bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Changes during Frozen Storage of Mechanical-Separated Flesh Obtained from an Underutilized Crustacean
Authors: Tappi Silvia , De Aguiar Saldanha Pinheiro Ana Cristina , Mercatante Dario , Picone Gianfranco , Soglia Francesca , Rodriguez-Estrada Maria Teresa , Petracci Massimiliano , Capozzi Francesco , Rocculi Pietro
Published: October 2020

Despite their high nutritional value, high quantities of fish caught in the Adriatic Sea are underused or discarded for their insignificant economic value. Mechanical separation of flesh represents an opportunity for developing innovative semi-finished products, even if it can promote an increased quality degradation rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical modifications of mechanically separated mantis shrimp flesh during deep-freezing storage. Flesh samples obtained using a belt-drum separator, frozen and vacuum-packed, were stored at 3 temperatures (industrial: −26 °C; domestic: −18 °C and abuse: −10 °C) for 12 months. During storage, qualitative (color, water content, pH, fatty acids (FA) and lipid oxidation) were evaluated. Fish freshness parameters (e.g., trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylamine (DMA) and amino acids) were assessed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). The mechanical separation process accelerated the initial oxidation phenomena, promoting color alterations, compared to manual separation. The main degradation phenomena during storage were significantly affected by temperature and were related to changes in luminosity, oxidation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), increased lipolysis with release of free FA, production of TMA and DMA by residual enzymatic activity, and changes in amino acids due to proteolysis. The inter-disciplinary approach permitted important findings to be made, in terms of the extent of different degradative phenomena, bound to processing and storage conditions of mechanically separated mantis flesh.
Nudging Climate Change Mitigation: A Laboratory Experiment with Inter-Generational Public Goods
Authors: Böhm Robert , Gürerk Özgür , Lauer Thomas
Published: October 2020

To avoid the dangerous consequences of climate change, humans need to overcome two intertwined conflicts. First, they must deal with an intra-generational conflict that emerges from the allocation of costs of climate change mitigation among different actors of the current generation. Second, they face an inter-generational conflict that stems from the higher costs for long-term mitigation measures, particularly helping future generations, compared to the short-term actions aimed at adapting to the immediate effects of climate change, benefiting mostly the current generation. We devise a novel game to study this multi-level conflict and investigate individuals’ behavior in a lab experiment. We find that, although individuals reach sufficient cooperation levels to avoid adverse consequences for their own generation, they contribute more to cheaper short-term than to costlier long-term measures, to the detriment of future generations. Simple “nudge” interventions, however, may alter this pattern considerably. We find that changing the default contribution level to the inter-generational welfare optimum increases long-term contributions. Moreover, providing individuals with the possibility to commit themselves to inter-generational solidarity leads to an even stronger increase in long-term contributions. Nevertheless, the results also suggest that nudges alone may not be enough to induce inter-generationally optimal contributions.
Microgel Particles with Distinct Morphologies and Common Chemical Compositions: A Unified Description of the Responsivity to Temperature and Osmotic Stress
Authors: Ruscito Andrea , Chiessi Ester , Toumia Yosra , Oddo Letizia , Domenici Fabio , Paradossi Gaio
Published: October 2020

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel microparticles with different core–shell morphologies have been designed, while maintaining an unvaried chemical composition: a morphology with (i) an un-crosslinked core with a crosslinked shell of PNIPAM chains and (ii) PNIPAM chains crosslinked to form the core with a shell consisting of tethered un-crosslinked PNIPAM chains to the core. Both morphologies with two different degrees of crosslinking have been assessed by confocal microscopy and tested with respect to their temperature responsivity and deformation by applying an osmotic stress. The thermal and mechanical behavior of these architectures have been framed within a Flory–Rehner modified model in order to describe the microgel volume shrinking occurring as response to a temperature increase or an osmotic perturbation. This study provides a background for assessing to what extent the mechanical features of the microgel particle surface affect the interactions occurring at the interface of a microgel particle with a cell, in addition to the already know ligand/receptor interaction. These results have direct implications in triggering a limited phagocytosis of microdevices designed as injectable drug delivery systems.
Interplay between Regulatory RNAs and Signal Transduction Systems during Bacterial Infection
Authors: Piattelli Emma , Peltier Johann , Soutourina Olga
Published: October 2020

