bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precious Metal-Free CoP Nanorod Electrocatalyst as an Effective Bifunctional Oxygen Electrode for Anion Exchange Membrane-Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells
Authors: Rajkumar Palanisamy , Rana Md. Masud , Kang Beom-Soo , Sun Ho-Jung , Park Gyungse , Kim So-Yeon , Lee Hong-Ki , Shim Joongpyo
Published: May 2023

In this study, noble metal-free Co(OH)F and CoP nanorod electrocatalysts were prepared and explored as bifunctional oxygen electrodes (BOE) in anion exchange membrane-unitized regenerative fuel cells (AEM-URFCs). A CoP nanorod was synthesized from Co(OH)F via the hydrothermal treatment of cobalt nitrate, ammonium fluoride, and urea, followed by phosphorization. The crystal structures, surface morphologies, pore distributions, and elemental statuses of the obtained catalysts were analyzed to identify the changes caused by the incorporation of fluorine and phosphorus. The presence of F and P was confirmed through EDS and XPS analyses, respectively. Using these catalysts, the AEM-based URFCs were operated with hydrogen and oxygen in the fuel cell mode and pure water in the electrolysis mode. In addition, the electrocatalytic activities of the catalysts were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the AEM-URFC test, the CoP catalyst in the BOE delivered the best performance in the fuel cell mode (105 mA cm−2 at 0.3 V), and Co(OH)F was suitable for the water electrolyzer mode (30 mA cm−2 at 2.0 V). CoP and Co(OH)F exhibited higher round trip efficiency (RTE) and power densities than the conventional Co3O4 catalyst.
Solar Chlorine Activation for Efficient Rhodamine B Removal in Strong Basic pH: Processing Conditions, Radicals Probing, and TiO2 Nanocatalyst Effect
Authors: Bouchoucha Hana , Bekkouche Salim , Merouani Slimane , Dehane Aissa , Hamdaoui Oualid
Published: May 2023

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the application of UV/chlorine advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment. However, few studies have investigated this process in a strongly basic medium (pH > 10), which is a common characteristic of many industrial effluents. In addition, the use of artificial UV lamps in these processes can be costly. To address these challenges, we investigated the use of solar light (referred to as Solar-L) in the Solar-L/chlorine process for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in a strongly basic medium (pH 11). We found that separate solar light or chlorination showed no degradation after half an hour, but the Solar-L/chlorine process effectively degraded RhB, with complete removal achieved in only 30 min, using 1000 µM ClO−. The process also resulted in a significant reduction of TOC, i.e., 60% after 120 min and 80% after 240 min. Our results indicate that both •OH/O•− and reactive chlorine species (RCS) were involved in the degradation process, while O3 played no role. The process performance improved with the decreasing initial contaminant concentration and increasing temperature (up to 55 °C). The addition of a TiO2 nanocatalyst to the Solar-L/chlorine system significantly improved the RhB degradation efficiency by more than 30%. It was found that neither adsorption (on TiO2) nor Solar-L/TiO2 photolysis contributed to the dye removal by the Solar-L/chlorine/TiO2 system. Instead, the improvement associated with the Solar-L/chlorine/TiO2 system was related to the involvement of hypochlorite in the photocatalytic reaction at the catalyst surface. A detailed discussion of the effect of TiO2 was carried out based on the physicochemical properties of RhB and TiO2 catalyst with respect to the solution’s pH. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of solar light as a sustainable and efficient technology for the treatment of polluted water in strong basic media in the presence of chlorine and chlorine/TiO2 as additives. These valuable findings provide a basis for the future research and development of this promising technology for water treatment applications.
Advances in Catalytic Decomposition of N2O by Noble Metal Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yong , Tian Zhigao , Huang Lin , Fan Honghong , Hou Qiufei , Cui Ping , Wang Wanqiang
Published: May 2023

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an environmental pollutant that has a significant greenhouse effect and contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. To address the issues caused by N2O, direct catalytic decomposition of N2O to N2 and O2 has been demonstrated as one of the most efficient methods for its removal. Various metals, particularly noble metals, including Rh, Ru, Pd, Pt, Au, and Ir, have been widely used and investigated as catalysts to facilitate this transformation. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the advances in noble metal-based catalysts studied in recent years. The comprehensive discussion includes the influence of multiple factors, such as catalyst supports, preparation methods, additives, and impurity gases (such as O2, H2O, SO2, NO, and CO2) on the performance of versatile catalysts. Furthermore, this review offers insights into the future trends of catalyst systems for the direct catalytic decomposition of N2O.
Interleukin-33: Friend or Foe in Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers?
Authors: Pisani Laura Francesca , Teani Isabella , Vecchi Maurizio , Pastorelli Luca
Published: May 2023

