bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Aluminum Nitride Nanoparticles by RF Magnetron Sputtering and Inert Gas Condensation Technique
Authors: Musa Ishaq , Qamhieh Naser , Said Khadija , Mahmoud Saleh T. , Alawadhi Hussain
Published: April 2020

Aluminum nitride nanoparticles (AlN-NPs) were fabricated by a RF magnetron sputtering and inert gas condensation technique. By keeping the source parameters and sputtering time of 4 h fixed, it was possible to produce AlN-NPs with a size in the range of 2–3 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption were used to characterize the obtained AlN-NPs. AFM topography images showed quazi-sphere nanoparticles with a size ranging from 2 to 3 nm. The XRD measurements confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of AlN nanoparticles. Furthermore, the optical band gap was determined by the UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy results showed vibration transverse-optical modes A1(TO), E1(TO), as well as longitudinal-optical modes E1(LO), A1(LO).
Polyurethane/Silane-Functionalized ZrO2 Nanocomposite Powder Coatings: Thermal Degradation Kinetics
Authors: Tikhani Farimah , Shirkavand Hadavand Behzad , Fakharizadeh Bafghi Hamed , Jouyandeh Maryam , Vahabi Henri , Formela Krzyszof , Hosseini Hossein , Paran Seyed Mohammad Reza , Esmaeili Amin , Mohaddespour Ahmad , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2020

A polyurethane (PU)-based powder coating reinforced with vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS)-functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles (V-ZrO2) for thermal stability was developed. Chemical structure, microstructure and thermal degradation kinetics of the prepared coatings were investigated. The peak of aliphatic C–H vibrating bond in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of V-ZrO2 was a signature of VTMS attachment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveled that, by increase of V-ZrO2 content from 0.1 to 0.3 wt.% and then 0.5 wt.%, some agglomerations of nanoparticles are formed in the PU matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the PU/V-ZrO2 powder coatings was performed at different heating rates nonisothermally to capture alteration of activation energy (Ea) of degradation of PU/V-ZrO2 powder coatings as a function of partial mass loss by using Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Ozawa–Wall–Flynn (FWO) and modified Coats–Redfern isoconversional approaches. It was observed that by addition of 1 wt.% V-ZrO2 to PU resin the early state degradation temperature at 5% weight loss increased about 65 °C, suggesting a physical barrier effect limiting the volatility of free radicals and decomposition products. Incorporation of 5 wt.% ZrO2 led to about 16% and 10% increase in Ea and LnA of blank PU, respectively, which was indicative of higher thermal resistance of nanocomposite powder coatings against thermal degradation. There was also obvious agreement between model outputs and experimental data. The results reveal that nanocomposite coating shows superior thermal properties compared to neat PU powder coatings, and the presence of nano ZrO2 in sufficient amount causes retardation of the thermal decomposition process.
Effect of Strain on Transformation Diagrams of 100Cr6 Steel
Authors: Kawulok Rostislav , Schindler Ivo , Sojka Jaroslav , Kawulok Petr , Opěla Petr , Pindor Lukáš , Grycz Eduard , Rusz Stanislav , Ševčák Vojtěch
Published: April 2020

Based on dilatometric tests, the effect of various values of previous deformation on the kinetics of austenite transformations during the cooling of 100Cr6 steel has been studied. Dilatometric tests have been performed with the use of the optical dilatometric module of the plastometer Gleeble 3800. The obtained results were compared to metallographic analyses and hardness measurements HV30. Uniaxial compression deformations were chosen as follows: 0, 0.35, and 1; note that these are true (logarithmic) deformations. The highly important finding was the absence of bainite. In addition, it has been verified that with the increasing amount of deformation, there is a further shift in the pearlitic region to higher cooling rates. The previous deformation also affected the temperature martensite start, which decreased due to deformation. The deformation value of 1 also shifted the critical cooling rate required for martensite formation from the 12 °C/s to 25 °C/s.
Chromatographic Detection of 8-Hydroxy-2′-Deoxyguanosine in Leukocytes of Asbestos Exposed Workers for Assessing Past and Recent Carcinogen Exposures
Authors: Cellai Filippo , Bonassi Stefano , Cristaudo Alfonso , Bonotti Alessandra , Neri Monica , Ceppi Marcello , Bruzzone Marco , Milić Mirta , Munnia Armelle , Peluso Marco
Published: April 2020

