bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Temperature Nano-Indentation Creep of Reduced Activity High Entropy Alloys Based on 4-5-6 Elemental Palette
Authors: Sadeghilaridjani Maryam , Muskeri Saideep , Pole Mayur , Mukherjee Sundeep
Published: February 2020

There is a strong demand for materials with inherently high creep resistance in the harsh environment of next-generation nuclear reactors. High entropy alloys have drawn intense attention in this regard due to their excellent elevated temperature properties and irradiation resistance. Here, the time-dependent plastic deformation behavior of two refractory high entropy alloys was investigated, namely HfTaTiVZr and TaTiVWZr. These alloys are based on reduced activity metals from the 4-5-6 elemental palette that would allow easy post-service recycling after use in nuclear reactors. The creep behavior was investigated using nano-indentation over the temperature range of 298 K to 573 K under static and dynamic loads up to 5 N. Creep stress exponent for HfTaTiVZr and TaTiVWZr was found to be in the range of 20–140 and the activation volume was ~16–20b3, indicating dislocation dominated mechanism. The stress exponent increased with increasing indentation depth due to a higher density of dislocations and their entanglement at larger depth and the exponent decreased with increasing temperature due to thermally activated dislocations. Smaller creep displacement and higher activation energy for the two high entropy alloys indicate superior creep resistance compared to refractory pure metals like tungsten.
The Links between Human Diets and Health and Climate Outcomes in the World’s Macro-Regions during the Last 50 Years
Authors: Fischer Christian , Miglietta Pier Paolo
Published: February 2020

Globally, traditional food security fears have been supplemented by concerns about food system sustainability that link current agricultural production practices to damages of environmental ecosystems and the world’s climate, thus threatening the natural resource base of future generations. This paper aims at creating a better understanding of the evolution of diet sustainability from 1961 to 2013. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations were used to investigate the situation for the world as a whole as well as for its macro-regions Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. We define diet sustainability by (a) the share of daily per capita calorie intake derived from vegetable/plant products and (b) the variety of vegetable/plant products consumed, measured by the Simpson diversity index. Moreover, total calorie consumption is considered. Then the correlations between diet sustainability and (a) macro-regional life expectancy rates and (b) food system greenhouse gas emissions are calculated. The results show that diet sustainability has not changed much during the last 50 years. Moreover, the nexus between diets and health and climate outcomes is not fully evident at the macro-regional level. Therefore, Malthus 2.0, i.e., scientific food pessimism, should be avoided. In particular, the limitations of dietary contributions to human and planetary health ought to be more widely acknowledged.
Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain, and Risk of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Taiwan: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Chi-Nien , Chen Ho-Sheng , Hsu Heng-Cheng
Published: February 2020

Epidemiological studies have shown that maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with increased risk of perinatal outcomes. However, the evidence of such associations in Asian populations is limited. We conducted a secondary data analysis to investigate the relationships of prepregnancy BMI and GWG with the risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHTN), preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), and macrosomia. We categorized prepregnancy BMI by the WHO classification and GWG by the Institute of Medicine guidelines. We performed adjusted logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios of adverse perinatal outcomes. A total of 19,052 women were included; prepregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with a greater risk of GDM, GHTN, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and macrosomia. Women with excessive GWG had a greater risk of GHTN, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and macrosomia. In conclusion, regardless of the range of GWG during pregnancy, maternal prepregnancy BMI is significantly associated with the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in Taiwan. Public health attention regarding obesity reduction before conception and prenatal counseling for optimal GWG is needed to mitigate the risk of poor perinatal outcomes.
Transition Metal Containing Particulate Matter Promotes Th1 and Th17 Inflammatory Response by Monocyte Activation in Organic and Inorganic Compounds Dependent Manner
Authors: Gałuszka Adrianna , Stec Małgorzata , Węglarczyk Kazimierz , Kluczewska Anna , Siedlar Maciej , Baran Jarek
Published: February 2020

