bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The m.9143T>C Variant: Recurrent Infections and Immunodeficiency as an Extension of the Phenotypic Spectrum in MT-ATP6 Mutations?
Authors: Lehmann Urban Diana , Motlagh Scholle Leila , Wagner Matias , Ludolph Albert C. , Rosenbohm Angela
Published: June 2020

Pathogenic variants in the MT-ATP6 are a well-known cause for maternally inherited mitochondrial disorders associated with a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Here, we present a 31- year old female with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, recurrent lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis recurrent infections with suspected immunodeficiency with T cell lymphopenia and hypogammaglobulinemia as well as proximal tetraparesis with severe muscle and limb pain and rapid physical exhaustion. Muscle biopsy and respiratory chain activities were normal. Single-exome sequencing revealed a variant in the MT-ATP6 gene: m.9143T>C. Analysis of further specimen of the index and mother (segregation studies) revealed the highest mutation load in muscle (99% level of mtDNA heteroplasmy) of the index patient. Interestingly, acute metabolic and physical decompensation during recurrent illness was documented to be a common clinical feature in patients with MT-ATP6 variants. However, it was not mentioned as a key symptom. Thus, we suggest that the clinical spectrum might be expanded in ATP6-associated diseases.
Influence of User-Related Parameters on Calculated Energy Use in Low-Energy School Buildings
Authors: Simanic Branko , Nordquist Birgitta , Bagge Hans , Johansson Dennis
Published: June 2020

Literature and experience show that there are large discrepancies between the calculated and measured building energy usages, where user-related parameters are significant factors with regard to energy use in low-energy buildings. Furthermore, the difficulties encountered when quantifying these parameters compound these discrepancies. The main aim of this study was to provide feedback that would help the building industry and research communities to predict more accurately the impact of the user-related parameters on energy performance. The results of the study would, subsequently, contribute to minimizing the discrepancies between calculated and measured energy use. This article analyses simulated building energy use based on randomly chosen combinations of measured user-related parameters in three recently built low-energy schools in Sweden. The results show that energy performance can span from 30 to 160 kWh/(m² y) simply by varying the combination of previously measured user-related parameters in building energy simulations. The study shows that the set points for indoor air temperatures during the heating season and the energy required to run a demand-controlled ventilation system have an extensive influence, while tenant electricity use has a slightly lower influence on building energy use. Variations in occupancy rates and energy for hot water usage have the smallest influences on building energy use.
Predictors of High Resource Consumption in Alcohol Intoxicated Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Rönz Katharina , Hirschi Trevor , Becker Sebastian , Krummrey Gert , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. , Sauter Thomas C. , Hautz Wolf E. , Müller Martin
Published: June 2020

Background: previous studies have reported that the incidence of alcohol-related visits to emergency departments (ED) has increased, but little is known about how the necessary resources per visit have changed, or about the predictors and reasons for resource consumption. Methods: a retrospective analysis was performed of all consultations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of acute alcohol intoxication admitted to the ED of Bern University Hospital, Switzerland, between 1 June 2012, and 31 May 2017. Clinical characteristics and resource consumption were extracted and analysed over time. Results: in all, 196,045 ED consultations included 2586 acute alcohol intoxications, corresponding to 1.3% of the total. The incidences of acute alcohol intoxications have tended to increase over the last five years, and a growing number of visits have consumed high resources (consultations above the 75th percentile for total resource consumption). High resource consumption was associated with greater age and the male gender (p < 0.001). The main predictors of resource consumption were fractures (Odds ratio (OR): 3.9, 95% CI 2.8–5.3, p < 0.001), dislocations (OR 3.7, 95%: 1.5–9.1, p < 0.001), and traumatic brain injury (3.5, 2.5–5.1, p < 0.001). Consultations consuming high resources mostly required radiology resources (45%); consultations consuming low or normal resources mostly required physicians’ work (45%) or nurses’ work (27%). Conclusions: the number of alcohol intoxications consuming high resources has increased over the last five years. Acute alcohol intoxication associated with trauma is resource intensive, especially with regard to radiology resources. This underlines the need for further efforts to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents, for examples.
Malaria Vectors and Vector Surveillance in Limpopo Province (South Africa): 1927 to 2018
Authors: Braack Leo , Bornman Riana , Kruger Taneshka , Dahan-Moss Yael , Gilbert Allison , Kaiser Maria , Oliver Shüné V. , Cornel Anthony J. , Lee Yoosook , Norris Douglas E. , Coetzee Maureen , Brooke Basil , de Jager Christiaan
Published: June 2020

