bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity and Pro-Apoptotic, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Geopropolis Produced by the Stingless Bee Melipona fasciculata Smith
Authors: Barboza Josianne Rocha , Pereira Francisco Assis Nascimento , Fernandes Renan Amphilophio , Vasconcelos Cleydlenne Costa , Cartágenes Maria do Socorro de Sousa , Oliveira Lopes Alberto Jorge , Melo Andreia Cristina de , Guimarães Isabella dos Santos , Rocha Cláudia Quintino da , Ribeiro Maria Nilce de Sousa
Published: September 2020

Geopropolis is produced by some stingless bee species, such as Melipona fasciculata Smith, a native species from Brazil. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity effects of geopropolis hydroethanolic extracts against lung (H460 and A549) and ovarian (A2780 and ES2) cancer cell lines and non-tumor (HUVEC) cell lines using chemical identification by LC/MS/MS analysis and in silico assays to determine which compounds are associated with bioactivity. The antioxidant activity of extracts and inhibitory activity against COX enzymes were assessed by in vitro assays; cytotoxicity effect was evaluated by the MTT assay; cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry and apoptosis by Western blotting. The geopropolis extracts showed great radical scavenging potential, preferential inhibition of COX-2, decreased cancer cell viability, non-cytotoxic effects against the non-tumoral cell line, besides modulating the cell cycle and inducing cancer cell apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3 and PARP protein cleavage. The in silico study suggests that corilagin, typhaneoside, taraxerone and marsformosanone, identified by LC/MS/MS, can be associated with anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxic effects. Thus, the current study suggests the potential of geopropolis concerning the research field of new pharmacological alternatives regarding cancer therapy.
Inflammation in Obesity-Related Complications in Children: The Protective Effect of Diet and Its Potential Role as a Therapeutic Agent
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Regalbuto Corrado , Porri Debora , Pelizzo Gloria , Mazzon Emanuela , Vinci Federica , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Fabiano Valentina , Cena Hellas
Published: September 2020

Obesity is a growing health problem in both children and adults, impairing physical and mental state and impacting health care system costs in both developed and developing countries. It is well-known that individuals with excessive weight gain frequently develop obesity-related complications, which are mainly known as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and many other risk factors proven to be associated with chronic inflammation, causing disability and reduced life expectancy. This review aims to present and discuss complications related to inflammation in pediatric obesity, the critical role of nutrition and diet in obesity-comorbidity prevention and treatment, and the impact of lifestyle. Appropriate early dietary intervention for the management of pediatric overweight and obesity is recommended for overall healthy growth and prevention of comorbidities in adulthood.
Combining Electrostatic, Hindrance and Diffusive Effects for Predicting Particle Transport and Separation Efficiency in Deterministic Lateral Displacement Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Biagioni Valentina , Balestrieri Giulia , Adrover Alessandra , Cerbelli Stefano
Published: September 2020

Microfluidic separators based on Deterministic Lateral Displacement (DLD) constitute a promising technique for the label-free detection and separation of mesoscopic objects of biological interest, ranging from cells to exosomes. Owing to the simultaneous presence of different forces contributing to particle motion, a feasible theoretical approach for interpreting and anticipating the performance of DLD devices is yet to be developed. By combining the results of a recent study on electrostatic effects in DLD devices with an advection–diffusion model previously developed by our group, we here propose a fully predictive approach (i.e., ideally devoid of adjustable parameters) that includes the main physically relevant effects governing particle transport on the one hand, and that is amenable to numerical treatment at affordable computational expenses on the other. The approach proposed, based on ensemble statistics of stochastic particle trajectories, is validated by comparing/contrasting model predictions to available experimental data encompassing different particle dimensions. The comparison suggests that at low/moderate values of the flowrate the approach can yield an accurate prediction of the separation performance, thus making it a promising tool for designing device geometries and operating conditions in nanoscale applications of the DLD technique.
Immunogenic Cell Death and Elimination of Immunosuppressive Cells: A Double-Edged Sword of Chemotherapy
Authors: Fumet Jean-David , Limagne Emeric , Thibaudin Marion , Ghiringhelli Francois
Published: September 2020

Chemotherapy is initially used to kill proliferative cells. In the current area of emerging immunotherapy, chemotherapies have shown their ability to modulate the tumor micro environment and immune response. We focus here on two main effects: first, immunogenic cell death, defined as a form of regulated cell death (RCD) that is sufficient to activate an adaptive immune response in immunocompetent hosts; and second, the depletion of suppressive cells, known to play a major role in immune escape and resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we present a review of different classically used chemotherapies focusing on this double effect on immunity. These immunological effects of chemotherapy could be exploited to promote efficacy of immunotherapy. Broadening our understanding will make it possible to provide rationales for the combination of chemoimmunotherapy in early clinical trials.
Impact of Number of Segmented Tissues on SAR Prediction Accuracy in Deep Pelvic Hyperthermia Treatment Planning
Authors: VilasBoas-Ribeiro Iva , van Rhoon Gerard C. , Drizdal Tomas , Franckena Martine , Paulides Margarethus M.
Published: September 2020