The ability of pathogenic bacteria to stably infect the host depends on their capacity to respond and adapt to the host environment and on the efficiency of their defensive mechanisms. Bacterial envelope provides a physical barrier protecting against environmental threats. It also constitutes an important sensory interface where numerous sensing systems are located. Signal transduction systems include Two-Component Systems (TCSs) and alternative sigma factors. These systems are able to sense and respond to the ever-changing environment inside the host, altering the bacterial transcriptome to mitigate the impact of the stress. The regulatory networks associated with signal transduction systems comprise small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) that can be directly involved in the expression of virulence factors. The aim of this review is to describe the importance of TCS- and alternative sigma factor-associated sRNAs in human pathogens during infection. The currently available genome-wide approaches for studies of TCS-regulated sRNAs will be discussed. The differences in the signal transduction mediated by TCSs between bacteria and higher eukaryotes and the specificity of regulatory RNAs for their targets make them appealing targets for discovery of new strategies to fight against multi-resistant bacteria.
The Biochemical and Genetic Basis for the Biosynthesis of Bioactive Compounds in Hypericum perforatum L., One of the Largest Medicinal Crops in Europe
Authors: Rizzo Paride , Altschmied Lothar , Ravindran Beena M. , Rutten Twan , D’Auria John C.
Published: October 2020

Hypericum perforatum L. commonly known as Saint John’s Wort (SJW), is an important medicinal plant that has been used for more than 2000 years. Although H. perforatum produces several bioactive compounds, its importance is mainly linked to two molecules highly relevant for the pharmaceutical industry: the prenylated phloroglucinol hyperforin and the naphtodianthrone hypericin. The first functions as a natural antidepressant while the second is regarded as a powerful anticancer drug and as a useful compound for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. While the antidepressant activity of SJW extracts motivate a multi-billion dollar industry around the world, the scientific interest centers around the biosynthetic pathways of hyperforin and hypericin and their medical applications. Here, we focus on what is known about these processes and evaluate the possibilities of combining state of the art omics, genome editing, and synthetic biology to unlock applications that would be of great value for the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
Thiopurine Drugs in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: Identification of a Novel Deleterious Mutation in TPMT
Authors: Harmand Pierre-Olivier , Solassol Jérôme
Published: October 2020

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are characterized by inflammation of part of the digestive tract lining. Azathioprine (AZA) is a well-known immunosuppressant that has been known for many years for its ability to provide long-term disease remission in IBDs, but has important side effects, most of which are related to a single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene for thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), which ensures the degradation and efficacy of AZA. Since a direct correlation between TPMT gene polymorphisms and the haematological toxicity of the AZA treatment has been widely demonstrated, TPMT genotyping has been made necessary prior to any introduction of AZA. The monitoring of thiopurine metabolites presents one of the factors that limit wide adaptation of these thiopurines in clinical practice. Thus, identifying patients with asymmetric metabolism could help clinicians provide an ideal treatment recommendation to improve response and reduce adverse effects. Here, we review the role of AZA in the treatment of IBD and discuss the usefulness of TPMT genotyping to guide clinical decision-making. In addition, we report the identification of a new molecular alteration, never described, TPMT mutation affecting the TPMT activity and responsible for deleterious side effects in a clinical case of a 20-year-old woman patient.
Genetics and Genomics of Pediatric Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Welch Carrie L. , Chung Wendy K.
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease with high mortality despite recent therapeutic advances. The disease is caused by both genetic and environmental factors and likely gene–environment interactions. While PAH can manifest across the lifespan, pediatric-onset disease is particularly challenging because it is frequently associated with a more severe clinical course and comorbidities including lung/heart developmental anomalies. In light of these differences, it is perhaps not surprising that emerging data from genetic studies of pediatric-onset PAH indicate that the genetic basis is different than that of adults. There is a greater genetic burden in children, with rare genetic factors contributing to ~42% of pediatric-onset PAH compared to ~12.5% of adult-onset PAH. De novo variants are frequently associated with PAH in children and contribute to at least 15% of all pediatric cases. The standard of medical care for pediatric PAH patients is based on extrapolations from adult data. However, increased etiologic heterogeneity, poorer prognosis, and increased genetic burden for pediatric-onset PAH calls for a dedicated pediatric research agenda to improve molecular diagnosis and clinical management. A genomics-first approach will improve the understanding of pediatric PAH and how it is related to other rare pediatric genetic disorders.
Age-Related Male Hypogonadism and Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly: Focus on the Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Cognition
Authors: Lisco Giuseppe , Giagulli Vito Angelo , De Tullio Anna , De Pergola Giovanni , Guastamacchia Edoardo , Triggiani Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

Background. Epidemiological data report that male hypogonadism may play a role in cognitive impairment in elderly. However, the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on cognitive abilities in this cluster of patients has not been well established. Methods. PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched by using free text words and medical subject headings terms related with “male hypogonadism”, “late-onset hypogonadism”, elderly, cognition, “mild cognitive impairment”, memory, “testosterone replacement therapy” used in various combinations according to the specific clinical questions. Original articles, reviews, and randomized controlled trials written in English were selected. Results. A long-term TRT could improve specific cognitive functions, such as verbal and spatial memory, cognitive flexibility, and physical vitality. However, randomized controlled trials do not provide positive results, and in most of the cases TRT might not induce beneficial effects on cognitive function in elderly men. Discussion and conclusions. Since the lengthening of life expectancy, the prevalence rate of cognitive decline in elderly men is expected to increase remarkably over the next decade with considerable healthcare and economical concerns. Therefore, this remains a relevant clinical topic and further investigations are needed for clarifying the role of TRT especially in elderly men with hypogonadism.
Daily Medical Liaison Is Associated with Reduced Length of Stay and Complications in Selected Patients Admitted to a Regional Vascular Surgery Service
Authors: Mitchell Emma , Coary Roisin , White Paul , Farrow Emily , Crees Amy , Beedham William , Devine Mark , Winterborn Rebecca , Shipway David
Published: October 2020