Despite the annual implementation of a robust and extensive indoor residual spraying programme against malaria vectors in Limpopo Province (South Africa), significant transmission continues and is a serious impediment to South Africa’s malaria elimination objectives. In order to gain a better understanding regarding possible causes of this residual malaria, we conducted a literature review of the historical species composition and abundance of malaria vector mosquitoes in the Limpopo River Valley region of the Vhembe District, northern Limpopo Province, the region with the highest remaining annual malaria cases in South Africa. In addition, mosquito surveys were carried out in the same region between October 2017 and October 2018. A total of 2225 adult mosquitoes were collected using CO2-baited tent and light traps, human landing catches and cow-baited traps. Of the 1443 Anopheles collected, 516 were members of the An. gambiae complex and 511 An. funestus group. In the malaria endemic rural areas outside the Kruger National Park, one specimen each of An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus and only three of An. arabiensis were collected. The latter species was abundant at a remote hot spring in the neighboring Kruger National Park. Eighteen other species of Anopheles were collected. Our survey results support the historical findings that An. arabiensis, the species widely held to be the prime malaria vector in South Africa, is a rare species in the malaria endemic Limpopo River Valley. The implications of the mosquito surveys for malaria transmission, elimination and vector control in northern Limpopo Province and neighboring regions are discussed.
The Association of Smoking Exposure at Home with Attempts to Quit Smoking and Cessation Success: A Survey of South Korean Adolescents Who Smoke
Authors: Jeong Wonjeong , Kim Yun Kyung , Joo Jae Hong , Jang Sung-In , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to examine the association of smoking exposure at home with attempts to quit smoking and the success or failure of such attempts among South Korean adolescents. We utilized the data of 28,652 South Korean adolescents who smoked from the 2015–2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including demographic variables (age, sex, and family structure), socioeconomic variables (allowance per week, household income level, and grade), and health-related characteristics (alcohol consumption, intensity of physical activity, stress level, self-reported health status, attendance in smoking cessation programs, and smoking onset). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that attempting to quit smoking was less likely among those exposed to smoking at home every day compared to those without such exposure (boys exposed to smoking every day: OR = 0.52, CI = 0.45–0.60; girls exposed to smoking every day: OR = 0.48, CI = 0.38–0.61); cessation success showed similar results (boys exposed to smoking every day: OR = 0.51, CI = 0.46–0.58; girls exposed to smoking every day: OR = 0.56, CI = 0.47–0.66). These findings highlight the impacts of smoking exposure at home and the importance of considering this exposure when supporting adolescents to quit.
Which Matters for Medical Utilization Equity under Universal Coverage: Insurance System, Region or SES
Authors: Huang Jiaoling , Yuan Li , Liang Hong
Published: June 2020

Background: China has achieved universal coverage, with a higher rate of 95% medical insurance. However, huge inequalities are concealed under universal coverage. This article aims to explore the medical insurance utilization disparities over different insurance schemes, regions, and socioeconomic statuses (SES). Methods: This study was based on an open-access dataset in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. A longitudinal analysis and separate logistic models were performed. Results: Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) members had an outstanding advantage in specialist visiting over those on the Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance Scheme (URBMI) (OR = 0.607, p < 0.001) and New Cooperative Medical System (NCMS) (OR = 0.262, p < 0.001). However, in terms of a doctor visiting if a person is sick, the odds of patients in the NCMS receiving a visit were 55.1% ((OR = 1.551; p < 0.05) higher than those on the UEBMI. Compared with west China, the odds of those in the north-east and east were 2.1% (p > 0.05) and 97.2% (OR = 1.972; p < 0.001) higher for seeking medical treatment if sick, and 10.8% (OR = 0.892; p < 0.01) and 42.7% lower (OR = 0.573; p < 0.001) for a specialist visiting. In terms of SES, for each unit of increase in the Standard International Occupational Prestige Scale (SIOPS), the odds of seeking medical treatment decreased by 4.3% (OR = 0.958; p < 0.05), and the odds of a specialist visiting increased by 17.1% (OR = 1.171; p < 0.001) for each unit of the annual income logarithm. Conclusions: NCMS members and residents in west China were in a disadvantage status in terms of access to specialists, though had a higher probability of medical care if sick. SES variables were positively correlated with a specialist visiting consistently. We suggest a further focus on healthcare quality in the west and rural areas.
Data-Driven Modeling and the Influence of Objective Function Selection on Model Performance in Limited Data Regions
Authors: Baddoo Thelma Dede , Li Zhijia , Guan Yiqing , Boni Kenneth Rodolphe Chabi , Nooni Isaac Kwesi
Published: June 2020

The identification of unit hydrographs and component flows from rainfall, evapotranspiration and streamflow data (IHACRES) model has been proven to be an efficient yet basic model to simulate rainfall–runoff processes due to the difficulty in obtaining the comprehensive data required by physical models, especially in data-scarce, semi-arid regions. The success of a calibration process is tremendously dependent on the objective function chosen. However, objective functions have been applied largely in over daily and monthly scales and seldom over sub-daily scales. This study, therefore, implements the IHACRES model using ‘hydromad’ in R to simulate flood events with data limitations in Zhidan, a semi-arid catchment in China. We apply objective function constraints by time aggregating the commonly used Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency into daily and hourly scales to investigate the influence of objective function constraints on the model performance and the general capability of the IHACRES model to simulate flood events in the study watershed. The results of the study demonstrated the advantage of the finer time-scaled hourly objective function over its daily counterpart in simulating runoff for the selected flood events. The results also indicated that the IHACRES model performed extremely well in the Zhidan watershed, presenting the feasibility of the use of the IHACRES model to simulate flood events in data scarce, semi-arid regions.
The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exercise on Individual’s Physiological, Psychological and Rehabilitative Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qian Jiali , McDonough Daniel J. , Gao Zan
Published: June 2020