Accumulating evidence suggests that Interleukin-33 (IL-33), a member of the IL-1 family, has crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and repair, type 2 immunity, inflammation, and viral infection. IL-33 is a novel contributing factor in tumorigenesis and plays a critical role in regulating angiogenesis and cancer progression in a variety of human cancers. The partially unraveled role of IL-33/ST2 signaling in gastrointestinal tract cancers is being investigated through the analysis of patients’ samples and by studies in murine and rat models. In this review, we discuss the basic biology and mechanisms of release of the IL-33 protein and its involvement in gastrointestinal cancer onset and progression.
Chronic Kidney Disease Transdifferentiates Veins into a Specialized Immune–Endocrine Organ with Increased MYCN-AP1 Signaling
Authors: Saaoud Fatma , Martinez Laisel , Lu Yifan , Xu Keman , Shao Ying , Zhuo Jia L , Gillespie Avrum , Wang Hong , Tabbara Marwan , Salama Alghidak , Yang Xiaofeng , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I.
Published: May 2023

Most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) choose hemodialysis as their treatment of choice. Thus, upper-extremity veins provide a functioning arteriovenous access to reduce dependence on central venous catheters. However, it is unknown whether CKD reprograms the transcriptome of veins and primes them for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. To examine this, we performed transcriptomic analyses of bulk RNA sequencing data of veins isolated from 48 CKD patients and 20 non-CKD controls and made the following findings: (1) CKD converts veins into immune organs by upregulating 13 cytokine and chemokine genes, and over 50 canonical and noncanonical secretome genes; (2) CKD increases innate immune responses by upregulating 12 innate immune response genes and 18 cell membrane protein genes for increased intercellular communication, such as CX3CR1 chemokine signaling; (3) CKD upregulates five endoplasmic reticulum protein-coding genes and three mitochondrial genes, impairing mitochondrial bioenergetics and inducing immunometabolic reprogramming; (4) CKD reprograms fibrogenic processes in veins by upregulating 20 fibroblast genes and 6 fibrogenic factors, priming the vein for AVF failure; (5) CKD reprograms numerous cell death and survival programs; (6) CKD reprograms protein kinase signal transduction pathways and upregulates SRPK3 and CHKB; and (7) CKD reprograms vein transcriptomes and upregulates MYCN, AP1, and 11 other transcription factors for embryonic organ development, positive regulation of developmental growth, and muscle structure development in veins. These results provide novel insights on the roles of veins as immune endocrine organs and the effect of CKD in upregulating secretomes and driving immune and vascular cell differentiation.
Adipose Tissue Inflammation
Authors: Gómez-Ambrosi Javier
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, obesity has become one of the most common metabolic diseases [...]
Sex and Brain: The Role of Sex Chromosomes and Hormones in Brain Development and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Terrin Francesca , Tesoriere Annachiara , Plotegher Nicoletta , Dalla Valle Luisa
Published: May 2023

Sex hormones and genes on the sex chromosomes are not only key factors in the regulation of sexual differentiation and reproduction but they are also deeply involved in brain homeostasis. Their action is crucial for the development of the brain, which presents different characteristics depending on the sex of individuals. The role of these players in the brain is fundamental in the maintenance of brain function during adulthood as well, thus being important also with respect to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we explore the role of biological sex in the development of the brain and analyze its impact on the predisposition toward and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we focus on Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has a higher incidence in the male population. We report how sex hormones and genes encoded by the sex chromosomes could protect from the disease or alternatively predispose toward its development. We finally underline the importance of considering sex when studying brain physiology and pathology in cellular and animal models in order to better understand disease etiology and develop novel tailored therapeutic strategies.
Phosphorylation of PACSIN2 at S313 Regulates Podocyte Architecture in Coordination with N-WASP
Authors: Bouslama Rim , Dumont Vincent , Lindfors Sonja , Paavolainen Lassi , Tienari Jukka , Nisen Harry , Mirtti Tuomas , Saleem Moin A. , Gordin Daniel , Groop Per-Henrik , Suetsugu Shiro , Lehtonen Sanna
Published: May 2023

Changes in the dynamic architecture of podocytes, the glomerular epithelial cells, lead to kidney dysfunction. Previous studies on protein kinase C and casein kinase 2 substrates in neurons 2 (PACSIN2), a known regulator of endocytosis and cytoskeletal organization, reveal a connection between PACSIN2 and kidney pathogenesis. Here, we show that the phosphorylation of PACSIN2 at serine 313 (S313) is increased in the glomeruli of rats with diabetic kidney disease. We found that phosphorylation at S313 is associated with kidney dysfunction and increased free fatty acids rather than with high glucose and diabetes alone. Phosphorylation of PACSIN2 emerged as a dynamic process that fine-tunes cell morphology and cytoskeletal arrangement, in cooperation with the regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, Neural Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP). PACSIN2 phosphorylation decreased N-WASP degradation while N-WASP inhibition triggered PACSIN2 phosphorylation at S313. Functionally, pS313-PACSIN2 regulated actin cytoskeleton rearrangement depending on the type of cell injury and the signaling pathways involved. Collectively, this study indicates that N-WASP induces phosphorylation of PACSIN2 at S313, which serves as a mechanism whereby cells regulate active actin-related processes. The dynamic phosphorylation of S313 is needed to regulate cytoskeletal reorganization.
Physical Training Chronically Stimulates the Motor Neuron Cell Nucleus in the Ts65Dn Mouse, a Model of Down Syndrome
Authors: Inguscio Chiara Rita , Lacavalla Maria Assunta , Cisterna Barbara , Zancanaro Carlo , Malatesta Manuela
Published: May 2023