In recent years, a significant increase in the frequency of disorders caused by air pollutants has been observed. Here we asked whether transition metal-containing particulate matter (TMCPM), a component of air pollution, has an effect on the activity of human CD4+ T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were cultured with or without NIST (SRM 1648a—standard urban particulate matter purchased from the National Institute for Standards and Technology) and LAP (SRM 1648a particulate matter treated within 120 min with cold oxygen plasma) preparations of TMCPM, differing in organic compounds content. Data show that TMCPM treatment increased the level of CD4+ cells positive for IFN-γ and IL-17A, specific for Th1 and Th17 cells, respectively. Moreover, a substantial decrease in frequency of Foxp3 positive CD4+ cells was observed in parallel. This effect was more pronounced for NIST particles, containing more organic components, including endotoxin (LPS - lipopolysaccharide) and required the presence of monocytes. Inactivation of LPS by treatment of TMCPM with polymyxin B reduced the inflammatory response of monocytes and Th subsets but did not abolish this activity, suggesting a role of their inorganic components. In conclusion, treatment of human PBMC with TMCPM skews the balance of Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 cells, promoting polarization of CD4+ T cells into Th1 and Th17 subsets. This phenomenon requires activation of monocytes and depends on the organic and inorganic fractions, including endotoxin content in TMCPM, as significantly higher inflammatory response was observed for the NIST comparing to LAP. This observation may shed a new light on the role of TMCPM in development and exacerbation of allergies, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.
Assessing the Relative Impact of Diverse Stressors among Public Safety Personnel
Authors: Carleton R. Nicholas , Afifi Tracie O. , Taillieu Tamara , Turner Sarah , Mason Julia E. , Ricciardelli Rosemary , McCreary Donald R. , Vaughan Adam D. , Anderson Gregory S. , Krakauer Rachel L. , Donnelly Elizabeth A. , Camp Ronald D. , Groll Dianne , Cramm Heidi A. , MacPhee Renée S. , Griffiths Curt T.
Published: February 2020

Public Safety Personnel (PSP; e.g., correctional workers and officers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and public safety communications officials (e.g., call center operators/dispatchers)) are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs). PSP also experience other occupational stressors, including organizational (e.g., staff shortages, inconsistent leadership styles) and operational elements (e.g., shift work, public scrutiny). The current research quantified occupational stressors across PSP categories and assessed for relationships with PPTEs and mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression). The participants were 4820 PSP (31.7% women) responding to established self-report measures for PPTEs, occupational stressors, and mental disorder symptoms. PPTEs and occupational stressors were associated with mental health disorder symptoms (ps < 0.001). PSP reported substantial difficulties with occupational stressors associated with mental health disorder symptoms, even after accounting for diverse PPTE exposures. PPTEs may be inevitable for PSP and are related to mental health; however, leadership style, organizational engagement, stigma, sleep, and social environment are modifiable variables that appear significantly related to mental health.
Dose–Response Relationship between Physical Workload and Specific Shoulder Diseases—A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Seidler Andreas , Romero Starke Karla , Freiberg Alice , Hegewald Janice , Nienhaus Albert , Bolm-Audorff Ulrich
Published: February 2020

Several epidemiological studies have found an association between shoulder-loaded work activities and specific shoulder diseases. No study has derived the dose-response relationship and resulting doubling dose, important for the recognition of occupational diseases. This systematic review is an update of the van der Molen et al. (2017) review. Based on its methodologies, we identified new studies published up to November 2018. The dose-response relationship between physical occupational demands (hands at/above shoulder level, repetitive movements, forceful work, hand-arm vibrations) and specific shoulder diseases (defined as ICD-10 M 75.1-5: rotator cuff syndrome, bicipital tendinitis, calcific tendinitis, impingement, and bursitis) was derived. No evidence for sex-specific differences in the dose-response relationship was found. If there were at least two studies with comparable exposures, a meta-analysis was carried out. The pooled analysis resulted in a 21% risk increase (95% CI 4–41%) per 1000 h of work with hands above shoulder level. A meta-analysis was not possible for other occupational burdens due to the low number of studies and differing exposure measurements; an estimate of the doubling dose was made based on the cohort study of Dalbøge et al. (2014). To conclude, the present systematic review with meta-analysis contributes to knowledge of the level of exposure at which specific shoulder diseases—particularly rotator cuff lesions—should be recognized as an occupational disease.
Cost Effectiveness and Budget Impact Analyses of Influenza Vaccination for Prisoners in Thailand: An Application of System Dynamic Modelling
Authors: Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Doung-ngern Pawinee , Ploddi Kritchavat , Suthachana Suthanun , Phaiyarom Mathudara , Pachanee Kumaree , Chaifoo Walairat , Iamsirithaworn Sopon
Published: February 2020

Influenza outbreaks in Thai prisons were increasing in number every year and to address this, the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) initiated a policy to promote vaccination for prisoners. The objective of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness and budget impact of the influenza vaccination policy for prisoners in Thailand. The study obtained data from the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control (DDC), MOPH. Deterministic system dynamic modelling was exercised to estimate the financial implication of the vaccination programme in comparison with routine outbreak control. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated via a DDC perspective. The reproductive number was estimated at 1.4. A total of 143 prisons across the country (375,763 prisoners) were analysed. In non-vaccination circumstances, the total healthcare cost amounted to 174.8 million Baht (US$ 5.6 million). Should all prisoners be vaccinated, the total healthcare cost would reduce to 90.9 million Baht (US$ 2.9 million), and 46.8 million Baht (US$ 1.5 million) of this is related to the vaccination. The ICER of vaccination (compared with routine outbreak control) varied between 39,738.0 to 61,688.3 Baht per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted (US$ 1281.9–1989.9). Should the vaccination cover 30% of the prisoners, the ICER would be equal to 46,866.8 Baht (US$ 1511.8) per DALY averted with the budget burden amounted to Baht (US$ 4.8 million). The vaccination programme would become more cost-effective if the routine outbreak control was intensified. In summary, the vaccination programme was a cost-effective measure to halt influenza outbreak amongst prisoners. Further primary studies that aim to assess the actual impact of the programme are recommended.
Evaluating the Canadian Packaged Food Supply Using Health Canada’s Proposed Nutrient Criteria for Restricting Food and Beverage Marketing to Children
Authors: Mulligan Christine , Christoforou Anthea K. , Vergeer Laura , Bernstein Jodi T. , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: February 2020

