bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fertility Preservation in Childhood Cancer: Endocrine Activity in Prepubertal Human Testis Xenografts Exposed to a Pubertal Hormone Environment
Authors: Hutka Marsida , Kadam Prashant , Van Saen Dorien , Homer Natalie Z. M. , Onofre Jaime , Wallace W. Hamish B. , Smith Lee B. , Stukenborg Jan-Bernd , Goossens Ellen , Mitchell Rod T.
Published: September 2020

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for long-term treatment-induced health sequelae, including gonadotoxicity and iatrogenic infertility. At present, for prepubertal boys there are no viable clinical options to preserve future reproductive potential. We investigated the effect of a pubertal induction regimen with gonadotrophins on prepubertal human testis xenograft development. Human testis tissue was obtained from patients with cancer and non-malignant haematological disorders (n = 6; aged 1–14 years) who underwent testis tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation. Fresh and frozen-thawed testis fragments were transplanted subcutaneously or intratesticularly into immunocompromised mice. Graft-bearing mice received injections of vehicle or exogenous gonadotrophins, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG, 20 IU), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, 12.5 IU) three times a week for 12 weeks. The gross morphology of vehicle and gonadotrophin-exposed grafts was similar for both transplantation sites. Exposure of prepubertal human testis tissue xenografts to exogenous gonadotrophins resulted in limited endocrine function of grafts, as demonstrated by the occasional expression of the steroidogenic cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1). Plasma testosterone concentrations (0.13 vs. 0.25 ng/mL; p = 0.594) and seminal vesicle weights (10.02 vs. 13.93 mg; p = 0.431) in gonadotrophin-exposed recipient mice were comparable to vehicle-exposed controls. Regardless of the transplantation site and treatment, initiation and maintenance of androgen receptor (AR) expression were observed in Sertoli cells, indicating commitment towards a more differentiated status. However, neither exogenous gonadotrophins (in castrated host mice) nor endogenous testosterone (in intact host mice) were sufficient to repress the expression of markers associated with immature Sertoli cells, such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and Ki67, or to induce the redistribution of junctional proteins (connexin 43, CX43; claudin 11, CLDN11) to areas adjacent to the basement membrane. Spermatogonia did not progress developmentally but remained the most advanced germ cell type in testis xenografts. Overall, these findings demonstrate that exogenous gonadotrophins promote partial activation and maturation of the somatic environment in prepubertal testis xenografts. However, alternative hormone regimens or additional factors for pubertal induction are required to complete the functional maturation of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche.
Targeting Notch Trafficking and Processing in Cancers
Authors: Pagliaro Luca , Sorrentino Claudia , Roti Giovanni
Published: September 2020

The Notch family comprises a group of four ligand-dependent receptors that control evolutionarily conserved developmental and homeostatic processes and transmit signals to the microenvironment. NOTCH undergoes remodeling, maturation, and trafficking in a series of post-translational events, including glycosylation, ubiquitination, and endocytosis. The regulatory modifications occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi precede the intramembrane γ-secretase proteolysis and the transfer of active NOTCH to the nucleus. Hence, NOTCH proteins coexist in different subcellular compartments and undergo continuous relocation. Various factors, including ion concentration, enzymatic activity, and co-regulatory elements control Notch trafficking. Interfering with these regulatory mechanisms represents an innovative therapeutic way to bar oncogenic Notch signaling. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of Notch signaling in cancer and describe the protein modifications required for NOTCH to relocate across different subcellular compartments. We focus on the functional relationship between these modifications and the corresponding therapeutic options, and our findings could support the development of trafficking modulators as a potential alternative to the well-known γ-secretase inhibitors.
Stability of Alkyl Chain-Mediated Lipid Anchoring in Liposomal Membranes
Authors: Gleue Lukas , Schupp Jonathan , Zimmer Niklas , Becker Eyleen , Frey Holger , Tuettenberg Andrea , Helm Mark
Published: September 2020

Lipid exchange among biological membranes, lipoprotein particles, micelles, and liposomes is an important yet underrated phenomenon with repercussions throughout the life sciences. The premature loss of lipid molecules from liposomal formulations severely impacts therapeutic applications of the latter and thus limits the type of lipids and lipid conjugates available for fine-tuning liposomal properties. While cholesterol derivatives, with their irregular lipophilic surface shape, are known to readily undergo lipid exchange and interconvert, e.g., with serum, the situation is unclear for lipids with regular, linear-shaped alkyl chains. This study compares the propensity of fluorescence-labeled lipid conjugates of systematically varied lengths to migrate from liposomal particles consisting mainly of egg phosphatidyl choline 3 (EPC3) and cholesterol into biomembranes. We show that dialkyl glyceryl lipids with chains of 18–20 methylene units are inherently stable in liposomal membranes. In contrast, C16 lipids show some lipid exchange, albeit significantly less than comparable cholesterol conjugates. Remarkably, the C18 chain length, which confers noticeable anchor stability, corresponds to the typical chain length in biological membranes.
Progressive Photoreceptor Dysfunction and Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Like Features in rp1l1 Mutant Zebrafish
Authors: Noel Nicole C. L. , Nadolski Nathan J. , Hocking Jennifer C. , MacDonald Ian M. , Allison W. Ted
Published: September 2020