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetically-based disease based on the trisomy of chromosome 21 (Hsa21). DS is characterized by intellectual disability in association with several pathological traits among which early aging and altered motor coordination are prominent. Physical training or passive exercise were found to be useful in counteracting motor impairment in DS subjects. In this study we used the Ts65Dn mouse, a widely accepted animal model of DS, to investigate the ultrastructural architecture of the medullary motor neuron cell nucleus taken as marker of the cell functional state. Using transmission electron microscopy, ultrastructural morphometry, and immunocytochemistry we carried out a detailed investigation of possible trisomy-related alteration(s) of nuclear constituents, which are known to vary their amount and distribution as a function of nuclear activity, as well as the effect of adapted physical training upon them. Results demonstrated that trisomy per se affects nuclear constituents to a limited extent; however, adapted physical training is able to chronically stimulate pre-mRNA transcription and processing activity in motor neuron nuclei of trisomic mice, although to a lesser extent than in their euploid mates. These findings are a step towards understanding the mechanisms underlying the positive effect of physical activity in DS.
Insights into Gene Regulation under Temozolomide-Promoted Cellular Dormancy and Its Connection to Stemness in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Kubelt Carolin , Hellmold Dana , Esser Daniela , Ahmeti Hajrullah , Synowitz Michael , Held-Feindt Janka
Published: May 2023

The aggressive features of glioblastoma (GBM) are associated with dormancy. Our previous transcriptome analysis revealed that several genes were regulated during temozolomide (TMZ)-promoted dormancy in GBM. Focusing on genes involved in cancer progression, Chemokine (C-C motif) Receptor-Like (CCRL)1, Schlafen (SLFN)13, Sloan-Kettering Institute (SKI), Cdk5 and Abl Enzyme Substrate (Cables)1, and Dachsous Cadherin-Related (DCHS)1 were selected for further validation. All showed clear expression and individual regulatory patterns under TMZ-promoted dormancy in human GBM cell lines, patient-derived primary cultures, glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), and human GBM ex vivo samples. All genes exhibited complex co-staining patterns with different stemness markers and with each other, as examined by immunofluorescence staining and underscored by correlation analyses. Neurosphere formation assays revealed higher numbers of spheres during TMZ treatment, and gene set enrichment analysis of transcriptome data revealed significant regulation of several GO terms, including stemness-associated ones, indicating an association between stemness and dormancy with the involvement of SKI. Consistently, inhibition of SKI during TMZ treatment resulted in higher cytotoxicity, proliferation inhibition, and lower neurosphere formation capacity compared to TMZ alone. Overall, our study suggests the involvement of CCRL1, SLFN13, SKI, Cables1, and DCHS1 in TMZ-promoted dormancy and demonstrates their link to stemness, with SKI being particularly important.
Using Imidazolium in the Construction of Hybrid 2D and 3D Lead Bromide Pseudoperovskites
Authors: García-Espejo Gonzalo , Konidaris Konstantis F. , Guagliardi Antonietta , Masciocchi Norberto
Published: May 2023

The field of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite materials continues to attract the interest of the scientific community due to their fascinating properties and the plethora of promising applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. To enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite-based devices, it is essential to discover novel compounds but also to investigate their various physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties. In this work, we report the synthesis and structural characterization of two novel hybrid lead bromide perovskites, combining the imidazolium cation (IMI) with methylammonium (MA) or formamidinium (FA) cations. The isolated polycrystalline powders were studied with X-ray powder diffraction (XPRD) and were formulated as (IMI)(MA)Pb2Br6, a 3D structure consisting of dimers of face-sharing octahedra linked in corner-sharing mode, and (IMI)(FA)PbBr4, a 2D (110) oriented layer structure with zig-zag corner-sharing octahedra. The thermal stability of (IMI)(MA)Pb2Br6 and (IMI)(FA)PbBr4 was investigated with thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments which showed that both compounds are chemically stable (at least) up to 250 °C. Variable-temperature X-ray diffractometric (VT-XRD) studies of (IMI)(FA)PbBr4 highlighted a structural modification occurring above 100 °C, that is a phase transformation from triclinic to orthorhombic, via an elusive monoclinic phase.
Effect of Nanoparticle Interaction on Structural, Conducting and Sensing Properties of Mixed Metal Oxides
Authors: Trakhtenberg Leonid I. , Ikim Maria I. , Ilegbusi Olusegun J. , Gromov Vladimir F. , Gerasimov Genrikh N.
Published: May 2023