Federally mandated restrictions on food and beverage marketing to kids (M2K) have been re-introduced as a national public health priority in Canada by the newly elected government, following the failure to implement a similar policy first proposed in 2016. This study examined the extent to which Canadian packaged foods, including products already displaying M2K on the packaging, would be permitted to be marketed, based on the nutrient criteria for marketing restrictions defined by Health Canada (in December 2018) as part of the previous policy proposal. Products from the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2013 database (n = 15,200) were evaluated using Health Canada’s published criteria: thresholds for sodium, sugars and saturated fats that products cannot exceed in order to be M2K. The proportion of products exceeding no thresholds (i.e., permitted to be M2K), the number of thresholds exceeded, and the proportion exceeding each individual threshold were calculated overall and in the subsample of products displaying M2K on the packaging (n = 747). Overall, 18.0% of products would be permitted to be M2K, versus 2.7% of products displaying M2K. Sodium was the most exceeded threshold overall (57.5% of products), whereas sugars was the most exceeded by products displaying M2K (80.1%). Only 4.7% of all products versus 10.4% of products displaying M2K exceeded all three thresholds. These results highlight the importance of reintroducing federal regulations restricting M2K in Canada and including marketing on product packaging in the regulatory scope.
Shallow Groundwater Quality and Its Controlling Factors in the Su-Xi-Chang Region, Eastern China
Authors: Bu Jianwei , Sun Ziyong , Ma Rui , Liu Yunde , Gong Xulong , Pan Zhao , Wei Wenhao
Published: February 2020

Understanding factors influencing groundwater quality is critical to the development of best management practices at the large watershed scale. In this study, the shallow groundwater (10–20 m depth) in the Su-Xi-Chang region, eastern China, was investigated as part of a monitoring program from 2007 to 2008 to analyze the regional groundwater quality as well as the hydrogeochemical processes and their controlling factors. Conventional physicochemical water parameters (pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus), major cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH4+) and anions (Cl−, NO3− and SO42−) were measured. Hydrochemical methods and multivariate statistical methods were applied to analyze the hydrogeochemical signatures, origins, the similarities among the variables and to identify the main pollution sources in the groundwater. The results showed that (1) the concentrations of TDS (224.89–1086.70 mg/L) and turbidity (0.1–18.60 NTU) were higher than the class II groundwater quality standards in China and the WHO drinking water standards, (2) there were extremely high concentrations of ammonia (0.01–32.90 mg/L), with a mean value of 0.72 mg/L and (3) the nitrate concentrations (average value of 22.07 mg/L) exceeded the class III groundwater quality standards. The study also provided evidence that weathering, dissolution of carbonate, halite and silicate and cation exchange were the possible primary hydrogeochemical control mechanisms in the groundwater. The sources of ammonia, total phosphorus, sulfates and nitrates included rock–water interactions and anthropogenic activities. The groundwater administration of pollution sinks and sources, long-term legal frameworks and economic incentives should be improved to optimize watershed scale management in the context of rapid development in China.
Xenobiotics, Trace Metals and Genetics in the Pathogenesis of Tauopathies
Authors: Aaseth Jan , Buha Aleksandra , Wallace David R. , Bjørklund Geir
Published: February 2020

Tauopathies are a disease group characterized by either pathological accumulation or release of fragments of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins originating from the central nervous system. The tau hypotheses of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases contain a clinically diverse spectrum of tauopathies. Studies of case records of various tauopathies may reveal clinical phenotype characteristics of the disease. In addition, improved understanding of different tauopathies would disclose environmental factors, such as xenobiotics and trace metals, that can precipitate or modify the progression of the disorder. Important for diagnostics and monitoring of these disorders is a further development of adequate biomarkers, including refined neuroimaging, or proteomics. Our goal is to provide an in-depth review of the current literature regarding the pathophysiological roles of tau proteins and the pathogenic factors leading to various tauopathies, with the perspective of future advances in potential therapeutic strategies.
Motivational Climate Is Associated with Use of Video Games and Violence in Schoolchildren: A Structural Equation Model According to Healthy Behaviors
Authors: Castro-Sánchez Manuel , Lara-Sánchez Amador Jesús , García-Mármol Eduardo , Chacón-Cuberos Ramón
Published: February 2020