Asbestos fibers include a group of silicate minerals that occur in the environment and are widely employed in occupational settings. Asbestos exposure has been associated to various chronic diseases; such as pulmonary fibrosis; mesothelioma; and lung cancer; often characterized by a long period of latency. Underlying mechanisms that are behind the carcinogenic effect of asbestos have not been fully clarified. Therefore; we have conducted an epidemiological study to evaluate the relationship between 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), one of the most reliable biomarkers of oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage; and asbestos exposure in the peripheral blood of residents in Tuscany and Liguria regions; Italy; stratified by occupational exposure to this carcinogen. Levels of 8-oxodG were expressed such as relative adduct labeling (RAL); the frequency of 8-oxodG per 105 deoxyguanosine was significantly higher among exposed workers with respect to the controls; i.e., 3.0 ± 0.2 Standard Error (SE) in asbestos workers versus a value of 1.3 ± 0.1 (SE) in unexposed controls (p < 0.001). When the relationship with occupational history was investigated; significant higher levels of 8-oxodG were measured in current and former asbestos workers vs. healthy controls; 3.1 ± 0.3 (SE) and 2.9 ± 0.2 (SE), respectively. After stratification for occupational history; a significant 194% excess of adducts was found in workers with 10 or more years of past asbestos exposure (p < 0.001). 8-oxodG can be used for medical surveillance programs of cohorts of workers with past and recent exposures to carcinogens for the identification of subjects requiring a more intense clinical surveillance.
ISIDOG Recommendations Concerning COVID-19 and Pregnancy
Authors: Donders Francesca , Lonnée-Hoffmann Risa , Tsiakalos Aristotelis , Mendling Werner , Martinez de Oliveira José , Judlin Philippe , Xue Fengxia , Donders Gilbert G. G. ,   ISIDOG COVID-19 Guideline Workgroup
Published: April 2020

Providing guidelines to health care workers during a period of rapidly evolving viral pandemic infections is not an easy task, but it is extremely necessary in order to coordinate appropriate action so that all patients will get the best possible care given the circumstances they are in. With these International Society of Infectious Disease in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISIDOG) guidelines we aim to provide detailed information on how to diagnose and manage pregnant women living in a pandemic of COVID-19. Pregnant women need to be considered as a high-risk population for COVID-19 infection, and if suspected or proven to be infected with the virus, they require special care in order to improve their survival rate and the well-being of their babies. Both protection of healthcare workers in such specific care situations and maximal protection of mother and child are envisioned.
Coverage and k-Coverage Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Computational Intelligence Methods: A Comparative Study
Authors: Tarnaris Konstantinos , Preka Ioanna , Kandris Dionisis , Alexandridis Alex
Published: April 2020

The domain of wireless sensor networks is considered to be among the most significant scientific regions thanks to the numerous benefits that their usage provides. The optimization of the performance of wireless sensor networks in terms of area coverage is a critical issue for the successful operation of every wireless sensor network. This article pursues the maximization of area coverage and area k-coverage by using computational intelligence algorithms, i.e., a genetic algorithm and a particle swarm optimization algorithm. Their performance was evaluated via comparative simulation tests, made not only against each other but also against two other well-known algorithms. This appraisal was made using statistical testing. The test results, that proved the efficacy of the algorithms proposed, were analyzed and concluding remarks were drawn.
Prospect Prediction of Terminal Clean Power Consumption in China via LSSVM Algorithm Based on Improved Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Yang Shuxia , Zhu Xianguo , Peng Shengjiang
Published: April 2020

In recent years, China’s terminal clean power replacement construction has experienced rapid development, and China’s installed photovoltaic and wind energy capacity has soared to become the highest in the world. Precise and effective prediction of the scale of terminal clean power replacement can not only help make reasonable adjustments to the proportion of clean power capacity, but also promote the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance environmental benefits. In order to predict the prospects of China’s terminal clean energy consumption, first of all, the main factors affecting the clean power of the terminal are screened by using the grey revelance theory. Then, an evolutionary game theory (EGT) optimized least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) machine intelligence algorithm and an adaptive differential evolution (ADE) algorithm are applied in the example analysis, and empirical analysis shows that this model has a strong generalization ability, and that the prediction result is better than other models. Finally, we use the EGT–ADE–LSSVM combined model to predict China’s terminal clean energy consumption from 2019 to 2030, which showed that the prospect of China’s terminal clean power consumption is close to forty thousand billion KWh.
A Method for Analyzing Energy-Related Carbon Emissions and the Structural Changes: A Case Study of China from 2005 to 2015
Authors: Yang Honghua , Ma Linwei , Li Zheng
Published: April 2020

To systematically analyze energy-related carbon emissions from the perspective of comprehensive energy flow and allocate emissions responsibility, we introduce energy allocation analysis to carbon flow process based on Sankey diagrams. Then, to quantitatively compare different diagrams and evaluate the structural changes of carbon flow, we define changes from three dimensions including total amount change, relative growth rate and occupation ratio change (TRO), propose TRO index. The method is applied to China’s case study from 2005 to 2015. We map China’s energy-related carbon flow Sankey diagrams with high technical resolution from energy sources, intermediate conversion, end-use devices, passive systems to final services, and conduct TRO index decomposition by stages. The results indicate that in energy sources, the emission share of coal has declined due to energy transition although coal is still the largest contributor to China’s energy-related carbon emissions. In passive systems, the factory passive systems are the largest contributors, among them, emission reduction should focus on the steel, non-ferrous and chemical industries; the building passive systems should pay attention to household appliances; the vehicle passive systems should focus on cars. In final services, the demand for structural materials is the strongest driving force for carbon emissions growth.
Self-Learning Data-Based Models as Basis of a Universally Applicable Energy Management System
Authors: Lachmann Malin , Maldonado Jaime , Bergmann Wiebke , Jung Francesca , Weber Markus , Büskens Christof
Published: April 2020

