Russia). Non-TB data were scarce and inconsistent. Especially in CA, more research into the prevalence and burden of RDs is needed.
Children’s Body Mass Index Depending on Dietary Patterns, the Use of Technological Devices, the Internet and Sleep on BMI in Children
Authors: Bartosiewicz Anna , Łuszczki Edyta , Kuchciak Maciej , Bobula Gabriel , Oleksy Łukasz , Stolarczyk Artur , Dereń Katarzyna
Published: October 2020

Due to the increase in overweight as well as obesity in children, the researchers undertook the studies to determine the occurrence of these irregularities and identify the factors leading to them. The study aimed to assess the body mass index of the children subcategorized and compared depending on the dietary patterns, the use of technical devices, the Internet, and sleeping habits. The study group consisted of 376 children (189 girls and 187 boys) aged 6 to 15. The body composition estimates were obtained with the use of a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis, the body height was measured by means of a stadiometer, and blood pressure was monitored. The research questionnaire was distributed among the surveyed and included the question concerning the children’s lifestyle, eating and sleeping habits, the use of electronic devices, the Internet, and socio-demographic data. As indicated, the number of sleeping hours per day significantly negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI), whereas the frequency of using the smartphone had a positive correlation with BMI. The children who sleep less and spend more time using the smartphone had higher BMI values. Bearing in mind the conditions that may have an influence on the BMI of early-school age children, the emphasis must be placed on healthy lifestyle education among children and parents alike.
Dating Applications, Sexual Behaviors, and Attitudes of College Students in Brazil’s Legal Amazon
Authors: Tavares Maycon Klerystton B. , de Melo Romulo L. P. , da Rocha Bianca F. , Andrade Débora J. , Evangelista Danielle R. , Peres Márcia C. T. S. , Baldaçara Leonardo R. , DeSouza-Vieira Thiago , Assis Elisangela V. , Silva José Bruno N. F.
Published: October 2020

Although dating applications (apps) have become popular among young adults, there is a dearth of information regarding the sexual health implications among Brazilian college students. This study examined risky sexual behavior and attitudes of dating app users, based on their sex in Brazil’s Legal Amazon. Three hundred and fifty-nine students reported their sociodemographic data, dating app use, and sexual behaviors and attitudes through self-administered questionnaires. Bivariate analyses and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed. Dating app use was reported by 238 (66.3%) subjects, most of whom had an encounter and sex with a casual partner. Women frequently requested condom use. Trust in one’s partner or having repeated encounters were the main reasons for engaging in risky sexual behavior. Men had a greater number of sexual partners and less protective attitudes. Sexual health awareness by apps was not reported by 97% of women, and most of them were not tested for sexually transmitted infections. A positive attitude toward sexual health was not a predictor of safe sex. Important similarities and differences regarding risky sexual behaviors and attitudes were observed between the sexes, many of which correlated with increased sexual vulnerability during the sexual encounters arranged through the dating apps. This cross-sectional study supports efforts on sexual health promotion and sexual education implementation in the face of growing usage of apps among young adults for sexual matters.
Important Difference between Occupational Hazard Exposure among Shift Workers and Other Workers; Comparing Workplace before and after 1980
Authors: Miguet Maud , Rukh Gull , Titova Olga E. , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: October 2020

Improving health and safety at work has been an important issue for the European Union since the 1980s. The existing literature supports that shift work is associated with multiple indicators of poor health but frequently neglects the potential impact of occupational hazards. This study aims at describing and comparing the exposure to different workplace hazards among shift and other workers before and after 1980. Exposure to different workplace hazards (noise, dust, pollutant, and other physical stressors) were analyzed among 119,413 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. After stratifying the analyses before and after 1980, exposure was compared between shift and other workers. Potential confounding variables (sex, age, ethnicity, education level, occupational category, and neuroticism) were adjusted for in the log-binomial regression. Shift workers had a higher prevalence ratio (PR) than other workers of being exposed to almost all identified hazards both before or after 1980. They were also more likely to be exposed to multiple hazards compared to other workers, both before 1980 (PR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.21–1.30) and after 1980 (PR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.30–1.38). The prevalence of all measured risk factors was higher after 1980 than before 1980 among shift workers. Of note, the work environment has improved overall for other workers. Our findings suggest that changes at the workplace have benefited other workers more than shift workers as they are still more exposed to all occupational hazards.
Individual, Social and Environmental Correlates of Active School Travel among Adolescents in India
Authors: Kingsly Abishamala , Timperio Anna , Veitch Jenny , Salmon Jo , Pradeepa Rajendra , Ranjani Harish , Anjana Ranjit Mohan
Published: October 2020