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to develop an explanatory model of motivational climate, problematic use of videogames, violent behaviour and victimisation in schoolchildren. The sample included 734 children aged between 10 and 12 years of age from the province of Granada (Spain). A multi-group structural equation model was used, with an excellent fit (CFI = 0.964; NFI = 0.954; IFI = 0.964; RMSEA = 0.048). The results showed a positive relationship between the problematic use of video games, victimisation and violent behaviors, associating negatively with the task climate. Likewise, the task-oriented motivational climate was indirectly related to victimisation situations and violent behavior, while the ego climate did so positively with special emphasis on children who did not perform physical activity. As a main conclusion it is shown that adherence to the practice of physical activity, and particularly within a task-oriented motivational climate, can act as a protective factor against the problematic use of video games.
A Scoping Review of the Health of Conflict-Induced Internally Displaced Women in Africa
Authors: Amodu Oluwakemi C. , Richter Magdalena S. , Salami Bukola O.
Published: February 2020

Armed conflict and internal displacement of persons create new health challenges for women in Africa. To outline the research literature on this population, we conducted a review of studies exploring the health of internally displaced persons (IDP) women in Africa. In collaboration with a health research librarian and a review team, a search strategy was designed that identified 31 primary research studies with relevant evidence. Studies on the health of displaced women have been conducted in South- Central Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); and in Eastern, East central Africa, and Western Africa, including Eritrea, Uganda, and Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. We identified violence, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and malaria and as key health areas to explore, and observed that socioeconomic power shifts play a crucial role in predisposing women to challenges in all four categories. Access to reproductive health services was influenced by knowledge, geographical proximity to health services, spousal consent, and affordability of care. As well, numerous factors affect the mental health of internally displaced women in Africa: excessive care-giving responsibilities, lack of financial and family support to help them cope, sustained experiences of violence, psychological distress, family dysfunction, and men’s chronic alcoholism. National and regional governments must recommit to institutional restructuring and improved funding allocation to culturally appropriate health interventions for displaced women.
Systematic Observation of the Verbal Behavior of Families of Youth Athletes in Grassroots and Team Sports
Authors: Sánchez-Romero Elisa I. , Ponseti Verdaguer Francisco J. , Borràs Pere A. , García-Mas Alejandro
Published: February 2020

Some of the more protective and favorable factors for the development and health in children and teenagers are family and sport, so family involvement in the children’s sports activities is vital in their sports process. The purpose of this study was to analyze the verbal behavior (positive, negative, and neutral comments) of family spectators of school-age athletes regarding sociodemographic and sporting variables. The sample consisted of 190 family spectators of 215 male and female (Mage = 11.66; SD = 1.60) football, basketball, and volleyball players. The Parents’ Observation Instrument at Sport Events (POISE) was used for the observation and LINCE was used to codify the verbal comments made. After registering 38,829 comments, the results showed statistically significant differences in relation to the comments made and the gender of athletes, geographical area, kind of sport, and the sporting category. The findings highlight that in a competitive environment, the comments made by spectators related to athletes do not seem to be initiators of potentially violent situations but rather are dependent on the atmosphere in question. Further research is required in this area to foster positive conduct relating to grassroots sports.
Utilization of Mobile Mental Health Services among Syrian Refugees and Other Vulnerable Arab Populations—A Systematic Review
Authors: Ashfaq Adeel , Esmaili Shawn , Najjar Mona , Batool Farva , Mukatash Tariq , Al-Ani Hadeer Akram , Koga Patrick Marius
Published: February 2020