Photoreceptor disease results in irreparable vision loss and blindness, which has a dramatic impact on quality of life. Pathogenic mutations in RP1L1 lead to photoreceptor degenerations such as occult macular dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa. RP1L1 is a component of the photoreceptor axoneme, the backbone structure of the photoreceptor’s light-sensing outer segment. We generated an rp1l1 zebrafish mutant using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Mutant animals had progressive photoreceptor functional defects as determined by electrophysiological assessment. Optical coherence tomography showed gaps in the photoreceptor layer, disrupted photoreceptor mosaics, and thinner retinas. Mutant retinas had disorganized photoreceptor outer segments and lipid-rich subretinal drusenoid deposits between the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Our mutant is a novel model of RP1L1-associated photoreceptor disease and the first zebrafish model of photoreceptor degeneration with reported subretinal drusenoid deposits, a feature of age-related macular degeneration.
The Effect of Electrolytic Solution Composition on the Structure, Corrosion, and Wear Resistance of PEO Coatings on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Toulabifard Amirhossein , Rahmati Maryam , Raeissi Keyvan , Hakimizad Amin , Santamaria Monica
Published: September 2020

Plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings were prepared in aluminate, phosphate, and silicate-based electrolytic solutions using a soft-sparking regime in a multi-frequency stepped process to compare the structure, corrosion, and wear characteristics of the obtained coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy. The XRD results indicated that all coatings consist of MgO and MgF2, while specific products such as Mg2SiO4, MgSiO3, Mg2P2O7, and MgAl2O4 were also present in specimens based on the selected solution. Surface morphology of the obtained coatings was strongly affected by the electrolyte composition. Aluminate-containing coating showed volcano-like, nodular particles and craters distributed over the surface. Phosphate-containing coating presented a sintering-crater structure, with non-uniform distributions of micro-pores and micro-cracks. Silicate-containing coating exhibited a scaffold surface involving a network of numerous micro-pores and oxide granules. The aluminate-treated sample offered the highest corrosion resistance and the minimum wear rate (5 × 10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1), owing to its compact structure containing solely 1.75% relative porosity, which is the lowest value in comparison with other samples. The silicate-treated sample was degraded faster in long-term corrosion and wear tests due to its porous structure, and with more delay in the phosphate-containing coating due to its larger thickness (30 µm).
Accurate Design of Solar Selective Absorber Based on Measured Optical Constants of Nano-thin Cr Film
Authors: Wang Zheng-Yong , Hu Er-Tao , Cai Qing-Yuan , Wang Jing , Tu Hua-Tian , Yu Ke-Han , Chen Liang-Yao , Wei Wei
Published: September 2020

Solar selective absorbers have significant applications in various photothermal conversion systems. In this work, a global optimization method based on genetic algorithm was developed by directly optimizing the solar photothermal conversion efficiency of a nano-chromium (Cr) film-based solar selective absorber aiming to work at the specified working temperature and solar concentration. In consideration of the semi-transparent metal absorption layer employed in multilayered solar selective absorbers, the optical constants of ultrathin Cr film were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometer and introduced into the optimization process. The ultrathin Cr film-based solar selective absorber was successfully designed and fabricated by the magnetron sputtering method for the working temperature at 600 K and a solar concentration of 1 Sun. The measured reflectance spectra of the sample show a good agreement with the numerical simulations based on measured optical constants of ultrathin Cr film. In comparison, the simulated results by using the optical constants of bulk Cr film or literature data exhibit a large discrepancy with the experimental results. It demonstrates the significance of considering the actual optical constants for the semi-transparent metal absorption layer in the design of nano-metal film-based solar selective absorber.
Effect of Substrate Holder Design on Stress and Uniformity of Large-Area Polycrystalline Diamond Films Grown by Microwave Plasma-Assisted CVD
Authors: Sedov Vadim , Martyanov Artem , Altakhov Alexandr , Popovich Alexey , Shevchenko Mikhail , Savin Sergey , Zavedeev Evgeny , Zanaveskin Maxim , Sinogeykin Andrey , Ralchenko Victor , Konov Vitaly
Published: September 2020

In this work, the substrate holders of three principal geometries (flat, pocket, and pedestal) were designed based on E-field simulations. They were fabricated and then tested in microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition process with the purpose of the homogeneous growth of 100-μm-thick, low-stress polycrystalline diamond film over 2-inch Si substrates with a thickness of 0.35 mm. The effectiveness of each holder design was estimated by the criteria of the PCD film quality, its homogeneity, stress, and the curvature of the resulting “diamond-on-Si” plates. The structure and phase composition of the synthesized samples were studied with scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, the curvature was measured using white light interferometry, and the thermal conductivity was measured using the laser flash technique. The proposed pedestal design of the substrate holder could reduce the stress of the thick PCD film down to 1.1–1.4 GPa, which resulted in an extremely low value of displacement for the resulting “diamond-on-Si” plate of Δh = 50 μm. The obtained results may be used for the improvement of already existing, and the design of the novel-type, MPCVD reactors aimed at the growth of large-area thick homogeneous PCD layers and plates for electronic applications.
Thermal Stability of MoNbTaVW High Entropy Alloy Thin Films
Authors: Xia Ao , Franz Robert
Published: September 2020