Older adults undergoing vascular surgery are particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes by virtue of their vascular risk factors and medical comorbidities. This study aimed to determine the impact of daily medical liaison for patients aged 65 years and older admitted to a regional vascular surgery centre. This was a descriptive before-and-after study concerning 375 patients. The primary outcome measure was length of stay (LOS). Following intervention, we identified a reduction in mean LOS in the sample from 10.75 to 7.95 days (p = 0.635, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0–5 days) with a statistically significant reduction in mean LOS for “stranded” patients admitted for more than seven days (mean 7.84 days reduction, p = 0.025, 95% CI for mean difference, 1.5 to 14 days). These patients did not display elevated 30-day readmission rates (12/60 to 8/72, p = 0.156, 95% CI −3% to 21%). A non-significant reduction in postoperative complications was seen in all patients in the post-intervention cohort (1.09 to 0.86 per person, p = 0.181, 95% CI −0.11 to 0.56), reaching statistical significance in emergency vascular admissions (1.81 to 0.97 complications per person, p = 0.01, mean difference = 0.84, 95% CI 0.21–1.46). This study demonstrated reduced LOS and complications in selected older patients admitted under vascular surgery after the introduction of a daily medical liaison model. These data are amongst the first to reproduce randomised controlled trial findings in a non-trial setting. Subgroup analysis indicates that patients admitted with acute pathology and those with long LOS may benefit most from medical liaison where resources are finite.
Reflections on Key Issues in Human Life: Gottfried von Strassburg’s Tristan, Dante’s Divina Commedia, Boccaccio’s Decameron, Michael Ende’s Momo, and Fatih Akın’s Soul Kitchen—Manifesto in Support of the Humanities—What Truly Matters in the End?
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: October 2020

There are available by now many arguments concerning the intrinsic and endemic value of the humanities, and both from a medievalist and a modernist perspective. Similarly, there continue to be many critics who would not mind the elimination of the humanities and argue vociferously for this goal. Every critical investigation of how to defend our field thus proves to be highly valuable, but we in the humanities must also develop specific points concerning the importance of our research that will convince both students, parents, administrators, and politicians in concrete, pragmatic terms regarding the supreme relevance of college education. Fortunately, the current COVID-19 crisis has also profiled in a dramatic fashion what proves to be of fundamental importance for human life, both past and present, reminding us of the critical importance of the humanities. An existence without virtues, a completely narcissistic or egoistical concept of life, or a society entirely predicated on materialistic interests would cut us off from our own future. This article discusses several literary works and also a modern movie in which the constant quest for meaning and relevance in our lives comes to the fore and gives us direction and understanding.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults: Its Association with Health Literacy, Self-Efficacy, Social Support, and Health-Promoting Behavior
Authors: Lee Myung Kyung , Oh Jihyun
Published: October 2020

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationships among sociodemographics, health literacy, self-efficacy, social support, health-promoting behavior, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults. A total of 240 older adults aged >65 years were recruited from three community senior welfare centers in South Korea. Standardized self-administered questionnaires measuring sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, social support, self-efficacy, health-promoting behavior, and health-related quality of life were distributed to older adults. Multiple regression analyses with stepwise selection was used to determine the factors affecting health-related quality of life. Factors affecting a higher physical component score of HRQOL were a higher comprehension level of and numeracy in health literacy, physical health-promoting behavior, perceived emotional-informational support, and a lesser number of comorbidities. Factors affecting a higher mental component score of HRQOL were a higher comprehension level of and numeracy in health literacy, self-efficacy, physical health-promoting behavior, perceived emotional-informational support, and a lesser number of comorbidities. To improve HRQOL among older adults, nursing interventions are required to measure health literacy, empower physical health-promoting behavior and self-efficacy, and enhance emotional-informational support from family or other resources.
Unmet Healthcare Needs, Catastrophic Health Expenditure, and Health in South Korea’s Universal Healthcare System: Progression Towards Improving Equity by NHI Type and Income Level
Authors: Sohn Minsung , Che Xianhua , Park Hee-Jung
Published: October 2020