In the transfer from fossil fuels to renewable energies, grid operators, companies and farms develop an increasing interest in smart energy management systems which can reduce their energy expenses. This requires sufficiently detailed models of the underlying components and forecasts of generation and consumption over future time horizons. In this work, it is investigated via a real-world case study how data-based methods based on regression and clustering can be applied to this task, such that potentially extensive effort for physical modeling can be decreased. Models and automated update mechanisms are derived from measurement data for a photovoltaic plant, a heat pump, a battery storage, and a washing machine. A smart energy system is realized in a real household to exploit the resulting models for minimizing energy expenses via optimization of self-consumption. Experimental data are presented that illustrate the models’ performance in the real-world system. The study concludes that it is possible to build a smart adaptive forecast-based energy management system without expert knowledge of detailed physics of system components, but special care must be taken in several aspects of system design to avoid undesired effects which decrease the overall system performance.
High Genetic Diversity and Low Differentiation in Michelia shiluensis, an Endangered Magnolia Species in South China
Authors: Deng Yanwen , Liu Tingting , Xie Yuqing , Wei Yaqing , Xie Zicai , Shi Youhai , Deng Xiaomei
Published: April 2020

Research Highlights: This study is the first to examine the genetic diversity of Michelia shiluensis (Magnoliaceae). High genetic diversity and low differentiation were detected in this species. Based on these results, we discuss feasible protection measures to provide a basis for the conservation and utilization of M. shiluensis. Background and Objectives: Michelia shiluensis is distributed in Hainan and Guangdong province, China. Due to human disturbance, the population has decreased sharply, and there is thus an urgent need to evaluate genetic variation within this species in order to identify an optimal conservation strategy. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used eight nuclear single sequence repeat (nSSR) markers and two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers to assess the genetic diversity, population structure, and dynamics of 78 samples collected from six populations. Results: The results showed that the average observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) from nSSR markers in each population of M. shiluensis were 0.686, 0.718, and 97.92%, respectively. For cpDNA markers, the overall haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.674, and the nucleotide diversity was 0.220. Analysis of markers showed that the genetic variation between populations was much lower based on nSSR than on cpDNA (10.18% and 77.56%, respectively, based on an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA)). Analysis of the population structure based on the two markers shows that one of the populations (DL) is very different from the other five. Conclusions: High genetic diversity and low population differentiation of M. shiluensis might be the result of rich ancestral genetic variation. The current decline in population may therefore be due to human disturbance rather than to inbreeding or genetic drift. Management and conservation strategies should focus on maintaining the genetic diversity in situ, and on the cultivation of seedlings ex-situ for transplanting back to their original habitat.
Unusual Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts Isolated from Unripened Grapes without Antifungal Treatments
Authors: Mateo José Juan , Garcerà Patricia , Maicas Sergi
Published: April 2020

There a lot of studies including the use of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in the process of wine fermentation. The attention is focused on the first steps of fermentation. However, the processes and changes that the non-Saccharomyces yeast populations may have suffered during the different stages of grape berry ripening, caused by several environmental factors, including antifungal treatments, have not been considered in depth. In our study, we have monitored the population dynamics of non-Saccharomyces yeasts during the ripening process, both with biochemical identification systems (API 20C AUX and API ID 32C), molecular techniques (RFLP-PCR) and enzymatic analyses. Some unusual non-Saccharomyces yeasts have been identified (Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Aureobasidium pullulans, Cryptococcus sp. and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa). These yeasts could be affected by antifungal treatments used in wineries, and this fact could explain the novelty involved in their isolation and identification. These yeasts can be a novel source for novel biotechnological uses to be explored in future work.
Effect of Fermentation, Drying and Roasting on Biogenic Amines and Other Biocompounds in Colombian Criollo Cocoa Beans and Shells
Authors: Delgado-Ospina Johannes , Di Mattia Carla Daniela , Paparella Antonello , Mastrocola Dino , Martuscelli Maria , Chaves-Lopez Clemencia
Published: April 2020