In hyperthermia, the general opinion is that pre-treatment optimization of treatment settings requires a patient-specific model. For deep pelvic hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP), tissue models comprising four tissue categories are currently discriminated. For head and neck HTP, we found that more tissues are required for increasing accuracy. In this work, we evaluated the impact of the number of segmented tissues on the predicted specific absorption rate (SAR) for the pelvic region. Highly detailed anatomical models of five healthy volunteers were selected from a virtual database. For each model, seven lists with varying levels of segmentation detail were defined and used as an input for a modeling study. SAR changes were quantified using the change in target-to-hotspot-quotient and maximum SAR relative differences, with respect to the most detailed patient model. The main finding of this study was that the inclusion of high water content tissues in the segmentation may result in a clinically relevant impact on the SAR distribution and on the predicted hyperthermia treatment quality when considering our pre-established thresholds. In general, our results underline the current clinical segmentation protocol and help to prioritize any improvements.
Flux Enforcement for Fermentative Production of 5-Aminovalerate and Glutarate by Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Haupka Carsten , Delépine Baudoin , Irla Marta , Heux Stephanie , Wendisch Volker F.
Published: September 2020

Bio-based plastics represent an increasing percentage of the plastics economy. The fermentative production of bioplastic monomer 5-aminovalerate (5AVA), which can be converted to polyamide 5 (PA 5), has been established in Corynebacterium glutamicum via two metabolic pathways. l-lysine can be converted to 5AVA by either oxidative decarboxylation and subsequent oxidative deamination or by decarboxylation to cadaverine followed by transamination and oxidation. Here, a new three-step pathway was established by using the monooxygenase putrescine oxidase (Puo), which catalyzes the oxidative deamination of cadaverine, instead of cadaverine transaminase. When the conversion of 5AVA to glutarate was eliminated and oxygen supply improved, a 5AVA titer of 3.7 ± 0.4 g/L was reached in microcultivation that was lower than when cadaverine transaminase was used. The elongation of the new pathway by 5AVA transamination by GABA/5AVA aminotransferase (GabT) and oxidation by succinate/glutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GabD) allowed for glutarate production. Flux enforcement by the disruption of the l-glutamic acid dehydrogenase-encoding gene gdh rendered a single transaminase (GabT) in glutarate production via the new pathway responsible for nitrogen assimilation, which increased the glutarate titer to 7.7 ± 0.7 g/L, i.e., 40% higher than with two transaminases operating in glutarate biosynthesis. Flux enforcement was more effective with one coupling site, thus highlighting requirements regarding the modularity and stoichiometry of pathway-specific flux enforcement for microbial production.
Evaluating Serum Heat Shock Protein Levels as Novel Biomarkers for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Marion Denise M. S. van , Lanters Eva A. H. , Ramos Kennedy S. , Li Jin , Wiersma Marit , Baks-te Bulte Luciënne , J. Q. M. Muskens Agnes , Boersma Eric , de Groot Natasja M. S. , Brundel Bianca J. J. M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Staging of atrial fibrillation (AF) is essential to understanding disease progression and the accompanied increase in therapy failure. Blood-based heat shock protein (HSP) levels may enable staging of AF and the identification of patients with higher risk for AF recurrence after treatment. Objective: This study evaluates the relationship between serum HSP levels, presence of AF, AF stage and AF recurrence following electrocardioversion (ECV) or pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods: To determine HSP27, HSP70, cardiovascular (cv)HSP and HSP60 levels, serum samples were collected from control patients without AF and patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), persistent (PeAF) and longstanding persistent (LSPeAF) AF, presenting for ECV or PVI, prior to intervention and at 3-, 6- and 12-months post-PVI. Results: The study population (n = 297) consisted of 98 control and 199 AF patients admitted for ECV (n = 98) or PVI (n = 101). HSP27, HSP70, cvHSP and HSP60 serum levels did not differ between patients without or with PAF, PeAF or LSPeAF. Additionally, baseline HSP levels did not correlate with AF recurrence after ECV or PVI. However, in AF patients with AF recurrence, HSP27 levels were significantly elevated post-PVI relative to baseline, compared to patients without recurrence. Conclusions: No association was observed between baseline HSP levels and the presence of AF, AF stage or AF recurrence. However, HSP27 levels were increased in serum samples of patients with AF recurrence within one year after PVI, suggesting that HSP27 levels may predict recurrence of AF after ablative therapy.
Fluorescing Layered Double Hydroxides as Tracer Materials for Particle Injection during Subsurface Water Remediation
Authors: Dietmann Karen Maria , Linke Tobias , Reischer Markus , Rives Vicente
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, the contamination of groundwater and soils by highly hazardous and toxic chlorinated solvents is a global issue. Over the past years, different remediation strategies have been developed, involving injection of reactive solutions and/or particles. However, a major difficulty is the monitoring of injected particles during the injection and after secondary mobilisation by groundwater flow. This study is focussed on the development of directly traceable particles by combining fluorescein with Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs). We present here the facile and easily tuneable synthesis of fluorescing LDHs (Fluo-LDH) via co-precipitation under supersaturation conditions. Their ability to mimic particle sizes of previously studied reactive LDHs, which proved to be able to adsorb or degrade chlorinated organic solvents from aqueous solutions, was investigated as well. Tests using a novel Optical Image Profiler (OIP) confirmed that the fluorescent LDHs can be easily detected with this tool. Even LDHs with the lowest amount of fluorescent dye were detectable. Together with the use of an OIP, which is capable of exciting the fluorescent material and collecting real-time pictures, this can provide a new, efficient, and cost-effective method for in situ tracing of injected particles in the subsurface.
COVID-19 Impact on Behaviors across the 24-Hour Day in Children and Adolescents: Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep
Authors: Bates Lauren , Zieff Gabriel , Stanford Kathleen , Moore Justin , Kerr Zachary , Hanson Erik , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Kline Christopher , Stoner Lee
Published: September 2020