This study examined the effects of healthcare inequality on personal health. It aimed to determine how health insurance type and income level influence catastrophic health expenditure and unmet healthcare needs among South Koreans. Unbalanced Korean Health Panel data from 2011 to 2015, including 33,374 adults, were used. A time-trend and panel regression analysis were performed. The first to identify changes in the main variables and, the second, mediating effects of unmet healthcare needs and catastrophic health expenditure on the relationship between health insurance type, income level, and health status. The independent variables were: high-, middle-, low-income employee insured, high-, middle-, low-income self-employed insured, and medical aid. The dependent variable was health status, and the mediators were unmet needs and catastrophic health expenditure. The medical aid beneficiaries and low-income self-employed insured groups demonstrated a higher probability of reporting poor health status than the high-income, insured group (15.6%, 2.2%, and 2.3%, respectively). Participants who experienced unmet healthcare needs or catastrophic health expenditure were 10.7% and 5.6% higher probability of reporting poor health, respectively (Sobel test: p < 0.001). National policy reforms could improve healthcare equality by integrating insurance premiums based on income among private-sector employees and self-employed individuals within the health insurance network.
Water Removal from LOHC Systems
Authors: Müller Karsten , Aslam Rabya , Fikrt André , Krieger Christoph , Arlt Wolfgang
Published: October 2020

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) store hydrogen by reversible hydrogenation of a carrier material. Water can enter the system via wet hydrogen coming from electrolysis as well as via moisture on the catalyst. Removing this water is important for reliable operation of the LOHC system. Different approaches for doing this have been evaluated on three stages of the process. Drying of the hydrogen, before entering the LOHC system itself, is preferable. A membrane drying process turns out to be the most efficient way. If the water content in the LOHC system is still so high that liquid–liquid demixing occurs, it is crucial for water removal to enhance the slow settling. Introduction of an appropriate packing can help to separate the two phases as long as the volume flow is not too high. Further drying below the rather low solubility limit is challenging. Introduction of zeolites into the system is a possible option. Water adsorbs on the surface of the zeolite and moisture content is therefore decreased.
The Synergistic Effects of Alloying on the Performance and Stability of Co3Mo and Co7Mo6 for the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Sun Youyi , Ganin Alexey Y.
Published: October 2020

Metal alloys have become a ubiquitous choice as catalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution in alkaline media. However, scarce and expensive Pt remains the key electrocatalyst in acidic electrolytes, making the search for earth-abundant and cheaper alternatives important. Herein, we present a facile and efficient synthetic route towards polycrystalline Co3Mo and Co7Mo6 alloys. The single-phased nature of the alloys is confirmed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. When electrochemically tested, they achieve competitively low overpotentials of 115 mV (Co3Mo) and 160 mV (Co7Mo6) at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4, and 120 mV (Co3Mo) and 160 mV (Co7Mo6) at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH. Both alloys outperform Co and Mo metals, which showed significantly higher overpotentials and lower current densities when tested under identical conditions, confirming the synergistic effect of the alloying. However, the low overpotential in Co3Mo comes at the price of stability. It rapidly becomes inactive when tested under applied potential bias. On the other hand, Co7Mo6 retains the current density over time without evidence of current decay. The findings demonstrate that even in free-standing form and without nanostructuring, polycrystalline bimetallic electrocatalysts could challenge the dominance of Pt in acidic media if ways for improving their stability were found.
Review of Organizational Health Literacy Practice at Health Care Centers: Outcomes, Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Charoghchian Khorasani Elham , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Tehrani Hadi , Doosti Hassan , Peyman Nooshin
Published: October 2020

The term organizational health literacy (OHL) is a new concept that emerged to address the challenge of predominantly in patients with limited health literacy (HL). There is no consensus on how OHL can improve HL activities and health outcomes in healthcare organizations. In this study, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to understand the evidence for the effectiveness of OHL and its health outcome, and the facilitators and barriers that influence the implementation of OHL. A literature search was done using six databases, the gray literature method and reference hand searches. Thirteen potentially articles with data on 1254 health organizations were included. Eight self-assessment tools and ten OHL attributes have been identified. Eleven quality-improvement characteristics and 15 key barriers were reviewed. Evidence on the effectiveness of HL tools provides best practices and recommendations to enhance OHL capacities. Results indicated that shifting to a comprehensive OHL would likely be a complex process because HL is not usually integrated into the healthcare organization’s vision and strategic planning. Further development of OHL requires radical, simultaneous, and multiple changes. Thus, there is a need for the healthcare system to consider HL as an organizational priority, that is, be responsive.
Impact of Government Support on Performing Artists’ Job and Life Satisfaction: Findings from The National Survey in Korea
Authors: Park Hyun-Seung , Kim Hyeon-Cheol
Published: October 2020

In this study, we aim to propose motives that can help increase the creative activities of Korean performing artists and discuss the policy implications for the sustainable management of Korean performing arts. First, we investigate the characteristics of Korean artists that receive subsidies as a form of government support for undertaking artistic activities. Second, we examine whether receipt of such grants influences the artists’ job and life satisfaction. Through a logistics model, we reconstructed the “2015 Survey Report on Artists & Activities” and validated the research hypothesis. We first considered subsidies that could directly impact artists’ income and activities and then verified whether subsidies influence artists’ job and life satisfaction. As a result of the research, first, art grants should be supported in order to help artists produce creative and experimental works. Second, we showed that artists’ subsidies should be expanded in order to enhance artists’ quality of life and the sustainability of artistic activities. Above all, subsidy support for artists showed that art can be legitimate as a public good, which is a common asset in society.
Pilot Test on Pre-Swim Hygiene as a Factor Limiting Trihalomethane Precursors in Pool Water by Reducing Organic Matter in an Operational Facility
Authors: Ratajczak Katarzyna , Pobudkowska Aneta
Published: October 2020