The composition of microbiota and the content and pattern of bioactive compounds (biogenic amines, polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavanols), as well as pH, color, antioxidant and reducing properties were investigated in fermented Criollo cocoa beans and shells. The analyses were conducted after fermentation and drying (T1) and after two thermal roasting processes (T2, 120 °C for 22 min; T3, 135 °C for 15 min). The fermentation and drying practices affected the microbiota of beans and shells, explaining the great variability of biogenic amines (BAs) content. Enterobacteriaceae were counted in a few samples with average values of 103 colony forming units per gram (CFU g−1), mainly in the shell, while Lactobacillus spp. was observed in almost all the samples, with the highest count in the shell with average values of 104 CFU g−1. After T1, the total BAs content was found to be in a range of 4.9÷127.1 mg kg−1DFW; what was remarkable was the presence of cadaverine and histamine, which have not been reported previously in fermented cocoa beans. The total BAs content increased 60% after thermal treatment T2, and of 21% after processing at T3, with a strong correlation (p < 0.05) for histamine (ß = 0.75) and weakly correlated for spermidine (ß = 0.58), spermine (ß = 0.50), cadaverine (ß = 0.47) and serotonine (ß = 0.40). The roasting treatment of T3 caused serotonin degradation (average decrease of 93%) with respect to unroasted samples. However, BAs were detected in a non-alarming concentration (e.g., histamine: n.d ÷ 59.8 mg kg−1DFW; tyramine: n.d. ÷ 26.5 mg kg−1DFW). Change in BAs level was evaluated by principal component analysis. PC1 and PC2 explained 84.9% and 4.5% of data variance, respectively. Antioxidant and reducing properties, polyphenol content and BAs negatively influenced PC1 with both polyphenols and BA increasing during roasting, whereas PC1 was positively influenced by anthocyanins, catechin and epicatechin.
Canjiqueira Fruit: Are We Losing the Best of It?
Authors: Arakaki Daniela G. , Samúdio dos Santos Vanessa , Melo Elaine Pádua de , Pereira Hugo , Silva Figueiredo Priscila , Rodrigues Cortês Mário , Alexandre Carollo Carlos , Oliveira Lincoln Carlos Silva de , Tschinkel Paula , Reis Francisco , Souza Igor , Rosa Rafaela , Sanches Fabiane , Freitas dos Santos Elisvânia , Aragão do Nascimento Valter
Published: April 2020

Fruits and byproducts are valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, which are associated with a decreased risk of developing several diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s. The fruits of canjiqueira (Byrsonima cydoniifolia) are already exploited as a food resource, while the seeds are discarded. This study aimed at showing the potential of the whole fruit of canjiqueira. Elemental characterization was performed on ICP OES, while thermal stability was assessed on thermogravimetry. The determination of the fatty acid profile was carried out on gas chromatography and bioactive compound identification using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results show that both parts of canjiqueira fruit are a source of various minerals, such as Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, and Mn while the seed only is a good source for Zn. Oleic and linoleic acids are the main compounds in pulp and seed. The thermal stability of seed oil is superior to pulp oil, while piceatannol concentration is higher in seed than pulp. All parts of canjiqueira fruit may be used as a strategy to address nutrition issues and are valuable ingredients to prospective food products.
Classifying Dysphagic Swallowing Sounds with Support Vector Machines
Authors: Miyagi Shigeyuki , Sugiyama Syo , Kozawa Keiko , Moritani Sueyoshi , Sakamoto Shin-ichi , Sakai Osamu
Published: April 2020

Swallowing sounds from cervical auscultation include information related to the swallowing function. Several studies have been conducted on the screening tests of dysphagia. The literature shows a significant difference between the characteristics of swallowing sounds obtained from different subjects (e.g., healthy and dysphagic subjects; young and old adults). These studies demonstrate the usefulness of swallowing sounds during dysphagic screening. However, the degree of classification for dysphagia based on swallowing sounds has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we investigate the use of machine learning for classifying swallowing sounds into various types, such as normal swallowing or mild, moderate, and severe dysphagia. In particular, swallowing sounds were recorded from patients with dysphagia. Support vector machines (SVMs) were trained using some features extracted from the obtained swallowing sounds. Moreover, the accuracy of the classification of swallowing sounds using the trained SVMs was evaluated via cross-validation techniques. In the two-class scenario, wherein the swallowing sounds were divided into two categories (viz. normal and dysphagic subjects), the maximum F-measure was 78.9%. In the four-class scenario, where the swallowing sounds were divided into four categories (viz. normal subject, and mild, moderate, and severe dysphagic subjects), the F-measure values for the classes were 65.6%, 53.1%, 51.1%, and 37.1%, respectively.
Regarding the Necessity of Functional Assessment Including Motor Control Assessment of Post-Mastectomy Patients Qualified for Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction Procedure—Pilot Study
Authors: Hansdorfer-Korzon Rita , Wnuk Damian , Ławnicki Jakub , Śliwiński Maciej , Gruszecka Agnieszka
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the paper is a functional assessment of post-mastectomy patients who underwent latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction (LDBR), and of healthy women, through an analysis of selected muscle function parameters, including motor control assessment. Twenty participants were included in the study (ten LDBR-procedure individuals and ten healthy controls). The research consisted of a DASH (The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire assessment, shoulder area static assessment, shoulder mobility assessment, latissimus dorsi flexibility assessment and shoulder motor control assessment. LDBR-procedure individuals—when compared to healthy controls—exhibited a decrease in physical aspects of quality of life, shoulder area postural alterations, limitations in shoulder mobility and decrease in shoulder motor control. LDBR procedure may have an influence on limiting shoulder active mobility, as well as on decrease of shoulder motor and postural control. Standard functional assessment diversified on motor control assessment of post-mastectomy patients qualified for the LDBR procedure seems to be necessary.
Differences in the Bodyweight, Hydration Levels, Lean Mass, and Fat Mass in Spanish Junior Elite Judokas
Authors: Gamero-delCastillo David , Lorenzo Calvo Jorge , Navandar Archit , López Díaz de Durana Alfonso
Published: April 2020