The global refugee crisis is at its most critical state in history; Syria alone has produced 12 million internally displaced persons, with another 5 million refugees seeking protection across the globe. Faced with the heavy burden of mental distress carried by a massive refugee influx, many host nations lack the service capacity to respond adequately. While mobile mental health (mMHealth) applications and platforms have the potential to augment screenings and interventions for vulnerable populations, an insufficient gender and cultural adaptation of technology may drastically hamper its uptake in Arab refugees. Reporting only papers originating from Middle Eastern and/or Arab nations or refugee host nations, this systematic review evaluates the available literature published between 2000 and 2019 on the usage acceptability of mMHealth in Syrian refugees and other vulnerable Arab populations. We conducted a systematic review in PubMed, PsychInfo, Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies that addressed mMHealth implementation in these populations; of a total of 607 articles identified, only 10 (1.6%) available, unique articles met our search criteria. These studies discussed the feasibility and efficacy of mMHealth applications and the barriers to their uptake. The few existing studies show positive impacts of mMHealth on the access to services and on treatment outcomes but also reveal a paucity of literature on mMHealth for vulnerable Arab populations. These findings indicate a critical need for research on the barriers to mMHealth uptake, to bolster service capacity in the Arab Region and in the refugee diaspora of other, non-Arab host countries.
Socioeconomic Status, Parental Education, School Connectedness and Individual Socio-Cultural Resources in Vulnerability for Drug Use among Students
Authors: Gerra Gilberto , Benedetti Elisa , Resce Giuliano , Potente Roberta , Cutilli Arianna , Molinaro Sabrina
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims: Families who live in a disadvantaged socioeconomic situation frequently face substandard housing, unsafe neighborhoods, inadequate schools and more stress in their daily lives than more affluent families, with a host of psychological and developmental consequences that can hinder their children’s development in many ways. However, the measurement of socioeconomic status among youth and its link with different forms of illicit substance use is challenging and still unclear. This paper extends existing research on the relationship between socioeconomic status and illicit drug use among adolescents by focusing on three different patterns of use (experimental, episodic and frequent) and making use of two indicators to improve the measurement of individual socioeconomic characteristics in a big sample of European students. Methods: Data were drawn from the European school Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD), which, since 1995, collects comparable data among 15-to-16-year-old students to monitor trends in drug use and other risk behaviors across Europe. The sample comes from 28 countries that participated in the 2015 data collection. The consumption of cannabis, cocaine and heroin are considered, and the related patterns are identified based on the frequency of use. Family characteristics at student level are defined through two dimensions: parental educational level and perceived socioeconomic status. Multivariate multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was performed in order to measure the association between individual characteristics and vulnerability for drug use. Results: Some patterns of use, episodic and frequent in particular, were found strongly associated with a lower socioeconomic status and lower parental education. Conclusions: Our results suggest that drug policies should be combined with actions aimed at removing barriers to social inclusion that are attributable to the socioeconomic background of adolescents.
The Future of Careers at the Intersection of Climate Change and Public Health: What Can Job Postings and an Employer Survey Tell Us?
Authors: Krasna Heather , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Jiang Shan , Khadka Simran , Morita Haruka , Kornfeld Julie , Shaman Jeffrey
Published: February 2020

Climate change is acknowledged to be a major risk to public health. Skills and competencies related to climate change are becoming a part of the curriculum at schools of public health and are now a competency required by schools in Europe and Australia. However, it is unclear whether graduates of public health programs focusing on climate change are in demand in the current job market. The authors analyzed current job postings, 16 years worth of job postings on a public health job board, and survey responses from prospective employers. The current job market appears small but there is evidence from job postings that it may be growing, and 91.7% of survey respondents believe the need for public health professionals with training in climate change may grow in the next 5–10 years. Current employers value skills/competencies such as the knowledge of climate mitigation/adaptation, climate-health justice, direct/indirect and downstream effects of climate on health, health impact assessment, risk assessment, pollution-health consequences and causes, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, communication/writing, finance/economics, policy analysis, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary understanding. Ensuring that competencies align with current and future needs is a key aspect of curriculum development. At the same time, we recognize that while we attempt to predict future workforce needs with historical data or surveys, the disruptive reality created by climate change cannot be modeled from prior trends, and we must therefore adopt new paradigms of education for the emerging future.
Perceived Facilitators and Barriers to Nigerian Nurses’ Engagement in Health Promoting Behaviors: A Socio-Ecological Model Approach
Authors: Uchendu Chinenye , Windle Richard , Blake Holly
Published: February 2020

Nurses make up the single largest healthcare professional group in the Nigerian healthcare system. As frontline healthcare providers, they promote healthy lifestyles to patients and families. However, the determinants of Nigerian nurses’ personal health promoting behaviors (HPBs) remain unknown. Utilizing the socio-ecological model (SEM) approach, this study aimed to explore the perceived facilitators and barriers to Nigerian nurses’ engagement in HPBs. HPBs were operationalized to comprise of healthy dietary behaviors, engagement in physical activity, low-risk alcohol consumption, and non-smoking behaviors. Our study was carried out in a large sub-urban tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Data collection was via face-to-face semi-structured interviews and participants were registered nurses (n = 18). Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically to produce nine themes that were mapped onto corresponding levels of influence on the SEM. Findings show that in Nigeria, nurses perceive there to be a lack of organizational and policy level initiatives and interventions to facilitate their engagement in HPBs. The determinants of Nigerian nurses’ HPBs span across all five levels of the SEM. Nurses perceived more barriers to healthy lifestyle behaviors than facilitators. Engagement in healthy behaviors was heavily influenced by: societal and organizational infrastructure and perceived value for public health; job-related factors such as occupational stress, high workload, lack of protected breaks, and shift-work; cultural and religious beliefs; financial issues; and health-related knowledge. Organizations should provide facilities and services to support healthy lifestyle choices in Nigeria nurses. Government policies should prioritize the promotion of health through the workplace setting, by advocating the development, implementation, regulation, and monitoring of healthy lifestyle policies.
The Association between Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, and All-Cause Mortality Risk in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Ming-Yuan , Wang Mu-Yi , Lin Yu-Sheng , Lin Chien-Ju , Lo Kai , Chang I-Jen , Cheng Ting-Yao , Tsai Szu-Ying , Chen Hsin-Hao , Lin Chien-Yu , Liu Shu Jung , Chien Kuo-Liong , Yeh Tzu-Lin
Published: February 2020