Pool water must be constantly disinfected. Chlorine compounds used to disinfect pools react with organic substances such as sweat, urine, and personal care products introduced into pool water by users and results in the formation of disinfection byproducts. Trihalomethanes (THM), including chloroform and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, were quantified using a two-stage process: determining initial THM and chloroform levels; then searching for a cheap and easy-to-use method to improve water quality. The method proposed here to limit THM and DOC concentrations in water is controlled showering. At three swimming pool facilities, chloroform concentrations (13.8 ± 0.33 µg/L, 15.5 ± 0.44 µg/L, and 13.9 ± 0.06 µg/L) were below the threshold concentration of 30 μg/L. At a fourth facility, however, the chloroform concentration exceeded that threshold (40.7 ± 9.68 μg/L) when showering was not controlled. Those conditions improved after the introduction of a mandatory shower; concentrations of DOC, THMs, and chloroform all decreased. The chloroform concentration decreased to 29.4 ± 3.8 μg/L, the THM concentration was 31.3 ± 3.9 μg/L, and the DOC concentration was 6.09 ± 0.05 mg/L. Pilot tests were carried out at real facilities to determine whether the control of pre-swim hygiene was possible. The introduction of proper pre-swim hygiene limited the concentration of DOC in water and can lead to a healthier environment for everyone attending the swimming facility.
Lessons Learned from Battling COVID-19: The Korean Experience
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Lee DonHee
Published: October 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world like a gigantic tsunami, turning social and economic activities upside down. Methods: This paper presents some of the innovative response strategies implemented by the public health system, healthcare facilities, and government in South Korea, which has been hailed as the model country for its success in containing COVID-19. Korea reinvented its public health infrastructure with a sense of urgency. Results: Korea’s success rests on its readiness, with the capacity for massive testing and obtaining prompt test results, effective contact tracing based on its world-leading mobile technologies, timely provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to first responders, effective treatment of infected patients, and invoking citizens’ community and civic conscience for the shared goal of defeating the pandemic. The lessons learned from Korea’s response in countering the onslaught of COVID-19 provide unique implications for public healthcare administrators and operations management practitioners. Conclusion: Since many epidemic experts warn of a second wave of COVID-19, the lessons learned from the first wave will be a valuable resource for responding to the resurgence of the virus.
Psychologists’ Role in Concussion Assessments for Children and Adolescents in Pediatric Practice
Authors: Apple Roger W. , Stran Brian M. , Tross Brandon
Published: October 2020

An estimated 1.1 to 1.9 million children and adolescents in the United States are treated for a sports- or recreationally-related concussion each year. The importance of formalized assessment and measurement of concussion symptoms has been widely recognized as a component of best-practice treatment. The present paper reviews a sample of the most commonly used measures of concussion symptomology and explores psychologists’ role in their application in a pediatric practice. In addition, other issues such as accessibility and the appropriateness of application with child and adolescent patients are discussed. Literature is reviewed from journals pertaining to pediatric and adolescent medicine, sports medicine, neuropsychology, and testing and measurement.
#Antivaccination on Instagram: A Computational Analysis of Hashtag Activism through Photos and Public Responses
Authors: Kim Yunhwan , Song Donghwi , Lee Yeon Ju
Published: October 2020