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, social restrictions to contain the spread of the virus have disrupted behaviors across the 24-h day including physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among children (5–12 years old) and adolescents (13–17 years old). Preliminary evidence reports significant decreases in physical activity, increases in sedentary behavior, and disrupted sleep schedules/sleep quality in children and adolescents. This commentary discusses the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on behaviors across the 24-h day in children and adolescents. Furthermore, we suggest recommendations through the lens of a socio-ecological model to provide strategies for lasting behavior change to insure the health and well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An Operational Matrix Method Based on Poly-Bernoulli Polynomials for Solving Fractional Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Phang Chang , Toh Yoke Teng , Md Nasrudin Farah Suraya
Published: September 2020

In this work, we derive the operational matrix using poly-Bernoulli polynomials. These polynomials generalize the Bernoulli polynomials using a generating function involving a polylogarithm function. We first show some new properties for these poly-Bernoulli polynomials; then we derive new operational matrix based on poly-Bernoulli polynomials for the Atangana–Baleanu derivative. A delay operational matrix based on poly-Bernoulli polynomials is derived. The error bound of this new method is shown. We applied this poly-Bernoulli operational matrix for solving fractional delay differential equations with variable coefficients. The numerical examples show that this method is easy to use and yet able to give accurate results.
Glycosylation: A “Last Word” in the Protein-Mediated Biomineralization Process
Authors: Evans John
Published: September 2020

Post-translational modifications are one way that biomineral-associated cells control the function and fate of proteins. Of the ten different types of post-translational modifications, one of the most interesting and complex is glycosylation, or the covalent attachment of carbohydrates to amino acid sidechains Asn, Ser, and Thr of proteins. In this review the author surveys some of the known biomineral-associated glycoproteins and summarizes recent in vitro recombinant protein experiments which test the impact of glycosylation on biomineralization protein functions, such as nucleation, crystal growth, and matrix assembly. These in vitro studies show that glycosylation does not alter the inherent function of the polypeptide chain; rather, it either accentuates or attenuates functionality. In essence, glycosylation gives the cell the “last word” as to what degree a biomineralization protein will participate in the biomineralization process.
Enhancing Protein Crystallization under a Magnetic Field
Authors: Ryu Sun , Oh In , Cho Sang , Kim Shin , Song Hyun
Published: September 2020

High-quality crystals are essential to ensure high-resolution structural information. Protein crystals are controlled by many factors, such as pH, temperature, and the ion concentration of crystalline solutions. We previously reported the development of a device dedicated to protein crystallization. In the current study, we have further modified and improved our device. Exposure to external magnetic field leads to alignment of the crystal toward a preferred direction depending on the magnetization energy. Each material has different magnetic susceptibilities depending on the individual direction of their unit crystal cells. One of the strategies to acquire a large crystal entails controlling the nucleation rate. Furthermore, exposure of a crystal to a magnetic field may lead to new morphologies by affecting the crystal volume, shape, and quality.
Statistical Crystal Plasticity Model Advanced for Grain Boundary Sliding Description
Authors: Shveykin Alexey , Trusov Peter , Sharifullina Elvira
Published: September 2020