This review analyzes the studies published, mainly in the last 10–15 years, on the synthesis, structure, and sensor properties of semiconductor nanocomposites. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between nanoparticles of the sensitive layer, and its effect on the structure, sensitivity, and selectivity of semiconductor sensor systems. Various mechanisms of interaction between nanoparticles in metal oxide composites are considered, including the incorporation of metal ions of one component into the structure of another, heterocontacts between different nanoparticles, and core–shell systems, as well as their influence on the characteristics of gas sensors. The experimental data and studies on the modeling of charge distribution in semiconductor nanoparticles, which determine the conductivity and sensor effect in one- and two-component systems, are also discussed. It is shown that the model which considers the interactions of nanoparticles best describes the experimental results. Some mechanisms of detection selectivity are considered in the conclusion.
D-Lactate: Implications for Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Remund Barblin , Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Sokollik Christiane
Published: May 2023

D-lactate is produced in very low amounts in human tissues. However, certain bacteria in the human intestine produce D-lactate. In some gastrointestinal diseases, increased bacterial D-lactate production and uptake from the gut into the bloodstream take place. In its extreme, excessive accumulation of D-lactate in humans can lead to potentially life-threatening D-lactic acidosis. This metabolic phenomenon is well described in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome. Less is known about a subclinical rise in D-lactate. We discuss in this review the pathophysiology of D-lactate in the human body. We cover D-lactic acidosis in patients with short bowel syndrome as well as subclinical elevations of D-lactate in other diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, we argue for the potential of D-lactate as a marker of intestinal barrier integrity in the context of dysbiosis. Subsequently, we conclude that there is a research need to establish D-lactate as a minimally invasive biomarker in gastrointestinal diseases.
Implant-Related Complications Do Not Interfere with Corrections with the Shilla Technique in Early Onset Scoliosis: Preliminary Results
Authors: Balioğlu Mehmet Bülent , Abul Kadir , Akpolat Ahmet Onur , Özlük Ali Volkan , Saçık Nurullah , Aksay Mehmet Fatih , Çetinkaya Mehmet
Published: May 2023

Growth-preservation techniques are utilized in early onset scoliosis (EOS) cases requiring surgical intervention. The Shilla technique corrects the deformity by reducing additional surgeries with its growth-guidance effect. As with other techniques, various problems can be encountered following the administration of the Shilla technique. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of complications encountered with the Shilla treatment on correction and growth. Sixteen patients with a follow-up period of at least one year after receiving Shilla growth guidance for EOS were included in this retrospective study. No complications occurred, and no unplanned surgery was required in 50% of the cases. Of the remaining eight patients with postoperative implant-related complications (50%), six (37.5%) required unplanned surgery; this consequently caused implant failure in the proximal region in five cases (31.25%) and deep tissue infection around the implant in one case (6.25%). Deformity correction, spine length, and quality-of-life scores significantly improved in EOS through Shilla growth guidance. In terms of spinal growth and deformity correction, there were no significant differences between patients with implant-related problems and individuals without occurrences. Although implant-related problems were detected in our dataset and corresponding unexpected surgeries were necessary, these complications had no significant unfavorable influence on correction and spine growth.
The Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Angelopoulou Valentina-Anastasia , Pouliakis Abraham , Alexiou Nikolaos , Ioannidi Parthena , Vagiona Dimitra , Ekmektzoglou Konstantinos , Xanthos Theodoros , Boutsikou Theodora , Iliodromiti Zoi , Iacovidou Nikoletta
Published: May 2023