Combat sports have a great interest in society and among professional sports. They are an important group of sports in the Olympic Games, but the strategies carried out by athletes to reduce body weight for weighing day, is famously known, suffering the adverse physical and psychological effects of rapid weight loss. This could compromise not only the performance, but the health and development of young athletes. A total of 22 elite male judokas (18.05 ± 1.05 years old) were evaluated during four different competitions in one season; the variables of body weight, water levels, and lean and fat mass were measured by bioimpedance (BIA), (Tanita BC545N) during one season. Using the linear mixed model test, we found significant differences in bodyweight variable during the competitions 3–4. The water level variable showed significant differences in all competitions, except for 2–4. Body mass index was significantly different in all competitions, being higher in the later competitions, except between competitions 1–2 and 2–3. Judokas participate in weight loss methods for their weigh-in days. Furthermore, the age at which the athletes reduced their water levels are worrisome. These results could be used to create healthy programs, especially in elite judokas, in order to carry out strategies before, during, and after competitions with weight loss and controlled water levels increasing future performance and health.
Adolescents’ Addictive Phone Use: Associations with Eating Behaviors and Adiposity
Authors: Domoff Sarah E. , Sutherland Emma Q. , Yokum Sonja , Gearhardt Ashley N.
Published: April 2020

Concerns have been raised about excessive or “addictive” phone use among adolescents, and the impact that addictive phone use (APU) can have on adolescent development and health. Most research on the physical health correlates of smartphone use has been limited to sleep health, whereas other outcomes, such as eating behaviors and obesity risk have not received as much attention. To address this gap in the literature, we examined the association between APU and emotion regulation difficulties, impulsivity, maladaptive eating behaviors, and adiposity in a sample of 111 adolescents. We found that APU is associated with greater emotion regulation difficulties, dysregulated eating, restrained eating, food addiction, and higher percent body fat. Further, we found that emotion regulation difficulties mediated the association between APU and dysregulated eating, restrained eating, and food addiction. Findings suggest that addictive phone use may confer increased risk for obesogenic eating behaviors and food addiction via challenges in regulating emotions.
Central American Immigrant Parents’ Awareness, Acceptability, and Willingness to Vaccinate Their Adolescent Children Against Human Papillomavirus: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lindsay Ana Cristina , Pineda Joanna A. , Valdez Madelyne J. , Torres Maria Idalí , Granberry Phillip J.
Published: April 2020

Despite increasing interest in understanding the factors influencing awareness and acceptability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among Latino parents, to date limited information is available specific to Central American parents living in the United States (US). Therefore, this pilot cross-sectional study was designed to explore and assess Central American immigrant parents’ awareness, acceptability, and willingness to vaccinate their children against HPV, and interest in participating in future HPV-associated cancer prevention study. Fifty-six Central American parents, majority immigrant (96.4%; n = 54) from four countries, El Salvador—50% (n = 27); Guatemala—25.9% (n = 14); Honduras—22.2% (n = 12); and Panama—1.9% (n = 1) participated in this study. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire survey in their preferred language (i.e., Spanish or English). A little over half of the participants were mothers (57.1%; n = 32) and parents’ mean age was 43.2 years (SD = 6.4). The majority was married or cohabitating (76.8%, n = 43), and 39.3% (n = 22) reported having two children. Seventy-five percent (n = 42) of parents reported they had heard of the HPV vaccine. Fewer fathers were aware of the HPV vaccine (58.3%; n = 14 vs.87.5%, n = 28; p = 0.01) than mothers. Among parents who had heard of the HPV vaccine (n = 42), 85.7% (n = 36) reported their children had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Fewer fathers reported their child had been vaccinated against HPV (64.3%, n = 9 vs. 96.4%, n = 27; p = 0.06) than mothers. Moreover, 90% of parents (n = 18) whose children were unvaccinated reported willingness to vaccinate their adolescent children against HPV if recommended by their child’s physician. Findings indicate parents’ low to moderate awareness of the HPV vaccine, and high willingness to vaccinate their adolescent children if recommended by their child’s physician. Findings also demonstrate fathers’ lower awareness and acceptability of the HPV vaccine than mothers. Despite limitations and the need for more research, findings of this pilot study serve as a valuable first step toward building a knowledge foundation that is needed for developing future studies and interventions targeting Central American immigrant parents living in the US. Future studies can build on the findings of this exploratory study with other research designs and address its limitations by having a larger sample size and accounting for additional factors associated with Central American immigrant parents’ HPV awareness, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and vaccine acceptability from other communities across the US.
The Characteristics of Mood Polarity, Temperament, and Suicide Risk in Adult ADHD
Authors: Giupponi Giancarlo , Innamorati Marco , Rogante Elena , Sarubbi Salvatore , Erbuto Denise , Maniscalco Ignazio , Sanna Livia , Conca Andreas , Lester David , Pompili Maurizio
Published: April 2020