Objective purpose: This review synthesized the literature examining the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise on physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes in various populations. Design: A systematic review. Data sources: 246 articles were retrieved using key words, such as “VR”, “exercise intervention”, “physiological”, “psychology”, and “rehabilitation” through nine databases including Academic Search Premier and PubMed. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: 15 articles which met the following criteria were included in the review: (1) peer-reviewed; (2) published in English; (3) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials or causal-comparative design; (4) interventions using VR devices; and (5) examined effects on physiological, psychological, and/or rehabilitative outcomes. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used. Results: Of the 12 articles examining physiological outcomes, eight showed a positive effect on physical fitness, muscle strength, balance, and extremity function. Only four articles examined the effects on psychological outcomes, three showed positive effects such that VR exercise could ease fatigue, tension, and depression and induce calmness and enhance quality of life. Nine articles investigated the effects of VR-based exercise on rehabilitative outcomes with physiological and/or psychological outcomes, and six observed significant positive changes. In detail, patients who suffered from chronic stroke, hemodialysis, spinal-cord injury, cerebral palsy in early ages, and cognitive decline usually saw better improvements using VR-based exercise. Conclusion: The findings suggest that VR exercise has the potential to exert a positive impact on individual’s physiological, psychological, and rehabilitative outcomes compared with traditional exercise. However, the quality, quantity, and sample size of existing studies are far from ideal. Therefore, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the observed positive effects.
Nature Relatedness of Recreational Horseback Riders and Its Association with Mood and Wellbeing
Authors: Schwarzmüller-Erber Gabriele , Stummer Harald , Maier Manfred , Kundi Michael
Published: June 2020

Connectedness to nature and nature contact can provide many benefits to humans, like stress reduction, recovery from illness, and increased positive emotions. Likewise, recreational horseback riding is a widespread sports activity with the potential to enhance physical and psychological health. Yet, the influence of connectedness to nature on the wellbeing of older aged recreational horseback riders has not been investigated so far. The aim of the present study therefore was to explore the relationship between nature relatedness and physical, psychological and social wellbeing and happiness. The study sample was composed of Austrian recreational horseback riders aged 45 years and older, who were compared with dog owners and people without pets (n = 178). We found significantly higher nature relatedness, significantly higher overall wellbeing and a significantly better mood rating in recreational horseback riders compared to people without pets and similar scores compared to dog owners. Physical wellbeing is correlated with overall nature relatedness in horseback riders and dog owners, but no correlation was found in people without pets. A structural equation model shows a direct relationship between nature relatedness and mood in horseback riders and an indirect relationship through pet attachment in dog owners. The results suggest the activity with horses and dogs in nature environments is a source of wellbeing, enjoyment, self-confidence and social contacts.
Effect of a Six-Week Intermittent Fasting Intervention Program on the Composition of the Human Body in Women over 60 Years of Age
Authors: Domaszewski Przemysław , Konieczny Mariusz , Pakosz Paweł , Bączkowicz Dawid , Sadowska-Krępa Ewa
Published: June 2020

The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of intermittent fasting (IF) in reducing body fat and lowering body mass index. An additional objective was to determine the feasibility of applying IF in overweight women over 60 years of age, which was assessed by the ratio of subjects who resigned from the diet plan. This study included a group of 45 women over 60 years of age. The intervention in the experimental group involved complete abstinence from food intake for 16 h per day, from 20:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (the next day). The results demonstrated that the body weight in the subjects in the experimental group (EXP) group decreased by almost 2 kg and this decrease was visible in the remaining parameters related to body fat mass. The skeletal muscle mass did not change significantly, which indicates an actual decrease in the fat mass. The proportion of subjects who did not succeed in following the prescribed diet plan was 12%. The application of intermittent fasting in female subjects over 60 years of age resulted in positive changes in body composition. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) was characterized by a lower resignation rate compared to other diets involving intermittent fasting.
Physical Rehabilitation Needs in the BRICS Nations from 1990 to 2017: Cross-National Analyses Using Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Jesus Tiago S. , Landry Michel D. , Hoenig Helen , Zeng Yi , Kamalakannan Sureshkumar , Britto Raquel R. , Pogosova Nana , Sokolova Olga , Grimmer Karen , Louw Quinette A.
Published: June 2020