Grain boundary sliding is an important deformation mechanism, and therefore its description is essential for modeling different technological processes of thermomechanical treatment, in particular the superplasticity forming of metallic materials. For this purpose, we have developed a three-level statistical crystal plasticity constitutive model of polycrystalline metals and alloys, which takes into account intragranular dislocation sliding, crystallite lattice rotation and grain boundary sliding. A key advantage of our model over the classical Taylor-type models is that it also includes a consideration of grain boundaries and possible changes in their mutual arrangement. The constitutive relations are defined in rate form and in current configuration, which makes it possible to use additive contributions of intragranular sliding and grain boundary sliding to the strain rate at the macrolevel. In describing grain boundary sliding, displacements along the grain boundaries are considered explicitly, and changes in the neighboring grains are taken into account. In addition, the transition from displacements to deformation (shear) characteristics is done for the macrolevel representative volume via averaging, and the grain boundary sliding submodel is attributed to a separate structural level. We have also analyzed the interaction between grain boundary sliding and intragranular inelastic deformation. The influx of intragranular dislocations into the boundary increases the number of defects in it and the boundary energy, and promotes grain boundary sliding. The constitutive equation for grain boundary sliding describes boundary smoothing caused by diffusion effects. The results of the numerical experiments are in good agreement with the known experimental data. The numerical simulation demonstrates that analysis of grain boundary sliding has a significant impact on the results, and the multilevel constitutive model proposed in this study can be used to describe different inelastic deformation regimes, including superplasticity and transitions between conventional plasticity and superplasticity.
Influence of 99m-Tc-Nanocolloid Activity Concentration on Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Endometrial Cancer: A Quantitative SPECT/CT Study
Authors: Sahbai Samine , Fiz Francesco , Taran Florin , Brucker Sara , Wallwiener Diethelm , Kupferschlaeger Juergen , La Fougère Christian , Dittmann Helmut
Published: September 2020

This study evaluates quantitative combined single photon emission tomography/computed x-ray tomography (SPECT/CT) to assess the influence of radiotracer concentration on detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in endometrial cancer (EC). Eighty EC patients underwent pericervical 99m-Tc-nanocolloid injection followed by SPECT/CT. The subgroup of patients with failed SLN detection in SPECT/CT (n = 20) was compared to match-paired patients showing at least two SLNs. Results of intraoperative gamma probe measurements and quantitative SPECT/CT were used for comparison. In patients with detection failure, the percentage of injected dose, absolute activity, and volume of the injection site were significantly lower (30 ± 24% vs. 55 ± 19%; p = 0.01, 43 ± 36 MBq vs. 73 ± 33 MBq; p = 0.04, and 183 ± 164 mL vs. 266 ± 164 mL; p = 0.03) while mean activity concentration in liver, spleen, and bone marrow was significantly higher (p = 0.02). Activity concentration (>33 KBq/mL) and absolute activity (>73 MBq) of injection areas correlated with successful intraoperative SLN detection. In a subgroup of 19 SLNs, a correlation between SPECT/CT-derived uptake and intraoperative count rate was found (R2 = 0.8; p < 0.001). SLN detection in EC patients depended on high radiotracer activity at the cervical injection site. Quantitative SPECT/CT could predict successful intraoperative SLN detection and may help to optimize injection technique.
Characterizing the Effect of Conservation Voltage Reduction on the Hosting Capacity of Inverter-Based Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Nassif Alexandre B. , Dong Ming
Published: September 2020

The increased adoption of inverter-based distributed energy resources in the form of the mass deployment of renewable generation systems has been a focal goal of many jurisdictions worldwide. Actions taken by local governments have included adapted regulations, financial subsidies, and a variety of grants. This has spurred the proliferation of solar generation among residential customers in virtually all provinces of the United States and Canada. Needless to say, these small generators are interfaced with DC–AC inverters, which have evolved tremendously since the formation of working groups targeting the impact of inverter-based generation on the grid. Among the first rules and standards are California’s ISO Rule 21 and the UL1741 SA, which were published in September 2017. IEEE followed suit in 2018 with the revision of IEEE 1547, inspiring virtually all jurisdictions to either adopt these standards or adapt them as their own variants. Among many features, these standards mandate inverters to be fitted with autonomous performance functions, including the constant power factor, voltage-reactive power (Volt-VAR), voltage-active power (Volt-Watt), and grid support functions, as well as provisions for compatibility with control centers. These functions have been demonstrated to increase the nameplate hosting capacity. At the same time, grid modernization strategies have become more prevalent, one of which is the use of conservation voltage reduction. This grid modernization initiative has a great impact on the hosting capacity. Conversely, the increased penetration of distributed energy resources has a negative effect on the conservation voltage reduction, but surprisingly to only a limited extent. The characterization of these impacts is addressed in this paper, with a focus on a case with very high DER penetration and with very long daily sunlight hours.
Using the Method of Harmonic Distortion Analysis in Partial Discharge Assessment in Mineral Oil in a Non-Uniform Electric Field
Authors: Aydogan Alper , Atalar Fatih , Ersoy Yilmaz Aysel , Rozga Pawel
Published: September 2020