Active School Travel (AST) is an important domain for physical activity among adolescents; however, few studies in India have explored barriers or correlates of AST. This was a cross-sectional study of 324 adolescents aged 12–17 years recruited via households and schools from diverse areas of Chennai, India. Adolescents reported their mode of travel to school, neighbourhood correlates, and the barriers for AST. Adolescents were considered to be using AST to/from school if they walked/cycled ≥once/week during an average week. Half the adolescents usually performed AST (≥1 trip/week). School being too far was associated with 75% lower odds and parents not allowing their child to walk or cycle was associated with 82% lower odds of the adolescent performing AST to or from school at least once/week. AST among adolescents should be encouraged and there is considerable scope for improvement. Parental restriction and distance to school were the two strongest barriers for AST.
The Social Utility and Health Benefits for Older Adults of Amenity Buildings in China’s Urban Parks: A Nanjing Case Study
Authors: Liu Binyu , Chen Ye , Xiao Meng
Published: October 2020

As China’s population rapidly ages, research and discussion on how to better optimize public spaces for the elderly’s health and benefit continue to deepen. This study uses observational surveys and questionnaires to investigate the elderly visitors of Nanjing’s urban parks and explore the impact the parks’ amenity buildings (structures built to provide visitors with conveniences, e.g., shelters and pavilions) has on their health and associated socialization tendencies. Data were collected from ten amenity buildings in ten separate parks to compose a total dataset of 728 activity statistics and 270 valid questionnaires. The study’s results indicate that amenity buildings significantly increase opportunities for older adults to socialize and thereby can increase this demographic’s associated health benefits. The social activities formed around amenity buildings are found to improve social interactions and connectedness among older adults more compared to other age groups. Elderly participation in social activities is also found to positively correlate with environmental characteristics. High-quality landscapes ensure healthy development of social activities within amenity buildings and promote the occurrence and continuation of social interactions. In order of highest to lowest impact on elderly activities, the following factors were identified and scored: amenity building scale, lighting, comprehensive surrounding environment, surrounding amenities, water features, and vegetation. This research also reveals that among existing amenity buildings, there is insufficient support for certain activities and therefore, parks need to be improved to address this deficiency. Overall, this study indicates that under China’s current aging trends, amenity buildings have become an especially important infrastructure within urban public space, and their design trend is to incorporate the dual characteristics of “recreation + society”.
ICT-Enabled Mobile Work: Challenges and Opportunities for Occupational Health and Safety Systems
Authors: Robelski Swantje , Sommer Sabine
Published: October 2020

The development and dissemination of new technologies has brought forward a rise in flexible work arrangements, such as mobile work. In the literature, mobile work has mostly been discussed from a microergonomic perspective, considering detachment, stress, strain, and life-domain balance. However, the macroergonomic or institutional perspectives have often been neglected, although for occupational health and safety (OHS) management, as well as occupational health and safety systems, many questions remain unanswered. Therefore, in the present paper, information and communication technologies (ICT)-enabled mobile work is described taking into account institutional and regulative, as well as company-related, requirements. As the literature-based analysis was able to show, existing regulations cover many aspects of mobile work arrangements but also offer starting points for a more concrete protection of mobile workers. Furthermore, there are challenges regarding the enforcement of regulation. In this regard, new technologies might offer the chance to improve the interactions between institutional and company-related occupational health and safety systems. Additionally, 278 co-funded research projects in Germany were categorized, yielding 18 projects on new ways of work, of which another eleven projects addressed different aspects of mobile work. The project analysis revealed that current research focuses on tools and strategies for designing communication and cooperation. In conclusion, the examination of research trends can be used to generate new knowledge for better OHS management and effective OHS systems.
The Meaning of Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study on the Perspective of South American Immigrant Parents
Authors: Marconnot Romain , Marín-Rojas Antonio Luis , Jiménez-Antona Carmen , Pérez-Corrales Jorge , Güeita-Rodríguez Javier , Palacios-Ceña Domingo
Published: October 2020