Refractory high entropy alloys are an interesting material class because of their high thermal stability, decent electrical conductivity, and promising mechanical properties at elevated temperature. In the present work, we report on the thermal stability of body-centered cubic MoNbTaVW solid solution thin films that were synthesized by cathodic arc deposition. After vacuum annealing up to 1600 °C, the morphology, chemical composition, crystal structure, and electrical conductivity, as well as the mechanical properties, were analyzed. The observed body-centered cubic MoNbTaVW solid solution phase is stable up to 1500 °C. The evolution of electrical and mechanical properties due to the annealing treatment is discussed based on the observed structural changes of the synthesized thin films.
Au Doping ZnO Nanosheets Sensing Properties of Ethanol Gas Prepared on MEMS Device
Authors: Nagarjuna Yempati , Hsiao Yu-Jen
Published: September 2020

Sensitivity of the Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) device ZnO nanosheets sensor and the Au doped ZnO nanosheets sensor has been investigated. The ZnO samples have been prepared using Hydrothermal synthesis at 90 °C. The prepared ZnO nanostructure is tested for structural morphology and crystallinity properties. The elemental analysis of the ZnO sample and Au–ZnO samples are tested by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum analysis. MEMS device microheater is designed and prepared for testing the sensitivity of Ethanol gas. Thermal properties of the MEMS microheater is studied for better gas testing at different temperatures. Both the ZnO nanosheets sensor and Au doped ZnO nanosheets sensor are tested using Ethanol gas, and the gas concentrations are taken to be 15, 30, 45, and 60 ppm at 300 °C. The gas sensing response of pure ZnO nanosheets tested for ethanol gas at 60 ppm showed 20%, while the Au–ZnO nanosheets showed 35%, which is increased by 15% at similar operating conditions.
Calcium Carbonate in Bio-Based Material and Factor Affecting Its Precipitation Rate for Repairing Concrete
Authors: Putri Prima Yane , Ujike Isao , Sandra Nevy , Rifwan Fitra , Andayono Totoh
Published: September 2020

The use of bio-based material for repairing concrete is a relatively new method. Therefore, more results from simulated real-condition experiments are needed before being applied on a practical scale. In the recent past, several studies have been conducted on the improvement of bio-based repair materials. In this study, the bio-based material involving yeast, glucose, and calcium acetate mixed in a Tris buffer solution showed the potential to develop a microbial process leading to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. We investigated the factors affecting the precipitation rate of the calcium carbonate of bio-based materials for repairing leakage in the concrete specimens. Based on a series of experiments involving temperature, the type of dry yeast, and the concentration of the Tris buffer solution, the composition of bio-based materials with the highest precipitation rate of calcium carbonate was selected. The selected mixture could be applied to repair leakage of concrete until the cracks are sealed entirely.
Static Recrystallization Microstructure Evolution in a Cold-Deformed Ni-Based Superalloy during Electropulsing Treatment
Authors: Zhang Hongbin , Zhang Chengcai , Han Baokun , Gao Kuidong , Fang Ruirui , Deng Nana , Zhou Haiping
Published: September 2020

The influence of electropulsing treatment (EPT) parameters on the static recrystallization (SRX) microstructure in a cold-deformed Ni-based superalloy was investigated. During EPT, both the volume fraction of SRX grains and the average grain size increased with the increasing EPT temperature, which was attributed to the thermal effect and athermal effect induced by EPT. The mobility of SRX grain boundaries was promoted at the higher temperature due to the thermal effect, while the nucleation rate would be increased by EPT through decreasing the thermodynamic barrier. The formation of parallel dislocations caused by electron wind force could also play an indirect role in promoting SRX process. Moreover, the volume fraction of SRX grains increased significantly with the extension of EPT time at 700 °C, while the EPT time had a trivial effect on the average grain size. In addition, the sufficient deformation was essential to the occurrence of SRX behavior during EPT, and the localized Joule heating effect could promote the SRX behavior in the samples with the larger strains. Besides that, the influence of twining and carbides on the SRX behaviors was also investigated.
Relationships between Foliar Fungal Endophyte Communities and Ecophysiological Traits of CAM and C3 Epiphytic Bromeliads in a Neotropical Rainforest
Authors: Tellez Peter H. , Woods Carrie L. , Formel Stephen , Bael Sunshine A. Van
Published: September 2020