Background: This study analyzes the current and evolving physical rehabilitation needs of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa), a coalition of large emergent economies increasingly important for global health. Methods: Secondary, cross-national analyses of data on Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Total physical rehabilitation needs, and those stratified per major condition groups are analyzed for the year 2017 (current needs), and for every year since 1990 (evolution over time). ANOVAs are used to detect significant yearly changes. Results: Total physical rehabilitation needs have increased significantly from 1990 to 2017 in each of the BRICS nations, in every metric analyzed (YLD Counts, YLDs per 100,000 people, and percentage of YLDs relevant to physical rehabilitation; all p < 0.01). Musculoskeletal & pain conditions were leading cause of physical rehabilitation needs across the BRICS nations but to varying degrees: from 36% in South Africa to 60% in Brazil. Country-specific trends include: 25% of South African needs were from HIV-related conditions (no other BRICS nation had more than 1%); India had both absolute and relative growths of pediatric rehabilitation needs (p < 0.01); China had an exponential growth in the per-capita needs from neurological and neoplastic conditions (p < 0.01; r2 = 0.97); Brazil had a both absolute and relative growth of needs coming from musculoskeletal & pain conditions (p < 0.01); and the Russian Federation had the highest neurological rehabilitation needs per capita in 2017 (over than three times those of India, South Africa or Brazil). Conclusions: total physical rehabilitation needs have been increasing in each of the BRICS nations, both in absolute and relative values. Apart from the common growing trend, each of the BRICS nations had own patterns for the amount, typology, and evolution of their physical rehabilitation needs, which must be taken into account while planning for health and physical rehabilitation programs, policies and resources.
Importance of Discriminative Measurement for Radon Isotopes and Its Utilization in the Environment and Lessons Learned from Using the RADUET Monitor
Authors: Kranrod Chutima , Tamakuma Yuki , Hosoda Masahiro , Tokonami Shinji
Published: June 2020

Radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn), sources of natural background radiation, have been the subjects of long-standing studies, including research into radon and thoron as major causes of lung cancer at domestic and international levels. In this regard, radon and thoron measurement studies have been widely conducted all over the world. Generally, the techniques used relate to passive nuclear track detectors. Some surveys have shown that passive monitors for radon are sensitive to thoron, and hence some measured results have probably overestimated radon concentrations. This study investigated radon and thoron measurements in domestic and international surveys using the passive radon–thoron discriminative monitor, commercially named RADUET. This paper attempts to provide an understanding of discriminative measurements of radon isotopes and to present an evidence-based roadmap.
A Systematic Review Exploring the Economic Valuation of Accessing and Using Green and Blue Spaces to Improve Public Health
Authors: Lynch Mary , Spencer Llinos Haf , Tudor Edwards Rhiannon
Published: June 2020

Contact with the natural environment in green and blue spaces can have a valuable influence on population physical and mental health and wellbeing. The aim of this study is to explore the economic evidence associated with the public’s value for accessing, using and improving local environments to undertake recreational activity and consuming the associated health benefits of green and blue spaces. Applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles were sought using electronic databases, scrutiny of reference lists, experts and grey literature. All relevant papers meeting the criteria were critically appraised for methodological quality using the Drummond checklist. The review search concluded with 12 papers applying the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the quality with a narrative analysis conducted under the themes. Results suggest the public value access to green and blue spaces to undertake recreational activities and avoid delay or losing the recreational experience and associated health benefits. The public are willing to pay between £5.72 and £15.64 in 2019 value estimates for not postponing or losing an outdoor experience and for walking in local environments under current and improved environmental conditions, respectively. Valuation estimates indicate the public value green and blue spaces and are willing to pay to improve local environments to gain the health benefits of undertaking leisure activities in green and blue spaces.
RETRACTED: Al-Behadili et al. Cold Responses of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Blueberry. Insects 2020, 11, 276
Authors: Al-Behadili Farhan , Agarwal Manjree , Xu Wei , Ren Yonglin
Published: June 2020

The published article [...]
On the Interaction between 1D Materials and Living Cells
Authors: Arrabito Giuseppe , Aleeva Yana , Ferrara Vittorio , Prestopino Giuseppe , Chiappara Clara , Pignataro Bruno
Published: June 2020

One-dimensional (1D) materials allow for cutting-edge applications in biology, such as single-cell bioelectronics investigations, stimulation of the cellular membrane or the cytosol, cellular capture, tissue regeneration, antibacterial action, traction force investigation, and cellular lysis among others. The extraordinary development of this research field in the last ten years has been promoted by the possibility to engineer new classes of biointerfaces that integrate 1D materials as tools to trigger reconfigurable stimuli/probes at the sub-cellular resolution, mimicking the in vivo protein fibres organization of the extracellular matrix. After a brief overview of the theoretical models relevant for a quantitative description of the 1D material/cell interface, this work offers an unprecedented review of 1D nano- and microscale materials (inorganic, organic, biomolecular) explored so far in this vibrant research field, highlighting their emerging biological applications. The correlation between each 1D material chemistry and the resulting biological response is investigated, allowing to emphasize the advantages and the issues that each class presents. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives are discussed.
Magnetic Induction Tomography Spectroscopy for Structural and Functional Characterization in Metallic Materials
Authors: Muttakin Imamul , Soleimani Manuchehr
Published: June 2020