Physical activity facilitates the acquisition of healthy habits from childhood to adulthood. There are differences in the practice of physical activity between immigrant children and native Spanish children. The aim was to describe physical activity in children, from the perspective of South American immigrant parents. A qualitative case study was conducted. Parents were recruited using purposeful sampling. Data were collected from 12 participants by means of unstructured interviews together with researcher notes. A thematic analysis was applied. The following topics were identified: (a) physical activity and health, (b) socialization, (c) the need for movement, (d) gender, (e) barriers, (f) educational burden, (g) community living, and (h) reason for immigrating. Parents described how physical activity is fundamental and has benefits for health, and for the relationship between children. They perceived that physical activity should not be limited by gender. The time dedicated to other school activities, the norms related to community living, and financial limitations were especially relevant as barriers for the performance of physical activity. These results can be used to revise the curriculum in schools, promote equal opportunities for physical activity and support family participation.
Biodegradation of Di (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate by a novel Enterobacter spp. Strain YC-IL1 Isolated from Polluted Soil, Mila, Algeria
Authors: Lamraoui Imane , Eltoukhy Adel , Wang Junhuan , Lamraoui Messaouda , Ahmed Amer , Jia Yang , Lu Tiegang , Yan Yanchun
Published: October 2020

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the phthalic acid ester representatives and is mainly used as a plasticizer to endow polyvinyl chloride plastics with desirable physical properties. It is synthesized in massive amounts worldwide. Many studies have proved the adverse effects of DEHP on human health and wildlife. DEHP is labeled as an endocrine disruptor which causes human reproductive problems. Enterobacter spp. YC-IL1, a novel isolated strain from contaminated soil, was identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis and electronic microscope. It is capable of efficiently degrading DEHP (100%) and a wide range of phthalic acid ester PAEs, particularly those containing side chains with branches, or ring structures such as dutylbenzyl phthalate and dicyclohexyl phthalate, which are hard to degrade, with, respectively, 81.15% and 50.69% degradation after 7 days incubation. YC-IL1 is an acido-tolerant strain which remained in pH values lower than pH 5.0 with the optimum pH 7.0 and temperature 30 °C. The DEHP metabolites were detected using HPLC-QQQ and then the degradation pathway was tentatively proposed. Strain YC-IL1 showed high DEHP degradation rate in artificially contaminated soil with 86% removed in 6 days. These results indicate the application potential of YC-IL1 in bioremediation of PAE-polluted sites, even the acidic ones.
Environmental Sustainability Commitment and Financial Performance of Firms Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
Authors: Dzomonda Obey , Fatoki Olawale
Published: October 2020

The importance of heeding the environmental sustainability commitment call cannot be underestimated. Laggards in terms of environmental sustainability commitment are likely to face fines and penalties as talks to tighten environmental legislation are now at an advanced stage globally. The current work assessed the link between environmental sustainability commitment and financial performance of firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The study was quantitative in nature with a case study research design. The longitudinal design was adopted where the researcher collected panel data from 2011–2018. The population of the study included all firms listed on the JSE Responsible Investment Index in South Africa. The sample constituted of 32 firms listed on the Financial Times Stock Exchange FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index in South Africa. The researchers employed the panel regression analysis model to analyze the data. Specifically, the Feasible Generalized Least Squares regression model was used in this study. Financial performance was treated as the dependent variable as measured by earnings per share and share price. The independent variables of the study included components of environmental sustainability such as carbon emission reduction and environmental compliance. Control variables such as firm size and liquidity were used in the study. The findings indicated that carbon emission reduction was positively and significantly related to earnings per share and share price. The findings further exhibited that environmental compliance was positively related to earnings per share and share price. It was concluded that firms can enhance their financial performance from environmental investment as all the hypotheses were supported. This study contributes practically towards shaping environmental policies and it also serves as motivation to listed companies that they can enhance both their profitability and market value from environmental investments.
Exploring the State of Gender-Centered Health Research in the Context of Refugee Resettlement in Canada: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zivot Chloe , Dewey Cate , Heasley Cole , Srinivasan Sharada , Little Matthew
Published: October 2020