A dramatic increase has been registered in the number of social media posts in photo form as well as in hashtag activism. Hashtags, which manifest thoughts and feelings clearly and concisely, originated on Twitter, where the length of a post is limited; their use, however, has expanded into other social media services, including Instagram. Hashtags, which make it easy to find and express support for posts of interest, have been widely used for online activism, although they have been criticized for fostering confirmation bias. Moreover, hashtag activism in photo form has been relatively understudied. This research analyzed Instagram photos with antivaccination hashtags as an example of hashtag activism through photos. In addition, we examined how the photo features were related to public response, which was manifested via engagement and comment sentiment. The results suggest that the photos which were categorized into “text” took the largest share. It was also found that the major way of claiming was to imprint key messages that persuade people not to vaccinate with remarks from professionals on photos and provide a source of supporting information in the post text with hashtags of antivaccine intention. Various photo features showed associations with engagement and comment sentiment, but the directions of correlation were usually the opposite: these results suggest that engagement and comment sentiment are separate domains that reveal different public responses.
Domain Satisfaction and Overall Life Satisfaction: Testing the Spillover-Crossover Model in Chilean Dual-Earner Couples
Authors: Schnettler Berta , Miranda-Zapata Edgardo , Orellana Ligia , Poblete Héctor , Lobos Germán , Lapo María , Adasme-Berríos Cristian
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to examine spillover and crossover effects between job satisfaction, satisfaction with family life (SWFaL), satisfaction with food-related life (SWFoL) and overall life satisfaction (LS) in dual-earner couples. The gender of the couple members was also accounted for in these interrelationships. A sample of 473 dual-earner couples with adolescent children in Temuco, Chile, responded to a questionnaire. Both members of the couple answered the Satisfaction with Life Scale, Overall Job Satisfaction Scale, the Satisfaction with Family Life Scale and the Satisfaction with Food-related Life Scale. Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model and structural equation modeling, it was found that men’s LS was positively associated with their own job satisfaction, SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), as well as with their partner’s SWFaL (crossover). Results also showed that women’s LS was positively associated with their own job satisfaction, SWFaL and SWFoL (spillover), as well as with their partner’s SWFaL and job satisfaction. Different gender patterns were found for job satisfaction and SWFoL. These findings suggest that for dual-earner couples, life satisfaction may not only be influenced by their own individual satisfaction in a life domain but also by their partner’s satisfaction in the same domain.
The Elaboration of an Intersectoral Partnership to Perform Health Impact Assessment in Urban Planning: The Experience of Quebec City (Canada)
Authors: Gamache Stéphanie , Diallo Thierno Amadou , Shankardass Ketan , Lebel Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Health impact assessments (HIA) allow evaluation of urban interventions’ potential effects on health and facilitate decision-making in the urban planning process. However, few municipalities have implemented this method in Canada. This paper presents the approach developed with partners, the process, and the outcomes of HIA implementation after seven years of interinstitutional collaborations in Quebec City (ten HIA). Using direct observation and meeting minutes, information includes: perceived role of each institution taking part in HIA beforehand, how the HIA process was implemented, if it was appreciated, and which outcomes were observed. The intersectoral interactions contributed to the development of a common language, which sped up the HIA process over time and fostered positive collaborations in unrelated projects. It was an effective tool to share concerns and responsibilities among independent institutions. This experience resulted in the creation of an informal group of stakeholders from four different institutions that perform HIA to this day in collaboration with researchers.
Novel Resistance Training Approach to Monitoring the Volume in Older Adults: The Role of Movement Velocity
Authors: Marques Diogo L. , Neiva Henrique P. , Marinho Daniel A. , Marques Mário C.
Published: October 2020

We analyzed the effects of velocity-monitored resistance training (RT) with a velocity loss of 20% on strength and functional capacity in institutionalized older adults. Thirty-nine participants (78.8 ± 6.7 years) were divided into a control group (CG; n = 20) or an RT group (n = 19). Over 10 weeks, the RT group performed two sessions per week, and the mean velocity of each repetition was monitored in the leg-press and chest-press exercises at 40–65% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The set ended when the participants reached a velocity loss of 20%. The CG maintained their daily routine. At pre- and post-test, both groups were assessed in the 1RM leg-press, 1RM chest-press, handgrip strength, medicine ball throw (MBT), walking speed, and sit-to-stand (STS). At baseline, we did not find significant differences between groups. After 10 weeks, we observed significant differences (p < 0.001–0.01) between groups in the 1RM leg-press, 1RM chest-press, MBT-1 kg, and STS. The RT group performed a total number of repetitions of 437.6 ± 66.1 in the leg-press and 296.4 ± 78.9 in the chest-press. Our results demonstrate that velocity loss effectively prescribes the volume in older adults and that a threshold of 20% improves strength-related variables in this population.
Effect of an Additional 30 Minutes Spent Outdoors during Summer on Daily Steps and Individually Experienced Heat Index
Authors: Wang Suwei , Richardson Molly B. , Wu Connor Y.H. , Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Gohlke Julia M.
Published: October 2020

Spending time outdoors is associated with increased physical activity; however, high ambient temperature/humidity, together with built environment features in urban versus rural environments, may influence physical activity. We conducted an intervention trial with 89 urban and 88 rural participants performing normal activities on Days 1–2 (baseline) and spending an additional 30 min outdoors on Days 3–7 (intervention) in the summer. Participants wore a pedometer with real-time visual feedback to track daily steps taken and a thermometer clipped to their shoe to track temperatures experienced individually. Hygrometer–thermometers were deployed in participants’ neighborhoods to collect finer resolution ambient heat indexes in addition to regional weather station measurements. Using linear mixed effects models and adjusting for ambient conditions and individual-level factors, participants on average walked 637 (95%CI (83, 1192)) more steps and had a 0.59 °C (95%CI (0.30, 0.88)) lower daily mean individually experienced heat index during intervention days compared to baseline days. The intervention benefit of increased physical activity was greater in rural residents who were less active at baseline, compared to urban residents. Our results suggest adding a small amount of additional time outdoors may improve physical activity without increasing participants’ heat exposure, even during summer in a humid subtropical climate.
The Impact of Wrist Percooling on Physiological and Perceptual Responses during a Running Time Trial Performance in the Heat
Authors: Denby Kelsey , Caruso Ronald , Schlicht Emily , Ives Stephen J.
Published: October 2020