We investigated the association among metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), cardiovascular disease (CVD)risk, and all-cause mortality in the Asian population. We searched databases from inception to 16 November, 2019 and pooled data using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the following comparison groups: MHNW (without overweight or underweight participants) and MHNO (non-obese, including overweight and underweight participants). Nineteen studies were included. The mean Newcastle–Ottawa Scale score was 7.8. Participants with MHO had a significantly higher CVD risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–1.63) and significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78–1.00) than the comparison group. Subgroup analyses revealed participants with MHO had a significantly higher CVD risk than MHNW participants (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.24–2.08; I2 = 73%), but there was no significant difference compared with MHNO participants (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.80–1.36; I2 = 68%). Participants with MHO had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.78–0.88; I2 = 9%) than MHNO participants, but a borderline significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than MHNW participants (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 0.99–1.72; I2 = 0%). The CVD risk and all-cause mortality of the MHO group changed depending on the control group. Thus, future studies should select control groups carefully.
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II: One Hundred Years of Research, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: D’Avanzo Francesca , Rigon Laura , Zanetti Alessandra , Tomanin Rosella
Published: February 2020

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II, Hunter syndrome) was first described by Dr. Charles Hunter in 1917. Since then, about one hundred years have passed and Hunter syndrome, although at first neglected for a few decades and afterwards mistaken for a long time for the similar disorder Hurler syndrome, has been clearly distinguished as a specific disease since 1978, when the distinct genetic causes of the two disorders were finally identified. MPS II is a rare genetic disorder, recently described as presenting an incidence rate ranging from 0.38 to 1.09 per 100,000 live male births, and it is the only X-linked-inherited mucopolysaccharidosis. The complex disease is due to a deficit of the lysosomal hydrolase iduronate 2-sulphatase, which is a crucial enzyme in the stepwise degradation of heparan and dermatan sulphate. This contributes to a heavy clinical phenotype involving most organ-systems, including the brain, in at least two-thirds of cases. In this review, we will summarize the history of the disease during this century through clinical and laboratory evaluations that allowed its definition, its correct diagnosis, a partial comprehension of its pathogenesis, and the proposition of therapeutic protocols. We will also highlight the main open issues related to the possible inclusion of MPS II in newborn screenings, the comprehension of brain pathogenesis, and treatment of the neurological compartment.
Simulated Microgravity Influences VEGF, MAPK, and PAM Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Hybel Trine Engelbrecht , Dietrichs Dorothea , Sahana Jayashree , Corydon Thomas J. , Nassef Mohamed Z. , Wehland Markus , Krüger Marcus , Magnusson Nils E. , Bauer Johann , Utpatel Kirsten , Infanger Manfred , Grimm Daniela , Kopp Sascha
Published: February 2020

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in men worldwide. An unusual but unique environment for studying tumor cell processes is provided by microgravity, either in space or simulated by ground-based devices like a random positioning machine (RPM). In this study, prostate adenocarcinoma-derived PC-3 cells were cultivated on an RPM for time periods of 3 and 5 days. We investigated the genes associated with the cytoskeleton, focal adhesions, extracellular matrix, growth, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The gene expression of signaling factors of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathways was investigated using qPCR. We performed immunofluorescence to study the cytoskeleton, histological staining to examine the morphology, and a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay to analyze the cell culture supernatants. When PC-3 cells were exposed to simulated microgravity (s-µg), some cells remained growing as adherent cells (AD), while most cells detached from the cell culture flask bottom and formed multicellular spheroids (MCS). After 3-day RPM exposure, PC-3 cells revealed significant downregulation of the VEGF, SRC1, AKT, MTOR, and COL1A1 gene expression in MCS, whereas FLT1, RAF1, MEK1, ERK1, FAK1, RICTOR, ACTB, TUBB, and TLN1 mRNAs were not significantly changed. ERK2 and TLN1 were elevated in AD, and FLK1, LAMA3, COL4A5, FN1, VCL, CDH1, and NGAL mRNAs were significantly upregulated in AD and MCS after 3 days. After a 5-day culture in s-µg, the PC-3 cells showed significant downregulations of VEGF mRNA in AD and MCS, and FN1, CDH1, and LAMA3 in AD and SCR1 in MCS. In addition, we measured significant upregulations in FLT1, AKT, ERK1, ERK2, LCN2, COL1A1, TUBB, and VCL mRNAs in AD and MCS, and increases in FLK1, FN1, and COL4A5 in MCS as well as LAMB2, CDH1, RAF1, MEK1, SRC1, and MTOR mRNAs in AD. FAK1 and RICTOR were not altered by s-µg. In parallel, the secretion rate of VEGFA and NGAL proteins decreased. Cytoskeletal alterations (F-actin) were visible, as well as a deposition of collagen in the MCS. In conclusion, RPM-exposure of PC-3 cells induced changes in their morphology, cytoskeleton, and extracellular matrix protein synthesis, as well as in their focal adhesion complex and growth behavior. The significant upregulation of genes belonging to the PAM pathway indicated their involvement in the cellular changes occurring in microgravity.
Spin-Glass Transitions in Zn1-xFexO Nanoparticles
Authors: Felipe S. Tupan Lilian , Valerio-Cuadros Marlon I. , Oliveira Aline Alves , Barco Reginaldo , Ivashita Flávio Francisco , Lopes Lutiene F. , Passamani Edson C. , Paesano Andrea
Published: February 2020