The present study was designed to shed light on a topic rarely explored and to suggest possible ways to detect risk factors for the presence of suicidal ideation and behaviors in a sample of adult patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study also explored the association between ADHD, affective temperaments, the presence of hypomania symptoms, and suicide risk. We hypothesized that (compared to healthy controls) (1) patients with adult ADHD would report more negative affective temperaments and more hypomania symptoms and (2) that they would have a higher suicide risk. The participants included 63 consecutive adult inpatients (18 women, 45 men) with ADHD and 69 healthy controls (42 women, 22 men). All participants were administered the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), the Hypomania Check-List-32 (HCL-32), the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), the Temperament Evaluation for Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego (TEMPS-A), and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Forty-six percent of the ADHD patients had an Axis 1 comorbid disorder. ADHD patients (compared to controls) more often reported suicidal ideation (46.0% vs. 5.9%, one-way Fisher exact test p < 0.001; phi = 0.46). ADHD patients and the controls also significantly differed in all the scales administered (with Cohen’s d between 0.92–4.70), except for the TEMPS-A Hyperthymia scale. A regression model indicated that ADHD was independently associated with higher scores of a negative temperaments/hypomania factor (Odd Ratio = 14.60) but not with suicidal ideation. A high incidence of suicidal ideation, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and negative affective temperaments was reported in adult ADHD patients, and clinicians should routinely assess risk factors for suicide among these patients.
Examining Ethnic Exposure through the Perspective of the Neighborhood Effect Averaging Problem: A Case Study of Xining, China
Authors: Tan Yiming , Kwan Mei-Po , Chen Zifeng
Published: April 2020

An increasing number of studies have observed that ignoring individual exposures to non-residential environments in people’s daily life may result in misleading findings in research on environmental exposure. This issue was recognized as the neighborhood effect averaging problem (NEAP). This study examines ethnic segregation and exposure through the perspective of NEAP. Focusing on Xining, China, it compares the Hui ethnic minorities and the Han majorities. Using 2010 census data and activity diary data collected in 2013, the study found that NEAP exists when examining ethnic exposure. Respondents who live in highly mixed neighborhoods (with high exposures to the other ethnic group) experience lower activity-space exposures because they tend to conduct their daily activities in ethnically less mixed areas outside their home neighborhoods (which are more segregated). By contrast, respondents who live in highly segregated neighborhoods (with low exposures to the other ethnic group) tend to have higher exposures in their activity locations outside their home neighborhoods (which are less segregated). Therefore, taking into account individuals’ daily activities in non-residential contexts in the assessment of environmental exposure will likely lead to an overall tendency towards the mean exposure. Using Tobit models, we further found that specific types of activity places, especially workplaces and parks, contribute to NEAP. Ignoring individual exposures in people’s activity places will most likely result in misleading findings in the measurement of environmental exposure, including ethnic exposure.
Indoor Radon Measurements in Finnish Daycare Centers and Schools—Enforcement of the Radiation Act
Authors: Kojo Katja , Kurttio Päivi
Published: April 2020

Background: Indoor radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Finnish radiation legislation obligates employers to measure indoor radon concentrations in workplaces, including schools and daycare centers, if they are in radon prone areas. Surveillance campaigns were conducted to ensure that the required radon measurements were performed and to gain knowledge on current indoor radon levels in daycare centers and schools. Methods: Daycare centers located in the high-radon risk municipalities were identified. Schools where indoor radon level measurements were obligatory but not performed, were identified. Results: Indoor radon measurements were performed in 633 daycare centers where the mean radon concentration was 86 Bq/m3 and the median 40 Bq/m3. The radon level was greater than 300 Bq/m3 in 8% (n = 49) of daycare centers. The radon measurements were performed in 1176 schools, which is 95% of the schools to be measured. The mean radon concentration was 82 Bq/m3 and the median 41 Bq/m3. The radon levels were greater than 300 Bq/m3 in 14% (n = 169) of the schools. Conclusions: The systematic surveillance campaigns by the radiation protection authority were very efficient in order to ensure that the measurements are performed in schools and daycare centers. The campaigns also reduced the radon exposure of employees, children, and adolescents, where necessary.
Participation in Activities Fostering Children’s Development and Parental Concerns about Children’s Development: Results from a Population-Health Survey of Children Aged 0–5 Years in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Pratte Gabrielle , Couture Mélanie , Boisvert Marie-Ève , Clapperton Irma , Bergeron Josiane , Roy Marie-Andrée , Dion Élyse , Camden Chantal
Published: April 2020