In high-voltage equipment, it is vital to detect any failure in advance. To do this, a determination of the partial discharges occurring at different voltage types as well as at different electrode configurations is essential for observing the oil condition. In this study, an experimental setup consisting of a needle–semi-sphere electrode configuration immersed in mineral oil is prepared for laboratory experiment. In such a way, a non-uniform electric field is created and the leakage currents are monitored from the grounded electrode. A total of six different electrode configurations are analyzed during the tests by the use of hemispheres of different diameters as grounded electrodes and copper and steel pointed (medical) needle high-voltage electrodes. In the experiments, the partial discharges occurring at four different voltage levels between 5.4 and 10.8 kV are measured and recorded. The effect of the different electrode configurations and voltage levels on the harmonic distortion are noted and discussed. It is experimentally confirmed that it is possible to measure the leakage current caused by the partial discharges of the corona type in oil at the different metal points, creating high-voltage electrodes and different electric field distributions based on the proposed non-invasive measurement technique. The studies showed that there is a significant rise of even harmonic components in the leakage current during the increase in the partial discharge intensity with the 5th harmonic as dominant.
Study Concerning the Expected Dynamics of the Wind Energy Resources in the Iberian Nearshore
Authors: Ruiz Andrés , Onea Florin , Rusu Eugen
Published: September 2020

The objective of the present study is to show a comprehensive assessment of the wind resource dynamics along the Spanish coastal environment of the Iberian Peninsula. After studying the historical resources (reported at 100 m height) for the 20-year period from 1999 to 2018 by analyzing the ERA5 time series of wind speed data, the 10 locations with highest historical wind resources are considered. For these, the study of the future dynamics for the 30-year period from 2021 to 2050 under the climate change scenario RCP 4.5 is carried out. After further selection, mean and maximum values, as well as the seasonal and monthly variability of the wind power density, are obtained for six locations along the Spanish coasts. Furthermore, a performance and economic dynamics assessment is presented for four different wind turbine technologies with rated capacities ranging between 3 and 9.5 MW. A further comparison with other locations in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea is presented to provide a critical image of the Spanish wind resources dynamics in the European framework. The results indicate a noticeable gain of wind resources in various locations of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with others presenting slight losses.
Energy and Climate Policy—An Evaluation of Global Climate Change Expenditure 2011–2018
Authors: ÓhAiseadha Coilín , Quinn Gerré , Connolly Ronan , Connolly Michael , Soon Willie
Published: September 2020

Concern for climate change is one of the drivers of new, transitional energy policies oriented towards economic growth and energy security, along with reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preservation of biodiversity. Since 2010, the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) has been publishing annual Global Landscape of Climate Finance reports. According to these reports, US$3660 billion has been spent on global climate change projects over the period 2011–2018. Fifty-five percent of this expenditure has gone to wind and solar energy. According to world energy reports, the contribution of wind and solar to world energy consumption has increased from 0.5% to 3% over this period. Meanwhile, coal, oil, and gas continue to supply 85% of the world’s energy consumption, with hydroelectricity and nuclear providing most of the remainder. With this in mind, we consider the potential engineering challenges and environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the main energy sources (old and new). We find that the literature raises many concerns about the engineering feasibility as well as environmental impacts of wind and solar. However, none of the current or proposed energy sources is a “panacea”. Rather, each technology has pros and cons, and policy-makers should be aware of the cons as well as the pros when making energy policy decisions. We urge policy-makers to identify which priorities are most important to them, and which priorities they are prepared to compromise on.
Effects of Prescribed Burn on Nutrient and Dissolved Organic Matter Characteristics in Peatland Shallow Groundwater
Authors: Orlova Julia , Olefeldt David , Yasinski Jonathan H. , Anderson Axel E.
Published: September 2020

Wildfires are a common disturbance in boreal regions and have the potential to affect the waterborne export of organic matter and nutrients from burned catchments. To understand the effect of fire on shallow groundwater chemistry in a forested peatland in northern Alberta, Canada, shallow groundwater monitoring wells were sampled before and after a prescribed burn. The samples were collected from control and treatment wells between May and August 2019. The results indicate no differences in dissolved organic matter concentration and chemical composition between wells in burned and unburned sections but substantially increased nutrient concentrations were found in the burned section. Here, the levels of phosphorus increased and did not return to pre-fire levels at the end of the monitoring period, while the levels of inorganic nitrogen increased and returned to pre-fire levels within a few months. With increasing wildfire activity, or as a result of prescribed burns in the Boreal Plains, we may see implications for downstream water quality, including lake trophic status.
Candelilla Wax Edible Coating with Flourensia cernua Bioactives to Prolong the Quality of Tomato Fruits
Authors: Ruiz-Martínez Judith , Aguirre-Joya Jorge A. , Rojas Romeo , Vicente Antonio , Aguilar-González Miguel A. , Rodríguez-Herrera Raúl , Alvarez-Perez Olga B. , Torres-León Cristian , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: September 2020

The improvement of the postharvest quality of tomato fruits was evaluated using an edible coating functionalized with an Flourensia cernua extract evaluating the antifungal, structural, barrier, and optical properties. The formulation and evaluation of an edible coating and its application on tomato was evaluated using a response surface methodology to determine the ideal concentrations of candelilla wax, whey protein, and glycerol. Edible films showed good barrier properties, with water vapor permeability varying from 0.435–0.404 g mm/m2 day kPa. The addition o F. cernua extract showed significant improvement in the transparency of films. The edible coating applied to tomato reduced weight and firmness loss. The sensory evaluation proved that the product obtained is acceptable for consumers. The edible coating added with F. cernua extract was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi and the visual appearance at the end of storage confirmed the beneficial effect of the edible coating.
The Dioscorea Genus (Yam)—An Appraisal of Nutritional and Therapeutic Potentials
Authors: Obidiegwu Jude E. , Lyons Jessica B. , Chilaka Cynthia A.
Published: September 2020