Monophasic Zn1-xFexO nanoparticles with wurtzite structure were synthesized in the 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05 concentration range using a freeze-drying process followed by heat treatment. The samples were characterized regarding their optical, structural, and magnetic properties. The analyses revealed that iron doping of the ZnO matrix induces morphological changes in the crystallites. Iron is substitutional for zinc, trivalent and distributed in the wurtzite lattice in two groups: isolated iron atoms and iron atoms with one or more neighboring iron atoms. It was also shown that the energy band gap decreases with a higher doping level. The samples are paramagnetic at room temperature, but they undergo a spin-glass transition when the temperature drops below 75 K. The magnetic frustration is attributed to the competition of magnetic interactions among the iron moments. There are a superexchange interaction and an indirect exchange interaction that is provided by the spin (and charge) itinerant carriers in a spin-polarized band situated in the vicinity of the Fermi level of the Fe-doped ZnO semiconductor. The former interaction actuates for an antiferromagnetic coupling among iron ions, whereas the latter constitutes a driving force for a ferromagnetic coupling that weakens, decreasing the temperature. Our results strongly contribute to the literature because they elucidate the controversies reported in the literature for the magnetic state of the Fe-doped ZnO system.
Synthesis and Characterization of the CaTiO3:Eu3+ Red Phosphor by an Optimized Microwave-Assisted Sintering Process
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Lu Jianwei , Wang Ruoxuan , Dong Yungu , Ding Linfeng
Published: February 2020

The synthesis process has a significant influence on the properties of Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x phosphors; thus, an optimized process will lead to a better performance of the Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x phosphors. In this work, the feasibility of synthesizing the Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x phosphor with a good luminescent performance by combining the chemical co-precipitation method and microwave-assisted sintering was studied. The precursor of Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x phosphors were prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method. To find an optimized process, we applied both of the traditional (furnace) sintering and the microwave-assisted sintering to synthesize the Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x phosphors. We found out that a sintering power of 528 W for 50 min (temperature around 950 °C) by a microwave oven resulted in similar emission intensity results compared to traditional furnace sintering at 900 °C for 2.5 h. The synthesized Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x phosphors has an emission peak at 617 nm (5D0→7F2), which corresponds to the red light band. This new synthesized method is an energy efficient, time saving, and environmentally friendly means for the preparation of Ca1-xTiO3:Eu3+x red phosphor with good luminescent performance.
Size-Dependent Thermo- and Photoresponsive Plasmonic Properties of Liquid Crystalline Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Promiński Aleksander , Tomczyk Ewelina , Pawlak Mateusz , Jędrych Agnieszka , Mieczkowski Józef , Lewandowski Wiktor , Wójcik Michał
Published: February 2020

Achieving remotely controlled, reversibly reconfigurable assemblies of plasmonic nanoparticles is a prerequisite for the development of future photonic technologies. Here, we obtained a series of gold-nanoparticle-based materials which exhibit long-range order, and which are controlled with light or thermal stimuli. The influence of the metallic core size and organic shell composition on the switchability is considered, with emphasis on achieving light-responsive behavior at room temperature and high yield production of nanoparticles. The latter translates to a wide size distribution of metallic cores but does not prevent their assembly into various, switchable 3D and 2D long-range ordered structures. These results provide clear guidelines as to the impact of size, size distribution, and organic shell composition on self-assembly, thus enhancing the smart design process of multi-responsive nanomaterials in a condensed state, hardly attainable by other self-assembly methods which usually require solvents.
Use of A Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves for the Green Synthesis of Bismuth Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Anti-Microbial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Das Prince Edwin , Majdalawieh Amin F. , Abu-Yousef Imad A. , Narasimhan Srinivasan , Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: February 2020