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool but often requires sedation to complete, especially in children. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an a2 agonist, for which there are experimental findings that support its potential neuroprotective effects. Given the potential risks of anesthetic drugs, we ran this study to examine DEX’s effectiveness and cardiopulmonary safety as a sedative drug for children undergoing MRI. Material and Methods: Systematic research was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 6th/2022 and involving children undergoing MRI who received DEX as sedative medication. The records which met the including criteria, after indexing via the PRISMA chart and assessing for bias, were processed, and a meta-analysis was carried out with the random effects method. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Out of 6204 measurements obtained, in 4626, it was planned for the participants to only receive DEX (measure group) as an anesthetic drug throughout the procedure. The participants’ mean age was 57 months (Ι2 = 4%, τ2 = 0.5317, p = 0.40). A total of 5.6% (95% CI: 0.6–14.1%, I2 = 98%, p < 0.01) of the patients needed a second dose of DEX. In total, 6% (95% CI: 1–15%, I2 = 93%, τ2 = 0.0454, p < 0.01) required the administration of another drug, besides DEX, to complete the imaging (sedation failure). The effectiveness of the only-DEX method was 99% (95% CI: 97.5–100%, I2 = 81%, τ2 = 0.0107, p < 0.01). The whole rate of adverse events was 15% (95% CI: 9.3–21.5%, I2 = 92%, p < 0.01). Hypotension was reported in 8.7% of the cases (95% CI: 3.1–16.4%, I2 = 84%, p < 0.01), hypertension in 1.1% (95% CI: 0–5.4%, I2 = 89%, p < 0.01), bradycardia in 10% (95% CI: 4–18%, I2 = 95%, p < 0.01) and desaturation in 1.2% (95% CI: 0–4%, I2 = 68%, p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant incidence in respiratory rate decrease (comparing the children who received DEX to their baseline). Five cases of vomiting and one of apnea were recorded. Conclusions: Given that DEX seems to be an effective as well as respiratory and hemodynamically safe drug, it may be a future spotlight in (pediatric) sedation for imaging procedures such as MRI.
Surgical versus Medical Management of Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis—Case Compilation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hüpper Maria Noelle , Pichler Judith , Huber Wolf-Dietrich , Heilos Andreas , Schaup Rebecca , Metzelder Martin , Langer Sophie
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare cause of liver failure. Surgical biliary diversion (SBD) and ileal bile salt inhibitors (IBAT) can delay or prevent liver transplantation (LTX). A comparison of the two methodologies in the literature is lacking. The combination has not been investigated. (2) Methods: We performed a literature survey on medical and surgical treatments for PFIC and reviewed the charts of our patients with PFIC of a tertiary hospital. The end points of our analysis were a decrease in serum bile acid (sBA) levels, reduction of pruritus and delay or avoidance of (LTX). (3) Results: We included 17 case series on SBD with more than 5 patients and a total of 536 patients. External or internal SBD, either conventional or minimally invasive, can reduce pruritus and sBA, but not all PFIC types are suitable for SBD. Six publications described the use of two types of IBAT in PFIC with a total of 118 patients. Treatment response was dependent on genetic type and subtype. Patients with PFIC 2 (nt-BSEP) showed the best response to treatment. Four out of eleven PFIC patients underwent SBD at our centre, with two currently receiving IBAT. (4) Conclusions: Limited data on IBAT in selected patients with PFIC show safety and effectiveness, although surgical methods should still be considered as a successful bridging procedure. Further studies to evaluate a possible combination of IBAT and SBD in PFIC are warranted and treatment decision should be discussed in an interdisciplinary board.
Investigation of the Relationship of Impacted Maxillary Canines with Orthodontic Malocclusion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cicek Orhan , Gurel Turhan , Demir Cicek Busra
Published: May 2023

Impacted canines, which play an important role in smile aesthetics and functional occlusion, can lead to dental and skeletal malocclusions. In this study the aim was to evaluate the relationship between impacted maxillary canines and malocclusion. A total of 151 patients comprising 101 females and 50 males aged between 13 and 33 years were included. The groups were divided based on age, gender, skeletal and dental classification, and sector classification. Angular and linear measurements were performed on lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs. In panoramic radiographs, the vertical distance of the impacted canine to the occlusal plane and the angle between it and the bicondylar plane were measured and sector classification was performed according to its relationship with the root of the lateral incisor. Skeletal classification was performed according to the ANB angle on lateral cephalometric radiographs and dental classification by molar relationship via the intraoral photographs. The Chi-square test analyzed independent qualitative and quantitative data using Kruskal–Wallis and Man–Whitney U tests. The statistical significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. According to the intraclass correlation test, an excellent positive correlation was found with 0.985 for canine distance and 0.993 for canine angle between the repeated measurements. The impaction of the maxillary right canine was significantly highest in females and lowest in males. The impacted canine angle was significantly highest in sector 1 and lowest in sector 4. Distance to the occlusal plane was significantly higher in dental Class II and sector 4. It was observed that there was a considerable relationship between impacted maxillary canines and malocclusion; bilateral impacted canines were more frequent in skeletal Class III, and the distance of impacted canines to the occlusal plane increased while their angles decreased both in dental Class II and from sectors 1 to 4.
Defecation Habits in Preschoolers Are Associated with Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional and Isotemporal Substitution Analysis
Authors: Komeno Yoshinori , Kuchiki Tsutomu , Onodera Yumiko , Machida Shuichi
Published: May 2023

There is a lack of research on the relationship between defecation habits (DF) and physical activity (PA) in preschoolers. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between sedentary behaviour (SB), PA time, and DF in preschoolers and to estimate the effect of DF replacement in an isotemporal substitution (IS) model. The participants included 166 children (aged 4–6 years) attending childcare facilities. PA was measured using an accelerometer to calculate the daily activity and wearing time for SB, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). DF were classified based on defecation frequency and timing. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was used for the IS model. One-way analysis of variance detected significant differences in MVPA between the DF groups (F(2) = 3.12, p < 0.05). According to the analysis results of the IS model, replacing 5 min of SB with MVPA resulted in improved DF (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–0.97). Conversely, replacing 5 min of MVPA with SB worsened DF (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03–1.23). The findings suggest that PA is associated with DF among preschoolers. It also indicates that replacing SB with MVPA could help improve DF in children.
Barriers to Healthy Family Dinners and Preventing Child Obesity: Focus Group Discussions with Parents of 5-to-8-Year-Old Children
Authors: Jones Blake L. , Orton Adam L. , Tindall Spencer W. , Christensen Joshua T. , Enosakhare Osayamen , Russell Keeley A. , Robins Anne-Marie , Larriviere-McCarl Ana , Sandres Joseph , Cox Braden , Thomas Connor , Reynolds Christina
Published: May 2023