Magnetic induction tomography (MIT) is a powerful imaging system for monitoring the state of metallic materials. Tomographic methods enable automatic inspection of metallic samples making use of multi-sensor measurements and data processing of eddy current-based sensing from mutual inductances. This paper investigates a multi-frequency MIT using both amplitude and phase data. The image reconstruction algorithm is based on a novel spectrally-correlative total variation method allowing an efficient and all-in-one spectral reconstruction. Additionally, the paper shows the rate of change in spectral images with respect to the excitation frequencies. Using both spectral maps and their spectral derivative maps, one can derive key structural and functional information regarding the material under test. This includes their type, size, number, existence of voids and cracks. Spectral maps can also give functional information, such as mechanical strains and their thermal conditions and composition.
Reduction of Power Consumption by Chip Breakability Control in Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy Turning
Authors: Zębala Wojciech , Struzikiewicz Grzegorz , Słodki Bogdan
Published: June 2020

The paper concerns the problem of energy savings in turning of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. Since this alloy belongs to difficult to cut materials, there is a problem with chip forming and breaking. The turning process is often supported by implementing a high-pressure cooling (HPC) system. Based on the observations and the adopted chip classification method, the authors proved that it is not necessary to use this method in roughing operations, however it helps with the chips breaking process in finishing operations. A general algorithm for machining optimization due to the chip geometry is presented and described. In the presented case, it was shown that the acceptable chip geometry could be obtained with a reduced power consumption by approximately Pc = 0.5 kW. The authors concluded that it was not necessary to apply cutting data and a coolant system to achieve perfect chip geometry. An acceptable form was often sufficient, while requiring less energy. An additional factor resulting from the operation of systems supporting the cutting process, such as an HPC device, should be taken into account in the formula concerning the energy consumption (EC) of a computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tool.
Multi-Bit Biomemory Based on Chitosan: Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite with Wrinkled Surface
Authors: Li Lei , Li Guangming
Published: June 2020

Chitosan (CS) is one of the commonly affluent polysaccharides that are attractive biomaterials as they are easily found in different organisms and are biocompatible. An environment-friendly multi-bit biomemory was successfully achieved on the basis of CS as a favorable candidate for resistive-switching memory applications. By incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into CS, the multi-bit biomemory device (indium tin oxide (ITO)/CS:GO/Ni) was obtained through the solution-processable method, which had a high current ratio among a high, intermediate, and low resistance state as well as a low SET/RESET voltage. GO acting as trapping sites in the active layer might be responsible for the biomemory mechanism. This research opens up a new avenue towards renewable and environmentally benign CS-based materials for biodegradable electronic devices.
Size and Shape-Dependent Antimicrobial Activities of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: A Model Study as Potential Fungicides
Authors: Osonga Francis J. , Akgul Ali , Yazgan Idris , Akgul Ayfer , Eshun Gaddi B. , Sakhaee Laura , Sadik Omowunmi A.
Published: June 2020

Plant-based pathogenic microbes hinder the yield and quality of food production. Plant diseases have caused an increase in food costs due to crop destruction. There is a need to develop novel methods that can target and mitigate pathogenic microbes. This study focuses on investigating the effects of luteolin tetraphosphate derived silver nanoparticles (LTP-AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (LTP-AuNPs) as a therapeutic agent on the growth and expression of plant-based bacteria and fungi. In this study, the silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using luteolin tetraphosphate (LTP) as the reducing and capping agents. The synthesis of LTP-AgNPs and LTP-AuNP was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and size distribution. The TEM images of both LTP-AgNPs and LTP-AuNPs showed different sizes and shapes (spherical, quasi-spherical, and cuboidal). The antimicrobial test was conducted using fungi: Aspergillus nidulans, Trichaptum biforme, Penicillium italicum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, while the class of bacteria employed include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii as Gram (−) bacteria, and Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus epidermidis as Gram (+) bacterium. The antifungal study demonstrated the selective size and shape-dependent capabilities in which smaller sized spherical (9 nm) and quasi-spherical (21 nm) AgNPs exhibited 100% inhibition of the tested fungi and bacteria. The LTP-AgNPs exhibited a higher antimicrobial activity than LTP-AuNPs. We have demonstrated that smaller sized AgNPs showed excellent inhibition of A. nidulans growth compared to the larger size nanoparticles. These results suggest that LTP-AuNP and LTP-AgNPs could be used to address the detection and remediation of pathogenic fungi, respectively.
Brain-Selective Estrogen Therapy Prevents Androgen Deprivation-Associated Hot Flushes in a Rat Model
Authors: Merchenthaler Istvan , Lane Malcolm , Stennett Christina , Zhan Min , Nguyen Vien , Prokai-Tatrai Katalin , Prokai Laszlo
Published: June 2020