Vascular epiphytes contribute up to 35% of the plant diversity and foliar biomass of flowering plants. The family Bromeliaceae is a monophyletic group of plants native to the Neotropics. Epiphytic bromeliads form associations with distinct groups of organisms but their relationship with foliar fungal endophytes remain underexplored. In this study we examined the relationship of foliar fungal endophytes to host photosynthetic pathways and associated ecophysiological traits. We sampled the fungal endophyte communities of 67 host individuals in six epiphytic bromeliad species differing in C3 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic pathways. We tested whether endophyte assemblages were associated with ecophysiological leaf traits related to host photosynthetic pathways. Our results indicate that (1) C3 and CAM bromeliads host dissimilar endophyte assemblages, (2) endophyte communities in C3 bromeliads are characterized by variable relative abundances of fungal orders; conversely, CAM associated endophyte communities were characterized by consistent relative abundances of fungal orders, and (3) endophyte communities in bromeliads are distributed along a continuum of leaf toughness and leaf water content. Taken together, our study suggests that host physiology and associated ecophysiological traits of epiphytic bromeliads may represent biotic filters for communities of fungal endophytes in the tropics.
The Factors Affecting Acceptance of E-Learning: A Machine Learning Algorithm Approach
Authors: Lu Dang-Nhac , Le Hong-Quang , Vu Tuan-Ha
Published: September 2020

The Covid-19 epidemic is affecting all areas of life, including the training activities of universities around the world. Therefore, the online learning method is an effective method in the present time and is used by many universities. However, not all training institutions have sufficient conditions, resources, and experience to carry out online learning, especially in under-resourced developing countries. Therefore, the construction of traditional courses (face to face), e-learning, or blended learning in limited conditions that still meet the needs of students is a problem faced by many universities today. To solve this problem, we propose a method of evaluating the influence of these factors on the e-learning system. From there, it is a matter of clarifying the importance and prioritizing construction investment for each factor based on the K-means clustering algorithm, using the data of students who have been participating in the system. At the same time, we propose a model to support students to choose one of the learning methods, such as traditional, e-learning or blended learning, which is suitable for their skills and abilities. The data classification method with the algorithms multilayer perceptron (MP), random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM) and naïve bayes (NB) is applied to find the model fit. The experiment was conducted on 679 data samples collected from 303 students studying at the Academy of Journalism and Communication (AJC), Vietnam. With our proposed method, the results are obtained from experimentation for the different effects of infrastructure, teachers, and courses, also as features of these factors. At the same time, the accuracy of the prediction results which help students to choose an appropriate learning method is up to 81.52%.
A Compact Size Wideband RF-VGA Based on Second Generation Controlled Current Conveyors
Authors: del Pino J. , L. Khemchandani Sunil , Galante-Sempere D. , Luján-Martínez C.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a methodology to design a wideband radio frequency variable gain amplifier (RF-VGA) in a low-cost SiGe BiCMOS 0.35 μm process. The circuit uses two Class A amplifiers based on second-generation controlled current conveyors (CCCII). The main feature of this circuit is the wideband input match along with a reduced NF (5.5–9.6 dB) and, to the authors’ knowledge, the lowest die footprint reported (62 × 44 μm2 area). The implementation of the RF-VGA based on CCCII allows a wideband input match without the need of passive elements. Due to the nature of the circuit, when the gain is increased, the power consumption is reduced. The architecture is suitable for designing wideband, low-power, and low-noise amplifiers. The proposed design achieves a tunable gain of 6.7–18 dB and a power consumption of 1.7 mA with a ±1.5 V DC supply. At maximum gain, the proposed RF-VGA covers from DC up to 1 GHz and can find application in software design radios (SDRs), the low frequency medical implant communication system (MICS) or industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands.
Needle Senescence Affects Fire Behavior in Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) Stands: A Simulation Study
Authors: Balaguer-Romano Rodrigo , Díaz-Sierra Rubén , Madrigal Javier , Voltas Jordi , Resco de Dios Víctor
Published: September 2020

Research Highlights: Pre-programmed cell death in old Aleppo pine needles leads to low moisture contents in the forest canopy in July, the time when fire activity nears its peak in the Western Mediterranean Basin. Here, we show, for the first time, that such needle senescence may increase fire behavior and thus is a potential mechanism explaining why the bulk of the annual burned area in the region occurs in early summer. Background and Objectives: The brunt of the fire season in the Western Mediterranean Basin occurs at the beginning of July, when live fuel moisture content is near its maximum. Here, we test whether a potential explanation to this conundrum lies in Aleppo pine needle senescence, a result of pre-programmed cell death in 3-years-old needles, which typically occurs in the weeks preceding the peak in the burned area. Our objective was to simulate the effects of needle senescence on fire behavior. Materials and Methods: We simulated the effects of needle senescence on canopy moisture and structure. Fire behavior was simulated across different phenological scenarios and for two highly contrasting Aleppo pine stand structures, a forest, and a shrubland. Wildfire behavior simulations were done with BehavePlus6 across a wide range of wind speeds and of dead fine surface fuel moistures. Results: The transition from surface to passive crown fire occurred at lower wind speeds under simulated needle senescence in the forest and in the shrubland. Transitions to active crown fire only occurred in the shrubland under needle senescence. Maximum fire intensity and severity were always recorded in the needle senescence scenario. Conclusions: Aleppo pine needle senescence may enhance the probability of crown fire development at the onset of the fire season, and it could partly explain the concentration of fire activity in early July in the Western Mediterranean Basin.
Transcriptome Profiling Analyses in Psoriasis: A Dynamic Contribution of Keratinocytes to the Pathogenesis
Authors: Rioux Geneviève , Ridha Zainab , Simard Mélissa , Turgeon Florence , Guérin Sylvain L. , Pouliot Roxane
Published: September 2020