Background: Although numerous physical and mental health benefits for children have been linked to family dinners, many families still do not have regular family meals together. This study sought to identify the barriers that keep families from having dinners together. Methods: We interviewed 42 parents of 5-to-8-year-old children in small focus groups to identify barriers and challenges that keep families from having healthy and consistent dinners together. Results: Parents reported the main barriers were time (e.g., time strain and overscheduling, mismatched schedules, long work hours, etc.), lack of meal planning or failure to follow plans, lack of skills (e.g., cooking skills or nutritional awareness), external factors (e.g., daycare, schools, or extended family, and competing with advertising), and food-related challenges (e.g., picky eating, food allergies). Parents also suggested potential solutions to overcome these barriers. Conclusions: Overall, parents had a desire to have family dinners with their children, but they felt that there are many barriers keeping them from establishing or maintaining consistent family mealtimes. Future research, as well as child obesity prevention and intervention efforts, should consider these barriers and suggested solutions in efforts to promote healthy and consistent family meals as a means of lowering the prevalence of childhood obesity.
Pediatric Sleep Respiratory Disorders: A Narrative Review of Epidemiology and Risk Factors
Authors: Piotto Marta , Gambadauro Antonella , Rocchi Alessia , Lelii Mara , Madini Barbara , Cerrato Lucia , Chironi Federica , Belhaj Youssra , Patria Maria Francesca
Published: May 2023

Sleep is a fundamental biological necessity, the lack of which has severe repercussions on the mental and physical well-being in individuals of all ages. The phrase “sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)” indicates a wide array of conditions characterized by snoring and/or respiratory distress due to increased upper airway resistance and pharyngeal collapsibility; these range from primary snoring to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and occur in all age groups. In the general pediatric population, the prevalence of OSA varies between 2% and 5%, but in some particular clinical conditions, it can be much higher. While adenotonsillar hypertrophy (“classic phenotype”) is the main cause of OSA in preschool age (3–5 years), obesity (“adult phenotype”) is the most common cause in adolescence. There is also a “congenital–structural” phenotype that is characterized by a high prevalence of OSA, appearing from the earliest ages of life, supported by morpho-structural abnormalities or craniofacial changes and associated with genetic syndromes such as Pierre Robin syndrome, Prader-Willi, achondroplasia, and Down syndrome. Neuromuscular disorders and lysosomal storage disorders are also frequently accompanied by a high prevalence of OSA in all life ages. Early recognition and proper treatment are crucial to avoid major neuro-cognitive, cardiovascular, and metabolic morbidities.
The Effectiveness of a Physical Literacy-Based Intervention for Increasing Physical Activity Levels and Improving Health Indicators in Overweight and Obese Adolescents (CAPACITES 64)
Authors: Nezondet Charlie , Gandrieau Joseph , Bourrelier Julien , Nguyen Philippe , Zunquin Gautier
Published: May 2023

Recently, the concept of Physical Literacy (PL) has emerged as a key concept for promoting active behavior and improving health indicators in adolescents. Overweight and obese adolescents have a low level of Physical Activity (PA), low cardiorespiratory capacity, and high Body Fat percentage (%BF). However, the development of PL in the interest of health improvement has never been studied in overweight and obese adolescents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intervention developing PL in overweight and obese adolescents in order to increase their (PA) and improve their health. The study was a prospective, single-arm, non-randomized interventional study. The intervention brings together different actions in PA and dietary education in different adolescent living environments. The study took place over a 9-month period with two data collection times (0; +9 months) and measured Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI z score, %BF and Skeletal Muscle Mass (%SMM), Moderate-to-Vigorous intensity Physical Activity (MVPA) by accelerometry, CRF, as well as PL by the CAPL-2 tool. Thirteen adolescents (age 11.7 (±1.09) years old) improved their PL scores (+8.3 (±9.3) pts; p ≤ 0.01). BMI z score (−0.3 (±0.3), p ≤ 0.01), their %BF (−3.8 (±4.9); p ≤ 0.01), their CRF (+1.5 (±1.7) mL·min·kg−1; p ≤ 0.01), and their MVPA (+4.6 (±13.7) min/day; p = 0.36). Initiating multidimensional interventions to develop PL in overweight and obese adolescents may be a promising prospect to enable an increase in their MVPA and improve their long-term health. Longer-term randomized controlled interventional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 6 Months Following Neonatal Resuscitation in Rural Tanzania
Authors: Torvik Ingrid Ask , Moshiro Robert , Ersdal Hege , Yeconia Anita , Mduma Raphael , Perlman Jeffrey , Linde Jørgen
Published: May 2023