Interdisciplinary health research that investigates gender as a relational process is necessary to facilitate a safe and healthy resettlement process for refugees in Canada. This scoping review explores the range, nature, and extent of published research examining gender in relation to refugee health during resettlement in Canada. An initial search of six databases yielded 7325 articles published before June 2019. A total of 34 articles published between 1988 and 2019 were included for in-depth review. Articles meeting inclusion criteria primarily focused on refugee women. Categories of focus included maternal health, social and emotional health, health impacts of sexual and gender-based violence and torture, access to health and social services, decision-making and health-seeking behavior, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health. Our thematic analysis identified connections between gender roles, expectations, ideals, and health through interactions and lived experiences within the family, community, and healthcare system. Review findings suggest that many refugee women are influenced by pervasive gender roles and expectations as well as exposed to gendered health systems and practices that may pose risks to health, particularly mental health and access to services. Further efforts should be made to understand processes and experiences of resilience and community building in countering negative impacts of gendered beliefs and practices on health during resettlement.
Hypertension Is Associated with Increased Risk of Diabetic Lung
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Kwon Donghwan , Lee Youngjang , Jung Inchan , Hyun Daesung , Lee Hunju , Ahn Yeon-Soon
Published: October 2020

Lung function is often impaired in diabetic patients, especially in a restrictive pattern, which has recently been described as the diabetic lung. Since hypertension (HTN) is common in diabetic patients, our study investigated whether HTN acts as an aggravating factor in diabetic lung. Within the cross-sectional study from the 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood pressure (BP), pulmonary function, and laboratory data were examined in 4644 subjects aged between 40 and 79 years. A multivariate regression model was used to investigate the relationship between BP, FPG, and pulmonary function. Lung function was significantly reduced in the HTN (p = 0.001), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (DM) (p < 0.001) groups. Next, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to derive the odds ratio (OR) of reduced lung function based on the presence of IFG, DM, and HTN. The OR of reduced forced vital capacity (FVCp < 80%) was 3.30 (p < 0.001) in the HTN-DM group and 2.30 (p < 0.001) in the normal BP-DM group, when compared with the normal BP-normal FPG group. The combination of HTN and DM had the strongest negative effect on FVC. The results presented in this study indicate that diabetes and hypertension have a synergistic association with impaired lung function.
Selected Behavioural Factors Affecting Oral Health in Schoolchildren: Results from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Slovak Study
Authors: Štefanová Eliška , Baška Tibor , Holubčíková Jana , Timková Silvia , Tatarková Mária , Sovičová Miroslava , Hudečková Henrieta
Published: October 2020

Oral diseases, particularly dental caries, affect as much as nine in 10 persons globally. Its development starts during childhood. Behavioural factors play an important role in its aetiology. The aim of the research was to analyse the prevalence of selected behavioural factors associated with dental caries in Slovak adolescents. Selected factors, such as toothbrushing less than once a day, consumption of sweets and sweetened soft drinks daily and their combination, were analysed using data from Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children surveys carried out in 2005/2006, 2009/2010, 2013/2014 and 2017/2018 in Slovakia. The target group consisted of 11- to 13-year-old schoolchildren. The results were analysed by sex and socioeconomic status. The consumption of sweets and sweetened soft drinks, despite declining, remains widespread (41.3% of boys and 39.6% of girls in 2017/2018). The absence of daily toothbrushing, similarly as a co-occurrence of factors, were more frequent in boys (10.6% and 5.0% in 2017/2018, respectively) than in girls (5.1% and 2.3% in 2017/2018, respectively). The absence of daily toothbrushing was associated with a lower socioeconomic situation. In conclusion, behavioural risk factors affecting oral health are widespread in Slovak adolescents. Despite the positive development of the epidemiological situation, effective interventions, as well as the improvement of oral hygiene in lower socioeconomic groups, are needed.
Comparative Study of Silk-Based Magnetic Materials: Effect of Magnetic Particle Types on the Protein Structure and Biomaterial Properties
Authors: Xue Ye , Lofland Samuel , Hu Xiao
Published: October 2020