The employment of plant extracts in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles is a very attractive approach in the field of green synthesis. To benefit from the potential synergy between the biological activities of the Moringa oleifera and metallic bismuth, our study aimed to achieve a green synthesis of phytochemical encapsulated bismuth nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract used was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The physical properties of the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR spectrometer, TEM, SEM, and XRD. The size of the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles is in the range of 40.4–57.8 nm with amorphous morphology. Using DPPH and phosphomolybdate assays, our findings revealed that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles possess antioxidant properties. Using resazurin microtiter assay, we also demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles exert potent anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (estimated MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; estimated MIC values for the bismuth nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles display relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (estimated MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; estimated MIC values for the bismuth nanoparticles: 250, 250, 62.5, and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively). Thus, green synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles using M. oleifera leaves extract was successful, showing a positive antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Therefore, the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles can potentially be employed in the alleviation of symptoms associated with oxidative stress and in the topic treatment of Candida infections.
Structural and Optical Characteristics of Highly UV-Blue Luminescent ZnNiO Nanoparticles Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Farha Ashraf H. , Al Naim Abdullah F. , Mazher Javed , Nasr Olfa , Alouane Mohamed Helmi Hadj
Published: February 2020

A simple single pot sol–gel method is used to prepare ZnNiO nanoparticles at assorted Ni doping levels, 1, 3, 7 and 10 wt.%. Structural and optical properties of nanoparticles are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), μ-Raman and X-ray photoelectron-spectroscopy (XPS). A single substitutional solid solution phase is detected in the wurtzite ZnNiO nanoparticles at various doping levels. XRD peak splitting and shifting is ascribed to reduced wurtzite character and presence of crystalline strain in nanoparticles at higher level of Ni doping. The Kubelka-Munk function of DRS data reveals the presence of the Burstein-Moss effect in the optical absorption of ZnNiO nanoparticles. Photoluminescence studies show intense UV-blue emission from ZnNiO nanoparticles. The UV PL also exhibits the Burstein-Moss blue shift in the ZnNiO luminescence. Raman analyses also confirms the wurtzite structure of ZnNiO nanoparticles; however, crystal structural defects and bond stiffness increase with Ni doping. The optical and structural studies presented in this work are pointing towards a multivalent Ni substitution in the nanoparticles.
Quantitatively Analyzing Pressure Induced Phase Transformation by Photoluminescence Spectra in Eu3+-doped Sodium Potassium Bismuth Titanate
Authors: Zeng Liang , Zhou Ji
Published: February 2020

(Na0.8,K0.2)0.5Bi0.497Eu0.003TiO3 (NKBET20) piezoelectric ceramic powders were prepared by the solid-reaction method. The phase structures of the NKBET20 powders under various pressures were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PL spectra of the doped Eu3+ ions suggest a pressure induced transformation from the tetragonal to rhombohedral phase (R phase), and the phase transformations were confirmed by XRD analyses. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity ratio of the D 0 5 → F 2 7 transition to the D 0 5 → F 1 7 transition (FIR21) could be utilized for the quantitative analyses of the phase transformation. The results from the PL method show that as the pressure increases from 0 to 500 MPa, the fractions of the R phase of the NKBET20 powders increase from about 11% to 58%, while the fractions of the tetragonal phase (T phase) decrease from about 89% to 42%, which are consistent with the XRD Rietveld refinement. Unlike the ceramic bulks, the pressure induced phase transformation in the ceramic powders shows no obvious trigger point and is much gentler. This work suggests a different viewpoint to study the pressure induced phase transformation qualitatively and quantitatively, which can be used for more phase analyses.
Synthesis of ZnO-NPs Using a Convolvulus arvensis Leaf Extract and Proving Its Efficiency as an Inhibitor of Carbon Steel Corrosion
Authors: Al-Senani Ghadah M.
Published: February 2020

This paper studies the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized using an extract of Convolvulus arvensis leaf and expired ZnCl2, as efficient inhibitors of carbon steel corrosion in a 1 M HCl solution. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis. The corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in 1 M HCl was also investigated through potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the determination of weight loss. The results show that the efficiency of the prevention increased when the concentration of ZnO-NPs was increased to 91%, and that the inhibition efficiency was still high (more than 89%) despite decreasing at high temperatures, acting as a mixed-type inhibitor. A sample of carbon steel with a protective layer of inhibitor on top was observed during immersion in 1 M HCl for 20 h; an increase in the charge transfer resistance (Rct) and stability of the inhibitor could be observed after 6 h. Adsorption isotherm models demonstrated that the inhibitor adsorption mechanism on the carbon steel surface followed Langmuir rather than Freundlich and Temkin behaviors. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process is one of mixed, spontaneous, and exothermic adsorption. The results illustrate that the ZnO-NPs were a strong inhibitor of carbon steel corrosion in acid medium. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the ZnO-NPs formed a good protective film on the carbon steel surface.