Early bag-mask ventilation (BMV) administered to non-breathing neonates at birth in the presence of birth asphyxia (interruption of placental blood flow) has reduced neonatal mortality by up to 50% in low- and middle-income countries. The neurodevelopmental outcome of neonates receiving BMV remains unknown. Using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT), infants who received BMV at birth were assessed at 6 months, evaluating gross motor, fine motor, language and social skills. A healthy cohort with no birth complications was assessed with the same tool for comparison. Mean age-adjusted MDAT z-scores were not significantly different between the groups. The number of children having developmental delay defined as a z-score ≤ −2 was significantly higher in the resuscitated cohort for the fine motor and language domain and overall MDAT z-score. The prevalence of clinical seizures post discharge was significantly higher in the resuscitated group and was associated with neurodevelopmental delay. Infants with developmental delay or seizures were more likely to have a 5 min Apgar < 7 and a longer duration of BMV. Most children receiving BMV at birth are developing normally at 6 months. Still, there are some children with impaired development among resuscitated children, representing a subgroup of children who may have suffered more severe asphyxia.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy Followed by Thalamic Neonatal Stroke—Case Report
Authors: Vasilescu Diana Iulia , Rosoga Ana Maria , Vasilescu Sorin , Dragomir Ion , Dima Vlad , Dan Adriana Mihaela , Cirstoiu Monica Mihaela
Published: May 2023

A neonatal stroke is a cerebrovascular process caused by interruption of cerebral blood flow that occurs with an incidence between 1 per 1600 and 1 per 2660 live births. Relative higher incidence in the neonatal period compared to later childhood is favored by the hypercoagulability state of the mother, mechanical stress during delivery, transient right to left intracardiac shunt, high hematocrit, blood viscosity, and risk of dehydration during the first few days of life. The exact cause of a neonatal stroke remains unclear in many cases. About 80% of neonatal strokes are due to arterial ischemic events involving the middle cerebral artery. Typical clinical manifestations in a neonatal stroke are usually seizures that appear immediately after birth or after several days of life, but many of the cases may remain asymptomatic. We present the case of a late preterm infant diagnosed with a thalamic stroke on the fifth day of life with no clinical signs except for repeated episodes of apnea. The anamnesis and clinical context, in this case, revealed a SARS-CoV-2 infection in late pregnancy and early bacterial neonatal sepsis. Early identification of a perinatal stroke and increasing awareness of physicians about this condition in the neonatal period have paramount importance to reduce developmental postischemic damage.
Characterization of a Bacillus subtilis S-16 Thiazole-Synthesis-Related Gene thiS Knockout and Antimicrobial Activity Analysis
Authors: Hu Jinghan , Su Zhenhe , Dong Baozhu , Wang Dong , Liu Xiaomeng , Meng Huanwen , Guo Qinggang , Zhou Hongyou
Published: May 2023

Bacillus subtilis S-16 isolated from sunflower-rhizosphere soil is an effective biocontrol agent for preventing soilborne diseases in plants. Previous research revealed that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the S-16 strain have strong inhibitory effects on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The identification of the VOCs of S-16 using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) revealed 35 compounds. Technical-grade formulations of four of these compounds were chosen for further study: 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-octanone, 2-methyl benzothiazole (2-MBTH), and heptadecane. The major constituent, 2-MBTH, plays an important role in the antifungal activity of the VOCs of S-16 against the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the thiS gene’s deletion on the 2-MBTH production and to conduct an antimicrobial activity analysis of the Bacillus subtilis S-16. The thiazole-biosynthesis gene was deleted via homologous recombination, after which the contents of 2-MBTH in the wild-type and mutant S-16 strains were analyzed using GC-MS. The antifungal effects of the VOCs were determined using a dual-culture technique. The morphological characteristics of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelia were examined via scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the lesion areas on the sunflower leaves with and without treatment with the VOCs from the wild-type and mutant strains were measured to explore the effects of the VOCs on the virulence of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Moreover, the effects of the VOCs on the sclerotial production were assessed. We showed that the mutant strain produced less 2-MBTH. The ability of the VOCs produced by the mutant strain to inhibit the growth of the mycelia was also reduced. The SEM observation showed that the VOCs released by the mutant strain also caused more flaccid and gapped hyphae in the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The Sclerotinia sclerotiorum treated by the VOCs produced by the mutant strains caused more damage to the leaves than that treated by the VOCs produced by the wild type and the mutant-strain-produced VOCs inhibited sclerotia formation less. The production of 2-MBTH and its antimicrobial activities were adversely affected to varying degrees by the deletion of thiS.
Gene Expression Profiles of Methyltransferases and Demethylases Associated with Metastasis, Tumor Invasion, CpG73 Methylation, and HPV Status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Goričan Larisa , Büdefeld Tomaž , Čelešnik Helena , Švagan Matija , Lanišnik Boštjan , Potočnik Uroš
Published: May 2023