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with a complex etiology involving environmental and genetic factors. A better insight into related genomic alteration helps design precise therapies leading to better treatment outcome. Gene expression in psoriasis can provide relevant information about the altered expression of mRNA transcripts, thus giving new insights into the disease onset. Techniques for transcriptome analyses, such as microarray and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), are relevant tools for the discovery of new biomarkers as well as new therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the findings related to the contribution of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by an in-depth review of studies that have examined psoriatic transcriptomes in the past years. It also provides valuable information on reconstructed 3D psoriatic skin models using cells isolated from psoriatic patients for transcriptomic studies.
Application of CRISPR/Cas9-Based Reverse Genetics in Leishmania braziliensis: Conserved Roles for HSP100 and HSP23
Authors: Adaui Vanessa , Kröber-Boncardo Constanze , Brinker Christine , Zirpel Henner , Sellau Julie , Arévalo Jorge , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Clos Joachim
Published: September 2020

The protozoan parasite Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (L. braziliensis) is the main cause of human tegumentary leishmaniasis in the New World, a disease affecting the skin and/or mucosal tissues. Despite its importance, the study of the unique biology of L. braziliensis through reverse genetics analyses has so far lagged behind in comparison with Old World Leishmania spp. In this study, we successfully applied a cloning-free, PCR-based CRISPR–Cas9 technology in L. braziliensis that was previously developed for Old World Leishmania major and New World L. mexicana species. As proof of principle, we demonstrate the targeted replacement of a transgene (eGFP) and two L. braziliensis single-copy genes (HSP23 and HSP100). We obtained homozygous Cas9-free HSP23- and HSP100-null mutants in L. braziliensis that matched the phenotypes reported previously for the respective L. donovani null mutants. The function of HSP23 is indeed conserved throughout the Trypanosomatida as L. majorHSP23 null mutants could be complemented phenotypically with transgenes from a range of trypanosomatids. In summary, the feasibility of genetic manipulation of L. braziliensis by CRISPR–Cas9-mediated gene editing sets the stage for testing the role of specific genes in that parasite’s biology, including functional studies of virulence factors in relevant animal models to reveal novel therapeutic targets to combat American tegumentary leishmaniasis.
The Diversity of Genetic Outcomes from CRISPR/Cas Gene Editing is Regulated by the Length of the Symmetrical Donor DNA Template
Authors: Hewes Amanda M. , Sansbury Brett M. , Kmiec Eric B.
Published: September 2020

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas gene editing systems have enabled molecular geneticists to manipulate prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes with greater efficiency and precision. CRISPR/Cas provides adaptive immunity in bacterial cells by degrading invading viral genomes. By democratizing this activity into human cells, it is possible to knock out specific genes to disable their function and repair errors. The latter of these activities requires the participation of a single-stranded donor DNA template that provides the genetic information to execute correction in a process referred to as homology directed repair (HDR). Here, we utilized an established cell-free extract system to determine the influence that the donor DNA template length has on the diversity of products from CRISPR-directed gene editing. This model system enables us to view all outcomes of this reaction and reveals that donor template length can influence the efficiency of the reaction and the categories of error-prone products that accompany it. A careful measurement of the products revealed a category of error-prone events that contained the corrected template along with insertions and deletions (indels). Our data provides foundational information for those whose aim is to translate CRISPR/Cas from bench to bedside.
Consensual Sexting among College Students: The Interplay of Coercion and Intimate Partner Aggression in Perceived Consequences of Sexting
Authors: Cornelius Tara L. , Bell Kathryn M. , Kistler Tylor , Drouin Michelle
Published: September 2020