Environmental heat stress poses significant physiological challenge and impairs exercise performance. We investigated the impact of wrist percooling on running performance and physiological and perceptual responses in the heat. In a counterbalanced design, 13 trained males (33 ± 9 years, 15 ± 7% body fat, and maximal oxygen consumption, VO2max 59 ± 5 mL/kg/min) completed three 10 km running time trials (27 °C, 60% relative humidity) while wearing two cooling bands: (1) both bands were off (off/off), (2) one band on (off/on), (3) both bands on (on/on). Heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), mean arterial pressure (MAP), core temperature (TCO), thermal sensation (TS), and fatigue (VAS) were recorded at baseline and recovery, while running speed (RS) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during the 10 km. Wrist cooling had no effect (p > 0.05) at rest, except modestly increased HR (3–5 ∆beats/min, p < 0.05). Wrist percooling increased (p < 0.05) RS (0.25 ∆mi/h) and HR (5 ∆beats/min), but not TCO (∆ 0.3 °C), RPE, or TS. Given incomplete trials, the distance achieved at 16 min was not different between conditions (off/off 1.96 ± 0.16 vs. off/on 1.98 ± 0.19 vs. on/on 1.99 ± 0.24 miles, p = 0.490). During recovery HRV, MAP, or fatigue were unaffected (p > 0.05). We demonstrate that wrist percooling elicited a faster running speed, though this coincides with increased HR; although, interestingly, sensations of effort and thermal comfort were unaffected, despite the faster speed and higher HR.
A Quasi-Closed-Form Solution for the Valuation of American Put Options
Authors: Viegas Cristina , Azevedo-Pereira José
Published: October 2020

This study develops a quasi-closed-form solution for the valuation of an American put option and the critical price of the underlying asset. This is an important area of research both because of a large number of transactions for American put options on different underlying assets (stocks, currencies, commodities, etc.) and because this type of evaluation plays a role in determining the value of other financial assets such as mortgages, convertible bonds or life insurance policies. The procedure used is commonly known as the method of lines, which is considered to be a formulation in which time is discrete rather than continuous. To improve the quality of the results obtained, the Richardson extrapolation is applied, which allows the convergence of the outputs to be accelerated to values close to reality. The model developed in this paper derives an explicit formula of the finite-maturity American put option. The results obtained, besides allowing us to quickly determine the option value and the critical price, enable the graphical representation—in two and three dimensions—of the option value as a function of the other components of the model.
Oxidative Stress and Alterations in the Antioxidative Defense System in Neuronal Cells Derived from NPC1 Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Jürs Alexandra V. , Völkner Christin , Liedtke Maik , Huth Katharina , Lukas Jan , Hermann Andreas , Frech Moritz J.
Published: October 2020

Oxidative stress (OS) represents a state of an imbalanced amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or a hampered efficacy of the antioxidative defense system. Cells of the central nervous system are particularly sensitive to OS, as they have a massive need of oxygen to maintain proper function. Consequently, OS represents a common pathophysiological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases and is discussed to contribute to the neurodegeneration observed amongst others in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In this context, accumulating evidence suggests that OS is involved in the pathophysiology of Niemann-Pick type C1 disease (NPC1). NPC1, a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease, belongs to the family of lysosomal storage disorders. A major hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of cholesterol and other glycosphingolipids in lysosomes. Several studies describe OS both in murine in vivo and in vitro NPC1 models. However, studies based on human cells are limited to NPC1 patient-derived fibroblasts. Thus, we analyzed OS in a human neuronal model based on NPC1 patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Higher ROS levels, as determined by DCF (dichlorodihydrofluorescein) fluorescence, indicated oxidative stress in all NPC1-deficient cell lines. This finding was further supported by reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The analysis of mRNA and protein levels of SOD1 and SOD2 did not reveal any difference between control cells and NPC1-deficient cells. Interestingly, we observed a striking decrease in catalase mRNA and protein levels in all NPC1-deficient cell lines. As catalase is a key enzyme of the cellular antioxidative defense system, we concluded that the lack of catalase contributes to the elevated ROS levels observed in NPC1-deficient cells. Thus, a restitution of a physiological catalase level may pose an intervention strategy to rescue NPC1-deficient cells from the repercussions of oxidative stress contributing to the neurodegeneration observed in NPC1.
Valeric Acid Protects Dopaminergic Neurons by Suppressing Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation and Modulating Autophagy Pathways
Authors: Jayaraj Richard L. , Beiram Rami , Azimullah Sheikh , MF Nagoor Meeran , Ojha Shreesh K. , Adem Abdu , Jalal Fakhreya Yousuf
Published: October 2020