Hot flushes are best-known for affecting menopausal women, but men who undergo life-saving castration due to androgen-sensitive prostate cancer also suffer from these vasomotor symptoms. Estrogen deficiency in these patients is a direct consequence of androgen deprivation, because estrogens (notably 17β-estradiol, E2) are produced from testosterone. Although estrogens alleviate hot flushes in these patients, they also cause adverse systemic side effects. Because only estrogens can provide mitigation of hot flushes on the basis of current clinical practices, there is an unmet need for an effective and safe pharmacotherapeutic intervention that would also greatly enhance patient adherence. To this end, we evaluated treatment of orchidectomized (ORDX) rats with 10β, 17β-dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one (DHED), a brain-selective bioprecursor prodrug of E2. A pilot pharmacokinetic study using oral administration of DHED to these animals revealed the formation of E2 in the brain without the appearance of the hormone in the circulation. Therefore, DHED treatment alleviated androgen deprivation-associated hot flushes without peripheral impact in the ORDX rat model. Concomitantly, we showed that DHED-derived E2 induced progesterone receptor gene expression in the hypothalamus without stimulating galanin expression in the anterior pituitary, further indicating the lack of systemic estrogen exposure upon oral treatment with DHED.
Hydrogel Formulations Incorporating Drug Nanocrystals Enhance the Therapeutic Effect of Rebamipide in a Hamster Model for Oral Mucositis
Authors: Nagai Noriaki , Seiriki Ryotaro , Deguchi Saori , Otake Hiroko , Hiramatsu Noriko , Sasaki Hiroshi , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: June 2020

A mouthwash formulation of rebamipide (REB) is commonly used to treat oral mucositis; however, this formulation does not provide sufficient treatment or prevention in cases of serious oral mucositis. To improve treatment, we attempted to design a hydrogel incorporating REB nanocrystals (R-NPs gel). The R-NPs gel was prepared by a bead mill method using carbopol hydrogel, methylcellulose and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, and another hydrogel incorporating REB microcrystals (R-MPs gel) was prepared following the same protocol but without the bead mill treatment. The REB particle size in the R-MPs gel was 0.15–25 μm, and while the REB particle size was 50–180 nm in the R-NPs gel. Next, we investigated the therapeutic effect of REB nanocrystals on oral mucositis using a hamster model. Almost all of the REB was released as drug nanocrystals from the R-NPs gel, and the REB content in the cheek pouch of hamsters treated with R-NPs gel was significantly higher than that of hamsters treated with R-MPs gel. Further, treatment with REB hydrogels enhanced the healing of oral wounds in the hamsters. REB accumulation in the cheek pouch of hamsters treated with the R-NPs gel was prevented by an inhibitor of clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CME) (40 μM dynasore). In conclusion, we designed an R-NPs gel and found that REB nanocrystals are taken up by tissues through CME, where they provide a persistent effect resulting in an enhancement of oral wound healing.
Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Linear−Dendritic Carbosilane Block Surfactant for Waterborne Polyurethane Coating
Authors: Wang Ruitao , Li Chunxiang , Jiang Zhaohua , Wang Zhijiang
Published: June 2020

The traditional two-component waterborne polyurethane coating system cannot effectively inhibit the undesirable side reaction between polyisocyanate and water during curing hardening. It is difficult to avoid the microbubbles formed by this reaction during the film formation process, which severely degrades the appearance and decreases the performance of the film. Therefore, the addition of an amphiphilic Linear-Dendritic carbosilane Block Surfactant (LDBS) to the hardener can physically separate the polyisocyanate emulsion from water through self-assembly. The bubble-free film thickness (BFFT) of the two-component waterborne polyurethane coating in this study is approximately 1.5-fold greater than commercial waterborne polyurethane coatings in today’s coating industry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) varied the effectiveness of LDBS for inhibition of the undesirable side reaction. The successful application of the waterborne polyurethane coating with LDBS on the 600 km/h high-speed maglev train provides a technical solution for large-scale industrialization of waterborne polyurethane coating and complete replacement of solvent polyurethane coating.
Implantation of Recyclability and Healability into Cross-Linked Commercial Polymers by Applying the Vitrimer Concept
Authors: Hayashi Mikihiro
Published: June 2020

Vitrimers are a new class of cross-linked materials that are capable of network topology alternation through the associative dynamic bond-exchange mechanism, which has recently been invented to solve the problem of conventional cross-linked materials, such as poor recyclability and healability. Thus far, the concept of vitrimers has been applied to various commercial polymers, e.g., polyesters, polylactides, polycarbonates, polydimethylsiloxanes, polydienes, polyurethanes, polyolefins, poly(meth)acrylates, and polystyrenes, by utilizing different compatible bond-exchange reactions. In this review article, the concept of vitrimers is described by clarifying the difference from thermoplastics and supramolecular systems; in addition, the term “associative bond-exchange” in vitrimers is explained by comparison with the “dissociative” term. Several useful functions attained by the vitrimer concept (including recyclability and healability) are demonstrated, and recent molecular designs of vitrimers are classified into groups depending on the types of molecular frameworks. This review specifically focuses on the vitrimer molecular designs with commercial polymer-based frameworks, which provide useful hints for the practical application of the vitrimer concept.
Boosting Memory with a Persistent Memory Mechanism for Remote Sensing Image Captioning
Authors: Fu Kun , Li Yang , Zhang Wenkai , Yu Hongfeng , Sun Xian
Published: June 2020