Recent empirical data suggests that the majority of adolescents and emerging adults utilize digital technology to engage with texting and social media on a daily basis, with many using these mediums to engage in sexting (sending sexual texts, pictures, or videos via digital mediums). While research in the last decade has disproportionately focused on the potential risk factors and negative consequences associated with sexting, the data are limited by failing to differentiate consensual from non-consensual sexting and account for potential influences of intimate partner aggression (IPA) and sexting coercion in these contexts. In the current study, we assessed the positive and negative consequences associated with sexting, using behavioral theory as a framework, to determine the relationship between an individual’s personal history of IPA victimization and the perceived consequences. Undergraduate students (N = 536) who reported consensual sexting completed a series of measures examining their most recent sexting experience, including perceived sexting consequences, and their history of sexting coercion and IPA. Results suggested that those reporting a history of any type of IPA victimization endorsed more negative reinforcing consequences after sending a sext, and those with a history of physical or sexual IPA victimization endorsed more punishing consequences after sending a sext than those without such history. Additionally, experience with IPA was found to be positively correlated with perceived pressure/coercion to send a sext. The implications of these data for research, policy, prevention, and intervention are explored.
Nursing Education in Catalonia: Novice Professionals’ Appraisal of Its Quality and Usefulness. Does Mobility Play a Role?
Authors: Peiró Teresa , Sora Beatriz , Soriano Aida , Yeves Jesús
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the quality of undergraduate education perceived by novice nurses and their retrospective satisfaction with their education. It also studied the relationships between the perceived usefulness of their education for their current jobs and the quality of the jobs held by novice nursing professionals. The moderator role of mobility in this relationship was also analyzed, as it reflects a boundary condition in which additional preparation or job opportunities may occur. The study used data from the graduates’ survey carried out by the Agència per a la Qualitat del Sistema Universitari de Catalunya (AQU) in 2017. The analysis of data from 644 graduates of Catalan Universities in 2014 highlights different functions of two types of knowledge and skills; those directly related to science and the practice of nursing are stronger predictors of retrospective satisfaction with nursing education. In turn, the perception of the usefulness of horizontal skills, such as transversal and communication skills, plays a stronger role in predicting job quality. The results about the role of mobility were not conclusive, and more research is needed to clarify its influence on nursing education and subsequent professional practice.
Cross-Sectional Associations of 24-Hour Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Sleep Duration Compositions with Sleep Quality and Habits in Preschoolers
Authors: St. Laurent Christine W. , Burkart Sarah , Rodheim Katrina , Marcotte Robert , Spencer Rebecca M. C.
Published: September 2020

Although some studies indicate physical activity and sleep quality are positively associated in children, most reports examined physical activity independent of other 24-h behaviors and focused on older children. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the predicted changes in sleep efficiency and habits when reallocating time between movement behaviors using compositional isotemporal substitution in preschool-aged children. Accelerometers were worn by 288 participants (51.6 ± 9.5 months) for up to 16 days. Sleep outcomes included sleep efficiency, nap frequency, sleep disturbances, and bedtime resistance. Compositional isotemporal substitution analyses demonstrated that the combined effect of 24-h movement behaviors was associated with sleep efficiency (p < 0.001) and nap frequency (p < 0.003). When sleep increased by 30 min at the expense of stationary time or light physical activity, estimates of sleep efficiency and bedtime resistance decreased while nap frequency increased. When stationary time increased by 30 min from moderate to vigorous physical activity, estimated sleep efficiency increased and sleep disturbances decreased. Although this study presents preliminary evidence that 24-h movement behavior compositions in early childhood are associated with sleep quality and nap frequency, estimated effects from theoretical time reallocations across sleep outcomes were mixed.
How Will the Future of Work Shape the OSH Professional of the Future? A Workshop Summary
Authors: Felknor Sarah , Streit Jessica , Chosewood L. , McDaniel Michelle , Schulte Paul , Delclos George ,   on behalf of the Workshop Presenters and Participants
Published: September 2020

Rapid and profound changes anticipated in the future of work will have significant implications for the education and training of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals and the workforce. As the nature of the workplace, work, and the workforce change, the OSH field must expand its focus to include existing and new hazards (some yet unknown), consider how to protect the health and well-being of a diverse workforce, and understand and mitigate the safety implications of new work arrangements. Preparing for these changes is critical to developing proactive systems that can protect workers, prevent injury and illness, and promote worker well-being. An in-person workshop held on February 3–4, 2020 at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) School of Public Health in Houston, Texas, USA, examined some of the challenges and opportunities OSH education will face in both academic and industry settings. The onslaught of the COVID-19 global pandemic reached the United States one month after this workshop and greatly accelerated the pace of change. This article summarizes presentations from national experts and thought leaders across the spectrum of OSH and professionals in the fields of strategic foresight, systems thinking, and industry, and provides recommendations for the field.
Analyzing Workers’ Compensation Claims and Payments Made Using Data from a Large Insurance Provider
Authors: Baidwan Navneet Kaur , Carroll Nathan W. , Ozaydin Bunyamin , Puro Neeraj
Published: September 2020

Background: All states in the USA have established Workers’ Compensation (WC) insurance systems/programs. WC systems address key occupational safety and health concerns. This effort uses data from a large insurance provider for the years 2011–2018 to provide estimates for WC payments, stratified by the claim severity, i.e., medical only, and indemnity. Methods: Besides providing descriptive statistics, we used generalized estimating equations to analyze the association between the key injury characteristics (nature, source, and body part injured) and total WC payments made. We also provide the overall cost burden for the former. Results: Out of the total 151,959 closed claims, 83% were medical only. The mean overall WC payment per claim for the claims that resulted in a payment was $1477 (SD: $7221). Adjusted models showed that mean payments vary by claim severity. For example, among medical only claims, the mean payment was the highest for amputations ($3849; CI: $1396, $10,608), and among disability and death related claims, ruptures cost the most ($14,285; $7772, $26,255). With frequencies taken into account, the overall cost burden was however the highest for strains. Conclusions: Workplace interventions should prioritize both the costs of claims on average and the frequency.
The Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Convenience Sample of 202 Gulf War Veterans
Authors: Chao Linda L.
Published: September 2020