Parkinson’s disease, the second common neurodegenerative disease is clinically characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) with upregulation of neuroinflammatory markers and oxidative stress. Autophagy lysosome pathway (ALP) plays a major role in degradation of damaged organelles and proteins for energy balance and intracellular homeostasis. However, dysfunction of ALP results in impairment of α-synuclein clearance which hastens dopaminergic neurons loss. In this study, we wanted to understand the neuroprotective efficacy of Val in rotenone induced PD rat model. Animals received intraperitoneal injections (2.5 mg/kg) of rotenone daily followed by Val (40 mg/kg, i.p) for four weeks. Valeric acid, a straight chain alkyl carboxylic acid found naturally in Valeriana officianilis have been used in the treatment of neurological disorders. However, their neuroprotective efficacy has not yet been studied. In our study, we found that Val prevented rotenone induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine oxidative stress, and α-synuclein expression with subsequent increase in vital antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, Val mitigated rotenone induced hyperactivation of microglia and astrocytes. These protective mechanisms prevented rotenone induced dopaminergic neuron loss in SNpc and neuronal fibers in the striatum. Additionally, Val treatment prevented rotenone blocked mTOR-mediated p70S6K pathway as well as apoptosis. Moreover, Val prevented rotenone mediated autophagic vacuole accumulation and increased lysosomal degradation. Hence, Val could be further developed as a potential therapeutic candidate for treatment of PD.
Wheat Transcription Factor TaSNAC11-4B Positively Regulates Leaf Senescence through Promoting ROS Production in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Zenglin , Liu Chen , Guo Yongfeng
Published: October 2020

Senescence is the final stage of leaf development which is accompanied by highly coordinated and complicated reprogramming of gene expression. Genetic manipulation of leaf senescence in major crops including wheat has been shown to be able to increase stress tolerance and grain yield. NAC(No apical meristem (NAM), ATAF1/2, and cup-shaped cotyledon (CUC)) transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in regulating gene expression changes during leaf senescence and in response to abiotic stresses. Here, we report the characterization of TaSNAC11-4B (Uniprot: A0A1D5XI64), a wheat NAC family member that acts as a functional homolog of AtNAP, a key regulator of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. The expression of TaSNAC11-4B was up-regulated with the progression of leaf senescence, in response to abscisic acid (ABA) and drought treatments in wheat. Ectopic expression of TaSNAC11-4B in Arabidopsis promoted ROS accumulation and significantly accelerated age-dependent as well as drought- and ABA-induced leaf senescence. Results from transcriptional activity assays indicated that the TaSNAC11-4B protein displayed transcriptional activation activities that are dependent on its C terminus. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and dual-Luciferase assay results suggested that TaSNAC11-4B could positively regulate the expression of AtrbohD and AtrbohF, which encode catalytic subunits of the ROS-producing NADPH oxidase. Further analysis of TaSNAC11-4B in wheat senescence and the potential application of this gene in manipulating leaf senescence with the purpose of yield increase and stress tolerance is discussed.
Deferasirox-Dependent Iron Chelation Enhances Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Restores p53 Signaling by Stabilization of p53 Family Members in Leukemic Cells
Authors: Calabrese Chiara , Panuzzo Cristina , Stanga Serena , Andreani Giacomo , Ravera Silvia , Maglione Alessandro , Pironi Lucrezia , Petiti Jessica , Shahzad Ali Muhammad , Scaravaglio Patrizia , Napoli Francesca , Fava Carmen , De Gobbi Marco , Frassoni Francesco , Saglio Giuseppe , Bracco Enrico , Pergolizzi Barbara , Cilloni Daniela
Published: October 2020

Iron is crucial to satisfy several mitochondrial functions including energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Patients affected by Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are frequently characterized by iron overload (IOL), due to continuous red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. This event impacts the overall survival (OS) and it is associated with increased mortality in lower-risk MDS patients. Accordingly, the oral iron chelator Deferasirox (DFX) has been reported to improve the OS and delay leukemic transformation. However, the molecular players and the biological mechanisms laying behind remain currently mostly undefined. The aim of this study has been to investigate the potential anti-leukemic effect of DFX, by functionally and molecularly analyzing its effects in three different leukemia cell lines, harboring or not p53 mutations, and in human primary cells derived from 15 MDS/AML patients. Our findings indicated that DFX can lead to apoptosis, impairment of cell growth only in a context of IOL, and can induce a significant alteration of mitochondria network, with a sharp reduction in mitochondrial activity. Moreover, through a remarkable reduction of Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2), known to regulate the stability of p53 and p73 proteins, we observed an enhancement of p53 transcriptional activity after DFX. Interestingly, this iron depletion-triggered signaling is enabled by p73, in the absence of p53, or in the presence of a p53 mutant form. In conclusion, we propose a mechanism by which the increased p53 family transcriptional activity and protein stability could explain the potential benefits of iron chelation therapy in terms of improving OS and delaying leukemic transformation.