This study investigates combining the good biocompatibility and flexibility of silk protein with three types of widely used magnetic nanoparticles to comparatively explore their structures, properties and potential applications in the sustainability and biomaterial fields. The secondary structure of silk protein was quantitatively studied by infrared spectroscopy. It was found that magnetite (Fe3O4) and barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) can prohibit β-sheet crystal due to strong coordination bonding between Fe3+ ions and carboxylate ions on silk fibroin chains where cobalt particles showed minimal effect. This was confirmed by thermal analysis, where a high temperature degradation peak was found above 640 °C in both Fe3O4 and BaFe12O19 samples. This was consistent with the magnetization studies that indicated that part of the Fe in the Fe3O4 and BaFe12O19 was no longer magnetic in the composite, presumably forming new phases. All three types of magnetic composites films maintained high magnetization, showing potential applications in MRI imaging, tissue regeneration, magnetic hyperthermia and controlled drug delivery in the future.
Unveiling the Actual Functions of Awns in Grasses: From Yield Potential to Quality Traits
Authors: Ntakirutimana Fabrice , Xie Wengang
Published: October 2020

Awns, which are either bristles or hair-like outgrowths of lemmas in the florets, are one of the typical morphological characteristics of grass species. These stiff structures contribute to grain dispersal and burial and fend off animal predators. However, their phenotypic and genetic associations with traits deciding potential yield and quality are not fully understood. Awns appear to improve photosynthesis, provide assimilates for grain filling, thus contributing to the final grain yield, especially under temperature- and water-stress conditions. Long awns, however, represent a competing sink with developing kernels for photosynthates, which can reduce grain yield under favorable conditions. In addition, long awns can hamper postharvest handling, storage, and processing activities. Overall, little is known about the elusive role of awns, thus, this review summarizes what is known about the effect of awns on grain yield and biomass yield, grain nutritional value, and forage-quality attributes. The influence of awns on the agronomic performance of grasses seems to be associated with environmental and genetic factors and varies in different stages of plant development. The contribution of awns to yield traits and quality features previously documented in major cereal crops, such as rice, barley, and wheat, emphasizes that awns can be targeted for yield and quality improvement and may advance research aimed at identifying the phenotypic effects of morphological traits in grasses.
Tissue-Specific Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Candidate Transcripts Associated with the Process of Programmed B Chromosome Elimination in Aegilops speltoides
Authors: Boudichevskaia Anastassia , Ruban Alevtina , Thiel Johannes , Fiebig Anne , Houben Andreas
Published: October 2020

Some eukaryotes exhibit dramatic genome size differences between cells of different organs, resulting from programmed elimination of chromosomes. Here, we present the first transcriptome analysis of programmed chromosome elimination using laser capture microdissection (LCM)-based isolation of the central meristematic region of Aegilops speltoides embryos where B chromosome (B) elimination occurs. The comparative RNA-seq analysis of meristematic cells of embryos with (Bplus) and without Bs (B0) allowed the identification of 14,578 transcript isoforms (35% out of 41,615 analyzed transcript isoforms) that are differentially expressed during the elimination of Bs. A total of 2908 annotated unigenes were found to be up-regulated in Bplus condition. These genes are either associated with the process of B chromosome elimination or with the presence of B chromosomes themselves. GO enrichment analysis categorized up-regulated transcript isoforms into 27 overrepresented terms related to the biological process, nine terms of the molecular function aspect and three terms of the cellular component category. A total of 2726 annotated unigenes were down-regulated in Bplus condition. Based on strict filtering criteria, 341 B-unique transcript isoforms could be identified in central meristematic cells, of which 70 were functionally annotated. Beside others, genes associated with chromosome segregation, kinetochore function and spindle checkpoint activity were retrieved as promising candidates involved in the process of B chromosome elimination.
A Common Kinetic Property of Mutations Linked to Episodic Ataxia Type 1 Studied in the Shaker Kv Channel
Authors: Zhao Juan , Petitjean Dimitri , Haddad Georges A. , Batulan Zarah , Blunck Rikard
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: Episodic ataxia type 1 is caused by mutations in the KCNA1 gene encoding for the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1. There have been many mutations in Kv1.1 linked to episodic ataxia reported and typically investigated by themselves or in small groups. The aim of this article is to determine whether we can define a functional parameter common to all Kv1.1 mutants that have been linked to episodic ataxia. (2) Methods: We introduced the disease mutations linked to episodic ataxia in the drosophila analog of Kv1.1, the Shaker Kv channel, and expressed the channels in Xenopus oocytes. Using the cut-open oocyte technique, we characterized the gating and ionic currents. (3) Results: We found that the episodic ataxia mutations variably altered the different gating mechanisms described for Kv channels. The common characteristic was a conductance voltage relationship and inactivation shifted to less polarized potentials. (4) Conclusions: We suggest that a combination of a prolonged action potential and slowed and incomplete inactivation leads to development of ataxia when Kv channels cannot follow or adapt to high firing rates.
Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Transcriptome Profiles of Soybean (Glycine max) Tissues during Early Seed Development
Authors: Sun Shuo , Yi Changyu , Ma Jing , Wang Shoudong , Peirats-Llobet Marta , Lewsey Mathew G. , Whelan James , Shou Huixia
Published: October 2020