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multisymptom disorder estimated to affect approximately 25–32% of Gulf War veterans (GWVs). Cognitive dysfunction is a common symptom of GWI. On the continuum of cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is conceptualized as a transitional phase between normal aging and dementia. Individuals with MCI exhibit cognitive decline but have relatively spared activities of daily function and do not meet criteria for dementia. The current study sought to investigate the prevalence of MCI in a convenience sample of 202 GWVs (median age: 52 years; 18% female). Twelve percent of the sample (median age: 48 years) had MCI according to an actuarial neuropsychological criterion, a rate materially higher than expected for this age group. GWVs with MCI also had a smaller hippocampal volume and a thinner parietal cortex, higher rates of current posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder compared to GWVs without MCI. Because people with MCI are more likely to progress to dementia compared to those with normal cognition, these results may portend future higher rates of dementia among deployed GWVs.
Acute and Chronic Catabolic Responses to CrossFit® and Resistance Training in Young Males
Authors: Faelli Emanuela , Bisio Ambra , Codella Roberto , Ferrando Vittoria , Perasso Luisa , Panascì Marco , Saverino Daniele , Ruggeri Piero
Published: September 2020

Given the wide variety of conditioning program trainings employed, the present study compared the catabolic effects induced by CrossFit® and resistance training in moderately trained subjects. Twenty males joined either the CrossFit® group (n = 10; 30 min/day of “workout of the day”) or the resistance training (RT) group (n = 10; 30 min/day of resistance exercises) thrice a week, for 8 weeks. Salivary levels of cortisol, interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and uric acid were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays before (PRE) and 30-min after (POST) SESSION 1 and SESSION 24. Variables’ percentual changes were computed as (POST-PRE)/PRE*100 in each session (Δ%). CrossFit® acutely increased cortisol levels in both sessions, with a significant decrease in Δ%cortisol from SESSION 1 to 24. In the RT group, cortisol values decreased in both sessions, only acutely. A significant decrease in IL-1β levels was registered acutely in both groups, in both sessions, whereas Δ%IL-1β was not different between the two groups. While uric acid levels increased in both groups acutely, a chronic downregulation of Δ%uric acid, from SESSION 1 to 24, was appreciated for the RT group only. Overall, CrossFit® appeared to induce more intense effects than the RT program as to the investigated catabolic responses.
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Comparison of Two Cases
Authors: Kozłowski Mateusz , Nowak Katarzyna , Boboryko Dominika , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: September 2020

Background: Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome is a rare malformation syndrome characterized by uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Symptoms appear most often after menarche and are secondary to hematocolpos. We compare clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of two patients, a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old. Case report: Despite the non-uniform clinical symptoms, it should be noted that in both patients, the 13-year-old and the 17-year-old, hematocolpos, which was probably the cause of lower abdominal pain, was diagnosed with ultrasound. The diagnosis was complemented by laparoscopy, which determined the diagnosis of malformation of uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina. The patients had a history of kidney agenesis, which, after gynecological diagnosis, turned out to be ipsilateral. In the 13-year-old, agenesis was diagnosed by uroscintigraphy, while in the 17-year-old it was diagnosed by urography. Incision and drainage of the residual vagina was performed in the course of therapeutic management. In both cases, the clinical situation required a repeated widening of the orifice. Conclusions: Lower abdominal pain accompanying hematocolpos suggested Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome (HWWS) as the cause of symptoms. 3D transvaginal ultrasound enabled the determination of a congenital uterine defect with high probability, although inconclusive cases required confirmation by laparoscopy. Incision of the blocked vagina and drainage of hematocolpos were the key components of treatment. The treatment of HWWS is a multi-step process.
Association between Migrant Women’s Legal Status and Prenatal Care Utilization in the PreCARE Cohort
Authors: Eslier Maxime , Deneux-Tharaux Catherine , Sauvegrain Priscille , Schmitz Thomas , Luton Dominique , Mandelbrot Laurent , Estellat Candice , Azria Elie
Published: September 2020