The quest for a food secure and safe world has led to continuous effort toward improvements of global food and health systems. While the developed countries seem to have these systems stabilized, some parts of the world still face enormous challenges. Yam (Dioscorea species) is an orphan crop, widely distributed globally; and has contributed enormously to food security especially in sub-Saharan Africa because of its role in providing nutritional benefits and income. Additionally, yam has non-nutritional components called bioactive compounds, which offer numerous health benefits ranging from prevention to treatment of degenerative diseases. Pharmaceutical application of diosgenin and dioscorin, among other compounds isolated from yam, has shown more prospects recently. Despite the benefits embedded in yam, reports on the nutritional and therapeutic potentials of yam have been fragmented and the diversity within the genus has led to much confusion. An overview of the nutritional and health importance of yam will harness the crop to meet its potential towards combating hunger and malnutrition, while improving global health. This review makes a conscious attempt to provide an overview regarding the nutritional, bioactive compositions and therapeutic potentials of yam diversity. Insights on how to increase its utilization for a greater impact are elucidated.
Inactivation of Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus by Curcumin-Mediated Photosensitization and Nanobubble-Ultrasonication Approaches
Authors: Rafeeq Shamil , Shiroodi Setareh , Schwarz Michael H. , Nitin Nitin , Ovissipour Reza
Published: September 2020

The antimicrobial efficacy of novel photodynamic inactivation and nanobubble technologies was evaluated against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila as two important aquatic microbial pathogens. Photodynamic inactivation results showed that LED (470 nm) and UV-A (400 nm)-activated curcumin caused a complete reduction in V. parahaemolyticus at 4 and 22 °C, and a greater than 2 log cfu/mL reduction in A. hydrophila, which was curcumin concentration-dependent (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the photodynamic approach caused a greater than 6 log cfu/mL V. parahaemolyticus reduction and more than 4 log cfu/mL of A. hydrophila reduction in aquaponic water samples (p < 0.05). Our results with the nanobubble technology showed that the nanobubbles alone did not significantly reduce bacteria (p > 0.05). However, a greater than 6 log cfu/mL A. hydrophila reduction and a greater than 3 log cfu/mL of V. parahaemolyticus reduction were achieved when nanobubble technology was combined with ultrasound (p < 0.05). The findings described in this study illustrate the potential of applying photodynamic inactivation and nanobubble–ultrasound antimicrobial approaches as alternative novel methods for inactivating fish and shellfish pathogens.
Beach Gravels as a Potential Lithostatistical Indicator of Marine Coastal Dynamics: The Pogorzelica–Dziwnów (Western Pomerania, Baltic Sea, Poland) Case Study
Authors: Seul Cyprian , Bednarek Roman , Kozłowski Tomasz , Maciąg Łukasz
Published: September 2020

The petrographic composition and grain shape variability of beach gravels in the Pogorzelica–Dziwnów coast section (363.0 to 391.4 km of coastline), southern Baltic Sea, Poland were analyzed herein to characterize the lithodynamics and trends of seashore development. Gravels were sampled at 0.25 km intervals, in the midpart of the berm, following an early-autumn wave storm and before beach nourishment. Individual variations in petrographic groups along the shore were investigated. Gravel data were compared and related to coastal morpholithodynamics, seashore infrastructure, and geology of the study area. The contribution of crystalline rock gravels (igneous and metamorphic) was observed to increase along all coast sections, whereas the amount of less resistant components (limestones, sandstones, and shales) usually declined. This effect is explained by the greater wave crushing resistance of igneous and metamorphic components, compared with sedimentary components. Similarly, the gravel grain shape (mainly elongation or flattening) was observed to change, depending on resistance to mechanical destruction, or due to the increased chemical weathering in mainly the limestones, marbles, and sandstones. Observed increase in contribution of discoid and ellipsoid grains is a potential indicator of depositional trends along the coast sections investigated. On the other hand, increased contents of spheroidal and spindle-shaped grains may be related to erosional trends, where intensive redeposition and mechanical reworking of gravels occurs. However, due to the great number of coastal embankments, the petrographic composition and shape parameters of beach gravels do not always clearly indicate the dominant direction of longshore bedload transport. Increased amount of eroded limestone located east of Pogorzelica indicate increased erosion of glacial tills. These sediments are deposited, building the shallow foreshore, with additional redeposition of morainic material towards the shore.
Prevalence of Swallowing and Eating Difficulties in an Elderly Postoperative Hip Fracture Population—A Multi-Center-Based Pilot Study
Authors: Madsen Gitte , Kristoffersen Stine M. , Westergaard Mark R. , Gjødvad Vivi , Jessen Merete M. , Melgaard Dorte
Published: September 2020