This study aims to: (1) describe children’s participation in activities fostering their development, (2) document parental concerns about their children’s development, and (3) explore the influences of family characteristics on children’s activity participation and parental concerns. We conducted a phone survey with parents of children aged 0-5 years (n = 895). Survey results are presented as weighted proportions for the parent’s age, sex, and area of residence. Statistical comparisons were made using chi-square with p < 0.05. Most children were exposed at least weekly to fine motor (85.1% ± 2.4%), physical (83.0% ± 2.5%), and reading (84.2% ± 2.4%) activities. However, only a small proportion were exposed to those activities daily (49.7% ± 3.3%, 35.4% ± 3.2%, and 32.4% ± 3.1% respectively). Many (46.8%) parents had concerns about their children’s development. The most frequent domains of concern were communication skills (22.8% ± 2.8%), affective and behaviour skills (22.1% ± 2.7%), and autonomy (19.6% ± 2.6%). The proportion of parents having concerns was higher among families with lower incomes. The small proportion of children exposed daily to activities fostering their development, and the high proportion of parents with concerns about their children’s development are alarming. The integration of health and education services and the use of best practices fostering children’s development at home, at school, and in daycare centres is needed.
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Ischemic Heart Disease: Prevention and Therapy by Exercise and Conditioning
Authors: Crisafulli Antonio , Pagliaro Pasquale , Roberto Silvana , Cugusi Lucia , Mercuro Giuseppe , Lazou Antigone , Beauloye Christophe , Bertrand Luc , Hausenloy Derek J. , Aragno Manuela , Penna Claudia
Published: April 2020

Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease are among the leading causes of death and disability in Western countries. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is responsible for the most severe signs and symptoms. An important strategy for reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease is regular exercise. Remote ischemic conditioning has some similarity with exercise and can be induced by short periods of ischemia and reperfusion of a limb, and it can be performed in people who cannot exercise. There is abundant evidence that exercise is beneficial in diabetes and ischemic heart disease, but there is a need to elucidate the specific cardiovascular effects of emerging and unconventional forms of exercise in people with diabetes. In addition, remote ischemic conditioning may be considered among the options to induce beneficial effects in these patients. The characteristics and interactions of diabetes and ischemic heart disease, and the known effects of exercise and remote ischemic conditioning in the presence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, are analyzed in this brief review.
Circulating MicroRNA Levels Indicate Platelet and Leukocyte Activation in Endotoxemia Despite Platelet P2Y12 Inhibition
Authors: Braza-Boïls Aitana , Barwari Temo , Gutmann Clemens , Thomas Mark R. , Judge Heather M. , Joshi Abhishek , Pechlaner Raimund , Shankar-Hari Manu , Ajjan Ramzi A. , Sabroe Ian , Storey Robert F. , Mayr Manuel
Published: April 2020

There is evidence for the effects of platelet inhibition on innate immune activation. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as markers of platelet and leukocyte activation. In the present study, we assessed the effects of P2Y12 inhibitors on platelet and leukocyte miRNAs during endotoxemia. Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive oral ticagrelor (n = 10), clopidogrel (n = 8) or no drug (n = 8) for one week, followed by an intravenous bolus of 2 ng/kg endotoxin. Serum was collected at baseline, after one week of antiplatelet treatment and 6 and 24 h after endotoxin administration. MiRNAs were screened using LNA-based qPCR, followed by TaqMan-qPCR validation of candidates. Clinical validation was performed in 41 sepsis patients. Platelet-enriched miR-197, miR-223 and miR-223* were decreased in volunteers following antiplatelet therapy. Endotoxin increased platelet miRNAs, whilst the opposite effect was seen for leukocyte-enriched miR-150. Neither of these endotoxin-mediated effects were altered by P2Y12 inhibitors. Sepsis patients with fatal outcomes (n = 12) had reduced miR-150 levels compared with survivors (n = 29). In conclusion, we show that miR-150 is downregulated in experimental endotoxemia and can predict survival in sepsis but is unaffected by P2Y12 inhibition. While P2Y12 inhibition reduces platelet-associated miRNAs in healthy volunteers, it fails to attenuate the response of platelet miRNAs to endotoxemia.
The PI3K-Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Cells
Authors: Nepstad Ina , Hatfield Kimberley Joanne , Grønningsæter Ida Sofie , Reikvam Håkon
Published: April 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Malignant cell growth is characterized by disruption of normal intracellular signaling, caused by mutations or aberrant external signaling. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway) is among one of the intracellular pathways aberrantly upregulated in cancers including AML. Activation of this pathway seems important in leukemogenesis, and given the central role of this pathway in metabolism, the bioenergetics of AML cells may depend on downstream signaling within this pathway. Furthermore, observations suggest that constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway differs between patients, and that increased activity within this pathway is an adverse prognostic parameter in AML. Pharmacological targeting of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway with specific inhibitors results in suppression of leukemic cell growth. However, AML patients seem to differ regarding their susceptibility to various small-molecule inhibitors, reflecting biological heterogeneity in the intracellular signaling status. These findings should be further investigated in both preclinical and clinical settings, along with the potential use of this pathway as a prognostic biomarker, both in patients receiving intensive curative AML treatment and in elderly/unfit receiving AML-stabilizing treatment.
Aβ1-42 and Tau as Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Lanznaster Débora , Hergesheimer Rudolf C. , Bakkouche Salah Eddine , Beltran Stephane , Vourc’h Patrick , Andres Christian R. , Dufour-Rainfray Diane , Corcia Philippe , Blasco Hélène
Published: April 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease, but its definitive diagnosis delays around 12 months. Although the research is highly active in the biomarker field, the absence of specific biomarkers for diagnosis contributes to this long delay. Another strategy of biomarker identification based on less specific but sensitive molecules may be of interest in clinical practice. For example, markers related to other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could be fully explored. Here, we compared baseline levels of amyloidβ1-42 (Aβ1-42), total Tau, and phosphorylated-Tau (phospho-Tau) protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ALS patients to controls and correlated it with clinical parameters of ALS progression collected over 12 months. We observed increased levels of Aβ1-42 (controls: 992.9 ± 358.3 ng/L; ALS: 1277.0 ± 296.6 ng/L; p < 0.0001) and increased Aβ1-42/phospho-Tau ratio and Innotest Amyloid Tau Index (IATI) (both p < 0.0001). IATI and the phospho-Tau/total Tau ratio correlated positively with ALSFRS-R and weight at baseline. Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline ALSFRS-R was associated with Aβ1-42 and phospho-Tau/total Tau ratio (p = 0.0109 and p = 0.0013, respectively). Total Tau and phospho-Tau levels correlated negatively with ALSFRS-R variation at months 6 and 9, respectively (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04, respectively). Phospho-Tau/total Tau ratio correlated positively with ALSFRS-R variation at month 9 (p = 0.04). CSF levels of Aβ1-42 could be used as a complementary tool to ALS diagnosis, and total Tau and phospho-Tau levels may help establishing the prognosis of ALS. Further studies merit exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with these markers. Despite their lack of specificity, phospho-Tau/total Tau and Aβ1-42 should be combined to other biological and clinical markers in order to improve ALS management.
A Single Nucleotide Mutation in Adenylate Cyclase Affects Vegetative Growth, Sclerotial Formation and Virulence of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Chen Xue , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhu Pinkuan , Wang Yiwen , Na Yantao , Guo Han , Cai Yunfei , Nie Haozhen , Jiang Yina , Xu Ling
Published: April 2020