Barriers to access to prenatal care may partially explain the higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among migrants compared with native-born women in Europe. Our aim was to assess the association between women’s legal status and inadequate prenatal care utilization (PCU) in France, where access to healthcare is supposed to be universal. The study population was extracted from the PreCARE prospective cohort (N = 10,419). The associations between women’s legal status and a composite outcome variable of inadequate PCU were assessed with multivariate logistic regressions. The proportion of women born in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was higher among the undocumented than that of other migrants. All groups of migrant women had a higher risk of inadequate PCU (31.6% for legal migrants with European nationalities, 40.3% for other legal migrants, and 52.0% for undocumented migrants) than French-born women (26.4%). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for inadequate PCU for undocumented migrants compared with that for French-born women was 2.58 (95% confidence interval 2.16–3.07) overall, and this association was similar for migrant women born in SSA (aOR 2.95, 2.28–3.82) and those born elsewhere (aOR 2.37, 1.89–2.97). Regardless of the maternal place of birth, undocumented migrant status is associated with a higher risk of inadequate PCU.
Shoreline Changes Along the Coast of Mainland China—Time to Pause and Reflect?
Authors: Tian Hongzhen , Xu Kai , Goes Joaquim I. , Liu Qinping , Gomes Helga do Rosario , Yang Mengmeng
Published: September 2020

Shoreline changes are of great importance for evaluating the interaction between humans and ecosystems in coastal areas. They serve as a useful metric for assessing the ecological costs of socioeconomic developmental activities along the coast. In this paper, we present an assessment of shoreline changes along the eastern coast of mainland China from ~1990 to 2019 by applying a novel method recently developed by us. This method which we call the Nearest Distance Method (NDM) is used to make a detailed assessment of shorelines delineated from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) images. The results indicate a dramatic decline in natural shorelines that correspond to the rapid increase in the construction of artificial shorelines, driven by China’s economic growth. Of the entire coast of mainland China, the biggest change occurred along the Bohai Sea, where artificial shorelines expanded from 42.4% in ~1990 to 81.5% in 2019. Over this period, this study indicates that China lost > 60% of its biological shorelines, a trend that is especially worrisome because these include areas that were once biologically diverse and extremely rich. As anticipated, shoreline losses were greatest where regions of low economic value had been transformed to areas of higher economic value. Overall, this influence of human activities on shorelines in China is unprecedented. The repercussions of these changes on ecosystems, and the susceptibility of new shoreline developments to population growth and sea-level rise, need to be assessed urgently before additional changes are effected.
Improved Estimations of Nitrate and Sediment Concentrations Based on SWAT Simulations and Annual Updated Land Cover Products from a Deep Learning Classification Algorithm
Authors: Samarinas Nikiforos , Tziolas Nikolaos , Zalidis George
Published: September 2020

The agricultural sector and natural resources are heavily interdependent, comprising a coherent but complex system. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) is widely used in assessing these interdependencies for regional watershed management. However, long-term simulations of agricultural watersheds are considered as not realistic since they have often been performed assuming constant land use over time and are based on the coarse resolution of the existing global or national data. This work presents the first insights of the synergy among SWAT model and deep learning classification algorithms to provide annually updated and realistic model’s parameterization and simulations. The proposed hybrid modelling approach couples the physical process SWAT model with the versatility of Earth observation data-driven non-linear deep learning algorithms for land use classification (Overall Accuracy (OA) = 79.58% and Kappa = 0.79), giving a strong advantage to decision makers for efficient management planning. A validation case at an agricultural watershed located in Northern Greece is provided to demonstrate their synergistic use to estimate nitrate and sediment concentrations that load in Zazari Lake. The SWAT model has been implemented under two different simulations; one with the use of a static coarse land use map and the other with the use of the annual updated land use maps for three consecutive years (2017–2019). The results indicate that the land use changes affect the final estimations resulting to an enhanced prediction performance of 1% and 2% for sediment and nitrate, respectively, when the annual land use maps are incorporated into SWAT simulations. In this context, a hybrid approach could further contribute to addressing challenges and support a data-centric scheme for informed decision making with regard to environmental and agricultural issues on the river basin scale.
Fire in the Operating Room: Use of Mixed Reality Simulation with Nurse Anesthesia Students
Authors: Wunder Linda , Gomez Nicole A. Gonzaga , Gonzalez Juan E. , Mitzova-Vladinov Greta , Cacchione Max , Mato Jampierre , Foronda Cynthia L. , Groom Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2020

Background: The occurrence of a fire when implementing anesthesia is a high-risk, low-frequency event. The operating room is a high-stakes environment that has no room for error. Mixed reality simulation may be a solution to better prepare healthcare professionals. The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive study was to evaluate the technical and non-technical skills of student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) who participated in a mixed reality simulation of an operating room fire. Methods: Magic Leap OneTM augmented reality headsets were used by 32 student registered nurse anesthetists to simulate an emergent fire during a simulated tracheostomy procedure. Both technical and non-technical skills were evaluated by faculty members utilizing a checklist. Results: The SRNAs’ overall mean technical skill performance was 18.16 ± 1.44 out of a maximum score of 20, and the mean non-technical skill performance was 91.25% out of 100%. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the utility and limitations in applying novel technology in simulation. Participants demonstrated a strong performance of technical and non-technical skills in the management of a simulated operating room fire. Recommendations for future applications include the use of multiple sensory inputs into the scenario design and including all core team members in the immersive mixed reality environment.