Elderly patients operated for hip fracture are characterized by high age and high degree of comorbidity and need of care, factors previously found to be associated with swallowing and eating difficulties. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of swallowing and eating difficulties in an elderly postoperative hip fracture population and to identify factors associated with swallowing and eating difficulties. A cross-sectional multi-center pilot study was performed, including patients ≥65 years, operated for hip fracture, and able to participate in a swallowing and eating assessment. A clinical assessment was conducted using Danish versions of the standardized tools Volume-Viscosity Swallow Test and Minimal Eating Observation Form-version II. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were examined. A total of 78 patients (mean age 81.4 years (SD 7.8), 30.8% male) were included. Swallowing and eating difficulties were present in 60 patients (77%). Swallowing and eating difficulties were significantly associated with living in a nursing home before hospital admission (p = 0.014), low habitual New Mobility Score (p = 0.018), and absence of cardiac comorbidity (p = 0.023). The results underline the importance of focusing on swallowing and eating difficulties in elderly patients operated for hip fracture to ensure effectivity and safety and optimize the prognosis for the patient.
Effect of Tai Chi Combined with Mental Imagery on Cutaneous Microcirculatory Function and Blood Pressure in a Diabetic and Elderly Population
Authors: Alsubiheen Abdulrahman , Petrofsky Jerrold , Yu Wonjong , Lee Haneul
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) training combined with mental imagery (MI) on blood pressure and cutaneous microcirculatory function in individuals with diabetes and age-matched healthy subjects. All subjects participated in a one-hour Yang style TC exercise with MI twice per week for 8 weeks. An activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) measurement, a single-leg stance (SLS), a functional reach test (FRT), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and skin blood flow were assessed. All functional outcomes were significantly improved in both groups, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were lower in both groups after the TC training (p < 0.05), but there was no significant group effect. Skin blood flow decreased in the age-matched elderly group when heat and occlusion were applied (p < 0.05), but no difference was found in the diabetes group. Combining TC with MI showed an improvement in functional outcomes and blood pressure but cutaneous microcirculatory function did not improve. Combining TC intervention with MI theory showed an improvement in functional outcomes and blood pressure, which showed cardiovascular benefits not only in diabetes but in age-matched healthy subjects. However, cutaneous microcirculatory function was increased only in age-matched healthy subjects.
Deficiency in gp91Phox (NOX2) Protects against Oxidative Stress and Cardiac Dysfunction in Iron Overloaded Mice
Authors: Mak I. Tong , Kramer Jay H. , Iantorno Micaela , Chmielinska Joanna J. , Weglicki William B. , Spurney Christopher F.
Published: September 2020

The role of NADPH oxidase subunit, gp91phox (NOX2) in development of oxidative stress and cardiac dysfunction due to iron (Fe)-overload was assessed. Control (C57BL/6J) and gp91phox knockout (KO) mice were treated for up to 8 weeks with Fe (2.5 mg/g/wk, i.p.) or Na-dextran; echocardiography, plasma 8-isoprostane (lipid peroxidation marker), cardiac Fe accumulation (Perl’s staining), and CD11b+ (WBCs) infiltrates were assessed. Fe caused no adverse effects on cardiac function at 3 weeks. At 6 weeks, significant declines in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (14.6% lower), and fractional shortening (19.6% lower) occurred in the Fe-treated control, but not in KO. Prolonging Fe treatment (8 weeks) maintained the depressed LV systolic function with a trend towards diastolic dysfunction (15.2% lower mitral valve E/A ratio) in controls but produced no impact on the KO. Fe-treatment (8 weeks) caused comparable cardiac Fe accumulation in both strains, but a 3.3-fold elevated plasma 8-isoprostane, and heightened CD11b+ staining in controls. In KO mice, lipid peroxidation and CD11b+ infiltration were 50% and 68% lower, respectively. Thus, gp91phox KO mice were significantly protected against oxidative stress, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction, supporting an important role of NOX2-mediated oxidative stress in causing cardiac dysfunction during Fe overload.
Exploring Health Literacy in Individuals with Alcohol Addiction: A Mixed Methods Clinical Study
Authors: Rolova Gabriela , Gavurova Beata , Petruzelka Benjamin
Published: September 2020

This mixed methods research paper explores health literacy (HL) in individuals with alcohol addiction by using the 47-item version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) and semi-structured interviews concerning health-related competencies (access, understand, appraise, and apply health information), and determines the limitations of the HLS-EU-Q47 when used under specific conditions of clinical practice. The questionnaire survey and the interviews were conducted with individuals of different health literacy levels who were undergoing inpatient alcohol addiction treatment. The findings indicate that individuals with alcohol addiction might require different types of health information according to their health literacy level in terms of quantity and quality of information to recover from alcohol addiction and improve their overall health. The implications for the clinical practice of addiction treatment as well as recommendations for national and regional policy are also discussed.
Elucidating Mental Health Disorders among Rohingya Refugees: A Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Kaur Kushilpal , Sulaiman Ahmad Hatim , Yoon Chee Kok , Hashim Aili Hanim , Kaur Manveen , Hui Koh Ong , Sabki Zuraida Ahmad , Francis Benedict , Singh Sarbhan , Gill Jesjeet Singh
Published: September 2020