Epigenetic studies on the role of DNA-modifying enzymes in HNSCC tumorigenesis have focused on a single enzyme or a group of enzymes. To acquire a more comprehensive insight into the expression profile of methyltransferases and demethylases, in the present study, we examined the mRNA expression of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B, the DNA demethylases TET1, TET2, TET3, and TDG, and the RNA methyltransferase TRDMT1 by RT-qPCR in paired tumor–normal tissue samples from HNSCC patients. We characterized their expression patterns in relation to regional lymph node metastasis, invasion, HPV16 infection, and CpG73 methylation. Here, we show that tumors with regional lymph node metastases (pN+) exhibited decreased expression of DNMT1, 3A and 3B, and TET1 and 3 compared to non-metastatic tumors (pN0), suggesting that metastasis requires a distinct expression profile of DNA methyltransferases/demethylases in solid tumors. Furthermore, we identified the effect of perivascular invasion and HPV16 on DNMT3B expression in HNSCC. Finally, the expression of TET2 and TDG was inversely correlated with the hypermethylation of CpG73, which has previously been associated with poorer survival in HNSCC. Our study further confirms the importance of DNA methyltransferases and demethylases as potential prognostic biomarkers as well as molecular therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
Adjustment of Tall Building Behavior by Guided Optimization of Magneto-Rheological Damper Control Parameters
Authors: Akhnoukh Amin , Farid Ahmed Fady , Hasan Ahmed M. M. , Rashed Youssef F.
Published: May 2023

Magneto-rheological dampers (MR-Dampers) are increasingly being used in construction applications to reduce the dynamic response of structures to seismic activities or severe wind loading. Sensors attached to the structure will signal the computer to supply the dampers with an electric charge that transfers the MR fluid to a near-solid material with different physical and mechanical properties (viscoelastic behavior). Control algorithms govern the fluid to near-solid conversion, which controls the behavior of the damper and the performance of the structure under the seismic or wind loading event. The successful optimization of control parameters minimizes the overall structural response to dynamic forces. The main objective of this research is to change the output behavior of specific floors within a building subjected to seismic excitation by optimizing the MR-Damper control parameters to impact the behavior of a specific floor or number of floors within the building. The adjustment of control parameters to attain this objective was validated in multiple case studies throughout this research. The successful implementation of the research outcome will result in optimized MR-damper design to meet the performance-based criteria of building projects.
Performance Evaluation of TerraClimate Monthly Rainfall Data after Bias Correction in the Fes-Meknes Region (Morocco)
Authors: Hanchane Mohamed , Kessabi Ridouane , Krakauer Nir Y. , Sadiki Abderrazzak , El Kassioui Jaafar , Aboubi Imane
Published: May 2023

Morocco’s meteorological observation network is quite old, but the spatial coverage is insufficient to conduct studies over large areas, especially in mountainous regions, such as the Fez-Meknes region, where spatio-temporal variability in precipitation depends on altitude and exposure. The lack of station data is the main reason that led us to look for alternative solutions. TerraClimate (TC) reanalysis data were used to remedy this situation. However, reanalysis data are usually affected by a bias in the raw values. Bias correction methods generally involve a procedure in which a “transfer function” between the simulated and corrected variable is derived from the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of these variables. We explore the possibilities of using TC precipitation data for the Fez-Meknes administrative region (Morocco). This examination is of great interest for the region whose mountain peaks constitute the most important reservoir of water in the country, where TC data can overcome the difficulty of estimating precipitation in mountainous regions where the spatio-temporal variability is very high. Thus, we carried out the validation of TC data on stations belonging to plain and mountain topographic units and having different bioclimatic and topographic characteristics. Overall, the results demonstrate that the TC data capture the altitudinal gradient of precipitation and the average rainfall pattern, with a maximum in November and a minimum in July, which is a characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. However, we identified quasi-systematic biases, negative in mountainous regions and positive in lowland stations. In addition, summer precipitation is overestimated in mountain regions. It is considered that this bias comes from the imperfect representation of the physical processes of rainfall formation by the models. To reduce this bias, we applied the quantile mapping (QM) method. After correction using five QM variants, a significant improvement was observed for all stations and most months, except for May. Validation statistics for the five bias correction variants do not indicate the superiority of any particular method in terms of robustness. Indeed, results indicate that most QM methods lead to a significant improvement in TC data after monthly bias corrections.
Automated Technique for Identification of Prominent Nearshore Sandbars
Authors: Zuck Nicole , Kerr Laura , Miller Jon
Published: May 2023

Nearshore sandbars are common features along sandy coasts. However, identifying sandbars within a beach profile traditionally requires a large historical dataset or subjective input from an observer. Several existing methodologies rely on reference profiles, which is problematic for new study sites with limited data sets and for nourished beaches that have drastic fluctuations in the cross-shore. This novel technique is suitable for beaches where a reference profile does not exist, as it identifies morphological sandbar features by a quantitative automated process. The technique identifies sandbars with a minimum steepness of 2% grade and a minimum height of 0.2 m. The morphological boundaries of sandbars were previously not well-defined, especially the seaward limit of the sandbar, contributing to difficulty in comparing surveys and sandbar morphologies. This technique standardizes the definitions of the bar limits mathematically via standard MATLAB functions, thus removing subjectivity and allowing results to be replicated. Bar identification is focused on the beach profile below the mean high water line, not cross on-shore positions, making the technique appropriate for nourished shorelines as well as those with large seasonal fluctuations. The automated technique was tested on 840 profiles collected near a recently completed beach nourishment project in Long Branch, NJ, USA. Results indicate success in identifying prominent sandbars within the test data set.