The encoder–decoder framework has been widely used in the remote sensing image captioning task. When we need to extract remote sensing images containing specific characteristics from the described sentences for research, rich sentences can improve the final extraction results. However, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network used in decoders still loses some information in the picture over time when the generated caption is long. In this paper, we present a new model component named the Persistent Memory Mechanism (PMM), which can expand the information storage capacity of LSTM with an external memory. The external memory is a memory matrix with a predetermined size. It can store all the hidden layer vectors of LSTM before the current time step. Thus, our method can effectively solve the above problem. At each time step, the PMM searches previous information related to the input information at the current time from the external memory. Then the PMM will process the captured long-term information and predict the next word with the current information. In addition, it updates its memory with the input information. This method can pick up the long-term information missed from the LSTM but useful to the caption generation. By applying this method to image captioning, our CIDEr scores on datasets UCM-Captions, Sydney-Captions, and RSICD increased by 3%, 5%, and 7%, respectively.
Comparison of Multi-Temporal PlanetScope Data with Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 Data for Estimating Airborne LiDAR Derived Canopy Height in Temperate Forests
Authors: Shimizu Katsuto , Ota Tetsuji , Mizoue Nobuya , Saito Hideki
Published: June 2020

Developing accurate methods for estimating forest structures is essential for efficient forest management. The high spatial and temporal resolution data acquired by CubeSat satellites have desirable characteristics for mapping large-scale forest structural attributes. However, most studies have used a median composite or single image for analyses. The multi-temporal use of CubeSat data may improve prediction accuracy. This study evaluates the capabilities of PlanetScope CubeSat data to estimate canopy height derived from airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) by comparing estimates using Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8 data. Random forest (RF) models using a single composite, multi-seasonal composites, and time-series data were investigated at different spatial resolutions of 3, 10, 20, and 30 m. The highest prediction accuracy was obtained by the PlanetScope multi-seasonal composites at 3 m (relative root mean squared error: 51.3%) and Sentinel-2 multi-seasonal composites at the other spatial resolutions (40.5%, 35.2%, and 34.2% for 10, 20, and 30 m, respectively). The results show that RF models using multi-seasonal composites are 1.4% more accurate than those using harmonic metrics from time-series data in the median. PlanetScope is recommended for canopy height mapping at finer spatial resolutions. However, the unique characteristics of PlanetScope data in a spatial and temporal context should be further investigated for operational forest monitoring.
Numerical and Observational Analysis of the Hydro-Dynamical Variability in a Small Lake: The Case of Lake Zirahuén, México
Authors: Gasca-Ortiz Tzitlali , Pantoja Diego A. , Filonov Anatoliy , Domínguez-Mota Francisco , Alcocer Javier
Published: June 2020

Lake Zirahuén is one of the ecologically better preserved and small-sized lakes in Mexico. Observations revealed that Lake Zirahuén is subjected to a consistent diurnal wind because of the presence of a valley–mountain breeze that triggers semidiurnal and 3–8 h variability oscillations, with the latter among the natural frequencies of the lake, whereas the former and the principal forcing are in near resonance with the second vertical mode. The thermodynamic variability was greater in the metalimnion where the analysis of eigenfunctions shows that higher modes (>2) are important at depths below the thermocline. The numerical modeling adequately described the water temperature evolution and surface layer currents in an averaged manner. The daily observations showed drifts in surface currents, acquiring velocities of up to 0.1 m/s, owing to wind stress, which caused an increase in temperature at the northern section of the lake. Data averaged over three months revealed that the surface currents flow northward with an anticyclonic return to the east part and a pair of cyclonic returns to the northwestern and southwestern parts of the lake; whereas at the vertical, the structure showed two circular regions divided by the thermocline located at a depth of 15–20 m.
METABOLIC STATUS OF THE ORGANISM OF BULLS-PRODUCERS OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES
Authors: БОГОЛЮБОВА Н.В. , РЫКОВ Р.А.
Published: June 2020

Изучили биохимический статус организма быков-производителей голштинской (n=8) и симментальской (n=8) пород в сравнительном аспекте. Проанализированы пробы сыворотки крови быков-производителей, содержащихся в условиях племпредприятия Московской области. В образцах крови определяли показатели азотистого, углеводно-липидного, минерального обменов, активность ферментов. Содержание общего белка и его фракций, мочевины, а также соотношение альбуминов и глобулинов были примерно на одном уровне независимо от генотипа животных. В крови быков симментальской породы, по сравнению с аналогами голштинской породы, была выше концентрация креатинина на 19,9% (P<0,05), уровень фосфолипидов — на 16%, холестерин — на 46,5% (P<0,05). Концентрация фосфора в сыворотке крови симментальских быков составляла 2,52 мМ/л, что на 30,5% больше, чем у голштинов (P<0,05). Отношение кальция к фосфору в организме симментальских быков равнялось 1,04 против 1,40 ед. в группе голшинских быков. Полученные данные указывают на различия в протекании азотистого, углеводно-липидного и минерального обменов в организме животных мясо-молочного и молочного направлений продуктивности и помогут в разработке эталонных значений биохимических показателей крови для оценки здоровья и уровня питания быков-производителей изучаемых пород.