Mental health disorders (MHDs) among refugees has been recognized as a major public health issue. However, to date, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of MHDs among Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. A total of 220 refugees were randomly selected to participate in this cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2019 to November 2019. Perceived social support, religious orientation, food security, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed as independent variables. The dependent variables assessed were MDD, GAD, and PTSD. The prevalence of GAD, PTSD, and MDD was reported at 92 (41.8%), 84 (38.2%), and 71 (32.3%). Several factors were significantly associated with MDD following multivariate analysis such as perceived low to moderate social support (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.13, 4.19) and food insecurity (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.19, 6.47). Exposure to violence (AOR = 38.46; 95% CI 16.27, 90.91) and food insecurity (AOR = 3.74; 95% CI 1.41, 9.91) were significantly associated with PTSD. Addressing these risk factors could be key in improving mental health outcomes among this vulnerable population.
Bibliometric Study of Technology and Occupational Health in Healthcare Sector: A Worldwide Trend to the Future
Authors: Vaquero-Álvarez Esther , Cubero-Atienza Antonio , Ruiz-Martínez Pilar , Vaquero-Abellán Manuel , Mecías María Dolores Redel , Aparicio-Martínez Pilar
Published: September 2020

Since the eighties, technological tools have modified how people interact in their environment. At the same time, occupational safety and health measures have been widely applied. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work considers that information and communication technologies are the main methods to achieve the goals proposed to improve working life and the dissemination of good practices. The principal objective was to determine the trends of publications focused on these technologies and occupational safety in the healthcare sector during the last 30 years. A bibliometric study was carried out. The 1021 documents showed an increased trend per country, especially for the United States (p < 0.001) and year (p < 0.001). The citations per year showed significant differences between citations of articles published before 2007 (p < 0.001). The year was also linked to the increase or decrease of articles (72.2%) and reviews (14.9%) (p < 0.001). The analysis of journal co-citations also showed that the main journals (such as Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology) were linked to other important journals and had a major part in the clusters formed. All these findings were discussed in the manuscript and conclusions were drawn.
Human Health Risk Assessment through Roasted Meats Consumption
Authors: Leite Luana C. S. , Melo Elaine S. de P. , Arakaki Daniela G. , dos Santos Elisvânia F. , do Nascimento Valter A.
Published: September 2020

Data on the content of metals and metalloids in roasted meats with different types of wood and charcoal are still scarce in the literature. The concentrations of metals (Al, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, V, and Zn) and metalloid (As) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave digestion, and the estimated daily intake (EDI) for adults was assessed to determine the hazard quotient (HQ). The concentrations of Al, Cr, Cu, and Fe in raw meats were below the data obtained in other countries. The concentration of As (0.17 ± 0.42–0.23 ± 0.10 mg/kg), Mg (206.77 ± 3.99–291.95 ± 8.87 mg/kg), V (0.42 ± 0.14–6.66 ± 0.80 mg/kg), and Zn (6.66 ± 0.80–48.13 ± 0.56 mg/kg) in raw meats exceeded the values in the literature. The concentrations of Mg, As, Cr, Fe, V, and Zn are high when the meat is roasted using wood. All levels of Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, V, and Zn in raw meats are lower than those of meat roasted with coal and wood. The content of As in meat roasted with Chromed Copper Arsenate (CCA) wood (15.10 ± 0.27–26.25 ± 1.47 mg/kg) is higher than meat roasted with charcoal (0.46 ± 0.09–1.16 ± 0.50 mg/kg). EDI and HQ values revealed a minimal exposure of the adult population to those metals through roasted-meats consumption. However, EDI values of As in some roasted meats are above standard limits. Roast meats with wood showed higher levels of major and trace elements than meats roasted with coal. High exposures, in the long-term, may cause damage to health.
The Effectiveness of Educational Training or Multicomponent Programs to Prevent the Use of Physical Restraints in Nursing Home Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies
Authors: Brugnolli Anna , Canzan Federica , Mortari Luigina , Saiani Luisa , Ambrosi Elisa , Debiasi Martina
Published: September 2020

This review assesses the effectiveness of interventions to reduce physical restraint (PR) use in older people living in nursing homes or residential care facilities. A systematic search of studies published in four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINHAL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). The review included individual and cluster randomized controlled trials that compared educational training and multicomponent programs to avoid PR use. Risk bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. This review includes 16 studies in a qualitative synthesis that met the inclusion criteria, nine of them offered a multicomponent program and seven offered only educational training. The results of the 12 studies included in the meta-analysis showed a significant trend in favor of intervention over time and intensity of PR use tends to decrease. The review indicates that educational programs and other supplementary interventions should be effective, but the heterogeneous operative definition of physical restraints can make difficult data generalization.