Botrytis cinerea is a pathogenic fungus that causes gray mold disease in a broad range of crops. The high intraspecific variability of B. cinerea makes control of this fungus very difficult. Here, we isolated a variant B05.10M strain from wild-type B05.10. The B05.10M strain showed serious defects in mycelial growth, spore and sclerotia production, and virulence. Using whole-genome resequencing and site-directed mutagenesis, a single nucleotide mutation in the adenylate cyclase (BAC) gene that results in an amino acid residue (from serine to proline, S1407P) was shown to be the cause of various defects in the B05.10M strain. When we further investigated the effect of S1407 on BAC function, the S1407P mutation in bac showed decreased accumulation of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), and the growth defect could be partially restored by exogenous cAMP, indicating that the S1407P mutation reduced the enzyme activity of BAC. Moreover, the S1407P mutation exhibited decreased spore germination rate and infection cushion formation, and increased sensitivity to cell wall stress, which closely related to fungal development and virulence. Taken together, our study indicates that the S1407 site of bac plays an important role in vegetative growth, sclerotial formation, conidiation and virulence in B. cinerea.
Cerato-Platanins from Marine Fungi as Effective Protein Biosurfactants and Bioemulsifiers
Authors: Pitocchi Rossana , Cicatiello Paola , Birolo Leila , Piscitelli Alessandra , Bovio Elena , Varese Giovanna Cristina , Giardina Paola
Published: April 2020

Two fungal strains, Aspergillus terreus MUT 271 and Trichoderma harzianum MUT 290, isolated from a Mediterranean marine site chronically pervaded by oil spills, can use crude oil as sole carbon source. Herein, these strains were investigated as producers of biosurfactants, apt to solubilize organic molecules as a preliminary step to metabolize them. Both fungi secreted low molecular weight proteins identified as cerato-platanins, small, conserved, hydrophobic proteins, included among the fungal surface-active proteins. Both proteins were able to stabilize emulsions, and their capacity was comparable to that of other biosurfactant proteins and to commercially available surfactants. Moreover, the cerato-platanin from T. harzianum was able to lower the surface tension value to a larger extent than the similar protein from A. terreus and other amphiphilic proteins from fungi. Both cerato-platanins were able to make hydrophilic a hydrophobic surface, such as hydrophobins, and to form a stable layer, not removable even after surface washing. To the best of our knowledge, the ability of cerato-platanins to work both as biosurfactant and bioemulsifier is herein demonstrated for the first time.
Mechanical Properties of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Expressing Wt- and Mutant CFTR
Authors: Carapeto Ana P. , Vitorino Miguel V. , Santos João D. , Ramalho Sofia S. , Robalo Tiago , Rodrigues Mário S. , Farinha Carlos M.
Published: April 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). A single recessive mutation, the deletion of phenylalanine 508 (F508del), causes severe CF and resides on 70% of mutant chromosomes. Disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton has been previously reported in relation to the CF phenotype. In this work, we aimed to understand this alteration by means of Atomic Force Microscopy and Force Feedback Microscopy investigation of mechanical properties of cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells stably transduced with either wild type (wt-) or F508del-CFTR. We show here that the expression of mutant CFTR causes a decrease in the cell’s apparent Young modulus as compared to the expression of the wt protein.