We studied the biochemical status of the organism of Holstein (n=8) and Simmental (n=8) bulls-producers in a comparative aspect. Samples of blood serum of bulls-producers contained in the conditions of the Moscow region were analyzed. Indicators of nitrogen, carbohydrate-lipid, mineral metabolism, and enzyme activity were determined in the blood samples. The content of total protein and its fractions, urea, as well as the ratio of albumins and globulins were approximately at the same level, regardless of the genotype of animals. In the blood of Simmental bulls, compared with analogues of the Holstein breed, the concentration of creatinine was higher by 19.9% (P<0.05), the level of phospholipids — by 16%, and cholesterol — by 46.5% (P<0.05). The concentration of phosphorus in the blood serum of Simmental bulls was 2.52 mmol/l, which is 30.5% higher than in Holsteins bulls (P<0.05). The ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the body of Simmental bulls was 1.04 against 1.40 units. in the Holstein bulls. The obtained data indicate differences in the nitrogen, carbohydrate-lipid and mineral metabolism in the body of animals of meat-and-milk and dairy productivity and will help in the reference values of blood biochemical indicators development for assessing the health and nutrition level of bulls-producers of the studied breeds.
Educação Ambiental no Âmbito Escolar: Análise do Processo de Elaboração e Aprovação da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC)
Authors: Oliveira Lucas de , Neiman Zysman
Published: June 2020

A despeito de ser uma abordagem prevista desde a constituição de 1988 e regulamentada por Diretrizes Nacionais bem como por diversos instrumentos da legislação, a Educação Ambiental só se consolidou no currículo formal de ensino a partir da aprovação dos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCN) em 1998. O “Tema Transversal Meio Ambiente”, garantia uma abordagem interdisciplinar no âmbito escolar que cumpria a necessidade do debate extremamente importante para os tempos atuais, tendo a sustentabilidade como princípio. No entanto, o atual governo federal está propondo uma reformulação tanto no ensino fundamental quanto no médio, de modo a implantar uma nova Base Nacional Curricular Comum (BNCC), que foi aprovada no final de 2018 e na qual a Educação Ambiental não está contemplada. Este artigo visa descrever o processo de elaboração e aprovação da BNCC analisando sua implicação para o futuro da Educação Ambiental no ensino formal.
A Educação Ambiental e o acesso à informação sobre os produtos agrícolas alimentares
Authors: Carolino Katia , Machado Rodrigo , Sorrentino Marcos
Published: June 2020

O artigo apresenta breve revisão sobre o campo da Educação Ambiental (EA), destacando sua tendência crítica, e como a legislação aborda a informação sobre produtos agrícolas. Expõe a legislação que orienta comportamentos dos produtores como subsídio a uma EA crítica. Produção, consumo e suas regulações se tornam recursos pedagógicos vinculados ao dia-a-dia dos cidadãos. Utilizou-se levantamento bibliográfico e documental. Identificou-se rigidez na legislação para produtos agrícolas “orgânicos”, mas não o mesmo rigor para produtos com agrotóxico. A aprovação de normas que exijam nos alimentos informações sobre agrotóxicos pode subsidiar a educação de cidadãos que cumprem o papel de consumidores em uma sociedade passível de reflexão crítica.
Percepção dos produtores rurais sobre o uso de agrotóxicos na cultura de banana-maçã de Itaguaru (GO) e região
Authors: Andrade Ana Paula Ribeiro , Ferreira Rafael Batista , Cirino Karina Fonseca da Silva , Santos Wanderson Silva dos , Silva Luanna Rodrigues
Published: June 2020

O uso incorreto de agrotóxicos no Brasil e no mundo tem trazido sérias consequências, tanto para o meio ambiente quanto para a saúde do trabalhador rural. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção dos produtores de banana-maçã da região de Itaguaru-GO através de questionários relacionado ao conhecimento deles acerca da utilização dos agrotóxicos, uso de EPI’s, armazenamento e assistência técnica agronômica. Os resultados apontam o pouco conhecimento dos trabalhadores rurais quanto ao tema, a maioria deles encontra dificuldade para ler as bulas dos vasilhames dos produtos químicos e ainda o pouco conhecimento ao se tratar do uso de EPI’s e da importância da assistência técnica agronômica.
Ações para Minimizar a Fragmentação da Educação Ambiental em uma Escola Pública Paulista
Authors: Oliveira Terezinha Marisa Ribeiro de , Amaral Carmem Lúcia Costa
Published: June 2020

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um minicurso de formação continuada de professores sobre Educação Ambiental que teve como objetivo diminuir a fragmentação dessa temática em uma escola pública paulista. O minicurso foi desenvolvido com 35 professores de várias áreas do conhecimento e foi planejado em duas etapas: uma teórica e uma aplicada. Na teórica foram discutidos textos e na aplicada, os professores planejaram e realizaram ações na escola com seus alunos de forma interdisciplinar. Os resultados evidenciaram que o minicurso contribuiu para a percepção dos professores quanto a importância da Educação Ambiental na sua prática pedagógica e que ela pode transpassar todas as disciplinas.