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important crop providing oil and protein for both human and animal consumption. Knowing which biological processes take place in specific tissues in a temporal manner will enable directed breeding or synthetic approaches to improve seed quantity and quality. We analyzed a genome-wide transcriptome dataset from embryo, endosperm, endothelium, epidermis, hilum, outer and inner integument and suspensor at the global, heart and cotyledon stages of soybean seed development. The tissue specificity of gene expression was greater than stage specificity, and only three genes were differentially expressed in all seed tissues. Tissues had both unique and shared enriched functional categories of tissue-specifically expressed genes associated with them. Strong spatio-temporal correlation in gene expression was identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, with the most co-expression occurring in one seed tissue. Transcription factors with distinct spatiotemporal gene expression programs in each seed tissue were identified as candidate regulators of expression within those tissues. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment of orthogroup clusters revealed the conserved functions and unique roles of orthogroups with similar and contrasting expression patterns in transcript abundance between soybean and Arabidopsis during embryo proper and endosperm development. Key regulators in each seed tissue and hub genes connecting those networks were characterized by constructing gene regulatory networks. Our findings provide an important resource for describing the structure and function of individual soybean seed compartments during early seed development.
Computational SNP Analysis and Molecular Simulation Revealed the Most Deleterious Missense Variants in the NBD1 Domain of Human ABCA1 Transporter
Authors: Dash Raju , Ali Md. Chayan , Rana Md. Liton , Munni Yeasmin Akter , Barua Largess , Jahan Israt , Haque Mst. Fatema , Hannan Md. Abdul , Moon Il Soo
Published: October 2020

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane-bound exporter protein involved in regulating serum HDL level by exporting cholesterol and phospholipids to load up in lipid-poor ApoA-I and ApoE, which allows the formation of nascent HDL. Mutations in the ABCA1 gene, when presents in both alleles, disrupt the canonical function of ABCA1, which associates with many disorders related to lipid transport. Although many studies have reported the phenotypic effects of a large number of ABCA1 variants, the pathological effect of non-synonymous polymorphisms (nsSNPs) in ABCA1 remains elusive. Therefore, aiming at exploring the structural and functional consequences of nsSNPs in ABCA1, in this study, we employed an integrated computational approach consisting of nine well-known in silico tools to identify damaging SNPs and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to get insights into the magnitudes of the damaging effects. In silico tools revealed four nsSNPs as being most deleterious, where the two SNPs (G1050V and S1067C) are identified as the highly conserved and functional disrupting mutations located in the NBD1 domain. MD simulation suggested that both SNPs, G1050V and S1067C, changed the overall structural flexibility and dynamics of NBD1, and induced substantial alteration in the structural organization of ATP binding site. Taken together, these findings direct future studies to get more insights into the role of these variants in the loss of the ABCA1 function.